In a significant move set to bolster the Indian Navy's firepower, the Cabinet Committee on Security has greenlit the acquisition of over 200 BrahMos extended-range supersonic cruise missiles. Top government sources revealed this development on February 22.
The approved mega-deal, worth Rs 19,000 crore, marks a substantial step towards enhancing the Navy's capabilities. The formal contract between BrahMos Aerospace and the Ministry of Defence is slated for signing in the first week of March.
The BrahMos missile serves as a cornerstone weapon system for the Indian Navy, particularly in anti-ship operations. Extensive testing has underscored its reliability and effectiveness.
A collaborative effort between India and Russia, BrahMos Aerospace specializes in manufacturing supersonic cruise missiles deployable via submarines, ships, aircraft, or land-based platforms.
Notably, significant strides have been made in indigenizing the BrahMos missile, with more components sourced domestically. This achievement aligns with the nation's push for self-reliance in defense production.
Furthermore, the Philippines is poised to become the maiden international recipient of the BrahMos missile, signaling its growing global appeal. Interest in the missile system has surged among nations in the Southeast Asian region, indicative of its versatile applications.
Under the leadership of Atul Rane, BrahMos Aerospace is fervently pursuing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious goal of achieving $5 billion in exports by 2025. The recent agreement with the Philippines, valued at $375 million, sets the stage for further international collaborations.
Significantly, efforts are underway to enhance the indigenous content of the BrahMos missile, including the integration of an indigenous seeker, marking a pivotal step towards self-sufficiency in defense technology.
Moreover, the sale of BrahMos missile systems to partner countries is poised to create opportunities for other Indian defense products, such as the Akash missile and ATAGS howitzers, in the global market.
The Indian defense industry's focus on elevating hardware quality underscores its commitment to global competitiveness and export success. Efforts to showcase indigenous systems abroad and establish sales and support offices in prospective markets are indicative of India's expanding footprint in the international defense arena.
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