18 November 2013 Current Affairs
Brahmos Supersonic Cruise Missile Test Fired Successfully
An advanced version of the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile system was successfully test fired by the Indian Army at the Pokhran test range in Rajasthan on 18 November.The Block III variant of the Brahmos with deep penetration capability was test launched from a Mobile Autonomous Launcher (MAL) deployed in full configuration with Mobile command Post (MCP).After being launched, the missile followed the predetermined trajectory and successfully pierced the designated concrete structure at bull’s eye owing to sheer velocity of the missile.The launch has successfully validated the deep penetration capability of the supersonic cruise missile system against hardened targets.The Block III variant of land-attack Brahmos has already established its credence in achieving supersonic steep dive with precision strike capability in mountain operations.The army has inducted two regiments of the missile in its arsenal, while the third regiment induction is in progress.The 290-km Brahmos flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach and carries a conventional warhead of up to 300 kg.The missile can be launched from multiple platforms including land, sea, sub-sea and air.Both the army and vavy have already inducted the missile in service, while the air-version of the weapon is scheduled to be flight tested by the Indian Air Force soon.
India and Russia Decided To Hold First Ever Joint Air Force Exercises In 2014
India and Russia on 18 November agreed to expand the range of strategic partnership in a significant manner in Moscow. The two countries will also hold a Joint Air Force Level exercise for the first time in 2014.The decision was taken during the 13th Meeting of the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRITC-MTC) and it was co chaired by AK Antony, the Defence Minister of India and His counterpart of Russia, Sergey Shoigu. This decision was taken by the two countries within two days after commissioning of INS Vikramadatya into Indian Navy.