BrahMos, a big attraction

Gulf Times (March 30, 2010)                                                                           Print This News

Perhaps no other defence establishment from the South Asian region attracted as much media attention as BrahMos Aerospace after the company’s supersonic cruise missiles were test fired.

On the opening day of the 2nd Doha International Maritime and Defence Exhibition (DIMDEX) yesterday too, the pavilion where the miniature models of its cruise missiles are displayed received a number of professionals representing a host of forces, in particular those from the maritime industry.

Speaking to Gulf Times, CEO and managing director of the company, Sivathanu Pillai said the 100% success achieved in recent times in the firing of missiles from different platforms was a matter of immense pride to its developers.

The Indo-Russian joint venture, established in 1998 was recently in the news when it successfully tested Block 2 of its cruise missile. The instrument was adjudged to be the fastest ever in testing conditions. “All tests proved in no uncertain terms that BRAHMOS cruise missile travels three times faster than sound and renowned missile experts have certified the equipment as one of the fastest missiles developed ever,” said Pillai.

According to the CEO, what matters most in the manufacturing of this cruise missile is its capability to hit selective targets even in the midst of a group. “Again, its ability to be fired from different kinds of platforms makes it very unique,” he said. The official said it was launched from multiple platforms based on land, sea, sub-sea and air against sea and land targets.

When queried about its significance in a strategic region as the Middle East, Pillai said it could be effectively used for sea operations in the event of hostilities.

Among the visitors at the BrahMos yesterday were officials of the GCC defence teams too. “The visit of HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani soon after the inauguration was a big boost to each of us associated with the project,” said Pillai.