Indian Defense
India’s Advancement In Quantum Computing
As of 2023, quantum computers haven’t been able to outperform classical computers in real-world applications. Although existing quantum computers may accelerate solutions to specific mathematical problems, they do not provide a computational advantage for practical tasks. Many tasks show no potential for useful quantum speedup, and certain activities are proven to resist any quantum acceleration due to established theorems. Scientists and engineers are actively exploring diverse technologies for quantum computing hardware in the pursuit of scalable quantum architectures. However, major challenges still impede progress in achieving this goal.
Despite this, the quantum technology industry has experienced major growth and investment, with 2022 being a record year for funding. According to a Mckinsey report, investments in quantum technology start-ups reached $2.35 billion, a 1% increase from 2021. Established start-ups attracted huge funding, with four of the largest deals in the 2000s closing last year. Key players in hardware also received hefty investments, contributing to the industry’s capital-intensive nature.
Despite the increased funding, the rate of new start-up creation slowed, with only 19 quantum technology start-ups founded in 2022 compared to 41 in 2021. This suggests that more investments are flowing into established companies than new ventures. Established companies have been the focus of large deals, particularly in hardware. The public sector also continued its commitment, with the US investing an additional $1.8 billion, the EU committing $1.2 billion, and Canada contributing $100 million. China remains the country with the largest investment in quantum technology, with a total announced investment of $15.3 billion. China also leads when considering quantum patents by country.
Quantum computing’s importance spans sectors like climate change, manufacturing, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.
India’s Quantum Leap
India’s ₹6,000-crore quantum mission, announced in April this year, will be put in motion. Adopting quantum technologies is not a choice any longer—today, it is a question of getting in at the earliest. For example, a traditional supercomputer will take 100 trillion years to break 128-bit encryption code. Quantum computers will take only a fraction of (this) time to do this. Post-quantum cryptography is an enormously important field, and India is bound to be investing here, because if one has a 50-qubit or higher quantum computers, it will not take long to break codes.
Indian use cases are developing too—a quantum key distribution (QKD) link between Sanchar Bhavan and NIC headquarters in Delhi has been live since earlier this year. This enables transmission of data through quantum communications networks over 150-200 km, but going forward, India needs to do it across 2,000 km. Other entities experimenting with quantum repeaters and related technologies include IIT-Madras, C-DAC and more.
The National Quantum Mission was announced on 19 April by union information and broadcasting minister Anurag Singh Thakur and minister of state for science Jitendra Singh. With a budget of ₹6,003.6l5 crore over eight years it aims to develop 50 to 1,000 qubits of quantum computing hardware, 2,000 km of quantum communications network, and foster a domestic ecosystem of quantum research.
India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM) aims to develop quantum computers with 50-1,000 physical qubits by 2031. The NQM also aims to make India a leader in quantum technologies and applications.
The NQM Will Focus On:
Developing magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic systems
Developing atomic clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation
Some of the best quantum computing research institutes in India include:
Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)
Raman Research Institute (RRI)
International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Hyderabad
Harish-Chandra Research Institute
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
TATA Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali
Some other quantum computing companies include:
Toshiba, Quantinuum, Intel, Baidu, Atos, Alibaba, Amazon, Microsoft
India is the sixth country to have a dedicated quantum mission. The other countries are the US, Austria, Finland, France, and China.
The Uttar Pradesh Government has recently collaborated with Innogress on the Indraprastha Quantum Data Centre (IQDC) in Greater Noida. In partnership with GAN Tech UK, the project targets the development of a million-qubit-powered quantum computer, which is a substantial progression from current quantum leaders. With an estimated investment of $300-500 million, the initiative positions India as one of the leading countries in quantum computing.
Indian Defense
INS Arihant’s Nuke-Capable K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile ‘Ready To Roll’
The solid-fuelled K-4 missile is being developed by DRDO to arm the country’s nuclear-powered submarines in the shape of INS Arihant and its under-development sister vessels. INS Arihant, which became fully operational in November 2018 to complete India’s nuclear triad, is currently armed with the much shorter K-15 missiles with a 750 km range.
“The K-4 is now virtually ready for its serial production to kick-off. The two tests have demonstrated its capability to emerge straight from underwater and undertake its parabolic trajectory,” said a source.
India has the land-based Agni missiles, with the over 5,000-km Agni-V inter-continental ballistic missile now in the process of being inducted, and fighter jets jury-rigged to deliver nuclear weapons. But INS Arihant gives the country’s deterrence posture much more credibility because nuclear-powered submarines armed with nuclear-tipped missiles are considered the most secure, survivable and potent platforms for retaliatory strikes.
Once the K-4 missiles are inducted, they will help India narrow the gap with countries like the US, Russia and China, which have over 5,000-km range SLBMs. The K-4 missiles are to be followed by the K-5 and K-6 missiles in the 5,000-6,000 km range class.
The 6,000-ton INS Arihant, which is propelled by an 83 MW pressurised light-water reactor at its core, in turn, is to be followed by INS Arighat, which was launched in 2017. The next generation of nuclear submarines, currently called S-4 and S-4*, will be much larger in size.
Indian Defense
After Upgradation, Sukhoi Su-30MKI Indigenisation To Reach 78%
India has received clearance to upgrade 84 Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, which will result in 78% indigenization after the upgrade
In a significant step towards bolstering its military might with indigenously developed technology, India is poised to witness its Russian-origin Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets evolve into a domestic platform. Speaking at a recent lecture.
The upgrade program is being led by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in partnership with the Indian Air Force and other partners. The upgrade is expected to cost US$7.5 billion.
This initiative is a part of a larger effort by the Indian Air Force to modernize its ageing fleet. Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari asserted the critical role of an offensive air force as demonstrated in current global conflicts and emphasized India’s move towards an indigenized arsenal. To this end, the IAF has been proactive, from upgrading its Mirage 2000 to enhancing its MiG-29 fleet.
In summary, the IAF’s commitment to updating their combat forces with the latest technology, including shifting to fifth-generation fighter jets, ensures operational preparedness and a strong deterrence capability. The gradual indigenization of its air fleet marks a pivotal shift in India’s defence landscape, reducing dependency on foreign imports and fostering technological sovereignty.
Indian Defense
Akash Weapon System Exports For The Armenian Armed Forces Gathers Pace
According to unconfirmed reports, Armenia is a top contender for an export order for Akash SAM system manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
The Akash export version will also be slightly different from the one inducted by the armed forces. The 100-km range air-to-air Astra missiles, now entering production after successful trials from Sukhoi-30MKI fighters, also have “good export potential”, said sources.
Akash is a “tried, tested and successfully inducted systems”. Indian armed forces have ordered Akash systems worth Rs 24,000 crore over the years, and MoD inked a contract in Mar 2023 of over Rs 9,100 crores for improved Akash Weapon System
BDL is a government enterprise under the Ministry of Defence that was established in 1970. BDL manufactures surface-to-air missiles and delivers them to the Indian Army. BDL also offers its products for export.
Akash Weapon System
The AWS is a Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SRSAM) Air Defence System, indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). In order to meet aerial threats, two additional Regiments of AWS with Upgradation are being procured for Indian Army for the Northern borders. Improved AWS has Seeker Technology, Reduced Foot Print, 360° Engagement Capability and improved environmental parameters.
The project will give a boost to the Indian missile manufacturing industry in particular and the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem as a whole. The project has overall indigenous content of 82% which will be increased to 93% by 2026-27.
The induction of the improved AWS into the Indian Army will increase India’s self-reliance in Short Range Missile capability. This project will play a role in boosting the overall economy by avoiding outgo of precious foreign exchange to other countries, increasing employment avenues in India and encouraging Indian MSMEs through components manufacturing. Around 60% of the project cost will be awarded to the private industry, including MSMEs, in maintaining the supply chain of the weapon system, thereby creating large scale of direct and indirect employment.
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