By Bharat Global Time | July 17, 2025
In a stunning leap forward, India is preparing to unveil its first-ever 5th-generation stealth bomber, codenamed ULRA (Ultra Long-Range Aircraft) — and defense insiders claim it could rival or even surpass the capabilities of the American B-2 Spirit and the new B-21 Raider.
Armed with next-gen weapons like the BrahMos-NG cruise missile and the Agni-P ballistic missile, ULRA is expected to become the most advanced strike platform in India’s defense arsenal.
What Is ULRA?
ULRA stands for Ultra Long-Range Aircraft, a top-secret Indian stealth bomber project quietly in development under the Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) and DRDO’s Aero Division.
Expected Capabilities:
- Stealth profile using radar-absorbent materials
- Supersonic cruise speed
- Massive strike range of over 10,000 km
- Operates at high altitudes with deep-penetration ability
- Compatible with nuclear and conventional payloads
Game-Changer Weapons Onboard
Unlike the American bombers that rely primarily on precision bombs and stealthy cruise missiles, India’s ULRA is designed for maximum payload versatility:
BrahMos-NG (Next Gen)
- Mach 3.5 speed
- Air-launched version with stealth optimization
- Deep strike capability against enemy airbases, ships, and bunkers
Agni-P (Agni Prime)
- Shorter, lighter & more accurate ballistic missile
- MIRV-capable (can carry multiple warheads)
- Range up to 2,000 km, perfect for tactical nuclear roles
Together, these give ULRA the edge to hit fast, hit hard, and disappear — even from deep inside enemy territory.
How It’s Better Than B-2 and B-21?
| Feature | ULRA (India) | B-2 Spirit (US) | B-21 Raider (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stealth Tech | 5th Gen + IR Suppression | 2nd Gen | 5th Gen |
| Payload | BrahMos-NG, Agni-P | JDAMs, B61, ALCM | JDAMs, ALCM |
| Range | ~10,000+ km | 11,000 km | Classified (~9,300 km est.) |
| Speed | Supersonic (est.) | Subsonic | Subsonic |
| Nuclear Capability | Yes (Agni-P) | Yes | Yes |
Defense sources suggest: “ULRA will not just be a bomber — it will be a flying missile platform with multi-role capabilities and real-time AI-assisted strike targeting.”
Why This Bomber Matters for India
With China advancing its own H-20 stealth bomber and Pakistan expanding its missile programs, India’s strategic second-strike capabilities must evolve.
ULRA gives India:
- Deep-penetration reach without refueling
- Strategic deterrence across Indo-Pacific & beyond
- Independent nuclear delivery without ICBM exposure
- Indigenous aerospace dominance
Tech & Design Behind the Scenes
- Materials: Carbon-fiber composites + RAM coating
- Engines: Possibly an upgraded version of the Kaveri or imported dry thrust power units
- AI Systems: Onboard target identification, jamming evasion, swarm control
- Cockpit: Likely to be optionally manned or fully autonomous
The ULRA is also expected to use lessons from the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) project — particularly in stealth shaping, avionics, and data fusion.
Final Word
With the ULRA stealth bomber, India is sending a clear message to its adversaries and allies alike — it will not be left behind in next-gen aerial warfare.
If successful, ULRA will not only match the West’s B-2s and B-21s — it may redefine the doctrine of strategic bombing in the 21st century.
“India’s ULRA isn’t just a bomber — it’s a flying symbol of deterrence, dominance, and defense self-reliance.”
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