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| Tejas LCA |
Indigenous Projects
INS Arihant - Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)
India's first indigenous nuclear powered submarine was launched by Gursharan Kaur, wife of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on July 26, at Eastern Naval Command headquarters in Visakhapatnam.INS Arihant, Destroyer of Enemies, was designed and developed under the ATV project which was given a go ahead in 1984 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The ATV project became a serious endeavor in 1985 after Mazagaon docks began construction of two German HDW 209 class submarines in 1984.
For details on the project see Advanced Technology Vessel INS Arihant knol.
Agni-II
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| Agni II |
Agni-II is a two-stage solid propellant ballistic missile with a launch weight of 17 tons, a diameter of 1m and length of 20 m. It can hit targets between 1,550 and 1,860 miles away with a 2,200-pound payload.
Developed by Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the missile is part of the Agni series which includes Agni-I (700 km range) and Agni-III (3,500 km range).
For details on analysis please see the Agni-II Ballistic Missile knol
Agni-III
Agni-III, is a 3,500 km range missile that is 16.7-meter tall missile and has a 50 ton lift-off weight. It is reportedly capable of carrying a 1.5 ton thermonuclear warhead with a yield of 200-250 KT.The missile has been tested on three occasions in the past.
The first test on July 9, 2006 was unsuccessful due to cascaded failure of booster flex nozzle controller.
The second test on April 12, 2007 was a success. The missile impacted its designated target area after a flight of 900 secs.
The third test flight on Wednesday, May 7, lasted 800 sec and the missile impacted its designated target area south of the equator, monitored by two IN ships.
Agni-V
The Indian Government sanctioned Rs2,500 crore to develop the 5,000 km range Agni V missile in 2008. The missile is expected to be ready for testing in the 2010-11 time frame. (The Agni V is also referred to as Agni III+).The Agni-V, a road mobile canisterized missile capable of carrying multiple independently targeted warheads, is a critical component of India's nuclear deterrent.
Details of missile and the current status of the project maybe viewed at my knol Agni-V.
Akash Missile
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| Akash SAM |
The Akash is a command guided missile system that has been under development by DRDL for 25 years, and has already cost the exchequer Rs. 516.86 crore, the highest for any of India's missile systems.
The 720 kg, 5.78 m long missile has a diameter of 35 cm and a length of 5.78 meters. With a top speed of Mach 2.5, the missile can engage targets as far as 25 km away flying at heights ranging from 20m to 18kms.
Details of the project and its current development status maybe viewed at my knol Akash Missile
Astra air-to-air missile
Astra is an active radar homing, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile being developed by Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
The 154kg (340lb) Astra uses active radar homing and is reportedly capable of engaging targets at 80km in the head on mode and 20km while astern.
The missile has a cruise speed of up to Mach 2.2 carrying a 20kg fragmentation warhead. It has a length of 3570 mm and a diameter of 178 mm.
For more details on the project please see my knol Astra air-to-air missile.
Barak 2 Missiles (MR-SAM and LR-SAM)
India has signed a $1.4 billion defense contract with Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) to co-develop a Air Defense System.
The contract includes a 30 percent offset clause under which Israel will procure military or aviation products and services from India, and invest in Indian defense companies. Under this clause IAI will make purchases from Mumbai based Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) which will partner with IAI to develop missiles, drones, radars, electronic warfare systems and homeland security systems – all areas of Israeli defense industry specialization.
IAI announced the deal on March 26 to Israeli business daily Globes, after having received advance payment.
India is making part payment on the deal during the development period, and the balance during the 66-month delivery period, which is slated to begin 90 months from the date the advance payment is received.
The missile defense system will be based on two missiles: A 70 km range MR-SAM and a 120 km range LR-SAM.
The MR-SAM will equip Naval Ships while the LR-SAM will be shore based for use by the IAF.
Project N11356 Stealth Frigates will be armed with MR-SAM which will have the long range radar and weapon control system to support the extended range missile.
During the visit of the Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash to Israel in July 2005, Israel offered to develop the next generation Barak-II ship defense missiles jointly with DRDL. The issue was discussed during the Naval Commanders’ Conference in November 2005.
India and Israel reportedly inked a deal valued at $350 million on 27 Jan 2006 to co-develop the two missiles over the next 5 years. Both the nations agreed to hold a 50/50 stake in the venture with additional funds being pumped in by both parties as needed.
The February 27, 2009 contract, which is yet to be officially acknowledged by India, appears to be follow up to the 2006 deal.
Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System
Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is developing a Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system to be deployed by 2015.
The system will be based on radar technology for tracking and fire control which the DRDO developed jointly with Israel and France.
Details of the project and its current status maybe viewed at my knol Indian DRDO's Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System
The Brahmos is based on the SS-NX-26 (Yakhont) missile, which was under development when the Cold War ended in 1991 after which the project ran aground because of lack of funds. India invested $240 million to complete two decades of the missile's development and contributed its inertial navigation system.
DRDO claims that the missile was jointly developed by India and Russia. However, 80 % of its components, including the liquid ramjet engine and the radar seeker, are imported in knock-down condition to be reassembled by the Russians.
You can read details of the missile and the current status of the project at the Brahmos Missile knol.
An agreement to develop the new missile was reached during a visit by Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov to India in 2008.
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| Barak Missile copyright © Vijainder K Thakur. |
Barak 2 Missiles (MR-SAM and LR-SAM)
India has signed a $1.4 billion defense contract with Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) to co-develop a Air Defense System.The contract includes a 30 percent offset clause under which Israel will procure military or aviation products and services from India, and invest in Indian defense companies. Under this clause IAI will make purchases from Mumbai based Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) which will partner with IAI to develop missiles, drones, radars, electronic warfare systems and homeland security systems – all areas of Israeli defense industry specialization.
IAI announced the deal on March 26 to Israeli business daily Globes, after having received advance payment.
India is making part payment on the deal during the development period, and the balance during the 66-month delivery period, which is slated to begin 90 months from the date the advance payment is received.
The missile defense system will be based on two missiles: A 70 km range MR-SAM and a 120 km range LR-SAM.
The MR-SAM will equip Naval Ships while the LR-SAM will be shore based for use by the IAF.
Project N11356 Stealth Frigates will be armed with MR-SAM which will have the long range radar and weapon control system to support the extended range missile.
During the visit of the Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash to Israel in July 2005, Israel offered to develop the next generation Barak-II ship defense missiles jointly with DRDL. The issue was discussed during the Naval Commanders’ Conference in November 2005.
India and Israel reportedly inked a deal valued at $350 million on 27 Jan 2006 to co-develop the two missiles over the next 5 years. Both the nations agreed to hold a 50/50 stake in the venture with additional funds being pumped in by both parties as needed.
The February 27, 2009 contract, which is yet to be officially acknowledged by India, appears to be follow up to the 2006 deal.
Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System
Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is developing a Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system to be deployed by 2015.The system will be based on radar technology for tracking and fire control which the DRDO developed jointly with Israel and France.
Details of the project and its current status maybe viewed at my knol Indian DRDO's Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System
Brahmos Missile
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| Land Attack Cruise Missile (LACM) variant of Brahmos. (Copyright © Vijainder K Thakur) |
Introduction
BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land. It is a joint venture between India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroeyenia who have together formed the BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited.The Brahmos is based on the SS-NX-26 (Yakhont) missile, which was under development when the Cold War ended in 1991 after which the project ran aground because of lack of funds. India invested $240 million to complete two decades of the missile's development and contributed its inertial navigation system.
DRDO claims that the missile was jointly developed by India and Russia. However, 80 % of its components, including the liquid ramjet engine and the radar seeker, are imported in knock-down condition to be reassembled by the Russians.
You can read details of the missile and the current status of the project at the Brahmos Missile knol.
Brahmos 2
Preliminary work has also begun on the development of a hypersonic Brahmos 2 missile capable of flying at a speed between 5 and 7 Mach using a scram jet engine.An agreement to develop the new missile was reached during a visit by Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov to India in 2008.
Details of the project maybe viewed at my knol Brahmos-2
Speaking to the press at Tiruchy on Saturday, February 14, 2009, Dr A Sivathanu Pillai, CEO & MD of Brahmos Aerospace said the missile will be ready within the next five years.
The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) program was first announced in November 1984. The helicopter was designed with assistance from Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm. The first prototype flew in August 1992.
The helicopter was initially powered by two Turbomeca TM 333-2B2 turboshaft producing 746 kW (1000 shp). Later versions of the helicopter use two more powerful Shakti engines jointly developed by HAL and Turbomeca producing 900 kW (1,200 shp).
In September 2007, the Dhruv was cleared for high-altitude flying in the Siachen Sector after six-month long trials. In October 2007, a Dhruv flew to an altitude of 27,500 ft ASL in Siachen. This was the highest that the Dhruv had flown, and was higher than the 25,000 ft record set by an IAF Cheetah helicopter in 2005.
The Dhruv powered by the Shakti engine continues to fall short of the power requirements projected in the Army QRs and HAL is making efforts to reduce the weight of the helicopter and increase the power of its engine.
Current versions of the Dhruv features a glass cockpit.
A weaponized version of Dhruv was first flight tested with the new engine on 16 August 2007. The version is equipped with SAAB supplied Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) with Electronic Warfare self-protection which is fully integrated into the modern glass cockpit.
HAL currently has orders to deliver 260 to 270 Dhruv worth Rs 16,000, its Chairman Ashok Baweja said on Thursday, February 12, 2009, at Aero India 2009 in Bengaluru.
Five Dhruvs were handed over the Ecuador Air Force chief at a high-profile media event at Aero India 2009 on Friday, February 13.
The AEW&CS will comprise of an indigenous radar and control system mounted on a Brazilian Embraer EMB-145 regional jet. Under a $210 million deal signed with Brazilian aviation company Embraer in summer 2008, Embraer will supply India 3 EMB-145s with the system mounted on them.
The choice of Embraer as the platform was made by the IAF.
The CABS is looking for an experienced partner who will be responsible for integrating the Active Array Antenna Unit (AAAU), other antennas, trans receiver modules and various sub systems being developed by Indian defense laboratories onto the three Brazil manufactured EMB-145.
It has sent a request for proposal to six vendors - Israel's Elta, the European consortium EADS, France's Thales, Sweden's SAAB Erikson and the United State's Raytheon and Northrop Grumman.
The vendors have time till the third week of January 2009 to submit their proposals.
The first EMB-145 is scheduled to be delivered in 2011 and the complete system will be flight tested by the DRDO along with the Indian air force from 2012.
The primary sensor will be an active electronically scanned array radar with two planar arrays mounted on top of the fuselage in a dorsal unit, and capable of air and sea surveillance. The radar has been developed based on design and technology supplied by ELTA.
The secondary radar will have an identification friend or foe function, while communication and electronic support measures will also enable the aircraft to detect and identify hostile emitters.
A self-protection suite will consist of missile approach and radar warning receivers, plus countermeasures dispensers.
The AEW&C will feature voice and data communication over UHF voice and data channels.
The system is designed to complement three Ilyushin Il-76s equipped with Elta Systems Phalcon radars and Indian navy Kamov Ka-31 radar picket helicopters. However, it is not clear if it will feature data links with the other two systems.
The modified EMB-145 will have a service ceiling of 35,000ft (10,700m), a radar operational altitude of 25,000ft and extra internal fuel tanks to allow in-flight refueling.
The IAF is looking to acquire an additional 20 such systems.
The development comes nine years after India's original indigenous AEW&C program came to a standstill after a Hawker Siddeley HS748 test bed with a prototype radar crashed. Several scientists who were integral to the program were killed in the accident, and India has been trying to resurrect the program since.
Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) / PAK-FA
The FGFA is being developed by Sukhoi, which is part of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), under an intergovernmental agreement signed in October 2007.
Russia and India will simultaneously develop two versions of the combat aircraft - a two-seat version to meet the requirements of India's air superiority policy, and a single-seat version for the Russian Air Force.
For details of the project see the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) / PAK-FA / T-50 knol.
Indian Aircraft Carrier (IAC) Project 71 INS Vikrant
Construction started in 2006 but the keel of the ship was officially laid on February 28, 2009, by Defense Minister AK Antony in the presence of Admiral Sureesh Mehta, Chief of the Naval Staff.
The 260 meters long and 60 meter whide ship will have a speed of 28 knots and an endurance of 8,000 nautical miles.
The carrier will field long-range surface-to-air missile systems with a multi-function radar, a close-in weapon system, the most modern C/D band early air-warning radar and the V/UHF tactical air-navigational and direction finding systems.
It will have jamming capabilities over the expected electromagnetic (EM) environment, along with carrier control approach radars to aid air operations. Integration of all weapon systems onboard will be through an indigenous combat management system.
The ship’s integration with the Navy’s network-centric operations will provide for force multiplication.
The ship will be launched by October 2010, as per the phase I contract signed by CSL with the Defense Ministry. The phase II of the contract will end with the delivery of the ship to the Navy by the end of 2014.
Work on the second aircraft carrier is expected to start before the first one is delivered to the Navy.
The IJT program was sanctioned by the government in 1999 with an initial budget of Rs.180 crore as a replacement for the HJT-16 Kiran.
The first prototype flew in March 2003.
Around 225 IJTs are to be produced for use by the IAF, IN, as well as the Air Force's Surya Kiran aerobatic team.
Two prototypes of the aircraft are currently flying - PT1 and PT2.
The aircraft is to be powered by Russian aero engine major NPO Saturn's AL-55I (I for Indian). The first engine was delivered to India in November 2007 and is fitted on the PT2.
The PT1 is powered by a French engine.
The larger size of the AL-55I mandated changes to the airframe.
As per the original schedule, the first batch of IJTs was to have been delivered to the Air Force in 2005-06. Coded the Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT)-36, the HAL has received an order for 12 Limited Series Production (LSP) and 60 production aircraft. The revised schedule is for the Air Force to receive the 12 LSPs by 2010.
The DRDO displayed a wind tunnel model of its Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA) twin engine fighter concept at Aero India 2009.
The 19-20 ton category fighter will feature stealth including an internal weapon bay.
Speaking at Aero India 2009, M. Natarajan, DRDO chief and scientific adviser to the defense minister said, "Even though we don't have a project as yet, we have started conceptual work on our own for the Medium Combat Aircraft. I will not call it Fifth Generation Aircraft but it is very close provided we are able to incorporate more stealth features."
Referring to the 126 MMRCA currently under procurement, Natrajan said:
"It is possible to have an MCA with a twin engine, with less weight and improved electronics. It will also have an inbuilt weapon load for stealth reasons. It is doable and it is a challenge."
The project was initiated to capitalize on the knowledge and expertise gained from the work put into the LCA project. The Air Force has shown interest in the project.
"I am happy to say some very preliminary discussions have started with the Air Force. They are showing considerable interest and this is linked to the kind of developments we could demonstrate in avionics, electronic warfare and our own radar development technology particularly for the AWE&C," he added.
Nag is anti-tank missile with a 4-km range and fire-and-forget capability. The missile uses a IR seeker and has a top attack capability to strike a tank where its armor is the weakest.
Speaking to the press at Tiruchy on Saturday, February 14, 2009, Dr A Sivathanu Pillai, CEO & MD of Brahmos Aerospace said the missile will be ready within the next five years.
Dhruv - Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)
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| Weaponized Dhruv ALH |
The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) program was first announced in November 1984. The helicopter was designed with assistance from Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm. The first prototype flew in August 1992.
The helicopter was initially powered by two Turbomeca TM 333-2B2 turboshaft producing 746 kW (1000 shp). Later versions of the helicopter use two more powerful Shakti engines jointly developed by HAL and Turbomeca producing 900 kW (1,200 shp).
In September 2007, the Dhruv was cleared for high-altitude flying in the Siachen Sector after six-month long trials. In October 2007, a Dhruv flew to an altitude of 27,500 ft ASL in Siachen. This was the highest that the Dhruv had flown, and was higher than the 25,000 ft record set by an IAF Cheetah helicopter in 2005.
The Dhruv powered by the Shakti engine continues to fall short of the power requirements projected in the Army QRs and HAL is making efforts to reduce the weight of the helicopter and increase the power of its engine.
Current versions of the Dhruv features a glass cockpit.
A weaponized version of Dhruv was first flight tested with the new engine on 16 August 2007. The version is equipped with SAAB supplied Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) with Electronic Warfare self-protection which is fully integrated into the modern glass cockpit.
HAL currently has orders to deliver 260 to 270 Dhruv worth Rs 16,000, its Chairman Ashok Baweja said on Thursday, February 12, 2009, at Aero India 2009 in Bengaluru.
Five Dhruvs were handed over the Ecuador Air Force chief at a high-profile media event at Aero India 2009 on Friday, February 13.
EMB-145 AEWC&S project
Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), is coordinating the Rs.1,800-crore effort to develop an indigenous airborne early warning and control system (AEW&CS) to augment the three Phalcon AWACs being procured by the IAF.The AEW&CS will comprise of an indigenous radar and control system mounted on a Brazilian Embraer EMB-145 regional jet. Under a $210 million deal signed with Brazilian aviation company Embraer in summer 2008, Embraer will supply India 3 EMB-145s with the system mounted on them.
The choice of Embraer as the platform was made by the IAF.
The CABS is looking for an experienced partner who will be responsible for integrating the Active Array Antenna Unit (AAAU), other antennas, trans receiver modules and various sub systems being developed by Indian defense laboratories onto the three Brazil manufactured EMB-145.
It has sent a request for proposal to six vendors - Israel's Elta, the European consortium EADS, France's Thales, Sweden's SAAB Erikson and the United State's Raytheon and Northrop Grumman.
The vendors have time till the third week of January 2009 to submit their proposals.
The first EMB-145 is scheduled to be delivered in 2011 and the complete system will be flight tested by the DRDO along with the Indian air force from 2012.
Sensors
The primary sensor will be an active electronically scanned array radar with two planar arrays mounted on top of the fuselage in a dorsal unit, and capable of air and sea surveillance. The radar has been developed based on design and technology supplied by ELTA.
The secondary radar will have an identification friend or foe function, while communication and electronic support measures will also enable the aircraft to detect and identify hostile emitters.
A self-protection suite will consist of missile approach and radar warning receivers, plus countermeasures dispensers.
Interoperability
The AEW&C will feature voice and data communication over UHF voice and data channels.
The system is designed to complement three Ilyushin Il-76s equipped with Elta Systems Phalcon radars and Indian navy Kamov Ka-31 radar picket helicopters. However, it is not clear if it will feature data links with the other two systems.
The modified EMB-145 will have a service ceiling of 35,000ft (10,700m), a radar operational altitude of 25,000ft and extra internal fuel tanks to allow in-flight refueling.
The IAF is looking to acquire an additional 20 such systems.
The development comes nine years after India's original indigenous AEW&C program came to a standstill after a Hawker Siddeley HS748 test bed with a prototype radar crashed. Several scientists who were integral to the program were killed in the accident, and India has been trying to resurrect the program since.
Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) / PAK-FA
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| A visualization of Sukhoi T 50 PAK FA Fifth Generation Fighter being co-developed by Russia and India |
The FGFA is being developed by Sukhoi, which is part of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), under an intergovernmental agreement signed in October 2007.
Russia and India will simultaneously develop two versions of the combat aircraft - a two-seat version to meet the requirements of India's air superiority policy, and a single-seat version for the Russian Air Force.
For details of the project see the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) / PAK-FA / T-50 knol.
Indian Aircraft Carrier (IAC) Project 71 INS Vikrant
India is constructing a 40,000 ton aircraft carrier with a complement of 1,600 personal will be capable of carrying a 30 aircraft comprising MiG-29K / LCA Trainer, ALH Dhruv and Ka-31, under the Rs 3,260 crore Project 71.
The aircraft carrier will feature a ski jump like the INS Vikramaditya, instead of a steam catapult, for assisted takeoffs.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) designed 70% of the ship, starting in 2001-02. It used an Italian company Fincantieri as design consultants for integrating the propulsion system, while a Russian firm, NDB, is contributing aviation technology.
The aircraft carrier will feature a ski jump like the INS Vikramaditya, instead of a steam catapult, for assisted takeoffs.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) designed 70% of the ship, starting in 2001-02. It used an Italian company Fincantieri as design consultants for integrating the propulsion system, while a Russian firm, NDB, is contributing aviation technology.
Fincantieri delivered the 30,000 ton aircraft carrier Cavour to the Italian Navy in 2008, which is powered by four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines generating a total of 80 MW of power. The same engines will power the Vikrant, which will have have two shafts, each coupled to two LM2500 gas turbines.
Construction started in 2006 but the keel of the ship was officially laid on February 28, 2009, by Defense Minister AK Antony in the presence of Admiral Sureesh Mehta, Chief of the Naval Staff.
The 260 meters long and 60 meter whide ship will have a speed of 28 knots and an endurance of 8,000 nautical miles.
The carrier will field long-range surface-to-air missile systems with a multi-function radar, a close-in weapon system, the most modern C/D band early air-warning radar and the V/UHF tactical air-navigational and direction finding systems.
It will have jamming capabilities over the expected electromagnetic (EM) environment, along with carrier control approach radars to aid air operations. Integration of all weapon systems onboard will be through an indigenous combat management system.
The ship’s integration with the Navy’s network-centric operations will provide for force multiplication.
The ship will be launched by October 2010, as per the phase I contract signed by CSL with the Defense Ministry. The phase II of the contract will end with the delivery of the ship to the Navy by the end of 2014.
Work on the second aircraft carrier is expected to start before the first one is delivered to the Navy.
Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) 'Sitara' HJT-36
The IJT program was sanctioned by the government in 1999 with an initial budget of Rs.180 crore as a replacement for the HJT-16 Kiran.
The first prototype flew in March 2003.
Around 225 IJTs are to be produced for use by the IAF, IN, as well as the Air Force's Surya Kiran aerobatic team.
Two prototypes of the aircraft are currently flying - PT1 and PT2.
The aircraft is to be powered by Russian aero engine major NPO Saturn's AL-55I (I for Indian). The first engine was delivered to India in November 2007 and is fitted on the PT2.
The PT1 is powered by a French engine.
The larger size of the AL-55I mandated changes to the airframe.
As per the original schedule, the first batch of IJTs was to have been delivered to the Air Force in 2005-06. Coded the Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT)-36, the HAL has received an order for 12 Limited Series Production (LSP) and 60 production aircraft. The revised schedule is for the Air Force to receive the 12 LSPs by 2010.
Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)
The HAL developed 5.5-ton twin engine LCH is a derivative of Dhruv ALH with tandem seating.
Like the Dhruv, LCH is powered by two Shakti engines jointly developed with France's Turbomeca.
The LCH will supplement the 22 attack helicopters that India is seeking as part of an international tender.
Details of the project maybe viewed at the knol Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)
Medium Combat Aircraft
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| Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA) wind tunnel model at Aero India 2009 |
The 19-20 ton category fighter will feature stealth including an internal weapon bay.
Speaking at Aero India 2009, M. Natarajan, DRDO chief and scientific adviser to the defense minister said, "Even though we don't have a project as yet, we have started conceptual work on our own for the Medium Combat Aircraft. I will not call it Fifth Generation Aircraft but it is very close provided we are able to incorporate more stealth features."
Referring to the 126 MMRCA currently under procurement, Natrajan said:
"It is possible to have an MCA with a twin engine, with less weight and improved electronics. It will also have an inbuilt weapon load for stealth reasons. It is doable and it is a challenge."
The project was initiated to capitalize on the knowledge and expertise gained from the work put into the LCA project. The Air Force has shown interest in the project.
"I am happy to say some very preliminary discussions have started with the Air Force. They are showing considerable interest and this is linked to the kind of developments we could demonstrate in avionics, electronic warfare and our own radar development technology particularly for the AWE&C," he added.
Nag Missile
Design work on the missile started in 1988 with the first test having been carried out in November 1990. The missile is currently being inducted into the Indian Army in limited numbers.
Details and current status of the project maybe viewed at the knol Nag Anti Tank Missile.
The missile is being designed to match the capabilities of the US Tomahawk and its Pakistan developed variant Babur.
The missile will be capable of carrying 24 types of warhead but it is not clear if it is nuclear capable.
"The need was felt for a subsonic cruise missile that will be capable of being launched from multiple platforms in land, air, and sea," says the ASL director.
A technology demonstration test is scheduled for early 2009.
A follow up of Project 15 Delhi Class destroyers (INS Delhi, INS Mysore and INS Mumbai), which were based on the Soviet Kashins with elements drawn from the Godavari and Sovremenny classes, these 6,800 tons destroyers will incorporate more stealth.
Details and current status of the project maybe viewed at my knol Project 15A Stealth Destroyers
The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the construction of four 6,800-ton destroyers by Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai (MDL) in April 2009.
There was no competitive bidding for the project which is a “follow-on” to the currently underway Project 15A -, construction of three Kolkata class destroyers at MDL.
Project 15B warships are expected to differ from their predecessors only in the sensor and weapon suite that they carry.
MDL expects minimal design changes and hopes to freeze the design within 1 1/2 years, with the first ship being launched within four years and subsequent ships being completed at one year intervals.
If the order is placed on MDL by end-2009, the first 15-B destroyer would be commissioned in mid-2015.
Mazagaon Docks Limited (MDL) is building 3 Indian designed stealth frigates for the Indian Navy under this project.
P 17s are based on the Project 11356 (Talwar / Krivak IV class) ships being acquired from Russia, and were designed jointly by the Naval Design Bureau (NDB) and Russia's Severnoye Project Design Bureau (Severnoye Proyektno-Konstruktorskoye Bjuro - SPKB), the designers of the N11356 frigate.
The first ship of the class, INS Shivalik, was launched on April 19, 2003. The two follow on ships - INS Sahyadri and the INS Satpura are under construction at Mazagon docks. These are expected to be finished and delivered by 2010.
INS Shivalik and its sisters are 143 metres long and 16.9 metres wide (at beam). Their stealth character diminishes physical signatures - radar, infra red and sound - making it difficult for an enemy to detect and attack them. When fully armed they displace 4,900 tonnes.
Though much smaller than the Delhi class of destroyers, their weapons package is far more potent. These include the latest surface-to-surface vertical launched missiles, surface-to-air missiles and state of the art radar and communication equipment.
The ships cruise using two French-made Pielstick diesel engines. For bursts of speeds upto 30 knots they use two GE LM 25000 gas turbines.
They operate two large helicopters for surveillance and anti-submarine operations.
The armament carried includes:
76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) (Main Gun)
2 x AK-630 Rapid Fire guns
24 x CIWS/SAM systems - KASHMIR
Barak/Shtil VLS SAM (Undecided)
8 x VLS Klub/BrahMos Cruise missiles
90R missiles (ASW)
DTA-53-956 torpedoes
RBU-6000 (RPK-8)
More information on the project is available at Project 17A knol.
India does not currently have a submarine capable of carrying the Sagarika and it's believed the missile will be integrated with the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV), a nuclear-powered submarine that India has been working on for more than 20 years.
The solid propellant, two-staged missile is little over 10 meters in length and about half-a-meter in width. It is easily transportable, user-friendly and is stored in a canister for longer shelf life.
For more on the missile see the Shaurya Missile knol.
LCA Tejas
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project was sanctioned in 1982 with a budget of Rs 560 crore to develop a state-of-the-art fighter aircraft to replace IAF's MiG-21 fighters.
Close to Rs 6,000 crore have since been spent since but the aircraft, rechristened as Tejas, still remains under development. It is currently being tested with a substitute engine (F404-GE-IN20) and makeshift avionics package.
Details of the project and its current status maybe viewed at my knol LCA Tejas
Instead, the service has floated a tender to procure a new trainer type to meet its additional requirement. Six companies have been invited to bid as follows
UK’s BAe Hawk 128
Italy's Alenia for the M-346
Korea Aerospace Industries/Lockheed Martin T-50
Czech Aero Vodochody L-159
Russian Yakovlev YAK-130
Russian MiG AT Trainer
The submarine is earmarked to be commissioned as INS Chakra.
For details of the project, please see INS Chakra knol.
The contract, estimated to be worth $500 million, stipulates aircraft in the 2.5t-class.
The deal is expected to be finalized within two years and supply completed over the next three years.
Kamov Ka-31 Surveillance Helicopters for Navy
The Cabinet Committee on Security approved a deal worth Rs 950 crore for acquisition of five Russian Kamov-31 early-warning helicopters for the Indian Navy on August 4, 2009. A contract is expected to be finalized within a month.
The helicopters are equipped with the E-801M Oko (Eye) airborne electronic warfare radar mounted beneath the fuselage. A Ka-31 can simultaneously track up to 40 airborne and surface threats, with a 360 degree coverage, from 100 to 200 km away depending on the target's size.
Navy already has nine Ka-31 helicopters, inducted in 2003-2004, which operate from its solitary aircraft carrier INS Viraat and three Talwar-class "stealthy" guided-missile frigates as well as shore-based air stations.
"All of the helicopters will be bought directly from the manufacturers. Of these, 133 are for the army and 64 for the air force. The services will have a joint evaluation and pick the helicopter that best fits their requirements," said a Defense Ministry spokesperson.
The eventual requirement for the helicopters is projected at 384. The additional requirement for 187 LUHs (126 for the Army and 61 for the Air Force) will be met by HAL either through license production of the winning bidder's model or the manufacture of an indigenously developed helicopter.
The RFP was sent to AgustaWestland, Bell Helicopter, Eurocopter, Kamov and Sikorsky.
The contract, valued at up to $750 million, contains a 30% offset investment provision. Deliveries against the contract are expected to start by the end of 2010 after a one year evaluation.
An earlier tender for 197 utility helicopters in favor of Eurocopter AS550 was canceled in December 2007 following allegations of irregularities in the procurement process.
Eurocopter is once again offering the AS550.
Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) Aircraft
India has invited request for information for 16 Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) to replace its fleet of aging Sea King helicopters. The program is valued at $ 1 billion.
The helicopters, to be equipped for inflight refuelling, are required to have anti-submarine and surface warfare capability as their primary mission. Capable of ferrying 15 soldiers, the 10 ton helicopters are expected to be armed with cruise missiles and lightweight torpedoes for advanced anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare capabilities
Also required is a secondary mission capability of anti-ship surveillance and targeting, search and resuce, medical evacuation and logistics missions from naval vessels.
A Request for Proposal is likely to be issued in mid 2009
Amongst those bidding are
Sikorsky: S-70B Seahawk as a commercial direct sale.
European NH Industries: NH90,
Lockheed: MH-60R as US government Foreign Military Sale
Rosoboronexport: Ka-226T
The final requirement could reach 60 helicopters.
Six Scorpene submarines, to be built at Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL) shipyard under a transfer of technology agreement with France’s DCNS, will be delivered to Indian Navy under Project 75.
The submarines are being acquired under a 2.4 billion eur contract signed in 2005 and will be commissioned in the Navy from 2013 through 2018.
The 1750 ton displacement Scorpene is 67 meters long and equipped with six 21 inch torpedo tubes that can launch 12 torpedoes or anti-ship missiles.
Scorpene submarines incorporate acoustic discretion and combat system performance technologies developed for nuclear-powered classes operated by the French Navy. They feature a modular design and excellent endurance. They are claimed to be one of the few medium-displacement designs suitable for extended ocean patrol duties.
In June 2009 it was reported that the project has fallen 2 years behind schedule and France has hiked up the price of some key components resulting in a per boat price increase from $500 million to $600 million.
Speaking in the parliament on Monday, July 20, Indian defense minister AK Antony said:
The construction of the first, second and third submarine commenced in December 2006, December 2007 and August 2008 respectively. As per the contract signed with Mazagaon Docks Limited (MDL), the first submarine is scheduled to be delivered in December 2012 and thereafter, one each every year till December 2017. On account of some teething problems, absorption of technology and delays in augmentation of industrial infrastructure and procurement of MDL purchased materials (MPM), slippage in the delivery schedule is expected. The delay in scheduled delivery of submarines is likely to have an impact on the envisaged submarine force levels.
India purchased 50 Su-30K aircraft from Sukhoi in Russia in 1996 and acquired a license to manufacture an additional 140 fighters at HAL.
In January 2009, India ordered an additional 40 Su-30MKIs from Russia.
For details and current status of the project please see the knol Su-30MKI
A $795 million dollar transfer of technology agreement was inked on February 15, 2001, between the Government of India and the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “State Corporation ‘Rosvoorouzhenic’ of the Russian Federation.”
Russia shipped 124 T-90 tanks to India off the shelf. Another 186 were supplied in semi-knocked-down condition for assembly in Avadi-based Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) near Chennai.
In a follow up TOT agreement signed in 2006, Russia agreed to transfer technology for the license production of 1,000 additional tanks in India through 2020.
However, Russia pussyfooted on the TOT part of the agreement and production never started, forcing India to resort to the outright purchase of an additional 330 tanks in November 2007 to cover a gap in its military capabilities.
According to the DRDO, each of the Indian-built tanks would cost up to 150 million rupees ($3 million).
News
A first batch of 10 indigenously built T-90 Bhisma tanks was handed over to the Army on Monday, August 24, by the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Chennai.
***
The first indigenous manufactured T-90 tank will roll out August 24, IANS reported in early August 2009 quoting an unnamed defense ministry official.
***
In July 2009, Indian Defense Minister AK Antony told parliament that the supply of T-90 Tanks through indigenous production of components will commence from 2009 to 2010.
Upgrades
In June 2009, India signed a $400 million agreement with Ukraine's Ukrspetsexport to upgrade its fleet of 100 AN-32 aircraft to extend its life and improve its avionics.
The upgrades will be done in Ukraine to begin with and then at Kanpur.
Defense ministry officials said the upgrades will extend the life of the aircraft by another 10 to 15 years. The Antonov website additionally claims the upgrades will increase maximum takeoff weight and flight range.
AN-32, a twin-engine turboprop, was acquired from the erstwhile Soviet Union. They were made by Antonov, based in Ukraine.
Antonov Website
In March 2008 Russia's RAC-MiG signed a $850 million contract with the Indian Defense Ministry to modernize 62 MiG-29 fighters (54 fighters and 8 trainers).
The modernization is aimed at extending their service lives by several decades, improving their air-to-ground attack capability and giving them better BVR capability. It will include fitting the multifunctional Zhuk-ME radar, and new weapon control and avionics systems.
The upgrade will allow the IAF to extend the life of the MiG-29 from the present 25 years (and 2,500 hours) to 40 years (3,500 hours).
Six aircraft are to be upgraded by RAC-MiG in Russia and the remaining at IAF’s 11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) in Nasik using kits supplied by RAC-MiG.
The first upgraded MiG-29 was scheduled to fly into India in March 2010. Fourteen aircraft were scheduled to roll out of 11BRD between April 2010 and March 2011. The upgrade program is to be completed by 2013.
However MIG officials told The Hindu in end July 2009 that there will be a delay of at least eight months in the arrival of the first upgraded aircraft.
The Russians hold the IAF responsible for the delay saying it has not finalized the ‘buyer furnished equipment.’
IAF was to provide RAC MiG the list of equipment and their actual physical dimensions that they want fitted on the upgraded MiG-29’s. Many of these items are to be sourced or integrated by Indian companies.
Ref:
MiG-29 upgrade programme delayed
Under the $250 million contract singed by Russian Defense Minister Ivanov, Klimov was to establish a production line at HAL for 120 upgraded RD-33 engines. The deal involved complete transfer of technology.
The Series 3 engine features cooled blades of modern materials. At 1100 kg it is slightly heavier than the 1055 kg RD-33 engine, and produces a max thrust of 9,000 kg with afterburning, against 8,300 kgf of the RD-33.
It is built to western standards and reportedly has a 4,000 hour service life. The engine contains systems that reduce its infrared and optical visibility.
The RD-33 engine has a SFC of 2.1 kg/kgf/hr in afterburner, 0.77 military
Repair and maintenance is made easy through the use of an information and diagnostics system (IDS).
RD-33MK (Sea Wasp), an improved version of RD-33, powers the MiG-35, which is competing in the MMRCA flyoff currently underway. It also powers the MiG-29K being supplied to the Indian Navy.
A version of RD-33 can be fitted with Thrust Vector Control (TVN). However, TVN requires significant modification to the controls of an aircraft.
Incidentally, RD-93, which powers the JF-17 manufactured in Pakistan with assistance from China, is a version of the RD-33.
Ref:
Klimov
News
Rosoboronexport and HAL signed a deal at the MAKS-2009 on August 21 for delivery of 26 RD-33 series 3 engines to India, marking the start of the license manufacture / TOT program.
Indian Navy Kilo Class Submarine Upgrade
The Indian Navy (IN) is in the process of upgrading its 10 Kilo class submarines under a deal signed in 2001.
Each upgrade costs $80 million and involves a complete overhaul of the submarine and its hull structures; installation of an improved control system, sonar, electronic warfare system, and an integrated weapon control system.
Additional details and current status of the project may be viewed at my knol Indian Navy Kilo Class Submarine Upgrade
Nirbhay Cruise Missile
Nirbhay (Fearless) is an intermediate-range (1000km) subsonic land-attack cruise missile that is being developed by Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) in Hyderabad since 2007.The missile is being designed to match the capabilities of the US Tomahawk and its Pakistan developed variant Babur.
The missile will be capable of carrying 24 types of warhead but it is not clear if it is nuclear capable.
"The need was felt for a subsonic cruise missile that will be capable of being launched from multiple platforms in land, air, and sea," says the ASL director.
A technology demonstration test is scheduled for early 2009.
Project 15A
Three warships under this Rs 11,000 crore project are being built by Mazagaon Docks Limited (MDL) for the Indian Navy.A follow up of Project 15 Delhi Class destroyers (INS Delhi, INS Mysore and INS Mumbai), which were based on the Soviet Kashins with elements drawn from the Godavari and Sovremenny classes, these 6,800 tons destroyers will incorporate more stealth.
Details and current status of the project maybe viewed at my knol Project 15A Stealth Destroyers
Project 15B
The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the construction of four 6,800-ton destroyers by Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai (MDL) in April 2009.
There was no competitive bidding for the project which is a “follow-on” to the currently underway Project 15A -, construction of three Kolkata class destroyers at MDL.
Project 15B warships are expected to differ from their predecessors only in the sensor and weapon suite that they carry.
MDL expects minimal design changes and hopes to freeze the design within 1 1/2 years, with the first ship being launched within four years and subsequent ships being completed at one year intervals.
If the order is placed on MDL by end-2009, the first 15-B destroyer would be commissioned in mid-2015.
Project 17
Mazagaon Docks Limited (MDL) is building 3 Indian designed stealth frigates for the Indian Navy under this project.
P 17s are based on the Project 11356 (Talwar / Krivak IV class) ships being acquired from Russia, and were designed jointly by the Naval Design Bureau (NDB) and Russia's Severnoye Project Design Bureau (Severnoye Proyektno-Konstruktorskoye Bjuro - SPKB), the designers of the N11356 frigate.
The first ship of the class, INS Shivalik, was launched on April 19, 2003. The two follow on ships - INS Sahyadri and the INS Satpura are under construction at Mazagon docks. These are expected to be finished and delivered by 2010.
INS Shivalik and its sisters are 143 metres long and 16.9 metres wide (at beam). Their stealth character diminishes physical signatures - radar, infra red and sound - making it difficult for an enemy to detect and attack them. When fully armed they displace 4,900 tonnes.
Though much smaller than the Delhi class of destroyers, their weapons package is far more potent. These include the latest surface-to-surface vertical launched missiles, surface-to-air missiles and state of the art radar and communication equipment.
The ships cruise using two French-made Pielstick diesel engines. For bursts of speeds upto 30 knots they use two GE LM 25000 gas turbines.
They operate two large helicopters for surveillance and anti-submarine operations.
The armament carried includes:
76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) (Main Gun)
2 x AK-630 Rapid Fire guns
24 x CIWS/SAM systems - KASHMIR
Barak/Shtil VLS SAM (Undecided)
8 x VLS Klub/BrahMos Cruise missiles
90R missiles (ASW)
DTA-53-956 torpedoes
RBU-6000 (RPK-8)
Project 17A
In June 2009, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared a Rs 45,000 crore project to build seven stealth frigates using advanced manufacturing process like modular shipbuilding. The ships will be manufactured in India by the Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai (MDL) and the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.More information on the project is available at Project 17A knol.
Sagarika
Sagarika is a submarine-launched ballistic missile with a range of approximately 700 km (435 miles).
India successfully tested the 'Sagarika' missile under the K-15 project on February 26, 2008, off the coast of Visakhapatnam from a pontoon simulating the conditions of a submarine.India does not currently have a submarine capable of carrying the Sagarika and it's believed the missile will be integrated with the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV), a nuclear-powered submarine that India has been working on for more than 20 years.
Shaurya
Shaurya is a surface-to-surface tactical missile with a range of 600-km and a payload of about one ton for use by the Army. It can carry both conventional as well as nuclear warheads.The solid propellant, two-staged missile is little over 10 meters in length and about half-a-meter in width. It is easily transportable, user-friendly and is stored in a canister for longer shelf life.
For more on the missile see the Shaurya Missile knol.
LCA Tejas
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project was sanctioned in 1982 with a budget of Rs 560 crore to develop a state-of-the-art fighter aircraft to replace IAF's MiG-21 fighters.Close to Rs 6,000 crore have since been spent since but the aircraft, rechristened as Tejas, still remains under development. It is currently being tested with a substitute engine (F404-GE-IN20) and makeshift avionics package.
Details of the project and its current status maybe viewed at my knol LCA Tejas
Unmanned Helicopter
HAL is working with Israel to convert its Chetak helicopter into an unmanned air vehicle for an Indian armed forces requirement for eight aircraft.
The order size may eventually grow to 40 aircraft.
The request was issued to Israel Military Industries (IMI), Rafael, BAE Systems, Raytheon, Rosoboronexport, Saab, and Germany’s IBD Deisenroth Engineering
A contract would involve some 1500 systems.
The order size may eventually grow to 40 aircraft.
New Weapon System Purchases
Active Protection System for T-90 tanks
In April 2008, the Indian Army issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) worth $270 million to retrofit its 987 T-90 MBTs with an Active Protection System (APS).The request was issued to Israel Military Industries (IMI), Rafael, BAE Systems, Raytheon, Rosoboronexport, Saab, and Germany’s IBD Deisenroth Engineering
A contract would involve some 1500 systems.
Advanced Hawkeye E-2D
Northrop Grumman has proposed the sale of six Advanced Hawkeye E-2D aircraft to the Indian Navy after the Navy sent the company a request for information in 2008.
In August 2009, Northrop gave an 8 hour presentation on the latest version of the venerable Hawkeye to Indian Navy officials.
Northrop has already obtained export authorization for the sale of the aircraft to India.
Project details can be viewed at my knol Advanced Hawkeye E-2D.
Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT)
The IAF cancelled its plans to acquire an additional 40 Hawk 132 AJTs in February 2009 because of bottlenecks in the procurement of spares.Instead, the service has floated a tender to procure a new trainer type to meet its additional requirement. Six companies have been invited to bid as follows
UK’s BAe Hawk 128
Italy's Alenia for the M-346
Korea Aerospace Industries/Lockheed Martin T-50
Czech Aero Vodochody L-159
Russian Yakovlev YAK-130
Russian MiG AT Trainer
INS Chakra (Akula 2 / Nerpa) nuclear submarine
India is reported to have leased a Nerpa (Akula II) nuclear submarine from Russia under contract signed in 2004 by Russia's then-Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov during his visit to India. The price of a 10-year lease was fixed at $650 million.The submarine is earmarked to be commissioned as INS Chakra.
For details of the project, please see INS Chakra knol.
Attack Helicopters for IAF
A request for proposals has been issued to seven companies for the supply of 22 attack helicopters for the Indian Air Force. The new helicopters will replace IAF's aging fleet of Mi-35 helicopters.The contract, estimated to be worth $500 million, stipulates aircraft in the 2.5t-class.
The deal is expected to be finalized within two years and supply completed over the next three years.
For more details, please see my knol Attack Helicopters for IAF
The system comprises of a Israeli Elta EL/M-2075 Phalcon Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar mounted on a IL-76.
The Elta comprises three radar antennas, providing 120 degree coverage, in a non rotating radome mounted on top of the aircraft. It is capable of simultaneously tracking 60 targets, including low flying aircraft and cruise missiles, up to 400 km around.
Under a $1.1 billion deal signed in March 2004, Israel was to supply three systems with the first to be delivered in November 2007.
Following a delay in the integration of the Phalcon radar to the IL-76, the delivery schedule was revised. The first aircraft was formally inducted into the IAF on May 28, 2009. The second and third ones are expected to be delivered in September 2009 and April 2010.
It has been reported that India has placed a follow up order for 3 more Phalcon radar equipped IL-76 from Israel at a cost of $1.5 billion, pushing the total number to be acquired upto 6.
Delivery Schedule
Flight Magazine reported in October that the second IL-76 to be equipped as an AWACS by Elta will be delivered to IAF in mid 2010, with the delivery of the third delayed to 2011.
The ship-borne Barak is a short range, vertically launched quick reaction missile designed to intercept and destroy approaching anti-ship missiles. The system is built to automatically launch Barak missiles from a Rafael-made vertical launch assembly when the radar detects an anti-ship supersonic missile at a height, and sea-skimming missile at a low altitude.
The Barak’s fire control system made by Elbit can automatically lock onto two incoming missiles at the same time.
The Barak’s defense is capable of intercepting targets not less than 500 metres away. Its Rafael-made warhead makes up a substantial 22 per cent of the missile’s almost 100 kg weight, bestowing it with a wider kill envelope.
Each Barak system (missile container, radar, computers and installation) costs about $24 million.
The only weakness of the existing Barak missile system is its limited range of 10 km / 6 miles.
Basic Trainers
The IAF plans to procure 160 basic trainers to replace the HPT-32, IAF Chief PV Naik announced during a press conference on October 1, 2009. Half the number would be purchased outright with the other half being locally produced by HAL.
India signed a deal with US DOD in 2008 to purchase six Lockheed Martin C-130Js for $596 million. The aircraft, to be used by Indian special forces, are currently under construction with the first plane set for delivery in January 2011.
The Indian Navy is set to acquire five EL/M-2083 radars from Israel to fill vital gaps in the coastal security and the IAF four more.
The tethered EL/M-2083 phased array radar is mounted on a blimp that can hover up to 13,000 feet. Developed and manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries' Elta Systems Group (IAI/Elta), the radar is a simpler version of the Green Pine radar, made by IAI and used by the Arrow missile defense system.
Data gathered by the radar is transmitted to a central air defense command & control center where it is used to maintain an extended comprehensive air situation picture.
Each system is reportedly capable of providing 3-D coverage in a radius of 500 km, which is roughly equivalent to the coverage that would be provided by 30 ground based radars.
According to IAI, the system is designed to detect hostile approaching aircraft from long ranges, especially those flying at low altitudes.
Pakistan is reported to be getting six L-88 Aerostat Systems from the US.
Heron II UAV
Under a $220 million deal IAI sold 50 Heron II UAVs to India. In the past Israel has sold IAI-Malat built Searcher and Searcher II.
The Admiral Gorshkov was laid down in 1978 at the Nikolayev South shipyard in Ukraine, launched in 1982, and commissioned with the Soviet Navy in 1987 as Baku.
It was renamed after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
In 1994, following a boiler room explosion, the Admiral Gorshkov sat in dock for a year for repairs. After a brief return to service in 1995, she was finally withdrawn from service in 1996 and put up for sale.
The contract covers complete overhaul of the ship, which had remained docked at the Sevmash shipyard in northern Russia for the past 12 years, fitting a ski jump take off, and equipping it with modern weaponry, including MiG-29K Fulcrum aircraft and Ka-27 Helix-A and Ka-31 Helix-B anti-submarine helicopters.
After modernization, the carrier is expected to be seaworthy for 30 years.
More details of this project can be viewed at the INS Vikramaditya / Admiral Gorshkov knol
Under the deal, twenty four aircraft were delivered directly from the UK, with 42 to be license-manufactured in India by HAL by March 2011 from semi and completely knocked down kits - progressively using indigenous components.
Details and current status of the project may be viewed at my knol at Hawk Mk.132 AJT.
Heavy Lift Helicopters
India invited bids for for 15 heavy-lift helicopters in May 2009. Along with the 22 Attack Helicopters being procured, the bid is valued at $2 billion.
Proposals for the combat helicopters have to be submitted by September 22 and those for the heavy-lift helicopters a day after.
Boeing is pitching its twin-rotor Chinook. Sikorsky Aircraft, a unit of United Technologies Corp. of the U.S., also plans to bid.
AWACS
 |
| An IAF Phacon system mounted on a IL-76TD. Photo Credit: Beriev.com |
The system comprises of a Israeli Elta EL/M-2075 Phalcon Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar mounted on a IL-76.
The Elta comprises three radar antennas, providing 120 degree coverage, in a non rotating radome mounted on top of the aircraft. It is capable of simultaneously tracking 60 targets, including low flying aircraft and cruise missiles, up to 400 km around.
Under a $1.1 billion deal signed in March 2004, Israel was to supply three systems with the first to be delivered in November 2007.
Following a delay in the integration of the Phalcon radar to the IL-76, the delivery schedule was revised. The first aircraft was formally inducted into the IAF on May 28, 2009. The second and third ones are expected to be delivered in September 2009 and April 2010.
It has been reported that India has placed a follow up order for 3 more Phalcon radar equipped IL-76 from Israel at a cost of $1.5 billion, pushing the total number to be acquired upto 6.
Delivery Schedule
Flight Magazine reported in October that the second IL-76 to be equipped as an AWACS by Elta will be delivered to IAF in mid 2010, with the delivery of the third delayed to 2011.Barak Missiles
India inked a deal in January 2009 to purchase an additional 300 Barak missiles, at a cost of about $1.6 million each, for the Barak anti-aircraft missile/aircraft systems it has already bought.The ship-borne Barak is a short range, vertically launched quick reaction missile designed to intercept and destroy approaching anti-ship missiles. The system is built to automatically launch Barak missiles from a Rafael-made vertical launch assembly when the radar detects an anti-ship supersonic missile at a height, and sea-skimming missile at a low altitude.
The Barak’s fire control system made by Elbit can automatically lock onto two incoming missiles at the same time.
The Barak’s defense is capable of intercepting targets not less than 500 metres away. Its Rafael-made warhead makes up a substantial 22 per cent of the missile’s almost 100 kg weight, bestowing it with a wider kill envelope.
Each Barak system (missile container, radar, computers and installation) costs about $24 million.
The only weakness of the existing Barak missile system is its limited range of 10 km / 6 miles.
Basic Trainers
The IAF plans to procure 160 basic trainers to replace the HPT-32, IAF Chief PV Naik announced during a press conference on October 1, 2009. Half the number would be purchased outright with the other half being locally produced by HAL.Boeing C-17 Globemaster
Boeing is reported to have briefed the IAF on the aircraft in October 2007.
In 2008 India sent Boeing a Request For Information to which the company responded. The aircraft gave impressive flying demonstrations at Aero India 2009 in Bangalore
In June 2009, the IAF projected a requirement for 10 aircraft to the government.
The Globemaster is more capable than Il-76 in terms of payload and range. It can carry 70 tons of cargo with a crew of 3, against the 45 tons carried by an IL-76 with a crew of 6.
No deal has yet been signed.
Boeing C-17 Globemaster procurement knol
Boeing P-8I Poseidon Maritime Multimission Aircraft (MMA)
India inked a $2.1 billion deal with Boeing for the supply of 8 customized P-8A Poseidon Maritime Multimission Aircraft (MMA), designated P-8I, for use by the Indian Navy.
It is the biggest ever defense deal between India and the US, surpassing the 2007 $962 million deal for the supply of six C-130J 'Super Hercules' aircraft for Indian special forces.
Please click on the link below for more details on this project
Boeing p-8i Poseidon Maritime Multimission Aircraft (MMA)
C-130J
India signed a deal with US DOD in 2008 to purchase six Lockheed Martin C-130Js for $596 million. The aircraft, to be used by Indian special forces, are currently under construction with the first plane set for delivery in January 2011.
EL/M-2083 Aerostat radars
The IAF currently operates two EL/M-2083 Aerostat radars acquired under a $145 million deal with Israel in 2004-2005.The Indian Navy is set to acquire five EL/M-2083 radars from Israel to fill vital gaps in the coastal security and the IAF four more.
The tethered EL/M-2083 phased array radar is mounted on a blimp that can hover up to 13,000 feet. Developed and manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries' Elta Systems Group (IAI/Elta), the radar is a simpler version of the Green Pine radar, made by IAI and used by the Arrow missile defense system.
Data gathered by the radar is transmitted to a central air defense command & control center where it is used to maintain an extended comprehensive air situation picture.
Each system is reportedly capable of providing 3-D coverage in a radius of 500 km, which is roughly equivalent to the coverage that would be provided by 30 ground based radars.
According to IAI, the system is designed to detect hostile approaching aircraft from long ranges, especially those flying at low altitudes.
Pakistan is reported to be getting six L-88 Aerostat Systems from the US.
Heron II UAV
Under a $220 million deal IAI sold 50 Heron II UAVs to India. In the past Israel has sold IAI-Malat built Searcher and Searcher II.
INS Vikramaditya
Under a contract signed in January 2004, Russia's Rosoboronexport was to deliver the 44,570-tonne aircraft carrier, Admiral Gorshkov, to India in 2008. The $1.5 billion contract earmarked $964 billion for the Gorshkov and $536 million for the complement of 16 MiG-29K fighter aircraft on board.The Admiral Gorshkov was laid down in 1978 at the Nikolayev South shipyard in Ukraine, launched in 1982, and commissioned with the Soviet Navy in 1987 as Baku.
It was renamed after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
In 1994, following a boiler room explosion, the Admiral Gorshkov sat in dock for a year for repairs. After a brief return to service in 1995, she was finally withdrawn from service in 1996 and put up for sale.
The contract covers complete overhaul of the ship, which had remained docked at the Sevmash shipyard in northern Russia for the past 12 years, fitting a ski jump take off, and equipping it with modern weaponry, including MiG-29K Fulcrum aircraft and Ka-27 Helix-A and Ka-31 Helix-B anti-submarine helicopters.
After modernization, the carrier is expected to be seaworthy for 30 years.
More details of this project can be viewed at the INS Vikramaditya / Admiral Gorshkov knol
Hawk AJT
India signed a $1.75 billion contract for the delivery of 66 BAE Systems HAWK Mk132s under the AJT (Advanced Jet Trainer) program in March 2004, after two decades of negotiations.Under the deal, twenty four aircraft were delivered directly from the UK, with 42 to be license-manufactured in India by HAL by March 2011 from semi and completely knocked down kits - progressively using indigenous components.
Details and current status of the project may be viewed at my knol at Hawk Mk.132 AJT.
Heavy Lift Helicopters
India invited bids for for 15 heavy-lift helicopters in May 2009. Along with the 22 Attack Helicopters being procured, the bid is valued at $2 billion. Proposals for the combat helicopters have to be submitted by September 22 and those for the heavy-lift helicopters a day after.
Boeing is pitching its twin-rotor Chinook. Sikorsky Aircraft, a unit of United Technologies Corp. of the U.S., also plans to bid.
News
October 23
Boeing has entered its Chinook CH-47 as a contender to meet the requirement, according to Defpro.
Kamov Ka-31 Surveillance Helicopters for Navy
The Cabinet Committee on Security approved a deal worth Rs 950 crore for acquisition of five Russian Kamov-31 early-warning helicopters for the Indian Navy on August 4, 2009. A contract is expected to be finalized within a month.The helicopters are equipped with the E-801M Oko (Eye) airborne electronic warfare radar mounted beneath the fuselage. A Ka-31 can simultaneously track up to 40 airborne and surface threats, with a 360 degree coverage, from 100 to 200 km away depending on the target's size.
Navy already has nine Ka-31 helicopters, inducted in 2003-2004, which operate from its solitary aircraft carrier INS Viraat and three Talwar-class "stealthy" guided-missile frigates as well as shore-based air stations.
Krivak IV Missile Frigates (Project 11356)
The Indian Navy currently opearates three Russian Krivak-class stealth frigates. They are INS Talwar (2002), Trishul (2003) and Tabar (Jul 2004).
India and Russia signed a $1.6 billion contract for the construction of an additional three Project 11356 Krivak IV-class guided missile frigates for the Indian Navy in July, 2006.
India and Russia signed a $1.6 billion contract for the construction of an additional three Project 11356 Krivak IV-class guided missile frigates for the Indian Navy in July, 2006.
Details of the project maybe viewed at the knol Project 11356 Missile Frigates
Light Tanks for High Altitude Operations
The Indian Army wants to equip its 12 Mountain Divisions (10 existing and 2 under raising) with light armor for use at high altitude in mountainous terrain such as J&K, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
In October 2009, the MOD issued a RFP for 300 light tanks having protection against nuclear, chemical and biological warfare, following heightened border tensions with China.
The tanks are expected to weigh around 22 tonnes and be capable of operating at heights of over 3,000 metres in hilly terrain. They must be capable of engaging enemy Main Battle Tanks from a distance of more than 2 km using HE shells and guided missiles.
Light Utility Helicopters
India issued a request for proposals for 197 military Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) in July 2008, to replace its existing fleet of Chetak and Cheetah helicopters."All of the helicopters will be bought directly from the manufacturers. Of these, 133 are for the army and 64 for the air force. The services will have a joint evaluation and pick the helicopter that best fits their requirements," said a Defense Ministry spokesperson.
The eventual requirement for the helicopters is projected at 384. The additional requirement for 187 LUHs (126 for the Army and 61 for the Air Force) will be met by HAL either through license production of the winning bidder's model or the manufacture of an indigenously developed helicopter.
The RFP was sent to AgustaWestland, Bell Helicopter, Eurocopter, Kamov and Sikorsky.
The contract, valued at up to $750 million, contains a 30% offset investment provision. Deliveries against the contract are expected to start by the end of 2010 after a one year evaluation.
An earlier tender for 197 utility helicopters in favor of Eurocopter AS550 was canceled in December 2007 following allegations of irregularities in the procurement process.
Eurocopter is once again offering the AS550.
Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA)
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| MMRCA contender F-16 IN |
The Government of India issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the purchase of 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft on August 28, 2007.
The order is valued at approximately US$10 billion.
All the aircraft are required to be of the same type with one squadron (18 aircraft) being formed of aircraft supplied by the vendor, and the rest produced under license in India by HAL.
The RFP lays down that the first aircraft is supplied within 36 months of the contract being signed and the 18th within 48 months. The 19th aircraft, the first to be assembled in India, will come within 54 months. Thereafter, there will be an incremental increase with the last aircraft to be delivered by 2020.
For details and latest news on the project you can go to the knol below
Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for IAF
The order is valued at approximately US$10 billion.
All the aircraft are required to be of the same type with one squadron (18 aircraft) being formed of aircraft supplied by the vendor, and the rest produced under license in India by HAL.
The RFP lays down that the first aircraft is supplied within 36 months of the contract being signed and the 18th within 48 months. The 19th aircraft, the first to be assembled in India, will come within 54 months. Thereafter, there will be an incremental increase with the last aircraft to be delivered by 2020.
For details and latest news on the project you can go to the knol below
Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for IAF
Mi-17I from Russia
During Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's visit to India in December 2008, the two countries inked a deal for the supply of 80 Mi-17I medium lift helicopters at a cost of $1.2 billion. The two countries had earlier negotiated a price of $650 million, but early in 2008 Russia asked for a revision of the contract price.
IAF will get the helicopters between 2010 and 2014. The deal also envisages a $405 million "offset" obligation by Russia.
The new choppers, which have an 18,000 ft operational ceiling, will replace 50 Mi-8s currently in service with the IAF, some of which are over 35 years old, and boost IAF's capability to support high-altitude posts in Siachen and Ladakh sectors.
The helicopter will come with the circuitry and hard points to carry weapons.
At Aero India 2009 in Bangalore Rosoboronexport, Viktor Komardin, confirmed that the helicopters would be delivered as scheduled in 2010.
"We hope that the first helicopter will be delivered to India at the start of 2010," he said.
He previously said the first helicopter would be delivered to India before the end of 2009.
IAF will get the helicopters between 2010 and 2014. The deal also envisages a $405 million "offset" obligation by Russia.
The new choppers, which have an 18,000 ft operational ceiling, will replace 50 Mi-8s currently in service with the IAF, some of which are over 35 years old, and boost IAF's capability to support high-altitude posts in Siachen and Ladakh sectors.
The helicopter will come with the circuitry and hard points to carry weapons.
At Aero India 2009 in Bangalore Rosoboronexport, Viktor Komardin, confirmed that the helicopters would be delivered as scheduled in 2010.
"We hope that the first helicopter will be delivered to India at the start of 2010," he said.
He previously said the first helicopter would be delivered to India before the end of 2009.
Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) Aircraft
A request for proposal (RFP) for supply of six Medium Range Maritime reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft was floated by India's Ministry of Defense in June 2008.
The new aircraft, which will replace the aging fleet of 12 Islander aircraft in service, are to be equipped with an Airborne Early Warning system. The Indian Coast Guard has an additional requirement for six MRMRs without an Airborne Early Warning system.
The MRMR is required to have a range of 500 nautical miles and an endurance of 6 hours.
Bids against the RFP were received from Boeing (P-8, a variant of P-8I), Russian Illyushin (IL-38 variant), French Dassault (Falcon 900MPA), EADS (Case C-295) and Israel's Elta System electronics (Gulfstream 550 mounted EL/W-2085). .
The new aircraft, which will replace the aging fleet of 12 Islander aircraft in service, are to be equipped with an Airborne Early Warning system. The Indian Coast Guard has an additional requirement for six MRMRs without an Airborne Early Warning system.
The MRMR is required to have a range of 500 nautical miles and an endurance of 6 hours.
Bids against the RFP were received from Boeing (P-8, a variant of P-8I), Russian Illyushin (IL-38 variant), French Dassault (Falcon 900MPA), EADS (Case C-295) and Israel's Elta System electronics (Gulfstream 550 mounted EL/W-2085). .
News
Following the Mumbai attacks, India is attempting to speed up the procurement of MRMR.
"Bids were submitted by the contenders in November last year before the Mumbai attacks. But with an urgency to fill the gaps in security of coastal areas, the acquisition process for these aircraft will be hastened," Defence Ministry sources told media.
"Right now the bids submitted by the contenders are being evaluated by the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) of the Defence Ministry. By the end of this month, these companies are expected to submit their offset proposals to the Ministry," they said.
"Bids were submitted by the contenders in November last year before the Mumbai attacks. But with an urgency to fill the gaps in security of coastal areas, the acquisition process for these aircraft will be hastened," Defence Ministry sources told media.
"Right now the bids submitted by the contenders are being evaluated by the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) of the Defence Ministry. By the end of this month, these companies are expected to submit their offset proposals to the Ministry," they said.
Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) program
India has invited request for information for 16 Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) to replace its fleet of aging Sea King helicopters. The program is valued at $ 1 billion.
The helicopters, to be equipped for inflight refuelling, are required to have anti-submarine and surface warfare capability as their primary mission. Capable of ferrying 15 soldiers, the 10 ton helicopters are expected to be armed with cruise missiles and lightweight torpedoes for advanced anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare capabilities
Also required is a secondary mission capability of anti-ship surveillance and targeting, search and resuce, medical evacuation and logistics missions from naval vessels.
A Request for Proposal is likely to be issued in mid 2009
Amongst those bidding are
Sikorsky: S-70B Seahawk as a commercial direct sale.
European NH Industries: NH90,
Lockheed: MH-60R as US government Foreign Military Sale
Rosoboronexport: Ka-226T
The final requirement could reach 60 helicopters.
Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT)
India's MOD issued a request for proposals (RFP) for delivery of six Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) in 2007. The RFP stipulates deliveries of the new tankers to begin three years after contract signature.
EADS subsidiary Airbus has offered the A330-200-in a three-hose configuration and Russia's United Aircraft (UAC) has offered a more advanced version of the Ilyushin Il-78 Midas tanker, 12 of which are in service with the IAF.
Details of the project maybe viewed at the knol Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT)
EADS subsidiary Airbus has offered the A330-200-in a three-hose configuration and Russia's United Aircraft (UAC) has offered a more advanced version of the Ilyushin Il-78 Midas tanker, 12 of which are in service with the IAF.
Details of the project maybe viewed at the knol Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT)
Multi Role Transport Aircraft (MTA)
The Multirole Medium Aircraft (MTA) project was initiated by Russia's Ilyushin in 1996. It is also referred to as Il-214 Ilyushin and "Indo-Russian Transport Aircraft (IRTA) or MRTA by its Indian partner HAL. Russia and India entered into negotiations for the co-development of the aircraft in 1999. An agreement was signed in June 2001 between Ilyushin, Irkut and HAL.
Click on the link below for more details
Project 75
The project was approved in 2002 and is aimed at acquiring national competence in submarine building. It envisages building 24 submarines over the next 30 years.
Project 75 Scorpene Submarine Acquisition
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| Scorpene Submarine |
Six Scorpene submarines, to be built at Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL) shipyard under a transfer of technology agreement with France’s DCNS, will be delivered to Indian Navy under Project 75.
The submarines are being acquired under a 2.4 billion eur contract signed in 2005 and will be commissioned in the Navy from 2013 through 2018.
The 1750 ton displacement Scorpene is 67 meters long and equipped with six 21 inch torpedo tubes that can launch 12 torpedoes or anti-ship missiles.
Scorpene submarines incorporate acoustic discretion and combat system performance technologies developed for nuclear-powered classes operated by the French Navy. They feature a modular design and excellent endurance. They are claimed to be one of the few medium-displacement designs suitable for extended ocean patrol duties.
In June 2009 it was reported that the project has fallen 2 years behind schedule and France has hiked up the price of some key components resulting in a per boat price increase from $500 million to $600 million.
Speaking in the parliament on Monday, July 20, Indian defense minister AK Antony said:
The construction of the first, second and third submarine commenced in December 2006, December 2007 and August 2008 respectively. As per the contract signed with Mazagaon Docks Limited (MDL), the first submarine is scheduled to be delivered in December 2012 and thereafter, one each every year till December 2017. On account of some teething problems, absorption of technology and delays in augmentation of industrial infrastructure and procurement of MDL purchased materials (MPM), slippage in the delivery schedule is expected. The delay in scheduled delivery of submarines is likely to have an impact on the envisaged submarine force levels.
Project 75A
India will follow up its acquisition of six Scorpene submarines under Project 75 with an additional six AIP equipped subs under Project 75A.
India floated a request for information under the project in 2008, defining the scope of the order.
"They will also have high degree of stealth, land-attack capability and ability to incorporate futuristic technologies. Like the Scorpenes, they will be built in an Indian shipyard, public or private, with special emphasis on full transfer of technology," said a source.
Several rounds of discussions have already taken place with Russia’s Rosoboronexport, France’s DCNS and Germany’s HDW.
India floated a request for information under the project in 2008, defining the scope of the order.
"They will also have high degree of stealth, land-attack capability and ability to incorporate futuristic technologies. Like the Scorpenes, they will be built in an Indian shipyard, public or private, with special emphasis on full transfer of technology," said a source.
Several rounds of discussions have already taken place with Russia’s Rosoboronexport, France’s DCNS and Germany’s HDW.
SpyDer System
India is buying 18 low-level quick-reaction missile systems, SpyDer (Surface-to-air Python and Derby), from Israel for around Rs 1,800 crore. Deliveries will start in early 2011 and be completed by August 2012.
The Spyder-SR slant-launched SHORAD system and the Spyder-MR vertical-launched medium range system are designed to protect against attack aircraft, combat helicopters, bombers, UAVs and UCAVs and stand off weapons. Both systems use Rafael's Derby, air-to-air active radar, beyond visual range (BVR) missile and Python 5, air-to-air dual band imaging infrared (IIR) missile. The system is unique in that it is able combine the use of these two missiles in any given mission.
For more on this project please see the knol SpyDer ADS-SR Missile System for Indian Air Force
The Spyder-SR slant-launched SHORAD system and the Spyder-MR vertical-launched medium range system are designed to protect against attack aircraft, combat helicopters, bombers, UAVs and UCAVs and stand off weapons. Both systems use Rafael's Derby, air-to-air active radar, beyond visual range (BVR) missile and Python 5, air-to-air dual band imaging infrared (IIR) missile. The system is unique in that it is able combine the use of these two missiles in any given mission.
For more on this project please see the knol SpyDer ADS-SR Missile System for Indian Air Force
Su-30 MKI
India purchased 50 Su-30K aircraft from Sukhoi in Russia in 1996 and acquired a license to manufacture an additional 140 fighters at HAL.
In January 2009, India ordered an additional 40 Su-30MKIs from Russia.
For details and current status of the project please see the knol Su-30MKI
T-90S Bheeshma Main Battle Tank
A $795 million dollar transfer of technology agreement was inked on February 15, 2001, between the Government of India and the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “State Corporation ‘Rosvoorouzhenic’ of the Russian Federation.”
Russia shipped 124 T-90 tanks to India off the shelf. Another 186 were supplied in semi-knocked-down condition for assembly in Avadi-based Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) near Chennai.
In a follow up TOT agreement signed in 2006, Russia agreed to transfer technology for the license production of 1,000 additional tanks in India through 2020.
However, Russia pussyfooted on the TOT part of the agreement and production never started, forcing India to resort to the outright purchase of an additional 330 tanks in November 2007 to cover a gap in its military capabilities.
According to the DRDO, each of the Indian-built tanks would cost up to 150 million rupees ($3 million).
News
A first batch of 10 indigenously built T-90 Bhisma tanks was handed over to the Army on Monday, August 24, by the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Chennai.
***
The first indigenous manufactured T-90 tank will roll out August 24, IANS reported in early August 2009 quoting an unnamed defense ministry official.
***
In July 2009, Indian Defense Minister AK Antony told parliament that the supply of T-90 Tanks through indigenous production of components will commence from 2009 to 2010.
Upgrades
Antonov An-32 Upgrade
In June 2009, India signed a $400 million agreement with Ukraine's Ukrspetsexport to upgrade its fleet of 100 AN-32 aircraft to extend its life and improve its avionics.
The upgrades will be done in Ukraine to begin with and then at Kanpur.
Defense ministry officials said the upgrades will extend the life of the aircraft by another 10 to 15 years. The Antonov website additionally claims the upgrades will increase maximum takeoff weight and flight range.
AN-32, a twin-engine turboprop, was acquired from the erstwhile Soviet Union. They were made by Antonov, based in Ukraine.
Antonov Website
MiG-29 Upgrade
In March 2008 Russia's RAC-MiG signed a $850 million contract with the Indian Defense Ministry to modernize 62 MiG-29 fighters (54 fighters and 8 trainers).
The modernization is aimed at extending their service lives by several decades, improving their air-to-ground attack capability and giving them better BVR capability. It will include fitting the multifunctional Zhuk-ME radar, and new weapon control and avionics systems.
The upgrade will allow the IAF to extend the life of the MiG-29 from the present 25 years (and 2,500 hours) to 40 years (3,500 hours).
Six aircraft are to be upgraded by RAC-MiG in Russia and the remaining at IAF’s 11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) in Nasik using kits supplied by RAC-MiG.
The first upgraded MiG-29 was scheduled to fly into India in March 2010. Fourteen aircraft were scheduled to roll out of 11BRD between April 2010 and March 2011. The upgrade program is to be completed by 2013.
However MIG officials told The Hindu in end July 2009 that there will be a delay of at least eight months in the arrival of the first upgraded aircraft.
The Russians hold the IAF responsible for the delay saying it has not finalized the ‘buyer furnished equipment.’
IAF was to provide RAC MiG the list of equipment and their actual physical dimensions that they want fitted on the upgraded MiG-29’s. Many of these items are to be sourced or integrated by Indian companies.
Deployment
The first lot of the 62 upgraded Russian-built aircraft will be deployed at Adampur air base in the border state of Punjab, a Defence Ministry official said in October 2009.
Ref:
MiG-29 upgrade programme delayed
MiG-29 Engine Upgrade
A deal to upgrade IAF MiG-29s with the RD-33 Series 3 engines was finalized on January 24, 2007 between the engine manufacturer Klimov and HAL.Under the $250 million contract singed by Russian Defense Minister Ivanov, Klimov was to establish a production line at HAL for 120 upgraded RD-33 engines. The deal involved complete transfer of technology.
The Series 3 engine features cooled blades of modern materials. At 1100 kg it is slightly heavier than the 1055 kg RD-33 engine, and produces a max thrust of 9,000 kg with afterburning, against 8,300 kgf of the RD-33.
It is built to western standards and reportedly has a 4,000 hour service life. The engine contains systems that reduce its infrared and optical visibility.
The RD-33 engine has a SFC of 2.1 kg/kgf/hr in afterburner, 0.77 military
Repair and maintenance is made easy through the use of an information and diagnostics system (IDS).
RD-33MK (Sea Wasp), an improved version of RD-33, powers the MiG-35, which is competing in the MMRCA flyoff currently underway. It also powers the MiG-29K being supplied to the Indian Navy.
A version of RD-33 can be fitted with Thrust Vector Control (TVN). However, TVN requires significant modification to the controls of an aircraft.
Incidentally, RD-93, which powers the JF-17 manufactured in Pakistan with assistance from China, is a version of the RD-33.
Ref:
Klimov
News
Rosoboronexport and HAL signed a deal at the MAKS-2009 on August 21 for delivery of 26 RD-33 series 3 engines to India, marking the start of the license manufacture / TOT program.
Indian Navy Kilo Class Submarine Upgrade
The Indian Navy (IN) is in the process of upgrading its 10 Kilo class submarines under a deal signed in 2001.
Each upgrade costs $80 million and involves a complete overhaul of the submarine and its hull structures; installation of an improved control system, sonar, electronic warfare system, and an integrated weapon control system.
Additional details and current status of the project may be viewed at my knol Indian Navy Kilo Class Submarine Upgrade
References
- http://www.hindu.com
/2008/09/27/stories/ 2008092755480700.htm
Narayana Rao K.V.S.S.
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What is the purpose of this article?
Is it to help defense analysts and journalists of India?
Is it to help business people to get some contracts and business?
Is it to help other countries to know something about defense projects of India?
manohar sonawane
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Untitled
Indian defence needs can be fulfilled only when there is a public-private partnership. There is lot of currency drain out by way of import. Govt is focussing on private sector but efforts put by govt are not sufficient to bring covesive efforts for development of indegeneoustechnolog
I hope this article makes reader curious about various systems/eqpts reqd to Defence.
Manohar
Rajamanickam Antonimuthu
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Very Nice Arcticle
But bottom part of this knol is not getting loaded correctly. It abruptly stopped as "HAL mastered the manufacture of the wing and the tail last year, and plans to start producing the fuselage and"
Thanks ,
Rajamanickam
http://www.qualitypo
kums
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Regarding End-User Monitoring Pact
What is your opinion on India signing the end-user monitoring pact? Also do you think India's military trade with US is that very need of the hour? Why should we bend to the US?
Kumaresan
Anonymous
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india supporting terrorism?
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Anonymous
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This is a great article,isn't this sensitive information being shared with the outsiders? This comes from a concerned Indian
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MBP Lee
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Untitled
In the past both these countries have used force to change the borders to their advantage.
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kums
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Tremandous work
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Rob Stokes
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Great piece
Narayana Rao K.V.S.S.
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Google knol marketing activities
Knol Bulletin Board for Authors and Visitors
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