According to an article by the Economic Times of India on the 16th, India plans to develop a super-long-range bomber capable of striking targets over 12,000 kilometers away. It will also be equipped with “Brāmōs-NG” missiles and other advanced weapons. The first prototype is expected to debut in 2035.
The report states that this bomber is derived from the “Super Long-Range Aircraft” project, marking a significant shift in India’s defense policy from “focusing on regional concerns” to “intercontinental reach.” The aircraft will reference Russian Tu-160 bombers and American B-21 bombers, possibly adopting a variable-delta wing design to save fuel and more effectively control flight speed.
India hopes that this bomber’s range will surpass the 9,300-kilometer limit of the B-21 bomber, meaning it can strike targets in the United States, Europe, Africa, or Australia without needing air refueling.
The report also mentions that this bomber can carry up to four “Brāmōs-NG” missiles with a range of 290 to 450 kilometers, as well as new short-range ballistic missiles, laser-guided bombs, and anti-radiation missiles among its advanced weaponry.
However, the report believes that starting from scratch in building a bomber is not an easy task. The Indian government, the Indian Defence Research and Development Organization, Hindi Aviation Limited, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation are leading the development work, negotiating technology transfer agreements with Russia and France.
Although the design work for this bomber is still in its early stages, model simulations and preliminary research have already begun. The first prototype is expected to fly for the first time between 2032 and 2035.