An advanced version of the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile system was successfully test fired by the Indian Army at the Pokhran test range in Rajasthan at 10.55 a.m. on Monday.
The Block III variant of the Brahmos with deep penetration capability was test launched from a Mobile Autonomous Launcher (MAL) deployed in full configuration with Mobile command Post (MCP).
After being launched, the missile followed the predetermined trajectory and successfully pierced the designated concrete structure at bull's eye owing to sheer velocity of the missile.
"The launch has successfully validated the deep penetration capability of the supersonic cruise missile system against hardened targets," a Brahmos official said.
Corp Commander Lt. General Amit Sharma, who witnessed the launch along with the General Officer Commanding and other senior officers from the Indian Army congratulated the operational army team for the successful launch.
The CEO and MD of Brahmos, A. Sivathanu Pillai, along with senior defence ministry officials and scientists from DRDO and BrahMos Aerospace also witnessed the launch.
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The Block III variant of land-attack Brahmos has already established its credence in achieving supersonic steep dive with precision strike capability in mountain operations.
The army has inducted two regiments of the missile in its arsenal, while the third regiment induction is in progress.
The sanction by the government for the fourth regiment of the highly maneuverable steep dive capable missile for deployment in hilly terrains is awaited.
The 290-km Brahmos flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach and carries a conventional warhead of up to 300 kg.
The missile can be launched from multiple platforms including land, sea, sub-sea and air.
Both the army and vavy have already inducted the missile in service, while the air-version of the weapon is scheduled to be flight tested by the Indian Air Force soon.