BrahMos missile with Su-30MKI gives strategic advantage at northern borders: IAF Chief

New Delhi: IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has said that pairing of BrahMos missile, the most lethal air-combat asset, with the Su-30MKI has multiplied "deterrence value" of the IAF and will give strategic advantage even at northern borders. 

"The combination of BrahMos on the Sukhoi Su-30 has really given us tremendous capability that has enhanced our firepower. It has made the deterrence value of the IAF go up by leaps and bounds," he said.

Speaking at the BrahMos User Meet 2023, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari suggested to BrahMos Aerospace, the Indian-Russian joint venture, to develop next generation smaller version of its supersonic cruise missile for enhancing fire powers of MiG-29, Mirage 2000 and the LCA Tejas like it has done to Sukhoi-30MKIs.

He said, "As the situation unfolded in northern borders three years ago, we realised that the potent weapon can be used very effectively for land attacks… In future, next-generation BrahMos or a small version that can be fitted onto smaller platforms like MiG-29, Mirage 2000 or even the LCA." 

IAF Chief also stated the supersonic missile has really galvanised the way we will equip ourselves with precision firepower in the coming years. 

"Seeing the conflicts that are happening across the globe the importance of precision, long range firepower can't be underscored," IAF Chief said.

Last year, the IAF had successfully tested extended range version of BrahMos, launched from SU-30MKI to hit a ship target 450 km away.

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