BALASORE: In a first, supersonic cruise missile BrahMos with advanced guidance system and indigenously built software algorithm was successfully test-fired in steep dive mode from a defence base off the Odisha coast on Tuesday.
Defence sources said the missile took off around 10.38 am from a mobile autonomous launcher located in the launching complex-III of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur-on-sea, about 15 km from Balasore.
BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited Managing Director and CEO A Sivathanu Pillai confirmed that it was a textbook launch, achieving cent per cent results. This development flight trial has proved three aspects key to the mission success.
“The missile system integrated with multiple navigation satellites powered by new software algorithm, without homing device, achieved high level of accuracy and further enhanced the precision capability against hidden land targets, including mountainous regions,” Pillai said.
During the flight test also, this weapon accomplished the supersonic steep dive capability against difficult land targets, besides realising airframe, both composite and metallic and built by the Indian industries, which were tested and evaluated.
Altogether it saw substantial increase in indigenously produced content in the missile.
This was the 44th launch of BrahMos.
About 205 industries in the country have come in a big way by significantly contributing their know-how and expertise in realising the weapon system.