Indian Army Receives Cruise Missiles Ahead of Schedule

A supersonic cruise missile has been delivered to the Indian army, Indian defence ministry and military officials confirmed today.

The Brahmos missile system which can carry warheads up to 200kg (440lb) in weight and has a maximum range of 290km (180 miles), was delivered a year in advance of schedule, according to the officials.

The missile which has undergone several successful tests, can fly at 2.8 times the speed of sound and can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land.

The missile system developed by Brahmos Corp, a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation and Russian state-linked developer NPO Mashinostroeyenia, was sold for an undisclosed amount.