Ministry of Defence 'nominates' DRDO for building e-warfare systems

The Mountain EW system "would be designed and developed by DRDO and manufactured by design-cum-production partner from the Indian (private) industry," announced the MoD

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday announced it had approved the purchase of Rs 3,300 crore of indigenously designed and developed military equipment.
The private sector is up in arms. Despite repeated Ministry of Defence (MoD) assurances that private firms would be allowed to compete for defence contracts on equal terms with the public sector — which includes the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), eight defence public sector units (DPSUs) and 41 ordnance factories — the DAC has ‘nominated’ the DRDO for designing and developing an indigenous lightweight electronic warfare system for mountains (hereafter, Mountain EW system).

The Mountain EW system “would be designed and developed by DRDO and manufactured by design-cum-production partner from the Indian (private) industry,” announced the MoD.
This denial of a design and development role to the private industry comes even as a private firm, Tata Power (Strategic Engineering Division, or SED), is building two far more complex integrated Mountain EW systems, a global tender it won in 2013 for Rs 926 crore. An amended order was placed in July, which is on track to be delivered in 24 months.

Meanwhile, a public sector partnership between DRDO and Bharat Electronics is floundering in developing two similar systems, for which they were ‘nominated’ by the MoD at twice the price bid by Tata Power (SED).
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (Ficci) has strongly protested this sidelining of private firms. In a letter addressed directly to Rajnath Singh on October 10, Ficci wrote: “It is understood that serious considerations are being given to nominate (the Mountain EW system tenders) to DRDO/DPSUs, disregarding the private sector having equal, if not better, capability and skill sets in EW technologies,” wrote Ficci.
“Ficci would request your personal intervention to advise that all the EW programme requests for proposals, or tenders, like all other capital acquisition programmes, as issued on competitive tendering basis,” the letter said.
Invoking Tata Power (SED)’s strong, two-decade-old track record in developing EW systems, Ficci wrote: “Private sector companies were involved in developing the critical command and control software and platform engineering for the integrated EW system Samyukta (in the 1990s). This was even acknowledged by Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, then DRDO chief”.
The MoD cites ‘security concerns’ to place orders for EW systems with the DRDO/DPSUs. This has been strongly protested by the private sector, which cites its own stringent security protocols.
“Any security concerns raised to justify DPSU/PSU nomination be discouraged as all ‘A category’ licensed private Indian vendors are covered under the same security guidelines issued by the MoD, as are DPSUs,” wrote Ficci.
Business Standard has reviewed Ficci’s letter to the defence minister.
EW systems are a crucial military force multiplier. They are built around a powerful receiver that picks up, records, and analyses enemy (or militant/terrorist) transmissions to obtain valuable intelligence. Its integrated direction finder establishes the precise location of the enemy transmitter. That location can then be attacked, using aircraft or ground forces. Alternatively, at a crucial stage of battle, the enemy’s transmissions can be disrupted with high-power jammers, throwing his plan into disarray. Good EW systems allow an army to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum.
The Mountain EW system that the DAC cleared on Monday is a lightweight system that can be physically carried to remote locations, or heli-lifted onto high mountains. It is particularly useful in counter-militancy operations.

businesstandard

BrahMos close to 1st export success? Philippines expresses interest

The Philippine Army has announced that it is keen on buying the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, which was jointly developed by India and Russia.

The Manila Bulletin reported that Indian and Philippines officials had discussed the possible sale of the BrahMos missile to the Philippine Army during a visit by the INS Sahyadri, an Indian Navy warship, to Manila last week. Philippines Army vice-commander Major General Reynaldo Aquino toured the INS Sahyadri.

“The Philippine Army is interested in acquiring this type of missile as it will strengthen our coastal defence operations,” Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, an Army spokesperson told the Manila Bulletin. The publication speculated that the possible purchase of the BrahMos would complement the Philippine Army's activation of its maiden land-based missile battery that falls under its artillery regiment.

The BrahMos, which was originally designed as an anti-ship missile, has a ground-launched variant that can be used to hit ships at sea or targets on land. The ground-launched variant is launched from transporter-erector-launcher. This land-based variant of the BrahMos is operated by the Indian Air Force and Indian Army.

The interest in the BrahMos comes as the Philippines continues to modernise its military after decades of neglect amid concern over China's activities in the South China Sea.

The Philippine Army on October 3 had activated its first land-based missile battery and an aviation regiment in a ceremony.According to Inquirer, the Philippine Army is planning to buy helicopters including “light attack helicopters, armed reconnaissance helicopters, and multi-purpose medium-lift helicopter”. The Philippine Army is also planning to induct multi-barrel rocket launcher systems donated by South Korea last year.

South Korea has been a major supplier of weapon systems to the Philippines. In October 2016, the Philippines signed a contract with South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries for the supply of two surface warships, which will be the most powerful units in its Navy.

In 2014, the Philippines signed a $417.95 million contract to buy 12 FA-50 aircraft from South Korea's Korea Aerospace Industries. The FA-50 is the fighter version of an advanced jet trainer developed jointly by South Korea and the US. The Philippines is also inducting a short-range surface-to-surface missile from Israel for use on its small naval patrol craft.

With a range of 290km, the BrahMos is expected to be a game-changer for the Philippine Army, if purchased, and a potential deal could irk China.

While several nations have expressed interest in the BrahMos, India has yet to secure an export deal for the weapon, which was first tested in 2001. Ironically, the chances of the BrahMos have apparently been spoiled by Russia, which continues to offer its 'Yakhont' missile, on which the BrahMos design is based. Russia has sold the Yakhont to Indonesia and Vietnam.

 theweek

Philippine Army officials visit Indian warship to check out Brahmos Missile System for acquisition

Ranking Philippine Army (PA) officials on Thursday paid a visit to the “Shivalik”-class guided missile frigate, INS Sahyadri (F-49), to learn more about its missile capabilities which include the “BrahMos”, the world’s fastest supersonic missile. Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, in a statement Friday, said PA officials led by Major Gen. Reynaldo M. Aquino were welcomed by the ship’s commanding officer, Captain Ashwin Arvind.

The officials were toured aboard the ship, which was docked at Pier 15, Manila South Harbor, and briefed about the “BrahMos” missile, which can be launched from ship, aircraft, submarine or land. “The Philippine Army is interested in acquiring this type of missile as it will strengthen our coastal defense operations,” Zagala said.

Earlier this month, the PA activated its first land-based Missile System Battery under the Army Artillery Regiment. The unit is currently working on its training programs before acquiring its future equipment.


“The Philippine Army puts a premium on upgrading the various areas of its defense capabilities as it plays a vital role in addressing external threats. We ensure the Filipino people that we are on a continuous endeavor of becoming a world-class Army ready to protect our country,” he added.

INS Sahyadri (F-49) is accompanied by an anti-submarine corvette, INS Kiltan (P-30), they arrived in the Philippines last October 23 and will be ending their goodwill on the 26th.

INS Sahyadri has a displacement of 6,200 tons, a length of 142.5 meters and a beam of 16.9 meters, and is armed with a variety of missiles, torpedoes, and rockets for anti-ship, anti-air, and anti-submarine missions along with a 76mm automatic cannon.

INS Kiltan, on the other hand, has a displacement of 3,000 tons, a length of 109 meters, a beam of 12.8 meters and is armed with guns, torpedoes, and rockets.

 Philippine News Agency

Sig Sauer rifles to be made available to infantry by year-end: Army chief

The army chief on Friday said a manufacturing unit for AK-203 rifles, an India-Russia joint venture, will start production and first set of rifles are expected to be available by the end of this year.

Army is working to empower its infantry forces and one of the world's best rifles, manufactured by firearm major Sig Sauer, will be made available to them by the end of this year, Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat said on Friday.

In his closing remarks at the Field Marshal KM Cariappa memorial lecture here, he said a manufacturing unit for AK-203 rifles, an India-Russia joint venture, will start production and first set of rifles are expected to be available by the end of this year.

"To ensure there is no slippage in production, for the first time, the ordnance factory in Amethi is being headed by a serving Major General of the Army, who will be its CEO. We are confident the first set of rifles coming in a dismantled state and assembled here will be available by the end of the year," Gen Rawat said.

"The infantry soldiers are ever-ready to go into battle on short notice, and the Army wants to empower them. And the empowerment happens by giving the soldier the right kind of war-waging material necessary for a soldier to accomplish its mission," Rawat said.

He said the Army is treading on that path to empower them to ensure they are well-equipped and well provided with operational capabilities.

"And, let me assure you, the best rifle available in the world, Sig Sauer from the US will be made available to the infantry by the end of this year," he said.

The DRDO is also moving forward on indigenously developed Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missiles (MPATGM), the Army chief said.

A hundred soldiers, mainly from the infantry division will be sent to Young Soldiers Training Wing, established at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai and trained for six months. "We hope a large number of them would then join us as young officers," he said.

Gen Rawat said, as part of a new initiative, information regarding India's borders and boundaries with neighbouring countries would "soon be put in the public domain".

"So, that soldiers and other people get the right perspective and know the history behind these borders. A soldier standing at the frontline should know exactly why he is guarding it," he added.

At the event, the Army chief also released a postal stamp on 'Siachen Warriors'.

 indiatoday

India, US join hands to develop a range of warfighting tech and systems

Seeking to galvanise the US-India defence partnership, the two countries on Thursday signed a joint statement of intent (SoI) that formalised their intention to co-develop a range of cutting-edge warfighting technologies and systems for their militaries.

US Under Secretary of Defense Ellen Lord said the technologies being discussed include “things such as virtual augmented reality (VAR), air-launched unmanned airborne systems (UAS), networked operations, brand new weapon and light-weight ammo (ammunition) designs.”

Lord is in Delhi for the 9th meeting of the India US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), which she co-chairs with India’s Secretary for Defence Protection, Subhash Chandra. The DTTI was set up in 2015 to fast-track defence ties. During Thursday’s DTTI meeting, both the nations agreed to co-develop three specific projects in the near-term, two in the mid-term and two in the long-term. Lord clarified that “near-term” meant about six months.

The first of the three “near-term” projects is an “air-launched, small UAS”, which is a drone swarm that is launched from an aircraft to overwhelm enemy defences. “There are some small, innovative companies here in India that have technology that could be applied to air-dropped UAS and swarming. There is a high level of interest on both sides,” stated Lord.

The second one is the “lightweight small arms technology” project. This involves building rifles, carbines and machine guns from lightweight polymer cast material. Even the ammunition is cast from plastic, to reduce weight. US firm, Textron, is already working on this technology. It would partner an Indian firm to develop and build small arms for India. The third project is in the field of “intelligence, surveillance, targeting and reconnaissance (ISTAR),” which is command and control software that enables coherent battlefield command.

Of the mid-term projects, the first, which relates to “maritime domain awareness”, is termed “Sea Link Advanced Analysis”. Its software analyses shipping passing through an area, such as the Indian Ocean, and differentiates innocent commercial shipping from hostile warships. This uses artificial intelligence (AI), for which skilled Indian software engineers would co-develop the algorithms. The second project is called “virtual augmented mixed reality for aircraft maintenance (VAMRAM).” This is a teaching aid for technicians learning how to maintain a combat aircraft. It involves wearing a VAR headset to walk through the maintenance experience. Several Indian start-ups already have the capability to build and customise VAR.

Among the long-term projects, the co-development of “terrain-shaping obstacles” involves slowing enemy manoeuvre forces by increasing the lethality of traditional obstacles such as mines and barbed wire.

Finally, the second long-term co-development project is called the “counter UAS rocket artillery and mortar” or CU-RAM. This involves developing highly accurate weapons systems to physically neutralise enemy drones or drone swarms.

“This is an area that the US is focusing on and it is interesting to Indians so we believe there are a lot of technologies that could be exchanged there,” said Lord.

Apart from the seven projects specified in the SoI, there are other areas as well in which both the nations have cooperated. “Aircraft carrier technology cooperation (ACTC) is one of the key areas that we are looking at. It is not on the SoI, but all projects are not mentioned there,” she said.

Navy sources say ACTC is less about incorporating US systems and platforms into India’s next indigenous aircraft carrier, and more about learning from the world’s premier aircraft carrier operator — the US Navy. Lord admitted that the DTTI has faced criticism in the past. This was due to lack of progress on four high-profile pilot projects that were identified for co-development during former US President Barack Obama’s visit to India in January 2015.

These included the co-development of Raven micro-UAS; mission-specific interiors for C-130J Super Hercules aircraft; a mobile electric-hybrid power source, and protective clothing for soldiers in a nuclear contaminated battlefield. None of these have seen the light of day.

Lord also revealed that a group set up to collaborate on developing high-performance, aerospace jet engines has now been scrapped. “We could not come to an understanding of what exportable (engine) technology would be useful to the Indians,” she admitted.

 business-standard

India to close procurement deal with US for 24 Seahawks in November

India is finally concluding a procurement contract for multi-role helicopters the navy has publicly labelled as “most important”. Defence Ministry sources confirm a contract will be signed in November with the US Department of Defense (the Pentagon) for 24 Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawks for $2-to-2.6 billion.

These choppers with foldable blades will be stationed on naval warships to perform a range of combat missions. These include anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), combat search and rescue (CSAR), vertical replenishment (VERTREP) and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC). The Seahawk is also used to fly in Special Forces for commando missions.

For decades, the Indian Navy’s Sea King Mk 42B/C helicopters carried out these tasks. But with the Sea King being retired, helicopter hangars on board an entire generation of Indian warships are empty, severely reducing the warships’ combat capability.


The navy’s ten-odd Sea Kings are being shared between an aircraft carrier, 14 destroyers, 15 frigates and three ASW corvettes. Several other warships in production will also require multi-mission helicopters when they enter service.

Given this urgency, the navy is buying 24 MH-60R Seahawks in flyaway condition, and then plans to build another 99 in India through the Strategic Partner (SP) route.

For building them here, Lockheed Martin, the “original equipment manufacturer” (OEM), will have to transfer manufacturing technology to an Indian SP firm.

Given Lockheed Martin’s burgeoning partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), it is likely that TASL will be designated the SP for the task. The two collaborate in building a range of aerospace components in Hyderabad and have announced a partnership to build the F-16 fighter in India if the Indian Air Force buys the aircraft.

The first 24 Seahawks are being procured through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route – a US-led process that involves no tendering. Instead, the Pentagon, acting as a paid agent of the buyer (the Indian Navy), negotiates price and supply terms with the OEM (Lockheed Martin).

In most such deals, the foreign buyer usually manages to procure the equipment more cheaply than the US military did for itself. This is because the Pentagon fixes as a benchmark the price the US military paid for its last procurement of that equipment. Upon that, the Pentagon then imposes a price reduction, demanding greater production efficiency and the continual amortisation of overhead costs during the production run.

FMS procurements also come with US government guarantees on weapons and equipment performance.

The MH-60R Seahawk helicopter – originally built by US firm Sikorsky, which was bought by Lockheed Martin for $9 billion in November 2015 – has had a long production run. Introduced into the US Navy in 2006, there are 300 Seahawks in service, including in the US, Danish, Australian and Saudi Arabian navies. South Korea is considering the purchase of 12 Seahawks.

The Seahawks the US Navy bought have since been upgraded with the AN/APS-153 multi-mode radar, making them highly effective at detecting the periscope of enemy submarines. India will be getting the upgraded version.

Lockheed Martin says the Seahawk has a 98 per cent availability rate and the lowest life-cycle cost in its class (costing less than $5,000 for each flying hour).

The defence ministry gave the go-ahead for buying 24 Seahawks on August 25, 2018. On April 2, the US Congress was informed about the potential sale “for an estimated cost of $2.6 billion”.

This includes the cost of 24 fully kitted and armed helicopters, along with 12 spare engines, six spare multi-mode radars and six multi-spectral targeting systems. The deal includes 1,000 sonobuoys, or portable sonar systems, for detecting enemy submarines; and Hellfire missiles, rockets and torpedoes to destroy surface and sub-surface targets.
 A range of communications equipment is also being transferred, enabled by the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) that India and the US signed in September 2018.

Sikorsky has an illustrious legacy in helicopter building. It built the first helicopter to carry the US president and, even today, the US president’s helicopter – designated “Marine One” – is a Sikorsky machine. The famed UH-60 Black Hawk, a variant of which was used in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, is a Sikorsky helicopter.

In a separate, ongoing, navy procurement for 111 naval utility helicopters, Lockheed Martin is offering its smaller Sikorsky S-76 helicopter. This sale is also being progressed under the strategic partner route, but will not be a foreign military sales (FMS) contract.

 business-standard

India, US plan to revitalise defence tech sharing pact

India and the US are planning to revitalise a defence technology sharing pact by putting several new ideas on the table, including a focus on startups, the possibility of exports to identified third nations and focusing on practical industry partnerships.

The India US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) signed in 2012 was aimed at identifying and promoting major joint development and manufacturing projects for the defence forces but hasn’t yielded any major results.

Among the ambitious projects identified under the pact was a plan to share jet engine technology, an initiative that has floundered given a strict export control regime in the US and the lack of a strong business case from the Indian side.

Sources told ET that the next meeting of the pact planned in the capital on Thursday between Ellen M Lord, undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and Subhash Chandra, secretary Defence Production, will look at fresh ideas to take things forward, including setting up of an industry forum that can identify and suggest practical projects that can be taken up in the future.

There have been strong suggestions from the industry to set up a Defence Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC) under the pact that will be able to supplement government efforts to promote technology sharing, but there has been reluctance from the US to take it up.Sources said that a focus on startups is likely to enable US-based research labs to work in coordination with Indian companies for cutting edge defence technologies. In addition, the two sides will also discuss the possibility of jointly developing systems for approved third nations to pursue export opportunities.

The two sides are also likely to identify projects for cooperation in the field of space technology.

As reported by ET, an industrial security pact between India and the US has been finalised and is set to be formally inked shortly – enabling US military manufacturers to share high-end technology with their Indian partners.

Before the meeting, Ellen M Lord described India as a major defence partner and said that bilateral military trade has reached an estimated $18 billion this year, starting from virtually zero in 2008. “The United States is committed to strengthening its partnership with India while furthering military-to-military relationships and cooperation… United States and India are working bilaterally and in cooperation with other like-minded partners to advance our shared vision for the Indo-Pacific,” Lord said.

 economictimes

Institutions of democracy working in India: US official on Article 370

India's institutions are working, including the Supreme Court which is examining the government's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, a top US official has said at a Congressional hearing during which concerns were raised over the humanitarian crisis and the human rights situation in Kashmir.

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice Wells' remarks came in response to a question by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar whether the US is committed to emphasising Kashmiri voices in determining the future of the Kashmiri people.

Wells said the US government would disagree with the Somali-origin lawmaker's characterisation that the administration does not had a values based relationship with the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"I would just underscore that Prime Minister Modi came in consecutive terms. He achieved a majority vote in a very diverse,” she said.

"Just to provide the context. The actions he took were approved in Parliament, including by members of the Opposition, the Supreme Court is reviewing that decision. The high court is reviewing habeas corpus petitions. The institutions of India's democracy are working,” she said.

Wells said the US absolutely believe that the voice of the Kashmiri people needs to be heard.

"Any restoration when there is restoration of a political, when there are a state assembly election, that's the way for Kashmiris to be able to register their views also in peaceful assembly. So I think the concern over the restrictions on movement and what we've seen over the last 78 days is that that ability to protest peacefully has been difficult for Kashmiris to exercise," Wells said.

India on August 5 abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir state into two Union Territories.

US lawmakers grilled Wells and Assistant Secretary for Human Rights, Robert Destro, on the continuing restrictions in Kashmir and whether and how the US is leveraging its relationship with India on easing up those restrictions that remain.

 economictimes

Fresh India-UK row over Kashmir protest slated for Diwali, pressure mounts on home secy Priti Patel

Upset over London continuing to allow anti-India protests and lack of action against those involved in recent violence, India has taken up the issue of another Kashmir protest planned on Sunday, with pressure mounting on home secretary Priti Patel to ban it.

A ‘note verbale’ (diplomatic note) has been sent to the Foreign Office on the issue, raising the level of concern so far expressed strongly by large sections of the Indian community and British MPs with voters of Indian origin in their constituencies.

There is fury in Indian quarters here that concerns raised by the community and New Delhi over such anti-Indian activities are treated as “routine”, with little official action to stop them and bring those responsible for recent violence to justice. Britain’s official approach to the Sunday protest is seen as a ‘test case’.

The issue figured in the House of Commons on Wednesday, when Conservative MP Bob Blackman recalled the violence outside India House of August 15 and September 3, and asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson what action is being taken to prevent violence on Sunday.

The day-long protest march is scheduled to begin from Downing Street and conclude outside the India House. Anticipating nearly 10,000 people, Scotland Yard has a ‘robust’ policing plan in place. Free coaches have reportedly been organised to ferry people to London on the day.

Blackman asked Johnson: “In this House, we defend forever the right to peaceful protest, yet on 15 August, and just three weeks ago, pro-Pakistani organisations held violent protests outside the Indian high commission”.

“This Sunday, there is the threat of 10,000 people being brought to demonstrate outside the Indian high commission on Diwali—the most holy day for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. What action will the Government take to prevent violent protests this Sunday”.

Johnson responded: “I join my hon. Friend, who speaks strongly and well for his constituency, in deploring demonstrations that end up being intimidating in any way”.

“He will understand that this is a police operational matter, but I have just been speaking to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, and she will be raising it with the police. We must all be clear in this House that violence and intimidation anywhere in this country are wholly unacceptable”.

Blackman also wrote to London mayor Sadiq Khan to do everything he can to ensure that the protest does not proceed, and added that “Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist diasporas are worried that authorities in the UK are not doing enough to protest them”.

An FCO spokesperson said: “We respect the right to peaceful protest within the law but strongly condemn any damage caused to diplomatic missions. The safety and security of diplomatic missions in the UK, and their staff, is of utmost concern. We have been and remain in close contact with the Indian High Commission in London to emphasise this.”

Khan last week condemned the protest plan and called on the organisers to cancel it. Khan and his Labour party have been at the receiving end of ennui from large sections of the Indian community over the violence as well as for adopting an emergency resolution on Kashmir at the party’s annual conference that was rejected by New Delhi as ‘unfounded’.

Insisting that as the mayor he has no power to ban such protests, Khan wrote to Navin Shah, member of the London Assembly, who raised concerns: “This march will only deepen divisions at a time when Londoners need to come together…I understand why many British Indians are so deeply concerned. Many have felt deeply threatened and worried since the previous protests”.

“As mayor, I will continue to do all I can to extend the hand of friendship to Londoners of Indian origin – who continue to make such an incredible contribution to our city. I want to ensure they always feel respected, valued and made to feel safe in London, and that London remains a welcoming place to people from India and around the world”, he added.

The mayor’s office, Khan said, is working with the police to prevent a repeat of the violence witnessed during previous protests outside India House. Scotland Yard, he added, is also working closely with the Indian high commission on this issue.

 hindustantimes

Defence Ministry clears indigenous projects worth Rs 3300 crore

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired defence minister Rajnath Singh gave the nod for procurement of indigenous defence equipment worth Rs 3300 crore to give a push to the Make in India’ initiative.

The three projects, which got the go-ahead, include two third-generation anti-tank guided missiles and the auxiliary power units for the T-72 and T-90 tanks. The third-generation anti-tank guided missiles would provide 'fire and forget' and 'top attack' capabilities to the troops in an armoured battle, the auxiliary power units would enable incorporation of various upgrades to fire control system and night fighting capabilities of the tanks.

The defence ministry has been pushing for domestic manufacturers providing critical military equipment to boost the indigenous defence sector. There is a need to reduce reliance on imports of military equipment.

The defence forces have also been pitching for a robust domestic defence industry to ensure self-reliance and enhance defence exports.

"With this, for the first time the Ministry of Defence has offered complex military equipment to be designed, developed and manufactured by the Indian private companies," a defence ministry statement said.

The third indigenous project pertains to discrete electronic warfare (EW) systems for the mountain and high altitude terrain, which would be designed and developed by DRDO and manufactured by design cum production partner from the Indian industry.

 indiatoday

Deal with HAL for 83 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft soon: Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to sign a deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for acquiring 83 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) as negotiations over the price of the fighter jets are almost done, defence sources said here on Tuesday.

In December 2017, the IAF had issued a single-vendor tender to the HAL for procuring 83 LCA. However, the deal is yet to be signed owing to delay in negotiations over the price of the aircraft.

"The cost negotiating committee is almost finished with the price negotiations of the aircraft. Once it is done, IAF will enter into a deal with the HAL," a senior IAF official told IANS.

As per sources, the deal for 83 Tejas LCA, which are of the Mark 1A variant, is expected to cost the IAF in the range of Rs 45,000 crore. The aircraft will have improved serviceability, faster weapon-loading time, enhanced survivability, a better electronic warfare suite and Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar that will significantly enhance its capability.

The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) had provided the Final Operational Clearance to the Tejas LCA earlier this year, certifying it as a multi-role fighter with capabilities including beyond visual range air-to-air and air-to-ground attack capabilities as well as longer endurance through mid-air refuelling.

In a previous order, the IAF had signed a deal with the HAL for 40 Tejas LCAs. So far, around 18 LCAs have been delivered to the IAF from this order.

India, at present, has a shortfall of around 10-12 squadrons of fighter jets in its inventory even as the first four of the 36 Rafale multi-role aircraft are scheduled to arrive into the country by May next year. At the formal receiving ceremony of the first Rafale jet in France on Dussehra this year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said that the full consignment of 36 aircraft will arrive in India by the year 2022.

"India will receive the first 18 Rafale jets by February 2021. By April-May 2022 we will receive all 36 jets," Rajnath Singh had said.

livemint

Defence Ministry to decide on Army's Rs 10,000 crore Akash missiles proposal for Pakistan, China border

Seeking to prevent any intrusion of aircraft through the mountainous borders with Pakistan and China, the Defence Ministry is set to discuss a proposal to acquire two regiments of the Akash Prime missiles which can be deployed in high altitude areas above 15,000 feet.

The new Akash missiles which will have an extended performance range than its predecessors are being prepared to be deployed in high altitude areas in Ladakh which shares boundaries with both Pakistan and China.

"The Defence Ministry is scheduled to consider the Army proposal worth around Rs 10,000 crore for acquiring two regiments of the Akash Prime or extended performance Akash missiles. The Akash Prime Missile is an upgraded version of the missile system already existing in the Army," government sources told ANI.

The proposal would be discussed at the meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council scheduled to be held today after the return of Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and Defence Minister from Ladakh.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Col Chewang Rinchen Bridge built between Durbuk and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh.

The Akash missile system has been developed in India by DRDO and has proven to be highly successful in the defence forces.The Army already has two regiments of the missile and is looking to add two more for deployment on Pakistan and China border.

Even though the Army is facing minor issues with servicing of the system due to involvement of two production agencies including the Bharat Electronics LimitedNSE -2.36 % and the Bharat Dynamics Limited, it is generally happy with missile's performance.

The present order of two regiments was earlier to be given to foreign vendors but the Narendra Modi government decided in favour of 'Make in India' in defence.

Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the project for the Air Force to buy seven squadrons of the surface to air missile.

During an exercise in Surya Lanka held last year, the Akash missile system was tested along with all other air defence missiles including Israeli ones in the Indian Air Force inventory and it came out as the best performer.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had successfully test-fired AKASH-MK-1S, the surface to air missile from ITR, Chandipur, Odhisa on May 25 and 27 this year. Akash Mk1S is an upgrade of existing AKASH missile with indigenous Seeker.

 economictimes

India-UK defence ties: The UK seeks opportunities in Make in India, offers electric propulsion

Ahead of the Brexit, the UK has accepted India’s offer to place a liaison officer at the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre (IFC) for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) headquartered in Gurugram and is exploring opportunities under the Make in India initiative.

Admiral Tim Fraser, the UK’s Vice Chief of Defence Staff, while outlining practical areas of cooperation between the two countries beyond information sharing said, “we hope to have the individual in the post very soon”.

Through engagement with partner countries, the Centre helps in the further development of comprehensive Maritime Domain Awareness and sharing of information on vessels of interest.

At a discussion on India-UK cooperation in IOR organised jointly by the British High Commission and the Vivekananda International Foundation, according to the Admiral both sides can work together and there are several opportunities which would further deepen cooperation between the two. Adding, also, areas like safety and the electric propulsion on the aircraft carriers can be explored.

Also, in November a Royal Navy Destroyer will be visiting Mumbai, and both India and the UK are expected to continue their dialogue on electric propulsion and explore opportunities to support Make in India initiative.According to Admiral Tim Fraser, in2021, HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH and the Carrier Strike Group, on her maiden operational deployment, will operate in the Indian Ocean region. Admiral Fraser said that “Indian Carrier Task Group and the UK Task Group will be working together to undertake Exercise KONKAN 21 – which could be the most complex and sophisticated yet in the KONKAN series.”

In recent years there have been several high-level military visits on both sides that India and the UK have been steadily ramping up their military-to-military cooperation.

The UK side earlier this year in February at Aero India pitched to collaborate in the areas of aircraft carriers and development of 6th generation fighter aircraft technologies. This was followed by the bilateral defence and security equipment talks in April, when the two countries renewed the Defence Equipment Memorandum (DEM) of 2007.

This year in March, the former Naval Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, during a discussion on ‘Maritime strategy and its contribution to the Indo-Pacific and global commons’, at the said the Institute of Strategic Studies, had said that India sees “no post-Brexit challenges” but only opportunities for greater synergies with the UK in naval cooperation.India-UK Maritime Cooperation ::

Over the years the multi-faceted bilateral relations between the two have grown. Both have a common perspective on maritime challenges.

The two have agreed to develop a cooperative framework to face all challenges. Both share common goals.

Are clear in their intentions for the future – which is reflected in ambitious shipbuilding and maritime innovation programmes.

Ex-Konkan, the bilateral naval exercise, is the cornerstone of India’s maritime cooperation. And is designed to test the ability of the two Commonwealth navies to operate side-by-side during the war and other operations.

The UK has been a preferred port of call whenever Indian Navy operates in the northern Atlantic.

 financialexpress

Tejas aircraft in final trials

Trials of upgraded LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Tejas are conducted in Pokhran field firing range. The aircraft is being tested on various parameters from last two days. DRDO and air force officials were present in the range during trials. HAL has introduced new features in the engine of LCA Tejas.

Official sources said, “LCA Tejas Mark-II has better serviceability, faster weapon loading time, enhanced survivability, better electronic warfare suit and radar which significantly enhance its capability. It has air to air and air to ground attack capabilities.”

“Tejas is the first advance fly-by-wire fighter aircraft designed, developed and manufactured in India. Conceived as a MiG-21 replacement, it has been designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).


It is to the credit of its designers, manufacturer, technicians and test crew, that LCA has flown more than 3,000 sorties / 2,000 hours till date without any mishap,” sources said.

 timesofindia

40,000 'Made in India' bulletproof jackets supplied to Indian Army

The Indian Army has been supplied 40,000 indigenous bulletproof jackets for its troops carrying out anti-terror operations in the Kashmir valley.

"We are hopeful that we will deliver the order of bulletproof jackets for the Army well ahead of time," said Major-General Anil Oberoi (Retd) of SMPP Pvt Ltd, which has developed these indigenous bulletproof jackets.

"In the first year, we were supposed to supply 36,000 jackets but we are ahead of time and we have supplied 40,000 jackets to Indian Army," he said talking to ANI here on Friday.

"We have to complete this order by 2021, but we are hopeful to complete it by the end of 2020," he said.

Last year, the Ministry of Defence had awarded the contract to provide more than 1.8 lakh bulletproof jackets to the indigenous manufacturer SMPP Limited.

The jackets are being supplied to the Central Ordnance Depot in Kanpur from where they will be sent to Jammu and Kashmir and other violence-affected areas.

Oberoi claimed that the bulletproof jackets can withstand hardcore steel ammunition fired from an AK-47 rifle. "Our jackets are so strong that they can take on the most dangerous ammunition from AK-47. It is known as the hard steel core ammunition which has got great penetrative power. Our jacket can absorb its impact," he said.

"We have also produced helmets that can protect soldiers against AK-47 hard steel core ammunition. It will also have a facial visor. We will save the life of our soldier from head to toe," Oberoi said.

Oberoi informed that the company's helmets were already in use various armed forces in India namely the Central Reserve Police Force.

 aninews

India's MiG 29 to fly with Eurofighter Typhoon in Oman

The MiG 29 fighter aircraft of Indian Air Force (IAF) will be flying alongside the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-16 in India's bilateral air exercise with Oman which kicked off on Thursday.

According to the IAF, this is the first occasion that the MiG 29 will participate in an international air exercise outside India.

The drill, Exercise Eastern Bridge V, is being held at the Air Force Base Masirah in Oman from October 17-26.

The Royal Air Force Oman will fly its UK-made advanced trainer aircraft Hawk too during the 10-day air exercise. India's military transport aircraft C-17 Globemaster will also participate in the air exercise.

"IAF's Mig-29 Upgrade (UPG) will participate in the exercise along with C-17 Globemaster, which is providing the requisite transport support for induction/de-induction," tweeted the IAF.

As per a statement released by the IAF, the exercise will enhance inter-operability during mutual operations between the two air forces and will provide an opportunity to learn from each other's best practices.

The participation of IAF in the exercise will also promote professional interaction, exchange of experience and operational knowledge. Besides strengthening bilateral relations, it will also provide a good opportunity to the air-warriors to operate in an international environment.

 economictimes

Indigenous 155mm Dhanush Towed Gun System: ‘Desi Bofors’ to improve Indian Army’s firepower along Pakistan, China borders

As part of the Indian Army’s operational readiness, the indigenous 155mm Dhanush Towed Gun System is under induction. The gun system is going to qualitatively improve the firepower of Indian artillery and is also expected to make way for the private sector gun manufacturing companies. Indian Army has placed an order for a total of 114 `Dhanush’ with the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).

During the ongoing Army Commanders Conference, the top commanders discussed various options for the employment of this gun, sources confirmed to Financial Express Online.

The OFB will hand over 18 155mm x 45 calibre artillery guns to the army’s Central Ordnance Depot in Jabalpur and before the year ends these indigenous guns will be deployed along the Pakistan and China frontiers. These are being under production at the Jabalpur-based Gun Carriage Factory (GCF), at a cost of Rs 14.50 crore.

The indigenous gun — towed and self-propelled mode has undergone extensive trials in extreme weather conditions as well as difficult terrains across the country including Sikkim, Leh, Odisha and Jhansi.

The guns will come with almost 85 per cent indigenous material has a range of 38 km and in the army, it is classified as ‘medium artillery’. There has been active participation of both private and public sector companies like SAIL, BEL working with the OFB on this project. Also, besides the Indian Army, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), as well as DGQA, have been actively involved in this project. The Gun Carriage Factory had received the order for Dhanush in 2011, and the first prototype was made in 2014.
More about Dhanush ::

- The indigenous gun comes with inertial navigation-based sighting system.
- It has an advanced day and night direct firing system.
- On-board ballistic computation.
- Mechanically it has been upgraded to fire NATO standard 155 mm ammunition.
- It comes with a self-propulsion unit and this for the gun to be self-deployed in mountainous terrains.
- Bi-modular charge system (BMCS) which help in increasing the range.
- The gun has been upgraded electronically which helps in enhancing firing accuracies.
- It is also compatible with other kinds of ammunition.

 The induction of this type of gun is part of the Indian Army’s ‘mediumisation’ of the artillery and under this will replace ‘field guns’ of a calibre such as 105 mm and 120 mm.



financialexpress

Indian Army Inducts US Precision-Guided Artillery Ammunition: Report

In a major boost to its firepower, the Indian army has inducted the indigenous Dhanush howitzer and the American precision-guided Excalibur artillery ammunition in its inventory.

According to Army sources, the top brass of the force was briefed about the induction of this weapon system and ammunition on Wednesday.

The Excalibur ammunition which has been acquired under the fast track procedure can hit targets at extended ranges.

Army commander's conference was briefed about ammunition's induction, where several other matters were also discussed including the new post of the Chief of Defence Staff and induction of Made in India Dhanush artillery gun.

The Army Commander's Conference discussed the issue of creation of the new post of the Chief of Defence Staff and it came to notice that army commanders felt the need for creating structures that can help in effective integration of the new office with services, sources said.

Army Commanders also discussed proposals about giving enhanced grants for personnel, who are invalidated out of service due to injuries and disabilities before 10 years of service.

Sources said that the commanders were also briefed about the induction of Dhanush artillery gun in the force and how it is going to enhance the firepower of the Indian Army in operations.

ndtv

Rajnath Singh-led DAC to consider procurement of 10 P8i long-range aircraft for Indian Navy

Highlights

• The P8i is a long-range (more than 1,200 nautical miles) aircraft for surveillance
• The project is pegged at about $ 3 billion

On the eve of the visit by Admiral John Aquilino, the US Pacific Command chief, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and including the three armed forces chiefs, will look at, once again, at a three billion dollar mega-deal — the purchase of 10 P8i maritime reconnaissance aircraft for the Indian Navy.

This is the second time the issue comes up in a DAC meeting even though this is a repeat order — the Indian Navy has purchased the plane earlier — as it comes in the wake of the COMCASA or Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement. "As a result, the equipment on the plane and the cost will change," high-level government sources said.

The P8i is a long-range (more than 1,200 nautical miles) aircraft for surveillance and also, anti-submarine operations. The USA has been pushing this deal which comes up before the DAC towards the end of this month. Admiral Aquilino arrives for meetings with the Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh, and other officials, on October 27 for a three-day visit.

Discussions are likely to be about closer defence cooperation and the situation in the South China Sea. The USA is concerned about the growing power of China and its recent differences with ASEAN countries, some of whom are close to the USA. There is also some talk of Admiral Aquilino going to the Andamans, where the armed forces have a unified command, but that is yet to be decided. There could be discussions on the region, including help to smaller countries.

 timesnownews

US announces VISA ban on all Chinese officials for opressing Uighur Muslims

US has announced VISA ban on all Chinese officials due to Chinese government behaviour towards Uighurs Muslims in Xinjiang.

Spokesperson of U.S. Department of State, Morgan Ortagus said, “Beijing must immediately end its campaign of repression against Uighurs and other members of Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang. This week, we announced visa restrictions on Chinese officials responsible for or complicit in these abuses.”

U.S. Department of State secretary, Mike Pompeo said, “China has forcibly detained over one million Muslims in a brutal, systematic campaign to erase religion and culture in Xinjiang. China must end its draconian surveillance and repression, release all those arbitrarily detained, and cease its coercion of Chinese Muslims abroad.”

Mike Pompeo further stated on 9 October, “Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on Chinese government and Communist Party officials believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, the detention or abuse of Uighurs, Kazakhs, or other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang.”

defensenews

India may restrict imports of palm oil, other goods from Malaysia: Sources

India is considering restricting imports of some products from Malaysia including palm oil, according to government and industry sources, in reaction to the Southeast Asian country's leader slamming New Delhi for its actions in Kashmir.

New Delhi is looking for ways to limit palm oil imports and may place restrictions on other goods from the country, said a government source and an industry source who participated in discussions led by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on the planned restrictions.

The sources asked not to be named as the proposal is still under discussion.

India's government was angered after Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad alleged last month at the United Nations that India had "invaded and occupied" Jammu and Kashmir and asked New Delhi to work with Pakistan to resolve the issue.

The government wants to send a strong signal of its displeasure to Malaysian authorities, the sources said.

India, the world's biggest importer of edible oils, is planning to substitute Malaysian palm oil with supplies of edible oils from countries like Indonesia, Argentina and Ukraine, said the sources.

Palm oil accounts for nearly two-thirds of India's total edible oil imports. India buys more than 9 million tonnes of palm oil annually, mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia.
 In the first nine months of 2019 India was the biggest buyer of Malaysian palm oil, taking 3.9 million tonnes, according to data compiled by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board.

A spokeswoman for India's commerce ministry said the ministry cannot comment on things that are under consideration.

 economictimes

Don't interfere in Kashmir issue: India reminds China ahead of President Xi's visit

Taking a tough stand over the reference to Kashmir during the meeting of Chinese President Xi Jinping with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Wednesday said that India's position on this matter is clear and no other country should comment on the internal affairs of India.

Responding to a query from media on the reference of Kashmir during President Xi's meeting with Imran Khan, Kumar said, "We have seen the report regarding meeting of Chinese President Xi Jinping with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan which also refers to their discussions on Kashmir."

The MEA spokesperson noted that India’s position has been consistent and clear that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and China is well aware of New Delhi's stand on this matter.

Earlier on Wednesday, MEA sources said that India does not see Imran Khan's visit to China ahead of President Xi's informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'hyphenation'. ''It (Imran Khan's China visit) is of no concern to India, news agency ANI quoted govt sources as saying.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan is currently on a two-day visit to China where he held discussion with its top leadership, including President Xi. Imran and Xi held bilateral talks and witnessed the signing of agreements on China's aid to Pakistan and cooperation in maritime law enforcement, culture and infrastructure, in the framework of China's Belt-and-Road initiative.
It is interesting to note that the this is Imran Khan's third visit to China since he became prime minister and the visit comes amid ongoing tensions with India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre decided to abrogate Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. After the meeting, China issued a statement urging both Pakistan and India to resolve all bilateral issues through dialogue, including Kashmir.

 zeenews

Rafale engine manufacturer Safran offers to help India develop first indigenous aircraft engine

A proposal was sent to the Defence and Development Research Organisation (DRDO) about this, Safran CEO Olivier Andries said on Wednesday while briefing Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the company's military and civil projects in India.

"They are studying the proposal sent by us. We are willing to transfer the technology and this could be the way forward for the first indigenous fighter aircraft engine," Andries told India Today TV.

The Mirage fighter jets use M53 variant of the engine.

"It will be a big boost for 'Make in India' if the proposal works out. It means India would be able to sell the engine to any country that uses Rafale," said an Indian official.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Safran facility in Villaroche near Paris a day after receiving the first Rafale jet for the Indian Air Force. There he was given a presentation and did a tour of the facility on Indian interests.
Sources said studies have also been done for the possibility of manufacturing an indigenous engine for Indian made Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.
 India and France expect further enhancement of their ties, especially in the arena of defence cooperation.

"We will support the 'Make in India' policy. Let us look at the future. You didn't just opt for a fighter but opted for enhancement of military partnership. We will do our best to meet your requirement," French Defence Minister Florence Parly said after the induction of Rafale.

The two defence ministers met for the second defence dialogue on Tuesday evening and reviewed the status of bilateral cooperation in the field, which is a key pillar of the India-France Strategic Partnership.

"They also exchanged views on contemporary regional and international developments of mutual interest. Both sides discussed ways to further deepen defence-related official as well as operational level interactions. Both sides agreed to expand the scope and complexity of the existing regular bilateral joint exercises," a defence ministry spokesman said.

Recognising that India-France partnership in the Indian Ocean Region is crucial for preserving and promoting the common strategic and security interests, the two Ministers noted the continuing implementation of actions outlined in the "Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region" (March 2018). The Ministers also reaffirmed the strong intention of the two sides to further deepen bilateral cooperation on counter-terrorism.

 businesstoday

"Air Force To Induct Five Tejas Squadrons In Near Future": IAF Chief

Indian Air Force Chief, RKS Bhadauria on Tuesday reiterated that the force was committed to the indigenous development of weapons and aircraft in consonance with Make in India initiative.

The Air Chief at the occasion also apprised that the IAF is looking to induct 5 squadrons of LCA Tejas in the near future.

Asserting that the IAF was on the path to modernisation, Air Chief said, "However, to achieve true strategic autonomy, we need to focus on design and manufacturing. I would like to put on record that the IAF is fully committed towards the indigenous development of high technology hardware in consonance with Make in India."

"We have started building the LCA fleet. We already have a squadron operational and five more will be inducted in the near future," he added.The Air Chief listed out the various indigenous platforms that have been inducted into the IAF in recent years. Apart from the Integrated Air Command and Control System, he mentioned that the IAF has already inducted Rohini radars and will induct Arudhra radars in future.

In choppers, the Air Chief said the force was using Advanced Light Helicopters and will soon induct the Light Combat Helicopters and Light Utility Helicopters.

In other weapons he mentioned that Astra air-to-air BVR missile has been successfully tested, laser-guided bombs, precision weapons, Akash surface-to-air missiles have also been operationalised and development of indigenous fifth-generation fighter AMCA has been initiated.

"I am well aware that these actions are not adequate and measures are being taken to give further impetus. We will assist and promote Indian firms to play a major role in our fleet maintenance," he said.

The Air Chief also mentioned the "Vayu Shakti" exercise and the rescue and relief operations that IAF carried out in flood-affected areas.Urging on the need to remain combat worthy whether in the air or in-ground, IAF Chief said, "It is the duty of every air warrior to take full ownership and responsibility for the safety of combat equipments placed under them."

Concluding his speech, the Air Chief said, "Indian Air Force is grateful for nation's trust confidence in us and the support provided. On behalf of all air warriors, I assure the nation of our sacred resolve, defending the sovereignty of our skies and safeguarding our national interest at all cost."

Indian Air Force celebrated 87th anniversary on Air Force Day 2019 at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and Navy Chief, Admiral Karambir Singh were present at the event.

NDTV

Amethi factory to get orders for 6.7 lakh Kalashnikovs soon

he rifles factory in Amethi is set to get an order to manufacture a record 6.7 lakh Kalashnikovs soon, with the Army clearing the technical gates and commercial bid likely to be submitted by next month. The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited joint venture for production of AK 203 assault rifles is likely to get the go-ahead at an acquisition meeting later this month and will move to the next stage of signing of the contract to start manufacturing.

While the factory in Amethi was formally inaugurated in March, orders are yet to be placed as they had to go through the acquisition process of negotiating technical and commercial terms. ET has learnt that as per the plan, Russia will transfer complete technology on the modern assault rifle to India.

In the initial phase, 6.7 lakh rifles will be made for the Army and the number will increase later to at least 7.5 lakh as requirements of other forces are also added to the order. To achieve technology transfer, it is planned that after the first one lakh rifles, all components of the weapon system will be produced in India.

A top Army officer said the joint venture is a good example of how India has achieved technology transfer through planned acquisitions. The joint venture to produce Kalashnikov rifles has been described as the ‘fastest’ created by Russia for an Indian venture. The factory has already started getting functional with the supply of equipment to manufacture weapons and in an exception, a serving Major General of the Army has been tasked to head it.

The project is expected to produce AK 203 rifles that will cost close to $1000 each.

economicties

Sky-high trolling? Indian Sukhoi fighter ‘shot down’ by Pakistan makes appearance at Air Force Day parade

An Indian Sukhoi Su-30MKI delighted spectators at an air show outside Delhi, but may have caused considerable embarrassment to Pakistan, which claimed to have shot down the fighter jet more than six months ago.
Two of the Russian-made warplanes were spotted in the skies above Hindon Air Base, flying in formation as part of a celebration marking the 87th birthday of the Indian Air Force (IAF). According to NDTV, one of the aircraft, named ‘Avenger-1’, was the same jet that Pakistan boasted of destroying in a brief fracas back in February.
The fighter jet was even piloted by the same “shot down” crew, the outlet reported.According to Islamabad, the Su-30 fell from the sky in a battle on February 27, a day after the Indian Air Force bombed an alleged terrorist camp inside Pakistan. In the ensuing dogfight, India claims to have shot down an American-made F-16, before one of its own MiG-21 Bison’s fell to Pakistani fire. New Delhi firmly denied that one of its Su-30s were destroyed in the battle, accusing Pakistan of making the story up to cover for the loss of its American fighter jet.
The Air Force Day festivities included another swipe at Pakistan: Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who is credited with shooting down the Pakistani F-16, leads a formation of MiG-21 Bison.

RT

Air Force chief outlines plan to solve shortage of fighter squadrons

Four days after assuming command of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria has described in detail what his fighter fleet will look like a dozen years into the future.

There is already concern that the IAF is down to just 30 fighter squadrons, against the assessed requirement of 42 squadrons. Bhadauria’s plan, unveiled in an interaction with the media on Friday, will only raise numbers to 37 squadrons by 2025, before falling again to 33 squadrons by 2032.

Behind the continuing shortfalls is the impending retirement of the last of six remaining MiG-21 squadrons when their technical life ends in 2021.


In addition, Bhadauria announced that six Jaguar squadrons would retire in the early 2020s, since it would be too costly to equip them with new engines needed to extend their service lives into the 2030s.

“We have had to drop the plan for re-engining the Jaguar because it has been delayed inordinately and the cost went too high,” said the IAF chief.

“The non-BISON MiG-21s will retire by the end of this year, or go up to March 2020 at the most. Only the MiG-21 BISON fleet will be left and will go up to the end of its technical life [in 2021], he said.

Worryingly, the shortfalls could be even worse if there is delay in processing the purchase of 114 eponymous Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), which an Indian “strategic partner” (SP) will build in technology partnership with a global “original equipment manufacturer” (OEM).

Requests for Interest (RFIs) have already been sent out to prospective SPs and OEMs for this tender.

“The [vendors’ responses] have already been received for the 114 MRFA case. We have started the process for obtaining AoN (Acceptance of Necessity) now. The AoN, which the defence ministry accords, is the first step in a procurement and is followed by the issuance of an RFP (request for proposals) – the basic tender document.

Bhadauria’s plan also includes building 83 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) in quick time to fill the light fighter vacancies left by the retirement of the MiG-21 and MiG-27 fighters.

On a parallel track, India would build the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth generation medium fighter.

Meanwhile, the IAF chief confirmed the IAF would buy 21 MiG-29 fighters that are lying ready built in Russia. “We are going to go in for 21 MiG-29, which has already been informed [to Moscow],” he said.

Adding those to the IAF’s existing three MiG-29 squadrons, which are undergoing a mid-life upgrade, would take the number of IAF MiG-29 squadrons up to four. In addition, the navy flies two squadrons of the navalized MiG-29K/KUBs.
Bhadauria also confirmed reports that additional Sukhoi-30MKI fighters would be built by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in Nashik. HAL will soon complete delivery of the last squadron of Sukhoi-30MKIs, bringing up the IAF fleet to 13 squadrons.

“We are moving towards ordering 12 more Sukhoi-30s. Whether we need some more in lieu of aircraft that are going to get phased out from 2025 onwards… we will have to take a look later. But at the moment, 12 is what is being followed up straightaway,” said Bhadauria.

The chief also confirmed plans to upgrade the Sukhoi-30MKI, with modern “radar and weapons capabilities and also tackling obsolescence management and electronic warfare aspects.”

Dismissing rumours that India is buying 36 more Rafales from France, Bhadauria stated: “Our plan is for building 114 MRFA in the SP model. There is no separate plan for this (36 more Rafales).

He confirmed a delay in Dassault’s delivery of the first four Rafale fighters. While Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is going to France next week to accept the fighters, they would only fly to India in May 2020, said Bhadauria.

 business-standard

Army plans to buy 350 helicopters over 10 years to modernise its Aviation Corps

The Army is working on a 10-year modernisation plan for its Aviation Corps and aims to induct at least 350 helicopters, including the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter and the battle-proven Apache.

The long-pending plan includes increasing the surveillance features of the choppers already in the Aviation Corps’ inventory, with the induction of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).

What does Army plan to buy?

The Army plans to induct two kinds of utility choppers and three combat helicopters. This will include squadrons of Rudra (the armed version of the Advanced Light Helicopter ‘Dhruv’), which will have 20mm guns and 70mm cannons and are to be inducted within one year.

The LCH squadrons are to be inducted within seven to 10 years, while 200 Kamov Ka-226s, which are for reconnaissance and observation, are expected to be procured within 10 years through an inter-government agreement.

By 2021, the Army also expects to procure six Apache choppers and an additional squadron of ALH Dhruv, to add to what is already functional. Dhruv can fly over all terrains in India, including high altitudes.

What will the new choppers replace?

The Aviation Corps currently operates Chetak and Cheetah choppers, the ALH Dhruv since 2001, and its armed variant Rudra since 2013.
 Each squadron of the Aviation Corps is supposed to have three ‘flights’ and each ‘flight’ is supposed to feature five aircraft each. However, in the current scenario, all squadrons have only two ‘flights’ of five aircraft each.

The inductions will replace the Army’s ageing Chetak and Cheetah helicopter fleet at a time when a Cheetah crash recently killed the Indian Army’s Lt Col. Rajneesh Parmar and Captain Kalzang Wangdi of the Royal Bhutan Army, raising questions about the choppers’ flight-worthiness and bringing the focus back on their long-pending replacement with the Light Utility Helicopter.

Probable Advantages ::

Army sources said the plans would be a game-changer in future conflicts, and expressed confidence that they would be put into action in a time-bound manner.

“More emphasis is being put on prioritisation, rationalisation and economy of expenditure. Greater value for money is being achieved by encouraging procurements from indigenous sources in support of the government’s Make in India initiative,” an Army source said.

Army officers further said that the transfer of the RPAS to the Aviation Corps would ensure a comprehensive surveillance picture, utilising both manned and unmanned platforms, while sharing support infrastructure.

“The operation of these assets under the common umbrella of Army Aviation Corps and a common aviation adviser to the ground forces commander will help achieve battlefield transparency,” the source added.

 theprint

India to Upgrade Its Sukhoi with Radar Capable of Detecting F-35, Chinese J-20

India has plans to upgrade the Sukhoi-30MKI with modern “radar and weapons capabilities and also enhance features that tackle obsolescence management and electronic warfare aspects”, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Bhadauria confirmed on Friday.

An Air Force Veteran and senior defence analyst said the upgraded radar would likely be the NIIP N035 Irbis E (Snow Leopard), a 20 KW class steerable hybrid ESA radar fitted on the Su-35.

"At full power, the radar can detect an F-35 at a distance of 58-km (36-mi), In tracking mode, the distance drops to 29km," Vijainder K Thakur, Air Force veteran and defence analyst having hawk eyes on technological development said.

Designed by the Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute (NIIP) in Moscow's Zhukovsky city, the Irbis-E is a direct evolution of the BARS design, all-weather multimode airborne radars of a Russian family, but significantly more powerful.

The radar is cited at an average power rating of 5 kilowatts, with 2 kilowatts CW rating for illumination. The NIIP claim twice the bandwidth and improved frequency agility over the BARS, and better electronic counter-countermeasures capability.

However, Harsh Vardhan Thakur, an experimental test pilot said: "When defining pick up and rack ranges for the F-35, the low-observability may have been exaggerated. I think F-35 can be picked up at larger ranges, just as a J-20 can."

It is expected that upgrading the Su-30MKI will not take much time as Russia already implemented significant upgrades including radar and engines on the Su-30SM which is in the service of the Russian Air Force. Vijainder K Thakur said Russia had integrated Su35 IRBIS-E Radar and AL-41F-C1 engines on a Su-30 airframe with the Su-30SM, which represents a convergence of the two platforms independently developed from the Su-27, aimed at mitigating logistics & maintenance overheads.

In 2018, Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI reportedly managed to detect the latest Chinese Chengdu J-20 jet fighter, supposed to be a top-of-the-line stealth aircraft operated by China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

J-20 fighter jets, as claimed by China, are made up of radar-absorbing materials that are supposed to make it hard to detect at long ranges.

Earlier this month, the German radar-maker Hensoldt claimed that it managed to track two American made F-35s from a pony farm for almost 100 miles (about 150 km) during an air show, the C4ISRNet website reported.

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a Russian-designed heavy, long-range fourth generation air superiority fighter, built under licence by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The planes were introduced into the Indian Air Force in the early 2000s, with India making about 250 of the planes by 2018, and continuing to build more.

 sputniknews