SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for a significant boost in its offensive power with the upcoming BrahMos-NG Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM). In a recent interview, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari expressed the IAF’s keen interest in the missile, highlighting its potential to transform strike capabilities.
The BrahMos-NG ALCM stands out for its significantly lighter weight compared to its predecessor, the BrahMos-A. While the BrahMos-A tips the scales at a hefty 2.5 tons, limiting its compatibility to Su-30MKI fighters, the BrahMos-NG sheds nearly a ton, bringing its weight down to around 1.5 tons. This crucial reduction in weight unlocks a game-changing advantage: universality.
Unlike the BrahMos-A, the BrahMos-NG’s svelte profile makes it adaptable to a wider range of IAF platforms. This includes not just the frontline Su-30MKIs but also the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, the MiG-29 fighters, and even the formidable Rafales. This versatility means a more potent and flexible strike force across the IAF’s arsenal.
Despite the weight reduction, the BrahMos-NG retains the blistering speed of its predecessor. Capable of Mach 3, it remains one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world, ensuring swift delivery of its destructive payload even against heavily defended targets. With a range of 290 kilometers, the BrahMos-NG packs a potent punch while maintaining operational flexibility.
Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari has indicated that the BrahMos-NG ALCM is likely to undergo testing later this year or in early 2025. This paves the way for a swift induction into the IAF’s arsenal, potentially equipping a wider range of fighter jets with this formidable weapon in the near future.
The BrahMos-NG ALCM represents a significant leap forward in India’s aerial strike capabilities. Its lighter weight, wider platform compatibility, and devastating power make it a versatile and potent weapon that will significantly enhance the IAF’s offensive prowess. With testing on the horizon and potential induction soon to follow, the BrahMos-NG ALCM is poised to be a game-changer in India’s aerial defense landscape.
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