Kumar Bahukhandi
The primary design and model of the Indian bomber has been made Photo-representational/X/@defencealerts
India is building an Ultra Long-Range Strike Aircraft (ULRA) with a range of 12,000 km, which can reach New York without refueling. Inspired by the TU-160 and B-21, this aircraft will be equipped with BrahMos-NG missiles. The prototype will be ready by 2035, which will strengthen India’s nuclear power and global reach.
India is building an Ultra Long-Range Strike Aircraft (ULRA) for its Air Force, which can attack targets more than 12000 KM away. It will be able to carry 12 tonnes of weapons. This aircraft will be inspired by Russia’s TU-160 and America’s B-21 Raider. It will be equipped with Brahmos-NG missiles. The Defense Ministry says that this project will strengthen India’s nuclear power and global reach. The first prototype may be ready between the year 2032-2035.
What is ULRA?
ULRA, i.e. Ultra Long-Range Strike Aircraft, is a bomber that can cover a distance of more than 12000 km without stopping. It will be able to attack remote areas like America, Europe, Africa or Australia. Earlier India’s defense policy was focused on regional security, but now it is moving towards showing strength at the global level. Defense experts are calling it a “game changer” for the Indian Air Force.
Indian bombers will be able to travel 12 thousand kilometers without refueling-Photo: Representational/Getty.
Learning from TU-160 and B-21
Russia’s TU-160 ‘Blackjack’ is the world’s heaviest and fastest supersonic bomber, which has a range of 12300 km and can carry 40 tons of weight. A DRDO engineer said that we are looking at TU-160 as a model. We are adapting it according to our needs. This Indian aircraft will use swing wing design, which will save fuel by changing the shape of the wings during flight. It will control the speed. It will go even further than B-21 Raider (9,300 km range).
Stealth-accuracy technology
This aircraft will have stealth technology, radar evasion capability and automated flight systems. This means that it can hide from the enemy’s eyes and travel far and wide. It can hit the target accurately. ULRA’s biggest weapon will be the Brahmos-NG missile, which is lightweight and stealth attack.
It can fly a distance of 290 to 450 km and target enemy airports, radars, command centers or nuclear bases. DRDO said that it will also have weapons like Agni-1P, laser bombs and anti-radiation missiles. These missiles can destroy the enemy in a few minutes.
Where will the technology come from?
It is not easy to make this aircraft. The government, DRDO, HAL and Aircraft Development Agency are working on it. Talks are going on with Russia and France for technology transfer. The engine can be upgraded to GE-414 (American) or NK-32 (Russian), which can handle its power and range.
What does it mean for India’s defense?
This bomber will give India the capability of global attack. This will increase the power of nuclear retaliation. India’s dominance in the Indo-Pacific region will increase. It will complete the nuclear triangle (land, sea and sky), which will be a strong deterrent for the enemy. This aircraft will put India at par with countries like America, Russia and China, which operate strategic bombers.
When will it be ready?
Preliminary design and research have started. Dummy models have also been made. The Defense Ministry aims to prepare the first prototype between 2032-2035. This will be India’s largest indigenous aerospace program after AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft).
( News Source – DRDO )
