different tactical role. Its Mach 2.8 speed means that it cannot be intercepted by some existing missile defence systems and its precision makes it lethal to water targets. Although BrahMos was primarily an anti-ship missile, the BrahMos Block III can also engage land-based targets. It can be launched either in a vertical or inclined position and is capable of covering targets over a 360-degree horizon. The BrahMos missile has an identical configuration for land, sea, and sub-sea platforms. The air-launched version has a smaller booster and additional tail fins for added stability during launch. The BrahMos has currently been configured for aerial deployment with the Su-30MKI as its carrier. On 5 September 2010 BrahMos created a record for the first supersonic steep dive. The BrahMos missile also utilises a "fire-and-forget" system, requiring no additional input from the operator once the missile has been launched. Variants Surface-launched, Block I Ship-launched, anti-ship variant (Operational) Ship-launched, land-attack variant (Operational) Land-launched, land-attack variant (Operational) Land-launched, anti-ship variant (In induction) Surface-launched, upgraded variants BrahMos Block II land-attack variant (Operational) BrahMos Block III land-variant (In induction) Anti-aircraft carrier variant (tested in March 2012) – the missile gained the capability to attack aircraft carriers using the supersonic vertical dive variant of the missile that could travel up to 290 km. Air-launched Air-launched, anti-ship variant (Operational) Air-launched, land-attack variant (Operational) Submarine-launched Submarine-launched, anti-ship variant – Tested successfully for the first time from a submerged pontoon on 20 March 2013. Submarine-launched, land-attack variant (under development, expected completion in 2011) Operators India and Russia intend to make 2,000 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles over the next ten years through their joint venture company, and nearly 50% of them are expected to be exported to friendly countries. The Brahmos headquarters complex is located at New Delhi and consists of a design centre and aerospace knowledge centre. The integration complex is located at Hyderabad and a production centre is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Another assembly line is being established at Pilani. India Indian Army The Brahmos Block was inducted into the army on 21 June 2007. The Brahmos has been inducted in three regiments of the Indian Army. The army has raised one regiment (numbered 861) of the Mark I and two missile regiments of the BrahMos Mark II, numbered 881 and 1889. The first regiment with five mobile launcher cost $83 million to set up. Each of the two new regiments would have