SOURCE: AFI
BrahMos Aerospace, the joint venture between India and Russia, is awaiting critical live trials of an indigenously developed seeker for the BrahMos missile system. Despite the successful development of the seeker as far back as 2018, it has yet to enter full-scale production due to pending trials. Officials have confirmed that a live test is expected soon, which will pave the way for large-scale procurement of locally produced seekers.
In 2018, the BrahMos missile achieved a significant milestone by successfully hitting a target with pin-point accuracy using an Indian-developed seeker. This development demonstrated India’s capability to replace imported components with indigenous solutions, aligning with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative. However, further trials of the seeker have been delayed, hindering its induction into production lines.
The seeker, designed in collaboration between BrahMos Aerospace and the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), is manufactured by the Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL). It represents a crucial component in ensuring precision targeting capabilities for the BrahMos missile, which is globally recognized as a leader in supersonic cruise missile technology.
The seeker is an essential component of the BrahMos missile, enabling it to track and engage targets with exceptional precision. Transitioning to an indigenous seeker would enhance India’s technological autonomy, reduce dependency on imported components, and potentially lower production costs.
The Indian-made seeker’s successful integration into the BrahMos system would also provide a significant boost to the country’s defense manufacturing sector, creating opportunities for both public and private entities involved in its development.
The upcoming live tests will be critical in determining the indigenous seeker’s readiness for production. Once validated, BrahMos Aerospace is expected to place bulk orders for the seeker, ensuring its full-scale deployment in future missile systems.