SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been a cornerstone of India’s defense strategy, but the absence of dedicated strategic bombers in its fleet has been a notable limitation. This deficiency has restricted the IAF’s ability to strike deep into enemy territory and conduct sustained long-range operations. However, there is a compelling opportunity to address this gap by utilizing existing assets: the C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft and the indigenously developed Nirbhay Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM).
The C-17 is a versatile aircraft capable of transporting troops, equipment, and vehicles over long distances. Its large cargo bay and long range make it an ideal platform for carrying and launching cruise missiles. By integrating Nirbhay into the C-17’s capabilities, the IAF could effectively transform its transport fleet into a strategic strike force.
The Nirbhay ALCM, with a range of approximately 1000 kilometers, offers a significant advantage. Launched from deep within Indian territory, it could evade enemy air defenses and deliver precision strikes against high-value targets. The potential for saturating enemy defenses with multiple Nirbhay missiles from multiple C-17s could overwhelm their air defense systems.
This strategic shift would provide the IAF with a more flexible and cost-effective approach to long-range strikes. It would also reduce the vulnerability of the IAF’s fighter aircraft to enemy air defenses during deep penetration missions.
While there may be technical challenges to integrate Nirbhay into the C-17’s systems, the potential benefits are significant. The IAF could leverage its existing infrastructure and expertise to develop this capability, enhancing its strategic deterrence and projection capabilities.
In conclusion, the IAF’s exploration of using C-17s to launch Nirbhay ALCMs presents a promising avenue for addressing its strategic bomber gap. This approach would provide the IAF with a versatile and effective capability to strike deep into enemy territory, enhancing India’s national security.