Hindu Editorial Analysis : 29-May-2023
The India-Russia defence Joint Venture, BrahMos Aerospace, has achieved a significant milestone by completing 25 years of operation. This essay explores the features, recent developments, export potential, and challenges associated with BrahMos, highlighting its importance in India’s defence sector.
- BrahMos: A Joint Venture for Technological Excellence
- BrahMos is a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
- The missile derives its name from the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.
- Formed in 1998, BrahMos conducted its first successful missile launch in 2001.
- Features of BrahMos Missile
- Two-stage missile with a solid propellant booster engine.
- First stage brings the missile to supersonic speed before separation.
- Second stage utilizes a liquid ramjet to propel the missile at nearly three times the speed of sound.
- Capability to be launched from land, sea, sub-sea, and air against surface and sea-based targets.
- Inducted by the Indian armed forces: Navy in 2005, Army in 2007, and Air Force in 2020.
- Recent Developments
- In January 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement of BrahMos launchers for Shivalik-class frigates and next-generation missile vessels.
- Development of an underwater version for export and use by Indian submarines.
- January 2022: BrahMos and Philippines Aerospace Limited signed a $375 million deal for the procurement of BrahMos cruise missiles.
- Export Potential and Strategic Importance
- BrahMos has been envisioned as a significant export opportunity since its inception.
- Multiple countries, particularly in South America, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Africa, have shown interest in acquiring the missile.
- The deal with the Philippines marks a milestone in India’s defense exports, showcasing the nation’s growing capabilities in the public and private defense sectors.
- BrahMos exports contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Making in India, Making for the world’ and achieving the defense hardware export target of $5 billion by 2025.
- Enhances India’s strategic autonomy and safeguards national interests.
- Competitors and Challenges
- Notable competitors include the Tomahawk cruise missile developed by the US, which is subsonic and slower than BrahMos.
- The French Apache series and the Chinese YJ-1814 are other prominent cruise missiles.
- The Russian P-800 Oniks shares similarities with BrahMos but is priced lower, possibly due to Russia’s developed military industrial base.
- Defence deals in this field are highly competitive, with major players extensively marketing their products.
Important Points:
- 🚀 Joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya
- 🎯 Capable of being launched from land, sea, sub-sea, and air against surface and sea-based targets
- ⚡️ Two-stage missile with a solid propellant booster engine
- 🌊 Derived its name from the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers
- 🌍 Generating global attention and export potential
- 📈 25 years of successful operation and milestone achievement
- 💥 First successful launch in 2001
- 🚢 Inducted into the Indian Navy in 2005, Army in 2007, and Air Force in 2020
- 🎯 Speed of 2.8 Mach (nearly three times the speed of sound)
- 🎯 Range initially limited to 290 km, extended to 450 km and subsequently 600 km
- 🌍 Export deals with Philippines and potential deals with Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and UAE
- 🇮🇳 Supports India’s military-industrial complex and defense sector autonomy
- 💼 Strategic importance in safeguarding national interests
- 🌍 Contributes to India’s goal of becoming a major defense exporter
- 🌐 Competitors include Tomahawk, Apache, YJ-1814, and P-800 Oniks
- ⚙️ Challenges in a highly competitive defense market
- 🔬 Continuous development and innovation for market competitiveness
Why In News
India-Russia defence Joint Venture BrahMos Aerospace celebrated a momentous milestone, marking its 25th anniversary as a prominent player in the field. Throughout its illustrious journey, BrahMos Aerospace has continually exemplified the power of collaboration, technological prowess, and unwavering commitment to enhancing national security.
MCQs about BrahMos Aerospace
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Which rivers does the BrahMos missile derive its name from?
A. Ganges and Nile
B. Brahmaputra and Moskva
C. Amazon and Mississippi
D. Yangtze and Danube
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What is the maximum speed of the BrahMos missile?
A. 1 Mach
B. 2.8 Mach
C. 4 Mach
D. 5.6 Mach
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Which region has shown significant interest in procuring the BrahMos missile?
A. North America
B. Europe
C. Middle East
D. South America
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What is the primary advantage of the BrahMos missile over the Tomahawk missile?
A. Longer range
B. Higher speed
C. Lower cost
D. Enhanced maneuverability
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