Big tension for China, Pakistan as India and Russia developing this weapon…, deadlier than BrahMos, could be big competitor for Chinese DF-26

India and Russia have joined hands to achieve a major advancement in missile technology. They are collaborating on the development of Mach 4.5 BrahMos missile.

New Delhi: In a significant development, India and Russia have again joined hands to make a breakthrough in the missile world. Both countries are jointly developing the Mach 4.5 BrahMos missile. This missile will not only surpass the speed of the current BrahMos missile but will also be a major challenge for China’s DF-26 hypersonic missile. The new variant of the BrahMos missile is being developed under a joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia – BrahMos Aerospace.

What Upgradations Will The New Brahmos Variant Have?

Brahmos can go up to Mach 3 speed but the new variant will be capable of touching Mach 4.5 speed (5,500 kmph). This speed will make the new variant almost unbeatable by the air defence systems, giving India an upper hand on strike capability.

The new variant of BrahMos will be powered by an advanced ramjet engine. This engine is specifically designed to handle extreme temperatures and pressures. New high-temperature alloys, thermal coatings and specialised fuels are being used to make the engine capable of handling 100 percent performance at a high-speed of Mach 4.5.

What Did DRDO Say?

According to DRDO officials, the new BrahMos variant will be capable of precision strikes and will haunt the country’s enemies for the next two-three decades. Notably, the new variant’s development is also connected to the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle or HSTDV programme.

Why India Needs A New Variant Of BrahMos?

The question arises as to why India needs a new variant if it already has Brahmos? The country needs new variant with advanced technology as China is developing advanced air defence systems. New Delhi cannot ignore the fact that Beijing may develop such air defence systems which can intercept India’s existing BrahMos.

HIGHLIGHTS

• India-Russia developing Mach 4.5 BrahMos under DRDO–NPO Mashinostroyenia joint venture.
• New ramjet engine with high-temp alloys to sustain extreme heat at Mach 4.5.
• Next-gen precision strike missile, linked to India’s HSTDV programme.
• Stronger than China’s DF-26, nearly impossible to intercept due to speed & low radar signature.

Why Isn’t It Easy To Reach Mach 4.5?

It is worth mentioning that achieving Mach 4.5 speed is not easy. If a missile flies at such high speed, air friction can cause temperatures to exceed 2,000 degrees Celsius. That is why the team is upgrading its aerodynamic design, thermal protection, and guidance system.

What Did Experts Say?

According to missile experts, the Chinese DF-26 missile, which has a range of over 4,000 km, has a speed between Mach 3.5 and 4. It is also a part of the Dragon’s strategic deterrence. However, the new variant with Mach 4.5 speed not only surpasses the Chinese missile but will also blind enemy air defences, thanks to its low radar signature and advanced navigation system.

It means that intercepting the new variant of the BrahMos will be nearly impossible for any air defence system.