By Kaveesha Fernando
NEW DELHI, India (CWBN)_ Reports indicate that the land version of the BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile was test fired by the Indian Army from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Tuesday (November 24). It has been reported that subsequent firings are also scheduled for this week. The test is said to have been fired successfully, and reports also suggest that the strike range of the missile has been enhanced to over 400 km.
The BRAHMOS is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile. It can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land, and is the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile. They are produced by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India and Russia. The name “BrahMos” is a portmanteau of the rivers Brahmaputra and Moskva; located in India and Russia respectively. The name signifies the “fury of Brahmaputra and the grace of Moskva rivers”.
The move comes amidst rising tensions between India and China in Ladakh. The province’s vague and heavily disputed border spanning around 3500km separates India from China and has been the source of confrontations between the two nations for decades. Ladakh is officially a part of India but China claims that the region belongs to them. Although a peace plan was created by the two nations to deescalate the conflict earlier this month, progress has been slow.
A large number of BRAHMOS missiles are among the considerable military resources which India has deployed in Ladakh and several other strategic locations along the India-China border. It was earlier reported that China has been increasing military presence in the region.
Edited by Elishya Perera
