India to strengthen navy with hundreds of supersonic cruise missiles

The Indian Navy is set to receive a significant upgrade with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approving a substantial deal for the acquisition of over 200 BrahMos extended-range supersonic cruise missiles.

The deal, valued at around Rs 19,000 crore, aims to enhance the Navy's warship capabilities, particularly in anti-ship and attack operations, The Times of India reports via ANI.

According to top government sources, the contract between BrahMos Aerospace and the Ministry of Defence is expected to be signed in the first week of March. "The BrahMos is the main weapon for anti-ship and attack operations for the Indian navy warships which have been regularly firing the weapon system," they noted.

The big picture

The BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture between India and Russia that makes supersonic cruise missiles that can be fired from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms.

The BrahMos missile has undergone a major indigenisation process by the BrahMos corporation and more components are being made locally.

Several countries in the Southeast Asian region have expressed keen interest in the missile system for various applications. The BrahMos missile is also ready to be exported soon to the Philippines, which is its first international customer.

With the Philippines set to become the first global customer, BrahMos Aerospace is eyeing a $5 billion export target by 2025, Atul Rane, the head of BrahMos Aerospace, said.

The sale of the BrahMos missile system to the partner countries is also likely to create more opportunities for other successful weapon systems like the Akash, ATAGS howitzers and other equipment from the Indian industry.

What next:

The Indian defence sector is witnessing a paradigm shift towards indigenization and self-reliance, with significant deals and projects being approved. The recent clearance of defence acquisition projects worth Rs 84,560 crore, including mid-air refuellers and maritime reconnaissance aircraft, underscores the government's commitment to bolstering the armed forces' capabilities while promoting domestic manufacturing.

The strategic move to enhance the Indian Navy's firepower with BrahMos missiles and the push for "aatmanirbharta" (self-reliance) in defence manufacturing reflect India's broader defence strategy. These developments not only aim to strengthen national security but also position India as a key player in the global defence export market.