India, Russia developing longer-range BrahMos missile: Government

The government on Friday informed the Lok Sabha that India and Russia are jointly developing a longer-range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

"Subsequent to India's joining the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Russia and India have agreed to extend the range of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile beyond 300 km," Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said in a written reply.

"The proposal for undertaking joint technical development work for extending the range beyond 300 km has been executed between India and Russia," he added.

BrahMos, jointly developed by India and Russia, is considered the only supersonic cruise missile in the world. The missile was first inducted in the India Navy in 2005.

Due to the missile technology restriction regime, both countries had to keep the range of the missile within 300 km.

India, on June 27, the became 35th full member of the MTCR -- an informal and voluntary partnership among 35 countries to prevent proliferation of missile and unmanned aerial vehicle technology capable of carrying over 500-kg payload over more than 300 km.

After becoming a full member of MTCR, India can import or co-develop missiles with ranges beyond 300 km.

--IANS

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