Context

For the second time this year, the Indian Air Force (IAF) fired the “extended-range” version of the BrahMos air-launched missile from a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft.

About

• The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has a two-stage solid propellant booster engine as its first stage which takes it to supersonic speed.
• The second stage is the liquid ramjet engine which takes it closer to Mach 3 (3 times the speed of sound) speed in the cruise phase.
• The BrahMos missile is universal for multiple platforms and can be launched from air, land, and sea platforms.
• The missile works on the 'Fire and Forget principle', meaning it doesn't require further guidance after launch, and it maintains a high supersonic throughout the flight.
• The missile is said to have a low radar signature.

“Extended-Range” version:

• The “extended-range” version means the missile can travel more than 300 km.
• Before India joined the MTCR, the Russian technology of the BrahMos was restricted as the MTCR limits the export of missile technology which can travel beyond 300 km.
• The missile cap of 300 km range on India was lifted after it was inducted into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) six years ago.