Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and Dassault Rafale

F-35 and Rafale

Let's have a look at some specifications of these jets first. F-35 was first introduced in 2015. 35 jets of all variants have been built so far with per unit cost of $ 85 m for F-35a. Operated by crew of 1, the Aircraft's empty weight is 29,000 lb with maximum take-off weight at 70,000 pounds. The jet is powered by a single Jet engine producing 43,000 pounds of thrust. The aircraft's top speed is 1,200 mph with maximum range of 1,380 miles. The combat radius of the fighter jet is around 874 miles. The aircraft comes with 6 external Hard points and two internal bays. The jet is armed with 25 mm rotary cannon with 180 rounds. 

Comparison between F-35 and Rafale

On the other hand, Rafale was first rolled out in 2001. Around 164 jets have been built so far. Per unit cost of the aircraft is around $70M. Operated by a crew of 1, the aircraft comes in at weight of 21,720 lb with maximum take-off weight around 54,000 pounds. The aircraft is powered by 2 turbo fan engines generating 33,720 pounds of thrust combined. The jet can reach at top speed of 1,188 mph with maximum range of 2,299 miles. The combat radius of the aircraft is 1,151miles. The fighter jet is equipped with 14 Hard points in addition to a 30 mm auto cannon with 125 rounds. 

F-35 is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F135 turbo fan engine, which produces 43,000 pounds of thrust with full after burner. The aircraft can fly at top speed of Mach 1.6. The jet has combat radius of 770 miles. The aircraft's service ceiling is more than 50,000 feet. However, the rate of climb of the jet is classified. On the other hand, Rafale is powered by 2 after burning turbo fan engines generating 33,720 pounds of thrust combined. With the help of these engines, the jet can gain top speed of Mach 1.8. The aircraft has combat radius of 1,151 miles. The jet has the service ceiling of 50,000 feet with rate of climb around 1000 ft/s. With smaller wings and inferior thrust to weight ratio the early F-35 pilots found it nearly impossible to even engage with F-16. Since then Lockheed Martin worked with pilot straining and changed configuration of the jet. This resulted in increased turn rate, tighter turning radius and improved nose pointing ability at low speed. 

F-35 has the ability to slow down during aturn and has excellent post stall recovery. In contrast, Rafale has lead in this category. The aircraft has 9 Gs maneuverability with a high angle of attack. Canard wings are used to improve maneuverability. The aircraft is also aerodynamically clean with two wing tip missiles. Close coupled delta canard wings offer significantly higher maximum lift. The fighter jet has good post stall maneuverabilityas well. 

The F-35 has been designed to have a low radar cross section with the help of aircraft shapeand the use of stealthy radar absorbent materials. Stealth gives F-35 the ability to elude orgreatly complicate an enemy's ability to find and destroy an aircraft using a combination of design, tactics and technology. 

The stealth capabilities in the F-35 are unprecedentedin military aviation. For perspective, F-35's radar cross sectionis 0.005 to 0.3 m2, which is about the size of a golf ball. On the other hand, Rafale is not a full aspects related aircraft. However, the jet was designed for  reduced radar cross section and infrared signature. The fighter jet has RCS of 0.5 to 2 m2 . The aircraft has reduced RCS due to its smaller tail fin, compact fuselage, engine air inletsand extensive use of composite materials. 70% of the jet's surface area is made with composite materials. 

However, many of the features designed toreduce the visibility to threats, remain classified. F-35 has the most advance radar and communications suite built to date. It will also be the first fighter to possess a satellite-linked communications capability. F-35's advanced sensor fusion enables pilots to draw on information from all of their on-board sensors to create a single integrated picture of the battlefield. All of the information gathered is then automatically send with other pilots and the base as well. F-35 is equipped with most advance APG-81 radar used in any American aircraft to date. 

The radar is designed to enable F-35 pilot to track at distance over 143 mi with locking distance of 93 miles. The aircraft is equipped with Distributed Aperture and Electro optical targeting system. The jet's Helmet Mounted Display System provides pilot with unprecedented situational awareness. The information is projected on helmet's visor which includes air speed, heading, altitude, targeting information and warnings. 

In contrast, Rafale is equipped withpassive electronically scanned multi-mode radar. Which is capable to achieve increased level of situational awareness through the earlier target detection. The radar projects real time 3D maps for terrain following and high resolution ground maps for navigation and targeting. The radar can detect at range of 124 miles. To enable the jet to perform in the air supremacyrole, it includes several passive sensor systems. The front sector electro optical system is completely integrated within the aircraft and can operate both in visible and infrared wave lengths. This sensor enables the deployment of infrared missiles at beyond visual range distances. it can also be used for detecting and identifying airborne, ground and sea targets. 

Both fighter jets are equally equipped with beyond and within visual range weaponry. F-35 is armed with an internally mounted 25mm equalizer gun with 182 rounds in addition to an external pod with 220 rounds. The aircraft has two internal bays and 6 external hard points with weapon payload of 9 tons. The two outer hard points can carry Aim-9xsidewinder and AIM-132 short range air to air missiles. The other pylons can carry AIM 120 missile, Joint Air to surface standoff missile and guided bombs. 

The external pylons can carry missiles, bombs and external fuel tanks. There are total four weapons stations between the two internal bays. Two of these can carry air to surface missiles or bombs. The other two stations are for smaller weapons. The jet will be armed with solid state lasers,which can burn enemy missiles and other aircraft out of the sky. The aircraft will also carry hypersonic missile. On the other hand, Rafale can carry payloads of more than 9 tons on its 14 hard points. The range of weapons includes air to air,air to ground, air to sea, guided and unguided bombs. For a strategic mission the jet can deliver storm Shadow standoff nuclear missile. The aircraft can also carry Meteor beyond visual range air to air missile. The jet can fire precision guided bomb, which has both GPS and inertial guidance. The aircraft has a twin gun pod and Nexter 30mm cannon, which can fire 2,500 rounds a minute. The jet is equipped with laser designation pods for laser guidance of air to ground missiles. 

Overall F-35 is a better aircraft but there are lot of technical problems before it is fully operational. F-35 is stealth plane which is it's main advantage. Both Planes almost uses same range of weaponry. F-35 has slightly better radar with excellent sensors and avionics suite. But in most of the scenarios F-35 will detect Rafale first due to its lower RCS, better radar and capable sensors. But in close 1 on 1 fight F-35 doesn't stand a chance against Rafale due to its better maneuverability and better thrust to weight ratio. However, with the advent of helmet mounted display and high off bore sight missiles, the maneuverability advantage has greatly diminished. 

Top 10 most powerful weapons of America

The U.S. military is clearly the most sophisticated,most advanced and most powerful force on the planet for a very simple reason - having the best weapons. But what are top of these weapon systems America has? 

1.AH-64 Apache

AH-64 Apache

AH-64 Apache is an American four-blade twin-turboattack helicopter. It features a nose-mounted sensor suited for target acquisition and night vision systems. Equipped with a 30-millimeter cannon, Hellfire missiles and sophisticated sensors, the Apache combines speed, firepower and range that allows the Army to strike enemies long before they come within firing distance. It is equally useful at hunting down insurgents or destroying enemy armored columns in every kind of warfare.

2.The Arleigh Burke class destroyers 

Arleigh Burke class destroyer

The Arleigh Burke class destroyers are some of the most balanced, capable ships fielded by any modern navy. The heart of the Burke's combat systems is in its Aegis radar system, which is capable of directing a variety of air defense missiles against incoming targets. The destroyers are heavily armed with conventional guns. 127-millimeter gun is mounted on the bow capable of anti-ship, shore bombardment and even a limited anti-air role. These destroyers are armed with Two 25 mm guns and 4 caliber machine guns. Finally, each ship has two Phalanx close-in weapon systems designed to shoot down incoming missiles, but also capable of firing on helicopters,drones and small boats. This Incredible looking having Star War's appearance the $4.4 Billion destroyer is already out there roaming the world's oceans. the ship is designed to be almost invisible. The destroyer's RCS is not more than a fishing boat despite having a whopping length of 600-feet. The ship is armed with two long-range guns that fire guided artillery shells up to 72 miles away. The destroyer is also equipped with two small guns to protect it from ships or airborne enemies that get too close. The ship will also be equipped with a science fiction style rail gun and laser weapons. These array of advance weaponry and stealth make this ship one of the most lethal destroyers in the world.  

3.F-35 Lightning II 

F-35 Lightning II

F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat,single-engine and all-weather stealth multi role fighters. This fifth generation combat aircraft is designed to perform ground attacks, aerial reconnaissance and air defense missions. The F-35 has three variants including vertical take-off like a helicopter. They are equipped with laser guided missiles and bombs and will secretly blitz enemy bases into dust. The United States plans to buy more than 2500 of these aircraft. 

4.M1 Abrams 

M1 Abrams

M1 Abrams is an American third-generation main battle tank. Highly mobile, designed for modern ground warfare, the M1A1 is considered one of the best protected tanks in the world. Notable features include the use of a powerful multi fuel turbine engine, the adoption of sophisticated composite armor and separate ammunition storage in a blow-out compartment for crew safety. At a whopping weight of 62 tons, it is one of the heaviest main battle tanks in service. Three main versions of the Abrams havebeen deployed since its inception namely, M1, M1A2 and M1A2 - incorporating improved armaments, protection and electronics. These improvements and other upgrades have allowed this long-serving vehicle to remain in front-line for many years. In addition, development for the improved M1A3 version has been known since 2009.

 

5.Ballistic missile Minuteman III 

Ballistic missile Minuteman III

ballistic missile Minuteman III is the strategic nuclear deterrence has become less prominent since the end of the Cold War. The backbone of America's nuclear deterrence remains the 1960s intercontinental ballistic missile Minuteman III. Over the years, the long-serving missile has been modified and upgraded with better guidance systems and new rocket motors. Though originally designed to be fitted with three multiple independent reentry vehicles, The current version of the missile carries 300-kiloton weapons. The United States plans to continue to upgrade that missile, but eventually will have to develop a new ICBM to replace the Minute man III. 

6.Ohio class guided-missile submarine

Ohio class guided-missile submarines

There are three major types of submarines in the US Navy: ballistic missile, attack and cruise missile submarines. All these subs in the U.S. Navy are nuclear-powered. Ballistic submarine have a single strategic mission of carrying nuclear ballistic missiles. Attack submarines have several tactical missions,including sinking enemies' ships and subs, launching cruise missiles, and gathering intelligence.Ohio class guided-missile submarines are one of the most feared subs in the world. These submarines are equipped with 154 cruise missiles and can carry up to four platoons of Navy SEALs. The Los Angeles, Sea-wolf and Virginia class submarines are capable of performing seek-and-destroy missions, surveillance, reconnaissance, irregular warfare, covert troops insertion, mine and anti-mine operations. In addition, these subs are armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles as well. 

7.B-2 bombers

B-2 bomber

The Air Force tiny fleet of twenty B-2 bombers is the only stealth long-range strike asset in the US arsenal. No other aircraft has the range to take off from the continental United States and strike at targets on the other side of the globe inside highly contested airspace. The B-2 has unrefueled range of around 6000 nautical miles, but that can be extended up to 10,000 with aerial refueling. There is no other warplane in the US Air Force inventory, which is capable to penetrate the kinds of dense air defenses. At a whopping $2 billion price tag, this aircraftis the top most expensive aircraft jets in world.

8.The Lockheed Martin's F-22 Raptor

Lockheed Martin's F-22 Raptor

The Lockheed Martin's F-22 Raptor is arguably the best stealth fighter jet in existence. The F-22 is extremely stealthy and fitted with advanced avionics. Further it can cruise at supersonic speeds greater than Mach 2.25 at altitudes up to 60,000 ft for extended periods. When operating at lower speeds and altitudes,it has the ability to vector thrust from its engines-which gives it tremendous maneuverability. In short, the Raptor's combination of sheer speed, altitude, stealth and powerful sensors make it a lethal killer in the sky. 

9.US aircraft carrier fleet

world's largest aircraft carrier fleet

The U.S. Navy has the world's largest aircraft carrier fleet, with 24 in service, 2 under construction, 2 ordered and 15 planed. Largest and latest of these warships is Ford class super carrier. Ford class can carry an air wing that includes 85 fixed-wing aircraft, naval helicopters and drones. These include F-35, FA-18 Super Hornet, EA-18Growlers and Hawkeye early warning aircraft. Defensive weapons of the Ford class include two launchers with 32 Sea Sparrow Missiles. It has also 21 Rolling Airframe Missiles which are used against anti-ship missiles at close range. Moreover there are four 20 mm Phalanx close-in systems. 

10.US Air force

Us Air Force

The ford class has the largest and most powerful air force than the whole air force of many nations. By operating these aircraft carriers United States will remain unchallenged sea force on earth throughout the 21st century. 

So what do you think that which weapon system is more powerful? Let us know in the comments section.

India vs China military Power comparison : who will win

Today we’ll be comparing the two largest countries India and China, in the world in terms of population, with India set to be the most populated country in the world by 2022. 

Both nations have seen widespread economic progress in recent times, thanks to China’s economic reform and the liberalization of India’s economy. Presently, China has the 2nd largest economy in the world behind the United States, although according to Fortune “America’s economy will not be the world’s largest for much longer.” 

According to some analysts, in the near future, India also has a chance of becoming the world’s largest economy. While both countries still experience high poverty rates, some progress has been made. A lot of this new money, however, has been as much about social progress as it has defense matters. 

Information	China	India
Population	1.38 Billion	1.31 Billion
Frontline Personnel	2,33,000	1.4 Million
Reserve Personnel	1.4 Milion	1,155,000

Information	China	India
Main Battle Tanks	9150	5978
Armored Fighting Vehicle	4788	6704
Self Propelled Guns	1710	290
Towed Artillery	6246	414
Multiple Launch Rocket System	1770	292
Main Tank	VT  VT4	T-72,T-90 T90

Let’s start with the larger of the two nations both in terms of population and economy, which is China. We should note that in 2017, the World by Bank said that China’s economy shows signs of slowing down while India’s is still revving up. And we already know that India is expected to have the world’s largest population in a few years. China’s GDP for 2016 was 11-plus trillion dollars, second only to the USA whose GDP is 18-plus trillion dollars. 

The European Union would be in second place but we cannot count that as a country. According to an article in Bloomberg published in 2016, at projected growth rates, China should have the world’s largest economy by 2028. Not surprisingly, China has seen increased spending on defense, and in 2016 that amount was $146 billion. The Guardian puts it higher at around $150 billion. Behind the USA, this is the most any country spends on its defense. India’s 2016 GDP was around 2.3 trillion dollars, making it the 7th largest economy in the world. 

Analysts state that at projected growth rates, that will be $6.84 trillion by 2030. Of that, $52.2 billion went to defense for the year 2016-17. This means India is the 5th biggest spender on defense behind the US, China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. With such a fast-growing economy, it’s expected that India will significantly increase the military budget over the coming years.

China has the largest population in the world with 1.38 billion people. The country has around 2,335,000 active frontline personnel and over 1.4 million active reserve personnel and paramilitary forces. This is the largest army in the world, almost double the size of the USA and India. North Korea also has a very large army if you count all those people on standby with some military training. India’s population is 1.311 billion people, almost 1.4 million of whom are active military personnel. 1,155,000 people are serving as reserve personnel.

Both countries have been busy updating their arsenal of weapons on land, in the air, and at sea. According to sources, China has 9,150 Main battle Tanks, 4,788 armored fighting vehicles, 1,710 Self-propelled guns, 6,246 Towed-Artillery, and 1770 multiple launch rocket systems. We should note that various sources give different numbers. Some equipment might be out of date and not usable, while there is constant growth. China’s cream of the crop is its third-generation VT-4 main battle tank, which its military claims is the best battle tank on the planet. The country is also the proud owner of a large fleet of Type 99 and 96 tanks. 

China is sometimes said to have the third-best tank force in the world behind the USA and Russia. But guess who’s fourth? You guessed it, India! India has around 5,978 main battle tanks, 6,704 armored fighting vehicles, 290 self-propelled guns, 7,414 towed artillery, and 292 multiple-launch rocket systems. Some of this hardware is said to be in need of an upgrade, but that’s just what India is doing right now. It has a large force of T-72 tanks, but it’s also the owner of the highly touted Russian-made T-90 tank. 

According to Bloomberg in 2017, the country spent millions on upgrading its almost 1,000 strong fleets of T-90s. A force to be reckoned with, given that the-90 is often on the list of the world’s best tanks. India also has initiated the Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan, in which 3 billion dollars will be spent on 3000 to 4000 pieces of new artillery.

AirPower

Information	China	India
Aircraft	1300	1720
Main Aircraft	Russian  SU-35s, SU-27s Su-35s	1) Russion SU-30MKI, Mig 29   Mig-29 2) French -  Mirage 2000 Mirage 2000

In 2016, National Interest put China behind the USA as the second most lethal air force by the time we reach 2030. From its around 1,300 total aircraft, China has a large number of Russian Su-35s and Su-27s, with the former being one of the best aircraft ever made. But China’s ace up its sleeve are the Chengdu J-20 and J-31 stealth fighters, aircraft which U.S. analysts have agreed are a feat of engineering. 

This is one reason why China is such a threat. India didn’t make National Interest’s list. India is said to be the fourth largest airforce in the world in terms of personnel and aircraft. From its 1,720 aircraft, about 900 are combat-capable. Its fleet consists of Russian built Sukhoi Su-30MKIs and Mikoyan MiG-29s, as well as the highly-rated French-built multi-role fighter, the Dassault Mirage 2000. 

The latter is certainly up there as one of the best military aircraft ever built, but will India have the money to invest as much as China is in buying or developing its own top of the range machines? 

Ocean power 

Information	China	India
Aircraft Carrier	1	1
Destroyers	25	11
Amphibious Transport	3	0
Frigates	42	14
Nuclear Attack Submarine	8	15
Conventional Attac Submarine	50	15
Main warfare Ship	0	7

For the ocean, China again is very strong. The country has one aircraft carrier, 25 destroyers,3 amphibious means of transport, 42 frigates, 8 nuclear attack submarines, and around 50 conventional attack submarines. The country is investing a ton of money on updating its navy, which includes two new states of the art supers enough to make any country’s military quiver. These should be ready in 2020 and 2023, respectively. 

By that time only the USA, UK, and China will have ships of that size. Although just a few years later it is expected that India will have its own supercarrier in the form of the INS Vishal. It’s also expected to be a work of military art, but it is early days yet. Right now India is one of few countries to have an aircraft carrier, and it also owns 11 destroyers, 14 frigates, 15 submarines,23 corvettes, 0 amphibious assault ships, and 7 mine warfare ships. It is also a very powerful navy but is said to lack submarine strength – unlike China. 

As we know the USA and Russia have the lion’s share of nuclear weapons, but China has around 270 of these weapons. The actual amount has been the focus of considerable speculation, with some analysts stating that China has many more nuclear weapons hidden underground. We should add that this has not been confirmed and some critics have said it’s hogwash. 

India also has nuclear strength, owning around 120 nuclear warheads. In conclusion, both militaries are growing in power, and both countries are leading the world with a handful of other nations in terms of technology. 

Who do you think would win in this hypothetical matchup? India or China? Let us know in the comments!

Military Power of South korea

South korea and India relation

The connecting factor between India and Republic of Korea has always been Buddhism. Buddhism reached Korea in the fourth century AD. Buddhism was recognised in Korea in the reign of Kim Sosurim Due to the spread of Buddhism in Korea, Indian and Korean interactions increased. The relations received an impetus in the times of Asoka, the Indian emperor who patronised Buddhism. Asoka is known to have sent iron and gold from India to Korea to establish Buddhist statues there. The interaction declined during the medieval times. With the advent of modern times came colonial rule. Japan colonize Korea and the British colonised India. The relations, hence, could not flourish due to colonial presences in both nations. 

South korea military power

South Korea stand at 7th postion in th world in military power.

1. Active Personnel : 1,280,000
2. Reserved Personnel: 600,000
3. Budget:US$ $42.2 billion
4. Air power

• Size :1649 (fighter 414)
• Fighter planes(F-35, F-15, F-16, F-4) : 414
• Attacker planes(FA-50, F-5) : 466, 
• Transporting planes : 382, 
• Attacker Helicopters(Apache, Cobra etc.) : 112, 
• Total Helicopters(Blackhawk etc.) : 803, 
• Mid-range land to land missiles : 1500, 
• Cruise missiles : 1500

5.Land forces

• Tanks : 2654(1700 3rd generation tanks), 
• Infantry Fighting Vehicles : 2660,
•  Trucks : 8660, 
• Self-propelled howitzers : 3040
• Artillery : 3854, 
• Mortar : 2000,
• Multiple Launch Rocket System : 280.

6.Navy

• AircraftCarrier : 2
• Frigates : 18
• Destroyers(Aegis ships) : 12, 
• Submarines : 22
• Mine warefare: 11

7.Special forces 

• Armyspecial forces(Green beret + Rangers) : 15000

8.Marines

28000 (having their tanks, self-propelled howitzers)

In South korea , male between the ages 18-28 have compulsory military service , woman may join the militry service.Active duty enlisted personnel serve 21 months in the Army , 23 months in the Navy,and 24 months in the Air Force.Those who are not exempt from military service must serve around two years in the military before the age of 28. World-famous BTS(Korean band) members wish to enlist in military but not enlist yet (may 2020 ).