Introduction
BrahMos is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile capable of being launched from land, sea, and air platforms. It represents a landmark defence collaboration between India and Russia, highlighting India's shift from an arms importer to a significant defence exporter.
Why in News?
- The BrahMos system has gained attention due to its recent export success, specifically to the Philippines.
- It is being increasingly integrated across the Indian Armed Forces, serving as a pillar of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector.
Static Link
- The topic falls under Defence Technology. It distinguishes between cruise missiles (which remain in the atmosphere and use aerodynamic lift) and ballistic missiles (which follow a parabolic trajectory and spend a portion of their flight in space).
- UPSC often tests the understanding of propulsion systems (like Ramjet vs Scramjet) and speed classifications (Subsonic, Supersonic, Hypersonic).
Institutional Link
- BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited: A joint venture between India’s DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM).
- The name BrahMos is a portmanteau of the Brahmaputra (India) and Moskva (Russia) rivers.
Core Prelims Facts
- Classification: Supersonic cruise missile.
- Speed: Mach 2.8 to 3.0.
- Propulsion: Two-stage system (Solid propellant booster and a liquid ramjet engine).
- Guidance: 'Fire and Forget' principle, meaning the missile does not require further guidance from the operator after launch.
- Range: Now extended beyond 400 km, following India’s accession to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
Important Terms and Concepts
- Ramjet: A form of air-breathing jet engine that uses the vehicle's forward motion to compress incoming air for combustion, eliminating the need for a heavy onboard oxidizer.
- Cruise Missile: A guided missile that stays within the atmosphere for the majority of its flight path and typically maintains a constant speed.
- MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime): An informal political understanding among states that seeks to limit the proliferation of missiles and missile technology.
Bodies / Organisations / Institutions
- DRDO: India's primary agency for military R&D, operating under the Ministry of Defence.
- NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM): The Russian aerospace design bureau partner in the BrahMos project.
Possible UPSC Prelims Traps
- Classification Trap: UPSC may label BrahMos as a ballistic missile; however, it is a cruise missile.
- Propulsion Trap: It uses a ramjet engine, not a rocket motor for the cruise phase.
- Range Trap: The range is not fixed; it was expanded following MTCR compliance.
- Origin Trap: BrahMos is not purely indigenous but a joint venture.
One-Minute Revision Notes
- BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile (Mach 2.8-3.0).
- It is a two-stage, multi-platform, 'fire and forget' weapon.
- Joint venture: DRDO (India) and NPOM (Russia).
- It utilizes ramjet technology, using atmospheric oxygen for combustion.
- It is a key export item under the Make in India initiative.
Practice MCQ for Prelims
Q. With reference to the BrahMos missile system, consider the following statements
1. It is a supersonic cruise missile that utilizes ramjet technology.
2. The missile is a joint venture between India and the United States.
3. It can be launched from multiple platforms including land, sea, and air.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect because BrahMos is a joint venture between India and Russia, not the United States. Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
Original Article: https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/knowledge-nugget-brahmos-missile-technology-concepts-india-russia-10718081/
Full Current Affairs Analysis: https://iasment.com/understanding-the-brahmos-missile-technology-and-strategic-significance-mains-specific/