Efforts on to launch BrahMos from submarines, air platforms

Efforts were on to develop systems which could be used to launch the BrahMos cruise missiles from submarines and air platforms, a top official said on Wedsnesday.

"We are working with the Indian Navy in this regard," Chief Executive Officer of BrahMos Aerospace Limited A Sivathanu Pillai told reporters on the sidelines of an international symposium on 'Ocean Electronics' in Kochi.

Observing that Sukhoi-30 would be a platform for the launch of BrahMos missiles from air, he said technology for firing it from the air platform would be completed by 2009.

He maintained that Indian Navy was highly 'pro-active' in indigenising systems. Indigenous sonars developed by the Defence Research an Development Organistaion were being used by the navy, he said adding that DRDO has also developed multiple-use sonar systems for installation in the submarines.

Pillai said DRDO has also developed expertise in light-weight torpedoes, which can be fired from ships and helicopters.

It was now in the process of developing heavy weight torpedoes, he said, noting that the homing device in torpedoes has already been developed.