Russia should Induct Brahmos in its Armed Forces: Antony

February 20, 2013

Defence Minister Shri A K Antony today said Russia should induct BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in their fleet so that the success achieved in the joint venture will be fully appreciated. Addressing the ‘Partnership Day’ marking the 15th anniversary of the signing of Inter Governmental Agreement (IGA) between India and Russia for the formation of BrahMos joint venture in New Delhi, he said, soon, the Indian Air Force will have BrahMos both, on land and air platform, making it a real force multiplier for all the wings of the Indian Armed Forces. Army, Navy and Air Force consider BrahMos to be an important weapon due to its speed, precision and power, he said. The Government has also decided to expand the infrastructure at multiple centres to cater to larger production requirement of BrahMos missiles and systems.
Shri Antony said the cooperation between the scientists and scientific expertise of DRDO and NPOM and many other organisations from India and Russia has proved that there is a way to do things faster and take the lead in the world. The partnership has blossomed and yielded results, which have not been achieved by any other country. He admitted that the role of DRDO, NPOM and the quality assurance agencies in grooming this industry to achieve high technology levels and a superior quality product has indeed resulted in customers’ delight, that is, our Defence Forces. The Minister remarked that this process has resulted in a new trend of thinking, in terms of a collaboration and joint venture, as India too could share its technology and products with others.
On this occasion, the CEO and MD of BrahMos Aerospace Dr. A Sivathanu Pillai in his welcome address gave a brief account of the growth and evolution of this joint venture. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne in his address said that the modified Su-30 Mk-I aircraft will soon be equipped with BrahMos missile. Dr. AG Leonov, Director General NPOM, Russian Federation, Dr. VK Saraswat, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister also spoke on the occasion. Defence Minister also presented awards/trophies to some top scientists and technologists associated with this joint venture.