By Staff Correspondent
BrahMos Aerospace, the Indian-Russian joint venture that boasts the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile, recently showcased its BrahMos Weapon System in various configurations at South America’s premier Defence and Security trade show, LAAD. The pavilion was jointly inaugurated by General Said Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the Algerian People’s National Army, and Indian Ambassador to Brazil, Suresh K Reddy, on the opening day of the International Defence and Security fair held in Rio de Janeiro.
During the event, Dr Sanjeev Kumar Joshi, Deputy CEO of BrahMos Aerospace, welcomed senior officials from the Algerian Army and Air Force, including Gen. Chanegriha, who appreciated the impressive capabilities of the universal BrahMos missile. Other high-level visitors included Brazil’s Defence Minister Jose Mucio Monteiro, Secretary of Defence Production, Government of Brazil, Maj. Brig. Rui Chagas Mesquita, and Commander of Brazilian Air Force, Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, among others.
Algeria’s Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army, Saïd Chengriha, expressed his keen interest in the Brahmos anti-ship missile during the LAAD exhibition held in Brazil, as evidenced by photographs released on April 13, 2023. Developed as a joint venture between the Indian DRDO and Russian NPO Mashinostroyeniya, the BrahMos missile boasts the distinction of being the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile.
BrahMos & Su-30: India Is Armed With Integration Experience
India’s Su-30MKI fighter jet, developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and built by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has gained attention for its unique integration of weapons sensors and avionics from various countries. The domestic variant of the aircraft is armed with sophisticated indigenous offerings such as the air-launched BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
With around 15 countries with the Su-30 in their arsenal, including China, Indonesia, and Algeria, the seamless integration of BrahMos missiles with the Algerian air force’s Su-30s could be a unique selling point for BrahMos Aerospace, with India’s experience being sought after by the potential customer for its air force as well.
BrahMos Aerospace is seen as being well-placed to cater to both Algeria’s seapower and airpower needs.
BrahMos Was A Major Attraction At LAAD 2023
As part of its outreach efforts, BrahMos Aerospace also presented the 12th edition of the Brahmand World Defence Update, a military yearbook and initiative of the company, to Mr Jose. Dr Joshi interacted with several officials, including the Secretary of International Affairs for Defence, Government of Argentina, Mr Francisco Cafiero, and Commander of Joint Forces, Peru, General Hugo Antonio Molina Carazas, to provide them with an update on the highly versatile and formidable BrahMos.
LAAD is a biennial event that attracts a range of stakeholders, from manufacturers and suppliers of technology for the Armed Forces, Police, and Special Forces, high executives of the defence and security industry, and government agencies. This year’s exhibition featured an impressive number of exhibitors, showcasing Brazil’s rapidly expanding defence industrial base, potential, and leadership in the defence and security sectors.
The BrahMos missile is a joint venture between the Indian DRDO and Russian NPO Mashinostroyeniya and is the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile.
It can be launched from submarines, ships, airplanes or land, and has already entered service in its land and ship-launched versions. In 2019, an air-launched variant of BrahMos was introduced.
The missile’s propulsion is based on the Russian missile, while missile guidance has been developed by BrahMos Aerospace. The missile has a range of more than 500 km (310 mi) from ship and land platforms, while the air-launched variant has a range of 450-500 km (280-310 mi).
Its flight altitude can be as low as 3-4 meters, and it has a maximum speed of Mach 3. The missile has a warhead of 200-300 kg (440-660 lb) and an accuracy of 1 m CEP.
Plans are underway to develop a new generation of BrahMos missiles with an 800 km range that can hit protected targets with pinpoint accuracy and eventually upgrade all missiles to a range of 1,500 km.