Bengaluru: It’s a big day as India test-fired the land-attack version of the BrahMos cruise missile near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean.

Reports add that this test is the first of the many to come in the next few weeks. 

Reports further add that India had conducted at least three test-launches of the missile ahead of the test which took place today. The missile was test-fired by the DRDO from a ground-based launcher on 30 September, launched by the Indian Navy from INS Chennai on 18 October and fired by a Su-30 MKI on 30 October.

According to ANI, the test was conducted by the Indian Army from one of the islands, part of the A&N island chain. The target, which was located on another island, was hit successfully by the cruise missile.

It might be recalled that, on September 30, India had successfully test-fired extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

The missile can easily hit targets as far as over 400 kilometres away.

As reported, the test was carried out under the PJ-10 program of DRDO and involved the usage of a booster which has been Made-In-India. Under this extended range program, DRDO is ready with missiles with a range of 500 kilometres.

Websites also noted that changes have been made in the Ramjet engine and the fuel injection system thereby providing the missile the capability to fly much longer than its initial 300-kilometre range. These changes include digitising part of the fuel injection system and software changes.

DRDO is also testing the missile to fly at higher altitude to increase its range by taking advantage of the lower air friction.

DRDO has said that will make changes to the BrahMos as per requirements which may include changes to the missile's range, speed and stealth capabilities.