today

With the induction of the 290 km range (at 2.8 times the speed of sound) BrahMos terrain-hugging missile, the Indian Army became the first force in the world to be armed with surface-to-surface supersonic cruise missiles that would provide a tactical battle edge to the army. BrahMos Aerospace was to kickoff the delivery of the missile system in July 2008, but the Indian-Russian joint venture has beaten that deadline quite comfortably and set the stage for working on a hypersonic version capable of flying at up to eight times the speed of sound. "I visualise long range hypersonic cruise missiles not only delivering pay loads, but also returning to base after the mission" Kalam said.

The US, French and Chinese armies have only subsonic cruise missiles in their armoury. India has already inducted ship-borne version of the BrahMos missile and defence scientists are working on developing submarine and aircraft launched version of the missile.

The army plans to induct three missile batteries, each with four road mobile autonomous launchers, to raise its first BrahMos regiment. The government has approved three BrahMos regiments.

IMO: It seems to be a properly developed missile and could have useful implications in many areas including space technology.