In a dramatic escalation of their hypersonic arms race, India and China have unveiled groundbreaking advancements in missile technology, signaling a new phase of military rivalry. Last month, India successfully tested its first long-range hypersonic missile, a significant milestone in its indigenous defense capabilities.
Meanwhile, China revealed a revolutionary boron-powered ramjet engine capable of propelling hypersonic weapons through both air and water, marking a remarkable achievement in cross-medium propulsion technology.
China’s Boron-Powered Dream Engine
China’s recent success in developing a boron-powered ramjet engine has drawn widespread attention. Initially conceptualized two years ago, the “dream engine” has now passed laboratory tests, demonstrating 90% efficiency in submarine mode. This engine, designed to operate in both air and water, represents a transformative leap in propulsion systems, potentially redefining the capabilities of modern hypersonic weapons.
The boron engine operates on a principle that maximizes its versatility. It uses boron, an element with an exceptional gravimetric and volumetric heat of combustion, as fuel. By inhaling air and water as oxidizing agents, the engine can sustain high-speed propulsion across different environments. Weapons powered by this engine could travel at supersonic speeds for hundreds of kilometers in the air, then dive into water and strike naval assets such as aircraft carriers at speeds exceeding 200 knots.
The boron-fueled propulsion system has several advantages:
- High Efficiency: Laboratory tests confirmed that the boron engine achieves a 90% combustion efficiency underwater, a significant improvement over earlier designs.
- Dual Medium Capability: The ability to operate seamlessly in air and water offers tactical flexibility in targeting both land and naval assets.
- Hypersonic Potential: Boron’s intense ignition properties enable missiles to surpass Mach 5 speeds, making them difficult to intercept.
However, the system faces challenges:
- Complex Naval Operations: Indian defense expert Debalina Ghoshal notes that deploying such systems in naval operations could be challenging due to technical and operational constraints.
- Fuel Ignition Underwater: The ignition of boron in water required significant modifications, including the optimization of combustion chamber conditions and the inclusion of elements like magnesium and aluminum to improve efficiency.
India’s Hypersonic Triumph: The BrahMos Advantage
India, too, has made strides in hypersonic missile technology. Its successful test of a long-range hypersonic missile is a testament to its robust indigenous missile development program. At the forefront of India’s missile arsenal is the BrahMos, a ramjet-powered supersonic cruise missile.
BrahMos: A Proven Arsenal
The BrahMos, a joint venture between India and Russia, has earned a reputation as one of the world’s fastest and most accurate supersonic cruise missiles. Key features include:
- Supersonic Speeds: Current models travel at speeds between Mach 2.8 and 3.0, with plans to upgrade to hypersonic speeds above Mach 5.
- Terrain-Hugging Flight: The missile can fly as low as 10 meters above the ground during its terminal phase, evading enemy radar and missile defense systems.
- Versatile Launch Platforms: It can be launched from land, air, sea, and submarines, making it a highly adaptable weapon.
The missile’s effectiveness has not gone unnoticed internationally, with the Philippines acquiring it to bolster its defenses against Chinese maritime aggression.
India’s Hypersonic Aspirations
India’s ongoing development of a hypersonic variant of BrahMos, equipped with scramjet technology, could further enhance its capabilities. Scramjets, unlike ramjets, are designed for speeds above Mach 5, positioning India to compete directly with China’s boron-powered systems.
Boron-Powered Missiles vs. BrahMos
Technological Innovation
| Aspect | China’s Boron Engine | India’s BrahMos |
|---|---|---|
| Propulsion System | Boron-fueled ramjet with dual medium capability | Ramjet with solid propellant booster |
| Speed | Hypersonic (>Mach 5) | Supersonic (Mach 2.8–3.0; hypersonic variant in development) |
| Operational Range | Hundreds of kilometers (air and underwater) | Approx. 290–500 km (varies by variant) |
| Versatility | Air and water operations | Air, land, sea, and submarine launches |
China’s boron-powered system offers an edge in versatility, with its ability to engage targets in both air and underwater environments. However, India’s BrahMos, with its established track record, continues to be a formidable weapon due to its operational flexibility and proven combat performance.
The unveiling of these technologies comes against the backdrop of heightened military tensions between India and China, particularly after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. Both nations are investing heavily in advanced weaponry to assert dominance in the region.
China’s Strategic Goals
China’s focus on dual-medium hypersonic weapons aligns with its broader strategy to counter the United States and assert control over the South China Sea. The boron engine could be a game-changer in naval warfare, particularly against U.S. aircraft carriers or India’s growing naval fleet.
India’s Defense Posture
India’s hypersonic advancements, including the BrahMos upgrade, are part of its strategy to maintain credible deterrence against China and Pakistan. The emphasis on indigenous development underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense.
Debalina Ghoshal, an expert in missile technology and international security, provides critical insights into the implications of these advancements:
- Boron-Powered Missiles: Ghoshal acknowledges the potential of boron-powered engines but highlights the operational complexities of deploying such systems, particularly in underwater environments.
- India’s Strengths: She emphasizes the reliability of BrahMos as a proven system, noting that it is a “Brahmastra” (ultimate weapon) for India, offering unparalleled speed, accuracy, and versatility.
Hypersonic Warfare
The race for hypersonic supremacy is far from over. Both India and China are pushing the boundaries of missile technology to gain strategic advantages. The competition extends beyond the two nations, as global powers like the United States and Russia also develop hypersonic weapons.
- China: Further enhancements to boron propulsion technology could address existing challenges and increase its operational deployment.
- India: Continued advancements in scramjet technology could make the hypersonic BrahMos a reality, further cementing India’s position as a leader in missile technology.
The development of hypersonic weapons, particularly those capable of cross-medium operations, raises significant concerns about global stability. These systems are challenging to detect and intercept, potentially destabilizing existing defense architectures.
