The Hindu : National : Manmohan: Russia a trusted defence supplier

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Thursday, Jun 29, 2006

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National

Manmohan: Russia a trusted defence supplier

Lauds all those involved in the Brahmos missile project

New Delhi : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday that the supersonic cruise missile BrahMos, co-produced by India and Russia, had been inducted into the Navy and would soon be part of the other wings of the armed forces.

Dr. Singh announced this at a gathering of top officers, scientists and engineers from India and Russia and representatives from industrial units involved in the missile's production, while on a visit to the BrahMos Aerospace complex here.

Describing Russia as a ``traditional and trusted'' supplier of defence systems, Dr. Singh said a new meaning had emerged through this successful strategic partnership by elevating ties to the joint design, development and production of weapons.

``India is now operating on the frontiers of modern science and technology. The shining example of mastery over complex processes of technology is this joint venture project, BrahMos...This has become a shining example of successful international cooperation,'' he said.

Dr. Singh, who was at the complex for an hour, was shown the weapon system, comprising the launch vehicle and the mobile command post, as well as the complete launch sequence.

The missile, which can be launched from a ship, a submarine and a warplane, has a strike range of 290 km and a speed of nearly 3,500 km an hour.

Lauding the scientists, engineers and officers of the armed forces for conceptualising and articulating the research and development of the missile project, he said he was delighted by the involvement of a large number of public and private industries in development of the BrahMos, which derives its names from the Brahmaputra and Moscow rivers.

President's role

Dr. Singh referred to the role played by President A P J Abdul Kalam in shaping the venture.

BrahMos chief A Sivathanu Pillai and Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister M Natarajan briefed the Prime Minister about the missile's advanced fire control and guidance systems.

Mr. Pillai briefed the Prime Minister about the joint venture partners — NPOM of Russia and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Mr. Natarajan, who is also Director General of DRDO, highlighted the strong consortium network of public and private industries that had reduced the development time for the missile. — PTI

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