India's first indigenous warhead for the BrahMos supersonic missile is set to be delivered from Nagpur on Thursday by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), marking a significant step in the country's efforts to increase self-reliance in defence manufacturing, as per a report by TOI.
The delivery will coincide with the handover of the 100th missile booster produced by the company, which manufactures propulsion system boosters for missiles capable of striking targets up to 290 kilometres away.
Major boost to indigenisation
The development is considered an important milestone in India's defence indigenisation programme, particularly because it involves participation from the private sector.
According to sources, while India already possesses missile manufacturing capabilities, it has relied on Russia for warheads, a critical component of the missile system. The indigenous warhead is expected to reduce that dependence.
Warhead developed through DRDO technology transfer
Sources told TOI that the warhead was developed by SDAL under a technology transfer arrangement with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
DRDO began efforts to develop an indigenous warhead between 2017 and 2018. The upcoming trials are expected to mark the beginning of warhead production within India.
The warhead will be delivered to the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, a DRDO facility in Chandigarh, where it will undergo testing before being inducted into service.
The delivery will be received by BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi.
Role of the warhead in a missile system
According to sources, the warhead is the component responsible for striking the target. Equipped with seekers, it can lock onto a target and carry out a precision strike.
A missile system consists of three primary components. The booster propels the missile after launch, the sustainer engine keeps it in flight, and the warhead delivers the final strike on the target.
BrahMos saw operational use during Operation Sindoor
Sources noted that the BrahMos missile demonstrated its effectiveness during Operation Sindoor, reports TOI.
The delivery of the indigenous warhead and the commencement of trials are expected to advance India's capability to manufacture key missile components domestically and strengthen indigenous defence production.
