IAF May Prioritise Land-Based Hypersonic Missiles Due to Size Constraints, Air-Launched Versions Remain a Long-Term Goal

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly prioritizing the development of land-based hypersonic missile systems, while the pursuit of air-launched variants remains a long-term objective. This approach is driven by the significant technological hurdles involved in miniaturizing these complex weapons.

According to an IAF official, current hypersonic missiles are too large and heavy to be effectively deployed from aircraft. Reducing their weight to under 1.5-2 tons, a crucial requirement for operational feasibility, presents a considerable engineering challenge.

This limitation is not unique to India, as no country has yet mastered the technology needed for widespread deployment of air-launched hypersonic missiles.

Experts estimate that achieving this level of miniaturization could take more than two decades, considering the current pace of technological advancement.

Despite the challenges, the IAF remains committed to incorporating land-based hypersonic cruise missiles into its arsenal once they are ready for deployment. These systems, known for their exceptional speed and maneuverability, are considered vital for maintaining a strategic advantage in modern warfare.

In the interim, the IAF is utilizing hybrid solutions like the Rudram III air-launched missile system to address current threats. While not a true hypersonic weapon, the Rudram III possesses sufficient capabilities to meet present operational needs.

DRDO continues its work on hypersonic technologies, which is expected to eventually lead to more sophisticated systems, including air-launched versions. However, the current emphasis is on achieving production readiness for ground-based hypersonic systems.

As these technologies mature and enter production, they could form the foundation for future innovations, such as lighter and more compact air-launched systems. Until then, the IAF is expected to concentrate on other modernization priorities while monitoring global progress in hypersonic weaponry.

 

[sanket]

First, let the air-launched hypersonic be developed with a weight similar to BrahMos (2.5 tons). After validation, weight can be shed in the next version, similar to BrahMos-NG.

 

[desigandu]

Misleading. The US is already in advanced testing of the AL Hypersonic Missile MAKO, which is nearing operational deployment! But note this has a rocket motor, thus not air-breathing!

The Mako Multi-Mission Hypersonic Missile is a stand-off hypersonic missile developed by Lockheed Martin and CoAspire, specifically designed to fit in the internal weapons bay of the F-35A/C and F-22A. It is the first hypersonic weapon compatible with a fifth-generation fighter. The missile was unveiled in April 2024 at the Navy League’s Sea Air Space exposition in Maryland, with Lockheed Martin pitching it to both the U.S. Navy and Air Force. It has also been considered for deployment on submarines and surface warships.

 

[Shrujanam Syama]

Misleading. The US is already in advanced testing of the AL Hypersonic Missile MAKO, which is nearing operational deployment! But note this has a rocket motor, thus not air-breathing!

Air launched hypersonics will be too heavy for most planes. Only Su30 may be able to carry it. But that is unnecessary efforts as one can launch it from ground itself. If needed, one can attach the hypersonics missile as 3rd stage for Agni 5 or Agni 4 so that it can get enough range using ballistic flight while also acting as hypersonic missile at the last stage to evade BMDs

 

[Shrujanam Syama]

First, let the air-launched hypersonic be developed with a weight similar to BrahMos (2.5 tons). After validation, weight can be shed in the next version, similar to BrahMos-NG.

The range of the hypersonic missile with the same weight as BrahMos will be half of BrahMos. It is not worth it. Best to attach a hypersonic stage to Agni 5 as a 3rd stage.

 

[Sandeep]

This is a big mistake. India urgently needs to start designing and developing an air launched hypersonic missile now. The technology is complex as there is weight and size limitations so it will take at least 5 or more years to succeed.

As for developing the hypersonic missiles for the navy and army then they should continue to develop them as they are essential. We have conducted several successful launches which has passed its tests but we need to start production in large numbers as we need to grow our manufacturing capabilities

As for designing and developing the Rudram into a hybrid variant then it can partially succeed. They just need to make sure that during it’s terminal stage the speed has to be or above