MUMBAI (PTI): The Indian Air Force has chosen its frontline Sukhoi-30 fighter jets as the platform to mount the supersonic BRAHMOS missiles, whose first test launch will be carried out by the end of 2014, a top official said Thursday.
"We have chosen Sukhoi-30. That is a deep penetration aircraft which is being produced at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Nashik facility in collaboration with the Russians," BrahMos Aerospace managing director and chief executive officer Dr. A S Pillai told reporters in Mumbai.
He said an air version of the BRAHMOS missile is ready, but testing, simulations and aircraft modifications will take a year more and the final flight with the missile will happen only by the end of 2014.
Under a contract, BrahMos Aerospace has to deliver the supersonic cruise missile to the IAF starting 2015 and Dr. Pillai exuded confidence that the deadline will be met.
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