India has ordered BrahMos fire-control systems and launchers for Navy ships in a Rs 661.50 crore deal. What exactly is being bought? The fire-control system is the equipment that aims the missile. It links the BrahMos weapon to the warship's combat system, processes targeting data and commands the launch. The launchers hold and fire the missile. Together they let a ship engage targets at sea and on land. BrahMos is the Navy's primary surface-to-surface missile for maritime strike. It flies at 2.8 times the speed of sound, making it one of the world's fastest cruise missiles. Standard range is up to 290 km, with extended-range variants reaching beyond 400 km. It can strike with pinpoint accuracy and skims just 5 to 10 metres above the sea in its final phase to dodge radar. It carries a 200 to 300 kg conventional warhead. The new order mandates 68 per cent indigenous content, involves Indian MSMEs and will generate employment over three years.