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ShareNEW DELHI: BrahMos cruise missile, the prestigious Indo-Russian joint project, could be mounted on an Indian naval submarine as early as next year for trials, said the top-brass of the project on the eve of annual Indo-Russian defence summit and Vladimir Putin's visit to the city.
Structural adjustments could be carried out on all Sukhoi-30 fighters gradually to integrate three of these super sonic cruise missiles into them. The land versions of the missile would also be commissioned in "large numbers" in a few dedicated regiments of the Army.
BrahMos, presently the world's only super sonic cruise missile, and a stunning success of Indo-Russian collaboration in military sphere, is providing a roadmap to both the sides on how to take military relations forward.
Talking on the eve of the annual Indo-Russian Inter-government Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation, BrahMos Aerospace CEO Dr A Sivathanu Pillai said they are talking to the Indian Navy to make necessary alterations to an existing Russian submarine to mount the under-water version of the missile.
Officials hint that the submarine-launch, on a Kilo class submarine, could be tested sometime next year, after the housing, fire control and slight structural changes are brought about in the submarine.
Dr Pillai said they have also perfected the design for integrating missile into an Amur class submarine. The Indian Navy is looking at Amur as a new class of submarine for the future, but a decision is yet to be taken.
On the air version of the missile, Dr Pillai said the Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters of IAF could hold just one missile as of now. But with reinforcement of its wings and other adjustments, the plane could carry three of these super-sonic missiles. He said the fighters could be upgraded to hold three missiles each.
Dr G Leonov Alexander, the first Deputy Director General and Designer General, said they hope to sell some 2000 BrahMos missiles, including a substantial number to the Indian and Russian armed forces. The biggest buyer as of now is the Indian Army, which is expected to raise a few regiments of BrahMos missiles starting this year.
The Indian Navy has decided to integrate Brahmos into all its future war ships.
