US submits list of 10 defence technologies for transfer to India

The US has submitted a list of 10 defence technologies for transfer to India, bringing it into a small group of closest allies with which America shares such sensitive details without export control.

Informed Indian sources confirmed that the Pentagon has submitted a list of 10 sensitive technologies for transfer from US to India.

New Delhi is "reviewing" these offers and would get back to the United States soon, with its response, they said.

Meanwhile, the US has sought opinion from its strong defence industry to identify next set of technologies which could be shared and transferred to India.

According to US sources, the number of such defence technology transfers could cross 90.

Deputy secretary of defence, Ashton Carter, who is leading unleashing of the defence ties between India and the US through the defence trade and technology initiative, said the US has submitted a white paper explaining where India falls within US export control system.

"The paper we sent them covered several key areas from export controls rules themselves to end use monitoring and the need to identify proposals for co-production and co-development," he said at the Center for American Progress.

"We have demonstrated repeatedly that we can release sensitive technology to India. We've adapted our system in ways that will speed our release process for India, especially in the department of defence, recognizing that for, of course, all partners, this process is subject to case-by-case review and there will always be some technologies that we will keep to ourselves," Carter said.

"We changed our mindset around technology transfer to India in the department of defence from a culture of presumptive no to one of presumptive yes," he said.

Asserting that India has been brought at part with closet of its allies, Carter said the Obama Administration has now included India in the list of "so called Group of Eight" that receives the best of the technologies without export control.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who recently met US President Barack Obama, has said steps have been taken to expand the India-US ties and move away from a buyer-seller cooperation to joint development and production in the field of defence.  - Times of india

US makes India groundbreaking defence offer to co-develop next-generation Javelin antitank capability

In a move reflective of growing defence ties between the two, sealed during last week's visit here of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the US has made India a "groundbreaking collaborative defence proposal" to co-develop with India a next-generation Javelin antitank capability, according to a top defence official.
The proposal addresses a key military requirement for both armies and is an unprecedented offer the US has made unique to India, Deputy Defence Secretary Ash Carter,said Monday at the Centre for American Progress, a Washington think tank.
The Javelin is a manportable, fire-and-forget, antitank missile employed by dismounted infantry to defeat current and future threat armoured combat vehicles.
Carter, who with Indian National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon heads the two countries' Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTI), said the US is committed to continuing to put new ideas on the table. He was reviewing Friday's "successful meeting" between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Barack Obama, "the strong and rapidly growing defense partnership between the US and India, as we execute.... the rebalance, so-called, to the Asia Pacific region."
Asserting that US and India are "destined to be partners on the world stage," he said, "we're each big, complicated democracies. We move slowly, but over the long run we also move surely. And that to me is the trajectory for us and India in the defence area."
During a trip to India last month he had delivered a second round of potential capability areas of cooperation proposed by US industry. In India, Carter also made sure to hear from senior Indian industry representatives about their ideas for increasing private-sector partnerships.
The push to reach the next level of defence collaboration and co-development with India comes after 15 months of effort between the countries to overcome bureaucratic obstacles to such work under DTI, Carter said. Among the advances made possible through DTI, Carter said, involved export controls. "We have demonstrated repeatedly that we can release sensitive technology to India," Carter said. "We've adapted our system in ways that will speed our release process for India," he added, "especially in the Department of Defence, recognizing that for . all partners this process is subject to case-by-case review and there will always be some technologies that we will keep to ourselves."
Areas of progress include technology transfer, licensing agreements, license exceptions, end-use monitoring and others. "We've also taken unprecedented steps to identify forward-leaning proposals by industry, from industry on both sides for defence items to be co-produced and-the true measure of our common goal-co-developed by the US and India," Carter said.
These include a maritime helicopter, a naval gun, a surface-to-air missile system and a scatterable antitank system, all of which were discussed with Indian officials during his recent visit, he said. "In each instance," Carter noted, "the United States has fast-tracked these projects to ensure that our internal processes are ready to go as soon as the Indian government wants to move forward."
US and Indian research and development experts also play a critical role in areas that include the cognitive sciences and others in which the defence department would incentivise increased cooperation by US defence researchers, the deputy secretary said. "I let the Indian government know last week that I will be incentivising US researchers who seek and find Indian partners in key research areas we identified previously," he added. "We'll ensure that those innovative projects receive priority funding. This is an approach we've only ever taken with the United Kingdom and Australia, and now India will join that company."

 dna india

IAF looking to induct seven more C-17 aircraft: Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne

The Indian Air Force is looking forward to add to its fleet seven more C-17 heavylift aircraft which are capable of ferrying tanks and artillery guns close to the borders with China and Pakistan.
"As far as the transport fleet is concerned, we are looking at inducting six additional C-130J and seven C-17s in the near future," IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne said.
"Also in the pipeline is the procurement of 45 Medium Transport Aircraft, presently, under joint development between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Russia," he said in an interview with Defence Ministry's Sainik Samachar magazine.
India already has placed an order for 10 C-17 aircraft from the US Air Force worth over Rs 20,000 crore and three have already been inducted at its Hindan air base near here.
A C-17 has the capability to land at short airfields such as the Daulat Beg Oldie advanced landing ground in Ladakh sector and carry 150 combat-ready troops to a distance of 4,200 km in one go.
Meanwhile, the IAF chief said the three services are working towards creating a separate command to tackle threats and issues in the Cyber arena which will soon be sent for approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security.
"The Services are working towards the formation of a Tri-Services Cyber Command and a comprehensive draft CCS note has been worked out along with the requirements of manpower and financial costs," he said.
"An interim structure for the cyber command would be formed after the approval of the Defence Ministry and the full fledged command structure would take shape only after the CCS approval," the IAF chief stated.
The IAF chief said the proposed Cyber Command would be fully integrated with the other existing national structures of cyber security.
Browne said with the induction of latest equipment and platform, the force has emerged as a strategic force from being a tactical one earlier. Similar proposals to have a Special Forces command are also pending for approval by the government.

indian express

Akash will protect Pune from aerial threats

DRDO-developed surface-to-air missile system installed at Pune air force station; to be made operational in two months.
Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Pune station will be more secured as Akash, a surface-to-air weapon system, will be made operational in a month or two.
Pune is the second air force station to get the Akash system after Gwalior. “The system has been installed at the Pune air force station and will be made operational in two months,” said Air Commodore Surat Singh, air officer commanding air force station Pune on Monday. 
The IAF started the induction procedure of the weapon system and accordingly 90 per cent of the work has been completed. Vajra squadron has been deployed at the Pune air force station for operations of Akash weapon system and they are currently undergoing training.

What is Akash?

The system has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under its integrated guided missile development programme.

IAF officials at Pune air force station said, “This is the first indigenous surface-to-air missile system and it is lighter compared to earlier Pechora system. The system is connected to radar system which can locate any aerial threat and accordingly will activate the missile. The range of the missile is 30 kilometres,” added IAF officials.

Why Pune deserves it?

Installation of Akash system at Pune Air force station holds significant importance as Pune air force station currently has two squadrons- 20 squadron (Lightening) and 30 squadron (Rhinos) of Sukhoi- 30 MKI.

The base holds importance due to its strategic location as it is situated in the western part of the country.

High-rises around IAF base may cause mishaps

t one end, when the work of the ambitious project of the Indian Air Force — Modernisation of Air Field Infrastructure (MAFI) — is expected to commence in Pune air force base from December, officials are concerned that the increasing number of constructions around the base may cause problems.

Under MAFI, modern Instrument Landing System (ILS) will be installed in Pune. But the high-rise structures constructed by flouting safety norms can cause problems to ILS which can lead to major mishaps.

The project involves upgradation of 30 air bases of Indian Air Force in the country. A pilot project is being carried in Bhatinda. Pune will be the second base where the project will be carried out by the IAF.

Air Commodore Surat Singh, air officer commanding of Pune air force station, said, “The high-rise buildings constructed in close vicinity of the base may block the signals sent by ILS which can cause major mishaps.” Singh added, “To avoid illegal construction activities around the base, we are having constant dialogues with the civic administrations and making sure that the safety norms are not violated.”

Group Captain A Bhadra, chief operations officers of the Pune air force station, said, “According to a gazetted notification of 2007, no construction is permitted within 100 metre range from the boundary wall. The permission is granted to three to four floors within 100 to 500 metre from the boundary wall. However, high-rise constructions which have come up before 2007 are considered legal and we cannot do much about them.”

Flight schedule may be hampered

Group Captain A Bhadra said that flight schedules may be hampered due to the project work. “Initially, the excavation work will be carried out on both sides of the runway without hampering the operations. But once the cable laying work starts, the runway will have to be kept close for eight to ten hours. Most of the work will be carried out during night time due to which night schedule of civil flights is likely to be hampered,” he said.

Air Commodore Surat Singh said that once the MAFI project is completed, it will benefit the civil flight operations.

The ILS will help civil flights for better landing even in low visibility. CAT2, a new airfield landing system will improve air space management. Besides, an embedded lighting also will be installed along the runway.

 

DNA

49 drones to keep an eye on China and Pakistan borders

Stepping up surveillance along the tense border of China and Pakistan, the Indian Army is equipping its troops with hand-held drones. It has floated a request for proposal for acquiring 49 mini unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) last month, which the army feels will be a “game changer,” like they have been for the allied forces in AfPak.
The imminent threat posed by India’s two inimical neighbours China and Pakistan has in recent years forced a rethink on India’s defense preparedness. The cabinet committee on security recently cleared an army proposal to create 72,000-strong Mountain Strike Corp, which will be deployed in the eastern sector facing China. The armed forces, it appears, also wants to send a clear signal to both the neighbours. Recently the Indian Air Force in a show of strength landed its C130J Super Hercules at the DBO in Ladakh — the world’s highest airstrip.
The army top brass feels the hand-held drones, which will be unarmed and used mainly for surveillance purposes will give it a “strategic edge” and “reduce costs” in manning high altitude and difficult terrains. To begin with, the UAVs will be employed in Leh and Ladakh sector (Northern Command) to keep an eye on Chinese activities and check terrorist infiltration from across PoK.
In April, the Indian Army was in for major embarrassment when there was Chinese incursion two days after PLA troops had set up makeshift posts. Since the perception of the Line of Actual Control differs widely on both sides of the Sino-Indian border, Indian and Chinese troops have often found themselves in the awkward situation of being face-to-face with each other while patrolling. “Also considering the sheer length of our borders, a patrolling party may not return to a particular point for days together,” said a senior army officer.
That situation will now change as the brand new UAVs will be able to provide real time data of any movement in a radius of at least 10 kilometers. “The mini drones will be fitted with high resolution cameras, including infra-red, for night surveillance. They weigh less than 10 kilograms and can be transported on the shoulders. They will also be equipped with recording devices and sensors for detecting movement,” a senior army officer told dna.  The army has asked for UAVs, which should be able to work with at least one of the commonly used digital map formats. And interestingly, these UAVs should be able to work with Google Maps downloaded from the Internet.
The drones will be propelled by electric motor and will thus be “literally noise-free” once they attain a height of 500 metres above ground level. “That will also help them avoid detection,” an officer said. The ceiling for these hi-tech machines will be “1,000 metres above ground level,” with a cruise speed of over 70kmph. “The system should be sturdy and robust, which should be capable of withstanding day-to-day handling and usage by soldiers under combat conditions,” the army’s proposal claims.
So far, the Indian experience with drones/UAVs has been limited to the much bigger machines that are handled by the Indian Air Force - which is operating about 100 Searcher-II and 60 Heron UAVs - both from Israeli stables. India is also in the process of developing indigenous UAVs like Nishant and Rustom.

DNA

6 aircraft, 37 helicopters and more on PM's $ 5 billion shopping list in US

India is set to buy American defence equipment worth five billion US dollars and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who left for the United States today, is carrying a long shopping list.

Among the hardware that India is looking to purchase are six additional C-130 J Hercules Medium Lift Aircraft, 22 Apache Attack Helicopters, 15 Chinook Heavy Lift Helicopters and about 140 M-777 ultra-light towed Howitzers. Contracts for all of these are expected to be signed before the current financial year is over.

The US-made Apache Attack helicopters will replace India's ageing fleet of Russian-made M-35 helicopters and will cost India about $1.4 billion.

Although the US lost the $15 billion tender for the supply of Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft or MMRC to France in 2011, it has in the last decade sold weapons systems worth $8 billion to India and is poised to edge out Russia and Israel as New Delhi's biggest defence equipment suppliers.

The US has recently proposed co-producing aircraft like the C-130 J Hercules and the number of joint military exercises that India has carried out with the US in the last 10 years too now exceeds those with traditional defence partners like Russia, UK and France.

It was perhaps this apparent closeness that provoked Victor Komaradin, who headed a Russian delegation at Aero-India 2013, to observe that "although Russia has virtually created Indian Defence industries in the 1960's and 70's, little attention is being given to the Russian contribution in building India's defence capabilities."

The big purchase order also underscores the fact that despite claiming to be a regional power, India still imports about 70 per cent of all its weapons and equipment.

According to a March 2013 report of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute - an independent research body that specialises in conflict and arms sales - New Delhi replaced Beijing as the world's top arms importer accounting for 12 per cent of global arms transfers between 2008 and 2012. China accounted for about six per cent.

NDTV

Russia offers one-year guarantee for aircraft-carrier

INS Vikramaditya (Admiral Gorshkov), the $2.33 billion Russia-built aircraft carrier which will be delivered to Indian Navy on November 15 after a delay of nearly five years, will only have a one-year guarantee.

Victor M. Komardin, Deputy Director-General of Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state-owned arms exporter, told media persons here that during the guarantee period, a team of Russian engineers would be stationed in India to take care of “every single screw of the ship.”

Komardin said the warship which would be handed over at the Sevmash shipyard near Moscow, will arrive in Mumbai in February.

Asked about retrofitting the ship with LR-SAM (long-range surface to air missiles) being built jointly by India and Israel, he said Vikramaditya was already an Indian Navy’s asset and that the Navy was free to do whatever it wanted to. But it would have to conform to the Russian design parameters.

Arms supplies

Komardin said for Russia defence co-operation and arms supplies are a part of its politics of friendship. “For us, politics comes first, then comes economics,” he stressed. Though regimes had changed in Russia, politics had not. Indo-Russian exports and imports had been going up every year all along. Russia’s engagement with Indian industry was much stronger and wider than other countries,” he claimed.

He said India and Russia were “genetically friendly” and that the Russian side wanted to carry on the current defence co-operation. He noted that though Russia had traditionally been India’s largest supplier of defence requirements, India was now increasingly sourcing its needs outside of Russia.

He said Russia appreciated India’s efforts to indigenise defence production. 

 Hindu Business Line

Navy likely to buy Japanese amphibious aircraft US-2

Japanese firm ShinMaywa Industries is eyeing the Indian Navy for the sale of its amphibious search and rescue aircraft, US-2.
At the NAMEXPO-2013 here, Kanji Ishimaru, who heads ShinMaywa’s aircraft division, told ‘Express’ that they were awaiting the RFP (Request For Proposal) from the Indian Navy.
Ishimaru said they have been working out various options, including possible joint ventures, subcontracting and formulating consortium, to deal with the mandatory 30 per cent offset.
“Matters related to pricing, repair, maintenance and overhaul can be worked out only after the RFP is issued. Being an amphibious aircraft which can be used for search and rescue, disaster management and relief operations, the ShinMaywa US-2 will be a force multiplier for the Indian Navy,” he said. The aircraft, with its amphibious nature, can give access to isolated islands without a runway, pointed out Yasuo Kawanishi, general manager, business development, aircraft division, ShinMaywa.
Access to much further places than helicopters, high speed and ultra-low speed flight by the boundary layer control system are some key features. Realising its potential during his recent visit to Japan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had made a decision along with his Japanese counterpart “on setting up a joint working group to explore modality for cooperation on the US-2 amphibian aircraft”.
It was in 2011 that the RFI (Request For Information) was sought, said Ishimaru. “There are a lot of things to be worked out. Once the RFP is issued, we will get only three months to sort out matters, including the final pricing, how many aircraft would be required and so on.
Currently, ShinMaywa delivers US-2 to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) at $100 million. However pricing for the Indian version could be finalised based on the final requirements only,” Ishimaru said.
Dealing with the 30 per cent mandatory offset would be another major issue to be worked out.
Though RFI has been issued for nine US-2 aircraft, the numbers would be finalised at the time of RFP only.   Apart from the Indian Navy, the Air Force and Coast Guard have also expressed interest in US-2, he added.
 newindianexpress

Vikramaditya “significant capability-enhancer” for Indian Navy- Commodore Berry

In this exclusive interview, Commodore Suraj Berry, who will take charge of the INS Vikramaditya, talks about the refurbishment of the aircraft carrier and its recent trials, Indo-Russian naval cooperation and his career in the Indian Navy. 

Commodore Berry, can you tell us something about the interaction between the Russian and Indian Naval crews during the trials of the INS Vikramaditya”?
The interaction and professional understanding between the Russian and Indian Navy has been very good and has stood the test of time over decades. A sizable percentage of Indian Naval personnel have been in Russia for various projects in the past and fostered strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect. The bilateral exercise, ‘Indra’ conducted annually between the two navies reflects the good and warm relations and is a testimony of our commitment to each other.
The 12th Crew under the command of Captain I^st Rank Igor Vaisilivich Raybko and the Indian commissioning crew have fostered close bonding during the course of trials. Whilst both the crew may not be proficient in the languages, the understanding is perfect and both crews joined hands in all evolutions onboard and have imbibed a good sense of mutual understanding.
The joint planning/ coordination group of the crew along with the Brigade Staff are responsible for the successful conduct of trials. Similarly, the joint working group on training has done a marvellous job in creating a unique concurrent trials and training programme onboard. Onboard we undertake evolutions for trials, working side by side on the main propulsion plant, power generation/ distribution systems, radio electronic aids, handling movement of aircraft on deck, anchoring/ mooring to the buoy, tasks with boats.
Our cooperation also extends to mutual participation in sports and cultural activities onboard. Both crews jointly celebrated the Russian Navy Day and Independence Day of India with flags of both countries flying side by side on the mast in 2012 and in 2013. This truly epitomized the jointness, mutual feeling of respect and understanding between the two crews. We are thankful for the professionalism of the Russian Navy and the support that they have rendered to us during each phase of the trials.
How do you assess the work carried out by “Sevmash” during repair and re-equipment of the ship?
Project 11430 is an extremely unique and possibly the only one of its kind in the world, wherein a Heavy Aircraft Carrying Cruiser has been converted into a STOBAR aircraft carrier. The magnitude, quantum and quality of work undertaken by Sevmash is simply an engineering marvel and exhibits world class technological prowess of the shipyard. Despite numerous challenges during the R&R, Sevmash along with all its subcontractors and NDB have created a truly reliable, robust and highly capable combat worthy platform.

The fact that during sea trials part I in 2012, the ship sailed continuously for 100+ days after a 17-year long gap without any major breakdowns or incidents, is indicative of the high quality of work undertaken by Sevmash. The failure of brick work in the boilers was an unfortunate setback last year. During sea trials part II in 2013, the performance of these boilers has been excellent and as per the design parameters. This truly reflects the capability of Sevmash Shipyard. Thorough, comprehensive and painstaking work undertaken by the professional work force, both ladies and men, of the shipyard to make this ship a reality, is highly praiseworthy.
What difficulties had to be encountered during the ship modernisation? How were they overcome?
The scope and scale of repairs and modernisation work for this project has been enormous and would be difficult to comprehend. The initial envisaged work included modification of flight deck to include a ski-jump, arresting and restraining gear; modification of numerous systems and installation of new generation equipment /systems/ sensors. In addition, upgradation/ replacement of a number of other equipment and complete re-cabling.
As work commenced, the scope increased significantly beyond that initially envisaged, necessitating re-negotiations that consequently led to time and cost revision. The phase between Jan–Nov 2007 was indeed challenging for both the countries. Each country not only displayed their commitment to the time-tested friendly relations, but also the willingness to resolve the situation through deliberations in the best interest acceptable to both nations. The positive approach of the Indian Side was the mainstay for continued belief in the project by both sides. Thereafter, the work once again commenced in full earnest and there was no looking back.
During sea trials part I in 2012, ship’s boilers experienced defects that required repairs. Despite the problems, the ship completed a large part of her flight trials successfully and returned to the Shipyard. This has been the only setback in the trials phase. Post repairs the ship has now been at sea for more nearly 50 days and progressing trials satisfactorily. All in all the ship is as good as new, the hull is in excellent condition and would serve the Indian Navy well for many decades.
Is it difficult to master the ship, taking over control over her from the seamen of Russian Navy Crew? What difficulties were encountered on this way?
Each time the Indian Navy acquired an aircraft carrier, it was a big induction, it is no different this time except the fact that this ship is the largest one to be acquired by the Indian Navy thus far. Displacing nearly 45,000 tonnes, the ship is indeed big.

The advanced equipment and state of the art systems present peculiarities of handling and mastering. The Indian Navy selected well-qualified personnel with adequate experience at sea and these personnel were put through an intense, well crafted and excellent training programme by the Russian Navy. The methodology of training has suitably enabled all the Indian crew to imbibe the intricacies of operating and maintaining the ship.
The experience of participating in the sea trials and practical training onboard has provided the crew excellent opportunity to learn by observing the Russian specialists. Having been afforded the opportunity to steer the ship, anchor and manoeuvre her, I must say that the ship has excellent handling characteristics and steers much like a frigate belying its size. The power and manoeuvrability provide great flexibility in its operation.
Backed with experience of operating aircraft carriers and other helicopter carrying platforms, the Indian crew has been able to seamlessly gain hands on experience on the equipment fitted onboard. The close association and mutual understanding with Russian crew has paved the way for a smooth transition for the Indian crew during trials and training, overcoming challenges and progressing towards independent operation of the ship.
What place do you think Vikramaditya will take in the line of the Indian Navy ships after it is accepted into the scope of the Navy?
In keeping with the vision and maritime doctrine of the Navy, the ship will be part of the Western Fleet to fulfil its envisaged role in the order of battle of the Indian Navy. The good endurance, high speeds of operation, excellent sea keeping and tested combat capability would enable the ship to herald a capability based transformation at sea.

The ship would be central to the carrier task force exercising core capabilities and operational tasks in keeping with the aims of the Indian Navy. This platform would facilitate operational training for the present and future generations of our naval aviators, including the fighter pilots, to enable them for combat missions from similar or larger decks. We would be able to effectively discharge all envisaged roles to ensure secure, stable and peaceful seas and preserving our national interests in the maritime domain. The challenges and responsibilities of the Indian Navy have always been significant and our government accords special attention to induction of maritime capability that would ensure unhindered economic development and national progress. In this aspect this ship along with its integral fighters and helicopters as part of the Indian Fleet would definitely be a significant capability-enhancer.
Commodore Berry, can you tell us something about yourself? Onboard what ships did you serve before Vikramaditya? Is the aircraft carrier an important milestone in your naval career? What feelings do you have when standing at bridge controlling such a mighty ship?
Hailing from a services family, I joined the Indian Naval Academy and was commissioned in the Indian Navy in 1987. During the last 26 years, the Indian Navy has provided me opportunity to serve both at sea and ashore and I have been immensely fortunate to serve at sea for a large part of my service career.
Being a Gunnery and Missile warfare specialist, my sea duty tenures have been onboard different ships, I have had the honour and privilege of being the commissioning crew of INS Delhi – a Project 15 destroyer and commanding INS Nirbhik - a Project 1241 missile vessel, Karmuk – a Project 16 guided missile corvette and Talwar - Project 1135.6 frigate.
Whilst ashore, tenures of duty positioned me at Headquarters Western Naval Command, Operations Officer of Rubez-E - the Mobile Missile Coastal Battery, Defence Adviser at Sri Lanka and Maldives, Directorate of Staff Requirements at the Naval Headquarters and Naval Assistant to the Chief of the Naval Staff. I attended the Naval Staff Course at the US Naval War College, Rhode Island.
I consider myself very fortunate to have been entrusted the command of this magnificent ship. While standing on the bridge and flight deck, I am conscious of this immense responsibility, trust and honour that has been bestowed upon me by the Indian Navy and my nation. The task of commissioning the ship and ensuring readiness of the crew for conduct of safe and efficient operational tasking along with flying is a challenge.
Effective planning, thorough professional training, creation of efficient operating procedures, high safety standards, institution of sound management and good administration principles along with the time honoured traditions, customs and discipline would effectively pave the way for the success of my team. The large number of officers and personnel of my crew are some of the finest professionals of our Navy and I am indeed very fortunate to be part of this team and their shipmate.
Can you compare the Vikramaditya aircraft carrier with the INS Viraat? In what fields are there significant differences between them?
Viraat in its previous avatar as Hermes was commissioned in the Royal Navy in 1959 and later transferred to the Indian Navy in 1987. Viraat, has flown the flag of the Indian Navy with distinction for the past 26 years and has been central to the concept of carrier operations in the Indian Navy. The contribution of Viraat to our navy is unparalleled. The displacement and overall dimensions of Vikramaditya are much more than Viraat. The larger size translates into enhanced capability due to the increased number of aircraft that can operate from onboard. Moreover, the two carriers belong to different categories, Viraat is a STOVL (Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing) carrier whilst Vikramaditya a STOBAR (Short Takeoff but Arrested Recovery). The two ships have been built around different ‘concepts’ and it would be inappropriate to compare the two, especially since both the ships have served their countries of origin with distinction in their previous forms. Viraat has established a legacy in the Indian Navy and I am sure Vikramaditya will be no different.

It is known that India is building her own development aircraft carriers (IAC, Project 71). How can the experience of construction, acceptance, setting into operation and initial operation of INS Vikramaditya affect the progress of the Indian aircraft carrier program?
The Indian Navy has maintained a continuous presence in the form of a Warship Overseeing Team at Severodvinsk since the inception of Project 11430. A large number of IN personnel have been since associated with the project. Having been associated with the various facets of refitting, reequipping, modernisation, trials and acceptance, the Indian Navy has accumulated considerable experience which is also providing valuable inputs for our development of the IAC Project. The cooperation received from our Russian friends at Sevmash, NDB, various OEMs has been significant and has added to our expertise in building such a complex ship. The conclusion of trials and operationalisation of Vikramaditya will be an enriching experience for the Indian Navy which will stand us well for our indigenous programme in the years to come.
What are the main tasks facing you as the Commanding Officer of the ship for the nearest, mid-term and farther perspective?
Since early 2012, numerous activities are being progressed concurrently and now with just days left for commissioning the focus is well defined. The crew had planned and organised the tasks over the entire period into various phases. The phase we are presently in is the Trials and Onboard Practical Training Phase. The two immediate and immensely important tasks for the Indian crew are, firstly to successfully complete the ship/flight trials and secondly progress Onboard Practical Training to suitably enable the ship’s crew to seamlessly takeover all the systems and control of the ship to operate and maintain the independently.
The next is the Pre-Commissioning and Commissioning Phase whilst the preparations for the maiden passage would progress concurrently. Plans for these activities are already in progress. The mid and long term phase is the Aircraft Operationalisation and Integration Phase. In this phase the various aircraft and helicopters that are envisaged to operate from onboard would be integrated with the ship in India. This would also include the Deck Landing Qualification of MiG pilots. The last phase is the Induction into the Fleet. This is the culmination of years of work and the vision of our navy
wherein the actual combat exploitation of the ship would be realized. As you can see, the immediate period and the future have very interesting and challenging times in store. I am sure that with the highly motivated and professional crew, and support of my naval headquarters and home command, the ship would meet all its assigned tasks and goals.

 indrus.in

Anti-tank Nag missile 'Helina's' trial conducted

The second land-to-land preliminarily trial of 'fire and forget' third generation anti-tank Nag missile's upgraded land version — 'Helina' — was carried out on Sunday at the Pokhran field firing range. The target was fired in the presence of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and army officials. The missile hit the target successfully.

Defence sources said, "For hitting the target, a launching pad was made in Pokhran field firing range. Helina's target was set 7km from the launching pad. The target was fired from launching pad and was hit successfully."

Before this, air-to-ground preliminarily trials of anti-tank Nag missile's air version of 'Helina' were conducted on October 21, 2011, which were unsuccessful.

"The range of the land version will be extended by development of a mast-mounted missile launcher that is hydraulically raised to a height of 5 metres to enable the missile to acquire its targets up to a distance of 7-8km. An air-launched, 10-km range variant will be launched from tactical interdiction aircraft like the upgraded Jaguar IS. It has a nose-mounted mill metric-wave active radar seeker," sources said.

Defence sources said, "The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) will also start working on the 'man portable' Nag soon. It would weigh less than 14kg. It is being developed as per user requirements and will see upgraded propulsion to enable 'Helina' to strike enemy armour at a distance of 7-8km."

Nag is a third generation 'fire-and-forget' anti-tank missile developed in India. It is one of the five missile systems developed by DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). Nag has been developed at a cost of Rs 300 crore. Its land version is presently undergoing trials in Chandan field firing range in Pokhran.

Nag is also configured to be used on the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). This version is known as Helina (HELIcopter launched NAg). Eight missiles are carried in two quadruple launchers. Launchers mounted on either side are linked to a nose-mounted stabilized thermal sight and a laser range-finder package.

'Helina' with a range of 7-8km, will be launched from twin-tube stub wing-mounted launchers on board the armed HAL Dhruv and HAL Light Combat Helicopter produced by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). The first ground launches of the missiles were conducted in October 2011 during which the missile was launched onto the target. While the missile was in flight, a second target was chosen for the missile to hit, which was successfully destroyed. This demonstrated the capability of the missile to lock onto and hit another target while in flight. A two-way RF command-video data link has been released which is intended to be fired from HAL ALH.

"Nag missile has a top attack capability. The 'Helina' version will use a 'lock-on after launch' system extending its range to 7km. In this scenario, the missile is launched in the general direction of the target. As it approaches the target, images of the area ahead are sent back to the operator who will be able to identify enemy tanks. The command to lock onto a tank is then passed onto the seeker through an uplink mid-flight. After that, the missile homes in onto the target and destroys it," sources said.   - Times of india

US, India may go for joint production of military gear

India and the US will explore ways to expand defence ties "beyond a buyer-seller relationship to a joint partnership in design, development and production" when the top leaders of the two countries meet this week in Washington DC.

India and the US will explore ways to expand defence ties "beyond a buyer-seller relationship to a joint partnership in design, development and production" when the top leaders of the two countries meet this week in Washington DC.
Future defence projects between the two countries are expected to include both co-development and co-production.
The Obama administration, ahead of Prime minister Manmohan Singh’s visit, has offered India collaboration in its Javelin Anti-tank Guided Missile (ATGM) project, apart from proposing to give access to latest defence technologies which Washington has made available only to its closest allies, reported by FE earlier.
The only defence procurement proposal likely to be signed with the US during the September 27 meeting is the Indian order for six additional C-130J military aircraft costing around $ 1.5 billion.
Though the MoD was silent on the military technologies that the US offered at the meeting, the US had reportedly listed the offers, such as the Javelin ATGM, in a letter to the defence ministry
According to MEA officials, “India is interested in intensifying cooperation between its home ministry and the US Department of Homeland Security to "enhance capacity building, in policing of large cities, partnerships in security technologies, combating counterfeit currency and in securing ports, airports and land border terminals”.
"Jargons such as 'transformation', 'next step in strategic partnership', 'from buyer-seller to joint development relationship' frequently used by our experts notwithstanding, the India-US defence relations have witnessed one-sided development, heavily favouring the US in the last few years. More specifically, within the larger defence relations, it is the defence industrial partnership, which has created much discomfort for both countries, “ observed Deba Mohanty, chairman & chief knowledge officer, Indicia Research & Advisory (IRA).
“Despite all tall claims, it is a fact that all of India's military acquisitions from the US have been under FMS route, effectively ruling out any meaningful sharing of technology or knowledge to India.”
As US deputy defence secretary Ashton Carter recently said: "They (India) don't want to just buy our stuff. They want to build our stuff with us and they want to develop new things with us, and they want to do research with us."
“Even industry-to-industry partnership between the two countries have actually been held hostage to respective domestic exports and industrial laws as well as international regimes. When the impression is that we are engaged much deeply than ever with the Americans, the existing ground reality is that defence industrial relationship has still been a 'buyer-seller' one and unless rules of engagement are drastically remodeled to bring in mutual benefits, a joint-production and joint- development defence industrial model is likely to remain a dream. This suits the Americans for obvious reasons" pointed out Mohanty.
The two sides want to streamline their administrative processes and make bilateral defence trade more responsive and effective.
The C-130J from the Lockheed Martin stable will be bought as part of a government-to-government agreement between India and the US signed in February 2008 for R5,500 crore.

 financialexpress.com

Indian Navy receives first Hawk Jet Trainer

The Indian Navy has received the first of 17 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers, becoming the third naval operator of the Hawk along with the US Navy and the Royal Navy.

The 17 Hawk aircraft ordered by the Indian Navy form part of a contract for 57 aircraft signed in 2010 of which 40 are for the Indian Air Force.

Among its 18 customers worldwide, India is the largest operator of the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer with 123 aircraft ordered to date, of which over 70 have been delivered to the Indian Air Force. Hawk trainers already in service with the Indian Air Force are performing well.

Adding to the Indian Navy’s fleet of aircraft, the Hawk provides the ideal platform for pilots to transition smoothly to the Navy’s frontline aircraft. Hawk effectively integrates air and ground based elements offering the most efficient and cost-effective method of training pilots. 

 thehindubusinessline