By Vaibhav Agrawal
Earlier this year, reports emerged indicating that a team of Chinese aerospace engineers claimed a significant breakthrough in bolstering the country’s defences against potential hypersonic weapon attacks.
Their accomplishment centres around the creation of a reusable air defence system, which relies on an unmanned aircraft equipped with an air-breathing engine capable of flying at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound over substantial distances. These scientists assert that by utilising early warning satellites and ground-based radar stations, the aircraft can accurately anticipate the trajectory of an incoming hypersonic missile. Subsequently, it can launch a compact kinetic energy weapon to intercept and neutralise the threat mid-flight.
Once the defensive operation is complete, the aircraft can then safely return to an airport, ready to be prepared for its next mission, as detailed by the researchers.
Back in 2012, there was much buzz surrounding BrahMos Aerospace India Ltd (BAIL) and its ambitious BrahMos II program. At the heart of this endeavour was a missile that seemed to draw inspiration from the annals of Hindu mythology, particularly the formidable weapon of Lord Vishnu known as the Sudarshan Chakra. This next-gen missile was designed to travel at an astounding Mach 7, delivering its payload, assessing the target’s destruction, and then, astonishingly, returning to base, ready for another mission.
Dr. A Sivathanu Pillai, the visionary CEO and MD of BAIL, articulated the dream behind this project: “It is our aspiration to craft the ultimate weapon. Our mythology has provided us with intriguing insights. Among all the gods, only one possesses a weapon that moves at the speed of thought, capable of annihilating the enemy and returning, and that is the Sudarshan Chakra.”
At the time, Dr. Pillai prophesied that India would have this hypersonic marvel in its arsenal within the next 5-7 years. Fast forward to 2023, and the reality seems starkly different. The once-anticipated project appears to have encountered delays and setbacks, leaving its future uncertain.
Dr. Pillai, widely regarded as the architect behind the world’s fastest supersonic BrahMos cruise missile, emphasised India’s prowess in supersonic missile technology. He remained optimistic about the development of a reusable hypersonic missile, even as the sands of time moved on. He envisioned a future where technology would evolve at breakneck speed, potentially leading to the integration of mind-operated machines. Hypersonic vehicles with multifaceted applications could dramatically reduce the cost of placing payloads in orbit, offering the capability to deliver payloads to multiple destinations and return, much like their own interpretation of the Sudarshan Chakra.
However, as we stand in 2023, the once-promising BrahMos II program appears to be cloaked in uncertainty, with no discernible signs of its imminent realisation, raising questions about the future of this intriguing project and its ambitious timeline.
In the fast-paced arena of global geopolitics and defence, India’s quest for reusable missile technology signifies a bold step toward enhancing its national security and strategic capabilities. As we delve into why India is making strides in this direction, it is crucial to examine how this initiative compares with its current adversaries. To comprehend the significance of this endeavour, it is essential to consider India’s goals and ambitions within the context of its formidable neighbour, China.
Joseph P. Chacko, Publisher of Frontier India and an commentator on Defence and Strategic Affairs, offers valuable insights into the ethical considerations surrounding the utilisation of reusable missile technology, acknowledging its transformative potential in armed conflicts while highlighting the imperative need for ethical frameworks.
Chacko underscores a significant concern emanating from the advent of reusable missiles, namely, their capacity to streamline and economise warfare. This, he posits, could potentially lead to an upsurge in armed conflicts and a heightened intensity of ongoing ones—a matter of profound global consequence.
One salient advantage presented by reusable missiles lies in their potential to elevate precision strikes, surpassing the accuracy levels achieved by conventional missiles. This enhancement, Chacko contends, bears the promise of reducing civilian casualties—an aspect of paramount importance in contemporary warfare ethics.
However, Chacko duly acknowledges the flip side of the coin. The deployment of reusable missiles, with their inherent advanced capabilities, can inadvertently escalate collateral harm to surrounding entities, underscoring the delicate ethical balance.
Chacko’s recommendation for India to collaborate with international counterparts to establish comprehensive global standards for the responsible use of reusable missile technology resonates as a prudent and forward-thinking approach. Furthermore, he emphasises the need for India to commit to employing reusable missiles exclusively for defensive purposes. This stance aligns with the broader call for responsible stewardship in the era of rapidly advancing military technologies.
Reusable missile technology can provide India with several potential advantages in its strategic considerations concerning China.
- Cost Efficiency: Developing and maintaining a conventional missile arsenal can be expensive. Reusable missiles, while costly to develop initially, can offer significant cost savings over time. By recovering and refurbishing these missiles after use, India can potentially reduce the financial burden associated with maintaining a robust missile force, allowing for greater investment in other defence capabilities.
- Operational Flexibility: Reusable missile technology can provide India with greater operational flexibility. These missiles can be rapidly redeployed after recovery, making them suitable for responding to evolving security threats and dynamic scenarios along the India-China border.
- Reduced Vulnerability: Reusable missiles can be launched from a variety of platforms, including submarines and aircraft. This diversification of launch platforms can make it more challenging for China to detect and counter India’s missile capabilities, reducing vulnerability to pre-emptive strikes.
- Enhanced Deterrence: The possession of reusable missile technology can enhance India’s deterrence capabilities against China. The ability to rapidly launch precision strikes with reusable missiles can discourage aggressive actions by potential adversaries and strengthen India’s overall strategic posture.
- Technological Advancement: Developing and mastering reusable missile technology can signify India’s technological prowess and innovation in the field of defence, bolstering its status as a credible player on the international stage.
- International Collaboration: India’s development of reusable missile technology could open doors for international collaboration and partnerships, fostering diplomatic relations with countries sharing similar security concerns vis-à-vis China.
India’s pursuit of reusable missile technology represents a visionary approach to defence in the 21st century. It is a calculated move that not only enhances India’s military prowess but also underscores its commitment to fiscal responsibility and environmental sustainability. In the shadow of China, a formidable regional player, India’s investment in reusable missile technology serves as a strategic imperative, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding its interests and maintaining regional stability. In the complex tapestry of global security, India’s strides in this field are a testament to its resilience and determination to protect its sovereignty and uphold its role as a responsible global actor.
The author is a passionate independent journalist with a keen focus on Space and Defence Affairs. He can be reached at vaibhavmag1@gmail.com & he tweets @VaibhavMAG
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