BrahMos Block III test-fired, Indian missile field open

BRAHMOS MISSILE TEST-FIRE

At around 11.30 a.m. on March 28, the Indo-Russian BrahMos Block III supersonic cruise missile with an advanced guidance algorithm was flight tested from a test range off India's east coast. The missile flew through its designated ceiling range of 290-km at Mach 2.8 and achieved high precision with a steep dive manoeuvre towards the end. The network of telemetry stations and down range ships confirmed that the missile followed its pre-designated flight path. The Indian Army's activation of a second BrahMos regiment this month has put the jointly developed weapon system on even keel in India's conventional arsenal. The success of the BrahMos model has shown the way for future missile partnerships in India, with at least two ambitious programmes currently in progress between Indian and foreign developers.

The missile field is wide open, and the presence of the world's leading munition houses establishes that once again.

For instance, MBDA, currently in an enviable position for a recent contract to supply MICA missiles for the IAF Mirage 2000 upgrade programme, and for its one-up position to arm the Rafale that was selected to be India's MMRCA, has a display with full-scale models of the Mistral MANPADS system which is being proposed for India’s VSHORAD requirement and the PARS 3 LR anti-armour weapon being proposed for India’s HAL Dhruv helicopter. Both weapon systems, if selected, offer the prospect of significant industrial cooperation within the Indian defence sector, according to MBDA and Defexpo offers them the chance to meet these possible partners from Indian industry. MBDA's India chief Loïc Piedevache says, "Our stated strategy in India is to link and to work with local industry and to advance technology transfer wherever feasible. So should Mistral MANPADS be selected, we are exceptionally well positioned to get local production capability of the Mistral missile up and running as soon as required.” The company is also displaying the Fire Shadow (loitering munition that could compete for an Indian Army requirement), ASTER-30 medium range air defence and other weapon systems. The Fire Shadow loitering munition is in the process of being delivered to the British Army.

Arch rivals Raytheon, with a traditionally impressive presence at Defexpo, are back. Raytheon India President William L. Blair says, "We fully expect partnerships with Indian companies to be mutually beneficial for business, and not merely driven by offset or industrial participation obligations. While a singular programme may lead to a partnership, we are advocates for a longer-term view of potential collaborations with our partners. This may include co-development to Indian requirements, co-production and long-term customer support." The company's Javelin, chosen by the Indian Army and used at least in two exercises by Indian troops, will be on display. The company also has an impressive layered missile defence demonstration.

It may have lost out in the MMRCA, but Saab of Sweden has major plans for India. At Defexpo, the company has on display the RBS 70 NG a versatile missile system developed for all combat situations, the BAMSE system a unique unjammable, allweather automatic command to line-of-sight missile system, and the Carl Gustaf M3 Weapon System. Inderjit Sial, Managing Director, Saab India Technologies Pvt Ltd, says “Defexpo is a biennial opportunity to showcase the full range of products. As India is looking at a high level of defence spending and technology transfer, we see the Defexpo as an opportunity not merely to display our capabilities but also scout for partners who can absorb the transferred technology.” Recently Saab opened its R&D centre, Saab India Technology Centre in partnership with Mahindra Satyam in Hyderabad. At Defexpo Saab displays the 9 LAND BMS and DCAST in the Mahindra Satyam stand and RBS 15, Saab 2000 and CSEG, and the collaboration regarding Combat System Engineering Group, in the Pipavav stand.

Rafael of Israel, which is in the process of supplying India with the Spy- Der quick reaction air defence missile system, has the system on display for the first time, along with the Iron Dome anti-rocket system that has seen highly visible recent use in Gaza defence operations. The Spike electro-optic, tactical, precision-guided missile system family is also on display. Diehl of Germany is also at Defexpo with its air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons portfolio. The Indian Army is actively in the market for a new QR-SAM system, SR-SAM, self-propelled air defence gun missile system, medium range loitering missiles, VSHORADS and others.