India’s global outlook today rests on strategic balance.
New Delhi: In view of the aggressive stance of Pakistan and China on the border, India is engaged in strengthening its defense system. For this, India had made a deal with Russia for the most dangerous Tu-160M bomber. However, their delivery is getting delayed.
Why is Tu-160M bomber special?
India had made a deal with Russia to lease the Tu-160M bomber ‘White Swan’. Along with this, there was also an agreement to equip it with Indian BrahMos missile. However, due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, its delivery is getting delayed. As soon as this bomber joins the Indian fleet, the panic on the border of Pakistan and China will increase because this bomber is very dangerous and neither Pakistan nor China has a bomber to compete with it.
What are the features of Tu-160M bomber?
The speed of Tu-160M is 2,200 km/hour. Its range is 12,000 kilometers, that too without refueling. Its payload capacity is 40 tonnes and it is used by the Russian army. The most important thing about this deal was that it planned to unify India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile with the Tu-160M. This would have given India the unique ability to launch the world’s fastest cruise missile from a state-of-the-art supersonic aircraft. This deal would also strengthen technology transfer, mission readiness and strategic self-reliance.
Why is the deal stuck now?
Russia now needs Tu-160M aircraft itself to maintain its strategic capabilities. The Kazan Aviation Plant, where these aircraft are manufactured, are now under extreme pressure due to wartime demands and Western sanctions. Shortages of high-tech components and electronics have slowed production. Recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian airbases have shown that the Tu-160M has now become a core asset of Russian national security. Russia is now hesitant to supply these aircraft even to a close partner like India.
Strategic balance and Indian Air Force
India’s global outlook today rests on strategic balance. India maintains decades-old defense ties with Russia, but is also deeply connected with countries like the US, France, Israel and Japan. In such a situation, acquiring a high-profile weapon like the Tu-160M from Russia could increase diplomatic tensions with Western countries. Especially at a time when Russia is struggling with Western pressure and sanctions.
The Indian Air Force currently relies mainly on fighter aircraft which are suitable for medium-range strike missions. But, the lack of long-range aerial strike capability is a drawback in strategic balance. Aircraft like the TU-160M can strike deep into another country, without crossing its borders. Countries like the US, Russia and China already have long-term strategic bomber fleets.
