Question

Which of the following facts are correct about the strategic importance of BRAHMOS?

1. Its speed allows it to evade most modern missile defense systems.

2. Its low-altitude sea-skimming makes it difficult to intercept.

3. Its range limitations prevent it from being useful in high-altitude combat.

• A. 1 & 2 only
• B. 1 & 3 only
• C. 2 & 3 only
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 & 2 only

• Correct Answer: Option A)1 & 2 only

• The BrahMos missile is an Indo-Russian jointly developed supersonic cruise missile that has several strategic advantages:

• Speed advantage (Statement 1 is correct): BrahMos is one of the world's fastest cruise missiles, traveling at speeds of Mach 2.8-3.0 (approximately 3,400-3,700 km/h). This supersonic speed makes it extremely difficult for existing missile defense systems to track and intercept it, as most defense systems are designed to counter subsonic or slower missiles. The missile gives very little reaction time to the enemy.

• Sea-skimming capability (Statement 2 is correct): BrahMos can fly at very low altitudes (as low as 10 meters) following the contours of the terrain or sea surface. This "sea-skimming" ability helps it avoid radar detection until it's very close to the target, making interception extremely challenging. This feature is particularly valuable in naval warfare.

• Range capabilities (Statement 3 is incorrect): BrahMos does not have range limitations that prevent it from being useful in high-altitude combat. On the contrary, it's a versatile missile system that can be launched from multiple platforms (ships, submarines, aircraft, and land-based mobile launchers) and can engage targets at various altitudes. The missile has variants with ranges up to 450-600 km and can be effectively used in mountainous terrain and high-altitude combat scenarios.