The Indian Army, which has been trying to enhance its long-range precision strike capability to reinforce deterrence, is expected to place a major order for the 800-km strike variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
The Army currently operates cruise missiles with a strike range of over 450 km. The 800 km range version of the BrahMos, featuring a modified ramjet engine and other modifications, is a major improvement over the earlier 290 plus km and later 450 plus km variants of the missile.
According to defence officials, the defence ministry is likely to clear the Army’s procurement plan at a high-level meeting, a report by news agency ANI said.
As the nature of warfare is continuing to evolve, the Indian Army is looking to induct drones and missiles in huge quantities to enhance combat readiness. The Indian Army's acquisition of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles with an increased range would alter battlefield dynamics as it would give the force the capability to strike deep inside the enemy territory.
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The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile had served as the main offensive weapon in Operation Sindoor, launched from Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters.
DRDO chief Samir V. Kamat had highlighted its role in striking key targets like airbases on the night of May 9-10, causing significant damage to Pakistan's military assets. "When it comes to offensive weapons, BrahMos was the primary weapon used, which was launched from our Sukhoi Mark 1 platform," he had said.