The Ultimate Defence Encyclopedia
INTRODUCTION The Messerschmitt Me 262 'Schwalbe' ("Swallow") is undoubtedly one of the most important examples of Germany's technological advancement in both aerodynamics and jet engines during the Second World War. But the entry into operational service of the first jet fighter in history was delayed by a tumultuous and difficult development, mostly due to engine troubles …
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INTRODUCTION The very word 'Destroyer' conveys destructive power, force, and strength. It is no surprise, therefore, when in naval terms, a destroyer is an extremely powerful warship which is meant to project power, perform complex missions and bring the enemy to their knees with its firepower. However, the destroyer didn't start out as such. It was initially …
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INTRODUCTION The Pacific War [7 December 1941 – 2 September 1945] between the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) and the United States Navy (USN) is mainly remembered for its aircraft carrier actions. In fact, the aircraft carrier balance was to decide the fate of the conflict. During the first six months of the Pacific War, the …
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INTRODUCTION Ever since submarines become the principal weapon of naval warfare, designers have focused on making them quieter and increasing their underwater endurance. Traditional diesel-electric submarines need to surface frequently to charge their batteries and have an underwater endurance of only a few days. As battery technology improved, the endurance of these submarines increased proportionally. …
Continue reading "Explained : How Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Works!"
INTRODUCTION From the past several centuries, warships have been armed with a large number of guns for fighting other ships. This continued until the 1950s, when the anti-ship cruise missile entered service on board warships of the Soviet Union. The anti-ship missile (AShM) was a fast, accurate and lethal weapon which had an incredible …
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INTRODUCTION The Indian Navy’s Maritime Security Strategy document 2015 (titled ‘Ensuring Secure Seas: Indian Maritime Security Strategy’) is a precursor of India’s evolving maritime strategic thought and its proposed force posture. Together, they form important spokes in the wheel of New Delhi’s politico-military strategy (or Grand Strategy). Second, the document envisages India adopting a strategy of …
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INTRODUCTION The word Katyusha brings to mind, images of the deadly rocket launcher used by the Soviets in World War II. These rocket launchers were used extensively throughout the war and were known for the powerful punch they packed. Technically designated as Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), these were available at a fraction of the …
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INTRODUCTION On 25 March 2015, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) commissioned the JS Izumo (DDH-183), lead ship of her class and the largest surface combatant of the JMSDF. Designated as a helicopter destroyer, the Izumo-class was built as an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) platform. With this new ship reinforcing the Japanese arsenal, the Chinese quickly …
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INTRODUCTION Frigates are an indispensable part of any navy. These ships usually form the numerical bulk of a naval fleet as they are relatively cheaper than large destroyers and cruisers. Every modern navy operates frigates in some or the other form and uses them along with larger surface combatants like destroyers and aircraft carriers. The definition …
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INTRODUCTION Russia is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of military equipment in the world and their products are widely used. They are the only nation other than the US, to have every possible kind of military equipment from long range bombers to next generation submarines. Their weapons feature in basically every local and …
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