India Successfully Test-Fires BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile To An Extended Range Of 450km

India has successfully test-fired the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile today (11 March) off the coast of Odisha. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has tested the latest version of the cruise missile with an upgraded range of 450km.

“This is the first for the world – a supersonic cruise missile with such a high range,” said Sudhir Mishra, MD & CEO of BrahMos Aerospace, to The Financial Express.

In its previous form, BrahMos had a range of 290km. India was limited to the 300km range limit as they were not party to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). However, the country became a member last year, and since then has become eligible to work with other members of the exclusive missile group to develop delivery vehicles with a range of over 300km.

DRDO chief Dr S Christopher has hinted at developing a second version of the BrahMos missile that could cover a range as high as 800-850km. That would enhance India’s defence capabilities significantly.