Rafale row ‘slows down’ purchase of 114 fighter jets IAF badly needs

The Rafale controversy has apparently slowed down the Indian Air Force’s plan to procure 114 fighter jets, with the process of acquiring them yet to get the necessary ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ from the defence ministry.

The IAF has been waiting for new fighter jets since 2000 and its hopes were raised after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in April that India had rolled out the process to procure them, with a ‘Request for Information’ issued. He had promised to speed up the process and not “waste time like the UPA”.

However, eight months on, there has been little movement on the critical purchase as the raging political controversy over the Rafale fighter jets deal – with the opposition Congress accusing the Modi government of corruption in the acquisition from France – has thrown a spanner in the works, a top defence ministry source told ThePrint.

“The Rafale controversy has led to a fear factor which is delaying the whole process,” the source said. “The fact is that the IAF had been waiting for the fighters since 2000. The government, thankfully, went in for an emergency purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets, but this will not meet the urgent need of the IAF.”

The proposal for the 114 jets has been going around several desks in the government for months, the source added.

A second source, however, denied there was any delay and rejected the explanation that the Rafale controversy was responsible.

“You can say something is delayed only when there is a fixed time table. The RFI was issued in April this year and it is hoped that the AON will be issued soon,” this source said, referring to the Acceptance of Necessity.

The IAF, the second source claimed, will be able to raise a full squadron of the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas by March and this will ensure that the strength does not fall below 30 squadrons of fighter aircraft.


Dire state of affairs ::

The IAF has seen a steady decline in its fighter squadrons and at least two more squadrons are due to be phased out by March, bringing the strength down to just 29 as against the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons. The original plan was to decommission three squadrons by March.

The last time IAF had 42 squadrons was back in 2002.

The IAF’s calculations say it will need at least 45 squadrons to fight a possible two-front war. But achieving that target in the near future appears extremely challenging as more squadrons retire as the aircraft complete their maximum flying cycle.


The deal for 114 jets ::

Seven fighter aircraft are in contention for the mega deal, valued to be worth over $20 billion. While there is no fixed time table that needs to be adhered to, it was hoped that the process would be rushed through.

Following the signing of the deal for 36 Rafales, the government and the IAF were working on bringing out a tender for single-engine fighter aircraft, keeping the cost in mind.

The defence ministry, however, sprang a surprise by questioning the need for a single-engine foreign fighter when the indigenous LCA programme was on. This caused the IAF to retune itself and bring out an RFI in April, which did not limit it to single-engine fighters.

Industry experts wonder how this will play out, because one of the primary factors for the selection of aircraft will be cost, besides technical parameters.

“When it comes to cost, the single engine will always be cheaper than a twin engine,” an industry source said.

Former Air Chief Marshal Srinivasapuram Krishnaswamy said he hoped the process would be speeded up.

“There is no doubt that the IAF needs more fighters. The IAF has come out with numbers, projections, and even said so in Supreme Court. Hopefully, then, the process for the fighters will be faster,” he told ThePrint.

Asked if the high cost of the jets could be a factor causing the delay, Krishnaswamy said: “We live in a democracy and the government allocates priorities. The elections are coming and it would naturally be looking at other plans and projects which will also need money. It is a matter of where the hot potato is.”

the print

'15,000 tonnes of uranium needed to achieve supply security of fuel for nuclear plants'

A stockpile of 15,000 tonnes of uranium is required for achieving supply security of fuel for nuclear plants in the country, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), which manages atomic energy installations, has told a parliamentary panel.

The panel report, which was tabled before the Lok Sabha in the on-going Parliament session, also recommended that necessary steps should be taken to ensure new uranium mines are opened as soon as possible to reduce the dependance on the imported uranium.

Currently, a major portion of domestic production of uranium comes from the Jaduguda mines of Jharkhand, which are "old" and the ore is found at "great depths." Moreover, the high extraction cost makes it "unviable" as compared to imported uranium, the panel noted.

Besides the Jaduguda mines, the uranium is extracted from the Tummalapalle mines in Andhra Pradesh. Apart from Jaduguda, uranium reserves are available in Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

India has 22 nuclear power reactors and domestic uranium is used in nuclear plants which are not under the international nuclear energy watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

India currently imports uranium from Kazakhstan, Canada and Russia.

"The committee notes that the DAE aims at a stockpile of 15,000 tonnes of uranium for achieving a level of comfort in so far as achieving supply security of nuclear fuel for nuclear plants is concerned," the panel said in its report.

The government also plans to build a Strategic Uranium Reserve to ensure that there is no shortage of uranium for its power reactors.

For the 10 Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), there will be a requirement of about 1250 metric tonnes of natural uranium dioxide fuel, the report said.

The panel also noted that although nuclear plants are heavily capital intensive, the cost per unit power generation is low. It stated that the tariff for the two Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) of Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant with a capacity of 160 MW each is as low as 90 paise per unit whereas it is Rs 2.70 per unit for the new plants.

 economictimes

Upgraded Arjun tank Mark1-A’ version on trial

An upgraded version of the Arjun tanks that has better firing and mobility is presently undergoing validation trials. ‘Arjun Mark 1A’ was being validated at trials, the Parliament was informed this week. This was the first official confirmation and the ‘Mark 1A’ will be an a additional version of the tank till ‘Mark 2’ version, which is somewhat lighter in weight, is readied, okayed and accepted.

Sources said it was a significant development as it showed that the Ministry of Defence was ready to keep on improving the tank, be it the addition of more power or reducing its weight.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army had, in the first half of this year, agreed on accepting the new version. In all, the Army is looking to have 118 pieces. A total of 93 modifications have been done over the first version of Arjun, 124 of which were inducted in 2010-11.
Sources said the Army was okay with the tank, but wanted it to be lighter than its present weight of 68 tonne. Most modern European tanks are of the same weight and tank-transporters (specialised trucks) for Arjun are available to ferry it.

The ‘Mark 2’ will have to be lighter by some 3 tonne and be in the range of 65 tonne. This may require some modification in the hull of the tank for the final contours to emerge.

As part of the arrangement with the Army, the DRDO has promised to set up a system to maintain the Arjuns within India. It will be an annual maintenance contract with the Bharat Earth Movers Limited as a possible agency.

The tanks, as part of the trials, had already done some 4,000 km of run and only the upgrades were being tested now, said sources.

 tribuneindia

China received Last Batch of Su-35s, Test Fires S-400

Russia has completed shipments to China of 24 Sukhoi Su-35S heavyweight single-seat multi-role fighters under a $2.5 billion contract that was finalized in November 2015. According to local media, the final batch was delivered to China in November and was accepted the following month. However, Russia will continue to ship additional equipment that was covered by the contract—including air-launched weapons—through to 2020.

An initial batch of four Su-35S aircraft was delivered in December 2016. The following year, the customer accepted 10 aircraft in two batches of five. The type officially entered service with the PLAAF (People’s Liberation Army Air Force) in April 2018. This year deliveries took place in June and November, each time of five aircraft.

The Su-35S aircraft joined the PLAAF’s 6th Aviation Brigade based at the Suji air force base in Guangdong province, in China’s southeast. This unit previously operated Su-27SK single-seat interceptors. Reportedly, the customer decided to keep the original Cyrillic symbols on the LCD screens of the Su-35S cockpit instead of using English language or Chinese hieroglyphs so as to maintain the integrity of the pilot’s information field.

Earlier this month, China’s Central Television (CCTV) released a TV report from Suji, depicting the aircraft and personnel. The pilots appeared wearing Russian-made ZSh series “protection helmets,” while aircraft carried a mix of Russian and Chinese air-launched munitions. Free-fall bombs and unguided rockets are of Chinese origin. In the video, the aircraft appeared with a pair of electronic warfare (EW) pods on the wingtips in the shape of the L-265 Khibiny-M self-protection suite from the Moscow-based KRET corporation.

China is the first overseas customer for the type and the second operator after the Russian Air and Space Force (VKS). The latter ordered an initial batch of 48 Su-35S fighters in 2009 and added a follow-on contract for 50 in December 2015. Deliveries are due for completion in 2020. On December 11, Sukhoi’s patron United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) issued a press release noting acceptance by the Russian defense ministry of the 100th Su-35S to be assembled at the plant in Komsomolsk-upon-Amur.

 ainonline

Govt bans Khalistan Liberation Force

The government has banned Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) for its involvement in several killings, bombings and other terror activities during its violent campaign for "secession of Punjab".

The decision to ban the outfit under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) comes in the backdrop of agencies unearthing several KLF modules in recent months which has led to apprehensions that it is attempting to revive militancy in the state.

The Khalistan Liberation Force and all its manifestations have been declared outlawed under the under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), a Home Ministry order said on Wednesday, adding it will be the 40th organisation to be proscribed under this law.

According to officials, during the height of militancy in Punjab in 1980s and 1990s, the group was involved in a series of unlawful activities.

The ban on KLF has been imposed as it is involved in "killing of innocent people and police officers, several bombings on civilian targets in India, collection of funds for terror activities through extortion, kidnappings, bank robberies and assassination attempts of important government functionaries", the order said.

The KLF came into existence in 1986 with the objective of establishing an independent Khalistan by secession of Punjab from India "through violent means", the order said

"The KLF has committed acts of terrorism and promoting acts of terrorism and has been engaged in radicalisation and recruitment of youth for terrorist activities in India," the order said.

The Home Ministry maintained that a five-member KLF module was busted by the Punjab Police, which resulted in working out the two cases relating to planting of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Nabha, Punjab. Another KLF module was busted in Gurudaspur district and four terrorists were arrested with illegal arms and ammunition. They were planning to target Pathankot based leaders of a particular political party.

Another KLF module was busted by Amritsar police and three KLF terrorists were arrested, who were planning to target prominent members of a particular community, so as to disrupt communal harmony in Punjab.

The home ministry said the Jalandhar police also busted a KLF and Khalistan Zindabad Force module of four members and arrested the chief of KLF along with illegal arms and ammunition on November 7, 2014.

Yet another KLF module was busted in 2017, which carried out a series of eight killings or attempted killings of specific communities and organisations in order to destabilise the law and order situation and reviving terrorism in Punjab.

The ministry also said the members of KLF in India are getting financial and logistic support from their handlers based abroad and it believes that the KLF is involved in terrorism as it has committed and participated in various acts of terrorism in India.

economictimes

Israeli firm bags electronic warfare suite deal for LCA Tejas

Israeli firm Elisra has bagged Rs 178 crore deal for developing the electronic warfare suite for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A aircraft being built for the Indian Air Force.

The Israeli firm was selected by the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) after issuing a multi-vendor tender in which around six to seven companies had participated, a senior Defence Ministry official told ANI here on Wednesday.

The official said the selection through a comprehensive process has helped in bringing down the cost of the electronic warfare suite.

“Development cost of the electronic warfare suite for the order placed by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited works out to Rs 177.43 crore which will include three prototypes and other support equipment,” he said.

The Israeli firm has also been involved in developing the D-29 EW suite for the upgraded MiG-29 aircraft fleet of the Indian Air Force in collaboration with the Indian public sector company Bharat Electronics Limited and the DRDO.

Defence Ministry official said the D-29 could not be used for the LCA Tejas as there was a need for major redesign for putting it on the indigenous plane.

HAL officials said they had initiated talks with the BEL for redesigning the D-29 for the LCA Tejas but it was not able to provide a proposal for the complete electronic warfare suite.

The Defence Ministry official said the DRDO and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) also carried out a test to find out whether the D-29 could be used without modification on the LCA but the results found out that it was not “feasible”.

 economictimes

'India will continue to have edge over China in aircraft carriers'

As chairman of the chiefs of staff committee, Admiral Sunil Lanba's purview is not confined to the waters. Recently, he was spotted on the Arunachal Pradesh mountains, getting briefed by the Army on the deterrence posture across the northern frontier.

And having recently operationalised India's first nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed submarine, Lanba is now looking forward to the Indian Navy getting a follow-on boat to this submarine and also one more home-built aircraft carrier. In an interview on the eve of the Navy Day, Lanba spoke to THE WEEK on these and other issues concerning India's maritime posturing. Excerpts:


The Indian Navy recently operationalised the nuclear submarine INS Arihant. What does it signify?

I don't have anything more to say than what the prime minister said. We have successfully completed the first deterrence patrol of INS Arihant this year. With this, we have operationalised the third and the most survivable segment of the country’s nuclear triad. And that is a quantum jump in our deterrence capability.


China is beginning the sea trials of its first home-built aircraft carrier. We have had a lead of several decades over them in carrier operations and carrier construction. Are we beginning to lose the edge that we had? Can you update us on the status of India's Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC)?

Let me assure you that as long as our capability induction plans fructify, we will continue to have an advantage in carrier capability. Yes, it is true that China is making rapid strides in their aircraft carrier projects. As per the current reports, the PLA Navy aspires to have four carriers by 2024. In the same time frame, we would have two operational aircraft carriers. With synergy of efforts between the Indian Navy, shipyard and industry, we have embarked on the ambitious project of building and delivering an indigenous aircraft carrier, IAC-1.


When is IAC-1 going to be ready?

It is being built at Kochi and has entered the trials phase. The hull has been completed and the ship is in advanced stage of outfitting. Ship construction has entered into the trial phase with commencement of machinery trials from mid-2018. During the machinery trials, the equipment, machinery and ship systems would be evaluated in harbour, followed by sea trials. The sea trials are expected to commence by early 2020.


And the next aircraft carrier?

Capability assessment for building IAC-2, a CATOBAR carrier of 65,000 tonnes, has been undertaken. India can design and build it. The matter is under deliberation at the ministry for accord of acceptance of necessity (AoN).


Can you share your vision about our carrier force in the next 10 to 20 years?

The Maritime Capability Perspective Plan envisages a force level of three carriers to ensure that at least two carrier battle groups are available for operations at any given time. With INS Vikramaditya already inducted, the planned induction of IAC-1 in 2021 would ensure that we have the minimum force levels required. Further, the case for IAC-2 is being progressed to meet future requirements.


What is your vision about the Indian Navy's strategic role in the Indo-Pacific?

The Indian Navy’s role in the Indo-Pacific is complementary to the national idea of this region. Our prime minister has stated that India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific is that “it stands for a free, open, inclusive region, which embraces all in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity”. Accordingly, the Navy works in close coordination with friendly naval forces in the region to realise this goal.


But do we have the capability to actually operate in the extended oceanic perimeter from Malacca to Aden and the African coast? Aren't we biting off more than what we can chew?

Look, our maritime footprint has grown significantly in recent times. It spans the expanse of the Indo-Pacific at present. As we further realise our maritime economic potential through initiatives such as Project Sagarmala and the Blue Economy, this trend is likely to intensify.

Also, we have adopted the mantra of SAGAR or Security And Growth for All in the Region. Accordingly, we work in close coordination with our maritime neighbours to provide the assistance in terms of deployments as well as capability- and capacity-enhancement initiatives. So, it is necessary for us to maintain presence in the our areas of maritime interest. Since last year, we have increased the deployment of mission-ready ships and aircraft in critical sea lanes of communication and choke points in the region.

We also undertake regular interactions with friendly navies and maritime security forces to develop a high level of trust, understanding and interoperability. This serves to enable efficient and effective coordination of responses to any shared challenge to security. I assure you the Indian Navy has the capability to undertake the missions it has embraced. And, as our capability development plans fructify, our ability to sustain and expand these deployments will also increase.


India has recently signed logistics arrangements with several countries. How are these arrangements going to help in the Indian Navy’s operations? How far has it impacted the Indian Navy's mission-based deployment?

To begin with, our mission-based deployment philosophy involves deploying ships and aircraft in our areas of maritime interest on a near-continuous basis. In order to sustain operations at enhanced ranges, there is a requirement to provide operational logistics support to ships and aircraft in their respective areas of operations. Towards this, fuelling of Indian Navy ships by US Navy tankers is being regularly undertaken in the Gulf of Aden. This has reduced the number of operational turnarounds at ports, thereby facilitating more operational time at sea while also reducing the overall cost of deployment. In the near future, we would also undertake such logistic exchanges—fuel exchange, stores, equipment repairs etc—with other navies through inter-governmental agreements.


Submarines was another area we had a march over most Asian navies. However, with our submarine fleet getting depleted and replacements being delayed, how long do you think we can maintain the lead? Can you give a timeline for the Project-75 India submarine programme?

We have a strength of 15 submarines, which includes the nuclear-powered submarine INS Chakra (SSN), the 1st Kalvari class Scorpene submarine, nine Sindhughosh class submarines and four Shishumar class vessels. The second and third Kalvari class submarines are undergoing sea trials. They are likely to be commissioned by end-2019. Yes, there have been delays in procurement of new-generation P-75(I) submarines, but we have maintained the force levels through life extension of in-service platforms. Our current submarine strength provides formidable combat potential.


What is the status of the P-75(I) project?

It is being progressed under the strategic partnership model (SPM) as promulgated by the government in the Defence Procurement Procedure, 2016. The expression of interest documents for shortlisting of strategic partners and foreign manufacturers are likely to be issued by end of this year, followed by the request for proposal (RFP) by mid-2019. We will continue to retain significant underwater capability subject to our acquisitions remaining on track.


Where have we reached on the procurement of deep submergence and rescue vessels?

The first DSRV system was delivered to the Indian Navy in mid-this year, and the second is scheduled for December. Both will attain initial operational status next year, after completion of their sea-acceptance checks. Full operational capability, post build-up of experience and expertise on this complex system, is being targeted for early-2021. It is not only a valuable Indian Navy capability but is also an important national and regional asset. It provides the Indian Navy with the ability to undertake submarine rescue up to a depth of 650m.


How has 'Make in India' helped the Indian Navy? Can you tell us about some of the specific Make-in-India programmes that are fructifying for the Navy? And how are our own indigenous development programmes, such as the LCA Navy, faring? We would like to have from you an overview of the Navy-specific development and manufacturing scene.

The Indian Navy has been at the forefront of the ‘Make in India’ campaign. The Navy’s indigenous drive over the last few years has resulted in achieving a substantial quantum of indigenisation. We have been constantly interacting with the DRDO, the public sector undertakings and private industry to promote and nurture the indigenisation drive. Over the past 10 years, a number of important systems and equipment, spares and sub-assemblies have been developed.


Any specific example?

A specific navy programme has been the development of marine-grade steel to build ships and submarines. We now build all our ships with steel made in India.

The sustained impetus of indigenisation has resulted in a continuous increase in indigenous content in our ships from 42 per cent in the 90s to about 90 per cent now. The ship-building material, equipment and systems on board a warship are classified into three categories—'float' comprising material, design and systems required to keep the ship afloat; 'move', which includes systems required to propel the ship, and 'fight' component consisting of weapons and sensors. We have achieved self-reliance and indigenisation of 90, 60 and 50 per cent, respectively, in these three categories.


And Make in India?

We are progressing ‘make’ projects through DPP2016, as well as projects through DRDO’s Technology Development Fund and Defence Procurement Manual, 2009. We also have a roadmap for indigenisation called ‘Indian Naval Indigenisation Plan 2015-30’.

Based on the inputs from industry and industry bodies like CII and FICCI, we constantly refine our plans to enable enhanced industry participation. As a long-term plan, we have taken up a case for establishing a full-fledged indigenisation establishment called Centre for Indigenisation and Self Reliance (CISR) in Delhi. This centre will evolve as a professional hub for steering all indigenisation activities of the Navy.

We accord high priority to developing indigenous shipbuilding capability. Currently, 34 ships and submarines are under construction, of which 32 are being built in various Indian shipyards. Further, acceptance of necessity has been accorded for 53 ships and six submarines. Almost all of these will be constructed in India.


But you have said no to the LCA Navy variant of the Tejas fighter.

No. We have always supported the LCA programme since its inception and provided financial support, specialised manpower and other important resources. However, there have been some delays in respect of carrier-compatibility tests of these aircraft. As the LCA cannot fructify in time to meet the requirements of IAC-1, alternate acquisition options are being pursued.

LCA Navy Mark 1 has been designated as a technological demonstrator and, during its developmental journey, it will achieve and prove niche technologies such as the arrestor hook system, lightweight strengthened undercarriage and carrier-compatibility testing. These technologies will be incorporated in the Mark 2 version, which is currently in design phase. The Mark 2 would thus form the stepping stone for a credible indigenous deck-based fighter in the coming years.

 theweek

Indian Navy plans to induct six new submarines

Six new submarines will be inducted into the Indian Navy in the coming years, said Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba on Monday.

Speaking to media in New Delhi, a day ahead of the Indian Navy Day, Lanba said the Indian Navy had envisioned a fleet of 200 ships and 500 aircraft by 2050.

The navy chief said that the Indian Navy will try to effectively implement the government’s “Make in India” programme, and 32 indigenously built ships and warships will be inducted in its fleet. In addition, government approval had also been accorded for 56 ships and six submarines.

Ships and submarines under construction include the aircraft carrier Vikrant, P-15B class destroyers, P17A class stealth frigates, P28 ASW corvettes, offshore patrol vessels and Scorpene class submarines.

At present, India has only one aircraft carrier — the 44,000 tonne INS Vikramaditya, and planed to build 65,000 tonne aircraft carrier.

Lanba said a pilot project of installing transponders has begun and soon all the 250,000 Indian vessels will be fitted with transponders.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is learnt to have developed transponders to keep track of fishing vessels on the high seas using the geostationery communication satellite “GSAT-6” built by it.

 brinkwire

Amid Rafale row, India got its nuclear triad

A Raging political controversy on the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from France clouded India’s defence establishment in 2018 even though the military managed to arm itself with a few modern weapons after a long hiatus.

The Narendra Modi government’s controversial decision to buy only two squadrons of the French combat aircraft abandoning an earlier plan to procure 126 jets, triggered a political firestorm so intense that it could not be abated even by a judgment from the country’s top court.

The Supreme Court ruling on the purchase of the Rafale jets favoured the Modi regime. But notwithstanding the verdict, Opposition parties are leaving no stone unturned to cash in on the controversial defence deal as the Parliament elections are only six months away.

While politics on defence deals was not new, an unfortunate new trend was the involvement of the Service Headquarters in the political debate. It began with the government fielding senior Indian Air Force officers to respond to the criticism and ended with Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa being dragged into the row by Congress leader M Veerappa Moily.

The unsavory controversy comes at a time when the three services are receiving some modern weapons ranging from Apache and Chinook helicopters for the IAF to new rifles and howitzer for the Army and new warships and submarines for the Navy.

With India planning to buy at least 168 additional fighter aircraft for the IAF (111) and Navy (57), there is now a strong possibility of the Rafale row slowing down the decision making processes on other procurement programmes within the defence ministry.

Had such a thing happened, it would be counter-productive for India sandwiched between nuclear-powered military powers like China and Pakistan.

A year after the Doklam crisis, India appears to have mended its bilateral ties with the communist country with the resumption of high-level military exchanges and hand-in-hand series of exercises between the two armies.But with 3,488 km of disputed border between the two Asian powers, New Delhi needs to keep a delicate strategic balance between boosting its own military capabilities and maintaining a friendly relation with Beijing, with whom it fought a bitter war in 1962.

On the Pakistan front, India hopes for better days ahead with a new regime in Islamabad, but any sign is yet to be seen in Jammu and Kashmir. What adds to the woes of the northern state is the rampant recruitment of local youths in militant outfits despite the elimination of nearly 250 militants by the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir in 2018.

Even without much improvement of the ground situation at the border, the military would remember 2018 as the year India got its nuclear triad.

With nuclear-powered indigenous submarine INS Arihant completing its first deterrent patrol in November, India now has the second-strike capability from the air, land and sea in case of a nuclear strike from the enemy, establishing credible nuclear deterrence.

 deccanherald

Wait for Dhanush, India’s first indigenous Bofors to end soon

After US’s M-777 and K-9 Vajra guns from Korea were symbolically inducted by Army in November, Dhanush, the indigenous version of Swedish Bofors, would be following soon. Dhanush had to fire 5,000 shells during multiple rounds of trials before final selection. Three incidents of malfunctioning and a CBI inquiry had also marred the project. Same malfunction was reported in M-777 and K-9 too though.

Now what remains for Dhanush is a final appraisal, also known as general staff quality requirements (GSQR) evaluation. Dhanush has a higher range and advanced systems as compared to original Bofors.

Ordnance factory, which has made the guns, hopes that GSQR evaluation would be completed in January so that the guns can be finally inducted in February. A ceremony has been planned at School of Artillery at Deolali near Nashik in February, which is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources said.

The howitzers are being made at Gun Carriage Factory (GCF), Jabalpur, a unit of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). It is also the first ever big gun to be made by ordnance factory, which, so far, has been only manufacturing light artillery systems.

The project which began in 2010 will finally be concluded eight years down the line. Six guns would be inducted during the ceremony. After that, another 12 would be dispatched by December, 2019.

During the next calendar year, Army is expected to get 48 guns of 155×45 mm calibre in all. These include 18 Dhanush and 30 Sarang guns. The latter is an upgraded version of 130mm gun already with the Army. The Sarang will be made at the Ordnance Factory, Kanpur, and a contract has already been signed.

For Dhanush, the GCF will have to wait for the final GSQR evaluation on the basis of which it would be getting the bulk production order. Officials say what remains to be done now is merely a formality. GSQR evaluation is only compilation of reports of earlier trials.The GCF will be supplying 114 guns in all in three years after the first batch is sent. On the basis of it an order of another 400 guns would be placed by the Army. On the other hand, Sarang would go in the batches of 30, 70, and 100 each on yearly basis, the source said. The production capacity at GCF will have to be scaled for meeting the future requirement, said an officer.

The factory has also created infrastructure to provide spares for the existing fleet of Bofors guns.

GCF, set up in early 1900s, is expecting a major workload in coming days. A prototype of 155x52mm mounted gun has been developed and the factory hopes to bid as Army plans to place an order for 814 pieces. The major chunk of 155x52mm guns, for which the process of private procurement has started, will be made on transfer of technology basis at the GCF.


A trial by fire, literally ::

Jabalpur: Dhanush guns had to go through a trial by fire to be finally selected. The first of the trials was undertaken in 2013 in which a shell burst within the barrel itself. After a series of successful testfires, there were two incidents of muzzle hits in 2017. In this, the shell broke off a part of the barrel. This delayed the project and trials were extended.

After firing nearly 5,000 rounds, which is more than the quantity used in wartime, it has been found there was no fault in the gun’s design. Sources said the fault is estimated to have been in the ammunition but no specific reason could be pinpointed.

One of the guns of the first batch of M-777 purchased from the US too suffered a muzzle hit. An investigation was carried out and there were similar results, said sources. Before induction in India, a barrel burst incident was reported in the K-9 guns used by the Korean army.

Sources say other guns had to undergo not more than 500 rounds of test fire, as against 4,994 rounds for Dhanush.

During July-August last year, the GCF had faced a CBI inquiry for buying a Chinese spare for the gun. The component which is a bearing on which the barrel rotates was purchased through tendering from a Delhi-based firm which in turn had bought it from China. The first six guns to be given to Army will have the same spare. No defect has been reported in its functioning. The original manufacturer, Rothe Erde of Germany, had refused to supply the bearing to India citing an international arms ban treaty. The manufacturer has finally agreed, said sources.Jabalpur: After US’ M-777 and K-9 Vajra guns from Korea, were symbolically inducted by army in November — Dhanush, the indigenous version of Swedish Bofors would be following soon. Going was faster for weapons purchased globally. Dhanush had to fire 5,000 shells during multiple rounds of trials before final selection. Three incidents of malfunctioning and a CBI inquiry had also marred the project. Same malfunction was reported in M-777 and K-9 too though.

Now what remains for Dhanush is a final appraisal under, what is known as general staff quality requirements (GSQR) evaluation. Dhanush has a higher range and advanced systems as compared to original Bofors.

Only paper work, ordnance factory which has made the guns hopes that GSQR evaluation would be completed in January so that the guns can be finally inducted in February. A ceremony has been planned at School of Artillery Deolali near Nashik in February, which is expected to be attended by Prime Narendra Modi, said sources.

The howitzers are being made at Gun Carriage Factory (GCF), Jabalpur a unit of the ordnance factory board (OFB). It is also the first ever big gun to be made by ordnance factory which so far has been only manufacturing light artillery systems.

The project which began in 2010 will finally be concluded eight years down the line. Six guns would be inducted during the ceremony. After that another 12 would be dispatched by December 2019.

During the next calender year, army is expected to get 48 guns of 155×45 mm calibre in all. These include 18 of Dhanush and 30 Sarang guns. The latter are an upgraded version of 130mm guns already with the army. The Sarang will be made at the ordnance factory Kanpur and a contract has already been signed.

For Dhanush, the GCF will have to wait for the final GSQR evaluation on the basis of which it would be getting the bulk production order. Officials say what remains to be done now is merely a formality. GSQR evaluation is only compilation of reports of earlier trials.The GCF will be supplying 114 guns in all, in three years after the first batch is sent. On the basis of it an order of another 400 guns would be placed by army. On the other hand Sarang would go in the batches of 30, 70, and 100 each on yearly basis, the source said. The production capacity at GCF will have to scaled for meeting the future requirement, said an officer.

The factory has also created infrastructure to provide spares for the existing fleet o f Bofors guns.

GCF set up in early 1900s is expecting a major workload in coming days. A prototype of 155×52 mm mounted guns has been developed and the factory hopes to bid as army plans to place an order for 814 pieces. The major chunk of 155×52 guns for which the process of private procurement has started will be made on transfer of technology basis at GCF.

 timesofindia

Pak should mind its own business : India on Imran Khan's comment on 'stone pelters' deaths

Highlights

• On Sunday, Khan condemned the death of seven civilians in Kashmir's Pulwama and threatened to raise the issue at the UN
• "I think it will be better if they mind their own business and look at the internal affairs which are in a mess," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said today

Reacting sharply to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's comments on the death of seven civilians in Kashmir's Pulwama, India on Thursday said Islamabad should mind its own affairs which are in a "mess" instead of interfering in the affairs of its neighbors.

"I think it will be better if they mind their own business and look at the internal affairs which are in a mess," external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said during a media briefing when asked about Khan's remarks.

He said Pakistan has taken no action against terror groups operating from its soil and statements coming from its side demonstrate its "insincerity and duplicity".

On Sunday, Khan condemned the death of seven civilians in Kashmir's Pulwama and threatened to raise the issue at the UN.

Seven civilians died on Saturday when security forces opened fire at an unruly mob that had gathered at the site of an encounter in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Kumar said Pakistan must take action against terror groups operating from its soil instead of commenting on India's internal affairs.

"The statements coming from that side demonstrate their insincerity and duplicity.

"We have been demanding that stop allowing your territory to be used for terror groups and terrorists who are operating from your soil. No action is being taken against them," he said.

 timesofindia

Lockheed Martin Meets 2018 F-35 Production Target with 91 Aircraft Deliveries

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) delivered the 91st F-35 aircraft for the year, meeting the joint government and industry delivery target for 2018 and demonstrating the F-35 enterprise's ability to ramp to full rate production.

The 91 deliveries in 2018 represent nearly a 40 percent increase from 2017 and about a 100 percent production increase compared to 2016. Next year, Lockheed Martin is set to deliver more than 130 F-35s representing yet another 40 percent increase in production.

"This milestone demonstrates the F-35 enterprise is prepared for full rate production and ready to deliver on increasing demand from our customers worldwide," said Greg Ulmer, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of the F-35 program. "Year-over-year, we have increased production, lowered costs, reduced build time, and improved quality and on-time deliveries. Today, the F-35 is the most capable fighter jet in the world, and we're delivering more aircraft per year than any other fighter on the market at equal to or less cost."

The 91st aircraft is a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B, to be delivered to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina. In 2018, deliveries included 54 F-35s for the United States, 21 for international partner nations and 16 for Foreign Military Sales customers.

To date, more than 355 F-35s have been delivered and are now operating from 16 bases worldwide. More than 730 pilots and over 6,700 maintainers are trained and the F-35 fleet has surpassed more than 175,000 cumulative flight hours. Ten nations are flying the F-35, seven countries have F-35s operating from a base on their home soil, four services have declared Initial Operating Capability, and two services have announced their F-35s have been used in combat operations.


Transitioning to Full Rate Production and Operational Sustainment ::

Through lessons learned, process efficiencies, production automation, facility and tooling upgrades, supply chain initiatives and continuous improvement actions, the F-35 enterprise has significantly improved efficiency and reduced costs.

The price of an F-35A is now $89.2 million and the enterprise is on track to deliver an $80 million F-35A by 2020 (Lot 14), which is equal to or less than the price of less capable, 4th generation aircraft.

The F-35's mission readiness and sustainment costs are also improving. Lockheed Martin's sustainment cost per aircraft per year decreased three years straight, and by about 15 percent since 2015. The joint government and industry team is also taking aggressive actions to deliver 80 percent mission capable rates and reduce costs per flight hour by about 40 percent.With stealth technology, supersonic speed, advanced sensors, weapons capacity and superior range, the F-35 is the most lethal, survivable and connected aircraft in the world. More than a fighter jet, the F-35's ability to collect, analyze and share data, is a powerful force multiplier that enhances all airborne, surface and ground-based assets in the battlespace enabling men and women in uniform to execute their mission and return home safely. In joint combat exercises, the F-35 has proven to be more than 20 times more effective compared to legacy 4th generation aircraft.


About Lockheed Martin ::

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. This year the company received three Edison Awards for ground-breaking innovations in autonomy, satellite technology and directed energy.

 prnewswire

China builds air assets in Tibet, Indian missile units head east

Extensive exercises by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), the Chinese air force, in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) across the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC), and enhancement of Chinese aviation infrastructure in the region, have prompted the Indian Air Force (IAF) to activate plans for greater deterrence in the eastern sector, including deployment of six units of the Akash missile system. For the contentious eastern border with China, the IAF also plans to deploy a squadron each of Chinook and Apache helicopters, besides the Russian S-400 missile system and a squadron of the Rafale fighter aircraft.

While the induction of Chinook and Apache helicopters is scheduled to be completed by 2020, the S-400 air defence missile system and Rafale fighter jets will be inducted by 2021, sources said. Discussions are also underway for induction of one more squadron of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters in the region, in response to increased Chinese activity across the LAC.

A senior IAF officer told The Indian Express: “Chinese Air Force has started building infrastructure in the TAR since Doklam (the border standoff in 2017). The IAF has moved six units of Akash here since August 2014. That place has never had any air defence SAM until now.”

“The IAF has increased surveillance. On the one hand, infrastructure is increasing, but at the same time the Chinese troops are being provided with three-storey buildings visible from across the border. with central heating etc,” the officer said.

 indianexpress

‘India needs to match China’s road infrastructure along border,’ says Parliamentary panel

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) “needs a thorough overhaul” as part of measures to improve roads and infrastructure along the disputed border with China, a parliamentary standing committee has said.

India has launched a massive programme to upgrade infrastructure along the frontier, especially in Arunachal Pradesh, following a string of intrusions by Chinese troops. However, experts believe the work needs to be speeded up to match infrastructure on the Chinese side.

In its report on India-China ties, Parliament’s standing committee on external affairs referred to “inadequate infrastructure including roads” along the border and said there is a “distinct feeling that BRO as an organisation with antiquated rules of delegation needs a thorough overhaul”.

The panel, chaired by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, said it was “perturbed…that despite a marked progress in recent years, the border road infrastructure on the India-China border is grossly inadequate, as confirmed by its own observations from its visits”.

In several important sectors, India is “dependent on single access routes, a risky proposition in times of conflict”.

It added, “Worse, many roads are not built to withstand military traffic. Chinese had specifically taken advantage of this in the 1962 war and therefore we ought to draw lessons from the past on this matter.”

The BRO, which draws its officers and personnel from the army, is responsible for building and maintaining roads in border regions. The committee recommended the BRO should work to “achieve full connectivity” and government should “significantly enhance the level of priority it gives to border roads” in view of last year’s standoff with Chinese troops at Doklam.

Jayadeva Ranade, a former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) officer and president of the Centre for China Analysis and Strategy, said a decision to improve infrastructure along the China border was made in 2005-06 but progress had been “very slow”.

“The Border Roads Organisation’s work has been extremely slow and there is a need to look at new construction technology and involving the private sector, including foreign firms if necessary, in building this infrastructure,” he said.

 hindustantimes

Indian Army fast-tracks procurement of close-quarter-battle carbines; deal worth $553.33 mn in offing

The Indian Army is fast tracking the procurement of 93,895 close-quarter-battle carbines (CQB), a deal worth $553.33 mn. A source confirmed to FE Online that the procedure for the procurement of the CQBs is on track and by the close of the financial year 2018-19, the contract will be inked. “There were issues but those have been resolved and after Fast Track Procedure for the CQBs, it is at the Technical Oversight stage before it goes to the contract Negotiations Committee (CNC). It is expected that the contract will be inked soon as the Indian Army needs to replace age-old ‘INSAS’ rifles which has reliability issues.”

As has been reported earlier, the Indian Army had been unable finding the right replacement either from foreign OEMs or from the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). The delay in the 93,895 CQBs was due to the series of complaints against Caracal of the UAE which was shortlisted as the lowest bidder for the deal.

Other bidders who including French Company Thales and S&T Motiv of South Korea had raised objections and sent complaints to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). As reported by FE ONLINE earlier, the Embassy of South Korea in New Delhi had protested against being declared non compliant in spite of meeting all the requirements laid down in the request for proposal.

Highly placed sources also confirmed that the company from South Korea was upset as it had cleared the trials both and met all the requirements as set out by the Indian Army. The nine member team had gone to facilities of the competing companies before being invited for the extensive trials in India for testing with the Indian ammunition and in different terrains and temperature.

As has been reported earlier by FE, a nine-member committee headed by an Army brigadier has been receiving complaints regarding non compliance of Caracal of UAE. “The company from the UAE had failed to submit its response as per the format of the commercial bid and the amount of Rs 70 crore was not reflected in the bid format which is used for determination of L1 vendor.”

When South Korean President Moon Jae-in had visited India in July, representatives of the S&T Motiv, producers of small arms for the last four decades were part of the delegation. During the delegation level talks the company had offered to transfer technology to produce the CQBs under Make in India initiative.

 financialexpress

Rafale is game changer, SC delivered fine judgment: IAF Chief

Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa Wednesday called Rafale a game changer and said the Supreme Court has given a “fine judgment” on petitions against the deal with France on the military aircraft.

He also cautioned against politicisation of defence purchases, suggesting that this had earlier led to the delay in the Army acquiring the Bofors gun.

“I am not going to comment on the judgment but the Supreme Court has given a very fine judgment. It has also said that this plane is badly needed,” he told reporters here.

Dhanoa said as far as the technology is concerned, there is no argument against the Rafale aircraft .

His remarks on the sidelines of a joint military exercise with Russia come days after the Supreme Court dismissed petitions seeking a probe into the Rafale deal.

The Congress has alleged irregularities in the deal for 36 aircraft and claimed that the Narendra Modi government is buying them at a price much higher than the one that was being negotiated by the previous government.

Dhanoa said the Indian Air Force has made sure that the aircraft has the best systems onboard.

He said the planned procurement had already taken a long time and during this period India's neighbours have upgraded their own defence arsenal.

“We need it, given our strategic scenario”, he said.

He appeared to back the government's assertion that revealing details on the price of the fully-loaded aircraft would lead to rivals getting to know its capabilities.

He said the taxpayers had the right to know where their money goes, but the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) was there to ensure that it was being well spent.

Referring to the shortfall in the number of aircraft, Dhanoa said the IAF is trying to optimise its resources.

He watched Aviaindra 2018, a joint exercise by the Indian Air Force and the Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFSAF) going on at the IAF station in Jodhpur from December 10 to 21.

This edition of Aviaindra is meant to expose the two forces to a counter-terrorism scenario.

 economictimes

Parliament panel slams DRDO for procuring nitrogen gas plant for Arjun tanks and not using it for three years

A parliamentary panel has slammed the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for procuring a mobile nitrogen gas generator plant and not using it for the intended purpose for more than three years.

The report on 'Avoidable Procurement of a Mobile Nitrogen Gas Generator Plant', tabled before the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, said nitrogen gas is critical to keeping Arjun MBT tanks in war-fit condition.

It is necessary for achieving cushioning effect of the hydro-gas suspension unit for the functioning of the braking system under dynamic condition and to keep the gunners' main sight moisture free, the report said.

It said the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) placed an order for development of a mobile gas plant at a cost of Rs 97.33 lakh despite no demand from the Army.

The committee said the development of the gas plant by the CVRDE was unwarranted as a plant had already been developed by the firm M/s GEM Pressure Systems for the DRDO in July 2010.

"The committee is dismayed to note that the acquired gas plant from M/s GEM Pressure Systems remained unused for three years as it was steadily being used by the DRDL for performance evaluation and consistency in nitrogen generation plant despite being procured for the end user, that is, the Army," the panel said.

 newindianexpress

India Defends Decision to Procure Short-Range Russian Air Defence System

The Russian-made Igla-S Air Defence System was recently declared the lowest bidder for the Indian Army’s Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) program, beating Saab’s RBS 70NG and MBDA’s Mistral. Responding to the defeat, Saab alleged that the Igla-S does not meet the performance requirements outlined in the original tender document.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — India has refuted allegations of favouritism in its decision to procure air defence systems from Russian military exporter Rosboronexport for its VSHORADS program, dismissing the accusations as "baseless." Subhash Bhamre, India's Minister of State for Defence, said that the appropriate replies have been given to complainants.

"After the opening of commercial bids and declaration of L-1 vendor, complaints were received from the other two competing vendors, namely, MBDA of France and Saab of Sweden. The complaints were processed as per extant guidelines and appropriate replies were given to the vendors," Minister Subhash Bhamre said, responding to a parliamentarian's query.

The minister said that the decision-making process for the procurement of defence systems and armaments is executed with the highest degree of probity, public accountability, impartiality and transparency.
The bid amount submitted by Rosoboronexport for supplying Igla-S systems was found to be well below the "benchmark price" of $2 billion, while Saab had bid $2.6 billion, and French firm MBDA quoted $3.7 billion, for their respective systems, the minister added.

The tender for the procurement of 5185 missiles and associated equipment under the Indian Army's VSHORAD program was floated in 2010. Last month, Russia's Rosoboronexport emerged as the winner of the tender, trumping MBDA and Saab, who responded by alleging that the Russian system did not fulfil the performance requirements put out in the Indian Army's tender document.

The procurement process is currently at the contract negotiation stage.

sputniknews

ISRO launches military communication satellite GSAT-7A from Sriharikota

ISRO today launched its military communication satellite GSAT-7A from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The satellite GSAT-7A is the 35th Indian communication satellite weighing 2,250 kg. The satellite is expected to add a new space-based dimension to the way Indian Air Force interlinks, operates and communicates with its aircraft as they fly and with command centres on ground.

GSAT-7A will be the first satellite built primarily for the IAF to qualitatively unify its assets and improve combined, common intelligence during operations.

GSAT-7A is designed to expand the communication capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF). It will do this by connecting many of the ground radar stations, airbases and aircrafts operated by the IAF, and is also expected to boost some of their network-dependant warfare and drone capabilities.

Hailing the launch, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said, GSLV-7A would enhance the networking and communication capabilities of the Air Force.

"We have several platforms (aircrafts) which have capabilities of communication through satellite. The communication to the platform (aircrafts) through the satellite will be made possible with this launch," stated B S Dhanoa.

Satellite using Ku band will enable superior real time aircraft-to-aircraft communication; and between planes that are in flight and their commanders on the ground.

The GSAT-7A/GSLV-F11 mission will also wrap up the calendar year for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The GSLV-F11 space vehicle will release it to an eventual geostationary orbit about 36,000 km from Earth. However, it will become fully functional after a month of testing payloads. GSLV F-11 with indigenous cryogenic upper stage has a total of three stages before reaching the destined orbit using the onboard propulsion system.

economictimes

IAF airlifts record 463 tonnes to Ladakh from Chandigarh within hours

In an effort to evaluate its own ‘Rapid Airlift Capability’ and to enhance crew currency in the role, Western Air Command of the IAF airlifted a record 463 tonnes of load from its airbase at Chandigarh to airfields and drop zones in the Ladakh region, in a single wave.

The effort was accomplished with the aid of a fleet of 16 fixed wing transport aircraft comprising of C-17 Globemaster, the Ilyushin-76 Gajraj and the Medium lift Tactical aircraft, Antonov-32. All the aircrafts were loaded and took off from Chandigarh airbase early in the morning. The entire wave was accomplished in little less than 6 hours.

Airlift of approximately 500 tonnes, in the achieved time frame, in a single wave, happens to be a record which enhances the assessment of the Commands’ capability towards rapid and heavy airlift. The command is entrusted with the air maintenance of the entire northern region of the country and under normal operating circumstances airlifts close to 3000 tonnes of load per month.

“Rapid air mobility is a key component of modern warfare. This assumes greater significance in short and intense wars. This is very true in India’s context, especially when related to air mobility to airfields in the Ladakh region. With a wide spectrum of military transport aircraft in its inventory the IAF today has a credible airlift capability which has provided succour on numerous occasions when the nation was struck with natural calamities” said Air Marshall NJS Dhillon AVSM, the SASO of Western Air Command, under whose direction the effort was achieved.

 indianexpress

Indian Army Moots $5Bln Air Defence Guns That Fires Smart Ammunition

In March 2012, the then army chief, General V.K. Singh had warned that the country's security was at risk as 97 percent of the air defence inventory was "obsolete".

The Indian Army has commenced a defence procurement process for purchasing air defence guns that can fire smart ammunition to replace the aging Swedish L-70 and Soviet-era ZU-23MM-2B guns currently in use by the Indian Army. The air defence guns will be deployed for providing terminal air defence to critical and vulnerable points in mountainous terrain and desert areas. The army intends to procure approximately 938 air defence guns along with 505,920 rounds of ammunition.

"The guns should have the capability to engage fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters (including hovering helicopters), remotely piloted aircraft or drones, cruise missiles, PGMs, RAM (Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar), microlight aircraft, para-motors, para-gliders, and aero-models. It should be capable of a minimum of five or more effective engagements of continuous fire without barrel change", the Indian Army tender document reads.

The Indian Army wants guns with an effective range of 4,000 meters or more against aerial targets.

As per the tender document, the army would accord preference to Indian defence firms that have designed and developed the gun indigenously, but will also consider procurement under the Buy and Make (in India) category that involves local production of a ready foreign system. Companies likely to line up for the tendering process include India's Larsen & Toubro, Tata, Kalyani Defence, Punj Lloyd, and Mahindra Defence.

Earlier, the Indian Army attempted to purchase air defence guns twice, once in 2010 and then again in 2014. The exercise did not fructify. Earlier this year in July, the Indian Defence Ministry approved $2.4 billion for the purchase of 428 air defence guns for the Indian Army to replace obsolete guns from the 1970s. The earlier procurement efforts failed, as no participating tenderers at that time had the capabilities to meet the required criteria laid down by the Indian Army.

 sputniknews

Russia has lodged a protest over India’s decision to disquality its two munitions systems from the $1.6 billion Army program, spurring newfound tensions between the two allies. During a meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation in New Delhi Thursday, visiting Russia Defence Minister Gen. Sergei Shoigu made clear his displeasure about the upgraded Tunguska system and a system from Pantsir being kicked out of the pending program, a source from the India Ministry of Defence confirmed. In October, the Indian Army officially declared Hanwha Defense Systems of South Korea as the only qualified company for the gun and missile system program. In the 2013 global tender, Indian Army shortlisted three companies — Hanwha Defense Systems, which offered its Hybrid Biho system, and Russian companies Almaz Ante, which offered its upgraded Tunguska system, and KBP Tula, which offer its Pantsir system. During the IRIGC-MTC, Gen. Shoigu accused the Indian Army trial teams of purposely not completing the full trials last year. A Russian diplomat said on condition of anonymity that the two defense companies and the Russian defense ministry issued separate letters to MoD last month to reevaluate the entire selection process before making a final call. However, a senior Indian Army official said both the upgraded Tunguska system fielded by Almaz Ante and Pantsir by KBP Tula systems were not fully compliant during the trials. The program calls for procurement of five regiments, or 104 systems, of gun missiles systems, including 4,928 missiles and 172,260 rounds of ammunition costing $1.6 billion. The winner will have to provide full maintenance technology transfer for missiles to state-owned Ordnance Factory Board. The proposed gun and missile system should have a day and night camera functionality and a built-in simulator, and the gun should engage a target at 350 rounds per second, while the missile should have a range of five kilometers. The system should be able to operate up to 50 kilometers on a single fuel tank, and should have a minimum operation endurance of eight hours without refueling. The Indian Army is looking for a mix of both gun and missiles mounted on one or separate high mobility vehicles. In addition, the gun as well as the missile should be able to engage aerial targets both with and without the fire control radar, either independently or simultaneously.

Russia has lodged a protest over India’s decision to disquality its two munitions systems from the $1.6 billion Army program, spurring newfound tensions between the two allies.

During a meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation in New Delhi Thursday, visiting Russia Defence Minister Gen. Sergei Shoigu made clear his displeasure about the upgraded Tunguska system and a system from Pantsir being kicked out of the pending program, a source from the India Ministry of Defence confirmed.

In October, the Indian Army officially declared Hanwha Defense Systems of South Korea as the only qualified company for the gun and missile system program. In the 2013 global tender, Indian Army shortlisted three companies — Hanwha Defense Systems, which offered its Hybrid Biho system, and Russian companies Almaz Ante, which offered its upgraded Tunguska system, and KBP Tula, which offer its Pantsir system. During the IRIGC-MTC, Gen. Shoigu accused the Indian Army trial teams of purposely not completing the full trials last year. A Russian diplomat said on condition of anonymity that the two defense companies and the Russian defense ministry issued separate letters to MoD last month to reevaluate the entire selection process before making a final call.

However, a senior Indian Army official said both the upgraded Tunguska system fielded by Almaz Ante and Pantsir by KBP Tula systems were not fully compliant during the trials. The program calls for procurement of five regiments, or 104 systems, of gun missiles systems, including 4,928 missiles and 172,260 rounds of ammunition costing $1.6 billion. The winner will have to provide full maintenance technology transfer for missiles to state-owned Ordnance Factory Board. The proposed gun and missile system should have a day and night camera functionality and a built-in simulator, and the gun should engage a target at 350 rounds per second, while the missile should have a range of five kilometers. The system should be able to operate up to 50 kilometers on a single fuel tank, and should have a minimum operation endurance of eight hours without refueling.

The Indian Army is looking for a mix of both gun and missiles mounted on one or separate high mobility vehicles. In addition, the gun as well as the missile should be able to engage aerial targets both with and without the fire control radar, either independently or simultaneously.

 defensenews

Ageing Cheetah, Chetak choppers to be replaced: All you need to know about new LUH

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), which is set to replace ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, completed its maiden flight on December 14. The maiden test flight of the third prototype (PT3) of the 3-ton class new generation helicopter was flawless, as per HAL.

The first flight of LUH PT-1 was carried on September 6, 2016, and the second Prototype flew on May 22, 2017. The configuration of the third prototype (PT3) were augmented based on the feedback from flight testing of PT1 and PT2.

The LUH is a 3-ton class new generation helicopter being indigenously developed by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to meet the requirements of both military and civil operators. The machine which has been developed by Rotary Wing Research and Design Center (RWR&DC) of HAL will be manufactured at a green field helicopter manufacturing facility at Tumakuru, Karnataka, which is under progress.

The design and development was launched in February 2009. The initial Ground Test Vehicle (GTV) run was carried out on Dec 6, 2014.

The successful completion of the first flight of LUH's third prototype is a quantum leap and will soon replace the aging fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, said HAL Director (Engg and R&D) Arup Chatterjee, as per a PTI report.


Features of HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) ::

The HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is a 3-tonne light helicopter. According to HAL, it possesses a cruise speed of 235 km/h, maximum speed of 260 km/h, service ceiling of up to 6.5 km, a range of 350 km, a maximum take-off weight of 3.12 tonne and an empty weight of 1.91 tonne. The LUH will be capable of accommodating a maximum of two pilots and six passengers, all of which shall be seated on crashworthy seats; externally, it is capable of carrying cargoes of up to 1 tonne underslung. It will be able to undertake various missions, including emergency medical services (EMS), troop transport, utility, search and rescue (S&R), VVIP, aerial reconnaissance and surveillance missions.

The LUH is powered by a single HAL/Turbomeca Shakti turboshaft engine, which is equipped with a dual channel FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) system along with a backup fuel control system. The helicopter will be equipped with a glass cockpit, featuring a smart cockpit display system (SCDS), along with a skid-based landing gear arrangement.


Manufacturing of LUH ::

HAL intends to perform mass production of the LUH at its new helicopter manufacturing complex at Tumakuru unit. The Tumakuru assembly line would be able to produce around 30 LUHs per year initially.

In the next 2-3 years, production would be ramped up to 60 helicopters per year. HAL has an order for 187 LUH, including 126 for Indian Army and 61 for Indian Air Force (IAF).

 oneindia

Flashback 2018: Major defence related developments of the year

From the purchase of S-400 air defence systems to INS Arihant completing its first deterrence patrol, 2018 was an important year for India. There are several defence related developments which are worth recalling now that the year is coming to an end.


Here are some of the important defence related developments of 2018:


S-400 missiles deal with Russia ::

In October this year, India signed the much-anticipated deal worth $5.43-billion (around (Rs. 39,000 crore) to buy five Russian S-400 Triumf air defence systems. The Triumf missile deal with Russia will give the military a much-needed boost, which would act as a deterrent against China's growing presence in the region and a superior edge over Pakistan. The S-400 Triumf missiles are extremely efficient to track and hunt down combat aircraft, even stealth planes, at unprecedented ranges.

Each system of S-400 includes a command and control centre, a 3D phased array acquisition radar, optional tracking radar and firing units with associated multi-mode engagement radar. The acquisition radar can not only detect and track up to 300 targets within a distance of 600km, but can also engage 36 targets at one point.


INS Arihant completes deterrence patrol ::

In November this year, India's first indigenous nuclear submarine INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol. With Arihant successfully completing its patrol, India now has a dependable nuclear triad. A nuclear triad means that the country now has the capability of firing nuclear weapons from land, air and sea. This three-pronged capability is crucial for India's declared no-first use policy for nuclear weapons. Under this policy, India will never attack any country with nuclear weapons. The ability to fire nuclear missiles from under the sea -- an ability that Arihant has -- is particularly important because submarines, unlike fighter aircraft and land-based missile systems, are harder to track and destroy.


COMCASA agreement ::

In September this year, India and United States signed Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) that will lead to a new generation of bilateral military partnership. It was signed at end of inaugural India-US '2+2' Ministerial Dialogue held in New Delhi. COMCASA is one of the four foundational agreements that the U.S. signs with allies and close partners to facilitate interoperability between militaries and sale of high end technology.

COMCASA is an India-specific version of the Communication and Information on Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA). It comes into force immediately, and is valid for a period 10 years. COMCASA allows India to procure transfer specialised equipment for encrypted communications for US origin military platforms like the C-17, C-130 and P-8Is. Currently, these platforms use commercially available communication systems.


K9 Vajra and M-777 howitzers artillery guns inducted ::

The Indian Army on November 9 inducted three major artillery gun systems, including the M777 A2 Ultra Light Howitzers, K-9 Vajra self-propelled gun and a 'Composite Gun Towing Vehicle'. the Indian Army on Friday (November 9) inducted three major artillery gun systems, including the M777 A2 Ultra Light Howitzers, K-9 Vajra self-propelled gun and a 'Composite Gun Towing Vehicle'. The 155mm, 39 calibre Ultra light Howitzers have been procured from USA under Government to Government Foreign Military Sales and will be assembled in India by BAE Systems in partnership with Mahindra Defence.

The first ten K9 Vajra 155mm/52 calibre guns have been imported from Hanwha Techwin of South Korea in semi-knocked down state and have been assembled by L&T in India. The K9 VAJRA-T 155mm/ 52 is a tracked self-propelled howitzer, which has its roots in the K9 Thunder, the mainstay of the South Korean Army. The Vajra offers a high rate of fire at a long range and is compatible with Indian and standard NATO ammunition.


Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program: PDV successfully tested ::

In September, India successfully conducted interceptor missile test off the Odisha coast at night. With this, Defence Research and Development Organization achieved major milestone in developing indigenous two-layer Ballistic Missile Defence system.

PDV interceptor missile was launched from Abdul Kalam Island (earlier known as Wheeler Island) of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) off Odisha coast. Its mission was aimed at test-firing of interceptor missile of coast of Odisha to intercept an incoming ballistic missile off the Bay of Bengal During the test, both PDV interceptor and target missile were successfully engaged in automated operation. In this operation mode, the radar-based detection and tracking system of missile system detected and tracked target ballistic missile.


Procurement of P-8I Training Solution and LICEWS approved ::

In January this year, the Defence Ministry approved procurement of P-8I Training Solution for Indian Navy and Low Intensity Conflict Electronic Warfare System (LICEWS) for Indian Army at total cost of Rs 2419.32 crore. The P-8I Training Solution accurately simulates P-8I aircraft and mission systems. It will help Indian Navy train and realistically rehearse for sophisticated missions involving P-8I aircraft, at a fraction of the cost of live aircraft training.

The first P-8I aircraft was inducted in Indian Navy in 2013 and as of date, eight aircraft, based at INS Rajali, have been fully integrated into operations. In 2016, the Ministry placed a follow-on order for four additional P-8I, the delivery of which will begin in 2020.

LICEWS will equip Indian Army with upgraded communications infrastructure that will help forces to effectively deal with advanced communications systems being used by terrorist groups.


Tejas' mid-air refuelling ::

The first ever mid-air refuelling of the indigenously developed light combat aircraft Tejas was successfully carried out in September this year. The milestone was achieved when 1,900 kg of fuel was transferred from the mid-air refuelling tanker of IAF's IL78 to the Tejas LSP8 at an altitude of 20,000 feet, which has developed the light combat aircraft (LCA). With this, India joined in elite group of countries which have successfully developed air-to-air refuelling system for military aircraft.


MANPADS deal with Russia ::

After a series of delays, Russia has been declared the lowest bidder in the Army's multi-billion dollar deal for man portable air defence systems (MANPADS). The Russian Igla-S system is expected to replace the IGLA M systems of Russia that is being used since the 1980s. The deal is valued at $1.5 bln with the Russian bid considerably undercutting offers by Sweden's SAAB RBS70 NG and France's MBDA Mistral. After five years of rigorous trials, Igla-S system fielded by Rosoboronexport emerged as the best system for the Indian Army.


MPATGM tested sucessfully ::

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted first successful trials of indigenously developed third generation Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM). Two rounds of missile were flight tested in operational configuration in two days from Ahmednagar range in Maharashtra.


The two tests were intended for two different ranges. After its launch from platform, the missile
tracked target all through its trajectory and destroyed it with high precision. The missile performed as expected during the test by meeting all mission objectives successfully and validated its maximum range capability. Apart from stand alone and warhead testing, the missile also had undergone series of tests including integrated static trial to characterise trust vector control.


DAC approves procurement of 155 mm Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems ::

In August this year, Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved procurement of 150 indigenously designed and developed 155 mm Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems for Indian Army at approximate cost of Rs 3,364.78 crores. This procurement will further quest for modernisation of Armed forces. These guns have been indigenously designed & developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). They will be manufactured by production agencies as nominated by DRDO.

oneindia

Rafale jets a must-buy: IAF chief wrote to Defence minister amid political row

In the first week of November, an apprehensive Indian Air Force (IAF) wrote to defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman to underline that the political controversy around the Rafale deal should not endanger the purchase of the fighters from France, a senior defence ministry official aware of the development said requesting anonymity.

A spokesperson for IAF declined comment on the issue. The Supreme Court was at the time hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the purchase of 36 Rafale fighters from France. The PIL was dismissed by the court last Friday.

Air Chief Marshal Brinder Singh Dhanoa in his letter to Sitharaman drew the government’s attention to the depleting strength of fighter squadrons of IAF, the official said. IAF needs a minimum of 42 fighter squadrons (each squadron has between 14-16 fighters) to maintain a credible deterrence along the Western and Northern Borders but has only 31 fighter squadrons. It will lose more fighter squadrons in the coming months.

Dhanoa told the government that 36 fighters were essential for IAF and any uncertainty over the acquisition would severely affect its fighting and deterrence capabilities, a second senior defence ministry official who didn’t want to be named said. In addition, Dhanoa also advised the government against revealing the pricing details.

“The IAF advised against revealing the detailed price break-up of types of equipment and weapons of the fighter and went on to underline that fighters would also double-up as a strategic platform. The IAF was of the view that revealing price of components would give away the capability of Rafale fighters,” the second official added.

 hindustantimes

India 'overtly cautious' about China's sensitivities, but Beijing does not reciprocate

India is "overtly cautious" about China's sensitivities on Taiwan and Tibet, but Beijing does not show the same deference to New Delhi's sovereignty concerns, a parliamentary panel has said, urging the government to contemplate using all options in its China policy, including ties with Taiwan.

In a report tabled in Parliament, the Committee on External Affairs, headed by former minister of state in EAM Shashi Tharoor, noted India does not accord any diplomatic recognition to Taiwan despite the flourishing nature of exchanges between the two sides.

The ministry has argued that it does not want to "upend" this policy of the Indian government in deference to China's sensitivity on the matter, the report said.

"It comes as a matter of concern to the committee that even when India is overtly cautious about China's sensitivities while dealing with Taiwan and Tibet, China does not exhibit the dame deference while dealing with India's sovereignty concerns, be it in the case of Arunachal Pradesh or that of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir," the report said.

The committee said that given China's muscular approach of late while dealing with some issues pertaining to India, it is difficult for it to be content with India continuing with its conventionally deferential foreign policy towards China.

"Dealing with a country like China essentially requires a flexible approach. The committee strongly feels that the government should contemplate using all options including its relations with Taiwan, as part of such an approach," the report said.

The committee also noted that significant inroads had been made by China in India's neighbourhood and their impact on the country's outreach activities in those countries.

The panel said that despite the ministry's "ambivalence" on whether this reflects some sort of a deliberate encirclement policy of India by China, it was inclined to see it as nothing less than a "veiled containment policy".

On China's One Belt One Road initiative, the panel said that its details are unravelling, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that the BRI has been rooted in opaqueness and appears to be a vehicle for Chinese "hegemonic, geo-political, financial and commercial interests". The committee said that India, as a responsible member of the comity of nations, had earnestly pointed out the fundamental flaws in BRI related to lack of universally recognised international norms, good governance, rule of law, openness, transparency and equality.

The panel said that it was perturbed to note that despite India's strong sovereignty objections to China-Pakistan Economic corridor (CPEC), it is being openly "trumpeted as a gift to Pakistan by China".

The panel said that it wants India to take up the matter of CPEC at various international fora, so as to make its opposition clear and to simultaneously put pressure on China for making it realise its double standards.

 economictimes