10 Most Important Defense Inductions By The Indian Military In 2019

In 2019, the Indian military is getting important, decisive capability enhancement, including some of the biggest introductions set to come in the next one year. And in this article, we will walk you through the 10 biggest ones.

Agni-5

This is a nuclear ballistic missile which can be fired across continents, featuring a range of more than 5,000 kilometers. It has finished all developmental trials, set for an introduction to the Strategic Forces Command in 2019.

The three-stage Agni-5 measures 17 meters in height and two meters in width, with the ability to carry a total of 1.5 tons of nuclear warheads. Different from other missiles in the same series, this one is the most advanced regarding guidance and navigation, engine and warhead.

In terms of accuracy, Agni-5 operates under the guidance of an on-board computer and is supported by an Inertial Navigation System backed by a Ring Laser Gyro, 100-percent-digital control system, upgraded compact avionics, and the Micro Inertial Navigation System.

VC11184

The National Technical Research Organization (NTRO) is the entity behind this secretive missile tracking ship, which is scheduled to be introduced this year.

As the keel of this ship set off on Jun 30, 2014, experts find it remarkable to see the ship get inducted in as soon as possible.

INS Arighat

This is the second submarine in the Arihant-class nuclear attack submarine series. It will join India’s arsenal in 2019.

With the INS Arighat, the Indian Navy will be able to maintain its high deterrence patrol within the waters around India because the INS Arihant cannot do this job alone. The introduction of this submarine to the Indian Navy would complete India’s nuclear triad.

INS Karanj and INS Khanderi

These two are the second and the third vessels within the Kalvari-class submarines, expected to level up the underwater capability of the country. Under Project P75, India will build six Kalvarin-class submarines.

Rafale

Finally, this September, the Indian Air Force will get the first Rafale fighter jet of its own after 19 years of waiting.

With BS and RB as its tail number initials, the Rafale jets, relying on the latest missile system and avionics, will be the most powerful aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

This jet houses 13 enhancements specifically made for India and has screens mounted on the helmet, better detection, survival features, better radar and the ability to take off at cold bases like Leh.

Apache AH-64 E

Apache AH-64 E is India’s first helicopter designed solely for attacks and started delivery this March. Since 1984, Boeing has successfully sold more than 2,200 of these helicopters, which are considered among the world’s most deadly attack helicopters.

This attack helicopter series has gone into action in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia.

On the Apache, there is a 30mm cannon with the ability to shoot 1,200 rounds in under two minutes. Additionally, it can carry up to 80 70mm rockets which can be unguided or guided along with the Hellfire missiles that rely on avionics for identifying, tracking, and hunting targets at night.

Chinook CH-47F (I)

This vertical-lift, the multiple-purpose platform is used for transporting troops, fuel, artillery, and equipment, which was introduced in July.

Apart from that, it can also act in disaster-relief, humanitarian operations, for missions like transporting relief supplies as well as mass-evacuating refugees.

This platform can lift the M777 light howitzers into the air, meaning these artillery guns can be transported between positions with the helicopter despite inhospitable terrain.

M777 and K9 Vajra

These are set for induction in 2019, and they will provide the necessary relief to the artillery firepower of the Indian Army. It’s worth noting that they are the first guns of this category to be purchased after the Bofors gun.

And the last two inductions are the big deals signed in 2019. The first is a $3 billion deal between India and Russia for a 10-year lease of a second nuclear submarine, following the Akula-II class submarine INS Chakra. And the second big deal is a $2.6 billion purchase deal between the Indian government and the US government. In particular, the US sold 24 MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters which India uses for boosting the anti-submarine capability of the Indian Navy to go against China.