NEW DELHI, February 22. /TASS/. The Russian-Indian BrahMos Aerospace joint venture will sign a contract with the Indian Defense Ministry for the delivery of over 200 supersonic longer-range BrahMos missiles for the national Navy, a government source in New Delhi told TASS.

"The deal has been approved. The contract will be signed in early March," he said.

An appropriation of 190 billion rupees (close to $2.3 billion) has been approved for the acquisition, he added.

BrahMos missile was designed by the Russian NPO mashinostroeniya and the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization. The range of the latest modification was extended from 290 to 450 km. The missile speed exceeds the speed of sound 2.8 times. It can be launched by submarines, warships, coastal complexes and aircraft.