Dr A Sivathanu Pillai, the brain behind the BrahMos missile, revealed how the 1990s Gulf War inspired India's supersonic cruise missile development. While studying at Harvard in 1991, Pillai observed the Tomahawk missile's crucial role and discussed with Dr Kalam the need for India's own cruise missile capability.

Following Kalam's suggestion, Pillai approached Russia, where Dr G.A. Yefremov offered their unique supersonic engine technology. This led to the Indo-Russian joint venture creating BrahMos, named after Indian river Brahmaputra and Russian river Moskva.

The two-stage missile travels at Mach 3 speeds, cruises up to 15km altitude, and strikes as low as 10 metres. Its "fire and forget" system, low radar signature, and high kinetic energy make it exceptionally difficult to intercept.