India and Moscow are deciding to jointly develop a new generation of Brahmos missiles with 600 km-plus range and an ability to hit protected targets with pinpoint accuracy. These missiles will be able to strike anywhere within Pakistan. Brahmos’ current range is 300 km, which makes it difficult to hit targets deep inside Pakistan.
India had joined hands with Russia’s Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in June this year. MTCR guidelines prohibit its members from transfer, sale or joint production of missiles beyond 300-km range with countries outside the club.
India has also signed agreement with Russia during the bilateral summit at Goa which includes development of missiles with smaller range that can be fired from submarines and aircraft.
India has ballistic missiles with longer range but Brahmos’ ability to take down specific targets, even well-protected ones, makes it a potential game changer in any conflict with Pakistan.
Ballistic missiles are powered for the initial half of their flight path and they use gravity to complete their trajectory. But cruise missiles are powered throughout.
