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World Defense & Security News - India
 
 
Brahmos program moves to Su-30MKI fleet-wide integration phase
 
Indian defense officials have started work to integrate the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile on 40 Sukhoi combat aircraft, state-run broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) said Monday. According to officials, the fleet of 40 Sukhoi jets will undergo structural modifications at the state-run aerospace Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for integration of the missile on them.
     
Brahmos program moves to Su 30MKI fleet wide integration phase 640 001A screenshot of the IAF's video showing the first air-launched of the Brahmos ALCM
(Credit: Indian Air Force)
     
The project according to officials is likely to be completed by 2020 and is expected to fulfil the needs of the Indian Air Force. The IAF currently flies a fleet of 242 Su-30MKI fighter jets.

Last month India test-fired its supersonic Brahmos cruise missile from a fighter jet for the first time.

The Brahmos ALCM is the heaviest weapon integrated with the Su-30MKI`s armament suite, as it has a weight of 2.5 t. To carry such a missile, the fighter jet was modified. Therefore, the BRAHMOS missile can be launched by aerial, naval and ground platforms of India`s Armed Forces. It has a strike range of 290 km and can carry conventional warhead up to 300 kg.