Sukhoi-30-launched Brahmos was the primary offensive weapon in Op Sindoor: DRDO chief

When asked about the development of a smaller version of the supersonic cruise missile Brahmos, Kamat said, “Right now it is in the planning stages. We are looking at Brahmos NG which is a smaller version of Brahmos which can then be fitted on all our other aircraft. Today, Brahmos can be fitted only on the Sukhoi-30 MKI platform. But if we can make it smaller, it can be fitted on all our platforms. We are planning to start its development soon.”

Brahmos is an extremely versatile stand-off range ‘fire-and-forget’ type supersonic cruise missile that has proved its capabilities in land-based, ship-based, air launched and submarine-based versions. The Brahmos Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) is the heaviest missile to arm India’s frontline fighter jet Sukhoi-30 MKI.

Speaking about the indigenous light tank Zorawar, Kamat said, “It is at a more advanced stage. We have finished the development trials and we will offer it for user trials starting September.”

Answering a question on defence exports, “Last year, we had defence exports worth nearly Rs 23,000 crore. Based on the interest we are getting now because of the success of our systems in Operation Sindoor, I expect these exports to double in the next two to three years. We should achieve Rs 50,000 crore of exports by 2028-29 which is also the target set to us by the Defence Minister. There is a lot of interest in the Pinaka rocket system, ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System), Brahmos and Akash. I am sure that in the years to come, the exports of these systems will increase.”

When asked about the countries that have shown interest, Kamat said: “I will not go into specifics. But South East Asia, Middle East and Africa are the regions.”

Speaking about the development of Kaveri engine by the DRDO, “When the development of the Kaveri engine was started, it was to be used in the LCA (Light Combat Aircraft.) The thrust required for LCA is about 84 kilonewtons. While the development was successful, the thrust that we could achieve based on our design was about 72 kilonewtons. So, Kaveri could not be fitted on LCA. But we are now modifying Kaveri. After removing its afterburner, we are terming it as Kaveri Derivative which is expected to provide a thrust of 49 kilonewton. It will be used in unmanned combat aerial vehicle programmes. Currently, the high altitude testing of this derivative engine is on and it will be tested on the flying testbed. And then it will be certified.”