The indigenously-manufactured BrahMos missile system.  |  Photo Credit: IANS
Key Highlights
- The medium-range BrahMos is one of the fastest supersonic cruise missile systems in the world
- With a speed of Mach 3.5, the missile has a maximum range of 650 kms
- The BrahMos is also getting a facelift with added range and other modern technologies
New Delhi: In a huge boost to India’s mission to turn a defence exporter after decades of being seen as an importer, the Centre has struck reportedly struck a deal with The Philippines to sell the indigenous BrahMos missile system for a whopping $55.5 million dollars.
With this, The Philippines has become India’s first foreign customer for the cruise missile system, a joint venture between India and Russia.
According to Hindustan Times, The Philippines has reportedly allocated 2.8 billion pesos ($55.5 million) for its initial funding to procure the state-of-the-art weapon system.
“India and Philippines are in an advanced stage of negotiations over the sale of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. Export order likely to be placed soon. The Defence Research Development Organisation and BrahMos Aerospace Limited together have been pushing hard for exports of this missile to friendly foreign countries: for the last few months,” government sources told news agency ANI earlier this week.
The ‘Made in India’ weapon is likely to draw more orders from ‘friendly countries’ as negotiations are at an advanced stage with several other nations.
As other deals come through, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is also getting a facelift with added range and other modern technologies.
Senior scientist Atul Dinkar Rane, who has been appointed as the new head of BrahMos Aerospace Limited, has worked with the organisation since its days of inception.
The medium-range BrahMos is one of the fastest supersonic cruise missile systems in the world.
With a speed of Mach 3.5, the missile has a maximum range of 650 kms.