Brahmos, the supersonic cruise missile developed jointly with Russia, will be inducted into the Navy before the end of next year.Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Madhvendra Singh today said that development trials of the missile have been completed and user trials are underway. ‘‘The Navy is taking the lead in the induction of BrahMos. We have given a Destroyer to the Defence Research and Developmet Organisation (DRDO) and the BrahMos Missile Corporation for user trials. We hope the trials will be completed this year, and we expect to have it installed in at least one naval ship by 2005,’’ he said.On the signing of the Gorshkov deal, Admiral Singh said: ‘‘We were facing an urgent need for an aircraft carrier as the Viraat is in its last phase. Gorshkov will be inducted into the Navy in 52 months from the date of signing the agreement.’’ Under ideal conditions, the Navy needs at least three aircraft carriers, he added.Admiral Singh also noted that the country’s long-range reconnaissance ability leaves much to be desired, especially after the crash of two IL-39s during the Goan air show. ‘‘The Navy lacks long-range maritime aircraft. Currently, we have 11 such aircraft, but we need a minimum of 30 patrol aircraft. We are looking at various options, including the P3C-Orion from the US.’’ India had earlier expressed its concern when US sold three P3C- Orions to Pakistan in the nineties.
