With 12,000-km Range, India’s New Bomber Can Outpace B-21 Raider, Strike Across Continents

Last Updated:July 16, 2025, 14:12 IST

India's proposed bomber aims to exceed the B-21 Raider's 9,300 km range, enabling long-range strike capability across America, Europe, Australia, and Africa

The strategic bomber will strengthen India’s nuclear deterrence by ensuring the capability to retaliate after a first strike. (Representative/AP)

In a bold leap in military capability, India is preparing to develop an ultra-long-range strategic bomber for the Indian Air Force, marking a major shift in its defence doctrine. Designed to strike targets over 12,000 kilometres away, the proposed bomber would give India the unprecedented ability to hit cities far away, signalling the country’s move from regional dominance to global power projection.

Inspired by bombers like the Russian TU-160 ‘Blackjack’ and the American B-21 Raider, this development marks India’s next major military investment.

Why Does India Need Such A Bomber?

The necessity for such a bomber arises from the changing nature of warfare, which now includes cyber, space, and long-range airstrikes. While China progresses with the H-20 strategic bomber and the United States continues global power projection with the B-2 Spirit and the forthcoming B-21 Raider, India seeks to enhance its nuclear triad with a strategic airborne platform that can execute surgical or nuclear strikes from any distance, significantly bolstering its deterrence capabilities.

Inspired By Russia’s TU-160 Strategic Bomber

The Russian TU-160 ‘Blackjack’, known as the fastest and heaviest supersonic strategic bomber with a strike range of up to 12,300 kilometres and a payload capacity of 40 tons, serves as a key model for Indian defence analysts and DRDO engineers. the TU-160 is being viewed as a ‘regional model’, with its design, technology, and range adapted to align with India’s geopolitical objectives.

The Indian bomber is expected to feature variable geometry wings or ‘swing wing’ design, optimising fuel efficiency and speed during flight.

Longer Range Than The US B-21 Raider

India’s proposed bomber aims to surpass the range of the American B-21 Raider, still under development with an estimated range of 9,300 kilometres. This would allow India to operate directly in America, Europe, Australia, and Africa.

The B-21 Raider, developed by Northrop Grumman, will feature stealth design, radar avoidance, and automated navigation systems, qualities likely to be incorporated in India’s bomber, alongside the integration of supersonic cruise missiles like Brahmos-NG.

BrahMos-NG: Air-Dropped Doom For Enemy Targets

The bomber’s weapon load will be a standout feature, capable of carrying up to four units of Brahmos-NG, supersonic missiles with a range of 290-450 kilometres, capable of swiftly targeting enemy airbases, radars, command centres, or nuclear sites.

Additional armaments may include short-range ballistic weapons like Agni-1P, laser-guided bombs, and anti-radiation missiles.

Who Is the Technology Partner?

For this ambitious project, the Indian government, alongside DRDO, HAL, and ADA (Aircraft Development Agency), is negotiating technology transfer with foreign defence companies, with Russia and France at the forefront.

A specialised turbofan engine will be essential, potentially developed from a modified version of the GE-414 engine or one similar to Russia’s NK-32 engine.

What Are the Strategic Advantages?

• Global Strike Capability: India will gain the ability to strike targets not just in Asia, but anywhere in the world.
• Second-Strike Assurance: It will strengthen India’s nuclear deterrence by ensuring the capability to retaliate after a first strike.
• Force Projection: The bomber will enhance India’s airborne strength, helping counterbalance the US, China, and Russia in the Indo-Pacific.

The Defence Ministry and Air Force have named this initiative ‘Ultra Long-Range Strike Aircraft’ or ULRA, currently in the concept and design phase, with initial research and dummy models underway. The first prototype is anticipated to fly between 2032-2035.

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