APOCALYPSE NOW: FUTURE OF WARFARE IN THE PRESENT
The New Indian Express|December 05, 2024
Imagine a future war, not too far in the future. Say, 10 years from today. Now, take a step back and imagine the ongoing wars. You might find that the future is now.
KAJAL BASU
APOCALYPSE NOW: FUTURE OF WARFARE IN THE PRESENT

The worst that our nightmares have been able to cook up for decades involves nuclear-burst clouds, radiation burns impossible to recover from, vaporization en masse, buildings standing stripped of the living.

But what we already have are missiles that can inflict nuclear-level catastrophe—without being nuclear. Russia slung one at Ukraine in the fourth week of November, causing significant devastation and flabbergasting NATO. The Oreshnik—meaning ‘hazel tree’ in Russian, a reference to its many branches sharpened to killing points with six warheads, each with six payloads—is a ‘conventional’ intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) that travels at over 14,000 kmph; it’s unstoppable by any extant antimissile technology. Its 36 warheads can be individually directed to strike different targets.

The Oreshnik stunned military strategists across the world because, at Mach 11, it beat the Mach 9.6 scramjet NASA X-43, the fastest jet-powered aircraft on record. The Russian IRBM has the range to hit all the European capitals in less than 15 minutes (but not the US, although reports suggest an intercontinental version is on the cards by 2025).

If this is the stuff of nightmares, there are petits cauchemars or little nightmares in the making, too: dragon drones. A deadly new weapon in the Russo-Ukrainian war, they spray a molten metal heated to 2,427°C—a rain of fire. Dragon drones carry thermite, a mixture of metal powder often made of aluminum and powdered everyday rust.

Bu hikaye The New Indian Express dergisinin December 05, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The New Indian Express dergisinin December 05, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
The New Indian Express

'I Have Never Wanted Anything More'

Ariana Grande speaks to Katie Ellis about landing her dream role of Glinda in Wicked, taking voice and acting lessons, and developing a special bond with co-star Cynthia Erivo

time-read
3 dak  |
December 08, 2024
Relief of Finding One in Duality
The New Indian Express

Relief of Finding One in Duality

Indian designer Vikram Goyal joins hands with English design house de Gournay to create an exquisite collection of three gilded wallpapers celebrating Indian faith

time-read
2 dak  |
December 08, 2024
Dare to be Dapper
The New Indian Express

Dare to be Dapper

From stylish formals to cool casuals, the winter guide for men to get the occasion vibe right on point

time-read
1 min  |
December 08, 2024
March of the Maxi Clutch
The New Indian Express

March of the Maxi Clutch

The jumbo size clutch from the '90s is having its moment in the sun

time-read
2 dak  |
December 08, 2024
A Lot can Happen Over Coffee
The New Indian Express

A Lot can Happen Over Coffee

Blending artistry, culture, and connection, a new wave of DIY art cafes is connecting communities across India

time-read
6 dak  |
December 08, 2024
The New Indian Express

A Bohemian Rhapsody

The region in Czech Republic has long captivated painters, writers, artists and dreamers with its surrealism

time-read
2 dak  |
December 08, 2024
Train Smarter, Not Harder
The New Indian Express

Train Smarter, Not Harder

This trending workout is a testament to the evolving art of fitness

time-read
2 dak  |
December 08, 2024
The New Indian Express

Keeping Hope Afloat

As instances of death by drowning rise, down in Kerala, Saji Valassery and CV Janaki Amma teach people swimming for free

time-read
2 dak  |
December 08, 2024
It's Time Kerala Temples took Mercy on the Plight of Elephants
The New Indian Express

It's Time Kerala Temples took Mercy on the Plight of Elephants

ACUTE ANGLE

time-read
4 dak  |
December 08, 2024
Deja vu: Head-ache yet again for Rohit & Co
The New Indian Express

Deja vu: Head-ache yet again for Rohit & Co

Travis smashes century at his home ground to put hosts on top

time-read
2 dak  |
December 08, 2024