In a significant boost to the Indian Navy’s capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has given the green light for the acquisition of over 200 BrahMos extended-range supersonic cruise missiles for deployment on its warships.
Top government sources confirmed to ANI that the deal, valued at approximately Rs 19,000 crore, was approved during a meeting held on Wednesday evening. The contract is slated to be formalized in the first week of March between BrahMos Aerospace and the Ministry of Defence.
The BrahMos missile serves as the primary armament for anti-ship and attack operations on Indian Navy vessels, with regular deployments and successful firing exercises showcasing its efficacy.
Developed as a joint venture between India and Russia, BrahMos Aerospace specializes in the production of supersonic cruise missiles capable of launch from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms.
Over the years, the BrahMos missile has undergone significant indigenization efforts, with more components being sourced domestically.
Notably, the Philippines is poised to become the first global customer for the BrahMos missile, signalling its growing appeal beyond Indian borders. Several countries in the Southeast Asian region have expressed keen interest in acquiring the versatile missile system for diverse operational requirements.
Under the leadership of Atul Rane, BrahMos Aerospace is actively working towards achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious export target of USD 5 billion by 2025. Following the landmark export deal with the Philippines valued at $375 million, BrahMos Aerospace aims to expand its global footprint significantly.
The Indo-Russian joint venture has conducted successful test firings of the missile, incorporating a high level of indigenous content and equipping it with an indigenous seeker.
The sale of BrahMos missile systems to partner countries is expected to create opportunities for other Indian-made defence equipment, including the Akash missile system and ATAGS howitzers, to gain traction in the global market.
India’s defence industry is undergoing rapid advancements in hardware quality to enhance competitiveness on the global stage and achieve success in export markets. To facilitate this, Indian systems are being showcased internationally, and several public sector units have established offices in prospective markets to bolster sales and support efforts. (ANI)
