CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The supersonic cruise missile BrahMos has an extended range that allows it to hit targets up to 500 km away. The earlier target range was around 290 km. “The IAF successfully fired the extended-range version of the BrahMos air-launched missile.

Detailed explanation-2: -While the Air Launched version of the BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile has been tested multiple times in the recent past, the Extended Range Version which is said to have capability of striking the targets located at around 350 kilometre compared to around 290 kilometre for the initial version.

Detailed explanation-3: -The range of the missile was originally capped at 290 kms as per obligations of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). Following India’s entry into the club in June 2016, DRDO officials had stated that the range would be extended to 450 km and to 600 km at a later stage.

Detailed explanation-4: -BRAHMOS is the only known versatile supersonic cruise missile system which is in service. Hypersonic cruise missile travels at a speed of more than 5 Mach. Many countries are working to develop hypersonic cruise missiles.

Detailed explanation-5: -Explanation: BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile named after two rivers, the Brahmaputra in India and the Moskva in Russia.