Why in News:

• Supersonic cruise missile BrahMos was test fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha.
• Anti-ship version of the missile launched by complex-3 of the ITR, Defence Research and Development (DRDO) sources.
• World’s fastest supersonic cruise missile with high rate of accuracy
  Missile is fired from land, sea and air.
• The missile with a strike range of around 290 km is a strategic asset for India which act as a deterrence against any possible threats from China and Pakistan.
• BrahMos is a joint venture between the DRDO and the NPOM (a Russian military technology firm) of Russia.
• BrahMos operationalised in the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
• Senior defence officials and scientists from DRDO and BrahMos witnessed the trial.

Background:

• Origin and history of Brahmos
• It brings a supersonic speed when it is separated. At the second stage then takes the missile closer to 3 Mach speed in cruise phase.
• Stealth technology and guidance system with advanced embedded software provides the missile an extraordinary performance
• Type: Cruise missile; Air-launched cruise missile. Variants: Ship-launched; Surface-launched.
• Manufacturer: BrahMos Aerospace Limited
• Place of origin: India / Russia
• About Brahmos
• Speed: Mach 2.8–Mach 3
• Unit cost: US$2.73 million
• Place of origin: India / Russia
• Manufacturer: BrahMos Aerospace Limited