Bangalore: Indian defence scientists would conduct final trials of 'BRAHMOS' (standing for Brahmaputra and Moscow), the world's first supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia, in the next two months, a top defence official said on December 12.

Dr V K Aatre, scientific advisor to Defence Minister, told reporters here 'BRAHMOS', which is capable of being launched from a variety of platforms, has tremendous scope in the global market.

He noted that India and Russia have formed a joint venture for the project. Defence sources said India has 61 per cent stake in it with remaining being held by Russia.

The sources said with a 280-km range and supersonic cruise capability, this missile is the first of its kind in the world, and incorporates the most advanced technologies.

Aatre, who earlier attended a function, said BRAHMOS would be displayed at the International Aero Show to be held in Bangalore in February. He said 'Lakshya' aircraft has been successfully demonstrated in a foreign country, which is expected to place orders for a dozen numbers soon.

Aatre, who is also chief of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), said battlefield surveillance radars are undergoing final trials. Production of such radars could be started in six to eight months once clearance is given, he added.

On development of 'Kaveri engine', he said it needs to be sent overseas for high altitude tests, a facility India does not have.

To a question, he said DRDO is getting "overwhelming response" to recruitment, adding, it has recruited 750 people this year. He hoped to recruit a similar number annually in the next two to three years.

Aatre said with slowdown in the information technology sector, DRDO could attract people from Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and major engineering colleges in the country.

PTI