Aircraft
First Indian BrahMos Squadron Commissioned
Based in southern India, No. 222 Squadron now operates the Su-30MKI with the BrahMos supersonic surface attack weapon.
A Sukhoi Su-30MKI conducts the first air -launch of the BrahMos missile in November 2017. The aft portion of the weapon is a jettisonable rocket booster to accelerate it after launch. (Photo: Indian MoD)
A Sukhoi Su-30MKI conducts the first air -launch of the BrahMos missile in November 2017. The aft portion of the weapon is a jettisonable rocket booster to accelerate it after launch. (Photo: Indian MoD)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has commissioned its first squadron of Sukhoi Su-30MKIs equipped with the Mach 2.8 BrahMos-A (Air) supersonic anti-ship/cruise missile (PJ-10). No. 222 Squadron “Tigersharks” was inducted at Air Force Station Thanjavur in the southern state of Tamil Nadu on January 20. Outstanding issues associated with the missile’s structure, carriage, and ignition system have now been resolved.

The squadron, which previously operated the MiG-27, will operate closely with the Indian Army and Navy as part of an effort to get the ball rolling in terms of jointness of the Indian Armed Forces, explained Chief of Integrated Staff General Bipin Rawat in his address. He added that the Su-30MKI with the BrahMos would be a “game-changer that will extensively enhance the security of the maritime domain.” Thanjavur was chosen as the base for the establishment of the BrahMos-equipped Su-30MKI squadron because of its strategic location, commented Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, chief of the air staff.

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