The Indian Navy will put orders for more than 200 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, which will be equipped on all frontline vessels of the maritime force, marking a big victory for the indigenous industry, news agency ANI reported.
The Indo-Russian joint venture business recently conducted test firings of the missile with a high level of indigenous content, and the missile will also be equipped with an indigenous seeker.
Speaking with ANI, senior defence officials stated: "The Indian Navy proposal to acquire more than 200 of these BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles is at an advanced stage and is expected to be cleared by the Defence Ministry soon."
The procurement would also assist the Indian Navy in stockpiling missiles for deployment aboard warships and as part of the force's mobile coastal missile batteries, ANI reported.
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The missile system has advanced significantly in recent years, with the Indo-Russian joint venture business increasing its striking range from 290 km to more than 400 km.
The indigenous component of the missile system has also been boosted, and many of its systems have been modernised and indigenised to increase Indian industry and manufacturer engagement.
The missile system is being supplied to the Philippines as well. The Philippines Marine Corps has also received training at the BrahMos facility in India, and more of their batches will be trained here in the future.
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Brahmos Aerospace, led by Atul Rane, is also trying to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi's USD 5 billion export objective. The Chairman of BrahMos indicated that after the initial export transaction with the Philippines for $375 million, his team aimed for USD 5 billion by 2025.
(With Inputs From ANI)