Indian Military News, Reports, Data, etc.

ougoah

Brigadier
Registered Member

MIRV developments are still only plans right? Indian miniaturization is unknown.

What's more interesting is India's thermonuclear program. It's known that India has never detonated a thermonuclear weapon IIRC. The announcement in the past was said to be a failure.

I don't believe modern warhead development and MIRV tech would be completed without having a fusion weapon. The difference in destructiveness just doesn't compare.
 

HaldilalSDF

Junior Member
Registered Member
MIRV developments are still only plans right? Indian miniaturization is unknown.

What's more interesting is India's thermonuclear program. It's known that India has never detonated a thermonuclear weapon IIRC. The announcement in the past was said to be a failure.

I don't believe modern warhead development and MIRV tech would be completed without having a fusion weapon. The difference in destructiveness just doesn't compare.
Then you want India to detonate a fusion weapon. o_O
 

ougoah

Brigadier
Registered Member
Then you want India to detonate a fusion weapon. o_O

Not at all but India itself claimed to have tested a fusion weapon in the 1990s and declared it a success along a series of fission tests that occurred with the supposed fusion test. While seismology show the yield was around what was declared, it's impossible to say what the fusion yield was if any because the fission detonations were done with it during that time.

There was much debate and suggestions from a Pakistani nuclear physicist say the fusion weapon failed. No one has backed up India's claim except to say that it's possible India managed a fusion weapon.

Detonating at least one in a test is absolutely the minimum to build simulation models out of. Without even a test which was at best, admitted and mentioned by India's own nuclear physicist (probably in cover) that the fusion yield was lower than expected. It may have been lower to zero as in failed to detonate.

Anyway none of this is clear and building a model out of a failed or even mucked and unexpected yield detonation is not possible. At least not possible to build a good model that can be verified. Since India has not detonated another attempt after that, it's close to impossible for it to have good models. This throws into question India's fusion weapon ability. Particularly when India never really considered nuclear arms to be a grand necessity unlike US, China, Soviet Union/Russia who faced existential nuclear threats from each other.

India only has to have nuclear arms (and with a no first use as well) just in case of nuclear attack from Pakistan. There was no pressing need and even now with increased India China enmity, there is still no real need since both have no desire to pollute the region with fallout and both have no first use. If India had a similar level of necessity to e.g. China, then it makes more sense for them to have persisted with developing a thermonuclear weapon and detonating several to build good models out of.
 

HaldilalSDF

Junior Member
Registered Member
Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria is most likely going to be succeeded by one of these three (assuming they don't superannuate before that, DOB is not public):-

500px-Air_Marshal_R.D_Mathur,_AOC-in-C_Training_Command.jpg

Air Marshal Rajiv Dayal Mathur AOC-in-C Training Command
  • 129 Course
  • Flight instructor with 5000 hours experience on various jets and helicopters
  • Commands held:-
    • 15 Squadron (MiG-21 Bis then, now uses Su-30MKI)
    • AFS Bhuj (27 Wing)
    • Eastern Air Command
    • Training Command
  • Other postings:-
    • Principal Director (Operations, Information and Electronics Warfare), Air HQ
    • Air Instructor, Western Air Command
    • Commodore Commandant, Flying Instructors School
    • Air Defence Commander, Eastern Air Command
    • ACAS Ops (Space), Air HQ
    • SASO, South Western Air Command
  • PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC
  • Spoiler: VSM Citation
    Wing Commander Rajiv Dayal Mathur (16772) F (P) was commissioned on 04 Jun 1982 as a fighter pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and has held several important command and staff appointments including Commanding Officer of a MiG-21 Bis Squadron. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College.
    Wg Cdr Mathur assumed command of a fighter squadron on 10 Jun 2000. Under his command the squadron has had an unblemished record, having so far flown over 4500 hours and trained 18 young pilots without any loss of precious aircrew or aircraft. During the Command level Air-to-Ground Armament meet "Ekalavya 2001", Wg Cdr Mathur displayed very high professionalism by himself leading three missions. His squadron won four out of the seven coveted trophies. The squadron was also adjudged the Best Fighter Squadron in South Western Air Command.

    Following the earthquake, which rocked the region of Kutch on 26 Jan 2001, Wg Cdr Mathur was tasked with rescue operations outside the Air Force camp. Even as the aftershocks continued to occur, he and his squadron personnel worked round the clock for over three days and in the process rescued 53 people trapped in the debris. Barely ten days later, his squadron was required to recommence operations from another base. Despite the upheaval caused by the eart hquake and the consequent hardships. Wg Cdr Mathur succeeded in motivating his squadron personnel to remain focused on organisational goals. Leading by personal example, he was able to provide renewed purpose and direction to the personnel of the squadron, who rose to the occasion by achieving the allotted tasks even under such difficult conditions.

    For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Rajiv Dayal Mathur.

    16978.jpg

    Air Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari AOC-in-C Western Air Command
    • 130 Course
    • Flight instructor, Instrument Rating Instructor, Air Crew Examiner, 3800 hours experience on MiG-21, MiG-23MF, MiG-29 and Su-30MKI.
    • Commands held:-
      • 28 Squadron (MiG-29), Jamnagar
      • 8 FBSU, Awantipur
      • AFS Lohegaon, Pune (2 Wing)
      • Western Air Command
    • Other postings as:-
      • Air Instructor DSSC Wellington
      • Air Instructor DSCSC Zambia
      • Chief Operations Officer, 1 Wing, AFS Srinagar
      • Deputy Commandant, Air Force Academy, Dundigal
      • ACAS Ops (Air Defence), Air HQ
      • ACAS (Personnel Officers), Air HQ
      • DCAS, Air HQ
      • SASO Eastern Air Command
    • PVSM, AVSM, VM.
    Spoiler: VM Citation
    Wing Commander Vivek Ram Chaudhari (16978) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 29 Dec 1982 as a Fighter Pilot. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor (QF1) with over 3650 h of accident free flying to his credit. He has been part of the first formation aerobatics team on the Kiran Mk-II, Flight Commander of a fighter Squadron (Sqn) and an Air Force Examiner on all MiG variant and all trainer ac. He is presently commanding a fighter Sqn since 17 Sep 2001.
    Wg Cdr Chaudhari assumed command of the Sqn at the time when the IAF was put on high alert. With his initiative, hard work, perseverance and excellent leadership qualities, he brought in transformational changes in the functioning of the Sqn. During 'Op Parakram', his Sqn was tasked to deploy at three locations as per the war plans. With only nine pilots and one trainer ac available, he alternated between the bases so as to complete the revalidation of augmented pilots in record time and become operational at the earliest from all three locations. While carrying out day and night Operational Readiness Platform (ORP) duties, he flew over 150 sorties and took part in all exercises. Being the only QF1 at one base, he also undertook the conversion of three under training pilots. In consultation with Tactics and Air Combat Development and Training Establishment (TACDE), he helped in development of tactics for Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Vs BVR missile engagements and interception of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. While remaining deployed, his Sqn provided Dissimilar Air Combat Training to all the MiG-21 Sqns within the command, thereby enhancing their operational status.

    To overcome the constraints of limited ground equipment, which were adequate only for two detachments, he obtained common equipment from co-located fighter Sqns so that his Sqn could operate from five locations on two occasions. He also used the resources of Pechora units for air charging and Nitrogen purity testing resulting in reduced requirements of air cylinders. His Sqn made innovative use of autoloaders for removal of canopy and ejection seat for servicing, thereby saving on frequent ferries to parent base.

    Working under constraints of split locations, inadequate communication between them, low manning levels and extended supply lines, he remained ahead of the situations and adopted proactive measures to enhance the output of the unit. By personally moving from one location to another he ensured that he was in constant touch with the entire unit personnel and kept morale of the Sqn high. The Sqn was deinducted after being deployed for thirteen months and was soon inspected by the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection team, without a warning. Wg Cdr Chaudhari led his Sqn to achieve average plus in operations and high average in maintenance activities.

    Air_Marshal_Rajesh_Kumar_as_AOC-in-C_of_CAC.jpg
    Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar C-in-C Strategic Forces Command
    • 129 Course
    • Flight Instructor, Instrument Rating Instructor, Air Crew Examiner, 3500 hours experience on various aircraft including MiG-21 FL, MiG-21 Bis and 1000 hours on Mirage 2000.
    • Commands held:-
      • 7 Squadron (Mirage 2000) [Gallantry VM for LGB on Paki LoC positions, Op Parakram]
      • AFS Pathankot (18 Wing)
      • Central Air Command
      • Strategic Forces Command
    • Other Postings as:-
      • Pilot, 1 Squadron (MiG-21FL)
      • Flight Instructor, Flying Instructor School, Tambaran
      • Flying Examiner, Aircrew Examination Board, Hindon
      • Flight Commander, 3 Squadron (MiG-21 Bis)
      • Deputy Director (Ops), Air HQ
      • Director (Ops), Air HQ
      • Chief Operations Officer, AFS Gwalior (40 Wing)
      • Team Leader, AWACS Project Management Team, Tel Aviv, Israel (for A-50EI AWACS)
      • Director, Project Management Team, ADA Tejas, Air HQ (25 June 2012 - 28 Feb 2017)
      • SASO Eastern Air Command
    • PVSM, AVSM, VM (Gallantry), ADC
    • Spoiler: VM (Gallantry) Citation
      Wing Commander Rajesh Kumar (16770) F (P) is the Commanding Officer on a Mirage-2000 Sqn since 26 Mar 2001. he was commissioned on 04 Jun 1982 and has over 3500 hrs of accident free flying including 1000 hrs on the Mirage2000. He is an A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor who has been on staff of Flying Instructors School as well as Aircrew Examining Board.
      During 'Ops Parakaram' on 02 Aug 2002, the Sqn under Wg Cdr Rajesh Kumar was tasked with destroying enemy position on the Line of Control. Intelligence had reported infiltration of enemy troops across the LOC taking up positions overlooking own ground forces. There was very limited time available for planning and real time intelligence was lacking. The target was located at high altitude very close to our own troops and was defended by enemy Surface to Air Missiles. A very precise attack was needed to prevent fratricide. When the mission was flown the target area was partially obscured due to clouds and smoke from enemy fire.

      Despite the constraints of time, intelligence, difficult terrain and target being partially obscured Wg Cdr Rajesh Kumar successfully led and executed the attack on the LOC. He acquired the target and effectively carried out a LGB attack, while under enemy fire, destroying the enemy bunkers on the LOC. Accurate weapon delivery by him also greatly assisted the other members in formation to acquire the target. Success of the mission facilitated recapture of territory by own ground forces without any friendly casualties. His attack also demonstrated to the enemy the capability of the IAF and will act as a deterrent against any such intrusion in the future.

      For exceptional courage under fire and leadership shown, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)' to Wing Commander Rajesh Kumar.

    There are others who could, but I don't think they are in line because they are less experienced than the ones above:-
    Air Marshal Amit Dev AOC-in-C Eastern Air Command
    • 130 Course
    • Suceeded Air Marshal Rajiv Dayal Mathur as AOC-in-C Eastern Air Command
    Air Marshal Amit Tiwari AOC-in-C Central Air Command
    • 129 Course
    • Suceeded Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar as AOC-in-C Central Air Command
 

Grey_Lie

New Member
Registered Member
You're right even DF-5 doesn't reach South America. Unless they are modded and carry a smaller lighter payload.

American missiles could since they're not too far north but anyway Agni V with 5000km range is not ICBM 8000km range is definitely possible for such missile and carrying only a single warhead without shroud. MIRV upgrades to be included in future but will reduce range if nothing else changed unless miniaturisation of warheads are as advanced.

What I found interesting is the fact that India seems to put more development resources and emphasis on achieving decent SLBM capability when they could easily develop good ICBM capability. Again their main nuclear threat is Pakistan but ICBM will provide as good if not much better secondary strike capability against China than short ranged SLBMs would on submarines that aren't known for stealth and need to be within regional Chinese waters to be effective. ICBM/IRBM provide all that and travel through less well protected regions in terms of Chinese BMD systems and OTH radars.
I have heard that USA is pressuring India to not develop long range icbms. That's why Agni 6 was probably put on hold. So that it doesn't offends its western partners.
 

Skywatcher

Captain
I have heard that USA is pressuring India to not develop long range icbms. That's why Agni 6 was probably put on hold. So that it doesn't offends its western partners.
India developing an ICBM capable of ranging even part of the Continental US would be the end of the American-Indian defense relationship.
 

siegecrossbow

General
Staff member
Super Moderator
I have heard that USA is pressuring India to not develop long range icbms. That's why Agni 6 was probably put on hold. So that it doesn't offends its western partners.

They can't stop India from buying S-400s so how can they stop them from developing ICBMs?

That said, I don't think that India has a need for long range ICBMs. Their only major enemies (China and Pakistan) are already within range of their existing missiles.
 
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