(Source: Times of India News network; issued Dec. 14, 2004)
Times of India News Network
PUNE, India --- As many as 10 countries have shown interest in Brahmos — the new generation supersonic cruise missile — jointly developed by India and Russia, and have made enquiries about the possibility of acquiring them, a senior official from the defence research and development organisation (DRDO) said, adding that at least three "trusted nations" have been short-listed by both the countries.
When contacted, A Sivathanu Pillai, the CEO and managing director of Brahmos Aerospace — the Indo-Russian joint venture company — besides being the chief controller (research and development) of Defence and Research Organisation (DRDO), only said the export of Brahmos will be strictly restricted to friendly third-world countries.
"We have received enquiries from some countries, but it won't be proper to disclose any names at this stage," he said, adding that both the governments would take a necessary decision as deemed fit.
While pointing out that the 290 km-range cruise missile — that can be launched from a variety of land, sea, sub-sea or air-based platforms — is already proving to be hit amongst many nations, senior DRDO officials said a decision to import will be taken only after seriously considering the security aspects of both nations.
"Both the Russian and Indian governments have decided that only those countries which can be trusted buy both sides will be considered for importing the missile," a scientist working at one of the DRDO labs said.
It may be recalled here that DRDO had recently test-fired the naval version of Brahmos, while efforts are now on to develop a similar version, capable of being launched from an aircraft.
While Brahmos Aerospace already has a tie-up with Russia's Rosoboronexport State Corporation to globally market Brahmos for both naval and air platforms, officials said a plan on joint export promotion of Brahmos has already been prepared and submitted to both the governments for approval.
The plan was prepared by Pillai and Andrey Beliyaninov, the director-general of Rosoboronexport, besides another senior member," a DRDO official said, adding that the matter was also discussed during Russian president Vladimir Putin's recent visit to India, and has also been given the go-ahead.
The plan envisages undertaking joint marketing activities, aimed at promotion of Brahmos to foreign countries.
http://www.defense-aerospace.com/c...2659089.Qbk@EcOa9dUAAHHxX4A&modele=jdc_34
Times of India News Network
PUNE, India --- As many as 10 countries have shown interest in Brahmos — the new generation supersonic cruise missile — jointly developed by India and Russia, and have made enquiries about the possibility of acquiring them, a senior official from the defence research and development organisation (DRDO) said, adding that at least three "trusted nations" have been short-listed by both the countries.
When contacted, A Sivathanu Pillai, the CEO and managing director of Brahmos Aerospace — the Indo-Russian joint venture company — besides being the chief controller (research and development) of Defence and Research Organisation (DRDO), only said the export of Brahmos will be strictly restricted to friendly third-world countries.
"We have received enquiries from some countries, but it won't be proper to disclose any names at this stage," he said, adding that both the governments would take a necessary decision as deemed fit.
While pointing out that the 290 km-range cruise missile — that can be launched from a variety of land, sea, sub-sea or air-based platforms — is already proving to be hit amongst many nations, senior DRDO officials said a decision to import will be taken only after seriously considering the security aspects of both nations.
"Both the Russian and Indian governments have decided that only those countries which can be trusted buy both sides will be considered for importing the missile," a scientist working at one of the DRDO labs said.
It may be recalled here that DRDO had recently test-fired the naval version of Brahmos, while efforts are now on to develop a similar version, capable of being launched from an aircraft.
While Brahmos Aerospace already has a tie-up with Russia's Rosoboronexport State Corporation to globally market Brahmos for both naval and air platforms, officials said a plan on joint export promotion of Brahmos has already been prepared and submitted to both the governments for approval.
The plan was prepared by Pillai and Andrey Beliyaninov, the director-general of Rosoboronexport, besides another senior member," a DRDO official said, adding that the matter was also discussed during Russian president Vladimir Putin's recent visit to India, and has also been given the go-ahead.
The plan envisages undertaking joint marketing activities, aimed at promotion of Brahmos to foreign countries.
http://www.defense-aerospace.com/c...2659089.Qbk@EcOa9dUAAHHxX4A&modele=jdc_34
