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News18
01-08-2025
- News18
Rafale, F-35, Sukhoi Outranged? China's 1,000-km BVR Missile Surpasses Even BrahMos
The missile can target top fighter jets like the F-35, F-22 Raptor, and B-21 Raider from 1,000 km away, making it lethal even against 5th or 5+ generation aircraft, experts say In a move that could shake up the global military balance, China has reportedly tested a new Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile with a range of 1,000 km, according to the South China Morning Post. The development signals a major leap in military technology, potentially surpassing the capabilities of India's BrahMos missile, which gained global attention during Operation Sindoor for its devastating impact. According to the report, China has successfully tested this missile capable of striking targets 1,000 km away at Mach 5 speed. The most striking feature of this missile system is its ability to strike the world's most advanced fighter jets, like the F-35, F-22 Raptor, and B-21 Raider, from a distance of 1,000 km, the report stated. Experts suggest that it can even take down fifth or even 5+ generation aircraft from well beyond visual range. This indicates how devastatingly effective it would be against 4th or 4.5 generation jets such as the Rafale and Sukhoi. China plans to deploy this missile in potential conflict zones like the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, marking it as one of the most advanced weapons globally. India is developing the Astra MK-3 BVR missile system, aiming to extend its range to 350–400 km. If China's claims about its BVR missile are accurate, it could significantly alter the global power balance. How Dangerous Is This Missile? The missile's capability to target the world's most advanced defence systems, including fifth-generation fighter jets, and AWACS and AEW&C aircraft, before they can launch an attack, underscores its potential danger. How Big Is The Threat To India? India, Japan, Taiwan, and the US are particularly at risk from this Chinese missile system. It could severely impact the air defence strategies and combat air patrol ranges of these nations, presenting a new challenge for India to enhance its BVR missile capability. India has developed the Astra MK-1 and MK-2 missiles based on this technology, but work on the hypersonic speed MK-3 continues, with DRDO and ISRO collaborating on this project. Initiated in 2000, progress on the Astra series has been slow. Currently, India only possesses the MK-1 BVR missile with a range of 80-110 km. Despite this, the Ministry of Defence approved the purchase of these missiles for the Air Force in 2022, installing them in some Sukhoi-30 MKI jets. The AK-2 series is nearing completion, with efforts made to address its shortcomings. What Is BVR Technology? BVR is a cutting-edge technology that enables attacks beyond visual range, hence the name Beyond Visual Range. Typically, an Air Force pilot has a range of about 37 km, within which they can target enemy aircraft. BVR technology, however, is equipped with advanced radar, sensors, and navigation systems that enable it to destroy long-range targets not visible to the pilot. India's Astra missile operates on this system, autonomously seeking and attacking targets beyond the pilot's control, embodying the fire-and-forget capability. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : China F-35 missile system Rafale range sukhoi view comments Location : China First Published: August 01, 2025, 11:08 IST News india Rafale, F-35, Sukhoi Outranged? China's 1,000-km BVR Missile Surpasses Even BrahMos Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India.com
27-07-2025
- Science
- India.com
China Triggers Alarm With 1,000 KM Range Air-To-Air Hypersonic Missile; Who Should Be Worried?
Beijing: China has reportedly tested an air-to-air missile capable of striking aerial targets at a distance of up to 1,000 kilometres. It has sent ripples across the global defense community. If accurate, the test could signal a fundamental shift in modern air combat strategy. It will potentially allow fighter jets to neutralise enemy aircraft long before they even come into radar range. The development was first reported by South China Morning Post, citing Chinese military sources. According to the report, the missile reaches speeds beyond Mach 5. It has placed it in the hypersonic category. It is designed to intercept high-value aerial targets, including stealth fighters and surveillance aircraft. Chinese engineers are said to be working on this new system with the aim of providing long-range superiority across contested airspaces. Still unnamed publicly, the project may allow China to target aircraft such as the U.S. F-22 Raptor, F-35 stealth fighters and the B-21 Raider well before they enter engagement range. Missiles of this class are typically referred to as Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles. They form a critical part of next-generation aerial warfare. Until now, the longest-range BVR missiles in service globally include Russia's R-37M and the U.S. AIM-174B. Both are capable of reaching distances around 350-400 kilometres. Presently under development, India's Astra Mk-3 is expected to match that range once deployed. However, a 1,000-kilometre air-to-air missile would outclass all existing systems. Experts say that if China's claims are validated, the development could force countries like India, Japan, Taiwan and even the United States to re-evaluate their air combat doctrines. No matter how stealthy, no fighter jet could escape a missile launched from that distance. The implications are serious, assuming tracking and targeting systems remain precise. Historically, air-to-air missiles have evolved from short-range weapons introduced in the 1950s, such as the U.S. AIM-9 Sidewinder and the Soviet K-series, to the BVR missiles of today. The modern battlefield increasingly depends on aerial platforms like AWACS and AEW&CS for surveillance and coordination. A missile capable of striking these assets from such vast ranges could potentially change the outcome of future conflicts before they even escalate. India, which currently fields the Astra Mk-1 and is working on Astra Mk-2 and Mk-3, faces a widening gap in this segment. While the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made consistent progress, there are calls within India's strategic community to accelerate indigenous hypersonic missile development. In addition, India may need to invest more heavily in advanced radar systems and tracking sensors, potentially through ISRO-DRDO collaboration, to detect and respond to threats launched from long distances at high speeds. As per the latest assessments, India's current missile capabilities are limited to around 400 kilometres in range. While the Chinese claim has not yet been independently verified, military analysts suggest it would be prudent for India to consider the scenario as credible and prepare accordingly. The development comes at a time when tensions remain high in East Asia, particularly around Taiwan and the South China Sea. If China's new missile enters operational service, it could give the country significant leverage across the region, including air dominance over key hotspots. Though the precise operational status of the missile remains unclear, the signal from Beijing is loud enough. Nations dependent on legacy BVR systems now face pressure to catch up, both in terms of range and speed, before the skies become inaccessible.
India.com
17-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
What is ULRA? Game-changer bomber of India that could target US without refueling, can carry deadly missiles like...
New Delhi: After Operation Sindoor, India has intensified its efforts to strengthen country's defense capabilities. India is now reportedly laying groundwork for a bomber that can hit targets over 12,000 kilometres away. Defense analysts are of the opinion that this project, called the Ultra Long-Range Strike Aircraft (ULRA), will give a major boost to the Indian Air Force. It is important to note that India' neighbour China is moving fast with H-20, while the US holds an edge with its B-2 Spirit and the incoming B-21 Raider. Talking to The Economic Times, a senior Air Force official said, 'Our nuclear triad covers land and sea well, but we need a platform that can strike anywhere from the skies too.' Russian TU-160 'Blackjack' Notably, the world's heaviest and fastest supersonic bomber is with Russia, the TU-160 'Blackjack'. Its range is about 12,300 kilometres and it can carry up to 40 tons. One DRDO engineer said, 'We are looking at the TU-160 as a regional model and adapting what suits our needs best.' According to the reports, India's own version may use a swing wing design. This will help the wings to change shape in flight to save fuel and control speed more efficiently over long distances. Going further than the B-21 Raider India wants its bomber to fly past the Northrop Grumman's B-21 Raider which should clock around 9,300 kilometres. Over 9,300 kilometres means it could reach targets in the US, Europe, Africa or Australia without refuelling. The plan also includes radar dodging features, stealth technology and automated flight systems. BrahMos-NG: A key highlight is its planned weapon load — the bomber is expected to carry up to four BrahMos-NG missiles. Each missile has a range of 290 to 450 kilometers and can target enemy airfields, radar stations, command centers, or nuclear facilities within minutes. 'We also expect short-range ballistic weapons like the Agni-1P, laser bombs and anti-radiation missiles to be part of the final payload,' a senior DRDO official said to Economic Times. The Modi government, along with the DRDO, HAL and the Aircraft Development Agency are leading the charge. According to the reports, the talks on technology are open with Russia and France for transfer deals. One key piece is the engine. Engineers might adapt the GE-414 or Russia's NK-32 to fit the power and range needed.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India's new 12,000 km bomber could reach New York without refueling with BrahMos missiles onboard
India is laying groundwork for a bomber that can hit targets over 12,000 kilometres away. This marks a sharp turn in defence policy, from regional focus to intercontinental reach . Defence analysts say this project, called the Ultra Long-Range Strike Aircraft (ULRA), could be a game changer for the Indian Air Force . The Defence Ministry says modern warfare now cuts across cyber, space and long-range air strikes . China's H-20 is moving fast, while the US holds an edge with its B-2 Spirit and the incoming B-21 Raider. A senior Air Force official said, 'Our nuclear triad covers land and sea well, but we need a platform that can strike anywhere from the skies too.' Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Degree Cybersecurity Leadership Others Design Thinking MBA Healthcare Product Management Artificial Intelligence Project Management MCA CXO PGDM Data Science Digital Marketing Operations Management Public Policy Data Analytics others Management Technology Data Science healthcare Finance Skills you'll gain: Data-Driven Decision-Making Strategic Leadership and Transformation Global Business Acumen Comprehensive Business Expertise Duration: 2 Years University of Western Australia UWA Global MBA Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details Lessons from the Russian TU-160 'Blackjack' The Russian TU-160 'Blackjack' remains the world's heaviest and fastest supersonic bomber. Its range is about 12,300 kilometres and it can carry up to 40 tons. One DRDO engineer said, 'We are looking at the TU-160 as a regional model and adapting what suits our needs best.' India's own version may use a swing wing design. This lets the wings change shape in flight to save fuel and control speed more efficiently over long distances. Going further than the B-21 Raider Northrop Grumman's B-21 Raider should clock around 9,300 kilometres. India wants its bomber to fly past that limit. That means it could reach targets in the US, Europe, Africa or Australia without refuelling. Live Events The plan includes stealth technology, radar dodging features and automated flight systems. The aim is clear: stay hidden, reach far, hit hard. BrahMos-NG: Main weapon in the arsenal One standout detail is its planned weapon load. The bomber will likely carry up to four BrahMos-NG missiles . Each can fly between 290 and 450 kilometres and strike enemy airfields, radars, command hubs or nuclear facilities in minutes. A senior DRDO official said, 'We also expect short-range ballistic weapons like the Agni-1P, laser bombs and anti-radiation missiles to be part of the final payload.' Where will the technology come from Building this from scratch is no small task. The government, DRDO, HAL and the Aircraft Development Agency are leading the charge. Technology talks are open with Russia and France for transfer deals. One key piece is the engine. Engineers might adapt the GE-414 or Russia's NK-32 to fit the power and range needed. What this means for India's defence A bomber that can fly this far changes the map. It gives India global strike options, stronger nuclear second-strike power and more leverage in the Indo-Pacific. The Defence Ministry expects the first prototype to fly sometime between 2032 and 2035. While the design work is still early, dummy models and initial research have begun. This new project shows India is thinking beyond self-reliance and regional balance. It reflects an ambition to back up its nuclear triad with a credible airborne platform. For a country that once focused mainly on border conflicts, this is a step into a much wider arena. In simple terms, India's message is clear. It wants to be ready, anywhere, any time.
News18
16-07-2025
- Business
- News18
With 12,000-km Range, India's New Bomber Can Outpace B-21 Raider, Strike Across Continents
India's proposed bomber aims to exceed the B-21 Raider's 9,300 km range, enabling long-range strike capability across America, Europe, Australia, and Africa In a bold leap in military capability, India is preparing to develop an ultra-long-range strategic bomber for the Indian Air Force, marking a major shift in its defence doctrine. Designed to strike targets over 12,000 kilometres away, the proposed bomber would give India the unprecedented ability to hit cities far away, signalling the country's move from regional dominance to global power projection. Inspired by bombers like the Russian TU-160 'Blackjack' and the American B-21 Raider, this development marks India's next major military investment. The necessity for such a bomber arises from the changing nature of warfare, which now includes cyber, space, and long-range airstrikes. While China progresses with the H-20 strategic bomber and the United States continues global power projection with the B-2 Spirit and the forthcoming B-21 Raider, India seeks to enhance its nuclear triad with a strategic airborne platform that can execute surgical or nuclear strikes from any distance, significantly bolstering its deterrence capabilities. Inspired By Russia's TU-160 Strategic Bomber The Russian TU-160 'Blackjack', known as the fastest and heaviest supersonic strategic bomber with a strike range of up to 12,300 kilometres and a payload capacity of 40 tons, serves as a key model for Indian defence analysts and DRDO engineers. the TU-160 is being viewed as a 'regional model', with its design, technology, and range adapted to align with India's geopolitical objectives. The Indian bomber is expected to feature variable geometry wings or 'swing wing' design, optimising fuel efficiency and speed during flight. Longer Range Than The US B-21 Raider India's proposed bomber aims to surpass the range of the American B-21 Raider, still under development with an estimated range of 9,300 kilometres. This would allow India to operate directly in America, Europe, Australia, and Africa. The B-21 Raider, developed by Northrop Grumman, will feature stealth design, radar avoidance, and automated navigation systems, qualities likely to be incorporated in India's bomber, alongside the integration of supersonic cruise missiles like Brahmos-NG. BrahMos-NG: Air-Dropped Doom For Enemy Targets The bomber's weapon load will be a standout feature, capable of carrying up to four units of Brahmos-NG, supersonic missiles with a range of 290-450 kilometres, capable of swiftly targeting enemy airbases, radars, command centres, or nuclear sites. Additional armaments may include short-range ballistic weapons like Agni-1P, laser-guided bombs, and anti-radiation missiles. Who Is the Technology Partner? For this ambitious project, the Indian government, alongside DRDO, HAL, and ADA (Aircraft Development Agency), is negotiating technology transfer with foreign defence companies, with Russia and France at the forefront. A specialised turbofan engine will be essential, potentially developed from a modified version of the GE-414 engine or one similar to Russia's NK-32 engine. What Are the Strategic Advantages? Global Strike Capability: India will gain the ability to strike targets not just in Asia, but anywhere in the world. Second-Strike Assurance: It will strengthen India's nuclear deterrence by ensuring the capability to retaliate after a first strike. Force Projection: The bomber will enhance India's airborne strength, helping counterbalance the US, China, and Russia in the Indo-Pacific. The Defence Ministry and Air Force have named this initiative 'Ultra Long-Range Strike Aircraft' or ULRA, currently in the concept and design phase, with initial research and dummy models underway. The first prototype is anticipated to fly between 2032-2035. view comments First Published: July 16, 2025, 14:12 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
