Thailand is currently in talks with India over importing BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, The Hindu has reported. If the sale materialises, it will be the first export of the BrahMos missile by India.
Cruise missile BrahMos on display at IMDS-2007 (Picture source: One half 3544)
According to the Hindu, “Negotiations are on. It may not happen this year, but most likely next year,” diplomatic sources said. While Thailand expressed interest in the missiles some time back, discussions picked pace after the visit of Royal Thai Navy Chief Admiral Ruddit to India in December last year.
In May this year, an Indian defence official confirmed that several southeast Asian countries had shown interest in the missile. The first missile export contract is awaitng a government-to-government approval, he added.
India's military has been using the BrahMos missile across the various service branches as a strike and anti-ship weapon.
The missile can be launched from submarine, ships, aircraft,or land and travels at speeds of Mach 2.8 to 3.0, which is being upgraded to Mach 5.0.
