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July 25, 2016

India trails Pakistan on AWACS front, as delays plague projects


Already way behind China, India is struggling to even keep up with Pakistan in the critical arena of AWACS (airborne warning and control systems) aircraft that can detect incoming fighters, cruise missiles and drones much before ground-based radars as well as direct fighters in combat operations. AWACS or ‘Eyes in the Sky’ are considered “major force-multipliers” in modern-day warfare due to their capability to provide early warning about hostile threats at ranges over 400km in all-weather conditions, as also act as autonomous command and control centres.
India is yet to fully get its act together on this front. For one, the new indigenous Rs 5,113 crore AWACS-India project is still languishing “largely on the drawing board”, sources said. For another, the Rs 2,520 crore AEW&C (airborne early-warning and control system) project for ‘miniAWACS’ is still months away from completion after repeatedly missing deadlines since being approved in 2004. IAF currently has just three Phalcon AWACS, with Israeli early-warning radars mounted in domes on top of IL-76 aircraft, which were acquired under the Rs 5,042 crore tripartite deal among India, Israel and Russia in 2004.

The Phalcons do pack quite a punch, with 360-degree coverage over a 400km range. But while the long-pending $1 billion deal for two more Phalcons is yet to be inked, audit watchdog CAG has blasted the “sub-optimal utilisation” of the three existing ones due to poor planning and serviceability. In contrast, China has over 20 AWACS, including the new KJ-500 ones that can track over 60 aircraft at ranges up to 470km. Pakistan has four Swedish Saab-2000 AEW&C aircraft and four Chinese-origin ZDK-03 (KJ-200) AWACS.India’s indigenous efforts to plug the operational gaps have been dogged by delays. DRDO officials said the three AEW&C aircraft, with 240-degree coverage radars fitted on three smaller Brazilian Embraer-145 jets, are now undergoing final trials. “There were delays due to several factors, including a 27-month one since IAF wanted additional operational requirements,” said an official.
 The bigger worry is the AWACS-India project, which will involve mounting 360 degree coverage AESA (active electronically scanned array) radars on two Airbus A-330 wide-body jets. “It will take 5-7 years to build the first two AWACS,” said an official.

timesofindia


July 21, 2016

Only America Can Keep a China-India War from Erupting


India and China are on a collision course. They boast the world’s two largest populations, two of the fastest growing economies on the globe and aspirations to lead the way into a new Asian century. The two nations’ fates will be intertwined for decades to come. Troublingly, China’s move last week to block Indian membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is merely the latest sign of tension to emerge between the two Asian giants. Further competition and even confrontation await. Competition between rising powers is hardly new or surprising.
 This particular case, however, shows China’s intent to remain the sole Asian power stretching from Siberia to the Arabian Sea. This was most recently demonstrated last week when China led the push to exclude India from the NSG. Membership in the prestigious group, which controls the trade of nuclear material and related technologies, would facilitate India’s nuclear power production. While legitimate concerns remain about India’s status as a nuclear state, Prime Minister Modi’s bid was backed by the United States, Britain, France and many others.
These advocates could not overcome resistance spearheaded by the Chinese delegation, in a move that many Indians saw as purely political. China’s NSG position could been seen as warranted given India’s failure to ratify the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, but Beijing routinely blocks Delhi’s efforts to play a larger role on the international stage. India’s push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and China’s opposition to that move highlight this fact. Of the five current permanent members, only China has yet to offer even token support for the second-largest country in the world joining the exclusive group. China and India have historically maintained relatively positive relations for such large, neighboring countries. The height of the Himalayas, and the long sea route between the two, have buffered most competition. Beijing’s foreign policy concerns have chiefly resided east and southeast of the country, while India has contented itself in dealing with immediate neighbors and holding fast to the nonalignment policy of the Cold War.
 The border war of 1962 notwithstanding, relations between the two countries have been relatively sanguine. An increasingly powerful and adventurous China and a more engaged India now appear to be clashing on multiple fronts. Border issues linger still, and reports of Chinese troops crossing the Line of Actual Control surface regularly in Indian and Western media. While conflict is unlikely to break out, China has been updating and reinforcing its forces stationed in Tibet, and the disagreement serves as a foundation for other worries. China’s steadfast support of Indian archrival Pakistan troubles leaders in Delhi.
China is a major supplier of military equipment and expertise to India’s northwestern neighbor. Furthermore, cooperation with Islamabad figures prominently in Xi Jinping’s One Belt, One Road initiative, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that will connect southwest China to the Pakistani port city of Gwadar is expected to pour tens of billions of dollars into Pakistan’s economy and boost economic output by as much as 2.5 percent. Pakistani relations with China are the most severe cause of India’s vexation with Chinese influence in the South Asia region; investment projects in Sri Lanka, Nepal and elsewhere have all drawn a watchful eye from India. For China’s part, leaders in Beijing have closely watched as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fought political inertia to create a more open and engaged India. Of particular concern to China are burgeoning friendships and even partnerships with Western powers and their Asian friends.
 The mid-June Malabar naval exercise with India, Japan and the United States demonstrates this new approach. In April, the U.S. Department of Defense and Indian Ministry of Defence announced the planned completion of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement, which will allow for mutual logistical support and represents India’s largest departure from nonalignment. These efforts, combined with India’s engagement with ASEAN nations and Australia, further exacerbate Beijing’s feelings of encirclement and could further ramp up Sino-Indian tensions.
What has thus far been mostly diplomatic jockeying could soon become a more dynamic and dangerous competition in the Indian Ocean. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy boasts increasingly capable systems and ambitious missions. Indian officials spot Chinese submarines near India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and further into the Indian Ocean, roughly four times per quarter. These will likely increase, and be joined by surface patrols, as China seeks to build its “Maritime Silk Route” that will allow it to exert influence and protect a supply chain running from Africa and the Middle East through the Indian Ocean, into the South China Sea and up to its eastern ports. In response, the MoD has stepped up investment in maritime awareness and antisubmarine capabilities, leaning heavily on U.S. expertise and support. In the coming years, Indian surveillance flights might be intercepted by Chinese fighters scrambled from a PLAN aircraft carrier—not a reassuring development, based on U.S. experience.
The Indo-Pacific does not need to be a zero-sum game. The United States, India and democratic countries around the world believe that all countries can rise together—in both coordination and competition. At the Center for a New American Security’s recent annual conference, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter stated, “[the] Asia-Pacific security network is not aimed at any particular country. The network’s not closed and excludes no one.” He also highlighted China’s participation in RIMPAC 2016 exercises, slated to begin Thursday in Hawaii. The United States should continue extending such invitations, and conducting military exchanges and dialogues with countries across the region.
It must also realize, however, that China may ultimately have no interest in the oft touted liberal, rules-based order, and that the tensions inherent with such a mindset will not be limited to the East and South China Seas.

thehindu

Despite missing June deadline, Why is the India-France 36 Rafale fighter jet deal stuck?


Despite a June deadline set by defence minister Manohar Parrikar to close negotiations on the purchase of 36 Rafale combat aircraft from France, the deal continues to get delayed over some issues, including price.Highly-placed sources told FE on Wednesday: “During various rounds of negotiations, the Indian side has been seeking price reduction of euro 150 million from the French company for the 36 aircraft.” Admitting that the negotiations are still on, Parrikar, in a written response to the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, said, “As per the India-France joint statement issued by the two countries during the Prime Minister’s visit to France, the government of India conveyed to the government of France that in view of the critical operational necessity for multirole combat aircraft for Indian Air Force, the government of India would like to acquire 36 Rafale jets in fly-away condition.” Both the sides also agreed to conclude an inter-governmental agreement (IGA) for the supply of the aircraft. A negotiating team has been constituted to negotiate the terms and conditions for the procurement of 36 Rafale jets and recommend a draft agreement.
The negotiations are underway and IGA & offset contract are yet to be finalised. The details, including transfer of technology through offsets, will emerge after the negotiations are completed.” The Rafale aircraft will have advanced features like advanced electronically scanned array radar, mid-air refuelling and advanced electronic warfare equipment as part of its design. Though the final cost of the deal for 36 aircraft has not yet been finalised, India has asked France to discharge a 50% offset liability of the overall contract cost. It emerges now through sources, who did not want to be named, that Parrikar has not been meeting officials from France at the level of India’s director general (acquisitions), ministry of defence, but the negotiations are going on at the level of ambassador in New Delhi
. The deal has also been delayed as the French side has not been able to address the concerns raised by the ministry of law. As reported by FE in May, the deal ran into legal troubles when the French manufacturer Dassault Aviation offered a ‘diluted’ liability clause, which has been rejected by the Indian side since the law ministry felt that it ‘adversely’ compromised India’s interests.
The law ministry also rejected Geneva as the arbitration destination in the event of any dispute, and proposed Delhi, which the French side has opposed. Parrikar at that time, in a written reply to Rajya Sabha, had said, “Ministry of Law & Justice has made certain observations and the same will be adequately taken into account while finalising the IGA (inter-governmental agreement), which is still under negotiations”. This is not the first time that the liability clause has come up as a hurdle. Even when discussions were going on for the purchase of 126 MMRCA, the liability clause was opposed by the French side, said sources.

financial express

July 18, 2016

Russia PAK FA is technically comparable to the F-22


Initial expectations projected the acquisition of 200 PAK FAs for Russia, 200 for India, and an unknown number for other countries.

However, the fighter continues to struggle with questions over cost and engine performance. In particular, the engines adopted for early aircraft do not provide sufficient thrust for the airframe, leaving the aircraft at a significant disadvantage compared to American fighters.

In part because of this, and in part because of Russia’s economic difficulties, the initial order has dropped to 12 (with more expected after the resolution of engine problems).

China has pushed the J-20 stealth fighter project to a stage competitive with the PAK FA

It remains unclear whether India will ever acquire a version of the PAK FA, or instead focus on indigenously developed aircraft (the distant AMCA project, which may result in a usable combat aircraft by 2030).

The PAK FA program costs about $10 billion and unit costs are about $50 million each. There would also be the operational and maintenance costs. Even at 50% of the unit cost of the F-35 and ten times few PAK-FA could cost $100 billion over four decades.

 nextbigfuture

India wary of cost of joint ventures with Israel

 
India plans to further expand its strategic ties with Israel through more R&D projects to develop hi-tech weapon systems, as also clinch several deals in the pipeline, but has expressed concern over the exorbitant costs involved in deploying a jointly-developed surface-to-air missile system on frontline Indian warships. Sources said this came through in the 12th meeting of the high-powered joint working group between the two countries, co-chaired by defence secretary G Mohan Kumar and director general of Israeli defence ministry Major General Udi Adam (retd), which was held in New Delhi on July 13..
Though there has been no official word on the JWG meeting, sources said defence minister Manohar Parrikar has red-flagged the “high costs” involved in production of the medium-range surface-to-air missile (MR-SAM) systems called Barak-8 by Israel. First, there was a huge delay by DRDO-Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) joint venture to develop and test the MR-SAM systems, which are to be produced in bulk by defence PSU Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL). Now, the projected costs in deploying them have also raised eyebrows.
 As earlier reported by TOI, while the naval MR-SAM project was sanctioned by the Cabinet Committee on Security in December 2005 at an initial cost of Rs 2,606 crore, the IAF one for nine squadrons worth Rs 10,076 crore was cleared in February 2009. While the naval system was tested for the first time in November 2014, the IAF one was tested thrice earlier this month.
With an over 70-km interception range against enemy aircraft, drones and missiles, the naval MR-SAM has already been fitted on the three new Kolkata-class destroyers. But each MR-SAM system is now projected to cost around Rs 1,200 crore for the 12 under-construction warships in Indian shipyards, including aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, four guided-missile destroyers and seven stealth frigates. “Consequently, the orders are on hold as of now. A review to cut costs is in progress,” said a defence minester source.
This has also led to the estimated Rs 14,000-crore Army project to acquire these MR-SAMs, which come with missiles, launchers, surveillance and threat tracking radars, and fire control systems, to be kept in abeyance till now. The JWG also discussed probable joint R&D projects in fields like high-endurance UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), micro-satellite surveillance systems, armoured vehicles and different types of missiles and precision-guided munitions, said sources. Then, there are several big-ticket deals in the pipeline. These include two more Israeli Phalcon AWACS (airborne warning and control systems), which are to be mounted on Russian IL-76 military aircraft, and four more Aerostat radars.
 The IAF is also on course to acquire 164 laser-designation pods or ‘Litening-4’ for fighter jets like Sukhoi-30MKIs and Jaguars as well as 250 advanced ‘Spice” precision stand-off bombs capable of taking out fortified enemy underground command centres. The Army, in turn, is looking to acquire the Israeli third-generation Spike anti-tank guided missile systems, with an initial 321 launchers and 8,356 missiles, which too is making slow progress due to the high costs involved. The force is likely to go in for an initial two regiments of the Israeli Spyder quick-reaction SAM systems to defend its forward units for enemy air strikes.

timesofindia

India ramps up its military presence in Eastern Ladakh

 
Bunkers drilled into barren hills, battle tanks at over 14,000 feet, and additional troops on newly built roads. India’s quiet efforts at beefing up military capabilities to match China’s wide-ranging transformation across the border are finally becoming a reality. This reporter was part of a small group of journalists given exclusive access to the eastern frontier with China.A much-criticised policy after the humiliation of 1962 war had resulted in India deliberately neglecting infrastructure even as the Communist neighbour transformed the mountainous and disputed border into a showcase of its economic might with all weather roads running up to frontline military posts. “We have to defend our borders.
So whatever it takes us in terms of infrastructure development, in terms of force accretion, we have to do in the best manner,” Lt. Gen. S.K. Patyal, General Officer Commanding the Leh-based 14 Corps, which is responsible for the entire eastern sector with China and some parts of the Line of Control with Pakistan, said at Tangtse. He also expressed complete satisfaction at the focus on development of border roads by the Army, the Ministry of Defence and the Indian government. Longer stints for troops The process of force enhancement was put in place over the last five years. In a major operational change, since 2012, the Army began deploying units on longer tenures along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
 The Army has also moved in tanks and mechanised units, as well as artillery to some areas of Ladakh. Several fortified bunkers on mountains are visible along the way in key areas. In fact the increased patrols both on land and in water on the Pangong Tso lake have resulted in increased stand offs with the Chinese army, which are resolved through banner drills and the agreed mechanisms, officials said. India and China have historically differed on the boundary between the two countries, and in 1962 fought a short and brutal war. However both sides agreed to resolve the border dispute through talks and in 2005 signed an Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the Boundary Question and have had several rounds Special Representative level talks. Road, air links upgraded Augmenting rapid airlift capabilities, India operationalised the Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) at Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) located at over 16,000 feet. Work is now on to improve road connectivity to this critical area. Work on the 255 km Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi road is progressing at a quick pace. The alignment of the DSDBO road was decided by the China Study Group (CSG) with the cabinet secretary and other senior bureaucrats and representatives from the army and intelligence as members. DBO is about 16 km south of the Karakoram Pass.
 A critical bridge on the road, 150 kilometers from Darbuk, was completed last month and black topping of the road is in progress. While about 90 kms has been black topped, work up to 120km is expected to be completed by year end. “In the past few years we have made rapid progress and by 2022 I am confident the road would be completed in all respects,” said Col B.S. Uppal, commanding officer of 16 Garhwal Rifles. He added that even now DBO can be reached with the newly constructed bridge.
 However, as of now, the road is closed for three to four months of the year. Heavy vehicle ready In addition several other roads along the route are being upgraded and strengthened which will facilitate the movement of heavy vehicles. China has already built massive infrastructure along the border and has repeatedly conducted exercises to rapidly transport troops to the border in case of a crisis.
In Eastern Ladakh, China has three air fields at Kashgar, Shiquan and Hotan and several mechanised and armoured columns deployed along the frontier. Officials said with increased numbers, India is only correcting the balance. “There is not much accretion by China, but their logistical capability has gone up,” one officer observed. To counter Chinese air power, India has been activating a series of advanced landing grounds along the frontier and fighter aircraft have been practising maneuvers in Leh. .

 The hindu
Bunkers drilled into barren hills, battle tanks at over 14,000 feet, and additional troops on newly built roads. India’s quiet efforts at beefing up military capabilities to match China’s wide-ranging transformation across the border are finally becoming a reality. This reporter was part of a small group of journalists given exclusive access to the eastern frontier with China.A much-criticised policy after the humiliation of 1962 war had resulted in India deliberately neglecting infrastructure even as the Communist neighbour transformed the mountainous and disputed border into a showcase of its economic might with all weather roads running up to frontline military posts. “We have to defend our borders. So whatever it takes us in terms of infrastructure development, in terms of force accretion, we have to do in the best manner,” Lt. Gen. S.K. Patyal, General Officer Commanding the Leh-based 14 Corps, which is responsible for the entire eastern sector with China and some parts of the Line of Control with Pakistan, said at Tangtse. He also expressed complete satisfaction at the focus on development of border roads by the Army, the Ministry of Defence and the Indian government. Longer stints for troops The process of force enhancement was put in place over the last five years. In a major operational change, since 2012, the Army began deploying units on longer tenures along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The Army has also moved in tanks and mechanised units, as well as artillery to some areas of Ladakh. Several fortified bunkers on mountains are visible along the way in key areas. In fact the increased patrols both on land and in water on the Pangong Tso lake have resulted in increased stand offs with the Chinese army, which are resolved through banner drills and the agreed mechanisms, officials said. India and China have historically differed on the boundary between the two countries, and in 1962 fought a short and brutal war. However both sides agreed to resolve the border dispute through talks and in 2005 signed an Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the Boundary Question and have had several rounds Special Representative level talks. Road, air links upgraded Augmenting rapid airlift capabilities, India operationalised the Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) at Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) located at over 16,000 feet. Work is now on to improve road connectivity to this critical area. Work on the 255 km Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi road is progressing at a quick pace. The alignment of the DSDBO road was decided by the China Study Group (CSG) with the cabinet secretary and other senior bureaucrats and representatives from the army and intelligence as members. DBO is about 16 km south of the Karakoram Pass. A critical bridge on the road, 150 kilometers from Darbuk, was completed last month and black topping of the road is in progress. While about 90 kms has been black topped, work up to 120km is expected to be completed by year end. “In the past few years we have made rapid progress and by 2022 I am confident the road would be completed in all respects,” said Col B.S. Uppal, commanding officer of 16 Garhwal Rifles. He added that even now DBO can be reached with the newly constructed bridge. However, as of now, the road is closed for three to four months of the year. Heavy vehicle ready In addition several other roads along the route are being upgraded and strengthened which will facilitate the movement of heavy vehicles. China has already built massive infrastructure along the border and has repeatedly conducted exercises to rapidly transport troops to the border in case of a crisis. In Eastern Ladakh, China has three air fields at Kashgar, Shiquan and Hotan and several mechanised and armoured columns deployed along the frontier. Officials said with increased numbers, India is only correcting the balance. “There is not much accretion by China, but their logistical capability has gone up,” one officer observed. To counter Chinese air power, India has been activating a series of advanced landing grounds along the frontier and fighter aircraft have been practising maneuvers in Leh.

idrw.org . Read more at India No 1 Defence News Website , Kindly don't post our articles on other copycat websites http://idrw.org/india-ramps-military-presence-eastern-ladakh/ .

July 12, 2016

Saab in Hunt for India Partner to Help Modi Overhaul Forces


Sweden’s Saab AB will join Lockheed Martin Corp. and Boeing Co. in the search for local partners to help build its fighter jets, as competition increases for a slice of India’s planned $150 billion military modernization. While certain parts of the Gripen E planes will be built in factories fully owned by Saab, other components will be manufactured jointly, said Jan Widerstrom, chairman of Saab India Technologies Pvt.
The Adani Group could be among companies being considered, the Economic Times reported in May, without saying where it got the information.
 “We are talking to at least six large companies in India as the main partners, and several hundred for the supply chain,” Widerstrom said in a July 7 interview in New Delhi. “We are still evaluating our partners and most likely we need more than one.” India is expected to announce a contract for fighter jets next year, with local production in focus as Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks to create jobs and reduce the world’s highest arms imports. Soon after taking office in 2014 he allowed more foreign direct investment in defense and, last month, he further eased rules for the sector.
Under the latest tweaks announced June 20, foreign companies can hold more than 49 percent of a company based in India even if it doesn’t provide state-of-the-art technology. Concerns exist, though, on whether local companies have the trained workforce to deliver. “There exists an ecosystem, but that ecosystem needs to develop further,” said Pushan Das, a junior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation think tank in New Delhi.“Indian companies are yet to acquire the manufacturing wherewithal to manufacture complete military grade aircraft platforms.”
 Moreover, the airforce would probably prefer a two-engine craft rather than the single-engine Gripen, he said. Saab had lost out to Dassault Aviation SA for that reason in 2007, when India had last sought bids for fighter jets, before talks stalled on the deal partly because India sought quality guarantees for the Rafales made locally.
Indigenous Weapons Saab may have it easier. It has a center with Tech Mahindra Ltd. in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, where more than 100 engineers are already working on the design and development of Gripen jets for Brazil. It will also build on its existing partnerships, such as an aerostructure venture with Indian company Aequs, Widerstrom said. Saab has also offered to help India with its indigenous Tejas jet, as well as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft program, which seeks to design and build a fifth-generation fighter. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said the country needs local production lines for at least two types of fighter aircraft. ‘Next 100 Years’ Even as India faces geopolitical threats from neighbors Pakistan and China, a third of its 650-strong combat airfleet is over 40 years old, and the Tejas was 33 years in the making.
 India was the world’s largest arms importer, according to a February 2016 report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, in part because its companies have failed to produce competitive, indigenous weapons. Saab would want a 100 percent investment in an Indian project in the coming years, but for now would prefer working with local partners in both the private and public sectors. It will also offer a transfer of technology, Widerstrom said. “We see it as part of our overall ‘Make in India’ package,” he said. “We are offering an aerospace capability for the next 100 years.”

bloomberg
Sweden’s Saab AB will join Lockheed Martin Corp. and Boeing Co. in the search for local partners to help build its fighter jets, as competition increases for a slice of India’s planned $150 billion military modernization. While certain parts of the Gripen E planes will be built in factories fully owned by Saab, other components will be manufactured jointly, said Jan Widerstrom, chairman of Saab India Technologies Pvt. The Adani Group could be among companies being considered, the Economic Times reported in May, without saying where it got the information. “We are talking to at least six large companies in India as the main partners, and several hundred for the supply chain,” Widerstrom said in a July 7 interview in New Delhi. “We are still evaluating our partners and most likely we need more than one.” India is expected to announce a contract for fighter jets next year, with local production in focus as Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks to create jobs and reduce the world’s highest arms imports. Soon after taking office in 2014 he allowed more foreign direct investment in defense and, last month, he further eased rules for the sector. Under the latest tweaks announced June 20, foreign companies can hold more than 49 percent of a company based in India even if it doesn’t provide state-of-the-art technology. Concerns exist, though, on whether local companies have the trained workforce to deliver. “There exists an ecosystem, but that ecosystem needs to develop further,” said Pushan Das, a junior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation think tank in New Delhi.“Indian companies are yet to acquire the manufacturing wherewithal to manufacture complete military grade aircraft platforms.” Moreover, the airforce would probably prefer a two-engine craft rather than the single-engine Gripen, he said. Saab had lost out to Dassault Aviation SA for that reason in 2007, when India had last sought bids for fighter jets, before talks stalled on the deal partly because India sought quality guarantees for the Rafales made locally. Indigenous Weapons Saab may have it easier. It has a center with Tech Mahindra Ltd. in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, where more than 100 engineers are already working on the design and development of Gripen jets for Brazil. It will also build on its existing partnerships, such as an aerostructure venture with Indian company Aequs, Widerstrom said. Saab has also offered to help India with its indigenous Tejas jet, as well as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft program, which seeks to design and build a fifth-generation fighter. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said the country needs local production lines for at least two types of fighter aircraft. ‘Next 100 Years’ Even as India faces geopolitical threats from neighbors Pakistan and China, a third of its 650-strong combat airfleet is over 40 years old, and the Tejas was 33 years in the making. India was the world’s largest arms importer, according to a February 2016 report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, in part because its companies have failed to produce competitive, indigenous weapons. Saab would want a 100 percent investment in an Indian project in the coming years, but for now would prefer working with local partners in both the private and public sectors. It will also offer a transfer of technology, Widerstrom said. “We see it as part of our overall ‘Make in India’ package,” he said. “We are offering an aerospace capability for the next 100 years.”

idrw.org . Read more at India No 1 Defence News Website , Kindly don't post our articles on other copycat websites http://idrw.org/saab-joins-hunt-india-partner-help-modi-overhaul-airforce/ .

Russia Offers India Nuclear-Powered Supercarrier

 
Last week, a Russian delegation visiting New Delhi offered the Indian Navy Russia’s latest supercarrier design, dubbed Project 23000E Shtorm (Storm), for purchase, Defense News reports, based on information provided by a senior Indian Navy official. According to the article, a Russian diplomat based in India confirmed that an offer has been made
Few additional details have so far come to light surrounding the purported Indo-Russian discussions over procuring the supercarrier. As I reported in March (See: “Will India Buy Russia’s New Supercarrier?”), India is still expected to officially announce a procurement tender for a heavy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, 300 meters long and 70 meters wide and displacing 65,000 tons. This 65,000-ton supercarrier, the INS Vishal, the second ship of the Vikrant-class, will allegedly feature “significant design changes from the lead vessel, the INS Vikrant, including possible nuclear propulsion and Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) and Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS),” I wrote in January.
 The Krylovsky State Research Center (KRSC), a Russian shipbuilding research and development institute, has been working on the Russian supercarrier’s design over the last two years. The vessel’s design was first revealed in May 2015. As I explained in March:
 In the summer of 2015, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States received requests for “technical and costing proposals” regarding the design of India’s new aircraft carrier. According to Indian defense officials, the two top contenders are Russia and France, given that India operates aircraft from both countries.
According to information provided by KRSC, I summarized the Russian-made supercarrier’s main characteristics:
The supercarrier design has a displacement of 100,000 tons, is 330 meters long and 40 meters wide, and has a draft of 11 meters. Powered by either conventional or a nuclear propulsion, the ship can remain at sea for 120 days and sail up to 30 knots (around 55 kilometers per hour), according to information supplied by KRSC. It can accommodate a crew of up to 5,000 and can carry 80-90 deck-based aircraft.

However, whether Russia’s design will prevail is highly doubtful, as I explained back in March:
The likelihood that Russia’s supercarrier project will become a reality and move beyond the conceptual state is slim. For starters, Russia has never built an aircraft carrier. All Soviet carriers were constructed in Ukraine. Russia’s shipbuilding industry currently lacks the capacity to build a supercarrier and does not even have a large enough dry dock to accommodate a vessel the size of the Shtorm.

India is planning to induct the new aircraft carrier in the late 2020s  .

 tass
Last week, a Russian delegation visiting New Delhi offered the Indian Navy Russia’s latest supercarrier design, dubbed Project 23000E Shtorm (Storm), for purchase, Defense News reports, based on information provided by a senior Indian Navy official. According to the article, a Russian diplomat based in India confirmed that an offer has been made. Few additional details have so far come to light surrounding the purported Indo-Russian discussions over procuring the supercarrier. As I reported in March (See: “Will India Buy Russia’s New Supercarrier?”), India is still expected to officially announce a procurement tender for a heavy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, 300 meters long and 70 meters wide and displacing 65,000 tons. This 65,000-ton supercarrier, the INS Vishal, the second ship of the Vikrant-class, will allegedly feature “significant design changes from the lead vessel, the INS Vikrant, including possible nuclear propulsion and Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) and Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS),” I wrote in January. The Krylovsky State Research Center (KRSC), a Russian shipbuilding research and development institute, has been working on the Russian supercarrier’s design over the last two years. The vessel’s design was first revealed in May 2015. As I explained in March: In the summer of 2015, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States received requests for “technical and costing proposals” regarding the design of India’s new aircraft carrier. According to Indian defense officials, the two top contenders are Russia and France, given that India operates aircraft from both countries. According to information provided by KRSC, I summarized the Russian-made supercarrier’s main characteristics: The supercarrier design has a displacement of 100,000 tons, is 330 meters long and 40 meters wide, and has a draft of 11 meters. Powered by either conventional or a nuclear propulsion, the ship can remain at sea for 120 days and sail up to 30 knots (around 55 kilometers per hour), according to information supplied by KRSC. It can accommodate a crew of up to 5,000 and can carry 80-90 deck-based aircraft. However, whether Russia’s design will prevail is highly doubtful, as I explained back in March: The likelihood that Russia’s supercarrier project will become a reality and move beyond the conceptual state is slim. For starters, Russia has never built an aircraft carrier. All Soviet carriers were constructed in Ukraine. Russia’s shipbuilding industry currently lacks the capacity to build a supercarrier and does not even have a large enough dry dock to accommodate a vessel the size of the Shtorm. India is planning to induct the new aircraft carrier in the late 2020s

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Russia Offers India Nuclear-Powered Supercarrier

 
Last week, a Russian delegation visiting New Delhi offered the Indian Navy Russia’s latest supercarrier design, dubbed Project 23000E Shtorm (Storm), for purchase, Defense News reports, based on information provided by a senior Indian Navy official. According to the article, a Russian diplomat based in India confirmed that an offer has been made.
Few additional details have so far come to light surrounding the purported Indo-Russian discussions over procuring the supercarrier. As I reported in March (See: “Will India Buy Russia’s New Supercarrier?”), India is still expected to officially announce a procurement tender for a heavy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, 300 meters long and 70 meters wide and displacing 65,000 tons.
This 65,000-ton supercarrier, the INS Vishal, the second ship of the Vikrant-class, will allegedly feature “significant design changes from the lead vessel, the INS Vikrant, including possible nuclear propulsion and Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) and Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS),” I wrote in January.
The Krylovsky State Research Center (KRSC), a Russian shipbuilding research and development institute, has been working on the Russian supercarrier’s design over the last two years. The vessel’s design was first revealed in May 2015. As I explained in March:
In the summer of 2015, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States received requests for “technical and costing proposals” regarding the design of India’s new aircraft carrier. According to Indian defense officials, the two top contenders are Russia and France, given that India operates aircraft from both countries.
According to information provided by KRSC, I summarized the Russian-made supercarrier’s main characteristics:
The supercarrier design has a displacement of 100,000 tons, is 330 meters long and 40 meters wide, and has a draft of 11 meters. Powered by either conventional or a nuclear propulsion, the ship can remain at sea for 120 days and sail up to 30 knots (around 55 kilometers per hour), according to information supplied by KRSC. It can accommodate a crew of up to 5,000 and can carry 80-90 deck-based aircraft.
However, whether Russia’s design will prevail is highly doubtful, as I explained back in March:
The likelihood that Russia’s supercarrier project will become a reality and move beyond the conceptual state is slim. For starters, Russia has never built an aircraft carrier. All Soviet carriers were constructed in Ukraine. Russia’s shipbuilding industry currently lacks the capacity to build a supercarrier and does not even have a large enough dry dock to accommodate a vessel the size of the Shtorm.
India is planning to induct the new aircraft carrier in the late 2020s.

 thediploma

July 4, 2016

India is within rights to carry out airstrikes in PoK


A day after martyrdom of eight CRPF personnel in Pampore ambush, BJP’s firebrand MLA Ravinder Raina, joined by others, sought in Legislative Assembly, air-strikes on terror modules in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. While National Conference tried to silence them by browbeating, the PDP’s silence too reflected disapproval of what its alliance partner demanded BJP legislators are within their rights to seek surgical operations against terrorists in PoK, an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir. The NC and PDP have never disowned PoK, which is substantiated by the fact that 25 seats are still reserved for the representatives of that part of the state.
Therefore, by not endorsing sane demand of the BJP, both, the PDP and NC, are actually showing no interest to end the scourge of terrorism, which has hurt Kashmir the most. The PDP and NC should not forget that on 21st May 2014- deadliest air-strikes killed 60 terrorists and wounded hundreds others, including civilians, in Mir Ali area of North Pakistan. The fierce strikes were carried out by the Air Force of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the targets were Muslims (though terrorists have no religion) having allegiance to Taliban and al-Qaeda terror modules.
The death and destruction did not invoke any sympathy or protests across Pakistan or in the Kashmir Valley, on this side of the border, either. That being the case, why so much hullobulla over the condemnation of lunatic terrorists, who spilled blood during the holy month of Ramadan. The terrorists have no religion, no nationality and no identity as a human even. That is what the Kashmiri intelligentsia and the political class, especially National Conference, is making out in the wake of matter-of-fact statements over cowardice act of terrorists. Lot of politics is being played over this issue in Kashmir these days.

The Pakistan apologists in Kashmir leave no opportunity in describing deadliest terrorists as ‘misguided youth’ but at the same time ensure that thousands participate in their funeral processions as martyrs. If ‘misguided’ then how come they become martyrs? Second and most important, the terror monsters who cause attrition to security forces or innocent Kashmiris in the Valley are projected as ‘misguided youth’ and when the same lot of zealots commit sacrilegious acts in the Jammu region, every effort is made to let them off as lunatics or mentally unsound. Remember, how the Aap Shambu desecrator is being provided olive branch by proving him to be an insane youth by a segment of the State Administration without ascertaining his credentials and motives behind committing the offence, which could have serious ramifications but for the sagacity of the peace-loving people of Jammu. Kashmir has many contradictions, the biggest being attitude of some people towards terrorists and terror sponsor Pakistan. When hurt voices (in the aftermath of martyrdom of eight CRPF personnel in Pampore) sought surgical operations against terror havens in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, commotion was witnessed in some political outfits. They generated euphoria over ‘war hysteria’ being created over the issue, ignoring the fact that tackling terrorism is fundamental duty of a sovereign nation. India is within its rights to carry out operations against terrorists, wherever they are, including Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
Those objecting to this right are forgetting that PoK is part of Jammu and Kashmir and as many as 25 seats continue to remain reserved for them in the Legislative Assembly. India is committed to ‘liberating’ PoK and restoring it back to Jammu and Kashmir. The unanimous resolution passed by Parliament on 22 February 1994, inter allia resolved, “This House notes with deep concern Pakistan’s role in imparting training to the terrorists in camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir, the supply of weapons and funds, assistance in infiltration of trained militants, including foreign mercenaries into Jammu and Kashmir with the avowed purpose of creating disorder, disharmony and subversion: reiterates that the militants trained in Pakistan are indulging in murder, loot and other heinous crimes against the people, taking them hostage and creating an atmosphere of terror; Condemns strongly the continued support and encouragement Pakistan is extending to subversive and terrorist activities in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir”. It is, therefore, not a question of tackling terror in PoK alone but also crushing it with iron fists in the Valley, which is the primary duty of the nation.
The weak kneed policy of New Delhi might have prolonged elimination of terrorism in Kashmir for 26 years but India has not forfeited its right to use appropriate force, including air-prowess, to crush militant modules in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. If Islamabad can do it in Waziristan, what stops India from moving towards Muzaffarabad to crush the snake in its backyards? But the rulers that may be in the national capital won’t do so as they believe pumping of funds may win them war against terror in Kashmir.

State times daily

MoD seeks ‘Made in India’ UAVs


As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) assume increasing significance for both combat as well as surveillance roles, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has initiated the process of procuring such systems from indigenous sources.The MoD wants a common medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) platform that can be used by all three services, though some features could be adapted or modified to meet the specific operational requirements of the Army, Navy or Air Force. A request for information issued by the MoD indicates that the services need 150 new MALE UAVs.
These are proposed to be developed and manufactured by the Indian industry based on proven technologies where fundamental research is not required. Low radar, thermal and acoustics signature, capability to operate between minus 40 to 55 degrees Celsius, altitude ceiling above 30,000 feet with more than 25 hours of endurance, a satellite-based navigational system, automatic take off and landing capability and an automatic identification system to identify merchant ships along with its cargo are key features required for the proposed UAVs.
The Indian Armed Forces began inducting UAVs in 2000 and at present, more than 200 such systems are in service. These are primarily Israeli-made Heron and Searcher UAVs along with a handful of DRDO-made Nishant UAVs. An upgraded version of Nishant, called Panchi, and an armed drone, Rustom, are being test evaluated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). There were also some reports of India procuring the armed version of Heron from Israel.

Tribune news service
Tribune News Service

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France offers to fix Kaveri Engine literally for free to power Tejas MK-1A

 
France has offered to invest EUR 1 billion to revive India’s combat jet engine project, proposing a joint development plan that could see the stalled ‘Kaveri’ gas turbine powering indigenousTejas fighters by 2020. The proposal is to use offset credits that would come from the planned Rafale fighter jet deal to revive the indigenous jet engine project, people involved in talks between the Indian defence ministry, the Defence Research & Development Organisation andFrench companies told ET. Foreign arms companies that sell equipment to India are mandated to invest a portion of the contract cost in the country’s defence and aerospace industry.
 In the case of the Rafale deal, which India and France are negotiating, the offset obligation is 50% of the cost, which would translate to over EUR 3 billion. Sources said that since January, several rounds of discussions have taken place between Indian authorities and French company Safran, which developed the M88 engine that powers the Rafale as well as the Shakti engine for Indian advanced light helicopters.
French experts who assessed the Kaveri engine — which was more or less abandoned for aviation use in 2014 due to shortcomings on power —indicated that 25-30% more work would be needed to make it flight-worthy. According to the deal being offered, India would not need to spend any more developmental money on the project and Safran would take on the investment, committing to make the Kaveri flight-worthy within 18 months.
 The proposal is to integrate the upgraded Kaveri with the Mk 1 A version of the Light Combat Aircraft by 2020. The air force is committed to buying at least 80 of the LCA Mk 1 A fighters that will meet higher technical requirements than the version inducted this year. It is currently powered by GE 404 engines. “The proposal is to have the Kaveri ready for the next version of the LCA that would then boast of an indigenous engine as well. The French are confident that this can be done and are willing to put in money into the project,” a person involved in the discussion said.

Economictimes
France has offered to invest EUR 1 billion to revive India’s combat jet engine project, proposing a joint development plan that could see the stalled ‘Kaveri’ gas turbine powering indigenousTejas fighters by 2020. The proposal is to use offset credits that would come from the planned Rafale fighter jet deal to revive the indigenous jet engine project, people involved in talks between the Indian defence ministry, the Defence Research & Development Organisation andFrench companies told ET. Foreign arms companies that sell equipment to India are mandated to invest a portion of the contract cost in the country’s defence and aerospace industry. In the case of the Rafale deal, which India and France are negotiating, the offset obligation is 50% of the cost, which would translate to over EUR 3 billion. Sources said that since January, several rounds of discussions have taken place between Indian authorities and French company Safran, which developed the M88 engine that powers the Rafale as well as the Shakti engine for Indian advanced light helicopters. French experts who assessed the Kaveri engine — which was more or less abandoned for aviation use in 2014 due to shortcomings on power —indicated that 25-30% more work would be needed to make it flight-worthy. According to the deal being offered, India would not need to spend any more developmental money on the project and Safran would take on the investment, committing to make the Kaveri flight-worthy within 18 months. The proposal is to integrate the upgraded Kaveri with the Mk 1 A version of the Light Combat Aircraft by 2020. The air force is committed to buying at least 80 of the LCA Mk 1 A fighters that will meet higher technical requirements than the version inducted this year. It is currently powered by GE 404 engines. “The proposal is to have the Kaveri ready for the next version of the LCA that would then boast of an indigenous engine as well. The French are confident that this can be done and are willing to put in money into the project,” a person involved in the discussion said.

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