Indian Strategic Long Range Bomber

[vera_k]

This would be a good platform to test the Kaveri engine.

But, good luck trying to get a GE engine for this venture if it starts out saying "could bomb New York".

[SRajesh]

When was the last time we had a Bomber Squadron??
WWII Dakotas we had were more for Transport Sqd
If and when we do go in for Long Range Bombers, needs who load of investment in not just bombers but with training, equipment and the support cast for the bomb trucks!!
And importantlytly what would be the operatonal needs
Its not like we will not fly to Bratnistan and turn around to bomb Jihadistan

[VinodTK]

When was the last time we had a Bomber Squadron??
WWII Dakotas we had were more for Transport Sqd
If and when we do go in for Long Range Bombers, needs who load of investment in not just bombers but with training, equipment and the support cast for the bomb trucks!!
And importantlytly what would be the operatonal needs
Its not like we will not fly to Bratnistan and turn around to bomb Jihadistan

SRajesh jee, India might not get the bombers; However there is need for such platforms for:

• Second strike capability
  To reach deep into dragon land
  Countries like Turkey should know that India has to the capability if required
  Yes it costs money freedom is expensive, I believe a soon to be 3rd largest economy can and should get them.

[m_saini]

SRajesh jee, India might not get the bomber..

all valid points but if what's said in the article is indeed true then we're setting ourselves up for failure.

Issue isn't whether we need bombers or not, issue is we're thinking of flying a "stealth, better than B21, bomber" by 2035. When in the article's own words "building them from scratch is no small task"...... no shit, you don't say?!?!

They'll waste years and billions and we'll be arguing "transfer of tech" with the french/russians deep into 2040s.

Here's a reasonable goal: how about we have all Tejas(mk1, 1a, 2) flying with Indian engines by 2035? But nope we seem to always chase unobtanium instead of keeping our heads down and work towards goals that we juuuuuust might actually achieve.

[Haridas]

When was the last time we had a Bomber Squadron??
WWII Dakotas we had were more for Transport Sqd

Was that rhetoric or too lazy to ask GPT?

IAF bombers started with B24 Librators, had very long range. My favorite plane to see flying in AFS Poona and playing inside its retired empty hulls on 11 BRD yard.

Was followed by a relatively light bomber Canberra, only 8000 Lb max payload and short range, but exceptionally high service ceiling 40 to 45,000 ft and decent speed. (It did the attack on Peshawar).

Before B24 were salvaged from scuttled units leftover by Britshit, the need to defend against Porkistan army in 1947,48 we used Dekota DC3 transport plane as bomber in Kashmir vale. Bombs were rolled off manually by all crew on deck (sic). I had honour to meet the only Flight Signeller who earned Vir Chakra for those bombing run. Fondly remember Vir Chakra MWO Thomas uncle for many years at NSS (Navigations and Signals School) at AFS Secundrabad 1975 to 78.

MWO & Hony Flt Lt Arullappa Thomas, VrC

[Manish_P]

Gentlemen, can't the hefty Su-30 MKI be considered a medium range, medium bomber (medium as compared to a dedicated bomber like the Blackjack/Backfire of course).

And the P8 I Poseidon does carry the Harpoon on wing points and can be adapted to carry bombs too

Granted both these birds are strictly speaking not strategic bombers per se, but we are not completely bomber-nude..,