Chinese Attack Sub Allegedly Tails US Aircraft Carrier

 

A Chinese submarine is said to have "sailed very close" to the USS Reagan, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, just days before Washington caused uproar by sending the USS Lassen within 12 nautical miles of man-made islands which Beijing claims as its own, the Washington Free Beacon reported, citing unnamed US defense officials.

"Disclosure of the Chinese submarine encounter comes as Adm. Harry Harris is visiting China for the first time as the commander of US forces in the Pacific. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Command spokesmen declined to comment on the submarine encounter but did not deny that the incident occurred," the media outlet noted.

The encounter is alleged to have happened on or around October 24 in the Sea of Japan after the USS Reagan left its homeport of Yokosuka, Japan. No additional details of the incident are available, including the type of the Chinese submarine or the distance between the two warships.
 The Washington Free Beacon referred to the incident as "the closest encounter" between a US aircraft carrier and a Chinese submersible in nearly a decade. A previous incident involving the USS Kitty Hawkand and a Song-class attack submarine took place on October 26, 2006.
On October 26, 2015, the US carried out a so-called "freedom of navigation" operation in the South China Sea, which Beijing denounced as a violation of its sovereignty and a "blatant provocation." On Wednesday, China's Defense Minister Chang Wanquan urged the US to refrain from similar acts in the future.Chang Wanquan reaffirmed that Beijing is strongly against any US moves that threaten "China's sovereignty and security interests and undermines regional peace and stability," Xinhua news agency reported.

 sputnik

India seals Rs 70,000 cr missile deal with Russia

 

(UNI) :  In what could easily be said the biggest ever defence deal with Russia, India has stitched a contract to acquire S-400 anti-ballistic missile systems from Moscow at a cost of around Rs 70,000 crores, top sources in the Defence Ministry said here today.
The modalities, including the price of deal and number of systems to be acquired, were agreed upon in the meeting of India-Russia Inter Governmental Commission on Military-Technical-Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) which concluded today in Moscow, with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar co-chairing it jointly with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu.
The mega deal, along with an agreement to get another nuclear submarine, is likely to be formally signed during the visit to Russia of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who would be travelling to Moscow sometime in December for an annual summit with President Vladimir Putin, the sources told .

Will India Purchase 154 Fighter Jets From Russia?

 

A collaboration contract for joint work and delivery of 154 Perspective Multirole Fighter (PMF), the derivative Indian version of the PAK FA T-50 fifth generation fighter jet, is expected to finally be signed during the Indo-Russian summit this December, The Financial Express reports.
The agreement, which already was supposed to have been signed this July, includes a fixed order of 154 aircraft, a definite work share commitment, and a detailed order of the number of single- versus double-seat PMF (aka Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) fighter planes. According to the draft agreement, the aircraft will be built in India, but all of the components will be manufactured in Russia.
Additionally, the contract will likely include specifications regarding the 40 changes that the Indian Air Force (IAF) wants in comparison to the current T-50 prototype such as the aircraft’s AL-41F1 engine and its stealth and weapon-carrying capability.
As I reported previously (See: “What’s the Status of the Indian-Russian Fifth Generation Fighter Jet?”), in early 2007 India and Russia agreed to jointly develop a fifth generation fighter jet. Unfortunately, the program has been plagued by delays, cost overruns, and unsteady technology; which, among other things,  has affected the IAF’s plan to increase the number of combat squadrons from currently 32 (some sources say 35) to 42 by 2027 (See: “India’s Air Force Will Field 42 Combat Squadrons by 2027”).
As a result, according to a senior official in the Indian Ministry of Defense quoted by The Financial Express, the Indian government might need to reevaluate its negotiation position vis-à-vis Russia when it comes to details of the contract:

Given the current situation, where the Indian Air Force (IAF) is in deep trouble due to its fast depleting force structure, the Indian government will need to take well thought out decision with long-term and strategic foresight. There is no doubt that the PAK-FA (Sukhoi Design Proposal) will be emerge as a major FGFA in the world. Hence, it would be better for India to take a reality check on the FGFA and recalibrate its position.

Speaking to The Financial Express, retired Air Marshall M. Matheswaran provided some additional background info on the FGFA program:

The origins of FGFA proposals go back to 2002, when it was suggested by the Russians for an inter-governmental program. Given the urgency of its requirement for the badly-depleted Russian Air Force and the need for financial investment to cover the huge cost of the program, Russia hoped to address it through India as its partner. Besides, a huge order from the IAF would retain continuity in India-Russia military aircraft production relationship and help the Russian aircraft industry.
 In the meantime, many things have happened. The IAF has downsized its requirement to just 64 aircraft as off-the shelf buy. Discussions on costs and role in non-existent design and development have resulted in a messy situation. The defense minister will have a tough call to make.

The Russian Air Force is slated to receive its first batch of PAK FA T-50 fifth generation fighter jets by late 2016 or early 2017. However, the current head of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, is not counting on the successful completion of the Indo-Russian project:

 If the FGFA comes through it is fine, otherwise the Indian FGFA — that is the AMCA, the advanced medium combat aircraft — we still have over 15 years to work on it before the MiG-29 upgraded aircraft retire, before the Mirage 2000 upgraded ones retire, as well as Jaguar upgraded ones retire in another 15 years.

Both countries have already invested around $230 million into the program. If the $35 billion deal is signed,  it would be one of India’s most expensive defense procurement programs ever.

 thediplomat

Strengthening submarine fleet of India

 

(NJS): India’s long pending requirement of submarines may be bit fulfilled for time being by selecting  Two kilo class submarines in fasttrack mode, this December  visiting Indian prime minister may be expected likely to ink.

After a  major setback to Indian underwater capability , after one of the kilo class ‘INS Sindhurakshak’ met deadly accident, Indian submarine fleet gone into deep trouble. The current strength of the Indian submarine fleet is like a toy against in case of two way front war against our land grabbing neighbours . once Chinese state media the Global Times, used the term 'Paper Tiger' to describe the Indian navy.

This year December visit to russia  by India Prime minister , Russia may offer india with its ongoing projects of its two kilo class submarines, which is currently under constructed in St.Petersburg Yard, 

1. Veliky Novgorod and

 2. Kolpino , 

which is project 636.6 class which may be ready for launched  in 2016 if india goes as per schedule.

This model is the latest variety in kilo class which Russia already supplied to China, Algeria and Vietnam .This sub has capacity of 45days Endurance and has test depth of 300m ,

	Armament:            •        6/533 mm  torpedo tubes                              •       18 torpedos                              •       24 mines                              •       Club S Anti ship missiles                              •       Crew strength :52 nos

BrahMos missile "first of its kind" in the world to be integrated on fighter aircraft: HAL

 

The jointly developed India-Russia supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos, is all set to be the first of its kind to be integrated on a fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force, claims Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). BrahMos is a precision strike weapon.

Earlier this year, HAL handed over the first Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft modified for the BrahMos missile. While the Indian Army & Indian Navy have already inducted the missile in service, the air-version of the BrahMos is scheduled to be flight tested by the IAF soon. "HAL has taken up the integration of BrahMos missile on Su-30 MKI aircraft and this is the first time in the world that such a heavy weight (3000 kg) supersonic cruise missile is being integrated on a fighter aircraft," T Suvarna Raju, CMD of HAL told Economictimes.com.Asked about the challenges faced in the modification of IAF's Su-30 MKI to integrate the missile, Suvarna Raju said, "Such an integration involved an in depth study of stress, load and aerodynamic analysis followed by design and development of structural, electrical and avionics modification schemes, fabrication of kits and qualification testing." "The aircraft was then modified by installation of these systems and subjected to required ground tests and flight trials," he explained.

How many fighter aircraft is HAL planning to modify? "HAL has already done integration of BrahMos on the Su-30 MKI aircraft and the quantum would depend upon the requirements of the customer, that is IAF," said T Suvarna Raju.BrahMos has a range of 290 km, and a maximum velocity of 2.8 Mach. According to BrahMos Aerospace, the JV between India and Russia for the development of the missile, "The air-launched BrahMos is smaller and lighter than its previous variants but is equally lethal in firepower and devastating capability."

"Efforts are on to increase the speed of the missile to hypersonic levels around Mach 6.0 to further enhance its versatility," says BrahMos Aerospace. According to a recent PTI report, the first test, a dead weight one, of the BrahMos integrated Sukhoi is likely to take place soon. The second test will be by firing a dummy missile while the third and fourth stages of testing will be with actual missile, but without the 200 kg warhead to validate the guidance system and accuracy. Two Sukhois will be used for the tests which will be completed in the next one year," the PTI report said.

The missile can be launched from multiple platforms including land, sea, sub-sea and air.The Indian Navy, which has deployed the missile system on almost all the front line surface warships of the maritime force, recently test fired the BrahMos from its newly commissioned guided missile destroyer INS Kochi. The land-attack version of BrahMos model is fitted on the state-of-the-art Mobile Autonomous Launcher (MAL). The mobile land-based configuration of BrahMos has achieved several advancements over the years.
BrahMos missile is also capable of being launched from submarine from a depth of 40-50 metre. The missile is installed in a modular launcher vertically in the pressure hull of the submarine. The missile has identical configuration similar to the ship based system.

In the past ET has reported that India may look at exporting BrahMos missiles to Southeast Asia and South American countries. The inter-governmental agreement between India and Russia for development of BrahMos missile also stipulates use of this advanced system to be inducted into the Indian and Russian armed forces as well as export to friendly countries.



- economictimes

India has 75-125 nuclear weapons: US report

 

Stating that India has "one of the largest nuclear power programmes" among developing nations, a US-based think-tank has said by the end of 2014 India had enough weapon-grade plutonium to possess an estimated stock of atomic weapons in the range of 75-125.

"An estimate of India's nuclear arsenal can be derived by considering its weapon-grade plutonium stock. The resulting estimate has a median of 138 nuclear weapons equivalent with a range of 110 to 175 weapons equivalent," a report released yesterday by Institute for Science and International Security said."However, the actual number of nuclear weapons India built from its stocks of weapon-grade plutonium must be less. When accounting for the amount of plutonium in the weapons production pipelines and in reserves, it is reasonable to assume that only about 70 per cent of the estimated stock of weapon-grade uranium is in nuclear weapons," the report said.

"Thus the predicted number of weapons made from its weapon-grade plutonium at the end of 2014 is about 97 with a range of 77-123. These values are rounded to 100 nuclear weapons with a range of 75-125 nuclear weapons," the report co-authored by David Albright and Serena Kelleher-Vergantini said.

Notably, Albright had led anti-India campaign both at the Congress and among the think-tanks against the Indo-US civil nuclear deal.

The report 'India's Stocks of Civil and Military Plutonium and Highly Enriched Uranium, End 2014' concludes that India has "one of the largest nuclear power programmes among developing nations".

The report estimated that India has made 100-200 kilogrammes of weapon-grade uranium for nuclear weapons.

"Faced with a lack of information but evidence that India has produced HEU (highly enriched uranium) for nuclear weapons, it is assumed that India has made 100-200 kilogrammes of weapon-grade uranium for nuclear weapons. Of course, this estimate is highly uncertain," the report said.

"It has a substantial stock of nuclear weapons made from weapon-grade plutonium, and perhaps some thermonuclear weapons that rely on both weapon-grade plutonium and weapon-grade uranium," the report said.

Noting that an estimate of India's nuclear arsenal can be derived by considering its plutonium and highly enriched uranium stocks, the report said India separates plutonium produced primarily in a set of small, dedicated reactors and a smaller amount produced in nuclear power reactors.

"However, India also has a growing gas centrifuge programme capable of producing significant amounts of HEU mostly for naval reactor fuel and perhaps for nuclear weapons, including thermonuclear weapons," it said and alleged that India is not transparent about its fissile material stocks.

The report estimates India's stocks of separated plutonium and highly enriched uranium as of the end of 2014.

India's stockpiles of nuclear weapons is much less than that of neighboring Pakistan, according to a recent report.

economictimes

Ahead of Modi-Putin meet, Parrikar discusses Triumf missile system, chopper deals with Russia

 

India and Russia today decided to step up military ties as they sought to firm up a multi-billion dollar deal for the new generation Russian S-400 Triumf anti-ballistic missile system and possible leasing of a second nuclear submarine besides other deals.  Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is in Moscow for the India-Russia
Intergovernmental Commission for Military- Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC), signed a military- technical cooperation agreement with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu.  Defence Ministry sources said Parrikar's efforts are to firm up major contracts that could be signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow in December.While sources remained tight-lipped about the negotiations for the Triumf missile systems, they said a government to government deal could very well be signed during Modi's visit.  If India signs the deal, it would be the second customer of the prized missile system after China which had struck a $3 billion contract earlier this year.
 The S-400, an upgraded version of the S-300, had previously only been available to the Russian defence forces.  The S-400, manufactured by Almaz-Antey, has been in service in Russia since 2007.  The air defence system is capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered defence, and can simultaneously engage 36 targets. It has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.  Another key plan is the leasing of a second nuclear submarine.
In 2012, India had leased a 12,000-tonne Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, the INS Chakra, for a ten-year period.  Defence sources confirmed that talks have been on for leasing of a second nuclear submarine.  Parrikar also set the stage for the inking of an agreement with Russia during Modi's visit for the manufacture of 200 Kamov 226T helicopters in India under the 'Make in India' initiative.  India also raised the issue of serviceability of Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets and sought for a smooth and reliable supply of spare parts and systems.  The meeting was attended by representatives of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, the Office of the Russian Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Trade as well as federal service on military and technical cooperation of Russia.
"Consolidated position of our states has a stabilising influence on the international situation," General of the Army Shoigu was quoted as saying in a statement by the Russian Defence Ministry.  He added that the important constituent part of the Russian-Indian strategic interaction was the military cooperation.  Shoigu said the most important aspect of this cooperation is the joint exercises.  He called for an increase in the level of joint military training and exercises.  Both countries have shown readiness for effectively combating modern challenges and threats, Shoigu noted.
Speaking about the military and technical cooperation, he noted that Russia and India had achieved the level of close industrial cooperation.  "Looking ahead - there is the creation of multirole transport aircraft, a fifth-generation fighter as well as a number of projects in the military naval field," Shoigu said.  On his part, Parrikar expressed condolences to Russia over the loss of lives in the air crash in Egypt. He stated that Russia had been and remained the leading partner of India in the field of defence.
Parrikar said the intergovernmental commission is the main mechanism of facilitation of cooperation between both countries.  He stressed that cooperation in defence field played a very important role in such a strategic partnership and it was necessary to do everything in accordance to mutual profit and respect in order to develop the partnership.  Parrikar said India wanted to develop the partnership in the way of participation of the Russian military industrial companies in the 'Make in India' initiative.
He said India had taken several efforts to provide opportunity for external participation in 'Make in India' within the defence field. The Indian military industry department is ready to provide future assistance, Parrikar said.  "The parties have positively assessed the course of works on designing of a forward-looking multirole fighter and multirole transport aircraft, licensed production of Su-30MKI and T-90S as well as implementation of the programme aimed for creation and production of Brahmos complexes, modernisation of MiG-29 aircraft and submarines of project 877EKM," the Russian statement said.
 The two leaders also noted the great potential of cooperation in the field of missile and naval technologies, aviation and ship industry as well as modernisation of the military hardware of the land forces.  "Moreover, the Ministers of Defence exchanged their points of view concerning the state and prospects of the Russian-Indian military cooperation...A Protocol aimed at further development of bilateral cooperation between Russia and India was signed," it said

economictimes

India's Latest Destroyer, INS Kochi, Validates BrahMos Cruise Missile Firing

 

India's latest stealth guided missile Destroyer, INS Kochi, today validated its capability to fire the Indo-Russian BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, when it tested the weapon system at sea off the western coast. The warship was commissioned by Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sep.30, 2015. Today's trial was the 49th test firing of BrahMos missile.

"The formidable BrahMos supersonic cruise missile on Sunday, Nov.1, 2015 validated its strike power yet again after being successfully tested from Indian Navy's newest stealth destroyer INS Kochi on the West coast of India," an official announcement said. The second of Project 15A Kolkata-class guided missile destroyer test fired the advanced BrahMos missile system as part of an Acceptance Test Firing during a naval drill being conducted off India's West coast.

The world's fastest cruise missile, after performing high-level and extremely complex maneuvres, successfully hit a decommissioned target ship 'Alleppey' located at nearly full range of the missile (290-km), with high precision.

After two successful test trials from INS Kolkata in June 2014 and February 2015, today's test firing from the follow-on INS Kochi has validated the newly-commissioned ship's systems.

"BrahMos as the prime strike weapon will ensure the warship's invincibility by engaging naval surface targets at long ranges, thus making the destroyer another lethal platform of Indian Navy," BrahMos Aerospace CEO and Managing Director Sudhir Mishra confirmed the successful test by phone.

The 7,500-ton indigenously developed INS Kochi incorporates new design concepts for improved survivability, stealth, sea-keeping and manoeuvrability.

The warship has the advanced capability of carrying a total of 16 BrahMos missiles in two 8-cell vertical launch systems, besides other sophisticated weapons and sensors.

BrahMos missile having supersonic speed of Mach 2.8, a very low-cruising altitude of 10 meters at terminal phase and pin-point accuracy, would make the warship one of the deadliest in the Indian Navy fleet.

The two-stage BrahMos missile, a joint development by India and Russia, has been in service with the Indian Navy since 2005. 

 armingin

Pak to introspect loss in UNHRC election

Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will introspect and discuss the reasons for losing its re-election bid to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
According to the Dawn, many officials at the MOFA agreed the loss is a setback as it is the first time Pakistan lost a major election in the UN.
Pakistan was bidding for its fourth term from Asia Pacific Group, but couldn't restore the seat as it received only 105 votes in the 193-member General Assembly.
The country that topped the election was Mongolia, which bagged over 150 votes. The United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea and the Philippines are the other nations who won in the election.
Pakistan had been in UNHRC since 2006, except for a year-long mandatory break.

The two major blocs that did not vote for Pakistan in the election were the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

It's a major loss for Pakistan as it was planning to raise the issue of Kashmir in a big way in Human Rights Council but now have to wait till it gets re-elected.

ANI,yahoonews

Thales bets on Make in India

 

Thales, the €13-billion French multinational giant with operations in Aerospace, Transport, Defence and Security, is targeting specific involvements in several Indian defence and civil areas.

In response to the Make in India initiative, Thales has already begun delving in the country’s engineering strengths and technologies, wanting to benefit from it.

“We are very keen to help the country’s defence sector, for which we have forged joint ventures and sub-contractual partnerships, in both the realms of software and hardware, respectively,” Thales India Vice President and Country Director Antoine Caput told Deccan Herald.

The defence budget of India soared to Rs 2,22,370 crore in 2014-15, compared with Rs 92,000 crore during 2007-08, growing at an average CAGR of 12 per cent. besides, the country is also home to a sizeable defence and space industry. Thales came to India in 1953, and began offering its tactical communication systems for the country’s then fledgling armed forces. From then onwards, the company has grown its presence in India’s defence scene.“The company has signed JVs with Bharat Electronics (BEL) for work in the realm of ground radars. Besides, we also develop systems in areas of monitoring airspace and ports, against guns and missiles. We are also involved with the upgradation of the Indian Air Force’s Mirage 2000 aircraft, and are developing missiles and rockets for HAL’s upcoming combat helicopters. Around 25 per cent of the Dassault Rafale combat aircraft (to join IAF’s arsenal) is composed of Thales’ technologies,” Caput said, adding that thermal cameras, electronic systems and other sophisticated equipment are part of its mix.

The company has around 25-30 medium-to-big sub-contracted suppliers for certain hardware components. This arrangement enables Thales to export from India as well.

“In India, the strategy is to sub-contract, but we do have strength in engineering, software and R&D here. Around 300 personnel work in India on various defence projects we take up globally. Only a part of our solutions are produced in India, but large applications are developed at our Bengaluru centre,” he said.

The government’s plan for smart cities is another area of interest. “We have offered our signalling and telecom systems to the Hyderabad metro. In related areas, we also offer safety and traffic management systems,” Caput said.

Around 45 per cent of Thales’ global revenues is derived from foreign markets,alongside the 50 per cent of foreign staff that make up its total workforce of 61,000.

 deccanherald

India Hopes to Buy Russian S-400 Air Defense Systems to Boost Security

Former Indian Wing Commander Prafulla Bakshi called Russian S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system the "world's most successful defense system."  
 New Delhi intends to sign an agreement with Moscow on the delivery of Russian S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems to strengthen the country’s security, former Indian Wing Commander Prafulla Bakshi told Sputnik on Saturday.  On Friday, India's Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar arrived in Moscow to discuss military and technical cooperation within the framework of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission for Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) meeting on November 2.  "Indian air defense system is weak and the defense ministry is planning to strengthen it. Accordingly, Indian Air Force has chalked a plan to add four more regional headquarters apart from the present five. So the Russian S-400 Missile System will be very important for India. This missile system is the world's most successful defense system,” Bakshi said.  
 India and Russia have enjoyed good relations since the 1960s, underpinned by Russia's position as New Delhi’s foremost military supplier, particularly in the post-Cold War era.  IRIGC-MTC was established in 2000 to enhance bilateral cooperation in the military sphere. It is co-chaired by Parrikar and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu.  The S-400 Triumf (SA-21 Growler) is Russia's next-generation anti-aircraft system, carrying three different types of missiles capable of destroying aerial targets at short-to-extremely long range.  

 sputnik

India to Discuss Leasing of Russia-Made Submarines on November 2

India is considering the possibility of leasing a Russia-made Akula II-class submarine, according to serving officer in the Indian Navy Cmdr. Abhijit Singh. 
India will discuss leasing Russia-made submarines at the meeting of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission for Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) on November 2, serving officer in the Indian Navy Cmdr. Abhijit Singh told Sputnik on Saturday.  On Friday, India's Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar arrived in Moscow to discuss military and technical cooperation within the framework of IRIGC-MTC.  "There will be discussions for the leasing of an Akula II-class submarine. This has been under consideration for some time," Singh said.

In 2010, India began a 10-year lease of the nuclear-powered attack Akula-class submarine Nerpa. After joining India's Navy, the submarine was renamed to INS Chakra.  India and Russia have enjoyed good relations since the 1960s, underpinned by Russia's position as New Delhi’s foremost military supplier, particularly in the post-Cold War era.  IRIGC-MTC was established in 2000 to enhance bilateral cooperation in the military sphere. It is co-chaired by Parrikar and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu.

sputniknews