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Context:

The BrahMos NG (Next Generation) missile is set for its first flight test in 2026. It’s  production is expected to begin by 2027-28.

This advanced missile system is designed to be more compact & lightweight.

Key Points of BrahMos NG Missile

• BrahMos missile is a joint venture between India & Russia.
• Range: Maintains a good range of 290 kilometers.
• Design: More lightweight & compact, weighing 6 tonnes & 6 meters in length. Earlier version weighed 3 tonnes & was 9 meters long.
• Speed: Top speed of 3.5 Mach.
• Stealth and Precision: Reduced radar cross-section and have an indigenous seeker with an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, enhancing its precision & stealth capabilities.
• Platform Integration
  • The reduced size allows the BrahMos NG to be integrated into a multiple platforms, including:
    • Sukhoi-30MKI: Russian-origin fighter aircraft.
    • LCA Tejas: India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft.

Which countries have shown interest to buy ?

• Countries in Africa and West Asia have shown interest in the BrahMos NG.
• Recent Deals:
  • Philippines was Supplied with 3 batteries of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system in a deal worth USD 375 million in 2022.
  • Indonesia: Ongoing talks for a USD 450 million deal. If finalised, Indonesia will become the 2nd ASEAN nation to buy the BrahMos missile system.

History of BrahMos

• In 1983, India started the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) to achieve self-sufficiency in missile production.
• After the Gulf War in the 1990s, India felt the need to develop a cruise missile system.
• Then, India collaborated with Russia to develop this new missile system without disrupting India's Non-Alignment policy.
• On February 12, 1998, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and V. Mikhailov signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement in Moscow to establish BrahMos Aerospace.
• BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM).
• The goal of this partnership was to create the world's only supersonic cruise missile system, named BrahMOS.
• India holds a 50.5% share & Russia holds a 49.5% share in the joint venture.
• The 1st contract was signed on July 9, 1999, with $123.75 million from Russia & $126.25 million from India.
• The 1st successful launch of BRAHMOS happened on June 12, 2001, from a land-based launcher at the Interim Test Range off the Chandipur coast in Orissa.
• The BRAHMOS system is currently in service with the Indian Army, Indian Navy, & Indian Air Force.

Source:

New Indian Express