In a significant move towards bolstering its defense capabilities and promoting indigenous manufacturing, the Indian Navy has announced that the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile will now serve as its primary weapon system. Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar made this declaration following the clearance of a ₹19,000 crore deal by the Cabinet Committee on Security, paving the way for the acquisition of over 200 BrahMos missiles.
Speaking to ANI at the closing ceremony of the Defence expo in Pune, Admiral R Hari Kumar underscored the importance of BrahMos, emphasizing its evolution in range, capabilities, and lethality. He stated, “BrahMos will be our primary weapon now as the surface-to-surface missile weapon. Probably the Air Force and the air fighters also will have that as the primary air-to-surface weapon.”
Highlighting the strategic advantage of indigenous production, Admiral Kumar noted that BrahMos, being manufactured in India, reduces dependency on foreign suppliers. He lauded the missile’s potency and the nation’s ability to repair it independently, with readily available spares, thereby enhancing operational readiness.
The Navy Chief’s remarks come in the wake of India’s concerted efforts towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing, epitomized by the Defence expo’s focus on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Admiral R Hari Kumar visited various stalls showcasing defense manufacturing by MSMEs, stressing their pivotal role in India’s journey towards becoming Atmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliant in defense.
“This is a unique exhibition. They have been able to bring together several MSMEs… It is very important that we develop the ecosystem and environment for indigenization,” remarked Admiral Kumar. He commended the Defense Expo for facilitating indigenous production and fostering collaboration between public and private players in the defense sector.
The Defense expo witnessed enthusiastic participation from a plethora of MSMEs, private companies, as well as Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) laboratories and Defense Public Sector Units (DPSUs) in Maharashtra. This collective effort showcased India’s strides towards achieving self-sufficiency in defense, integrating Armed Forces requirements with research, development, and production by both public and private entities.
The impending signing of the ₹19,000 crore deal for BrahMos missiles signifies a major milestone in India’s quest for defense modernization and self-reliance. With BrahMos poised to become the cornerstone of the Indian Navy’s arsenal, the nation takes a decisive step towards strengthening its defense capabilities while fostering indigenous innovation and production.
Sources By Agencies