Chinese firm tests missile to rival BrahMos

BEIJING: A Chinese mining company has said it has test fired a supersonic missile that can compete with the product of the Russian joint venture BrahMos missile. It plans to sell the missiles to Pakistan and Middle East countries.

State media said that the test was conducted at a discreet location in North China on Monday while verifying its launch power and flight control systems.

The company, Guangdong Hongda Blasting Company, said all parameters for the supersonic flight of the HD-1 missile achieved their estimated values.

"The test flight shows that the HD-1's core components are now mature, with its aerodynamic design, materials and overall structure already proven viable," Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military analyst, told the Global Times.

The company said it had independently invested and developed the missile system. But knowledgeable circles said there was no way a mining company would venture into sensitive military production unless it was asked to do so by the government.

“The BrahMos missile is more expensive and less useful supersonic cruise missile developed by Russia and India,” Wei said.

It is significant that a Chinese company was publicly criticizing a crucial military hardware from Russia, which has a close relationship with China.

Wei said Pakistan and Middle East countries are likely to buy the new missile.

The HD-1 has abilities for command and control and target identification besides a comprehensive support system, the company said in a statement.

The missile can work on the surface as well as be adopted to fit aircrafts and ships, it said.

The company has invested $188 million on the missile system.