US Air Force to Arm C-17 Globemaster with Hypersonic Missiles: Boeing Unveils New 'Revolver' Launch System

 The US Air Force's second-largest airlifter, the C-17 Globemaster III, is set to gain significant offensive capabilities. Boeing has introduced the "Revolver" launch system, which will enable the aircraft to launch multiple hypersonic missiles from its cargo bay. This adaptation aligns with the USAF's strategy to enhance the offensive capabilities of airlifters like the C-17 and C-130J, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region where conflicts with China may arise.

The USAF's plan anticipates that cargo and tanker planes will need to provide more than logistical support in potential confrontations with powerful adversaries like Russia or China. The Revolver system is designed to integrate X-51A Waverider hypersonic cruise missiles, allowing the launch of 12 missiles using an advanced drum and electromagnetic catapult mechanism. These missiles, known for their scramjet engines, can exceed Mach 5, offering long-range precision strikes.

Originally intended for the B-52 Stratofortress, the X-51 program involved collaboration among the Air Force, DARPA, NASA, Boeing, and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. Although the X-51 was scheduled for mid-2020s service, delays have pushed back its deployment.

In 2013, the X-51A achieved a historic hypersonic flight, maintaining scramjet power for three and a half minutes at Mach 5.1. Boeing showcased the Revolver concept in a video, emphasizing its versatility and enhanced capabilities for the C-17.

The C-17, capable of transporting 102 paratroopers, 54 patients, or 85 tons of cargo, is a critical asset for global operations. With the Revolver launcher, it will also serve in missile deployment, enhancing its role in modern military logistics.

Boeing's efforts in hypersonic technology also include the DARPA Glide Breaker program, aiming to develop a hypersonic interceptor prototype. Meanwhile, China's advancements in hypersonic weaponry pose a significant challenge, with the US making substantial investments to close the gap, including a $756 million contract with Lockheed Martin for ground-based hypersonic systems.

The USAF tested a hypersonic cruise missile in the Pacific in March, demonstrating its commitment to remaining competitive. Recent exercises with the C-17 have involved loading and unloading missile cradles, illustrating its flexibility to operate from various airfields.

The Rapid Dragon project explores deploying cruise missiles from cargo planes, allowing C-17s to carry out offensive missions with minimal modifications. This approach is seen as cost-effective, providing strategic advantages by leveraging existing transport fleets.

China is wary of this capability, recognizing the difficulty in tracking cargo planes capable of launching missiles from unexpected locations. Overall, the C-17's transformation into a missile-carrying aircraft exemplifies the evolving strategies in modern warfare, with significant implications for global military dynamics.

Pakistan's Potential Nuclear Submarine Program Challenges Indian Naval Strategy

 Pakistan is considering enhancing its naval capabilities by equipping its under-construction Chinese submarines with nuclear-tipped missiles, potentially altering the strategic balance for the Indian Navy.

Delays due to fiscal constraints had postponed the acquisition of S-26 Hangor class submarines from China. Initially expected by the end of 2023, the first of these Yuan-class submarines was launched in May 2024.

Once eight of these submarines, equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP), join the Pakistan Navy, they will significantly boost the country’s offensive sea denial strategy, which emphasizes the use of submarines and missile-carrying maritime patrol aircraft. Expected to be operational by the late 2020s and early 2030s, the addition will increase the number of AIP-equipped submarines in the Pakistan Navy to 11.

Recent reports suggest that the Hangor class may not be a purely conventional attack submarine. Retired Pakistani naval officers have discussed on state television that Islamabad is aiming for an “assured” second-strike capability.

According to a Quwa report, Vice Admiral Ahmed Saeed and Rear Admiral Saleem Akhtar, both retired officials, talked about acquiring Hangor-class submarines from China. Saeed suggested these submarines would be a "hybrid," balancing conventional attack capabilities with nuclear potential.

While retrofitting the Hangor class with nuclear reactors is unlikely, Pakistan could deploy Tactical Nuclear Warheads (TNWs) on these submarines. Building nuclear-powered submarines is costly and complex, as noted by retired Commodore Anil Jai Singh, making it improbable even with Chinese assistance.

Pakistan has been developing TNWs since its first nuclear test in 1998. These smaller, portable weapons are designed for battlefield use rather than as strategic deterrents. The Hangor-class submarines will likely use a variant of the Babur-3 Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM), first tested in 2018 with a range of 450 km. The Babur-3 is a critical component of Pakistan’s “credible second-strike capability,” according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Vice Admiral Saeed emphasized that while the Hangor class is not a dedicated nuclear platform, the Pakistan Navy seeks to fire nuclear weapons from the sea, potentially requiring just one or two dedicated submarines. However, the Hangor class would primarily manage conventional roles and only strategic duties part-time.

Commodore Singh expressed doubts about the effectiveness of a single nuclear-armed submarine in the Pakistan Navy. He suggested that China might lease one to Pakistan in the future, but this remains uncertain.

Indian Navy's Concerns

While Pakistan cannot independently design and develop a nuclear-powered submarine, it may be exploring the possibility as part of a long-term strategy. China's support in arming Pakistan with such a submarine would challenge the Indian Navy’s dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). China has already been supplying submarines to Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar, creating a competitive underwater environment in the IOR.

Retired Captain Anurag Bisen highlighted that a Pakistani submarine armed with TNWs would constrain the Indian Navy's deployment of its aircraft carriers until the submarine is accounted for.

India has been adopting a flexible deterrence approach against China and Pakistan. In March, New Delhi successfully tested the long-range ballistic missile Agni-V, featuring Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, enhancing the survivability of its nuclear missiles.

Despite the potential threat from TNWs, Commodore Singh remains optimistic, questioning whether Pakistan has considered India's likely retaliation, as stated in its nuclear doctrine. Using TNWs is complicated and risky, making their actual deployment a significant gamble for Pakistan.