5 Futuristic Indian Defence Projects Which Will Beat The Best In the World
The Indian Air Force is the fourth largest air force in the world. Currently in rebuilding phase, the Air Force is re-equipping and procuring next generation technologies which will make even the toughest of our enemies tremble with fear. These technologies include fifth generation aircrafts, combat aircrafts, drones, UCAVs and airborne early warning and control system.
These five futuristic Indian Defence Projects use some of the most advanced technologies in the world and will beat even the best in the world once fully developed.
1. HAL Advance Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA, 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft – IAF)
AMCA or the Advaced Medium Combat Aircraft is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft which will be manufactured by HAL. Currently only US has an operational Stealth Bomber and fighter and this addition into the Indian Air Force will make India one of the first few members of the elite club. At par is the Russian Sukhoi PAK FA which is expected to roll out in 2017. AMCA will have fifth generation features like super cruise, stealth, AESA radar, maneuverability and advanced avionics. The total funding for this project is Rs. 9000 crores and this investment is worth every penny especially considering that our enemies beyond the border in China have Chengdu J-20, which will be operational in 2018.
2. Sukhoi/HAL Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft
Sukhoi FGFA is a Perspective Multi-Role Fighter, Fifth Generation project being jointly developed by India and Russia. It is a variant of the current T-50 prototype being developed by the Indian Air Force with almost 43 improvements. The aircraft is one of its kinds with pre-fitted air-to-air, air-to-surface and air-to-ship missiles. It will also include in-flight refueling capabilities through both tanker and buddy (another flight) mode. It will cost $6 billion to develop and India will bear almost 35% of its total cost.
3. Light Combat Helicopter
The HAL Light Combat Helicopter being developed by HAL is one of India's best defence projects which will help in combating future proxy wars waged by Pakistan on our western borders. This project was sanctioned in lieu of the requirements of the India military after the Kargil war where high altitude ‘Light Combat Helicopters' were the need of the hour. LCH's are really helpful in air defence against slow moving aerial targets, Counter Surface Force Operation (CSFO), escort to special heli-borne operations (SHBO), Counter-insurgency operations (COIN), offensive Employment in Urban Warfare, support of combat search and rescue operations (SAR) operations, anti-tank role, network-centric operations and scout duties.
4. HAL RUDRA
HAL RUDRA is an attack helicopter being manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Outfitted with forward looking infra red and thermal Imaging Sights Interface, a 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rocket pods, anti-tank guided missiles and Air-to-Air missiles, RUDRA is the first indigenous armed helicopter.
5. DRDO Rustom-Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Rustom is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) which can be deployed in military and special operations applications including reconnaissance operations, forest fire detection, border patrol missions, surveillance, search & rescue missions, detection of illegal hunting, coordinating humanitarian aid, land surveying, fire and large-accident investigation, landslide measurement, illegal landfill detection and crowd monitoring.