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Economic Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Target locked: India's homebuilt weapons outclass Chinese imports
Navbharat Times Chinese systems like the HQ-9 and PL-15 are not as tested or dependable as their Western or Russian counterparts. India defeated Pakistan on the battlefield—but also beat China in a technology war, says John Spencer, a US military expert and chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute. In his detailed analysis on X, Spencer described Operation Sindoor as a strategic and technological milestone, marking the debut of India's sovereign defence arsenal. 'Operation Sindoor pitted India's indigenously developed weapons systems against Chinese-supplied platforms fielded by Pakistan. What unfolded was not just retaliation but the strategic debut of a sovereign arsenal built under the twin doctrines of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat,' Spencer said. Also Read: China's deafening silence on arms sent to Pakistan comes amid desi roar of Indian firepowerIndia, Spencer said, fought as a sovereign power with precise and domestically developed tools. In contrast, Pakistan acted as a proxy, dependent on Chinese systems built primarily for export.'India fought as a sovereign power—wielding precision tools it designed, built and deployed with unmatched battlefield control. Pakistan fought as a proxy force, dependent on Chinese hardware that was built for export, not for excellence. When challenged, these systems failed—exposing the strategic hollowness behind Islamabad's defence posture,' he added. Also Read: AI vs Nukes: How China's new tech could shake up global arms controlIndia's military edge came from a wide range of indigenously developed systems. These included the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, Akash surface-to-air missile system, Akashteer air defence command system, Rudram anti-radiation missile, Netra AEW&C aircraft, and a suite of loitering munitions like SkyStriker and noted, 'India's transformation into a modern defence power began in 2014, when PM Modi launched the 'Make in India' initiative. Within a few years, systems like the BrahMos missile, K9 Vajra howitzer, and AK-203 rifle were being produced inside India—many with technology partnerships but increasing domestic control.'In the air, India's Rafale jets, Su-30MKIs, and Mirage 2000s led the charge, flying under the support of Netra AEW&C and neutralising enemy air defences using Rudram missiles. These jets launched deep strikes with SCALP and Meteor missiles, gaining and retaining airspace control. India's key indigenous systems were critical to battlefield success. BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile: Jointly developed with Russia but largely made in India, this missile flew at Mach 3 and struck hardened enemy bunkers and radar stations with precision. Akash SAM and Akashteer System: All-weather mobile air defence was paired with AI-based command and control, intercepting enemy drones, aircraft and cruise missiles. Rudram Anti-Radiation Missile: India's first of its kind, used to destroy enemy radar installations across the Line of Control. Netra AEW&C System: Built by DRDO, this airborne system provided real-time tracking of enemy aircraft and missiles, vectoring jets to strike deep inside enemy territory. One Pakistani Saab 2000 AEW&C was reportedly neutralised by a long-range Indian missile. Loitering Munitions – SkyStriker and Harop: These kamikaze drones silently hovered before destroying key targets, including mobile radars and convoys. D4S Counter-UAV System: A multi-layer system that used radar, jammers, EO/IR sensors and kinetic action to down dozens of Pakistani drones. India's air forces deployed an impressive fleet. French-built Rafales, Russian-designed Su-30MKIs, and Mirage 2000s executed strikes with SCALP cruise missiles and Meteor air-to-air missiles. Flying under Netra's guidance and supported by Rudram missiles for SEAD missions, these platforms overwhelmed enemy defences. T-72 tanks and M777 howitzers backed ground operations, especially in high-altitude zones. While the M777 came from the US, its integration into Indian doctrine proved vital. Zorawar light tanks, optimised for mountain combat, are in advanced stages of military leaned heavily on Chinese imports, including the HQ-9 and HQ-16 SAM systems, LY-80 and FM-90 air defences, and CH-4 drones. The JF-17 Thunder jets, co-developed by China and Pakistan, struggled to hold their ground.'India didn't just win on the battlefield—it won the technology referendum,' Spencer said. He added that Indian systems intercepted and outperformed the Chinese-built platforms, which were unable to prevent Indian strikes or assert air superiority. Also Read: Lockheed to Boeing: How India's Operation Sindoor may loosen the grip of US defence giants India's push for self-reliance accelerated after the COVID-19 pandemic and the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. Spencer observed that India imposed phased import bans, gave emergency procurement powers to its armed forces, and significantly increased its domestic defence content—from 30% to 65% by 2025.'The goal was clear: reduce dependence on foreign arms imports and build a world-class domestic defence industry. The policy incentivised joint ventures, opened defence to foreign direct investment up to 74%, and encouraged both public and private sector manufacturers,' he policies bore fruit on the battlefield—and beyond. Defence stocks in India surged post-Operation Sindoor. Paras Defence & Space rose 49% in May, with other companies like MTAR Technologies and Data Patterns seeing strong investor interest. In contrast, Chinese firms such as AVIC, NORINCO, and CETC saw sharp market Sindoor was more than a military operation. It was a statement. As Spencer put it, 'India showcased the strength of self-reliance in modern warfare, affirming that the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' holds true even under the most demanding conditions.'The message was clear: India's future defence lies not in imports, but in innovation. And that future is already in play.
India.com
04-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
BrahMos-NG on Rafale: Can India's Sky-Hammer change the Indo-Pacific Game?
India's decision to equip its Rafale fighter jets with the BrahMos Next Generation (NG) supersonic cruise missile brings a major boost to the country's air and naval strike capabilities. Even though India already has powerful missiles like the SCALP, Rudram, and Astra, the addition of BrahMos-NG brings new strengths—especially its speed, range, and versatility—that make it a valuable asset in today's evolving threat environment. Strategic and Tactical Strengths 1. Faster, Deadlier Strikes BrahMos-NG can fly at Mach 3.5 (3.5 times the speed of sound) and reach up to 290 km, with a future range expected around 450 km. Compared to the subsonic SCALP missile (Mach 0.8), BrahMos-NG is far harder to intercept due to its speed. It can hit targets like enemy ships, command bunkers, and air bases with high precision. The missile's kinetic force is over 30 times greater than slower missiles, making it effective even against strongly fortified targets. 2. Safer Stand-Off Attacks With its extended range, BrahMos-NG allows Rafale jets to hit targets without entering enemy airspace. This is a big improvement over shorter-range missiles like Exocet (70 km). For Rafale-M jets on aircraft carriers like INS Vikramaditya or INS Vikrant, this means stronger sea control in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and more freedom of movement during conflict. 3. Platform Versatility BrahMos-NG is built to launch from air, land, sea, and submarine platforms. This multi-use design makes it easier for India to use it across aircraft like Su-30MKI, Tejas Mk1A, and now Rafale. In contrast, the SCALP missile is air-launched and mainly focused on land targets. BrahMos-NG can strike both ships and land-based targets—giving Rafale true multi-role ability. 4. Advanced Stealth and Accuracy BrahMos-NG has reduced radar visibility and a smart AESA radar-based seeker, helping it stay hidden and strike with better accuracy. This makes it useful in tight combat areas like urban zones or near sensitive enemy infrastructure. Compared to missiles like Rudram (anti-radiation) or Astra (air-to-air), BrahMos-NG adds precision land and sea strike options to Rafale's mission load. 5. Complements Other Missiles While SCALP offers longer range, its slower speed makes it easier to track. BrahMos-NG fills this gap by delivering quick, hard hits. Rudram and Astra are specialised systems, while BrahMos-NG adds a high-speed, multi-role option for dynamic battlefield conditions. Strategic Edge and Diplomatic Gains 1. Stronger Deterrence in the Region With BrahMos-NG onboard, India's Rafale and Rafale-M jets become potent tools against both Pakistan and China. In future conflicts, these jets can hit targets deep inside enemy territory or hostile ships in areas like the South China Sea. BrahMos-armed Rafales enhance India's ability to carry out surgical strikes without crossing borders, just like the Su-30MKI did in earlier operations. 2. Push for Defence Exports BrahMos has already attracted buyers like the Philippines, with more countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia showing interest. Integrating BrahMos-NG with Rafale shows India's capability to deliver cutting-edge tech—making it more competitive in the global arms market. It also reduces dependency on imported missiles like the French SCALP or Exocet, supporting the 'Make in India' initiative. 3. Boost to Indigenous Production BrahMos-NG is a product of the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos Aerospace, with a high share of Indian components. Unlike SCALP, which is fully French, BrahMos-NG supports local industry. A new factory in Lucknow is expected to make up to 100 missiles a year by 2026, creating jobs and strengthening India's military manufacturing. Rafale's Firepower Grows Sharper 1. Smart Integration with Rafale Systems India has full software access to Rafale's systems, making it easier to integrate Indian missiles. This allows Rafale to operate with a mix of weapons—Meteor for air combat, SCALP for stealth attacks, and now BrahMos-NG for supersonic strikes. Plans to equip Rafale with two BrahMos-NG missiles per sortie could double its firepower, giving it an edge in multi-target missions. 2. Naval Aviation Upgraded For the Navy's 26 Rafale-M jets, BrahMos-NG is a game changer. These jets will replace older MiG-29Ks, which often face maintenance issues. Compared to the Indian-made NASM-MR missile (300 km, subsonic), BrahMos-NG offers faster, more lethal performance—giving India better control over key maritime zones and chokepoints in the IOR. Integration Challenges and Planning 1. Complex Integration Process Adding BrahMos-NG to Rafale isn't simple. It requires changes to software, electronics, and aircraft structure—similar to the Su-30MKI process. Since BrahMos-NG is Indo-Russian and Rafale is French, extra components may be needed to connect systems. Tests are expected by 2026, after Su-30MKI trials. 2. High Costs, but Big Payoff The project, including integration and missile production, will cost around ₹8,000 crore for 400 units. India must balance this with funding for other missile systems like Rudram, Astra, and the maintenance of SCALP. Still, the long-term value in self-reliance and export potential outweighs the cost. 3. Need for Operational Readiness Integrating the missile is only the first step. Full combat readiness needs pilot training, testing under real conditions, and updates based on field feedback to ensure BrahMos-NG performs smoothly on Rafale platforms. Where BrahMos-NG Stands Among Others SCALP : Longer reach (560 km) and stealthy, but slower and less effective in fast-strike needs. BrahMos-NG provides speed and dual-use value. : Longer reach (560 km) and stealthy, but slower and less effective in fast-strike needs. BrahMos-NG provides speed and dual-use value. Rudram : Specialised to destroy enemy radars; useful, but not a general-purpose strike missile. : Specialised to destroy enemy radars; useful, but not a general-purpose strike missile. Astra : Air-to-air missile; not suited for land or sea targets like BrahMos-NG. : Air-to-air missile; not suited for land or sea targets like BrahMos-NG. NASM-MR: Indian naval missile with decent range, but BrahMos-NG is faster, heavier, and more capable for major naval threats. Final Word Equipping Rafale with BrahMos-NG adds unmatched firepower to India's armed forces. With supersonic speed, pinpoint accuracy, and multi-role use, this missile fits perfectly with India's evolving air and naval strategy. It complements existing systems, boosts India's defence exports, and strengthens the drive for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Challenges like integration and costs exist—but the payoff is clear. Once operational, BrahMos-NG on Rafale could give India a decisive edge in the Indo-Pacific, reshaping how regional powers engage with a rising India. —— E.O.M ( The author Girish Linganna of this article is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@ )
