Latest news with #Sukhoi-30MKI
India.com
3 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
India's Big Move In Defence, Set To Unveil BrahMos 2.0 Missile
In a major leap for India's defense capabilities, work is now underway on BrahMos 2.0, a next-generation version of the powerful BrahMos missile, which is already among the most advanced in India's arsenal. Capable of being launched from land, sea, and air, its destructive precision has reportedly left adversaries like Pakistan concerned, especially after Operation Sindoor. In today's DNA, Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor of Zee News, analysed BrahMos 2.0, the next-gen version of India's BrahMos missile: Watch Full DNA Episode Here: #DNAWithRahulSinha | ब्रह्मोस 2.O का 'शक्तिशाली विश्लेषण', भारत के 'ब्रह्मास्त्र' का घातक अवतार आएगा! ब्रह्मोस की ताकत डबल..मुनीर का 'बीपी' डबल!#DNA #BrahmosMissile #Brahmos @RahulSinhaTV — Zee News (@ZeeNews) May 31, 2025 Extended Range: Efforts are ongoing to extend the missile's strike range beyond the current 800 km. The Indian Navy already possesses variants with this capability, while the Air Force's air-launched version currently has a 500 km range. Efforts are ongoing to extend the missile's strike range beyond the current 800 km. The Indian Navy already possesses variants with this capability, while the Air Force's air-launched version currently has a 500 km range. More Aircraft Compatibility: The BrahMos is currently launched from the Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet, which has undergone major modifications to carry the 2.5-ton missile. Only one missile can be carried at a time. Efforts are now focused on making the missile compatible with additional aircraft. The BrahMos is currently launched from the Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet, which has undergone major modifications to carry the 2.5-ton missile. Only one missile can be carried at a time. Efforts are now focused on making the missile compatible with additional aircraft. BrahMos-NG: A new version called BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) is in development. Weighing around 1,300 kg, it is expected to allow the Sukhoi to carry up to four missiles and India's Tejas fighter to carry two. One of the most significant advancements is BrahMos 2.0, a hypersonic missile with a projected speed of Mach 6 — approximately 7,400 km/h. At this velocity, the missile will cover over 2 km every second, doubling the current BrahMos speed and drastically reducing enemy response time. For context, the distance from Delhi to Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi — about 640 km — could be covered in just over five minutes, leaving adversaries with virtually no time to react. Submarine-Launched BrahMos India is also testing a submarine-launched version of BrahMos, enabling underwater launches without exposing the launch platform. Only six countries globally possess such technology. Once operational, Indian submarines would be able to strike targets deep within enemy territory without nearing their coastline. Initially, only 7% of the BrahMos missiles were manufactured in India. However, that number has now risen to 75%, intending to soon reach 84%, thanks to increased domestic production. Final testing on some components is underway, after which BrahMos could be declared a fully indigenous system. The S-400 Edge Alongside BrahMos, another key asset strengthening India's defense is the S-400 air defense system. India had signed a deal with Russia for five squadrons, three of which are already operational along Indian borders. The fourth squadron is expected by February 2026, and the fifth squadron by August 2026. During Operation Sindoor, the S-400 system played a crucial role in Indian air defense. Its delivery was delayed due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, reports from Russia claim that an S-400 missile system shot down a US-supplied F-16 fighter jet in Ukraine. The missile team involved was awarded a cash prize of approximately Rs. 1.5 crore.
News18
4 days ago
- Science
- News18
'Just Hope He's Eating Well': Astronaut-Designate Shubhanshu Shukla's Family Prays For Space Mission
Last Updated: Shukla will fly to the International Space Station aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule, launched by a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 8 The family of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is preparing for lift-off into space, is experiencing a whirlwind of emotions—pride, anxiety, and hope. News18 spoke to Shukla's parents and elder sister in Lucknow and they discussed his childhood, dedication, and the deep emotional current running through their home ahead of his 14-day space mission to the International Space Station (ISS). His mother, Asha Shukla, tears up while speaking about her son's extraordinary journey. 'I am proud, but also deeply anxious. He has always been calm and determined, but as a mother, I can't stop worrying. He's going so far, into space. Every day I pray for his safe return," she said. 'He used to love maa ke haathon ka khana, especially the simple meals I cooked with love. It's been years since he had that. I just hope he's eating well." His father, SD Shukla, a retired government employee, recalls his son's early years. 'He was never like the other kids—always focused, quiet, and deeply thoughtful. We didn't even know when he applied for NDA. One day he came and told us he had cleared everything—written, SSB, medical. That's how he has always been: silently determined." Sibling Bond Shukla's elder sister, Shuchi Mishra, described their bond as a lifelong friendship filled with ups and downs. 'We would fight over small things, but never stayed angry. He always had a larger-than-life dream and pursued it relentlessly. Even as a child, he stood apart—disciplined and driven. His presence always gave us strength. It's strange to see him go so far away now. I feel both proud and emotional." IAF Journey and Sacrifice Shukla joined the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot on June 17, 2006, after clearing the NDA exam. Over nearly two decades, he has logged over 2,000 flying hours on several frontline aircraft, including the Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. A Mission Beyond Borders Shukla is currently under quarantine with his three fellow astronauts ahead of the launch. He has expressed complete confidence in the success of the mission. 'This is a milestone for commercial spaceflight and international collaboration," he said during a pre-launch event hosted by Axiom Space. He will fly to the ISS aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule, launched by a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The scheduled launch date is June 8. About the Axiom-4 Mission Axiom-4 (Ax-4) is a landmark mission in the evolution of commercial spaceflight. Organised jointly by NASA and private space company Axiom Space, this mission aims to deepen international cooperation in low-Earth orbit and push forward the agenda of building the world's first commercial space station—Axiom Station. The crew includes astronauts from four countries: India, the United States, Poland, and Hungary. Representing India is Group Captain Shukla; from the US is veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson; Poland is represented by Slawosz Uznanski, who will become the second Polish astronaut in space after 1978; and Hungary's Tibor Kapu will be its second astronaut after 1980. The Axiom-4 mission will dock with the ISS for 14 days, during which the crew will carry out a diverse range of tasks. The mission's primary objective is to advance scientific research in microgravity across multiple disciplines, including biology, physics, and materials science. The astronauts will also evaluate new technologies designed for deep-space travel and long-duration space habitation. In addition, the team will focus on fostering international scientific collaboration by working with institutions from around the world. Educational outreach programmes are also planned, with the aim of inspiring the next generation of scientists, technologists, and space enthusiasts. First Published:
India.com
6 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
HAL's Su-30MKI and BrahMos: India's Deadly Strike Force That Stunned China, Pakistan
HAL's Su-30MKI and BrahMos: India's Deadly Strike Force That Stunned the World On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a fierce retaliation against Pakistan-backed terrorism following the brutal Pahalgam attack. In a stunning display of power, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)-built Sukhoi-30MKI jets, armed with the supersonic BrahMos missile, obliterated 11 Pakistani airbases. From Nur Khan near Rawalpindi to Bholari in Sindh, runways were shattered, hangars reduced to rubble, and Pakistan's air defenses left in disarray. This wasn't just a military strike—it was a global spectacle. The HAL Su-30MKI and BrahMos combination showcased India's unmatched technological prowess, leaving the world in awe of its precision and might. Military powers from the US to China took notice, with nations like Vietnam and Malaysia eyeing this lethal duo for their own arsenals. Let's explore how this deadly combination was forged, how it's manufactured today, and why it terrifies India's adversaries. Operation Sindoor was a masterclass in strategy and firepower. On May 9-10, nearly 15 BrahMos missiles, launched from HAL's Su-30MKI jets flying at low altitudes, struck Pakistan's key military installations with surgical accuracy. Satellite images revealed craters on runways, collapsed hangars, and wrecked command centers. Pakistan's air force, caught off-guard, scrambled to save its aircraft, but the damage was catastrophic. The operation's success sent shockwaves globally, with defense analysts praising India's ability to execute such a devastating strike so swiftly. The Su-30MKI-BrahMos combo proved it could reshape the global defense landscape, prompting nations to rethink their air strategies. What makes HAL's Su-30MKI and BrahMos so deadly ? The BrahMos, a joint India-Russia creation, is a supersonic cruise missile that races at Mach 3—three times the speed of sound. With a range exceeding 450 kilometers, it can strike targets deep inside enemy territory without the jet entering hostile airspace. Flying just 10 meters above the ground, it evades radar, and its pinpoint accuracy ensures it hits within a meter of its target. Whether it's a ship or a bunker, BrahMos delivers a crushing 200-300 kg warhead. Paired with HAL's Su-30MKI, a twin-engine fighter jet with a 3,000-kilometer range and high maneuverability, it becomes a long-range strike platform. During Operation Sindoor, HAL's Su-30MKIs used dummy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to trick Pakistan into activating their radars, exposing defenses. The jets then launched BrahMos missiles, obliterating targets before Pakistan could react. The journey to this triumph was a saga of innovation. Integrating BrahMos with HAL's Su-30MKI was a colossal challenge. In 2012, Russia demanded $250 million to modify the jet's underbelly, but HAL and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) took it on themselves. They redesigned the Su-30MKI's fuselage using high-strength aluminum and built the world's heaviest airborne launcher—a 6-meter-long, 350-kg marvel. The missile's weight was trimmed from 2.9 tonnes to 2.4 tonnes, and HAL reinforced the jet's undercarriage. In June 2016, the first jet flew with a BrahMos at HAL's Nashik facility, followed by a successful separation test in August 2016. A live firing on November 22, 2017, saw the missile strike a ship with deadly precision, a world-first that stunned global defense circles. Today's Manufacturing Process: HAL's Cutting-Edge Efforts As of May 2025, HAL continues to enhance the Su-30MKI-BrahMos combination at its Nashik facility, a hub for Su-30MKI production and upgrades. In September 2023, the Indian government approved a $1.6 billion contract for HAL to manufacture 12 new Su-30MKIs, with 62.6% indigenous content, to replace jets lost in crashes. These jets, produced at Nashik, incorporate BrahMos integration from the ground up, featuring strengthened undercarriages and advanced avionics for seamless missile deployment. Deliveries are expected to begin within a few years, boosting the Indian Air Force's (IAF) combat strength. HAL has also proposed supplying 72 additional Su-30MKIs, potentially expanding the fleet to 344 aircraft by 2030, all capable of carrying BrahMos missiles. The 'Super Sukhoi' program, underway at HAL's Nashik plant, is upgrading 84 existing Su-30MKIs to enhance their BrahMos capabilities. These upgrades include next-generation Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars for superior target tracking, advanced electronic warfare suites to counter enemy defenses, and integration of the extended-range BrahMos-ER, with a range of 450-500 kilometers. HAL is increasing indigenous content to 78%, incorporating locally developed systems like the Virupaksha AESA radar and Dhruti radar warning system. Currently, 40 Su-30MKIs are modified to carry BrahMos, with plans to equip another 84 under this program, ensuring the entire fleet can deliver long-range precision strikes. HAL's Koraput Division also manufactures AL-31FP engines for these jets, with 63% local content, supporting self-reliance. HAL's BrahMos integration process involves rigorous structural modifications, aerodynamic testing, and certification. The Nashik facility uses advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel testing to ensure safe missile separation. Each jet's electronic circuits are hardened to withstand nuclear electromagnetic pulses, a critical feature for strategic missions. HAL collaborates with DRDO and private firms, leveraging over 2,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for components, making the process cost-effective. The integration, initially completed for Rs 80 crore against Russia's Rs 1,300 crore quote, remains a benchmark for India's engineering prowess. A Symbol of India's Prowess This success is a testament to HAL's engineering excellence and India's 'Make in India' spirit. From crafting the launcher to modifying jets, HAL and DRDO overcame immense challenges to create a weapon system that's the envy of the world. Operation Sindoor amplified BrahMos's global appeal, with countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Armenia expressing interest. The Su-30MKI-BrahMos combo has redefined air warfare, giving India a strategic edge few nations can match. Why should every Indian care? This is a story of resilience and national pride. HAL's Su-30MKI and BrahMos aren't just weapons—they're symbols of India's ability to conquer complex challenges. Operation Sindoor showed the world that India's defense capabilities are world-class, capable of swift, decisive strikes. While BrahMos is a costly missile reserved for high-value targets, cheaper options like Nirbhay are in development, ensuring versatility. Let's salute HAL's engineers, DRDO's scientists, and the IAF's pilots who made this possible. Their dedication gave India a weapon that deters and defends, forcing the world to take notice. Operation Sindoor was a warning: challenge India, and HAL's Su-30MKI-BrahMos duo will answer with unrelenting force. Jai Hind!
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
From 165 km to 1,500 km, U.P. e-ways on high-speed growth
What started as an attempt to ensure faster road connectivity in the state with the launch of the 165.5 km-long Yamuna Expressway in August 2012 has now turned into a major web of urban motorways spanning 935 km that promises to take Uttar Pradesh's industrial development to new heights. In December, the state will touch another milestone when it adds 594 km to its expressways' network with the likely launch of the Ganga Expressway—the longest one in the country's fourth-largest state. The project will cover 12 districts and 518 villages. It spans 7,453.15 hectares and is being readied at a total cost of ₹36,230 crore. Starting in Meerut, it will pass through Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh and before culminating in Prayagraj. The six-lane expressway, which is expandable up to eight lanes, will have 19 toll plazas—including the two main ones at the start and the end. The expressway covers 518 villages and includes extensive infrastructure development—14 major and 28 minor bridges, eight railway overbridges and 203 underpasses. Key engineering features also include a 960-meter-long bridge on the Ganga and another 720-meter-long bridge on the Ramganga. For the convenience of commuters, nine wayside facilities—comprising food courts, fuel stations, and rest areas—are being developed. Additionally, 19 ramp toll plazas and two main toll plazas in Meerut and Prayagraj are under construction. Only e-way with night-landing facility On May 2 this year, Uttar Pradesh became the first state in the country to ready a night-landing facility for fighter jets on an expressway. The milestone was reached when Indian Air Force (IAF) jets touched down and took off on a 3.5-km stretch of the Ganga Expressway near Piru village under Jalalabad tehsil in Shahjahanpur. The exercise was carried out in two phases — during the day and night— to test the airstrip's night-landing capabilities, according to the UP government. Advanced aircraft, such as the Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, AN-32, C-130J Super Hercules, and MI-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force, took to the skies in an extraordinary showcase of combat-readiness and disaster-relief capabilities. Swiss tech to ensure quality, comfort The Yogi Adityanath government has signed an agreement with ETH Zurich University and RTDT Laboratories AG of Switzerland to make the 594-km-long motorway world-class. The agreement has been signed to implement artificial intelligence (AI) and sensor-based systems that will monitor the quality and comfort on the expressway. According to the state government, this technology can detect and fix road defects during the construction phase itself. After the successful implementation of this technology on the Ganga Expressway, it will also be used on the Gorakhpur Link Expressway. 'The Swiss technology is being used to ensure the riding quality and comfort while riding on the Ganga Expressway is world-class,' said Shrihari Pratap Shahi, the additional CEO of Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), which is rolling out expressway projects in the state. 'An SUV, equipped with vibration technology and seven accelerometer sensors (four for quality and three for comfort), is inspecting all six lanes. The vehicle collects data on the road surface, comfort level, and elevation variations, which can be viewed in real time through graphs,' Shahi added. Security Every 50 km, two patrol vehicles of the UPEIDA will be deployed to man the stretch. A security officer of the rank of inspector (retd), and assisted by two sub-inspectors (retd), will be deployed as patrol teams. Every 100 km, a chief security officer (CSO) of the rank of deputy superintendent of police (retd) will be deployed. The UPEIDA will also provide vehicles for security officers. The toll plaza agency will also provide two additional vehicles and a crane every 50 km. The toll agency will also provide one ambulance every 50 km and a mobile repair van every 100 km. 'Elaborate security arrangements have been made for all expressways in the state. The same security measures will be implemented for the Ganga Expressway,' said Rajesh Pandey, the security officer of UPEIDA. He is also a former IPS officer.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Indian Armed Forces begin combat exercise in Assam forest
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The Indian Armed Forces on Tuesday started a multi-dimensional combat exercise , which will continue till August, at Dulung reserve forest in Lakhimpur district of Assam, officials said. The Dulung Mukh range of the forest near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border has been activated for bombing, rocket launching and shooting exercises of the Indian Army from May 20 to August 31, according to a senior exercise will include testing of different explosive prowess and aerial firepower, he added."This marks the first instance of full-spectrum rocket and aerial bombardment exercises at Dulung. The expansion in military activity in this area near China signifies a bolstered security posture in the strategically sensitive Northeastern frontier," the official district administration and the Forest Department have prohibited people from entering the forest during this period."We have issued the directive to the local people to avoid any untoward incident and to prevent injury or damage to life and property," a district official Mukh is the practice range used by the Indian Air Force for aerial drills, originating from the Tezpur air base in neighbouring Sonitpur district of range has witnessed combat aircraft like Sukhoi-30 MKI coming from the Indian Air Force base and returning after their regular exercises.
