India, Russia revive 5th-generation fighter aircraft talks; Kamov cost negotiations begin

 

After a hiatus of nearly a year, India and Russia have revived talks on the much-delayed fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA). Alsom cost negotiations for the joint production of 200 Kamov 226T helicopters have begun.

A high level Russian delegation is in town to hold negotiations on both the projects, high-level defence sources said. "We have got the clearance to restart the talks. Accordingly, a Russian team is here and cost negotiations began yesterday," the sources said.

India has already pumped in about $290 million into the project but it got delayed because the IAF had some issues. Russia has made a new offer on the delivery of Sukhoi T-50 (PAK-FA) fighter jets to India under the joint FGFA initiative. Under the new offer, India will have to pay $3.7 billion, instead of $6 billion, for the technological know-how and three prototypes of PAK-FA fighters. In 2010, India had agreed to pay $295 million towards the preliminary design of the fighter.

The code name of the project in India is perspective multirole fighter (PMF).The Russian delegation will also hold talks with state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for 200 Kamov 226T light helicopters to replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak, in a deal estimated to be worth $1 billion under the "Make in India" initiative.
 The defence ministry had in August last year scrapped a scam-tainted tender worth over Rs 6,000 crore to procure 197 light utility helicopters for Army and Air Force to replace the fleet of Cheetah and Chetak choppers, which are used to move troops and equipment to high-altitude locations like Siachen.


Following Russia's offer to manufacture Kamov in India, the defence acquisition council, chaired by defence minister Manohar Parrikar, accepted it.

Though the initial order is only for 200 helicopters, it is likely to be increased later on.

TOI

Indo-Russian Kamov chopper JV may rope in private players, Bharat Forge likely contender to make engines

 

An Indo-Russian joint venture to produce a new series of light military choppers in India is likely to rope in at least one private sector partner for the $1-billion project, with Pune based Bharat Forge emerging as a likely contender to manufacture engines.
With talks on the joint production of over 200 Kamov Ka 226 chopper progressing after an agreement was inked during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow in December, officials have said that there is scope for one or two private sector companies to contribute.
A senior team from Russian Helicopters is currently in New Delhi to sort out technical and financial aspects of the deal which will provide the army much-needed light choppers for operations in high altitude areas like the Siachen glacier where antiquated aircraft like theCheetah helicopters are still operating.

economictimes

‘Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit working at ISI’s behest’

 Describing the meeting between Abdul Basit and Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani in the national capital as a ‘conspiracy’, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday alleged that Pakistan’s High Commissioner is working at the behest of the ISI.

 Expressing his disappointment over the meeting, BJP leader Ravinder Raina said the Pakistan High Commission’s office in Delhi is gradually becoming a den of ‘anti-national’ activities.“Pakistan has been exposed due to the deposition of Headley. Whatever the ISI wants, only that happens in Pakistan. Somewhere, even Basit is working at the behest of the ISI. We won’t tolerate this. I see a conspiracy behind this meeting. This is ridiculous and unacceptable. I will request the Centre to take stern action,” Raina told ANI.
“The meeting is unfortunate. Everyone knows the role of Syed Ali Shah Geelani in Jammu for the last 25-30 years. He is an agent of Pakistan. He is responsible for many murders and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Raina also alleged that even Basit’s credentials are not right, adding that the office of the Pakistan High Commission should be shut without any further delay.
“It is our appeal to the Central Government to probe this and take strict action.
The Pakistan High Commissioner has nothing to do in India. His office should be shut. Pakistan has become a den of terrorists. We should make a policy to destroy the terrorist organisations in Pakistan,” he added.
The Pakistani envoy earlier in the day called on Geelani to inquire about his health and also discussed the issue of Kashmir.
During the meeting, Geelani extended his appreciation towards Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s statement on account of Kashmir solidarity day.
Geelani alleged that India was trying hard to ‘suppress’ the voices of the people of Kashmir.
Basit assured him that Pakistan would continue to extend ‘moral, political and diplomatic support’ to the people of Kashmir.
The High Commissioner also expressed hope that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute would be settled between Pakistan and India through a dialogue in accordance with the aspirations of the people of the state.
India had earlier called off the Foreign Secretary-level talks with Pakistan twice over Basit’s meetings with the separatists.
 ANI

India Puts Final Touches on $3b Military Deals With Israel

 Before this time next year, Israel is likely to be one of India’s top three arms suppliers.New Delhi is putting the final touches on a package of bilateral military deals and projects planned with Israel totaling $3 billion.
Three of the deals are ready for a final vote by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) ahead of the first state visit to Israel by Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this year. “It should be cleared by the CCS within a month or so,” said an India Ministry of Defense source.

Among the contracts are the sale of 164 ‘Litening-4? or laser-designation pods for IAF fighters like the Sukhoi30-MKIs and Jaguars, and 250 advanced ‘Spice’ precision stand-off bombs capable of taking out fortified enemy underground command centers.
The two countries are still negotiating over the cost for 321 ‘Spike’ anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) systems and 8,356 missiles, according to the Economic Times. The ATGMs have a strike range of more than 2.5 kilometers and fire-and-forget capability. The Indian Army wants to equip all its 382 infantry battalions and 44 mechanized infantry units with ‘Spike’ ATGMs. According to the report, the project would involve an initial off-the-shelf induction followed by large-scale indigenous manufacture by Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL) to equip India’s 1.18-million strong military.
There is also a proposed initial order between DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for an MR-SAM regiment. The systems come with 16 firing units that feature multifunction surveillance and threat-tracking radars as well as weapon control systems. These too will be subsequently produced in bulk by BDL.
If the deals are signed, Israel will be confirmed as one of India’s top three arms suppliers, according to Defense Ministry sources.

 jewishpress

Bharat Forge arm forms JV with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems

 Auto component major Bharat Forge arm Kalyani Strategic Systems today entered into a joint venture partnership with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to bid for defence programmes in India, including infantry combat vehicle BMP II upgrade.
The joint venture company Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems Pvt Ltd will look to address programmes in relation to BMP II upgrade, tactical control systems, other advanced systems and other such programmes floated or to be floated by the Ministry of Defence, Bharat Forge said in a BSE filing.
The company, however, did not share details of the JV such as stake holding between the partners.
Bharat Forge has been a key supplier of components to the Indian defence establishment for over 30 years. It has stated that it would focus on capturing opportunity arising out of Make in India initiative of the government through supply of critical components in both defense and aerospace sector.
Rafael develops and manufactures advanced defense systems for the Israeli defense forces and the defense establishment, as well as for foreign customers around the world. It is among the top defence firms in Israel.

ET

Rs 37,000 crore of defence ministry’s modernisation budget remains unutilised; army worst spender

 

Even though several major defence purchases are in their advanced stages, the defence ministry is struggling to exhaust its modernisation funds with almost 40% of the capital budget unspent as the financial year enters its last quarter.
Latest expenditure data with ET show that over Rs 37,000 crore of the defence ministry’s modernisation budget remainsunutilised as of December-end, with the Army struggling the most, having spent only 45% of its capital allocation. In 2014-15 too, the ministry could not spend 22% of the initially allocatedRs 80,545-crore capital budget for the three armed forces.
Eventually, the balance Rs 18,200 crore under the capital head was used mainly for revenue expenses. Of the three forces, the army seems to be the laggard, having failed to exhaust half its modernisation budget.The ministry now faces a situation where a part of its funds earmarked for new purchases and upgrades are likely to be shifted either to the revenue head or returned to the central kitty, in what would be a dent to modernisation efforts.
Official spending numbers obtained by ET indicate that the defence ministry could fall short of its target of signing deals worth over Rs 1 lakh crore. The air force has been able to spend funds at a good pace, with 73% of its Rs 33,657-crore capital budget exhausted.DRDO, meanwhile, has spent 64% of its Rs 7,788-crore allocation. Officials believe the air force may end up overshooting its budget and could pull in funds earmarked for the army and navy.
With several major projects stuck — the M777 howitzer purchase and selfpropelled howitzers, for example — the army is at the bottom of the spending list. Only 45% of its Rs 27,227-crore capital budget has been exhausted till the end of December. The Navy fares slightly better, having spent 57% of its Rs 25,003-crore allocation.
The numbers also reflect an increasing concern on the part of the private sector over the government’s ability to go ahead with major ‘Make in India’ projects that require firm orders.
While there have been several policy changes which have been welcomed by the industry, the lack of substantial orders has been a spoiler.

economictimes

BEL to showcase gen-next naval systems at IFR

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will be hitting the shores of R K Beach in Visakhapatnam with a host of gen-next gadgets during the International Fleet Review (IFR2016) set to begin tomorrow. BEL says these home-grown equipment will be part of Maritime Exhibition (MAREX), organised as part of the IFR, being conducted by the Indian Navy.

Dr Ajith T Kalghatgi, Director (R&D) BEL, told OneIndia that at IFR, in addition to exhibiting the company's commitment towards Indian Navy, India's home-grown military might will be on display. "We are participating at IFR2016 with a host of radars, sensors and electronic warfare systems," Dr Kalghargi said. Here's a look the BEL products that will be showcased during the IFR2016. • Hull Mounted Sonar (HUMSA), an advanced active-cum-passive integrated sonar suite which can be fitted on a variety of naval platforms and customised for both small and large ships. • Under Water Communication System (USC), whichprovides a communication channel between surface ships and submarines.

IAC MOD C, an integrated Anti-Submarine Warfare Fire Control System for surface ships. • Advanced Composite Communication System (ACCS), an IP-based new generation Integrated Communication System designed to provide external and internal communication for modern warships. • Mareech Missile Fire Control System, an advanced Torpedo Defence System for surface ships. • USHUS, an Integrated Submarine Sonar System. • LYNX UX Gun Fire Control System, a quick reaction, multi-sensor, multiple weapon, for short/medium/long range defence against air/surface/shore targets. • Surface Surveillance Radar for detection and tracking of sea surface and air targets and missiles. • Coastal Surveillance System, a chain of Remote Sensor Stations to provide security cover for coastline. • 2D L-Band Air Surveillance Radar (RAWL-02 Mk II A), a long range air surveillance radar for use onboard large and medium naval ships. • RAWL 03, a multi-function active phased array radar with Solid State Transreceiver for land and naval applications • Software Defined Radio for the Indian Navy. • Link II MoD I Communication System, which establishes Wide Area Network among Naval units (aircraft, ships, submarines, shore establishments, etc) over radio circuits and SATCOM for exchange of tactical data to achieve a common operational picture across platforms.

• ESM for small, medium & large class of ships and submarines. • Light Weight ESM system for helicopters. • Revathi, a 3D Surveillance Radar for use onboard ships for detecting air and surface targets. • Combat Management System (CMS). • Stabilised Optronic Pedestal Mk-II, a day and night surveillance and fire control system that includes a Colour TV Daylight Camera, 3rd generation 3-5 μm FLIR sensor, Laser Range Finder and automatic tracking capabilities, and command and control capabilities. • CoMPASS (Compact Multi Purpose Advanced Stabilized System), a day-and-night surveillance system.

 

 OneIndia News

Russian choppers a favourite with Indian armed forces

The predominantly Soviet and Russian weaponry that India’s military fired, flew and sailed since the late 1970s has gradually made way for equipment from the United States, France, the UK and, now, even Israel. Yet, in the field of helicopters, Russia reigns supreme.

On Wednesday, Moscow announced delivery of its final batch of three Mi-17V-5 medium lift helicopters, completing delivery of a $3-billion contract for 151 Mi-17V-5 helicopters.

With these delivered, the Russian Helicopters plant in Kazan is gearing up for another impending $1.1-billion contract for supplying 48 more Mi-17V-5 helicopters to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Meanwhile, in December 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin agreed that Russian Helicopters would build and supply at least 200 Kamov-226T light helicopters for India. That contract is currently being negotiated.

Russia dominates the global helicopter market with rotorcraft renowned for their ruggedness and low cost. According to Russian Helicopters, 8,500 of its choppers are in service worldwide, in over 100 countries. As on 2014, Russian Helicopters built 24 per cent of the world’s military helicopters; 35 per cent of all combat helicopters; and 50 per cent of the medium-heavy transport helicopters.

Last year, for the first time, India signed contracts worth $3-billion for American helicopters — including 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and 15 CH-47F Chinook multi-mission heavy lift helicopters. These would be delivered over the next three years.

Even so, in terms of sheer numbers, Russian Mi-series helicopters have always been the backbone of the IAF chopper fleet. Starting from the 1960s, the IAF bought 110 Mi-4 helicopters, then 128 Mi-8, and finally 160 Mi-17s, totalling up to almost 400 helicopters. In addition, the IAF will now operate almost 200 Mi-17V-5s.

India also bought one squadron of the heavy-lift Mi-26 helicopter, which will soon be replaced by the Chinook CH-47F. The IAF also operated two squadrons of Mi-25 and Mi-35 attack helicopters, which the Apache AH-64E will replace.

Besides the IAF, the Indian Navy has also been a big user of Russian helicopters. A range of naval warships, including the new aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, embarks the Kamov-28 and Kamov-31 helicopters, which carry out anti-submarine operations and airborne early warning respectively.

Encouragingly, the biggest competitor to Russian Helicopters for Indian military orders is Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. The Indian aerospace giant has built four successful light helicopters — the Dhruv Advanced Light helicopter; the Rudra, a Dhruv fitted with weaponry; the light combat helicopter; and the coming light utility helicopter. Once these are fully inducted, India’s military will fly more than 600 indigenous choppers.

The Mi-17V-5, is a more powerful version of the Mi-17 that entered service in the 1980s, with better avionics and night flying ability. The new helicopter is being used to transport troops; supply Indian army outposts on the remote Himalayan border that are unconnected by road, and even transport VIPs.

In 2008, India had signed a contract for 80 Mi-17V-5s; followed by three additional contracts in 2012-13 for 71 more helicopters.

Russian helicopters fly in the Mi-17V-5 in ready-to-assemble kits, and Indian technicians put them together at the IAF depot in Chandigarh. 

 business-standard

Indian Helicopters donated to Afghanistan hailed by US

The three Mi-35 Indian multi-role helicopters donated to Afghanistan have made a big difference in the offensive against militants in the war-torn country, the outgoing commander of US forces in Afghanistan has said. The three helicopters were donated during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kabul in December last year.

"They do have three Mi-35s (sic) - really Mi-24s and Mi-35s from India. They'll have a fourth one coming in pretty soon that will add to their inventory," General John Campbell told members of the House Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on Afghanistan yesterday.The Mi-35, a comprehensive upgrade of the Mi-24, is a versatile helicopter gunship with troop carrying capabilities.

In January, three multi-role Mi-35 attack helicopters donated by India were inducted into the Afghan Air Force, giving the country's security forces a much-needed lethal teeth against militant groups like the Taliban.
The Indian gift to Afghanistan has been hailed by the people and government of Afghanistan, and also by the US.

Campbell's remarks on India's donation of attack helicopters came in response to a question from Congressman Rob Wittman who wanted to know about the capabilities of the Afghan Air Force.

Campbell, who has commanded US and international forces in Afghanistan for the past 18 months, is expected to retire. Lieutenant General John Nicholson has been chosen by President Barack Obama to replace Campbell.

timesofindia

Boeing wants to manufacture F18 fighter jets in India, multi-billion dollar deal on the anvil

Boeing has shown keen interest to make F/A-18 fighter jets in India, as a part of PM Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' scheme.

The manufacturing of F/A-18 fighter jets, which are a mainstay of the US navy, can seal a multi-billion contract from Boeing that is regarded as one of the world's biggest military spenders.

"We are taking a hard look at the opportunity for the F18 fighter jet as an area where we can build industrial capacity, supply chain partnerships, technical depth, design and manufacturing capability in India, providing an operational capability that is useful for Indian defence forces," said Boeing chief executive officer Dennis A Muilenburg, adding 'Make in India' is an enabler aligned with that strategy.Boeing is banking on the delay of Rafale jets, which won over F/A-18.

"Our intent here is to build an industrial framework for the long run that builds on the aerospace investments being made not only by programme, but also by long-term industrial capacity that is globally competitive," said Muilenburg.

The Indian government wants to give fillip to Make in India are end the country's dependency on foreign arms makers.

Boeing is also in talks with SpiceJet that will likely translate into a large plane order.

- businessinsider

France Pitches For Naval Version Of Rafale

As India and France work on the deal for 36 Rafale jets for the IAF, a high-level team of Dassault Aviation met senior officials, pitching for the naval version of the fighter plane for the country's next indigenous aircraft carrier - Vishal.

Sources in the know said the team from France gave a detailed presentation to senior Navy officers on various aspects of the naval version and the benefits it would offer with two arms of defence forces using Rafale fighter jets.

The Air Force is set to acquire 36 Rafale aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation under agovernment-to government deal.

The development comes when the Navy is in the 'design phase' of the next aircraft carrier project.

Sources said India had written to four countries, including France, seeking proposals for the design of the aircraft carrier that will have over 50 planes on board.While India currently operates two aircraft carriers-INS Vikramaditya and INS Viraat-- the latter is set to be decommissioned soon. The country's first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant is already under construction in Kochi and is scheduled to be handed over to the Navy by end of 2018.

The Navy will deploy MiG 29K fighter aircraft on Vikrant. However, it is not clear if it will stick to MiG 29K or go in for a new aircraft for Vishal.

As per the Navy's plan, Vishal would be a 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier, about 300 metres in length and around 70 metres in width. While the exact propulsion system for it has not been decided yet, sources indicated it could well be a nuclear apparatus.

ndtv

New radar system for PAK FA fighter

Russia's fifth-generation PAK FA fighter jet is likely to get a photonics-based radar system in the early 2020s, which can view stealth aircraft at distances beyond the range of air-to-air missiles.

 A working model of the new radar, radio-optical phased array antenna (ROFAR), being developed by the state-owned Radio-Electronic Technologies (KRET), should be ready in 2018.
The main advantage of ROFAR is the width of its transmission frequency. While the transmission frequency of a modern radar system is 10 GHz, with ROFAR it can reach 100 GHz.

How does ROFAR work?

"In practice, this means that ROFAR can produce a detailed 3D image of what is happening hundreds of kilometres away. For example, at 400 kilometers it can not only see a person, but even recognize their face", said Vladimir Mikheyev, Advisor to KRET's First Deputy CEO.
According to KRET, the future ROFAR will be half the weight of the conventional radar system currently being developed for the fifth-generation fighter. Simultaneously, the resolution will be ten times better, making it possible to "virtually get a TV picture in the radar range".

Additional advantages

The use of radio-frequency photonic technology enables a significant reduction of aircraft visibility within the infrared spectrum, and of fuel consumption. This is possible because of the high efficiency of the future radar system, which will produce several times less heat. The developers will not have to include an additional powerful cooling system, which would significantly increase the mass of the product, and require electricity generated by the aircraft's engines at the cost of burning fuel.
It will not be possible to block ROFAR through high-power jamming. For jammers, the range of the electronic warfare system must be greater than that of the radio receiver, which is physically impossible with photonics-based radar.
If the ROFAR project is successfully completed, the technology will not only be used for airborne radar systems. According to Mikheyev, equipping Russian naval ships with ROFAR would make it possible to reduce the weight of on-board antenna systems by around 80-85%.
 A fly in the ointment
The announcements from the Russian manufacturers sound optimistic, but economic realities, shortcomings in organization and management, and difficulties with training and recruiting personnel may hinder implementation of these ideas. Russia still has problems mass-producing airborne active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar systems like those the U.S. has, not only on its fifth-generation F-22 and F-35 fighter aircraft, but also on its latest fourth-generation F-16 and F-15 fighters. The only Russian AESA radar system, Zhuk-A, designed for the MiG-35, was first unveiled in 2009 but was still at the testing stage at the end of 2015.
The Russian government has allocated 680 million rubles (less than $10 million) to the entire ROFAR program. In comparison, the U.S. Department of Defence allocated $110 million dollars in photonics in 2014, and plans to raise at least as much from private investors.
Not only Russia and the U.S.A. are involved in this technology race. Scientists from Italy unveiled a working model of a photonics-based radar system in March 2013. And Jean-Loïc Galle, Executive Vice-President at France's Thales Group, said the company is stepping up work in this area.
With such global competition, the announcements from Russia's KRET that working technology is to be built in the near future sound almost like a challenge, and represent a further test of the mettle of Russia's defence 

 

 rbth