India-Russian joint venture BrahMos Aerospace demonstrated what it calls the “fastest cruise missile system in the world” at the LAAD (Latin America Aerospace and Defence) show in Rio de Janeiro from April 1–4.
The BrahMos missile system can target targets on land or at sea and can reach speeds of up to Mach 3, or three times the speed of sound. The 3-ton missile can reach heights of up to 15 kilometers and has a 290-kilometer flight range. It is said to be nine times more effective in combat than conventional missiles, making it a powerful weapon.
The BrahMos missile uses a two-stage propulsion system: a liquid-fueled ramjet for prolonged supersonic cruise and a solid-propellant rocket for initial acceleration. Compared to pure rocket propulsion systems, this design guarantees higher fuel efficiency, enabling a longer range. The missile’s tactical advantage is increased by its speed and accuracy, which make it challenging to intercept.
BrahMos Aerospace expressed hope that Brazil’s military would express interest in purchasing the system, highlighting the close collaboration between Brazil and India. More than 45,000 people attended the LAAD exhibition, the biggest defense forum in Latin America, which drew more than 200 delegations from 40 nations.
There are technically faster cruise missiles, such as Russia’s Kh-47M2 “Kinzhal,” which can reach Mach 10, even though BrahMos is referred to as the fastest supersonic cruise missile. However, because of its trajectory, the Kinzhal is frequently categorized as an aero-ballistic missile.
