Exportability: LCA + BRAHMOS Package

 

Pic courtesy: Raksha anirveda

During Aero India 2019 mock up of Brahmos NG missile was displayed.

During Def Expo 2022 It was announced that the Brahmos NG would be integrated with LCA.

Some of the questions that arise are:-  

1. What is the potential of pairing of the BrahMos NG and the LCA Tejas Mk1A in the global export market?
2. What countries are the likely customers?
3.  What is the advantages of the integrated package?
4. How does the integration help in defence export?
5. What are realistic timelines of integration?
6. What are the challenges?
7. What needs to be done to enhance exportability?

 

Some of the relevant aspects related to the two projects and their integration are as follows (in random order) :-

 

• Government’s efforts towards atmanirbharata has given a boost the defence industry.

 

• Brahmos project is a success story of Indian defence industry.

 

• In addition to the land, sea, air and submarine launched versions, different variants (Air to air and air to ground) with higher ranges (450, 600 and maybe 800km) are also under research.

 

• Besides fire and forget, precision attacks, it can also be used for AWACS busting).

 

• Tejas project although delayed is gathering speed now.

 

• The time lines for the future of Tejas project (i.e. Mk1A, MkII and AMCA) seem to be optimistic. Hope and wish that these timelines are met.

 

• Brahmos NG is a good missile (smaller, lighter, stealthier, and faster) to be integrated with variety of aerial platforms.

 

• Being comparatively lighter, more number of missiles can be carried (4 on SU-30 and 02 on LCA).

 

• Brahmos NG timelines (Qualification trials by 2024 and production thereafter) sort of match the Tejas future timelines (Induction of MkIA in 2024). News report indicate that the foundation stone for the Brahmos NG production facility has already been laid.

 

• The integration of Brahmos NG with LCA would definitely increase its operational capability and export value.

 

• The defence industry would become sustainable by entry into the global market.

 

• Several countries (as reported by the media include Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Argentina, Australia, Egypt, USA) have shown interest in the LCA.

 

• Short listing LCA by Malaysia (down to two contenders) is good for its image. Brahmos integration would provide an edge over other aircraft.

 

• Countries with clash of interests with China could be the potential customers (e.g. Vietnam, Malaysia and Phillipines etc).

 

• Besides common adversary (enemy’s enemy is a friend), it would increase interoperability with them and indirectly enhance collective security.

 

• In addition to countries bordering China and South China Sea, India should also try and export them to neighbouring countries.

 

• The integration and exporting them as a package has few challenges.

• • • Brahmos project being in partnership with Russia may impose restrictions on export to few countries.
    • 100% Indigenous content needs to be attained. 
    • Domestic induction and utilisation is a must.

 

• The package of LCA and Brahmos needs to be  showcased in all the air shows and all the RFIs/RFPs need to be responded. Further we need to adopt a holistic approach addressing aspects related to:-

• • Increase indigenous content.
  • Responsibility as integrator.
  • Quality Control, production standards, Aesthetics, and attention to detail.
  • Safety aspects, audits and practices.
  • Production capability and time punctuality.
  • Working ethos of production agencies.
  • Post sale support, maintainability, sustainability, and reliability.
  • Involvement and management of private sector and MSMEs.
  • Astute project management.
  • Focused eco system (Military, R&D, Academia, and Manufacturers) working in unision with accountability.

 

Bottom Line

 India must become self sufficient in defence production and further enter the global defence export market.

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome

 

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References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lca-to-be-integrated-with-lighter-brahmos-ng-supersonic-cruise-missile-in-few-years/article66040783.ece#:~:text=In%20few%20years%20from%20now,according%20to%20the%20company%20officials.                         

https://eurasiantimes.com/deadly-combo-of-lca-tejas-brahmos-missile-for-malaysia-rmaf/

https://www.iadb.in/2022/10/24/brahmos-ng-lca-tejas-export-pairing-a-lucrative-opportunity-in-the-offing/

https://forceindia.net/feature-report/small-is-lethal/

https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2022/10/tejas-to-be-integrated-with-lighter.html

https://swarajyamag.com/insta/five-brahmos-ng-missiles-all-set-to-be-integrated-with-su-30mki-fighters-lca-tejas-to-get-supersonic-missile-first

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