The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile struck its target precisely from the Andaman Sea with an extended range.
The missile targeted its mark without a warhead using vertical steep dive mode.
This capability is crucial for targeting mountainous terrains and hidden bases.
BrahMos's speed, precision, and versatility make it the deadliest cruise missile globally.
Developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India and Russia.
India successfully tested the Extended Range version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the Andaman Sea. The missile demonstrated pinpoint accuracy in vertical steep dive (90-degree angle) mode without a warhead, strengthening India's defense capabilities, especially for striking hidden bases in mountainous regions. Notably, the missile has decimated terrorist strongholds in Pakistan in a similar fashion.
Also read: BrahMos Proves Lethal to PAK with Unmatched Features
What is the BrahMos Missile?
Source: aajtak
The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile collaboratively developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia. Established in 1998, BrahMos Aerospace leads this project. The first test was in 2001, becoming a mainstay in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Speed: Mach 2.8-3.5 (approximately 3430-4300 km/h).
Range: 290 km in standard version, 450-800 km in extended range.
Warhead: 200-300 kg (conventional or nuclear).
Launch Platforms: Land, sea, air (Sukhoi-30 MKI), and submarine.
Features: 'Fire and Forget' principle, low radar signature, high accuracy.
The design of BrahMos is based on Russia's P-800 Oniks missile with Indian technology and guidance systems. Its high speed and precision make it capable of piercing enemy defense systems.
Also read: STAR Missile Testing Near Completion... Will Replace BrahMos?
Source: aajtak
What is Vertical Steep Dive Mode?
Vertical steep dive mode is a unique ability of BrahMos, allowing the missile to dive towards its target at nearly a 90-degree angle. This technique equips it for targeting mountainous regions, caves, and hidden bases. While other cruise missiles fly at shallow or low angles, the steep dive mode enables an above-target attack, making evasion challenging.
On September 5, 2010, BrahMos set a world record with supersonic speed in steep-dive mode. This capability has since been enhanced to a 90-degree dive. In recent testing, launched from the Andaman Sea, the missile precisely hit its target without a warhead, showcasing its advanced guidance system and accuracy.
Also read: Prithvi, Agni, BrahMos... India's Guided Nuclear Missiles Defend Against Possible Threats
Significance of the Test
Pinpoint Accuracy: The missile destroyed the target with bulls-eye precision (1-meter CEP), revealing its reliability.
Extended Range: Inclusion in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016 extended BrahMos's range from 290 km to 450-800 km.
Effective in Mountainous Terrain: The steep dive mode enables destruction of hidden bases in mountainous areas, strategically significant in northeastern borders like Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
Self-Sufficiency: This test demonstrates India's indigenous defense industry's strength, featuring advanced navigation systems and software.
Why Test in the Andaman Sea?
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are strategically important to India, located in a pivotal region of the Indian Ocean. The area provides a long-range test range, limited on the mainland. BrahMos has been tested from the Andaman Sea in 2014 and 2022, reliably striking targets with precision from up to 290 km. This recent test, targeting without a warhead, once again proved the missile's accuracy and reliability.
Source: aajtak
Strategic Significance
Counter Capability Against China and Pakistan: With extended range, BrahMos can now target deep zones in Pakistan and China, bolstering India's counterstrike ability.
Useful for Mountain Warfare: In areas like Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh, where enemies may use hidden bases, the steep dive mode is effective.
Naval Strength: Indian Navy warships like INS Rajput and INS Teg are equipped with BrahMos, capable of striking targets on land and sea.
Operation Sindhur: In May 2025, BrahMos was used in Operation Sindhur for precise strikes on Pakistani military bases.
Future Plans
90-Degree Steep Dive:
BrahMos soon to achieve 90-degree steep dive capability, enhancing its lethality.
BrahMos-NG and BrahMos-II:
Hypersonic BrahMos-II (Mach 7-8) and lightweight BrahMos-NG development continues, compatible with light combat aircraft like Tejas.
Export Potential:
India plans to export BrahMos to Vietnam, UAE, and other nations.
