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August 29, 2019

Air Force to receive bunker buster Spice 2000 bombs used in Balakot strike in September


The Indian Air Force will receive the bunker buster version of the Spice 2000 bombs by the end of the second week of September.

Top IAF sources said that the Spice-2000 bombs are scheduled to be delivered to the Indian Air Force (IAF) from Israel around mid-September along with the Mark 84 warhead and bombs which can destroy buildings completely.

India and France had signed a deal with Israel worth around Rs 300 crore for acquiring these weapon systems.

The supply of these weapons from Israel will happen around the time when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to visit India for a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The bombs were used by the air force to bomb the Pakistani base of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot in February this year. The bombs used in the strike were the penetrator version of the Israeli ammunition.

However, the Spice-2000 bombs used in the Balakot strikes were the penetrator version which made holes using their weight in the concrete rooftops of the buildings in the Jaish camp which don't destroy buildings but explode inside killing people with the mix of 70-80 kg explosives with shrapnel.

The Spice 2000 bomb has a standoff range of 60 kilometres and approaches the target as its unique scene-matching algorithm compares the electro-optical image received in real-time via the weapon seeker with mission reference data stored in the weapon computer memory and adjusts the flight path accordingly. SPICE 2000 consists of an add-on kit for warheads such as the MK-84, BLU-109, APW and RAP-2000.

 indiatoday

MoD cuts production target of Ordnance Factories upto 40 pc


IN another major blow to the Ordnance Factories, the Ministry of Defence has curtailed the production of ammunition upto 40 percent in different factories. Annual production target of Ordnance Factory Khamaria (OFK) has been reduced upto 40 percent. The cut in production target also reduced the standard man hours of 48-hours instead of current 51-hours.

It may be noted that, the Ordnance Factories’ employees had recently called -off nationwide strike after the assurance of Ministry of Defence to reconsider the proposal for corporatisation of Ordnance Factories. On the other hand, the curtailment of annual production targets of Ordnance Factories has created havoc amongst the officers and employees of Ordnance Factories.

Now the trade unions are preparing to start another protest against the curtailment of production target. Learning about the order of production curtailment, a delegation of trade union leaders met the General Manager of OFK, Ravikant Maheshwari, on Monday evening but could not get any appropriate reply from the senior administrative officer. Senior trade union leader and JCM-IV, Sharad Albal, while talking to ‘The Hitavada’, informed that, the Government is duping the Ordnance Factories’ employees by making fake claims of considering their demands. On the other hand, Ministry of Defence has reviewed and curtailed the defence production without giving any concrete reason.

Trade unions will soon hold meeting to discuss further course of action for safeguarding the interest of Ordnance Factories. He added that, the new production order has disappointed the employees of Ordnance Factories and created fear of losing jobs. Sources informed that, the annual production target of 23 ammunition, including 30 mm, 40-mm cartridge, 81-mm grenade, 84-mm rocket, 125-mm cartridge, torpedo and 23-mm pyro has been cut down upto 40%.

thehitavada

India to receive Russian S-400 Triumf missiles by 2023, despite threat of US sanctions


India will receive delivery of the first batch of Russian S-400 Triumf air-defence missiles by 2023. Russia is hoping New Delhi will make the first tranche of payment “soon”.

“We will deliver the first batch (out of the five squadrons of S-400 missiles) by 2023,” said Roman Babushkin, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Russia, during a media briefing Wednesday.

According to Russian Trade Commissioner Yaroslav Tarasyuk, India will “soon” make 20 per cent of the payment towards the $5.2 billion missile deal under the new payment mechanism. Russia has plans to deliver the first batch of S-400 missiles once the first installment is made, after which it will deliver the remaining four.


Sberbank of Russia — that has a branch in New Delhi — will receive the amount in rupees and pay Moscow in ruble under the new payment mechanism.

The VTM Bank of Russia, which has presence in India, will also be directed to get engaged in defence deals between New Delhi and Moscow.


Threat of US sanctions ::

India has been facing threat of sanctions by the US for procuring these missiles from Moscow. America has threatened to impose sanctions on India under the CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) legislation.

Washington has already taken such an action against China. The country is also contemplating the same for Turkey, which recently purchased the missiles from Russia.

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs S. Jaishankar is currently visiting Moscow and has met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

Next month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Vladivostok to attend the Eastern Economic Forum, where he will be the chief guest, from 4-6 September. In the next few weeks from then, India will be holding the second round of “2+2” ministerial dialogue with the US in Washington. India is hoping to get a CAATSA waiver from the US on defence purchases from Russia.

‘Kashmir an internal issue’ ::

Responding to a query related to Kashmir situation following abrogation of Article 370, Babushkin said Kashmir is an internal issue and whatever outstanding matter remained on the dispute shall be solved bilaterally between New Delhi and Islamabad.

He, however, said Moscow would be willing to “mediate” if both sides approached it.

“We do not want to play a role in a bilateral dispute between India and Pakistan. We can mediate if both sides ask us. But we understand this is a bilateral matter according to the 1972 Simla pact,” he added.

On the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Aksai Chin, Babushkin said the matter should be solved politically between the countries concerned and not militarily.

 theprint

Russia, India To Start Exporting Supersonic BrahMos Missiles By End Of 2019


The BrahMos Aerospace Russian-Indian Joint Venture could sign contracts with other nations on the delivery of hypersonic missiles to friendly countries the end of 2019, Indian Co-Director Kumar Mishra told TASS at the MAKS-2019 airshow.

“Various nations have approached us to acquire BrahMos missiles and we have informed the Defense Ministries of Russia and India about that and are now waiting for their permission to sign contracts. We hope and expect that we will have these contracts at the end of this year or at the beginning of next year,” Kumar stated.

Responding to a question about the countries, to which the BrahMos missiles will be delivered, Mishra said: “These will be the states friendly to Russia and India.”

The PJ-10 BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by the Reutov-based Research and Production Association of Machine-Building (the Moscow Region) and India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

The BrahMos Missile is a modification of the Soviet anti-ship missile Oniks. The missile’s name comes from the names of two rivers: the Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of Russia. The missile’s test launch took place on June 12, 2001, from a coastal launcher. The missile’s production has been carried out jointly by Russia and India.

The flight range of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile can be extended to 800km, Mishra said. “Technically, there is a possibility to extend the BrahMos flight range to 800km,” he said.

Today, the BrahMos missile’s air-, sea-and ground-launched versions have a flight range of 290km. “We have already tested our missile to a range of 400km. The launch was successful,” he added.

“Today we are considering getting permissions from India and Russia on further extending the flight range of the BrahMos missile. Technically, it is possible to extend the flight range to 800km and this is the task we face,” he said.

 eurasiantimes

August 21, 2019

India aims to export Sukhoi upgrade


India, which is looking to upgrade its mainstay Su 30MKI fighter fleet to modern standards, hopes to get a toehold into the export market as well by offering the package to friendly foreign nations that operate the Russian origin aircraft.

The `Super Sukhoi’ upgrade for India’s fleet of the frontline fighters -- a total of 272 combat aircraft have been ordered by the air force -- is in advanced levels of discussions, with modernization plans for avionics, engines and weaponry on offer.

Officials told ET that the upgrade has the potential to unlock exports given the large fleet of Su 30s in service around the world that would also require upgrades in the future. “There is a market outside. We are already the only ones doing overhauls for the aircraft and once we conduct the upgrade, we can offer a better solution to the outside world as well,” HAL chairman R Madhavan told ET.

Over 600 aircraft of the Su 27/30 type have been manufactured and large operators include Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Algeria. China also operates the type but has already reverse engineered it as the Shenyang J 11.

Among the nations that India could approach with the upgrade solution is Malaysia that is already interested in collaboration for maintenance and upkeep of its fleet of 18 Su 30 fighters. India plans to help Malaysia set up a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) unit there and train its technicians as part of bilateral cooperation pacts. Other potential partners for the program could be Vietnam which operates 46 fighters of the type.

On the Indian front, the `Super Sukhoi’ upgrade has been talked about for a while but there seems to be a sense of urgency with the IAF, Hindustan Aeronautics LimitedNSE 1.34 % and the Russian government have been working on the upgrade program. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa confirmed last month that technical proposals are being shared given that the aircraft have been in service for almost 20 years while Russia raised the issue in 2017 at top level meetings between leaders of the two nations.

The HAL chief confirmed that proposals have been discussed as recently as last month. “The configuration has not yet been finalized but the upgrade basically will include beyond visual range capability, new electronic warfare suites, an engine upgrade as well as a new radar,” Madhavan said.

As reported by ET, the state-owned company has separately also pitched for an order to manufacture four additional squadrons of the Su 30 MKI jets to quickly meet gaps in fighter squadron strength. The air force for now seems to be only keen on ordering replacements for aircraft that have been lost in accidents.

 economictimes

Indian Air Force replacing obsolete weapons with indigenously developed substitutes


The Narendra Modi government's push to reduce dependence on imported weapons for the armed forces is bearing fruits with Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Tuesday explaining why 'Made in India' equipment are the need of the hour for the Indian Air Force.

Speaking at an event for the launching of books on indigenisation efforts of defence equipment, Air Chief Dhanoa said that the process of using indigenously developed weapons has already been started in a big way. "We can't wait for indigenous technology to replace obsolete warfighting equipment. Neither will it be prudent to import every defence equipment from abroad. What we're doing is replacing our high-end obsolete weapons with indigenously developed ones," he said.

At the same event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lavished praise on IAF. "Indian Air Force is a technologically advanced and an extremely potent force," he said. "The recent offensive strike against terrorist outfits in our neighbourhood speaks volumes about the reach and lethality of the formidable arm of the Indian Armed Forces."

India is the world's second-largest arms importer, according to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The country accounts for 9.5% of the global total and is only behind Saudi Arabia. The Modi government has sought to change these statistics by giving a boost to the domestic defence manufacturing sector.

For the IAF though, making use of indigenously developed weapons is only a part of the entire process. A number of its fighter jets are ageing and there is a need for newer jets to be inducted as soon as is possible. While Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, is a shot in the arm, all eyes now are on Rafale jets which have been touted as the real gamechanger.

 zeenews

Uncle Sam stood strongly with India at UN’s non-meeting on Kashmir


As the dust settles on the UN Security Council’s “non-meeting” on the Kashmir issue, few points are worth noting. Some will calm nerves while others demand serious action.

First, the UN keeps no record or minutes of these “informal, closed-door consultations.” So for Pakistan’s leaders to project the hour-long confab as a monumental development is delusional. To project it as an expression of international will is a straight out lie. No statement was issued despite China’s push.

Second, while Pakistan’s “iron brother” China managed to organize something resembling a get together, it was in a glaring minority of one or may be two if you take United Kingdom’s double play into account. UK’s convenient position: We won’t propose a meeting but don’t mind if someone else does. Well, trying to have your cake and eat it too goes only so far, especially for a Brexit-ing power.

Third, the United States was unambiguously in India’s corner. “They were forthright and were clearly opposed to the efforts being made over the last week,” a UN diplomat told your columnist. As was France, the original “strategic partner.”

This means the little flirtation with “mediation” by President Donald Trump is over. The US stand at the UNSC was a demonstration, perhaps that the policy process survives, that the overall strategic partnership is in good-ish health after a short fever and that India’s importance in the larger arc of where Washington wants to be in Asia remains high.

One need just look at the White House readout on Prime Minister Imran Khan’s SOS to Trump before the UNSC consultations. It said the “president conveyed the importance of India and Pakistan reducing tensions through bilateral dialogue regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.”

B-i-l-a-t-e-r-a-l being the key word. Painful as it might be for Khan to endure, his 15 minutes of fame with Trump are over. Pakistan is back to square one with no strategy except threats, terrorism and pleading with China and former colonial masters, the British.

No wonder Khan has taken to tweeting dangerously into the night, using big and alarming words about India in random order. Level-headed Pakistanis are embarrassed for it won’t further his country’s case with the Americans. Still there’s no room for complacency because Pakistan will keep trying and China will use the opportunities as they come.

Fourth, the larger Muslim world did not come to Pakistan’s rescue, a fact openly acknowledged by Khan’s foreign minister last week in a fit of candour. The protectors of the faith have more stakes in India than in Pakistan, compulsions of religious brotherhood notwithstanding. If anything should stir a rethink in Pakistan about its Kashmir obsession and terrorist-friendly policies, this should.

Fifth, the newly emergent “leader” of human rights, i.e. China, should be aware that “informal consultations” such as the one it forced on the UNSC on Friday can also be held about its treatment of the Uighurs. The Americans have already begun raising concerns at the UN about “re-education camps”.

Diplomats say the US was worked up about Uighurs during a UNSC meeting in July on “preventive diplomacy in Central Asia” where members discussed how best to secure the rights of minorities. Is Beijing ready for transparency? Meanwhile, the amazing protests in Hong Kong continue.

Sixth, the role of Russia should also be noted now that Moscow has somewhat different predilections. The very fact that Russia was prepared for a closed-door meeting shows the relationship is in a different place from where it was in the 70s.

Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russia’s deputy permanent representative, didn’t help matters when he invoked “relevant UN resolutions” in his tweets. May be something was lost in translation but the fact remains that Russia accommodated China, its go-to friend these days. One can “understand” but one needn’t paper over facts.

Seventh, Indian diplomats did an amazing job sensitizing their interlocuters in New York, Washington, Paris and Berlin. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Syed Akbaruddin, won the day when answered questions after the non-meeting, including several from Pakistani journalists.

He was hard-hitting, on point, and informative. The Chinese and Pakistani ambassadors by contrast took no questions and ran for cover after making their self-serving statements.

Eighth and finally, the battle of the narratives in the “free world” needs urgent attention. India is in some trouble, its democratic credentials under pressure with large-scale house arrests of political leaders and a forced digital silence.

Yes, BJP supporters can dismiss all criticism as motivated. To denounce the New York Times and the Washington Post for their obviously one-sided editorials and opinion pieces is easy, but to fight the battle in that arena is difficult. The image-making exercise should extend beyond India’s borders.

It should be noted, however, that general reporting in major US newspapers was fair for the most part. It was the opinion pages where critics dominated and there wasn’t a fancy name arguing India’s position.

Like it or not, newspapers remain the first draft of history and western newspapers are important if you want to fight the ISI-inspired narrative.

 economictimes

August 20, 2019

How Pakistan's worst kept secret cheated people of PoK for 59 years





For over 59 years, the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), were not aware of a secret agreement which decided the political contours and governance of the territory where they have been living.

Now the exiled leaders of PoK and GB are feeling the biggest betrayal at the hands of Islamabad which came through the secret 'Karachi Agreement' allegedly signed between three parties in 1949.

The secret agreement, carrying 'forged signatures' of founder President of PoK, Sardar Ibrahim Khan, Chief of Jammu Kashmir Muslim Conference Chaudhary Ghulam Abbas and key representative of the Pakistan government Mushtak Gurmani, facilitated the forcible occupation of Gilgit-Baltistan by deceit, revealed Nasir Aziz Khan, exiled leader and chief spokesperson of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), a prominent political outfit in GB.

Haunted by Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for years, Nasir Khan and his party's chief Shaukat Kashmiri now live in Bern, the capital city of Switzerland.

Speaking to IANS, Nasir Khan said that the situation in Baltistan, a bigger part of greater Kashmir occupied by Pakistan, is pathetic.

"The natural resources, including goldmines, are being plundered by Chinese companies at the behest of Islamabad. People are being tortured and kidnapped by the ISI for raising their voice against such blatant loot of resources.

"Under the garb of Schedule IV (of the Terrorism Act), people are not allowed to move out of their places. The basic standard of living is far from the reach of the people who were once promised the moon by the Pakistan government," Nasir Khan said over phone from Bern. On the Karachi Agreement (PoK) of 1949, the document now being debated across GB and PoK, Nasir Khan said that it was Pakistan's worst kept secret for decades, as it facilitated Islamabad to grab a large chunk of strategic land in GB by stealth.

"In lieu of the so called Azad Kashmir (PoK), Pakistan captured 90 per cent of Kashmir. The founder President (of PoK) Sardar Ibrahim had told our leaders that he did not sign the agreement. His signatures were forged by Muhammed Deen Taseer, the father of former Punjab Governor Salman Taseer.

"For decades, no one knew about this agreement. No one knew in Kashmir about the deal. No one knew that Pakistan had grabbed our land by deceit," said Nasir Khan, who feels that at every step the people of GB were cheated by the establishment.

Documents now reveal that the Karachi Agreement was signed on April 28, 1949, between Pakistan's then Minister Mushtak Gurnami, looking after Kashmir Affairs, Sardar Ibrahim, President of PoK, and Chaudhary Ghulam Abbas, chief of All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference.

The agreement was apparently kept as a secret by the government till 1990s. Even in 1949, when the agreement was secretly signed between the three parties, it was not reported in the media.

The agreement was revealed for the first time in the verdict of Gilgit and Baltistan by the High Court of PoK in 1990s. Later, it was published in the appendix of the Constitution of PoK in 2008. In simple words, the people of GB were cheated by the Pakistan government by keeping the agreement under wraps for 59 years.

Disturbed over the recent developments in the sub-continent and the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Nasir Khan said that armed forces (of Pakistan) were being moved from the western borders of the North West Frontier Province towards the eastern side near PoK.

"We fear that another gruesome battle will be fought on our land. The developments in Pakistan are really frightening. We fear the ISI will unleash another blow of cold blooded terror on our people," he said. About Shaukat Kashmiri, a popular leader of GB, Nasir Khan revealed that since 1999, almost two decades, Shakaut is living in exile.

"The ISI had kidnapped him twice (in 1994 and 1998) and for a long period he was kept in Kharian, the ISI hideout near Rawalpindi. Later on US intervention, Shaukat was released by the ISI on a secluded border of Afghanistan, near the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area," Nasir Khan said.

Both Nasir Khan and Shaukat Kashmiri are mustering the support of UN agencies and the people of GB at large to expose the nexus of ISI, Pakistan Army and the government establishment in Islamabad, which for years have held democracy at ransom in Gilgit-Baltistan, the greater Kashmir area occupied by Pakistan.

 economictimes

HSL confident of getting refit order of fourth EKM submarine: CMD


With the refitting of INS Sindhuvir, a Kilo class submarine, in advance stage of completion, the Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) is hopeful of getting orders from Indian Navy for Medium Refit and Life Certification (MRLC) of fourth Russia-made EKM submarine under the ‘Make in India’ programme.

The Indian Navy is understood to have either entrusted the job of medium refit to extend the life of three such submarines to Russia or in the process of completing it. The HSL is one of the strong contenders for carrying out the job in lieu of its rich experience in submarine repairs and refitting.

The Defence Acquisition Council cleared the proposal for medium refit of four Russia-made Sindhughosh class submarines in 2014, for which the HSL was the only qualified domestic bidder to submit a proposal to take it up at a cost of around Rs1,500 crore.

“The work on INS Sindhuvir will be completed shortly. We are confident of getting the fourth Russia-made submarine to promote indigenisation,” HSL Chairman and Managing Director Rear Admiral L.V. Sarat Babu told The Hindu.

The HSL had successfully completed the refit of INS Sindhukirti. The work began in August, 2017.

The value of contract for Sindhuvir was stated to be around ₹500 crore. Its undocking was completed recently after extensive repairs.Incidentally, a majority of the works have been undertaken by MSMEs.

The Indian Navy is also extending the required support for timely refit of the vessel. Successful undocking of Sindhuvir was credited to perfect coordination between the HSL and the Naval Dockyard, he said.

Mr. Sarat Babu said continuity of refit orders from the Navy was essential, going by the HSL’s track-record in executing refit of submarines, extending their life by 10 years or so. The HSL has also developed a dedicated repair yard by investing more than ₹50 crore.Set up in 1941, the yard, which was brought under the Ministry of Defence in 2010, is putting in efforts to undertake the MRLC of fourth EKM submarine.
 The yard is also a strong contender to undertake construction of major indigenous submarine, futuristic submarine projects under P-75 (I) by tying up with a strategic partner. Keeping this in view, the HSL has already formed a consortium with the Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).

 thehindu

China raked up status of Aksai Chin at UNSC informal session


China not only supported Pakistan on the Kashmir issue at last Friday's closed-door informal session of the UN Security Council, but also raked up the status of Aksai Chin, a territory in Ladakh illegally occupied by Beijing, ET has learnt.

The Chinese Permanent Representative in the UN claimed that the government's decision to abrogate Article 370 challenged China's sovereign interests and violated bilateral agreements on maintaining peace and stability in the border area, sources told ET.

“What should be pointed out is that India’s action has also challenged the Chinese sovereign interests and violated bilateral agreements on maintaining peace and stability in the border area and, on that, China is also very much seriously concerned,” the senior Chinese diplomat is believed to have said, in an indirect reference to the status of Ladakh. “And, we wish to emphasize that such unilateral practice by India is not valid in relation to China and will not change China’s exercise of sovereignty and effective administrative jurisdiction over the territory.”
 Beijing decided to raise the issue at the UN despite Foreign Minister S Jaishankar allaying fears that re-designating Ladakh as a Union Territory would not impact the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and that Delhi was not making any additional territorial claims with regard to China.

During the bilateral foreign minister-level meeting in Beijing last Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi brought up the issue of legislation passed recently by Parliament on Jammu and Kashmir. Jaishankar told Wang that it was India’s internal matter. The issue relates to changes in a temporary provision of the Constitution and it is the sole prerogative of the country, he informed Wang.

The legislative measures were aimed at promoting better governance and socio-economic development. There was no implication for either the external boundaries of India or the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, Jaishankar told Wang.

Jaishankar also conveyed to his Chinese counterpart that so far as the India-China boundary question was concerned the two sides had agreed to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement on the basis of the 2005 Political Parameters and Guiding Principles.

Pakistan has also ceded territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China, making Beijing a stakeholder in the occupied area.

ET has further learnt that the senior Chinese diplomat also raised the issue of human rights violation in Kashmir. This comes at a time when Beijing is facing serious charges of human rights violation in Xinjiang, Tibet and, most recently, in Hong Kong. “It is ironical that a nation that has a chequered history of human rights violations in Tibet, Tiananmen, and currently in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, has sought to comment on the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir,” a source familiar with the developments said.

China has, so far, burnt its fingers twice this year while trying to safeguard its “all-weather friend” Pakistan at the UNSC.


Earlier this year, China was isolated while trying to protect Masood Azhar from being declared a global terrorist under its 1267 committee, but later backtracked.

Last week, China’s stature as a global power received a further jolt when no other country, except the UK, supported it at the UNSC on the issue of Kashmir. “This reflects the status China commands in the international community. Status is always not determined by raw power alone,” a source pointed out.

 economictimes

August 19, 2019

IAF set to shelve Jaguar engine upgrade, could buy more Su-30 MKIs instead


The Indian Air Force is set to shelve its plan for an engine upgrade of the Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft due to the high cost involved. Instead, it could go in for additional Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs to replace the aircraft that will be grounded, ThePrint has learnt.

Top sources in the defence establishment said the Rolls-Royce Adour 811 engines of the 1980s vintage twin-engine aircraft have seen 15-30 per cent reduction in thrust. This means the Jaguar cannot carry its full load.

The IAF had planned to go in for an engine upgrade and had selected US firm Honeywell’s F-125IN engines. But sources termed the Jaguar upgrade programme as being an awkward state of affairs.

“The price quoted by Honeywell and the HAL for ‘re-engining’ is just too high. For the price of two such upgrades, we can get one basic Rafale,” a source said.

Currently, the IAF operates a total of six squadrons of the Jaguar. However, in actual strength, there are only five squadrons, as the sixth is not a complete squadron.


Avionics upgrade won’t help ::

The Jaguar is already undergoing an avionics upgrade — from Darin-I to Darin-III standard — but this programme is seven years behind schedule.

“The Darin-III upgrade is all about avionics and a better cockpit system. However, the problem is with the engines. Since the thrust factor is coming down, the aircraft is already flying with lower load during peacetime operations as a precautionary measure,” a source said.

Sources added that there would come a time when aircraft would be grounded as and when their engine thrust comes below a specific point, as it would put the pilots’ lives at risk.

IAF pilots have a morbid joke among themselves that the Jaguar’s current engines are so underpowered that in case of one engine failing, the second takes the aircraft to the crash site, not back to safety.

More Sukhois ::

A source said the plan to procure more Sukhois was being considered because it could fulfil a similar role.

“One plan is to order more Su-30 MKIs to replace those fighters that would be grounded. As far as role is concerned, one Sukhoi can play the same role as two Jaguars,” the source said.

“We can’t really afford to ground the entire fleet if the engines become a problem. If we do that, our fighter squadron strength will come down to that of Pakistan. Not to forget that out of those 25 squadrons, we still have some of ageing MiGs.”

 theprint

Imran Khan Urges Global Community To Seize India’s Nuclear Weapons As Delhi Could Alter No First Use Policy





Imran Khan, the distraught Pakistani Prime Minister has once again reached out to the world to settle odds with India. After Indian Defence Minister hinted at the possibility of change in India’s nuclear policy last week, the Pakistan Prime Minister urged the international community to consider the safety and security of India’s nuclear arsenal.

Imran Khan in a Tweet posted on Sunday called upon the world to take cognisance of India’s latest remarks on nuclear use citing it an issue not just restricted to the region but the entire world. Has Delhi’s pledge to overview its nuclear doctrine sent across tremors in Islamabad?


Bilateral tensions escalating incessantly ::

Tensions between the two nations are perpetually rising ever since the Modi government amended the constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir and also declared the bifurcation of the state.

The government of India has delivered on its manifesto promise of repealing Kashmir’s special status and that surely doesn’t go down well with Pakistan. Pakistan has vehemently condemned India’s decision and has tried to garner international support against India’s move.

Earlier this week, the UNSC witnessed one it’s kind closed-door meeting in five decades where Kashmir was extensively discussed. China being a P5 nation dragged the Kashmir dispute to the UNSC but India efficiently repelled every argument put forth by China and Pakistan. Pakistan, however, did find some support from China and the ‘United Kingdom’.

Pakistan has vowed to initiate all possible actions against India be it diplomatic offences, military action or backing militants in Kashmir to express resentment to the revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A. Imran Khan even went on to say that Modi’s India has become reminiscent of Nazi Germany.

 eurasiantimes

‘Talks only on PoK’: Rajnath Singh stings Pakistan on Kashmir


Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hit out at Pakistan on Sunday and said that if talks are held between New Delhi and Islamabad it would only be on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

“If talks are held with Pakistan, it will now be on PoK,” Rajnath Singh said at a rally in Kalka, Haryana. He was flagging off the BJP’s ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatra’ ahead of the assembly elections in the state.

On Friday, Rajnath Singh had hinted that India might change its “no first use” policy for nuclear weapons amid heightened tensions between the two neighbours.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and other leaders have spoken against India after the central government decided to scral Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Rajnath Singh said on Sunday that Article 370 was nullified for the development of Jammu and Kashmir. “Our neighbour is knocking doors of international community saying India made a mistake. Talks with Pakistan will be held only if it stops supporting terror,” he said.

The United Nations Security Council on Friday held closed-door consultations on the Kashmir issue without granting Islamabad a formal and open meeting.

Islamabad’s request for a formal meeting of the Security Council garnered the support of only China among the body’s 15 members.

India said there is “broad acceptance” in the world community of its commitment to address issues with Pakistan bilaterally. “India’s commitment to address these issues on the bilateral track has very broad acceptance globally. We don’t need international busybodies to try to tell us how to run our lives,” Syed Akbaruddin, India’s envoy to the UN, had said.

The Pakistani leadership, both civilian and military, struck a belligerent note on the Kashmir issue. PM Imran Khan promised to fight till the end if India resorts to any sort of action.

Khan said the Pakistan Army had information the had plans to “take action” in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He said Pakistan would respond in an apt manner if such action takes place.

Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa said the force waa “fully ready to perform its part in line with our national duty for Kashmir cause”.

 hindustantimes

An Indian facility that makes Su-30MKI jets may shut down, toppling 400 local suppliers


An Indian facility that manufactures Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters may close in March 2020, leading to a domino effect that could see 400 local suppliers shut their shops over a lack of component orders, according to company officials and industry analysts.

A senior executive of India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited said the company, which owns the facility, will complete the production of the remaining eight Su-30MKI fighters on order by March. Then the production facility at Nasik, central India, could shut down if no new orders are placed, the executive warned.

An executive with the industry lobby group Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, said 400 local suppliers that build about 6,000 components worth $12.5 million for each Su-30MKI fighter may also shut down if no new orders are placed with HAL.

HAL produces about 12 Su-30MKI multirole fighters each year. The company is expected to complete the delivery of 272 Su-30MKI fighters by March 2020.

Each Su-30MKI is built by HAL for $70.3 million under license by Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation.

Another HAL executive said a formal request has been sent to the Indian Air Force and the Ministry for Defence that they place an additional order for 72 locally made Su-30MKI fighters for about $5 billion, but the government has not yet made a decision.

A senior Air Force official said the service could only order 18 fighters as a response to the number of Su-30MKI jets lost in accidents over the last two decades.

The Air Force is not eager to place large orders of these fighters because of the cost of locally made Su-30MKI jets.

“Each HAL-built Su-30MKI fighter costs around $70.3 million, where as a Russia-supplied fighter costs around $42.15 million,” the senior Air Force official said.

A senior MoD official said that Russia last month tried to pressure the Indian government to order an additional 72 Su-30MKI fighters with HAL, but the Indian Air Force is reluctant to place new orders in such a large number.

“The HAL built Su-30MKI fighter is not fully indigenized, only 51 percent is homemade, where the remaining 49 percent of supplies still comes from Russia,” said Bhim Sigh, a retired wing commander with the Indian Air Force.

Singh noted that most of the raw materials are sourced from Russia, including titanium blocks, forgings, aluminium and steel plates, as well as low-tech items such as nuts, bolts and screws.

HAL continues to depend on Russia as the original equipment manufacturer for components, raw material, servicing and overhaul of the fighters.

 

India looks to acquire military equipment on lease amidst budget squeeze


India is looking at lease contracting as a new methodology for acquiring military equipment amidst a budget squeeze at a time of rising expectations from its armed forces, with the Government on August 17 announcing a review of its Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP).

A 12-member committee led by Director General Defence Acquisitions will review the DPP 2016 and the Defence Procurement Manual 2009 and submit its recommendations in six months. Of the total budgetary allocation of 3,18,931.22 Crore ($46.5 Billion) for the armed forces made in July, only about a third – 1,08,248.80 Crore ($15.2 Billion) – has been provisioned for procurements under the Capital Expenditure head for military modernisation. For two of the three Defence services, their share of this allocation falls short of even the committed liabilities for purchases already made.

Incorporation of lease contracting, life cycle costing and performance based logistics in the DPP are among the terms of reference for the review committee.

Of the total budgetary allocation of 3,18,931.22 Crore ($46.5 Billion) for the armed forces made in July, only about a third – 1,08,248.80 Crore ($15.2 Billion) – has been provisioned for procurements under the Capital Expenditure head for military modernisation. For two of the three Defence services, their share of this allocation falls short of even the committed liabilities for purchases already made.

Analysts reckon that a 6.87 per cent hike in Defence spending recorded in this Budget falls way short of the real requirements for ensuring India’s military readiness. This resource crunch appears even more stark after capability gaps were exposed in the recent aerial confrontation with Pakistan post the Balakot airstrike in February.

The terms of reference for the DPP review committee make it clear that the Government is looking for ways to manoeuvre around the fund crunch to ensure adequate military readiness through availability of assets at a fraction of the cost of ownership.

The terms of reference for the DPP review committee make it clear that the Government is looking for ways to manoeuvre around the fund crunch to ensure adequate military readiness through availability of assets at a fraction of the cost of ownership.
 Lease contracting is an arrangement to use a military asset without owning it. Leading western militaries including the UK’s use leased equipment, including mid-air refuellers. The contractor, who is the owner of the equipment, has to ensure a minimum level of availability of these assets, which also brings in the concept of performance-based logistics. This also provides flexibility to the user to replace the equipment at desired intervals without incurring the burden and costs of ownership-acquisition.

While militaries want ownership over core platforms and weapon systems, taking support equipment on lease to save costs is a concept which many leading forces are now increasingly open to examining. The flip side of this arrangement is that this leaves a user more dependent on the contractor, and thus vulnerable, in times of conflict.

In the past, India has used the lease route only to acquire nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) from Russia. But in this case, there was no other way to acquire the capability. The incorporation of lease contracting as a regular element in the DPP could enable, for instance, the Indian Navy to acquire the Japanese ShinMaywa US-2 amphibious aircraft, for which there’s a long-standing requirement which is unrequited due to lack of funds. The IAF could look at acquiring some transport aircraft, and perhaps even mid-air refuellers down this route, experts reckon.

While acquiring military assets on lease is a new – and perhaps tricky – issue on account of national security concerns, it is a routine feature in sectors like civil aviation, the viability of which is based on wet and dry lease of aircraft.

In the past, India has used the lease route only to acquire nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) from Russia. But in this case, there was no other way to acquire the capability which is of a strategic nature. The incorporation of lease contracting as a regular element in the DPP could enable, for instance, the Indian Navy to acquire the Japanese ShinMaywa US-2 amphibious aircraft, for which there’s a long-standing requirement which is unrequited due to lack of funds

The DPP was last revised in 2016 under the Defence Ministership of Manohar Parrikar, putting the Make in India agenda at the centre of India’s military procurements. A new category of Indian Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) was added to the procurement methodology. Chapter 7 of DPP 2016 also made a provision for the Strategic Partnership Model to stimulate the emergence of a private sector Defence Industrial Complex.
 A review of DPP 2016 has been overdue. “The Committee will revise and align the procedures with the aim of ensuring seamless flow from asset acquisition to life cycle support,” the Ministry of Defence stated.

The terms of reference for the review committee include “wherever applicable, (to) examine and incorporate new concepts, such as life cycle costing, life cycle support, performance based logistics, ICT, lease contracting, codification & standardisation”.

The review committee has also been tasked with simplifying procedure, removal of bottlenecks to enable quick acquisition, greater participation of Industry and promotion of start-ups and research and development, with the overall mandate of advancing the Make in India agenda.

 SP Guide Publications

August 16, 2019

‘Jai Hind… help free Balochistan from Pakistan’: Baloch activists to India on Independence Day


Irrespective of being a province within the territory of Pakistan, people of Balochistan on Thursday expressed their solidarity with Indians on the occasion of the country’s 73rd Independence Day and said they need India’s support to free their land from the domination of Pakistan and its military establishment.

“I want to wish my Indian brothers and sisters a very happy Independence Day. The success they have made in the last 70 years makes Indians proud. Today, Indians are proud all around the world. We Balochs are thankful for their solidarity and help. We want them to raise their voice for a free Balochistan. We need their support. Thank you and Jai Hind,” said Baloch activist, Atta Baloch.

Balochistan, the most volatile province in the southwestern borders of Pakistan has been struggling since 1948 against Pakistani occupation. The Baloch people say that they got independence from the British on August 11, 1947.

The province, rich in natural gas fields, has also accused China of plundering their economic wealth especially after the construction of modern transportation networks, numerous energy projects, and special economic zones under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Another Baloch activist, Ashraf Sherjan, also after wishing India on this occasion urged the latter to “raise Balochistan officially in all forms, including the United Nations.”

“I wish a very happy Independence Day to all my Indian brothers and sisters. We appeal to India to raise Balochistan officially in all forms, including the United Nations. The people of Balochistan are suffering genocide at the hands of Pakistan and its military establishment,” Sherjan said.

“Balochistan is bleeding,” he added.

The activist further requested India to be “please be the voice of the voiceless” and concluded his remarks by calling out loud in Hindi, “Bharat mata ki jai.”

On August 14, Pakistan observed its Independence Day as ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’, in a protest against India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 that accorded Jammu and Kashmir with special status and passing a bill, which bifurcated the region into two Union Territories.

However, the cash-strapped nation was left red-faced after #BalochistanSolidarityDay and #14AugustBlackDay started trending on Twitter with more than 100,000 tweets and 54,000 tweets, respectively.

At a time when Islamabad has been urging the UN Security Council to take action over Kashmiris in the wake of changing status of Jammu and Kashmir, it is worth mentioning that the human rights violations in Balochistan, the most volatile province in Pakistan, have already drawn concerns of the international community and other human rights watchdogs.

 hindustantimes

August 14, 2019

Rafale jets coming to India! IAF to receive first batch of French fighters in September


Indian Air Force (IAF) is getting ready to receive the first batch of four `Rafale’ fighter aircraft from Dassault Aviation in France next month.

These state-of-the-art Rafale fighter planes are twin-engine multi-role fighter aircraft, nuclear-capable and can engage in both air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks. After receiving these combat aircraft equipped with Meteor missile, SCALP ground attack missiles with a range of up to 300 Kms will undergo extensive trials before being formally inducted in the service in 2020. These aircraft are also fitted with AESA radar, SPECTRA Electronic Warfare System and IRST System.

IAF pilots and ground crews are undergoing extensive training in France and will test these machines intensively for 1,500 hours for validating the specifications requested by India. These new machines will be based at Ambala Airbase in ‘Golden Arrows’ 17 Squadron which is closer to the Western border with Pakistan. The Ambala Airbase is also home to the Jaguars, which due to their rapid deployment capabilities is deployed to deal with incidents from Pakistan.

The other squadron of the Rafale fighters are expected to be based out of Hashimara, West Bengal and this will be in an effort to tackle any incidents coming from China, according to sources.

The pilots of the IAF have had an opportunity to fly these aircraft at the recently concluded Garuda joint Air Force exercise, where the French side had sent in Rafale and Mirage aircraft for the war games. Even during Ex-Varuna joint naval exercise, The French side had sent in Rafale aircraft which were in a combat drill with Indian Navy’s Russian MiG-29 K fighter machines.

These four aircraft are being delivered in September to the IAF as per the contract and the whole order of 36 fighter jets (two squadrons) will be concluded in the next two years. The contract for 36 fighter jets was inked in September 2016, with the French government and Dassault Aviation for around Euro 7.8 billion.

 financialexpress

‘Be honest, Kashmir was never yours,’ Islamic scholar slams Pakistan


Kashmir was never a part of Pakistan, or will be a part of it, a controversial Islamic scholar has told Pakistan, asking it to face the situation with “honesty”.

“Kashmir was never part of Pakistan. Kashmir will never be part of Pakistan. Both Pakistan and Kashmir belong to India. Muslims converting from Hinduism to Islam... doesn’t change the fact that the entire region is Hindu Land. India is older than Islam let alone Pakistan. Be honest..,” Imam Mohamad Tawhidi said in a tweet.

Imam Mohamad Tawhidi



@Imamofpeace
Kashmir was never part of Pakistan. Kashmir will never be part of Pakistan.
Both Pakistan and Kashmir belong to India. Muslims converting from Hinduism to Islam doesn’t change the fact that the entire region is Hindu Land. India is older than Islam let alone Pakistan. Be honest..

Tawhidi, whose Twitter handle “@imam of peace”, describes him as a “peace advocate”, a “reformist imam”, and “national bestselling author”, who rejects extremists, and both the far-left/far-right”, had even earlier said his position was consistent that Kashmir was “Hindu land” that never belonged to Pakistan, and he re-affirmed this during his last visit to India.

 hindustantimes

Target Indian forces in J&K, make it seem like Kashmiri protest: Pakistan to terrorists


Hassled by the calm in Jammu and Kashmir in the aftermath of Article 370 being revoked, Pakistan is learnt to have instructed terrorists to target Indian forces in the union territory but make it seem like the locals are agitating.

Pakistan, known to shelter and support terrorist organisations to wage proxy wars against India, has been frustrated by the peace in Jammu and Kashmir as well as by the country's inability to conjure world opinion to its liking. While on the one hand, the country has reportedly mobilised more troops on the Line of Control, Indian intelligence agencies say Pakistan has also looked at pushing in terrorists to create violence in Jammu and Kashmir. According to one such report, these terrorists have been told to instigate protests and stone-pelting without directly taking part in these.

The terrorists have also been told to attack Indian security installations but in a way that would make it seem like the work of locals in Jammu and Kashmir.

Such under-hand tactics have long been part of Pakistan's nefarious ways in a bid to internationalise the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. While India has strongly underlined that matters of Jammu and Kashmir are an internal matter - a stand backed by the global community, New Delhi also maintains that any dispute related to Kashmir is bilateral in nature and needs no intervention from a third party. India has also maintained that peace talks cannot happen till Pakistan provides support and shelter to terrorists.

In Pakistan, there has been a sense of uneasy urgency to make India appear in the bad light after the decision to revoke Article 370. Imran Khan has openly said that a Pulwama-type attack could take place while some of the country's top politicians have taken to Twitter to try an instigate people. All of these words and actions have come to a nought as peace and calm has prevailed in Jammu and Kashmir.

 zeenews

August 13, 2019

UPA Freed 25 Jihadis as ‘Goodwill Gesture’ to Pakistan 18 months after 26/11


The UPA-2 Government led by PM Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi had released 25 hardcore Pakistani terrorists lodged in various jails of Bharat to Pakistan in May, 2010 as a ‘goodwill gesture’ in an effort to ‘repair ties with Pakistan’. This shocking revelation was made in a recent news report –

“This was one “goodwill gesture” which spectacularly boomeranged on the UPA government. Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) terrorist Shahid Latif, chief handler of the fidayeen squad that attacked the Pathankot airbase in January 2016, was released by India in 2010 as part of the Manmohan Singh government’s effort to repair ties with Pakistan.

High-level sources told TOI that 47-year-old Latif, who was in an Indian jail for 11 years for acts of terrorism, was among 25 militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and JeM who were freed on May 28, 2010, as part of the Centre’s outreach to the hostile neighbour. They were lodged in jails in Jammu, Srinagar, Agra, Varanasi, Naini (UP) and Tihar, and were deported to Pakistan through Wagah.

Interestingly, Latif’s release was sought by the same Jaish terrorists who had hijacked Indian Airlines flight IC-814 and managed to get their chief, Maulana Masood Azhar, freed along with two others in exchange for 154 passengers in December 1999. However, the then Vajpayee government had refused to release Latif and 31 others on Jaish’s “wish list”.

Latif acts as main handler of JeM terrorists in India.

In 1999, the NDA government freed Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar and Omar Sheikh, an alumnus of London School of Economics who courted further notoriety by kidnapping and killing American journalist Daniel Pearl.

The AI hijack plot was conceived and executed with the support of ISI. However, what the Pakistani spy agency and its terrorist proxies could not accomplish by taking innocent passengers hostage, they managed to achieve by guile — by persuading the Manmohan Singh government that the release of Pakistanis detained in Indian jails on terror charges would be received well with their constituents and help create a conducive atmosphere for rapprochement.”


Why And How Was This Kept Secret For So Long?

Congress President Sonia Gandhi routinely tom-toms the RTI (Right to Information) Act passed by UPA-1 as one of the key achievements of the Congress under her rule. So why did her party and Government not share this decision to release 25 hardcore terrorists with the citizens of Bharat?
What was the compelling need to show ‘goodwill’ to Pakistan just 18 months after the dastardly 26/11/08 Mumbai terror attack (where 164 people were killed and 308 wounded), an attack that was carried out by terror org LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba) in collaboration with ISI (Pakistan’s intelligence agency)?
Did we at least manage to free some of the Bharatiyas languishing in Pakistani jails like Sarabjit Singh (who died in 2013 in a Lahore jail) in return?
If this was a unilateral act of magnanimity by Bharat, why did we not publicize the release to build some kind of moral & international pressure on Pakistan to stop using Islamic terror as a weapon against Bharat?

Questions are aplenty, but sadly none of the big-shots in our media will bother or dare to question the Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi or ex-PM Manmohan Singh on this vital issue. Instead, the so-called ‘best & brightest’ of our media does what it does best – protect the Congress by misleading the public and creating false equivalences –

This man, Shekhar Gupta, was editor in chief of one of the leading English newspapers Indian Express, at the time this surreptitious deal between UPA and Pakistan was struck. He was the one who ran a fake ‘coup’ story in Indian Express to malign then Army Chief VK Singh who had rubbed various Congress leaders the wrong way. This profile of Gupta titled ‘How profit and principle shaped the journalism of Shekhar Gupta’ reveals his close relationship with P Chidambaram (senior Congress leader and former Finance & Home Minister in UPA-1 & 2) –

So it is no surprise that Shekhar Gupta and his fellow travelers in national media like Rajdeep Sardesai, Barkha Dutt, Prannoy Roy, Sagarika Ghose, Karan Thapar, Shobhana Bharatiya etc. will try to suppress or deflect this damning revelation now – it beggars belief that this Lutyen’s Delhi cabal was unaware of this unconditional terrorist release back in 2010; most likely, they knew about it but kept mum so as not to displease their Congress paymasters or because they belong to the ‘Aman ki Asha’ with Pakistan peacenik camp.


What ISI couldn’t achieve through IC-814 hijack, UPA Gave on a platter ::

This is the most damning part of the whole story: The hijackers of IC-814 had demanded the NDA Government to release 35 terrorists in exchange of 154 hijacked passengers. The NDA negotiators brought the hijackers down to 3 terrorists (Maulana Masood Azhar, Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar and Omar Sheikh) who were finally released after an excruciating public drama played up in media wherein the families of the hijacked civilians pleaded directly with the Government. One of the terrorists which the NDA Government had refused to release was Shahid Latif, chief handler of JeM in Bharat – Latif was one of the 25 terrorists released as a ‘goodwill gesture’ by UPA-2 and he went on to handle the fidayeen squad that attacked the Pathankot airbase in January this year.

The skeletons are tumbling out of the Congress cupboard fast and thick now – while UPA was booted out of power due to mega-corruption and poor governance, the most serious damage they did was to our national security, both internal and external. The Ishrat Jehan saga, ‘saffron terror’ bogey, and now this unilateral release of 25 Pakistani jihadis – all episodes prove that Congress under its present leadership poses a clear threat to the nation; while one hopes that the wheels of justice will turn slowly and interminably to punish Sonia Gandhi and other senior Congress stalwarts, at least in the court of public opinion (i.e elections) the people of this country seem to have learnt this lesson as the recent assembly election results show.

 hindupost

Russia's Su-35 Fighter: Can It Kill American F-15s, F-22s and Even F-35s?





The Su-35 has twelve to fourteen weapons hardpoints, giving it an excellent loadout compared to the eight hardpoints on the F-15C and F-22, or the four internally stowed missiles on the F-35.

The Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E is the top Russian air-superiority fighter in service today, and represents the pinnacle of fourth-generation jet fighter design. It will remain so until Russia succeeds in bringing its fifth-generation PAK-FA stealth fighter into production.

Distinguished by its unrivaled maneuverability, most of the Su-35’s electronics and weapons capabilities have caught up with those of Western equivalents, like the F-15 Eagle. But while it may be a deadly adversary to F-15s, Eurofighters and Rafales, the big question mark remains how effectively it can contend with fifth-generation stealth fighters such as the F-22 and F-35.

The Su-35 is an evolution of the Su-27 Flanker, a late Cold War design intended to match the F-15 in concept: a heavy twin-engine multirole fighter combining excellent speed and weapons loadout with dogfighting agility.

An Su-27 stunned the audience of the Paris Air Show in 1989 when it demonstrated Pugachev’s Cobra, a maneuver in which the fighter rears its nose up to 120-degree vertical—but continues to soar forward along the plane’s original attitude.

Widely exported, the Flanker has yet to clash with Western fighters, but did see air-to-air combat in Ethiopian service during a border war with Eritrea, scoring four kills against MiG-29s for no loss. It has also been employed on ground attack missions.

The development history of the Su-35 is a bit complicated. An upgraded Flanker with canards (additional small wings on the forward fuselage) called the Su-35 first appeared way back in 1989, but is not the same plane as the current model; only fifteen were produced. Another upgraded Flanker, the two-seat Su-30, has been produced in significant quantities, and its variants exported to nearly a dozen countries.

The current model in question, without canards, is properly called the Su-35S and is the most advanced type of the Flanker family. It began development in 2003 under the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association (KnAAPO), a subcontractor of Sukhoi. The first prototypes rolled out in 2007 and production began in 2009.


Airframe and Engines

The Flanker family of aircraft is supermaneuverable—meaning it is engineered to perform controlled maneuvers that are impossible through regular aerodynamic mechanisms. In the Su-35, this is in part achieved through use of thrust-vectoring engines: the nozzles of its Saturn AL-41F1S turbofans can independently point in different directions in flight to assist the aircraft in rolling and yawing. Only one operational Western fighter, the F-22 Raptor, has similar technology.

This also allows the Su-35 to achieve very high angles-of-attack—in other words, the plane can be moving in one direction while its nose is pointed in another. A high angle of attack allows an aircraft to more easily train its weapons on an evading target and execute tight maneuvers.

Such maneuvers may be useful for evading missiles or dogfighting at close ranges—though they leave any aircraft in a low-energy state.

The Flanker-E can achieve a maximum speed of Mach 2.25 at high altitude (equal to the F-22 and faster than the F-35 or F-16) and has excellent acceleration. However, contrary to initial reports, it appears it may not be able to supercruise—perform sustained supersonic flight without using afterburners—while loaded for combat. Its service ceiling is sixty thousand feet, on par with F-15s and F-22s, and ten thousand feet higher than Super Hornets, Rafales and F-35s.

The Su-35 has expanded fuel capacity, giving it a range of 2,200 miles on internal fuel, or 2,800 miles with two external fuel tanks. Both the lighter titanium airframe and the engines have significantly longer life expectancies than their predecessors, at six thousand and 4,500 flight hours, respectively. (For comparison, the F-22 and F-35 are rated at eight thousand hours).


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The Flanker airframe is not particularly stealthy. However, adjustments to the engine inlets and canopy, and the use of radar-absorbent material, supposedly halve the Su-35’s radar cross-section; one article claims it may be down to between one and three meters. This could reduce the range it can be detected and targeted, but the Su-35 is still not a “stealth fighter.”


Weaponry

The Su-35 has twelve to fourteen weapons hardpoints, giving it an excellent loadout compared to the eight hardpoints on the F-15C and F-22, or the four internally stowed missiles on the F-35.

At long range, the Su-35 can use K-77M radar-guided missiles (known by NATO as the AA-12 Adder), which are claimed to have range of over 120 miles.

For shorter-range engagements, the R-74 (NATO designation: AA-11 Archer) infrared-guided missile is capable of targeting “off boresight”—simply by looking through a helmet-mounted optical sight, the pilot can target an enemy plane up sixty degrees away from where his plane is pointed. The R-74 has a range of over twenty-five miles, and also uses thrust-vectoring technology.

The medium-range R-27 missile and the extra long-range R-37 (aka the AA-13 Arrow, for use against AWACs, EW and tanker aircraft) complete the Su-35’s air-to-air missile selection.

Additionally, the Su-35 is armed with a thirty-millimeter cannon with 150 rounds for strafing or dogfighting.

The Flanker-E can also carry up to seventeen thousand pounds of air-to-ground munitions. Historically, Russia has made only limited use of precision-guided munitions (PGMs) compared to Western air forces. However, the capability for large-scale use of such weapons is there, if doctrine and munition stocks accommodate it.


Sensors and Avionics

The Su-35’s most critical improvements over its predecessors may be in hardware. It is equipped with a powerful L175M Khibiny electronic countermeasure system intended to distort radar waves and misdirect hostile missiles. This could significantly degrade attempts to target and hit the Flanker-E.

The Su-35’s IRBIS-E passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar is hoped to provide better performance against stealth aircraft. It is claimed to able to track up to thirty airborne targets with a Radar-cross section of three meters up to 250 miles away—and targets with cross-sections as small 0.1 meters over fifty miles away. However, PESA radars are easier to detect and to jam than the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars now used by Western fighters. The IRBIS also has an air-to ground mode that can designate up to four surface targets at time for PGMs.

Supplementing the radar is an OLS-35 targeting system that includes an Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) system said to have a fifty-mile range—potentially a significant threat to stealth fighters.

More mundane but vital systems—such as pilot multi-function displays and fly-by-wire avionics—have also been significantly updated.


Operational Units and Future Customers

Currently, the Russian Air Force operates only forty-eight Su-35s. Another fifty were ordered in January 2016, and will be produced at a rate of ten per year. Four Su-35s were deployed to Syria this January after a Russian Su-24 was shot down by a Turkish F-16. Prominently armed with air-to-air missiles, the Su-35s were intended to send a message that the Russians could pose an aerial threat if attacked.

China has ordered twenty-four Su-35s at a cost of $2 billion, but is thought unlikely to purchase more. Beijing’s interest is believed to lie mostly in copying the Su-35’s thrust-vector engines for use in its own designs. The Chinese PLAAF already operates the Shenyang J-11, a copy of the Su-27.

Attempts to market the Su-35 abroad, especially to India and Brazil, have mostly foundered. Recently, however, Indonesia has indicated it wishes to purchase eight this year, though the contract signing has been repeatedly delayed. Algeria is reportedly considering acquiring ten for $900 million. Egypt, Venezuela and Vietnam are also potential customers.

Cost estimates for the Su-35 have run between $40 million and $65 million; however, the exports contracts have been at prices above $80 million per unit.


Against the Fifth Generation

The Su-35 is at least equal—if not superior—to the very best Western fourth-generation fighters. The big question, is how well can it perform against a fifth-generation stealth plane such as the F-22 or F-35?

The maneuverability of the Su-35 makes it an unsurpassed dogfighter. However, future aerial clashes using the latest missiles (R-77s, Meteors, AIM-120s) could potentially take place over enormous ranges, while even short-range combat may involve all-aspect missiles like the AIM-9X and R-74 that don’t require pointing the aircraft at the target. Nonetheless, the Su-35’s speed (which contributes to a missile’s velocity) and large load-carrying abilities mean it can hold its own in beyond-visual-range combat. Meanwhile, the Flanker-E’s agility and electronic countermeasures may help it evade opposing missiles.

The more serious issue, though, is that we don’t know how effective stealth technology will be against a high-tech opponent. An F-35 stealth fighter that gets in a short-range duel with a Flanker-E will be in big trouble—but how good a chance does the faster, more-maneuverable Russian fighter have of detecting that F-35 and getting close to it in the first place?

As the U.S. Air Force would have it, stealth fighters will be able to unleash a hail of missiles up to one hundred miles away without the enemy having any way to return fire until they close to a (short) distance, where visual and IR scanning come into play. Proponents of the Russian fighter argue that it will be able to rely upon ground-based low-bandwidth radars, and on-board IRST sensors and PESA radar, to detect stealth planes. Keep in mind, however, that the former two technologies are imprecise and can’t be used to target weapons in most cases.

Both parties obviously have huge economic and political incentives to advance their claims. While it is worthwhile examining the technical merits of these schools of thought in detail, the question will likely only be resolved by testing under combat conditions. Furthermore, other factors such as supporting assets, mission profile, pilot training and numbers play a large a role in determining the outcomes of aerial engagements.

The Su-35 may be the best jet-age dogfighter ever made and a capable missile delivery platform—but whether that will suffice for an air-superiority fighter in the era of stealth technology remains to be seen.

 nationalinterest

August 12, 2019

India buying more Mig-29s; Is it a good move?


A lot has been said about IAF staring at a depleting fleet size problem as many aircrafts are set to retire in next few years. As per the information in the public domain, the IAF should ideally have a strength of 42 combat squadrons to be fully prepared for a two-front war. With barely 32 squadrons of fighter aircraft currently in inventory, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is staring at a massive problem.

Rafale deal has been struck and the first French fighter would be delivered in September and in the next few years, 35 more would come. But, that is not enough. The IAF will be phasing out nine squadrons of the MiG-21 and 2 MiG-27 over the next 5 years.

Tejas was supposed to have played a key role in IAF's scheme things. It was thought that India's requirement for single engine fighters could be met with LCA Tejas. But due to multiple problems encountered during Tejas's development and HAL's failure to meet the delivery deadlines, IAF was forced to look at other foreign aircrafts.

So to make up the failing number of fighters, from where will the remaining come from. Undoubtedly, IAF will have to start procurement process, whether it is Eurofighter Typhoon or the F-22, that is for the time tell. Here is what we know so far.

IAF will get the MiG-29 fighters upgraded to the latest standards by Russia, and get them at virtually throwaway prices, reportedly Rs 200 crore per piece. They will augment the 62 MiG-29 fighters that are in the IAF's fleet which are also being upgraded to give them an all-weather multi-role capability. In fact, there are reportedly 15 more such aircraft.

IAF is in advance talks with Russia for an urgent procurement of MiG 29 fighters that can be delivered at a relatively short notice. The plan to acquire 21 additional aircraft to make a new squadron of MiG 29 jets that were first purchased in the 1980s has been discussed in detail last month and is expected to cost the Indian exchequer less than Rs 6,000 crore. The MiG 29s, if procured, will cost significantly lesser than the Rafale fighter jets.

MiG has been the backbone of the IAF for decades now. Many expert have raised concerns that these Russian made planes are old and not fit for current era of fifth generation fighters. MiGs are also referred to as 'flying relics'. Given this, is it a good move to buy more of them.


Is it a good move to buy more MiGs?

India is going for MiG-29s which have been significantly upgraded. In fact when MiG-29 downed a Pakistani F-16 in March during a dogfight, many marvelled at it. But, Russia promptly issued a statement saying that new MiGs are comparable to modern F series of fighters made by the us.


This is what we know of new MiG 29s:

According to the defence ministry, the upgraded aircraft are now being used for routine operations in frontline squadrons and are equipped with the "state-of-the-art avionics, an array of smart air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons and in-flight refuelling".

The upgrade with new weapons and avionics is aimed at turning the twin-engine MiG-29 from an air defence fighter into a far more lethal all-weather multi-role fighter into a far more lethal all-weather multi-role fighter. In 2018, the upgraded MiG-29 showcased its combat capabilities at Admapur Air Force Station. The strategically important Adampur Air Force Station, 100 km from Pakistan and 250 km from the border with China, is now home to the upgraded MiG-29s. The Air Force has three squadrons of MiG-29s, two of them at Adampur Air Force Station.

One squadron comprises 16-18 aircraft. The MiG-29's good operational record prompted India to sign a deal with Russia between 2005-2006 to upgrade all 62 jets for over $900 million.

The aircraft is effectively 33 years old and still remain an effective weapons platform to this day. Indian review of the MIG-29 does show that the jet structures is still sound and worthwhile the upgrades it needs to performance for another 10-15 years, said a report published in defenceupdates.in.

The fighter aircraft, which played a crucial role in India's victory in the 1999 Kargil war, now is capable of refueling mid-air, lauch multi-dimensional attacks and is now compatible with the latest missile, said Flight Lieutenant Karan Kohli told PTI. MiG-29 may continue to remain good for another 10-15 years.

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BECA: India set to ink third foundational military pact with US


Decks have been cleared for India to sign the pending third foundational military pact with the United States. The pact is expected to give a boost to the country’s defence system and counter the Russia-China-Pakistan (RCP) axis.

According to sources, the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) for geospatial cooperation was discussed at the bilateral Defence Planning Group (DPG) dialogue in Washington recently. The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra, who had a meeting with US Under Secretary of Defence for Policy, John Rood.

Sources said the DPG has been revived after a gap of four years. The decision to revive it was taken at the last 2+2 dialogue between India and the US last year and was attended by the defence and foreign ministers of both countries.

India has already signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) with the US and Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA). However, it is yet to sign the BECA for geospatial cooperation. A country needs to sign these three pacts to obtain cutting-edge weapons and communications systems from the United States.

BECA, sources said, will allow India to use US expertise on geospatial intelligence and to enhance military accuracy of automated hardware systems and weapons like cruise, ballistic missiles and drones.

“The US had shared the draft agreement of BECA with India. However, India had certain reservations in view of its national security. This was conveyed to the US establishment, which held it up for quite some time. However, the US has now agreed to modify the draft to address India’s concerns, paving the way for signing of BECA by the end of this year,” a source said.

The COMCASA allows the US to transfer communication equipment to India which facilitates secure transmission of data and real-time information between the armed forces of the two countries. The LEMOA, on the other hand, allows Indian and US defence forces to use each other’s facilities and establish procedures of easier access to supplies and services required by them.

Experts are of the view that signing BECA is crucial for India in order to neutralise the Russia-China-Pakistan axis for the larger interest of the country and also for the stability of the Indo-Pacific region. They feel that the RCP axis poses a big threat to regional peace.

COMCASA was signed last year and the two countries agreed on working together for India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG). The agreement, which was pending for almost 10 years, was aimed at opening the way for the sale of more sensitive US military equipment to India. It is to be noted that India was designated a “major defence partner” in 2016 by the US.

India and the United States have come close in recent years, seeking ways to counter-balance China’s spreading influence across Asia, especially in Pakistan, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. The US has emerged as India’s second largest arms supplier, closing deals worth $15 billion in the last 10 years.

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