World's Fastest Anti-Ship Cruise Missile in Operation

BrahMos is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that stands as the fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world. Designed for versatile deployment, it can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land-based platforms. Developed as a joint venture between the Russian Federation’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), BrahMos Aerospace oversees its production and advancement. The missile derives its name from two rivers—the Brahmaputra in India and the Moskva in Russia.

The Fastest Anti-Ship Cruise Missile in Operation

BrahMos holds the distinction of being the world’s fastest anti-ship cruise missile currently in service. Both its land-launched and ship-launched versions are actively deployed, providing strategic defense capabilities. The air-launched variant first appeared in 2012 and entered service in 2019.

Additionally, a hypersonic version of the missile, known as BrahMos-II, is under development. Designed to achieve speeds of Mach 7-8, this next-generation missile aims to significantly enhance aerial strike capabilities. Initial testing was expected to commence by 2020.

Development and Capabilities

India conceptualized BrahMos based on a mid-range cruise missile like the Russian P-700 Granit. While the propulsion system is derived from Russian technology, the missile guidance system has been developed by BrahMos Aerospace. With increasing demand, the total order value of BrahMos is projected to reach an estimated US$13 billion.

In 2016, India’s inclusion in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) paved the way for extended collaboration with Russia. Plans were initiated to develop a new generation of BrahMos missiles featuring an extended range of over 800 km and enhanced precision for striking fortified targets. By 2019, India successfully upgraded BrahMos with a range of 650 km, with further plans to extend this to 1,500 km.

Future Developments

Extended Range

• The current version of BrahMos has seen continual range improvements, with the goal of surpassing 1,500 km.
• These advancements will bolster its strategic deterrence and operational flexibility.

BrahMos-II

• BrahMos-II, the hypersonic successor to the current missile, is designed to revolutionize high-speed strike capability.
• With anticipated speeds of Mach 7-8, it aims to ensure rapid response and enhanced penetration against modern air defense systems.

BrahMos-NG

• A new generation of BrahMos, termed BrahMos-NG (Next Generation), is also in development.
• This lighter and more compact variant will offer superior maneuverability and compatibility with a wider range of platforms, including fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

UCAV Variant

• BrahMos Aerospace is also exploring the integration of BrahMos into unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).
• This advancement will allow autonomous and precision-guided strikes, further expanding the missile’s role in modern warfare.

Vision for the Future

Former President of India, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, had encouraged BrahMos Aerospace to develop an advanced variant of BrahMos to maintain India’s leadership in cruise missile technology. He envisioned a hypersonic BrahMos capable of not only delivering its payload with unmatched speed but also potentially returning to base.

Conclusion

BrahMos continues to solidify its reputation as the world’s fastest anti-ship cruise missile in active operation. With ongoing advancements in range, speed, and deployment flexibility, the BrahMos missile system remains a formidable force in modern defense technology. As India and Russia push the boundaries of missile technology, the future of BrahMos promises unparalleled speed, precision, and strategic advantage.

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