F-22A Raptor fighter take-off using afterburners

First Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter launch of BrahMos missile to occur in 2016

The first launch of BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile from a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter will be carried out in early 2016, head of Russian-Indian BrahMos Aerospace enterprise Sudhir Mishra told RIA Novosti Tuesday.Speaking at the International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS air show outside Moscow, Mishra told RIA Novosti that first flights with a launcher went well.

"After this, a test launch of a mock missile will be carried out, and then final testing with a regular missile from a plane. We hope that this will take place in the beginning of 2016," Mishra said.
The BrahMos chief executive said the supersonic missile's integration with the Su-30MKI multi-role fighter would supply India with a long-range weapon without endangering the aircraft.

"After all, the Su-30 can fly with aerial refuelling a distance of about 3,500 kilometers [over 1,800 miles], and the BRAHMOS' long range allows it to be launched from a safe distance," Mishra stressed. The missile's flight range is 290 km.

The estimated $425-million supersonic missiles capable of flying at supersonic speeds of up to Mach 3 (over 2,200 mph) are expected to be fitted in the Indian Navy's three Talwar-class frigates and three Delhi-class destroyers, all built in collaboration with Russia.