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India upgrades its defence capabilities amid emerging threats
Earlier this month, the Indian government (Cabinet Committee on Security) approved the ambitious project to design and develop the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter jet.
This was the latest in a series of initiatives to enhance India's defence capabilities amid growing global instability and emerging threats. Here is a look at some recent developments and initiatives to prepare the Indian armed forces for future challenges.
Advancing into the Fifth-Generation Fighter Arena
The initial development cost of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project is estimated at around INR 15,000 crore. Prototypes are to be built jointly by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with support from private industries.
This endeavor aims to position India alongside nations with advanced aerial combat capabilities, such as the United States, Russia, and China. With an expected rollout of the first prototype within four years, the AMCA is poised to achieve supersonic cruise speeds and stealth capabilities, marking a significant leap in India's indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.
Expanding the Tejas Fleet
India's commitment to enhancing its aerial combat fleet is further evidenced by the preliminary approval for the acquisition of 97 additional Tejas Mark-1A fighters. This acquisition, valued at Rs 67,000 crore, complements the existing order of 83 multi-role jets, which enhanced India’s indigenous fighter capabilities and ensured its operational readiness.
Su-30MKI: Upgrades for Superiority
The Su-30MKI, a mainstay of the Indian Air Force, is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade to bolster its combat effectiveness. This Rs 60,000-crore project focuses on integrating new radars, mission control systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and advanced weapons. By incorporating indigenous technology, the upgrade aims to mitigate vulnerabilities and extend the operational capabilities of the Su-30MKI fleet, ensuring its dominance in aerial combat scenarios.
Naval Strengthening with MH-60R Seahawks
The Indian Navy's acquisition of the MH-60R Seahawk helicopters signifies a strategic enhancement of its anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Armed with Hellfire missiles, torpedoes, and precision-kill rockets, these helicopters also feature advanced radars and night-vision equipment. With six out of the 24 contracted helicopters already in service, the MH-60R squadron is set to play a pivotal role in securing India's maritime interests.
Agni-V MIRV: A Leap in Missile Technology
India's defense arsenal achieved a significant milestone on March 11, 2024, with the successful test launch of the upgraded Agni-V missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
This iteration of the long-range nuclear missile is designed to evade air defense systems, allowing it to deliver multiple warheads to various targets simultaneously. The inclusion of MIRV technology places India among the elite group of countries with the capability to launch such sophisticated missiles, enhancing its strategic deterrence against potential adversaries.
With a range exceeding 5,000 km, Agni-V represents a key component of India's strategic defense assets.
Akash-NG: Next-Gen Air Defense
On January 12, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of the New Generation Akash (Akash-NG) Surface to Air Missile (SAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
Following the successful completion of developmental trials, the Akash-NG missile system is set to enhance India's air defense capabilities. This surface-to-air missile system, designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters, and drones, demonstrates significant advancements in missile technology, seekers, and radars. With an increased interception range of up to 30 km, Akash-NG represents a critical component of India's multi-layered air defense network.
This was the latest in a series of initiatives to enhance India's defence capabilities amid growing global instability and emerging threats. Here is a look at some recent developments and initiatives to prepare the Indian armed forces for future challenges.
Advancing into the Fifth-Generation Fighter Arena
The initial development cost of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project is estimated at around INR 15,000 crore. Prototypes are to be built jointly by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with support from private industries.
This endeavor aims to position India alongside nations with advanced aerial combat capabilities, such as the United States, Russia, and China. With an expected rollout of the first prototype within four years, the AMCA is poised to achieve supersonic cruise speeds and stealth capabilities, marking a significant leap in India's indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.
Expanding the Tejas Fleet
India's commitment to enhancing its aerial combat fleet is further evidenced by the preliminary approval for the acquisition of 97 additional Tejas Mark-1A fighters. This acquisition, valued at Rs 67,000 crore, complements the existing order of 83 multi-role jets, which enhanced India’s indigenous fighter capabilities and ensured its operational readiness.
Su-30MKI: Upgrades for Superiority
The Su-30MKI, a mainstay of the Indian Air Force, is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade to bolster its combat effectiveness. This Rs 60,000-crore project focuses on integrating new radars, mission control systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and advanced weapons. By incorporating indigenous technology, the upgrade aims to mitigate vulnerabilities and extend the operational capabilities of the Su-30MKI fleet, ensuring its dominance in aerial combat scenarios.
Naval Strengthening with MH-60R Seahawks
The Indian Navy's acquisition of the MH-60R Seahawk helicopters signifies a strategic enhancement of its anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Armed with Hellfire missiles, torpedoes, and precision-kill rockets, these helicopters also feature advanced radars and night-vision equipment. With six out of the 24 contracted helicopters already in service, the MH-60R squadron is set to play a pivotal role in securing India's maritime interests.
Agni-V MIRV: A Leap in Missile Technology
India's defense arsenal achieved a significant milestone on March 11, 2024, with the successful test launch of the upgraded Agni-V missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
This iteration of the long-range nuclear missile is designed to evade air defense systems, allowing it to deliver multiple warheads to various targets simultaneously. The inclusion of MIRV technology places India among the elite group of countries with the capability to launch such sophisticated missiles, enhancing its strategic deterrence against potential adversaries.
With a range exceeding 5,000 km, Agni-V represents a key component of India's strategic defense assets.
Akash-NG: Next-Gen Air Defense
On January 12, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of the New Generation Akash (Akash-NG) Surface to Air Missile (SAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
Following the successful completion of developmental trials, the Akash-NG missile system is set to enhance India's air defense capabilities. This surface-to-air missile system, designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters, and drones, demonstrates significant advancements in missile technology, seekers, and radars. With an increased interception range of up to 30 km, Akash-NG represents a critical component of India's multi-layered air defense network.
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