Today, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully fired an Extended Range Version of the Brahmos Air-Launched Missile at a Ship Target while using a SU-30MKI aircraft as its platform. It is believed that the extended range of the BrahMos missile allows it to destroy targets 400 kilometres out in the ocean.
The missile was successful in achieving all of its mission objectives in the general region of the Bay of Bengal. According to a release issued by the IAF, the IAF has considerably expanded its capabilities to perform precise strikes from SU-30MKI aircraft against land and sea targets at exceptionally long ranges.
According to the press release, when combined with the superior performance of the SU-30MKI aircraft, the increased range of the missile provides the Israeli Air Force with strategic reach and enables it to dominate future battles.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) worked closely with the Indian Navy, DRDO, BAPL, and HAL to successfully complete the mission.
Brahmos integration on Su-30MKI aircraft
BRAHMOS made history on November 22, 2017, when it was successfully flight-tested for the first time from the frontline fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Sukhoi-30MKI, against a sea-based target in the Bay of Bengal. After being released by gravity from the Su-30’s fuselage, the missile’s two-stage engine was activated, and it was immediately driven towards the target in the Bay of Bengal.
As a result of subsequent successful test firings from the supersonic fighter aircraft in 2019, the BRAHMOS ALCM validated its impeccable land attack and anti-ship capability from large, stand-off ranges by day or night and in all weather conditions. This has provided the IAF with an unprecedented reach and capability to carry out modern air combat operations in a decisive manner.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) transferred the first Su-30MKI fighter aircraft adapted for the BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile to BrahMos Aerospace at Aero India 2015 in Yelahanka, Bengaluru.
A squadron of fourth-generation fighter planes Sukhoi-30 MKI (‘Tigersharks’ 222 squadron) equipped with the BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile was deployed in Southern India on January 20, 2020, bolstering India’s air and marine superiority in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Centre has issued the fleet release clearance (FRC) certification for the missile for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC). IAF Squadrons can now employ these missiles in combat operations thanks to the FRC.
The SU-30 MKI has a top speed of 2 Mach and a range of 3,000 kilometres in a single flight. It can carry up to 8,000 kilogrammes of payload at a maximum altitude of 17 kilometres. In addition to its lighter propulsion system and modified fins and nose cap, the missile incorporates several design enhancements.
