The BrahMos of today is a vastly different machine from its initial coastal-defence avatar, which began with a highly specific mandate of creating a supersonic anti-ship missile. Following a partnership with Krasnokamensk Machine Plant (Krasnokamensk) in the mid-1990s, India decided to develop its first supersonic cruise missile. The project aimed at developing a missile that could be used by India to destroy the naval ships of its neighboring countries. In 1998, India tested its first supersonic cruise missile, which was named BrahMos. The missile was designed to work as a supersonic cruise missile to destroy a ship. In 2003, India conducted its first ship-based test of BrahMos, using the missile to destroy a ship. In 2004, India conducted its first air-borne test of BrahMos, using the missile from an aircraft. The development of BrahMos went through several stages, but ultimately, it became a powerful missile that works as a supersonic cruise missile to destroy a ship.