The Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony has said that 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, land and air platforms, 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 pace, precision and power. The Government has also decided to expand the infrastructure at multiple centres to cater to larger production requirement of BrahMos missiles and systems.

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 CEO and Managing Director 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 N.A.K. Browne in his address said that the modified Su-30MKI aircraft will soon be equipped with BrahMos missile.