PM Modi congratulates DRDO for successful BrahMos missile launch; says 'another milestone'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for successful flight testing of BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, India successfully conducted its second test-fire of the extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

Highlighting 'another milestone', PM Modi took to Twitter and mentioned that the successful test launch showcased enhanced operational capabilities and additional indigenous technologies. 

READ: India successfully test-fires extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile

The test-fire of the missile, which can hit targets at more than 400-km range, was carried out under PJ-10 project of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile's airframe and booster have been developed indigenously. 

READ: BRAHMOS missile with indigenous systems test-fired successfully

First test-firing of BrahMos

Last year, India had successfully test-fired BrahMos from a base in Odisha's Chandipur on December 17. It was a land-attack version launched from a mobile autonomous launcher at Launch Complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) and it reportedly met all parameters. Because of the successful mission, the government’s flagship ‘Make in India’ programme has received a big boost. 

India had entered into an agreement with Russia in 1998 and created a joint entity called ‘BrahMos Aerospace’. The name ‘BrahMos’ is a portmanteau of India's Brahmaputra River and Russia's Moskva River. The first-ever successful launch of BrahMos was on June 21, 2001. India and Russia are now planning to develop a new generation of Brahmos missile with 600 km-plus range. 

READ: BrahMos cruise missiles deal with India in early 2020: The Philippines official

READ: IAF BrahMos missiles hit bullseye, attacks mock target 300 km away