If Exported, BrahMos Sales Could Double: CEO

By Editor 04-Nov-2017

News

BrahMos Aerospace CEO Sudhir Kumar Mishra has said if exports fructify, the sales of the missile could double in the next five years. Domestic orders for the BrahMos missile have been worth more than $7 billion over the last 20 years, he pointed out.

 

 BrahMos Aerospace, an India-Russian joint venture, manufactures the supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land. While India could use the BrahMos missiles for its three services - Army, Navy and Air Force - it could not export them before June 2016, when it became a signatory to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

 

The MTCR membership enabled India to trade in high-end missile technology and also enhance its joint ventures with Russia. “The journey of nearly 20 years has not been easy. We have struggled with our finances, technology and users. Challenges have been so many,” said Mishra while speaking at Deftech 2017, an event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Defence Ministry.

 

The company started making profit only in its 14th year, he said. Over a period of

time, the missiles have been developed to become more effective for all the three

services, he said.

 

 “The journey has been meaningful because we invested $300 million and

today we have orders worth more than $7 billion,” said Mishra.

 

After India joined the MTCR, many countries, especially Vietnam, expressed interest in buying the BrahMos missil. When asked about exports of the missiles, Mishra declined to comment, saying he was not authorised to talk to the media and the Defence Ministry would be in a position to comment on it.

 

 Speaking at the inaugural session of the programme, G Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister, said a strong research and development (R&D) base is necessary for making the countryself-reliant in defence technology.

 

 Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff presenting Best Overall Performance “Fighter Squadron” Trophy to Air Commodore DV Khot, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Halwara, at HQ Western Air Command, Subroto Park, New Delhi during WAC Commanders’ Conference on 23 Oct 17.