The first launch of BrahMos (joint venture between Russia and India) missile from Su-30MKI fighter operated by Indian air forces is scheduled for March 2015, RIA Novosti reports with reference to the CEO of NPO Mashinostroeniya Alexander Dergachev.

The first supersonic BrahMos cruise missile developed by Russia in cooperation with India was delivered to Indian armed forces in 2005. Its range is 290 km and it is capable of carrying a warhead with a weight of up to 300 kg. Ground and sea tests of the missile have been successfully completed; Su-30MKI fighters will be fitted with this missile.

“The flight testing of Su-30MKI aircraft with a full-scale mockup of the missile has been started. The pilots are practicing takeoff and landing. The first test launch of the missile is scheduled for March 2015,” Dergachev said.

According to him, two upgraded Su-30MKI fitted with the full-scale mockups are taking part in the test program.

Last August Managing Director of BrahMos Aerospace Sudhir Mishra said that in accordance with the contract Su-30MKI fitted with BrahMos missile should be put into service in 2016.

The missile is manufactured by BrahMos Aerospace (joint venture established by Russia and India in 1998); the company was named after two rivers: Brahmaputra and Moskva river. The JV was established by Defense Research and Development Organization (India) and NPO Mashinostroeniya (Russia). The Russian party owns 49,5% of the company’s shares; the rest 50,5% are owned by DRDO.