The end of World War-2 in 1945 led to a new era in weapons development. The beginning of the Cold War in the second half of the 20th century led to the advent of a new age in which aircraft speeds increased by leaps and bounds due to the application of turbojet and turbofan engines, whereas ballistic missiles led to the development of new payload-delivery vehicles over longer ranges. The deployment of tactical nuclear weapons aided by medium-range terrain hugging and radar-evading cruise missiles played the role of a huge force multiplier in the domain of tactical/ theatre-level battlefields, and the widespread deployment of heavy armour along with cutting-edge guided artillery systems set a new benchmark in the history of modern warfare. While the primary focus of the two superpowers- the US and the Soviet Union, during the cold war was on the development and testing of weapons of mass destruction and heavy intercontinental ranged ballistic missiles tipped with nuclear and thermonuclear warheads capable of wiping out entire metropolitan cities, the focus shifted towards the development of precision strike and purpose-built weapons in the last two decades of the 20th century. Be it the strategic level battlefield or a tactical level war, the intention was to reach the necessary objectives at the earliest without prolonging the conflict. Smart weapons with increased lethality and precision remain an area undergoing evolution and massive technological transformation since the beginning of the new millennium. Facing an unstable Pakistan in the west, and an expansionist China in the east and northeast frontiers, India must tread the path towards the development of a whole gamut of next-generation smart and lethal weapons.
Laser and directed energy weapons
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NEW MANTRA FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION
AMIT COWSHISH explains why the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which is one of the biggest spenders, needs to watch out for the latest mediation rules.
NEW WAVE TERRORISM IN JAMMU & KASHMIR
KARAN KHARB argues that Pakistan's continued use of proxy war tactics against India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, poses a severe threat to national security. He advocates for a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of military strategies and a coordinated national policy to address both external and internal security challenges effectively.
INDIAN NAVY'S PROJECT-751 - GERMAN TKMS LEADS SPANISH NAVANTIA AFTER FIELD TRIALS FOR AIP-SUBMARINE DEAL
German submarine-builder ThyssenKrupp (TKMS) and India's Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL) have emerged as leaders in the Indian Navy's Project-751, which aims to build six submarines with Fuel Cell Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) and Lithium-ion batteries. Following successful field trials, TKMS and MDL have gained an edge over competitors by demonstrating their proven AIP technology and advanced submarine design tailored to the Indian Navy's needs.
VIKSIT BHARAT FROM A DREAM TO REALITY
The article explores India's ascent as a global influencer, emphasising its strategic advancements in foreign policy, defence, and economic growth. It also highlights India's challenges in achieving sustainable development and strengthening internal security. Adopting a forward-looking approach, the article envisions India's rise as a major economic power and a key player in global stability, as outlined by LT. GEN. A.B. SHIVANE (RETD.).
WILL MODI APPLY THE LESSON LEARNT FROM KOREA IN UKRAINE?
Speculation around Prime Minister Narendra Modi's possible visit to Ukraine raises questions about India's role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. Drawing from its experience during the Korean War, India may seek to leverage its strategic neutrality to foster dialogue in a conflict where China and Turkey have also shown interest, opines PRAKASH NANDA.
UGVS: THE NEXT DIMENSION OF WARFARE
With the rest of the world developing unmanned ground vehicles at a breakneck speed, it is time for India to join the bandwagon at the earliest.
SUPERSONIC DESTROYER
The BrahMos programme has filled a critical gap in the Indian armed forces' missile inventory and continues to attract strong export interest, writes ATUL CHANDRA.
POLICE MODERNISATION: AN URGENT NEED OF THE HOUR
India is facing many internal security threats, and it is time to reshape the strategic dynamics by modernising the police forces.
FUTURE FIGHTER
FIA 24 provided important insights into the Global Combat Air Programme, which will redefine the future of air combat, reports MIKE RAJKUMAR.
FILLING THE GAP
A new Medium Transport Aircraft is essential for the IAF, but it will have to compete with other pressing programmes fighting for limited budgetary resources, analyses ATUL CHANDRA.