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Indian Air Force Considers Anti-Drone Technology for Apache and LCH

Indian Air Force Considers Anti-Drone Technology for Apache and LCH

India’s military aviation sector is making significant strides with its impressive fleet of helicopters, notably the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, which recently achieved a milestone by conducting its first-ever day-and-night firing of 20 mm turret guns and 70 mm rockets.

Now, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively exploring the development of anti-drone capabilities leveraging its fleet of attack helicopters, including the Boeing AH-64 Apache and the indigenously developed LCH.

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This initiative is a direct response to the increasing threat posed by armed drones and remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs), which have transformed modern warfare. Recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated how these advanced aerial systems can bypass traditional anti-aircraft defenses and surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems.

As future conflicts are likely to see widespread use of armed drones, the urgent need for innovative countermeasures against these threats has become clear.

Israel, a close defense partner of India, has been actively utilizing counter-drone operations with its AH-64 attack helicopters for some time.

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Notably, on October 1st, the U.S. Army’s Central Command reported that one of its AH-64 helicopters successfully engaged an unmanned aerial system (UAS) using an upgraded AGM-114 Hellfire missile during the Red Sands training exercise in Saudi Arabia. This successful operation marks a significant advancement in the development of effective counter-drone weapon systems.

The IAF, which already operates AH-64 attack helicopters equipped with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, compare atak 2 vs apache recognizes the necessity of developing a secondary counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability within its helicopter fleet. The LCH, known for its heavy armament and high maneuverability, is already in service and can be customized to fulfill the Air Force’s anti-drone requirements.

Being an indigenous product developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the LCH can be quickly and cost-effectively equipped with new sensors and weaponry to serve in an anti-drone defense role. This adaptability, supported by India’s growing defense industry ecosystem, positions the IAF well to meet emerging aerial threats.

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Defence

Russia Seeks Talks with India, Offers Tu-160 Bombers at Unbeatable Prices

Russia Seeks Talks with India, Offers Tu-160 Bombers at Unbeatable Prices

Russia is keen to deepen its defense ties with India by offering advanced strategic bombers that could significantly enhance India’s aerial capabilities. Recently, Russia has also agreed to supply critical metallurgical inputs to support the overhaul and modernization of India’s Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet fleet.

According to the report, Russia has once again extended an offer to India for its strategic heavy bombers, including the Tu-22M3 and the modernized Tu-160, also known as the “White Swan.” The Tu-22M3 was previously proposed to the Indian Navy nearly two decades ago, but the deal did not materialize due to high leasing and modernization costs.

Now, Russia’s new offer includes the Tu-160M, a modernized variant of the original Tu-160, which could significantly enhance India’s long-range strike capabilities.

The Tu-160M, also known as the “White Swan,” is a heavyweight strategic bomber with an impressive range of 12,000 km without refueling. Developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau during the 1970s in the Soviet Union, it remains the world’s largest and heaviest combat aircraft, capable of supersonic speeds.

Its unique variable-sweep wings allow it to adapt to various speeds and missions, making it the fastest bomber in active service. The Tu-160M is equipped with advanced NK-32-02 engines, known for their reduced maintenance requirements, superior performance, and long operational life.It priced at 15 billion roubles ($163 million) each.

India has traditionally focused on multirole fighter jets rather than heavy bombers, and currently, it does not have a single strategic bomber in its fleet. The inclusion of the Tu-160M could give the Indian Air Force the capability to conduct powerful deterrence missions and long-range strikes across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

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If the Tu-160M deal is realized, it could mark a significant enhancement in India’s strategic air power and strengthen defense ties between India and Russia, fostering a deeper partnership in the realm of advanced military technology.

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