In what has given a boost to the chances of the missile to be made mandatory on board the next generation conventional submarines that the navy is set to procure, a successful launch of the Brahmos missile was carried out on Wednesday from an underwater launcher with the weapon system being tested to its full range of 290 km.

The test, the first by a supersonic cruise missile launched vertically from under the sea, met all mission objectives and was tracked through several navy ships and radars stations that confirmed the "pin point accuracy" of the system.

The successful launch has made the case for fitting the missile on board the next generation of submarines  six of which are to be procured for a cost of over Rs 50,000 crore  even stronger, with the CEO of Brahmos asserting that very little modifications will be required to integrate the system on board all the four competing vessels.

"We have asked the navy to take a broad view on fitting the missile on the new submarines. It will give them unique fire power as the missile can target both ships as well as ground targets. With this test it is ready for fitment on the next generation submarines in vertical launch configuration," Dr A S Pillai told The Indian Express.

The top scientist said all four manufacturers who are expected to compete for the multi-billion dollar contract  HDW, DCNS, Rosoboronexport and Navantia  have been consulted on the missile and it has generally been agreed that the Brahmos can be integrated on board the submarines with minimal modifications that will not impact their performance.

"What we are saying is that conventional submarines do not usually have vertically launched missiles. But if we have the Brahmos, with only marginal modifications, it will give a unique fire power. The missile will have 360 degree coverage and the same missile can target both ships and land targets," Pillai said, adding that other than the launch platform, the submarine version of the missile is identical to the ones that has been fitted on board ships for the Indian Navy.

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