Thailand is in talks with India to purchase BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, media reports quoting official sources stated. Many other nations who have also expressed their desire to evaluate highly-potent BrahMos missiles, a joint Indo-Russian collaboration.
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According to the Hindu, “Negotiations are on. It may not happen this year, but most likely next year,” diplomatic sources said. While Thailand expressed interest in the missiles some time back, discussions picked pace after the visit of Royal Thai Navy Chief Admiral Ruddit to India in December last year.
Described as the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile with a high rate of precision and accuracy, BrahMos can be fired from land, sea and air, defence sources said.
The BrahMos missile, with a strike range of around 290 km, is a strategic asset for India as it would act as a deterrence against any possible threats from China and Pakistan and for Thailand, it could a massive boost for its armed forces. BrahMos is capable of hitting targets up to a distance of 450 kilometers.
BrahMos first test was carried out on March 11, 2017. The new missile is capable of carrying weaponry weighing 200 to 300 kilograms. BrahMos is a joint venture between the DRDO and the NPOM of Russia.
The highly versatile BrahMos has been operationalised in the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. BrahMos has established itself as a major force multiplier in modern-day complex battlefields with its impeccable land-attack, anti-ship capabilities with multi-role and multi-platform abilities.