India is continuously adding weapons to its arsenal that utilize cutting-edge technology. Along with developing 5th and 6th generation technology, India is also very serious about missile technology.
The nature of warfare has changed in the 21st century. Defense technology has progressed from stealth fighter jets to drones. Now, there’s talk of sixth-generation jets. Countries are investing crores of rupees in this regard and so India is not far behind. Just a few months ago, the AMCA project was launched to work on fifth- and sixth-generation technology. The government has allocated an initial funding of 15,000 crore rupees for this project. Along with fighter jets and drones, India is continuously working in the field of missile technology. It is being reported that India is now developing a missile that, after locking a target, will confirm whether to attack it or another target. Once confirmed, this missile will destroy enemies in the blink of an eye. This missile is being designed specifically for the Indian Air Force. It will increase the Air Force’s strength manifold.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on a next-generation cruise missile for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This missile is expected to add a new operational concept to India’s air strike capability. With a range of approximately 250 kilometers, this missile is being designed to combine the capabilities of a conventional cruise missile with the ability to monitor and loiter until a target is detected. According to a report by the Indian Defence Research Wing, the missile will be able to hover over a designated area for a period of time after launch, providing real-time surveillance and accurate target identification before the final strike. While current cruise missiles identify targets immediately upon launch, this new system will allow the weapon system officer from the launching aircraft to authorize a strike only after target confirmation. This is expected to reduce the risk of mistaken strikes and civilian casualties. The BrahMos and Agni series missiles currently lack this capability.
How is it more lethal than Brahmos?
Now the question arises as to how the next-generation cruise missile, BrahMos, being developed by the DRDO, is more lethal. The new missile will not attack until the target is locked and confirmed. This will prevent collateral damage. The new next-generation missile can be fitted with a minimum 50-kilogram explosive warhead, which is considered sufficient to destroy a variety of targets. Its design will be modular, meaning different payloads can be installed depending on the mission’s needs. These could include infrared target-finding sensors and advanced guidance systems. This will allow a single missile to be used for multiple missions without major modifications.
Use of advanced technology
The missile will use an inertial navigation system (INS) and GPS for guidance and accuracy. Additionally, onboard systems will ensure accurate targeting over long distances. Loitering capabilities allow the missile to transmit live images and information to the launch aircraft while circling the target area. Once a target is identified, it can be ordered to attack, enabling a man-in-the-loop (man-in-the-loop) attack. A key feature of this missile is its ability to strike both land and sea targets. This will allow it to target fixed or relocated key targets, as well as warships and logistics vessels at sea. Its ability to hover before striking will also make it effective against targets that are only briefly visible or hidden.
