Indian Navy chief: BrahMos to replace old missile systems as primary weapon

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar. Pic/X@SpokespersonMoD

Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said on Monday that the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile would be the Indian Navy's principal armament, replacing outdated missile systems obtained from other countries.

In an interview with ANI, Admiral Kumar emphasised BrahMos' improved capabilities, including increased range, lethality, and evolution over time.

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"BrahMos will be our primary weapon now as the surface-to-surface missile weapon. Probably the Air Force and the air fighters also will have that as the primary air-to-surface weapon. This has evolved in range, in capabilities, in its lethality, and so on. So, this is going to be the mainstay for some time and that is why we are replacing all old missiles with this... and we are installing the BrahMos. Now, we have the expertise to install it in a very quick time," Admiral Kumar told ANI.

"It is a very potent missile, and it has been evolving also, in range capability and so on. So the fact is that it is made in India, so we are not dependent on anybody else. It can be repaired, and spares are available. So it's a great advantage," he added.

According to the report, the Navy Chief's declaration comes after the Cabinet Committee on Security approved a contract for Rs 19,000 crore for the procurement of over 200 BrahMos missiles. The contract is scheduled to be signed on March 5.

Admiral Kumar made these statements during his visit to the Defence Expo's closing ceremony in Pune, where he emphasised the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India's journey to self-sufficiency in defence production. He applauded MSMEs for supporting local production and innovation, emphasising the importance of platforms such as Defence Expos in advancing indigenization activities, reported the news agency.

"This is a unique exhibition. They have been able to bring together several MSMEs... We must develop the ecosystem and environment for indigenisation. Defence Expos facilitate this and encourage indigenous production... MSME expos like this have huge significance. Over 118 contracts have been signed and around 10-12 products have also been approved. There are a lot of things we are getting from MSMEs and startups," he further said.

The Defence Expo showcased the participation of numerous MSMEs, private companies, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratories, and Defence Public Sector Units (DPSUs) in Maharashtra. This reflects India's strides towards achieving self-reliance in defence and the integration of Armed Forces requirements with research, development, and production efforts by both public and private entities.