Introduction:
BrahMos Missile Systems: In a historic move, India is gearing up to export ground systems for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines within the next 10 days. This significant milestone, valued at USD 375 million, is the Defense Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) largest-ever defence contract with a foreign nation. The ground systems are set to be followed by the missile systems, expected to reach the Philippines by the end of March 2024.
DRDO Chairman’s Insights:
During an exclusive interview with Aaj Tak, DRDO Chairman, Dr. Samir V Kamat, revealed the upcoming export plans and highlighted the broad spectrum of developments in India’s defence sector. He emphasized the rapid progress in the last 5-7 years, with over Rs 4.94 lakh Crores worth of DRDO-developed products either inducted or receiving acceptance.
Export of BrahMos Missile Systems:
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Commencement of Export:
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- The export process is set to begin in the next 10 days, with ground systems taking the lead.
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Timeline for Missile Delivery:
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- The first set of BrahMos missile systems is anticipated to reach the Philippines by the end of March 2024.
- Monumental Defence Contract:
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- Valued at USD 375 million, this deal marks DRDO’s largest-ever defence contract with a foreign nation.
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Optimism for Future Defence Exports:
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- DRDO Chairman expressed confidence in the growing role of exports in India’s defence portfolio, citing successful exports of various defence products to different countries.
DRDO-developed Products and ATAGS Howitzers:
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Diverse Product Range:
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- Products like LCA Mk-1A, Arjun Mk-1A, QRSAM, and tactical missiles are contributing significantly to India’s defence capabilities.
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Financial Year-end Mega Order:
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- A mega order for DRDO-developed ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) howitzers is expected to be finalized by the end of March 2024.
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Strategic Plans for Aircraft:
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- Ongoing discussions with Safran for developing engines for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with plans for LCA Mark 2 by 2028.
BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile:
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Joint Venture Success:
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- BrahMos, a joint venture between DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, is one of the world’s most successful missile programs.
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Deterrence Capabilities:
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- Acknowledged globally as a foremost and swift precision-guided weapon, BrahMos has significantly enhanced India’s deterrence capabilities.
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Indian Army Integration:
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- The Indian Army has integrated multiple BrahMos regiments into its arsenal since 2007.
Philippines Deal and Defense Export Growth:
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Deal Details:
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- The deal with the Philippines, signed in January 2022, focuses on supplying the shore-based anti-ship variant of the BrahMos missile.
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Global Demand for Indian Defense:
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- This export highlights India’s advanced defense capabilities and establishes the country as a reliable partner in the international arms market.
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Defense Export Targets:
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- India aims to achieve a defense export target of ₹35,000 crore by 2024-25, with a notable rise in military exports in recent years.
Final thought:
In conclusion, India’s decision to export BrahMos missile systems to the Philippines signifies a groundbreaking achievement in the nation’s defense history. The USD 375 million deal, the largest-ever defense contract with a foreign nation by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), underscores India’s growing prowess in international defense collaborations. DRDO Chairman, Dr. Samir V Kamat, has expressed optimism about India’s defense export future, citing a robust portfolio and a substantial increase in product acceptance over the past 5-7 years, totaling over Rs 4.94 lakh Crores.
The imminent delivery of ground systems, followed by missile systems, marks a strategic leap forward for India’s defense capabilities. The success of BrahMos, a joint venture with Russia, stands as a testament to India’s excellence in missile technology, significantly enhancing the nation’s deterrence capabilities.
This export deal not only solidifies India’s reputation as a reliable defense partner but also aligns with the ambitious target of achieving a defense export value of ₹35,000 crore by 2024-25. As India continues to innovate and foster international collaborations, the trajectory for defense exports appears promising, contributing significantly to the nation’s standing in the global defense market.
The BrahMos missile, named after two rivers, the Brahmaputra and Moskva, represents a pinnacle in supersonic cruise missile technology. Its advanced features, such as stealth technology, ‘Fire and Forget’ principle, and adaptability across various platforms, make it a globally recognized and swift precision-guided weapon. With variants like BrahMos-II and BrahMos-NG in development, India, alongside Russia, is poised to shape the future of missile technology with extended ranges and enhanced capabilities, further solidifying its position in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
The collaboration’s long-term plan to upgrade all BrahMos missiles to a range of 1,500 km underscores the commitment to advancing defense capabilities, showcasing India’s strategic vision on the international stage. Overall, this export deal not only strengthens bilateral ties but propels India as a key player in the global defense arena, opening doors to future opportunities and collaborations.
“BrahMos Missile System: In-Depth Details and Common Queries”
1. What is the primary focus of the DRDO’s recent announcement regarding BrahMos missiles?
Answer: The export of ground systems for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines.
2. When is the expected delivery date for the first set of BrahMos missile systems to the Philippines?
Answer: By the end of March.
3. How much is the defense contract between DRDO and the Philippines valued at?
Answer: USD 375 million.
4. Which two organizations are part of the joint venture responsible for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles?
Answer: DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
5. How is the BrahMos missile described in terms of its recognition globally?
Answer: It is globally recognized as the foremost and swiftest precision-guided weapon.
6. What role has the BrahMos missile played in enhancing India’s capabilities, as mentioned in the article?
Answer: It has played a pivotal role in enhancing India’s deterrence capabilities.
7. Since when has the Indian Army integrated BrahMos regiments into its arsenal?
Answer: Since 2007.
8. What is the unique configuration feature of the BrahMos missile system for different platforms?
Answer: Its identical configuration for land, sea, and sub-sea platforms.
9. Which fighter aircraft is mentioned as being armed with the BrahMos Air Launched Cruise Missile System?
Answer: Sukhoi 30MKI frontline fighter aircraft.
10. What are the two rivers after which the BrahMos missile is named?
Answer: The Brahmaputra in India and the Moskva in Russia.
11. Describe the two-stage process involved in the BrahMos missile’s operation.
Answer: The missile follows a two-stage process with a solid propellant booster engine in the first stage achieving supersonic speed, and a liquid ramjet taking over in the second stage.
12. What is the range of the BrahMos missile, and how does it maintain its speed throughout the flight?
Answer: The range is up to 290 km, and it maintains supersonic speed throughout the flight.
13. Explain the ‘Fire and Forget’ principle of the BrahMos missile.
Answer: It allows various flights to the target without the need for further guidance after launch.
14. What are the specifications of the BrahMos missile’s cruising altitude and terminal altitude?
Answer: Cruising altitude of up to 15 km and a terminal altitude as low as 10 meters.
15. What are the variants mentioned in the article regarding the BrahMos missile system?
Answer: BrahMos-II (advanced version) and BrahMos-NG (Next Generation).
16. What is the expected speed of BrahMos-II, the advanced version currently being developed?
Answer: Mach 7-8, making it one of the fastest missiles in the world.
17. Describe the characteristics of BrahMos-NG, the miniaturized version of the existing system.
Answer: Same range of 290 km, speed of Mach 3.5, 50 percent lighter, 3 meters shorter, and a weight of 1.5 tons.
18. What is the anticipated year for the induction of the BrahMos-NG system?
Answer: 2024.
19. Which international regime are India and Russia members of, in the context of missile development?
Answer: Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
20. What is the long-term plan for upgrading the range of the new generation BrahMos missiles developed by India and Russia?
Answer: Eventually upgrade all of the missiles to have a range of 1,500 km.
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