| BrahMos | |
|---|---|
 BrahMos and the launch canister on display at the International Maritime Defence Show, IMDS-2007, St. Petersburg, Russia |
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| Type | Stealth Supersonic Cruise missile |
| Place of origin |  India Russia |
| Service history | |
| In service | November 2006–present |
| Used by | Indian Army Indian Navy Indian Airforce (awaiting) |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | DRDO NPO Mashinostroeyenia |
| Unit cost | US$ 2.73 million |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 3,000 kg 2,500 kg (air-launched) |
| Length | 8.4 m |
| Diameter | 0.6 m |
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| Warhead | 300 kg Conventional semi-armour-piercing and nuclear[1] |
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| Engine | Two-stage integrated Rocket/Ramjet |
| Operational range |
300~500 km[1] |
| Flight altitude | Sea-skimming as low as 3-4 meters[2] |
| Speed | Mach 2.8 - 3.0 |
| Launch platform |
Ship, submarine, aircraft and land-based mobile launchers. |
It is the world's fastest cruise missile in operation.[citation needed][3] The missile travels at speeds of Mach 2.8 to 3.0.[4] The land launched and ship launched versions are already in service with air launched and submarine launched versions currently under testing phase.[5] An Air launched variant of Brahmos is planned which is expected to come out in 2012 and will make India the only country with supersonic cruise missiles in their army, navy, and air force.[6] A hypersonic version of the missile is also presently under development with speed of Mach 7 to boost aerial fast strike capability.[7][8] . It is expected to be ready for testing by 2017.[9]
Though India had wanted the BrahMos to be based on a mid range cruise missile like P-700 Granit, Russia opted for the shorter range sister of the missile, P-800 Oniks, in order to comply with Missile Technology Control Regime restrictions, to which Russia is a signatory. Its propulsion is based on the Russian missile, and guidance has been developed by BrahMos Corp. The missile is expected to reach a total order worth of US$13 billion[10][11]
History and Development
Origins
The BrahMos has been developed as a joint venture between the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) of India and the Federal State Unitary Enterprise NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM) of Russia under BrahMos Aerospace. The missile is named after two rivers, the Brahmaputra and the MoskvaSince late 2004, the missile has undergone several tests from variety of platforms including a land based test from the Pokhran range in the desert, in which the 'S' manueuver at Mach 2.8 was demonstrated for the Indian Army and a launch in which the land attack capability from sea was demonstrated.[12]
Keltec (now known as BrahMos Aerospace Trivandrum Ltd or BATL), an Indian state owned firm was acquired by Brahmos Corporation in 2008.[13] Approximately
1,500 crore (US$273 million)
will be invested in the facility to make Brahmos components and
integrate the missile systems. This was necessitated by the increased
order book of the missile system, with orders having been placed by both
the Indian Army and Navy.[14][15][16] Tested at: PokhranDescription
BrahMos claims to have the capability of attacking surface targets by flying as low as 10 metres in altitude.[17] It can gain a speed of Mach 2.8, and has a maximum range of 290 km.[1] The ship-launched and land-based missiles can carry a 200 kg warhead, whereas the aircraft-launched variant (BrahMos A) can carry a 300 kg warhead. It has a two-stage propulsion system, with a solid-propellant rocket for initial acceleration and a liquid-fuelled ramjet responsible for sustained supersonic cruise. Air-breathing ramjet propulsion is much more fuel-efficient than rocket propulsion, giving the BrahMos a longer range than a pure rocket-powered missile would achieve.The high speed of the BrahMos likely gives it better target-penetration characteristics than lighter subsonic cruise-missiles such as the Tomahawk.[18] Being twice as heavy and almost four times faster than the Tomahawk, the BrahMos has more than 20 times the on-cruise kinetic energy of a Tomahawk missile (although it pays for this by having only 3/5 the payload and a fraction of the range despite weighing twice as much, suggesting a different tactical paradigm to achieve the objective). Its 2.8 mach speed means that it cannot be intercepted by some existing missile defence system and its precision makes it lethal to water targets.[citation needed]
Although BrahMos was primarily an anti-ship missile, the Brahmos Block III can also engage land based targets. It can be launched either in a vertical or inclined position and is capable of covering targets over a 360 degree horizon. The BrahMos missile has an identical configuration for land, sea, and sub-sea platforms.[citation needed] The air-launched version has a smaller booster and additional tail fins for added stability during launch. The BrahMos is currently being configured for aerial deployment with the Su-30MKI as its carrier.[17] On 5 September 2010 BrahMos created a record for the first supersonic steep dive.[citation needed]
Testing
Brahmos was first test fired on 12 June 2001 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur in a vertical launch configuration. On 14 June 2004 another test was conducted at ITR and Brahmos was fired from a mobile launcher.[19] During a user trial on 20 January 2009 Brahmos was tested with a new navigation system but it failed to hit the target. BrahMos Aerospace Corporation's director Dr Sivathanu Pillai said. "The missile performance was absolutely normal until the last phase, but the missile missed the target, though it maintained the direction." and that "The problem was in the software, not hardware".[20][21] The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) said that there were "small hitches" in the last stage of the test-firing. DRDO officials further said: "The American satellites that run the GPS had been switched off on the day Barack Obama was sworn in as United States President. The missile, therefore, traveled for 112 seconds instead of the slated 84 seconds and fell 7 km away from the target".[22]Brahmos was test fired again on 4 March 2009 and on 29 March 2009. For the test the missile had to identify a building among a cluster of buildings in an urban environment. Brahmos successfully hit the intended target in two and a half minutes of launch marking the completion of the development phase of Brahmos Block-II.[citation needed] On 21 March 2010 Brahmos was test fired and "hit a free-floating ship piercing it above the waterline and destroying it completely". The test proved the missile's ability to manoeuvre at supersonic speed before hitting a target, making India the first and only country to have a manoeuvrable supersonic cruise missile.[23] On 5 September 2010 Brahmos was test fired again. A scientist, who witnessed the test, said "The missile flew in the designated complex trajectory including large manoeuvres and steep dive. This is the first time that a supersonic dive has been realized by a cruise missile".[24]
Brahmos Block III+ was test fired from a Mobile Autonomous Launcher on 2 December 2010 with a new advanced guidance scheme incorporating large scale manoeuvres at multiple points and a steep dive from high altitude with precision strike. Brahmos completed all manoeuvres, hitting the target precisely.[25] On 12 August 2011 it was test fired by ground forces and met all mission parameters.[26] The BrahMos cruise missile was successfully test fired by an Indian Army unit on Sunday, 4 March 2012 at the Pokharan range in Jaisalmer to operationalise the second regiment of the weapon system in the Indian Army.[27] The test was attended by senior Army officials including Vice Chief Lt Gen Shri Krishna Singh and Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen A K Chaudhary. With this test, the second BrahMos unit of the Indian Army is now operational.[28]
Another development test was conducted on 29 July 2012 from the ITR. This was the 32nd test of the missile. The test was deemed successful from an experimental point of view, but did not meet all mission parameters. This test was done to evaluate more than 25 sub-systems of the missile which were produced by the Indian industry, like the power systems, materials for air frame components, guidance scheme and various electric systems. The test data will be analysed and used for large-scale indigenous production of the missile.[29][30][31] The test results revealed that except for one subsystem, all other subsystems and components have performed to the requirement. The malfunction of one subsystem resulted in increase in velocity of the missile, crossing the limit and the mission was aborted. The defect was rectified after the analysis. Further development flight tests will be conducted as a measure of self-reliance.[32]
The Indian Navy on 7 October 2012 morning successfully test-fired BrahMos from a guided missile frigate INS Teg.[33] This new highly manoeuvrable version[34] is fitted with advanced satellite navigation systems turning it into a "super-rocket" capable of hitting targets over 300–500 km from sea, land and air launchers, and capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.[35]
Variants
- BrahMos-1
- Ship launched, Anti-Ship variant (operational)
- Ship launched, Land attack variant (operational)
- Land launched, Land attack variant (operational)
- Land launched, Anti-Ship variant (In induction, tested 10 December 2010)
- Air launched, Anti-Ship variant (under development, expected completion 2012)
- Air launched, Land attack variant (under development, expected completion 2012)[6][36]
- Submarine launched, Anti-Ship variant (under development, expected completion 2011)
- Submarine launched, Land attack variant (under development, expected completion 2011)[37] The chief executive officer and managing director of Aerospace, said on 10 August 2012, that BrahMos family will soon have a submarine version.[38]
- BrahMos block II land variant (Operational)[28]
- Brahmos block III land variant (Being inducted)[39]
- Anti-aircraft carrier variant (Tested in March 2012)[40]
- Other models
- BrahMos-2 – scramjet-propelled, hypersonic version. This version will fly at speeds from 5–7 Mach (3750–5250 miles/hour) and would be ready for test flight in 2017.[41][42]
- BrahMos-3 – a lighter version of the Brahmos-1 with thinner diameter for medium weight fighters such as the MiG-29K and the MMRCA.[42]
Operators
India and Russia intend to make 2,000 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles over the next ten years through their joint venture company, and nearly 50% of them are expected to be exported to friendly countries.[17][43]India
The submarine launched version of the missile is ready for testing. The missile will be either tested on a Kilo class submarine of the Indian Navy or will be tested in Russia.[47] The land attack version of the missile was fired from Destroyer INS Rajput and the missile hit and destroyed the right target among a group of targets.[48] The vertical launch of Brahmos was conducted on 18 December 2008 from INS Ranvir (D54).[49][50]
In addition, India's 5 Il-38 and 8 Tupolev Tu-142 maritime patrol bombers are also to be armed with the missile, with an estimated capacity of 6 BrahMos per aircraft.[51] There are reports of efforts towards adding the capability to fire the Indo-Russian Brahmos cruise missile from these aircraft. Mockups have been displayed with air-launched Brahmos attached to underwing pylons on the Indian Navy aircraft.
Indian Army
Brahmos I Block-I
Brahmos I Block-II
On 20 January 2009, a test of a new BrahMos block II cruise Missile at Pokhran in Rajasthan was conducted with new software. The missile failed to hit the right target among a group of targets. The objective was to hit a small building hidden amongst a group of buildings. According to Brahmos corporation, another test of the new missile was to be conducted within one month,[54] but was eventually conducted on 4 March 2009 and was deemed successful.[55]The latest test conducted on 29 March 2009, was successful. The missile took two and a half minutes to hit the target with precision.[56] According to official sources, "The new seeker is unique and would help us to hit our targets, which are insignificant in terms of size, in a cluster of large buildings. India is now the only nation in the world with this advanced technology"[57] After the third test, Lt Gen Noble Thamburaj, said that the Indian Army wanted the BrahMos to achieve high standards of accuracy and congratulated the scientists on behalf of the Indian Army.[58] The Indian Army confirmed that the test was extremely successful and the army is absolutely satisfied with the missile. The development phase of the Block II version of the missile is over and it is ready for induction.[59]
On 5 September 2010, Defence scientists test fired BrahMos off the Orissa coast and created a world record. It was for the first time that a cruise missile was tested at supersonic speeds in a steep-dive mode. The missile was test-fired from the integrated test range launching complex-3 (LC-3) at Chandipur around 11.35 am. With this launch, The army's requirement for land attacks with block-II advanced seeker software with target discriminating capabilities has been fully met. BrahMos is the only supersonic cruise missile possessing advanced capability of selection of a particular land target amongst a group of targets, providing an edge to the user with precise hit. The missile can travel at three times the speed of sound and carry a conventional warhead weighing 200–300 kg.[60]
The army has raised one regiment (numbered 861) of the BrahMos Mark I. Now two separate missile regiments of the BrahMos Mark II, which has a seeker that can discriminate and zero in on a small target in an urban clutter, will be raised and are likely to be numbered 862 and 863. Each of the two new BrahMos cruise missile regiments would have between four and six batteries of three to four Mobile Autonomous Launchers (72 missiles per regiment) that can be connected to a general mobile command post.[61]
BrahMos I Block-III
An upgraded version of 290- km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test fired by India on 2 December 2010 from Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur off the Orissa coast."Block III version of BrahMos with advanced guidance and upgraded software, incorporating high manoeuvres at multiple points and steep dive from high altitude was flight tested successfully from Launch Complex III of ITR," its Director S P Dash said after the test fire from a mobile launcher at 1100 hours. The 8.4 meter missile which can fly at 2.8 times the speed of sound is capable of carrying conventional warheads of up to 300 kg for a range of 290 km. The "steep dive capability" of Brahmos Block III enables it to hit targets hidden behind a mountain range. It will be deployed in Arunachal Pradesh[62]
It can effectively engage ground targets from an altitude as low as 10 meters for surgical strikes at terror training camps across the border without causing collateral damage. BrahMos is capable of being launched from multiple platforms like submarine, ship, aircraft and land based Mobile Autonomous Launchers (MAL). The Block III BrahMos has the capability scaling Mountain Terrains & hence can play a vital role in precision strike in the northern territories. The advanced cruise missile can fly close to the rough geographies and kill the target. [63]
BrahMos Anti-aircraft Carrier Variant
BrahMos, the India-Russia joint-venture, has developed an anti-aircraft carrier variant of the supersonic cruise missile and successfully tested it recently.Sharing the information, BrahMos Chief A. Sivathanu Pillai said here that with this the organisation achieved the capability to attack aircraft carriers using the supersonic vertical dive variant of the missile that could travel up to 290 km.[40]
Operational BrahMos regiments
- 861 Regiment (BrahMos Block I, Deployed in North Rajasthan Area)[64]
- 862 Regiment (BrahMos Block II, Deployed in South Rajasthan Area)[64]
- 863 Regiment (BrahMos Block II, Under induction for Punjab Area)[citation needed]
- 864 Regiment (Brahmos Block III, Ordered for Arunachal Area)[64]
Indian Air Force
On 22 October 2008 A. Sivathanu Pillai, Chief Controller, R&D, DRDO and CEO and managing director of BrahMos Aerospace, announced that the Indian Air Force would get its own version of Brahmos by 2012. Trials and tests will be carried out by 2011 and it is expected to be inducted into the IAF by 2012[68]
On 8 August 2009 Alexander Leonov, Director of the Russian Machine Building Research and Production Center, said "we are ready for test launches." He also said the final development and testing of the air-launched version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile will take place soon. A new takeoff engine for launching of the missile in air and at extreme high altitudes had been developed. He said the initial test firing of the missile would be undertaken from the Sukhoi-30 MKI, but did not specify the dates. After testing, the IAF would be the launch customers for the air launched BrahMos cruise missile.
On 26 February 2012 A. Sivathanu Pillai said that the air-launched versi,on of Brahmos is being developed and will be tested by the end of 2012. This version of the BrahMos missile will use air breathing scramjet propulsion technology and would be more fuel efficient than a traditional rocket-powered missile.[69][70]
The purchase of over 200 air-launched Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles for the IAF was cleared by Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on 19 Oct 2012. This proposal is worth over Rs 6,000 crore and involves sanctioning of funds for the integration and testing of the BrahMos on Su-30MKI of the IAF. As per plans, the first test of the air-launched version of the missile is to be conducted by December-end. Two Su-30MKI of the IAF would be modified by the HAL at its Nashik facility where they will also be integrated with the missile's aerial launcher.[71]
Russia
According to unspecified sources the BrahMos could be fitted to the updated Gorshkov class of frigates which will be entering the Russian navy soon.[72] The defence ministry reported that due to the size and hull specifications of the BrahMos, few if any of its new ships will be able to accommodate it.[73]
Other Countries
Export
Several countries including Vietnam,[74] South Africa, Egypt, Oman, Brunei have expressed interest in the missile. In February 2010, it was reported that India was in "serious negotiations" with Chile, Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia regarding the purchase of the missile.[75] Malaysia is also reported to be considering the purchase of the missile for use on its Kedah class warships[76] and fighter jets.[77] Informal negotiations are ongoing between India and Vietnam for the sale of Brahmos missiles.[78]Future variants
BrahMos-2
BrahMos-2 is a stealth hypersonic cruise missile currently under development[7][79] and is estimated to have a range of 290 km.[80] The range of Brahmos-2 has been regulated to 290 km as Russia is a signatory of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) which does not allow it to help other countries to develop missiles with ranges above 300 kilometres.[80] With a speed of Mach 7 it will have a speed double the speed of the current Brahmos-1, and it has accordingly been branded as the fastest hypersonic missile in the world[81][82]BrahMos II land variant design has been completed and 4 surface to surface variants are ready to be tested. Rest of the variants will be tested in the successive years of 2012–13, design is projected to be completed by October 2011[83] and will arm the Project 15B destroyers of the Indian Navy. Fourth-generation multi-purpose Russian Naval destroyers (Project 21956) are likely to be equipped with BrahMos II.[84]
UCAV variant
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, an aerospace engineer and former President of India, asked the BrahMos Aerospace to develop an advanced version of the BrahMos cruise missile to maintain India's lead in the field. He stated:[85]| “ | You should develop a hypersonic version of BrahMos which can be reused [...] meaning that the missile should be able to deliver its payload and return to base. This will help in maintaining our leadership in this arena. | ” |
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