DRDO and NPOM to launch world’s first supersonic cruise missile - Brahmos

A JV was formulated between DRDO India and Joint Stock Companies – ‘Military Industrial Consortium’ and ‘NPOM’ Russia in 1998, with an aim to design, develop and market world’s only supersonic cruise missile system. The initial capital of $ 250 mn was raised by the company from both the governments. The first successful missile was fired in June 2001 in Odisha from a land-based launcher and is now in full service with the Indian Armed Forces.

BrahMos Aerospace was established in India through an Intergovernmental Agreement signed on February 12, 1998, between India and Russia. With an authorized capital of $ 250 mn, 50.5% was provided from the Indian and rest from Russia. The aim of the company was to design, develop, produce and market the BRAHMOS cruise missile with an active participation of a consortium of Indian and Russian industries. 

The success of the collaboration is attributed to the sharing of technological strengths of both the partners - DRDO and NPOM. DRDO developed crucial systems like the inertial navigation systems, mission software, mobile launchers for Prithvi and Agni missiles. NPOM had expertise in the area of ramjet engines, together with a number of technologies for space systems, launch vehicles, and cruise missiles. Thus, the combination of the capabilities and competencies of the organizations led to the successful creation of the BRAHMOS.

The JV has become a role model for PPP industries from India and Russia. The company is an example of seamless integration and rapid development of high technology defence products in the world market.