IndiaTimes:
A Sukhoi-30 Mki recently took off from HAL’s Nasik airport carrying a special weapon on its centreline hardpoint. A Brahmos missile. What’s so special about it? It was the first time the air launched version of the world’s fastest cruise missile flew on the weapons platform, after years in development.
The Brahmos has proved itself capable of supersonic flight, and it’s this speed that gives it the kinetic energy that makes it so devastating. The deadly accuracy, the ability to be fired from land, sea and even underwater make it one of the most versatile missiles in Indian armory. In top-down attack mode, it can also target the enemy hiding behind geographical features like mountains. Ability to be launched from air was the only thing missing from its repertoire. But not anymore.
With the success of the first ever carriage flight, the Brahmos-A will be fielded by the Indian Air Force on atleast 40 modified Sukhoi 30 Mki air superiority fighters. This will allow the IAF to strike strategic targets deep within the enemy territory from stand-off ranges. And while the Brahmos has always been a successful in the innumerable tests, the air launched version has been through its share of trouble. And that is why this first step is a remarkable one.
