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Navy to lease nuclear-capable bombers from Russia

Josy Joseph in New Delhi

The Indian Navy proposes to lease at least four long-range bomber-cum-reconnaissance aircraft capable of undertaking nuclear strikes.

If the negotiation with the Russian Navy succeeds, the Tupolev-22M3 will be the first system with the Indian Navy capable of delivering nuclear weapons.

According to sources, the navy proposes to lease at least four Tu-22M3 planes to make up for the absence of its long-range and medium-range reconnaissance aircraft, which are slated to return to Russia for upgradation.

At present, the navy has eight Tu-142 long-range reconnaissance aircraft and five IL-38 medium-range reconnaissance aircraft. But these are to go back to Russia later this year for an upgrade, which includes the installation of better sensors, radars and improved electronic warfare systems. The anti-submarine and anti-ship capabilities of both types of aircraft will also be upgraded. There is also speculation that during the refit, the aircraft may be fitted with Kh-35 missiles, but that has not been decided yet.

According to naval sources, the leasing of the Tu-22M3 would help familiarise naval personnel with a nuclear-capable delivery system, though the aircraft will come without nuclear weapons, and the Indian Navy too does not possess any at the moment.

The proposal for leasing Tu-22M3 aircraft was initially made during the visit of Russian Premier Yevgeny Primakov last year. A final agreement is yet to be reached. But sources said the proposal is to lease the aircraft for about four years. The cash-starved Russian Navy has indicated that it is also ready to sell the aircraft to the Indian Navy if the latter wants to continue with them. "No final decision has yet been arrived at," a senior naval officer said.

The Tu-22M3 is an advanced long-range bomber and maritime version of the Tu-22M, the twin-engined medium-range bomber and maritime reconnaissance and attack aircraft. The Tu-22M3 was first deployed with the Black Sea Fleet of the erstwhile Soviet Air Force in 1985.

The original aircraft has a rotary launcher in the weapons bay for six Kh-15P (AS-16) short-range attack missiles and a provision for four more underwing as an alternative to the standard two Kh-22 missiles. It also has a single GSh-23 twin-barrelled 23mm gun.

The aircraft can carry out nuclear strikes, a conventional attack and anti-ship missions. Besides, the low-level penetration features of the naval version ensure better survivability than all earlier Tupolev planes.

The Russian Air Force has about 100 of these aircraft while the naval aviation wing has 165. The plane has a flying range of 1,500 to 2,200 kilometres depending on payload. It can carry up to 12 tonnes of bombs and achieve its maximum range. But the maximum payload is 24 tonnes.

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