IAF Unlikely to Pursue Air- Launched Hypersonic Cruise Missiles shortly

IAF Unlikely to Pursue Air- Launched Hypersonic Cruise Missiles shortly
While the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is forging ahead with developing India's hypersonic missile program across multiple configurations, the Indian Air Force (IAF) appears to be taking a measured approach. According to an IAF official quoted by idrw.org, the service is not currently prioritizing the development of air-launched hypersonic cruise missiles. Instead, the IAF focuses on land- based hypersonic missile systems for near-future inductionDeveloping air-launched hypersonic cruise missiles presents significant technological challenges, primarily in the area of miniaturization. Current hypersonic missile systems are large and heavy, making it difficult to adapt them for air-launched platforms. The official emphasized that achieving a weight of less than 1.5-2 tons-a critical parameter for operational deployment--is a long-term goal.
This challenge is not unique to India. Globally, no country has yet achieved the level of
miniaturization necessary for widespread deployment of air-launched hypersonic missiles Estimates suggest that this level of technological maturity could take over 20 years to achieve, given the current pace of advancements.
While the IAF is not actively pursuing air-launched hypersonic missiles, it remains keen on inducting land-based hypersonic cruise missile systems once they are ready for operational use. These systems, which promise unprecedented speed and manoeuvrability, are seen as critical for maintaining a strategic edge
For air-launched capabilities, the IAF is relying on hybrid solutions like the Rudram lI1, a hybrid air- launched missile system capable of addressing current threat scenarios. The Rudram Ill, while not a full-fledged hypersonic missile, offers sufficiencapability to meet present-day operational requirements.
The DRDO's ongoing work in hypersonic technologies is expected to eventually pave the way for more advanced systems, including air- launched variants. However, the current focus is on achieving production-level maturity for ground- based hypersonic systems
As these technologies evolve and enter production, they could lay the groundwork for future innovations, including lighter and more compact air-launched systems. Until then, the IAF is likely to prioritize other areas of modernization while keeping an eye on global developments in hypersonic weaponry.
#iaf #military #defense #navy #airforce #astramissile #militry #elonmusk #mrfacts

Видео IAF Unlikely to Pursue Air- Launched Hypersonic Cruise Missiles shortly канала DEFENCE WATCH