BY : PTI



The submarine launched version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is under development, a top official of the Indo-Russian joint venture said.

The submarine launched version of the jointly developed cruise missile would arm the Russian-built Kilo class submarines of the Indian Navy for attacking surface targets on sea and land, local news channel Vesti reported quoting JV CEO and Managing Director Sivathanu Pillai.

Pillai, currently attending International Naval Show in St Petersburg, said talks are underway with local Rubin Design Bureau, which has designed Kilo class diesel-electric submarines and they have come to a conclusion that the BrahMos cruise missiles can be fitted on the submarines after some modifications.

BrahMos Aerospace has displayed a model of Russian designed submarine fitted with a BrahMos battery of eight vertical launch tubes, which can be installed on the new generation Amur Class submarines in case of acquisition by the Indian Navy.

Pillai said that the submarine version of BrahMos will be tested on one of the Indian submarines and negotiations are underway with the Indian Navy to provide one of its Kilo class submarines for the trials.

Meanwhile, the development of air version of the supersonic cruise missile is in advance stages and it would be showcased at the Moscow International Aerospace Show in August.

According to Pillai negotiations are on to fit up to four missiles on Ilyushin IL-38 marine reconnaissance aircraft, which would also be fitted on Su-30 multirole fighters.

After successful induction of BrahMos by the Indian Navy and Army, the Indo-Russian JV is to expand sustained production of the cruise missiles to meet growing requirements under stable orders, Pillai was quoted as saying.