India, Russia to develop 600-km range Brahmos missiles capable of taking down specific targets

Indian defence's strike capabilities is set to take a giant leap forward with India and Russia deciding to jointly develop a new generation of Brahmos missiles with 600 km-plus range and an ability to hit protected targets with pinpoint accuracy. 

According to reports in leading journals, the 600 km-plus range shall enable these missiles to strike anywhere within Pakistan. New Delhi's initiative to join Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in June this year has been largely credited for working out the Indo-Russian collaboration to to produce these missiles.

Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) guidelines prohibit its members from transfer, sale or joint production of missiles beyond 300-km range with countries outside the club. 

Brahmos cruise missile has a current range of 300 km, which isnt good enough to hit targets deep inside Pakistan. India has ballistic missiles with longer range than the next generation Brahmos. But Brahmos' ability to take down specific targets, even well-protected ones, makes it a potential game changer in any conflict with Pakistan.

Ballistic missiles are powered for the initial half of their flight path and they use gravity to complete their trajectory. But cruise missiles are powered throughout.