Trials near for Indian missile

India is vigorously pursuing its missile programme

By Habib Beary BBC reporter in Bangalore

India and Russia are gearing up for final trials of a supersonic cruise missile that will be jointly produced in India.

The Brahmos missile is capable of delivering a warhead weighing up to 300 kilograms and has a range of 300 kilometres (187 miles).

Once the final trials take place, we will go for in full production with Russia

Dr VK Atre, Indian defence adviser

It will be used by the armed forces of both countries, before being marketed globally.

India and Russia plan to sell the missiles to friendly countries, which they say they will identify by mutual consent.

Speaking in the southern Indian city of Bangalore, India's scientific adviser to the Defence Ministry Dr VK Aatre said final trials of Brahmos would take place in the next two months.

"Once the final trials take place, we will go for in full production with Russia," he told the BBC.

Tests

Brahmos can be launched from multiple platforms, including mobile launchers and ships, and from ground and air delivery systems.

Brahmos is a short range missile like the Prithvi

The missile uses a Russian propulsion system and a guidance system from India.

It was successfully test fired for the first time from the intermediate test range at Chandipur-on-sea in Orissa last year and subsequently in April this year.

The name Brahmos signifies the spirit of collaboration between India and Russia by linking the names of the mighty Indian river Brahmaputra in the north-east and the Moscow river which flows through the Russian capital.

The missile will be displayed at the international air show to be held in Bangalore next February.