India is on the verge of historic defence export dealings to supply its BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems to Vietnam and Indonesia, and the deals are estimated at close to 450 million dollars. These future deals signify a major expansion of Indian defence diplomacy and export presence in Southeast Asia as both countries aim to gain sophisticated coastal and maritime strike capabilities amidst the problems of regional security. The BrahMos, which is a joint venture between India and Russia, has formal no-objection clearances, and without these clearances, export contracts cannot be finalised, and diplomatic talks have been documented as obtaining the agreement of Moscow to do so. These transactions would be after the first export by India to the Philippines, which would enhance its position as a world defence provider.
BrahMos Exports to Vietnam & Indonesia Cleared by Russia
-
The BrahMos missile export to Vietnam and Indonesia is in the pipeline of being completed by India.
-
The overall deals are approximately 450 million.
-
Russia has granted the export since BrahMos is a project between India and Russia.
-
The deals strengthen the defence relations of India in the South east Asia.
-
Enhances regional security and strategic relations.
History of BrahMos Missile
-
BrahMos Aerospace was established in 1998 as a joint venture of India and Russia in DRDO and NPO Mashinostroyenia to produce a supersonic cruise missile.
-
The missile derives its name from a combination of the names of the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.
-
Its first successful launch took place in Chandipur, Odisha, in 2001.
-
The Indian Navy had first in 2005, then the Army and Air Force.
-
BrahMos is now a multi-purpose (supersonic) precision strike system deployed on land, sea, and air.
Most Important Questions Asked on BrahMos Missile
| Exam / Context | Year | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDS General Knowledge | 2019 | BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile made by India, and which other country? | Russia (joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPOM) |
| UPSC Prelims GK | 2018 | Which statement is correct? BrahMos is a medium-range cruise missile, or Agni-V is a cruise missile? | BrahMos is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile (Agni-V is ballistic) |
| UPSSSC / GK Test | 2022 | Which version of the BrahMos was test-fired on 27 April 2022? | Anti-ship version |
| SSC / Defence GK | 2020 | What is the top speed characteristic of the BrahMos missile? | Supersonic (about Mach 2.8) |
| UPSC / General Awareness | 2021 | What principle does BrahMos operate on after launch? | Fire-and-forget |
| UPSC / Security | 2023 | From which platforms can BrahMos be launched? | Land, sea, air, and submarine |
| Defence GK | 2017 | The name “BrahMos” comes from the combination of which two rivers? | Brahmaputra and Moskva |
Conclusion (BrahMos Missile)
The BrahMos anti-missile system is an example of the technological capability and effective Indo-Russian cooperation in the field of defence technology of India. Its supersonic power, accuracy, and flexibility on land, sea, air, and underwater platforms thrust it as an effective strategic weapon. BrahMos also builds the defence strength of India, improves the regional security, and aids in the export of defence, which improves India's global reputation.
