The supersonic missile was launched from a warship and it successfully hit a target at sea, defence officials said in Bhubaneshwar off the Bay of Bengal where India conducts its tests.

The BrahMos, a 280-kilometre (173-mile) range missile which will arm Indian warships and submarines, has been tested five times since its development by Indian and Russian experts in 2001.

India, which put the BrahMos on display at its January 26 Republic Day military parade, says an unspecified number of countries are interested in buying the cruise missile, which carries a conventional warhead.

India has developed an array of ballistic missiles in its goal to achieve military self-reliance and eventually become a major player in the international arms bazaar.

WAR.WIRE