What's new

How a Sukhoi-BrahMos strike will make Pakistani airspace look like Swiss cheese

.
How a Sukhoi-BrahMos strike will make Pakistani airspace look like Swiss cheese
Rakesh Krishnan | New Delhi, Thursday, May 16, 2019 | 21:27 IST

India has signalled its intent to strike enemy targets with devastating force early on in a conflict. Following the success of the Balakot raid by 12 Mirage-2000 fighters using Israeli ground penetrator bombs, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to test fire the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from its Sukhoi Su-30MKI air dominance fighter. This will allow the IAF to carry out punitive air strikes deep in enemy territory from safe standoff distances.

The air-launched BrahMos-A has an estimated operational range of over 400 km and can be dropped from 1,640 to 46,000 feet. The missile, named after the Brahmaputra in India and the Moskva river in Russia, is currently the world's fastest cruise missile.

Individually, the Su-30 and BrahMos are powerful weapons. But when the one of the most supermanoeuvrable fighters in the world is armed with a uniquely destructive cruise missile, together they are a dramatic force multiplier.

The extended range of the BrahMos-A will allow IAF pilots to destroy Balakot type targets from at least 150 km within Indian territory. The Sukhois can also launch their missiles against Pakistani targets from the southwest while flying over international waters, thereby complicating the enemy's defences.

While Pakistani air defences - and its terrorists in Balakot - were literally caught napping during the February 26 raid, at least the Pakistani military woke up after the Indian bombs exploded, and the PAF was able to scramble a few jets. In theory, if the Pakistanis had detected the intrusion early, they could have alerted the jehadis to vacate the buildings. But a BrahMos-A barrage by Sukhois taking off from Halwara air base in Punjab will take less than 60 seconds to crash into the terror complex in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, giving no time to the jehadis to even say their prayers.

As Brahmos Corp General Manager P. Pathak told Defence iQ, "The (missile's) accuracy makes it especially useful in attacking military targets in urban areas where reduced collateral damage is a priority. Indeed, cruise missile technology has been developing alongside the rapid development of computer technology, positioning systems and propellant technology. As a result, India is able to field a system from the air, without the need for additional aircraft."

The BrahMos-A was first flight tested from a Sukhoi in July 2018 over the Bay of Bengal. The cruise missile will kick off its final developmental trials in later 2019, including two launches against a naval and a ground target. The IAF wants two squadrons of Sukhois to be modified to carry the BrahMos-A and the timeline for completing conversion is 2020.

While terror targets, such as Balakot, will be provided on a real time basis by Indian intelligence and space agencies, the war time targets are obvious. A two-squadron attack can within minutes utterly cripple Pakistan's command and control centres; nuclear power plants, including Kahuta where the so-called Islamic Bomb is manufactured; the Sargodha Central Ammunition Depot west of Lahore where these warheads are stored; ballistic missile bases in Gujranwala, Okara, Multan, Jhang and Dera Nawab Shah; Pakistani Army Corp headquarters in Rawalpindi; the Karachi Port, Pakistan's only major harbour and its Naval HQ; and ordinance factories that manufacture tanks and fighter aircraft.

In previous conflicts, the IAF avoided attacks on non-military infrastructure, with the political leadership believing that hitting civilian targets in Pakistan would anger Indian Muslims. So for instance, in the 1971 War, while the IAF and the Indian Navy attacked the oil storage farms in Karachi port - which burned for a week - they spared railway stations and airports.

The decision to equip the Sukhois with the BrahMos signals a new intent. Since the aircraft's radar can detect tall buildings at a distance of 400 km and small building at 120 km, in the next war expect a lot of damage to enemy infrastructure - dams, power stations, strategic bridges are all going to be included in the list of likely targets.

The supersonic BrahMos armed with a conventional warhead can theoretically penetrate hardened command, control and communication centres. However, there is no guarantee these targets will be 100 per cent destroyed unless the BrahMos is nuclear tipped. A pre-emptive nuclear strike will therefore ensure that Pakistan's offensive capability is effectively neutralised and it is never again a threat to India.

Against China, the Sukhoi-BrahMos tactic may not have the same impact as Chinese targets are located deep inland or on the east coast. However, Chinese military infrastructure in Tibet and its strategic railway lines connecting the illegally annexed province to the Han heartland can easily be destroyed should the dragon try and come to the aid of its client state Pakistan.

Indigenous innovation
The BrahMos-A is a slimmed down version of the original Brahmos cruise missile, but it is still a massive weapon weighing 2.5 tonnes. Because heavy modifications were necessary for integrating such a heavy missile onto the Su-30MKI, initially the Russians were reluctant to go along. But after HAL decided to go solo, Sukhoi - not wanting to miss out on juicy developmental contracts - came on board in 2011.
Modifications include reinforcing the aircraft's undercarriage in addition to various mechanical, electrical and software upgrades. The integration process also involves hardening the aircraft's electronic circuitry to withstand the electromagnetic pulse of a nuclear blast, indicating that the BrahMos can be mated with a miniaturised nuclear warhead, if required.

According to Aviation Week, "Work is also underway on a modified lighter and smaller-diameter version of the BrahMos for deployment on the Indian navy's MiG-29K and, potentially, the Dassault Rafale." This is the BrahMos-NG (Next Generation), weighing around 1.5 tons, making it 50 per cent lighter and three meters shorter than its predecessor. Despite its compact size, 'BrahMos Lite' will be the fastest of them all at Mach 3.5 or 4,174 kph. As well as MiG-29s, it could become the standard air-to-surface strike weapon of the Tejas and Mirage fighters.
The next generation BrahMos will have a much longer range. And with the planned increase in speed, the missile will have considerably enhanced kinetic energy despite its smaller size optimised for relatively smaller aircraft.
Well before India was admitted into the Missile Technology Control Regime - a largely Western club which was aimed at restricting the range of Indian missiles to 300 km or less - the DRDO and its Russian partner NPO Mashinostroyeniya had decided to quietly increase the range, signalling the country's immunity from Western sanctions. In today's transformed geopolitical climate, with the US describing India as a trusted defence partner, there are no more such constraints. DRDO's Pathak says increasing the missile's range to 800 km is now possible after India's entry into the MTCR.

Sukhois as strategic platform
In September 2010 India's newly constituted tri-services Strategic Forces Command (SFC) submitted a proposal to the Defence Ministry for setting up two dedicated squadrons of aircraft comprising 40 Su-30MKI fighters. The task of this "mini air force" is to deliver nuclear weapons.

The picture became clearer in October 2012 when the Cabinet Committee on Security green lighted a programme to carry out structural and software modifications on 42 Su-30MKIs and acquire 216 air-launched BrahMos missiles. Until then, the BrahMos was for exclusive use by the Navy.

The Su-30MKI is an obvious choice. According to Strategy Page, "The SFC does not want untested fighters but the ones which can be relied upon to deliver nuclear-tipped missiles. The aircraft has a titanium airframe strong enough to fly a high-speed terrain following profile. The batch of 42 Sukhois will also have hardened electronic circuitry to shield them from the electromagnetic pulse of a nuclear blast."

Having a dedicated aircraft for the nuclear attack role offers India's war planners strategic flexibility and increases the odds of success. Because ballistic missiles are used only as a weapon of last resort, they cannot really be deployed at will. Once released, they cannot be recalled and if shot down are not easily replaced. Fighter aircraft, on the other hand, can perform repeated sorties and be directed to bomb targets as they move. For instance, if Pakistan moves it warheads out of the Sargodha depot, which is presumably under constant watch by Indian satellites, the Sukhois can be vectored against military convoys transporting their nuclear cargo.

For those in the cross hairs of the BrahMos here's a message - don't bother to say your prayers, you won't have the time to finish.

The author is a New Zealand-based defence and foreign affairs analyst.

https://www.businesstoday.in/story/...airspace-look-like-swiss-cheese/1/347321.html
And the OP wake up from long dream....hahahaha.
You and your country's wet dream to conquer Muslim land.but the story of your shattered dreams starts from year 712 till the date.
Keep going on.
 
.
These all are coming on credit line,their price would be payed over period of decade.
Pakistan has no hard cash and JH-7 lacks in many ways.

Hi,

The enemy dies the same---regardless if the equipment is bought on CASH or CREDIT---.

The bullet knows no difference---and the body is impervious to the cash / credit debate---.

Just look what the enemy is thinking of doing with the SU30---. It was never meant to do that---it was meant for other things higher up---.
 
.
Hi,

The enemy dies the same---regardless if the equipment is bought on CASH or CREDIT---.

The bullet knows no difference---and the body is impervious to the cash / credit debate---.

Just look what the enemy is thinking of doing with the SU30---. It was never meant to do that---it was meant for other things higher up---.
We don't have money simple as that,otherwise it's same PAF which operated B-56 once.
 
.
Ok we take a King size quilt and hide.
You know I have the same question for you what JH 7 would have done this aircraft?
You tell me what we should do if not try to take proactive stance. Once that plane has delivered the missiles then not much can be done by anybody.

Hi,

You are still missing it---how are you going to take a pro-active stance---when that aircraft is staying 100 km within its boundary---.
 
.
Hi,

You are still missing it---how are you going to take a pro-active stance---when that aircraft is staying 100 km within its boundary---.
I am stating a war scenario not a single strike, if he has taken off from a base and delivered then it is done except the that if Electronic jamming interfered with delivery of missile.
If the base was already made non operational then he is coming from a different base not the near one.
 
. .
Can we attached any hypersonic missile to JFT III?

Sent from my XT1609 using Defence.pk mobile app

Already done

1568483_-_main.jpg
 
.
Can we attached any hypersonic missile to JFT III?

Sent from my XT1609 using Defence.pk mobile app
Already done

1568483_-_main.jpg

Hi,

Yes---it can carry one and you can launch one CM400 AKG---.

As much as the pakistani fanboyz want---and as many pictures they have of the aircraft---it cannot operate with two at this time operationally---.

This missile is around 1000 kg in weight or more---and JFT being a small aircraft---it cannot launch and still be FLIGHT STABLE with the other missile on the wing---.

The PHYSICS of mounting two missiles---launching one and keeping the aircraft in balance and air worthy is not possible---.

The 1000-1100 Kg weight missile CROSSES THE THRESHOLD of flight stability---the aircraft would rotate over to the heavier side very fast---.

And now the pakistani kids will come out and talk about hydraulic pumps balancing the weight---. Well---for this small of an aircraft and a small wing area---it is PHYSICALLY impossible for the pumps to transfer fuel from one side to the other so fast---the aircraft would rotate over immediately and be out of control---.

Even the SU 30---with its massive size---it would only be able to mount one Brahmos missile on the belly---. The missile is around 2500 Kg and the SU30 is a massive aircraft---.

Now why I keep harping about a heavy strike aircraft than can carry two of these missiles---.

It is all about the PERCENTAGES---.

Getting thru the enemy defences would be a major major achievement---you got into the launch parameters---you lock the missile and push the launch button---and nothing happens---or the there is a missile launch---but the missile goes haywire---or there is a missile launch and missile flies to the target---but then at the last moment it gets intercepted---.

That was the only shot that you had on the enemy's aircraft carrier---now how many of you wished that you had the ability of a second shot---.

Most of you would---only those who want to be spiteful of me won't---.

On targets of opportunity---you only get one shot---.

The Ghazi had one shot at the indian air craft carrier a day r two before 6th september---the commander did not take the shot---even though there was war--.

Now if it was an Israeli commander---he would have---when does one get a chance to take out an enemy air craft carrier just like that sitting like a duck---.

So---coming back---that is why---your primary strike aircraft should be able to have two heavy missile at the minimum---.

So---either you get a JH7A---the J16---the SU34---you have to have a heavy aircraft---no ifs and buts about it---.

The defensive air force formula is against the interests of a nation---. Those who propagate it are intentionally sabotaging the integrity of the nation---.
 
.
Hi,

You are still missing it---how are you going to take a pro-active stance---when that aircraft is staying 100 km within its boundary---.
Why enemy need to use its airspace version of brahamus cruise missile & that too from 100km inside of their border while they having land attacks version of brahamus missile???
 
.
Why enemy need to use its airspace version of brahamus cruise missile & that too from 100km inside of their border while they having land attacks version of brahamus missile???

Hi,

Thanks for asking---.

The land attack version is a fixed target---like a fixed missile site or a movable target which can be targeted in response like a mobile launcher---.

The air attack version is the most brutal version---because you can never set you defenses from which direction the attack is coming---. Plus the aircraft can launch from far away and then turn around and be gone.

In our situation---it is sort of predictable---because of our geography in relation to our enemy---the enemy will come from a certain direction from over land or sea---.

If the enemy launches from within 100 km of its air space---the missiles can still travel another 300 km inside of our air space---
 
Last edited:
.
Kashmir, North east states?
How? did we tell modi to get bhuran wani killed? He can't control the situation in kashmir and decided to blame Pakistan,"Dumb move" Now his supporters are angry at him for not punishing Pakistan. So he sent an unwilling iaf to war only to get humiliated again. This is not how you do politics, However I will give him credit for 1 thing that is making a complete a** out the bharti masses over and over again.
 
.
How? did we tell modi to get bhuran wani killed? He can't control the situation in kashmir and decided to blame Pakistan,"Dumb move" Now his supporters are angry at him for not punishing Pakistan. So he sent an unwilling iaf to war only to get humiliated again. This is not how you do politics, However I will give him credit for 1 thing that is making a complete a** out the bharti masses over and over again.

It is not so much of Modi's skill and art. Indians themselves are always and ever ready to be fooled, by such charlatans.
 
.
How? did we tell modi to get bhuran wani killed? He can't control the situation in kashmir and decided to blame Pakistan,"Dumb move" Now his supporters are angry at him for not punishing Pakistan. So he sent an unwilling iaf to war only to get humiliated again. This is not how you do politics, However I will give him credit for 1 thing that is making a complete a** out the bharti masses over and over again.
Dont worry about us, grab on to the present opportunity to run from Pakistan, Ghabrana nahi hai, bas bhagna hai, aur dollar kharid le...:(

and i am the dragon slayer.
Good Good, last thrashing worked wonders, more tejas and more funds for AMCA have been sanctioned...;)
 
.
The author is a New Zealand-based defence and foreign affairs analyst. Rakesh Krishnan |:rofl:

This is how they have been developing their propaganda against Pakistan by installing educated indians all over the world. Something in which Pakistan has failed.
 
.

Latest posts

Pakistan Defence Latest Posts

Pakistan Affairs Latest Posts

Back
Top Bottom