🇮🇳 India Plans Indigenous Hypersonic Bunker Buster Missile: Top 5 Things You Must Know
🚀 India’s Indigenous Hypersonic Bunker Buster Missile: A Game Changer in Defence
India is accelerating its efforts to develop a cutting-edge hypersonic bunker buster missile system, aiming to address strategic threats in the region. The decision follows Operation Sindoor, where the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully struck multiple Pakistani airbases, including the strategically vital Noor Khan airbase near Pakistan’s Kirana Hills nuclear site.
The urgency for this project has also been fuelled by a recent US military operation in the Middle East that showcased the effectiveness of deep-strike weapons against hardened underground targets.
Here’s a deep dive into five key aspects of this critical missile program.
1️⃣ Operation Sindoor Highlighted the Need
In Operation Sindoor, Indian Su-30MKI fighter jets demonstrated remarkable precision in targeting 11 Pakistani airbases. However, defence experts pointed out India’s current lack of weapons capable of penetrating reinforced bunkers protecting enemy nuclear assets.
This exposed a crucial gap in India’s military capability and led to the greenlighting of an indigenous bunker buster program with hypersonic speed as its core advantage.
2️⃣ Inspired by the US Massive Ordnance Penetrator
India’s decision draws inspiration from the US military, which recently deployed a 14,000-kg Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) using a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber to damage Iran’s fortified nuclear facilities during the Israel-Iran conflict.
By achieving similar deep-strike capabilities, India aims to create a credible deterrent against adversaries like Pakistan and China, especially amid escalating regional tensions.
3️⃣ DRDO’s Indigenous Push
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is spearheading the development, ensuring that the technology remains indigenous while selectively collaborating with trusted global partners for niche components.
Key features expected:
✅ Hypersonic speeds (Mach 5+) for unmatched penetration.
✅ Ability to breach up to 60 feet of reinforced concrete.
✅ Precision guidance systems for pinpoint accuracy.
✅ Compatibility with multiple delivery platforms like Su-30MKI, Rafale, and future stealth bombers.
4️⃣ Countering Nuclear Threats
India’s security planners consider this hypersonic missile a critical part of its nuclear deterrence doctrine. The ability to neutralize underground nuclear facilities would significantly tilt the balance of power in the region.
The missile will also strengthen India’s response options in counterforce scenarios, ensuring that vital enemy installations can be neutralized if deterrence fails.
5️⃣ Expected Timeline and Deployment
According to defence sources, the first prototype of the missile could be tested by late 2026, with operational deployment targeted for 2028.
Once deployed, the system will be one of the few in the world capable of executing high-speed, deep-penetration strikes against hardened targets, putting India in an elite club of military powers.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and defence analysis. Specifications, timelines, and strategies may evolve as the project progresses.
