India’s defence ministry recently inked contracts worth $2.36 billion to acquire nuclear-
capable BrahMos missiles for the navy, alongside a ship-borne missile system costing $1.3 billion. These purchases, part of the Make-in-India initiative, include aero-engines for MiG-29s, close-in weapon systems, High-Power Radar, and Shipborne Brahmos systems.
The BrahMos serves as the navy’s primary weapon for maritime strike operations, boasting precision and supersonic speeds for hitting land or sea targets. The procurement aims to meet combat and training requirements. The total value of the five contracts stands at $4.7 billion, aiming to enhance domestic capabilities, reduce foreign currency expenditure, and reduce the dependency on overseas manufacturers.
This deal follows India and Mauritius’ joint inauguration of an Indian-funded air base on Agalega Island, strategically situated in the southwest Indian Ocean. It addresses concerns over China’s regional influence.
India’s Cabinet Committee on Security recently approved the acquisition of over 200 BrahMos extended-range supersonic cruise missiles for deployment on warships. Developed collaboratively by India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, the BrahMos is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile deployable from various platforms.
The BrahMos cruise missile can reach speeds of Mach 3 and carry up to 300 kg of warheads, making it one of the world’s fastest cruise missiles.
