India test fires advanced version of supersonic cruise missile

By Shuriah Niazi

NEW DELHI (AA) – India successfully tested the accuracy of an extended-range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile launched from the stealth destroyer Indian Navy Ship (INS) Chennai, said an official statement on Saturday.

“The missile hit its intended target with pinpoint accuracy after traversing an extended range trajectory and performing complex maneuvers,” said the Indian Navy statement.

“Both Brahmos missile and INS Chennai are indigenously built and highlight the cutting-edge of Indian missile and ship-building prowess. They reinforce the Indian Navy's contribution towards the Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Make in India endeavors,” it added.

“This achievement establishes the Indian Navy's ability to strike even deeper and influence land operations further away from the sea, when and where required,” it added.

The BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land.

The missile was developed as part of a joint venture between DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya initiated in 1998.