IAF set to integrate BrahMos missiles with Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter planes
24 Feb 2017
The Indian Air Force is all set to integrate the supersonic cruise missile system with its frontline fighter aircraft Sukhoi-30 MKI, giving more lethality to both the aircraft and the missile.
Once the BrahMos integration is complete, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be the only air force in the world with a supersonic cruise missile system.
IAF is set to test fire a 2,500 kg BrahMos air-to-ground missile from a Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft in the coming months, expectedly in April, according to some reports.
Integration of BrahMos with Su-30 MKI will render the weapon a multi-platform capability, allowing the IAF to deliver a deadly blow to their vital installations from stand-off ranges.
With a range of over 290 km (which is being further extended), the BrahMos, onboard the Sukhoi-30 MKI, will provide the IAF the lethal capability to strike deep inside enemy territory without entering a heavily defended airspace.
IAF will carry out combat operations using the Su-30-Brahmos combination within and beyond visibility range, provide itself with the capability of attacking targets protected by powerful air defence assets.
Around 40 Su-30 MKI aircraft are expected to be modified to make them capable of carrying BrahMos.
As per reports, several other countries in possession of the Su-30 strike fighter are looking to acquiring a lethal weapon system for the Russian-made warplanes.
The first demonstration flight was carried out at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Nashik, with BrahMos weapon on the long-range Sukhoi-30 fighter jet in June last year.
After this successful launch, the BrahMos air version programme is a step closer to the actual test firing wherein a 2.5-ton BrahMos air-to-ground missile will be fired from the Sukhoi-30 MKI.
