India test-fires latest version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile

India Thursday successfully test-fired the latest version of its BrahMos supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land, reports UNB.

The missile was launched from Integrated Test Range (ITR) off the coast of the eastern state of Odisha, the state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said in a statement.

"BrahMos supersonic cruise missile with increased indigenous content and improved performance was successfully test fired... In this text book flight, the missile followed the predicted trajectory meeting all mission objectives," the DRDO said.

"The flight test is a major milestone in the way forward for BrahMos programme. The highly manoeuvrable missile cruised at supersonic speed for its maximum range and all mission objectives were met," it added.

According to the agency, the missile was equipped with the advanced indigenous technologies and followed a modified optimal trajectory for enhanced efficiency and improved performance.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to congratulate the military scientists behind the successful flight test. "The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile with increased indigenous content and improved performance was successfully test fired today."

One of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles in the world that can fly at a speed of 2.8 Mach or almost three times the speed of sound, BrahMos is a joint venture between Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya and DRDO, who together have formed BrahMos Aerospace.