"Opt for T1, not L1, if you want best defence technology," says former DRDO Director General SK Mishra

Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt General Rajiv Ghai with Air Marshal AK Bharti, Vice Admiral AN Pramod and Major General SS Sharda during a press conference on 'Operation Sindoor'. (PTI Photo)

The most important lesson learnt from testing BrahMos is to opt for 'T1' and not 'L1', as that is the best, and the only, way for India’s defence technology and equipment to help the Indian Armed Forces in times of need, said SK Mishra, former Director General, DRDO.

Speaking at the Powering Bharat Summit on Friday, Mishra explained what he meant by the terms, saying, "T1 means the 'best technology', and L1 means the 'lowest price'. If you choose L1 over T1, you won’t get the best missile system."

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Explaining that BrahMos – a "potent, universal weapon" – has been improved over the years, he said, "BrahMos goes with brute force, and makes it impossible for anyone to stop it. But, it costs a lot more."

"Thousands have contributed in the success of BrahMos. The supersonic missiles range, capability, performance, and accuracy have all improved over time," said Mishra, who played a key role in integrating BrahMos with aircraft Sukhoi 30-MKI. "To improve BrahMos’ capability, we conducted more than 130 tests, and each test helped us make some changes in it," he added.

BrahMos reportedly played a key role in striking military bases within Pakistan during the May 7-10 conflict. The missile, which flies at a speed of 2.8 mach or almost three-times the speed of sound, was first successfully tested on June 12, 2001, from a land-based launcher at the Interim Test Range off the Chandipur coast in Odisha.

Mishra says that as technology progress, we will also be able to come up with ideas to produce it at the best price point. During Operation Sindoor, he says, several Indian systems proved it mettle, and adds, "Indian system, not only AKASH and BrahMos, but also electronic warfare, communication, Indian-made ammunition, radars, etc. showed their strength."

"It has given huge confidence to our armed forces. During the conflict, we were not only fighting with Pakistan, but with China and Turkey too," Mishra highlighted, adding that efforts should be made make India a global leader in defence technology.

During a media briefing on May 12, Air Marshal AK Bharti had said that Pakistani forces had used Chinese-origin PL-15 missiles to attack India, but had missed the target. Turkish drones were also used by Pakistan over the last four days, but were neutralised.