The Federation of American Scientists, a notable American think tank, recently obtained images revealing the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) JF-17 Thunder armed with the Ra’ad air-launched cruise missile (ALCM), suggesting a potential role for the jet in nuclear deterrence. Historically, Pakistan’s limited arsenal of nuclear gravity bombs has been deployed on Mirage 5 jets, while Mirage 3 jets have carried the nuclear-capable Ra’ad 1 cruise missile. However, Mirage 5 and Mirage 3 jets are nearing retirement, making the JF-17 an apt replacement for sustaining airborne nuclear deterrence. The think tank identified the missile on the JF-17 as Ra’ad 1, distinguished by its twin-tail design, which boasts a range of 350 kilometres and can carry warheads weighing between 450-500 kilograms. Additionally, Ra’ad 2, with its distinctive X-shaped tail, displayed at several exhibitions in the past few years, boasts an extended range of 600 kilometres.
Role of Air-Launched Nuclear Missiles in Modern Nuclear Deterrence
Air-launched nuclear weapons are a critical component of a nation’s nuclear triad, complementing land-based missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles. During periods of heightened nuclear tensions, fighter jets equipped with nuclear weapons can conduct continuous air patrols. This strategy enhances their survivability in a nuclear attack and ensures the capability to retaliate swiftly.
Notably, air-launched nuclear missiles offer significant advantages over gravity bombs. They provide an immediate response capability, which is crucial for upholding a credible deterrent posture by enabling prompt retaliation against aggressors. Moreover, their ability to launch from standoff distances minimises aircraft exposure to enemy air defences, thereby enhancing mission success rates and platform survivability. Additionally, these missiles possess the capability to strike deep within enemy territory with reduced operational risk. The role of advanced guidance systems cannot be overstated, as they significantly augment the precision and effectiveness of these missiles against strategic targets. It makes air-launched nuclear missiles essential assets in modern nuclear deterrence strategies.
Pakistan’s possession of air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs) alongside nuclear gravity bombs, coupled with potential advancements in launch platforms such as the JF-17, underscores ongoing efforts to bolster airborne deterrence capabilities. This transition ensures continuity in airborne nuclear deterrence and supports broader military doctrines focused on flexibility, survivability, and strategic depth.
India’s Airborne Nuclear Deterrence and Need for Ballistic Missiles
India’s current air-launched nuclear capabilities rely primarily on nuclear gravity bombs, with the Mirage 2000 and Jaguars believed to be their primary launch platforms. While special mission Su-30 jets are equipped with the air-launched BrahMos missile, they are designed for conventional strike roles. BrahMos Aerospace does not mention a nuclear role for this missile on its website. In an exclusive interview with The Week, BrahMos Aerospace CEO Atul Dinakar Rane noted that the BrahMos missile’s payload capacity of 200 kg is insufficient for deploying a nuclear warhead.
Given these limitations, the Indian Air Force (IAF) remains dependent on nuclear gravity bombs. Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar, the former head of the Strategic Forces Command, has emphasised the need to develop air-launched ballistic missiles. Ballistic missiles offer several advantages, including higher speed and a trajectory that makes them more challenging to intercept than cruise missiles. Moreover, ALBMs can carry larger warheads, enhancing their destructive capability. Developing ALBMs for airborne nuclear deterrence would significantly bolster India’s second-strike capability, providing a more robust and survivable nuclear deterrent.
Furthermore, the IAF needs to shift the role of launch platforms to newer jets. Integrating advanced fighter aircraft will ensure the effective deployment of modern missiles. Modern jets with enhanced avionics and stealth capabilities will significantly improve mission flexibility, survivability, and overall deterrent effectiveness, strengthening India’s strategic defence infrastructure.
Vinay Sadham
