India tests extended range BrahMos supersonic missile

India has tested the extended-range variant of BrahMos surface-to-surface supersonic cruise missile.

The test was conducted at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Balasore, in the state of Odisha, where the BrahMos Land-Attack Cruise Missile (LACM) achieved a top speed of Mach 2.8.

The extended range variant is equipped with Booster and Airframe Section, as well as other locally made sub-systems.

Following the test, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials said the test met all parameters.

Notably, this is the second time that the extended range version of BrahMos supersonic missile was tested. The variant has a range of more than 400km.

In a statement, Indian Ministry of Defence said: “Today’s successful launch has paved the way for the serial production of the indigenous booster and other indigenous components of the powerful BrahMos Weapon System realising Atmanirbhar Bharat pledge.”

BrahMos missile was jointly developed by India and Russia. The original version has a range of around 290km and has already been inducted in the armed forces.

According to The Times of India, the BrahMos missiles have been deployed in Ladakh and in Arunachal Pradesh as India is engaged in a military confrontation with China for the past few months.

India has also moved 800km-range Nirbhay cruise missiles, as well as Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems to the front.

Recently, India also tested the laser-guided anti-tank missile from MBT Arjun Tank. The test was conducted at KK Ranges, Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC&S) in Ahmednagar.