Mishra also said that the hypersonic version of the BrahMos missile, capable of flying at a speed of up to 5,000 kilometers per hour, may be created by 2020.
The 2.5 metric ton supersonic Brahmos air-to-ground missile will be fired from an Indian Air Force's Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft that has already undergone modifications to accommodate the new weapon.
A successful preliminary trial was carried out earlier, and several more dummy trials are in the pipeline before the actual test.
"In March, we will hold three more tests, which will be followed by actual firings on sea and ground targets. However, we are already certain the launches will be successful, Mishra said.
Currently, BrahMos is capable of hitting targets beyond the radar horizon and can be launched from sea-based and land-based weapon systems.
India and Russia to increase range of #BrahMos missile.
— Delhi Defence Review (@delhidefence) 2 февраля 2017 г.
Via @tassagency_en pic.twitter.com/SyhRssCgtd
If the air-launched version of the BrahMos missile is successful, Russia and India may get a strike system which will be second to none in terms of effectiveness among conventional airborne weapons, Rossiyskaya Gazeta quoted experts as saying.
#Indian #Navy Largest ever Exercise vs 'Enemy #Submarines' & that is #BrahMos missile fired from a #Kolkata class destroyer pic.twitter.com/Z3mwUFg9A4
— Mansi Bhabhi💫 (@mansi_bhabhi) 8 февраля 2017 г.
The nine-meter BrahMos missile can travel at a speed of Mach 2.8, making it one the fastest missiles in the world. It has a flight range of up to 290 km and carries a 200-300 kg conventional warhead.
Want to know about the Best Supersonic Ramjet cruise Missile in the world?#Brahmos #missile
— War Wiki (@Warwiki1) 31 января 2017 г.
Watch this!https://t.co/vUuZuvlXhN pic.twitter.com/1qPwFZWQzp
As for the supersonic version of the BrahMos missile, it is expected to be created before the end of 2019, Mishra said, adding that the project is being developed by Mashinostroyeniya rocket design, a Russian NPO bureau, the Moscow Aviation Institute and India's Defense Research and Development Organization.
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