The Indian Navy today successfully test fired an advanced version of BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile system at the Pokhran test range in Rajasthan.
The Block III variant of BRAHMOS with deep penetration capability was test launched from a Mobile Autonomous Launcher (MAL) deployed in full configuration with Mobile command Post (MCP).
The missile after launch followed the predetermined trajectory and successfully pierced the designated concrete structure at bull’s eye owing to sheer velocity of the missile.
“The launch has successfully validated the deep penetration capability of the supersonic cruise missile system against hardened targets,” a company official said.
The Block III variant of land-attack BRAHMOS has already established its credence in achieving supersonic steep dive with precision strike capability in mountain operations.
The Indian Army has inducted two regiments of the missile in its arsenal, while the third regiment induction is in progress.
The sanction by the Indian Government for the Fourth regiment of the highly maneuverable steep dive capable missile for deployment in hilly terrains is awaited.
The 290-km BRAHMOS flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach and carries a conventional warhead of up to 300 kg. The missile can be launched from multiple platforms including land, sea, sub-sea and air.
Both the Army and Navy have already inducted the missile in service, while the air-version of the weapon is scheduled to be flight tested by the IAF soon.