IAF pushes for opening of aircraft bids to replace MIG 21s

NEW DELHI (PTI): Keen on getting 126 combat aircraft as early as possible, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is pushing for the commercial bids of the two contenders – Eurofighter and Dassault – to be opened before the end of this month.
 “We are pushing the Defence Ministry to open the bids of these two companies by the end of this month,” a senior IAF official told PTI.  After the opening of the commercial bids, the Defence Ministry will work out the L-1 (lowest bidder) in the tender on the basis of the life cycle cost of operating the two aircraft.

India successfully test-fires short-range Prahaar missile

CHANDIPUR–ON-SEA, ORISSA (PTI): India Thursday successfully carried out the first test-firing of its latest surface-to-surface quick reaction tactical missile `Prahaar', which has a range of 150 kms.

Prahaar is capable of carrying different types of warheads and will be operated by the Army as a battle field support system.

"The test-firing was conducted successfully at 0820 hours Thursday. Prahaar with a capability to strike targets at 150 kms, comparable to ATACMS missile of the United States, fills the vital gap between multi barrel rockets and medium range ballistic missiles," DRDO spokesperson Ravi Gupta said.

Indian Navy's new frigate to be fitted with BRAHMOS

NEW DELHI (PTI): India will get a new frigate within six to eight months from Russia that will be equipped with the BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile system.

"During his visit to Russia, Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma reviewed the progress of the Talwar Class follow-on warships, under construction at the Yantar shipyard there and was reassured that the first ship 'Teg' would commence trials shortly and be delivered in six to eight months," the Navy said in a release here.
The Navy chief returned on July 18 from Russia after a six-day visit during which he took stock of all the major Indian navy projects undergoing there.

France and India Look to deepen defence ties

The Indian government's long-delayed green light to French defence majors Dassault and Thales to undertake the Mirage-2000 combat fighter upgrade is yet another indicator of New Delhi forging stronger strategic links with Paris. 

Over the last decade, French defence vendors have bagged, or are the leading contenders to win a number lucrative Indian arms contracts, including the $11-billion medium, multi-role combat aircraft tender for 126 aircrafts for the Indian Air Force, and the estimated $2.4-billion Mirage-2000 upgrade. 

Eurofighter optimistic to win India's MMRCA contract

LONDON (PTI): As India prepares to open the commercial bids for the USD 10.8 billion tender for 126 medium range multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA), Eurofighter hopes to make the country a partner in its Typhoon fighter jet programme which it says would be a game-changer.

"We are offering India to become a full participant in the programme...fully or partially whatever India chooses to do...get involved in future developments. Combat aircraft programme never stops. It will operate over decades," said Peter Maute, Senior Vice-President of Cassidian Air Systems, the security and defence company of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS).

India approves $2.4 bn French Mirage jet upgrade

India has approved a $2.4-billion proposal from French defence groups to upgrade its fleet of 51 ageing Mirage fighter jets, a military source said on Thursday.

"The defence secretary has agreed to the proposal put forward by French defence majors Dassault and Thales and (European group) MBDA for the Mirage-2000 retrofit," the source in the Indian Air Force (IAF) told AFP.

The upgrade is expected to include advanced navigation systems, mission computers, electronic warfare systems and radars.

Indian Navy decommissions oldest ship 'INS Sharabh'

PORT BLAIR (PTI): The oldest commissioned ship of the Indian Navy, a landing ship tanker, 'Sharabh', was given a fond farewell after 35 years of service with a guard of honour and the naval band playing the Last Post.

The National Flag, Naval Ensign and the Decommissioning Pennant were hauled down for the last time at sunset symbolising the end of her service to the country, Indian Navy Public Relation Officer of Andaman & Nicobar Command Lt Commander Mannu Virk told to PTI.

The decommissioning ceremony was held at the Naval Jetty by Rear Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Staff, Andaman and Nicobar Command Thursday.

The tanker had the distinction of participating in numerous amphibious operations both on the Eastern and Western seaboards and landed troops and materials on all major and minor landing sites in the Andaman Sea region.

It also regularly participated in multinational exercises like MILAN, CORPAT, SIMBEX and PASSEX.

In her final year of commission the ship completed almost 100 days at sea and participated in India-Indonesian Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) at Belawan, Indonesia and the subsequent Passing Exercise (PASEX) in November 2010.

In recognition to her indomitable spirit and devotion, the ship was awarded the coveted "Unit Citation" by Chief of the Naval Staff in 2003.

INS Sharabh was commissioned in the Indian Navy in January 1976 at Gdynia, Poland.

Lt Cdr P C B Nair was the commissioning Commanding Officer of the ship and since was commanded subsequently by 28 officers in 35 years of commissioned service.

Cdr Sanjay Kumar was the last officer to command the ship.

The ship was also instrumental in apprehension of prohibited items off Tilanchang Island from Mynamarese poachers in January this year.

India to Modernise Mirage 2000 Fighter Aircraft Fleet

Indian MoD approves $2.4 billion upgrade contract for Dassault, Thales and MBDA

With another recently approved multi-billion dollar defence contract, India is giving its armed forces modernisation efforts a significant push. According to AFP, Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar approved the offer by leading French defence companies Dassault and Thales, as well as by the European MBDA group, to upgrade India’s ageing fleet of Mirage 2000 ‘Vajra’ fighter aircraft at a cost of some $2.4 billion. 

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Indian Navy commissions FAC INS Koswari

VISAKHAPATNAM (PTI): Aiming at extending its coastal and offshore surveillance and patrol, the Indian Navy has commissioned indigenously built Fast Attack Craft (FAC) in a function held at the eastern naval command here.

Designed and built by state-run Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata, INS Koswari is a highly manoeuvrable craft and ideally suited for deployment along the coast, a defence release said.
The craft was commissioned Tuesday by General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command of the Indian Army, Lieutenant General Bikram Singh.

The craft's ability to operate in shallow waters at high speed, along with its day-and-night surveillance capability, coupled with enhanced fire power, was expected to give the requisite impetus to combating asymmetric threats emanating from the sea, it said.

Named after an island off Tuticorin, INS Koswari, measuring 52 meters in length and displacing 325 tonnes, could achieve speed in excess of 30 knots, the release added.

Lieutenant Commander Anil Kumar would be commanding the craft along with a crew of four officers and 35 sailors.

Fitted with advanced MTU engines and latest communication sets for the purpose of 'extended coastal and offshore surveillance and patrol', INS Koswari would be based at Karwar, under the naval officer-in-charge (Karnataka).

It would be deployed in coastal patrol and anti-piracy missions, along the Konkan coast and Lakshadweep group of islands, the release said.

The modified aluminium superstructure of the vessel reduces the top weight and enhances its ability to propel at high speeds keeping in mind critical requirements of the naval craft for improved stealth and networking capabilities.

INS Koswari is complied with the latest regulations of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on sea pollution, the release said.

Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Anup Singh, Chief Managing Director, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Rear Admiral (retd) K C Sekhar and senior naval officers attended the function.

Source : http://www.brahmand.com/news/Indian-Navy-commissions-FAC-INS-Koswari/7509/1/10.html

India approves proposals for French firms to upgrade IAF fleet

NEW DELHI (PTI): The Indian government has cleared proposals worth over $3 billion for upgrading the fleet of 51 Mirage 2000 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

As per the proposals, French firms Dassault and Thales will upgrade the aircraft, which will add 20-25 years to the life of the Mirages, inducted by the IAF in the mid-80s.

"The proposals related to upgrade of the Mirage 2000 were cleared by a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)," a defence ministry official said Wednesday.

Two different proposals, one for the upgrade of systems of the aircraft and the other for over 400 MICA missiles for the upgraded fleet, were placed before the CCS.

Under the deal, the French firms will help in upgrading the avionics, navigation systems, mission computers, electronic warfare systems and radars bringing the aircraft to the Mirage-2000-5 standards.

The French companies will have to invest over $900 million into the Indian defence sector as defence offsets.

As per the Indian defence offsets policy, foreign vendors bagging deals worth over Rs 300 crore have to invest at least 30% of the worth of the deal back into the Indian defence, civilian aerospace and homeland security sectors.

The deal had been hanging fire for the last five years as the two sides have been involved in extensive negotiations including the price of upgrade quoted by the French side.

As per the agreement, India will first send two of its aircraft to France for upgrades and thereafter the rest would be upgraded at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited facilities here, company sources said here.

Eurofighter Typhoon to Display Agile Multi-Role Capability at RIAT 2011

The Eurofighter Typhoon will be making a rare demonstration of its unrivaled agility and engine power with a full weapon load air display at this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) from the 15th to 17th July at RAF Fairford. 

BAE Systems Chief Test Pilot for Combat Air, Mark Bowman, will fly a Warton based development aircraft (IPA 5) on each day of the show and a full scale replica of the aircraft, including full weapon display, will be available for general public access.

In addition, the RAF will have a Typhoon on display in the static aircraft park.

IPA 5 will fly in a swing-role configuration, including four Paveway II laser guided bombs, two 1000 ltr fuel tanks, four AMRAAMs (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles) and two ASRAAMs (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles) and will highlight to the trade and public visitors that the Typhoon is agile regardless of weapon load, pulling up to an impressive 5.5g and in excess of 20 degrees angle of attack.

Mark said: “I am looking forward enormously to displaying at RIAT this year. The aim is simply to demonstrate the Typhoon's power, performance and presence in a truly representative combat load. Different than most other clean aircraft' displays, I hope the observer will get a real sense of why Typhoon is not only at the forefront of world combat aviation, but also acknowledge the role of European technology, engineering and ingenuity in producing this 'awesome' aircraft”.

Most air displays are achieved by reducing fuel and weapon loads, however with this display, IPA 5 demonstrates significant weapon carriage and manoeuvrability whilst still able to demonstrate carefree handling for the pilot.

This will be the biggest ever Royal Tattoo for Typhoon and will highlight how Eurofighter Typhoon is the world’s most advanced, new generation multi-role combat jet. Eurofighter will also be sponsoring the crew’s enclosure at the show.

IAF upgrading Patriot missile defense system

Upgrades will include the installation of new software as well as hardware changes to the radar system that accompanies the system.

The air force has approved a set of upgrades for its Patriot missile Defence system that will boost its interception capabilities, IAF sources say.
The upgrades will include the installation of new software as well as hardware changes to the radar system that accompanies the system, which Israel first received from the United States ahead of the First Gulf War in 1991.
The upgrades will enable the IAF to one day receive PAC-3 missiles, a more advanced version of the interceptor currently used by Israel that is already in service in the United States.
The PAC-3 is believed to be capable of intercepting most of Syria's missiles. It is an improved version of the PAC-2 in terms of coverage and lethality.

The PAC-3 has an interceptor missile that uses a hit-to-kill system rather than an exploding warhead used by the PAC-2. The PAC-3 missile is also smaller, so using it 16 missile could be fired from Israel’s current launchers instead of just four PAC- 2 interceptors.

“The upgrades will see improvements in the system’s ability to detect and interceptmissiles that could not have intercepted before,” an IAF source said.

The Patriot serves as Israel’s defense system against medium-range missiles, while the Iron Dome anti-rocket system is used against short-range ones and the Arrow-2 is designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles.

The IAF plans to replace the Patriot with the David’s Sling, a missile system under development by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the Massachusetts-based Raytheon Company to defend against Iranian missiles such as the M600, Zelzal, Fajr and Fateh 110 that Hezbollah in Lebanon has, as well as against other missiles with ranges between 70 and 300 kilometers.
The IAF plans to establish a battalion that will operate the David’s Sling in the near future, so it will be ready to receive the missile defensesystem in 2012 when it is expected to become operational.

David’s Sling uses an interceptor called Stunner, fitted into a launcher that can hold 16 missiles. It works together with an advanced phased-array radar made by Israel Aerospace Industries.


Source : http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=228624

Aircraft carrier INS Viraat in Kochi for maintenance work

 Kochi (PTI): INS Viraat, India's sole aircraft carrier, is here for annual maintenance work, estimated to cost around Rs 30 crore.

Underwater cleaning and painting work besides checking of underwater fittings are among the works being carried out. No major structural changes are being done now, officials said.
Depending on the progress of the work, the vessel is likely to be here for a few months, its commander Captain R Hari Kumar told reporters on board the unique warship, docked at the Ernakulam wharf.

When asked about the competence of the over 50-year-old ship when compared to similar vessels of other navies, he said, "When we had done exercises we have found she has delivered. We cannot compare to the US Navy. Very few countries have aircraft carriers. This is old. But it is the capability that matters. Aircraft carrier gives vital capability."

The fixed wing aircraft onboard are the Sea Harrier fighters of the INAS 300 Squadron popularly called 'White Tigers' and these are the only fighters in the world capable of vertical/short take off and landing.

The vessel, which has 150 officers and 1,500 sailors and can carry about 24 aircraft, will soon complete 25 years of service with the Indian Navy.

"It has a fair amount of life. Due to its progressive upgradation, it could be (used) around upto 2018," Captain Hari Kumar, who is the first Keralite to commander the ship, said.

India commences work on 2nd N-submarine

New Delhi: Construction of India’s second nuclear submarine has begun at a classified facility in Visakhapatnam, a newspaper reported on Sunday.

This project was launched just 24 months after India’s first nuclear submarine INS Arihant was commissioned.

“The second programme took far lesser time than Arihant to reach the shipyard from the drawing board. This time we had a clear plan and we had learned a lot from our mistakes,” top sources told the daily. 

Though exact details of the submarine’s progress have not been made public yet, it is learnt that fabrication of the hull and body has begun. The reactor is being constructed with Russia’s help.

The project is expected to be ready for sea trials by 2015. By that time India would have a Russian submarine and INS Arihant deployed. The Akula-II class nuclear submarine K-152 Nerpa, to be renamed INS Chakra, will be handed over to Indian Navy by Russian Navy in November-December on a 10-year lease.

Eurofighter Working to Strengthen Strategic Partnership with Japan

Reflecting the strong commitment to deepen the strategic partnership with Japan, the Supervisory Board of Eurofighter GmbH will for the first time hold a board meeting in Tokyo.

Senior executives from Eurofighter partner companies (BAE Systems, Alenia Aeronautica, and Cassidian in Spain and Germany) are visiting Japan from 5 July to 8 July to discuss the status of the Eurofighter Typhoon F-X campaign and strategic next steps, and to hold talks with Ambassadors of the four consortium member-nations – the U.K., Germany, Italy and Spain.

Eurofighter, its partner companies and the four member-nations are working to strengthen industrial and technological relations with Japan. All four partner countries are supporting and are committed to the Eurofighter F-X campaign, which is being led by the U.K. government and BAE Systems.

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Indian Army raising new special forces battalion

NEW DELHI (PTI): Strengthening its capabilities to carry out special operations, the Indian Army is raising a new special forces battalion which will be deployed in the north-eastern sector.

A new battalion of the Parachute Regiment -- 11 Para (SF)--is being raised and will be first deployed in the north eastern sector, Army sources told PTI here.

This will be eighth special forces battalion of the Parachute Regiment and will be deployed in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in that region, they said.
The Parachute Regiment has ten battalions under it and seven of them have been trained as special forces, which are supposed to carry out counter-terrorist operations during peacetime and sabotage enemy installations beyond enemy lines during wars.

The special forces battalions include the 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 21 para units, which are deployed in different sectors of the country and have also been given responsibility to handle any 26/11 type attacks if that occurs near their area of deployment.

The Army wants to increase the number of special forces troops to more than 10 battalions with around 700 men in each.

These battalions have been provided with modern equipment such as Tavor 21 assault rifles

Pakistan's JF-17 V/S India's LCA-Tejas; Comparison With Latest Figures

 The major rival brothers in the world, who have been fighting against each other since their birth, earlier used to fight with foreign weapons. but now they want to fight in a new style, that is with their indigenous weapons.

Pakistan as a member of US led military pact CENTO and SEATO started receiving high tech weapons of that time with money to keep an eye on India and launch an assault when needed. Seeing this India began to import weapons from Soviet Union and starting upgrading its force. Both the countries started filling up their inventory at the same time and today both are facing the problems of their ageing fighters aircrafts.

India is in urgent need of replacing its ageing MiG 21 whereas Pakistan is in need of replacing its ageing Nanchang A-5 bombers, Chengdu F-7 interceptors and Mirage III/5 fighters.

India decided to start a project of making an indigenous fighter aircraft that can serve in all the purpose of the air force, whereas Pakistan joined later an already going on Chinese project of development of a fighter aircraft.

Both India and Pakistan claim their aircraft as indigenous, but as on April 13, 2011 none of the aircraft is 100% indigenous as India is using american GE engine to power the fighter and Pakistan is using almost all the technology from China and engine from Russia in their version of the fighter.

It is believed when India will complete its Kaveri engine project which was supposed to power LCA earlier, then LCA can be proudly claimed by Indians as an indigenous aircraft. India couldn't use indigenous engine in the prototype of LCA due to delay because technical difficulties in the development of the engine.

If India completes the engine, it will become the fifth country after US, UK, Russia and France who can make their own engine.

Today both LCA and JF-17 are reality and not on papers anymore. Tejas was inducted on 11 Jan, 2011 whereas JF-17 was inducted last year in Pakistani air force.

Both Indians and Pakistani have already started loving their new weapon, but in this new love they commit a mistake of comparing these two planes with each other. JF-17 will be Pakistan's main fighter accompanied by their upgraded F-16s, whereas LCA Tejas will be India's additional aircraft for medium role combat missions after Indo-Russian 5th generation fighter aircraft PAK-FA, Under development indigenous 5th Gen AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), Indo Russian 4.5 Gen Su-30MKI and to be imported 126 4.5 Gen MRCA (Multi Role Combat Aircraft) that can be either MiG-35, F-18, Grippen, or EuroFighter Typhoon.

Comparison Comparison According to 2008 Aviation Source Book, Aviation Week & Space Technology, January 28, 2008.

LCA vs JF-17 : Dimensional Comparison

	Plane	JF-17	LCA

Length 14m 13.2m Wingspan 9.45m 8.20m Height 4.77m 4.40m Wing Area 24.4m2 38.4m2

LCA vs JF-17 : General Characteristics

Plane JF-17 LCA Empty Weight 6,411 kg 6560 kg Loaded Weight 9,100kg 10,500 kg Max. Take off Weight 12,700 kg 13,300 kg Powerplant 1 × Klimov RD-93 or WS-13 turbofan 1 × General Electric F404-GE-IN20 turbofan Dry Thrust 49.4 Kn 53.9 Kn Thrust with Afterburner 84.4 Kn 85 Kn G-limit +8.5 g 9 to (neg)3.5 g Internal Fuel Capacity 2300 kg 2458 kg External fuel capacity: 3 external fuel drop tanks (1× under-fuselage 800 litres, 2× under-wing 800/1100 litres each) for extended range/loitering time 2x1200 litre drop tank at inboard, 1x725 litre drop tank under fuselage. Crew 1 1

LCA vs JF-17 : Performance

Plane JF-17 LCA Maximum speed Mach 1.8 Mach 1.8 Ferry range 3,480 km 3,000 km Service ceiling 16,920 m 15,250 m Thrust/weight 0.95 1.07