The Cost of Misfiring: BrahMos Missile Incident Costs India 24 Crore

It was a sunny day in January when a BrahMos missile misfired into Pakistan. The incident, which could have potentially ignited a military conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations, not only caused a diplomatic crisis but also cost India 24 crore.

The BrahMos missile, which is jointly developed by India and Russia, is one of the most lethal weapons in India's arsenal. It has a range of 300 km and can be launched from land, sea, and air. The missile has been successfully tested multiple times and has been in service since 2007. However, on that fateful day, the missile failed to hit its intended target and landed in Pakistan's territory.

The incident was a major embarrassment for India's defense establishment and raised questions about the reliability of its weapons systems. Moreover, it exposed the vulnerabilities of India's defense infrastructure and highlighted the need for more investments in research and development.

The Economic Cost of Misfiring

The BrahMos missile incident not only had a strategic impact but also had an economic cost. The cost of each BrahMos missile is estimated to be around 30 crore. India had deployed 12 BrahMos missiles along the border with Pakistan, and the misfiring of one missile cost India 24 crore.

This incident highlights the need for India to develop a more indigenous defense industry that can manufacture weapons systems at a lower cost. India is heavily dependent on imports for its defense equipment, which not only makes it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions but also increases the cost of procurement.

Lessons Learned from the Incident

The BrahMos missile incident offers some important lessons for India's defense establishment:

Invest in Research and Development: India needs to invest more in research and development to develop more reliable and cost-effective weapons systems. This will not only enhance the country's defense capabilities but also boost its economy by creating high-tech jobs.
Diversify Procurement: India needs to diversify its procurement sources and reduce its dependence on a single supplier. This will not only reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions but also create a more competitive market that can lead to lower prices.
Improve Quality Control: India needs to improve its quality control procedures to ensure that all weapons systems meet the required standards. This will not only enhance the country's defense capabilities but also prevent embarrassing incidents like the BrahMos missile misfiring.

Conclusion

The BrahMos missile incident was a wake-up call for India's defense establishment. It highlighted the need for more investments in research and development, diversification of procurement sources, and improvement of quality control procedures. By taking these steps, India can enhance its defense capabilities, reduce its dependence on imports, and boost its economy.

References

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/brahmos-missile-damage-due-to-security-personal-negligence-drdo-probe-2655185
https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/brahmos-missile-misfire-india-s-broader-lessons-of-cultivating-indigenous-defence-capabilities-122012201158_1.html

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