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| Tejas LSP 1 |
Indigenous Projects
Advanced Technology Vessel
ATV is a 20-year-old project to develop a nuclear powered submarine for the Indian Navy.The ATV project was reportedly initiated in 1974 and became a serious endeavor in 1985 after Mazagaon docks began construction of two German HDW 209 class submarines in 1984.
The ATV, reportedly designed to displace 6,000 tons, is being built at Hazira, Gujarat.
India is reported to have acquired design of the Charlie II class nuclear submarines from Russia and the ATV was based on those designs. Along the way, in January 1988, India leased a Charlie class nuclear powered submarines from Russia to help the Navy familiarize itself with operating a nuclear submarine. The leased submarine was christened Chakra in the Indian Navy which operated it for three years. After the term of the lease ran out, the sub was returned to Russia.
The first submarine was to be launched on January 26, 2009 , with two others, currently building at Hazira, Gujarat, to follow in the next five years.
The launch of the submarine was subsequently postponed to mid 2009. It is possible the launch was postponed following the Nerpa (Akula II) accident, to facilitate system changes to preclude a similar accident.
"Things are in the final stage now in the ATV (advanced technology vessel) project. There were bottlenecks earlier...they are over now," minister A K Antony on Wednesday, February 11, during Aero India-2009.
The ATV will reportedly be equipped with 12 launch tubes of 2.4m diameter each. Initially, each missile tube will likely accommodate 3 0.74m diameter K-15 Saagrika missile. Later the tubes could accommodate the 2.0m diameter Agni IIISL (The submarine launched version of the Agni V / Agni 3+) missiles with MIRV capability.
The Navy hopes to induct the first ATV by 2012.
Some reports suggest that India will first test the compact light water nuclear reactor that it has developed to power the ATV on a leased Russian Charlie II class submarine. This is the boat that will carry out sea trials in mid 2009.
News
According to the TOI, India is set to launch its first indigenously built nuclear powered submarine on August 15, Independence Day.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.
Considering that a nuclear warhead weighs around 1,200-pound, the missile could hit targets at much higher ranges.
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).
Agni-I, and Agni-II have already been inducted by the Indian Strategic Forces and Agni-III is in the process of induction.
The Agni II missile equips the Strategic Forces 555 Missile Group.
The missile has been tested four times: On April 11, 1999, January 17, 2001, August 29, 2004 and May 19, 2009.
The August 29, 2004 test appeared to be a depressed trajectory test.
The test on May 19, 2009, which failed, served to train the Strategic Force in independently operating the missile as well as to evaluate a new navigation system.
Both the above tests were done using rail mobile launchers.
During the test on May 19, the missile wondered 180 degrees off track and plunged into the sea after 127 seconds having covered 203 km
The limited number of tests so far and the long gaps between them probably indicate that it is still under development.
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 Agni V missile, with a range of 5,000km 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+).VK Saraswat, DRDO's Chief Controller of Missiles and Strategic Systems, told Business Standard in May 2008 that DRDO is working on a 5,000kme range Agni-5 missile, with multiple warheads (MIRVs) that can maneuver and send out decoys to confuse enemy anti-missile defenses.
The missile is being developed by adding an all composite third state to the two-stage, 3000km Agni III missile.
The second stage of the missile will also use composites to save weight and allow for the addition of a third stage.
Talking to The Hindu in November, Avinash Chander, director of the Agni program and of the Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) said the Agni V design has been completed and the first development flight test will be conducted in 2010.
The mobile missile will be capable of canister launch allowing it deployed and launched from any part of the country.
The missile will have 60% commonality of components with Agni III, including its ring laser gyroscope and accelerometer.
The gyroscope was developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), sister laboratory of ASL, and is part of DRDO's missile complex in Hyderabad.
The ring laser is also fitted on the Shourya tactical missile.
Akash Missile
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| Akash SAM |
Indian Air Force has placed a Rs 1,200 crore order with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for two squadrons of medium range, surface-to-air missile Akash.
Basically an upgraded Russian SA-6 system, Akash has been under development by DRDL for 25 years.
The 720kg, 5.78-metre long missile has a diameter of 35 cm and a length of 5.78 meters. The Mach 2.5 missile can engage targets as far as 25 km away flying at heights ranging from 20m to 18kms.
The missile is supported by multi-target and multi-function phased array fire control radar called 'Rajendra' that has a range of about 60 km.
The first test flight of the missile was conducted in 1990, and since then many development and field trials have taken place.
The last field trials for the missile were conducted at Pokhran in Rajasthan in late 2007.
The missile has consistently fallen short of IAF requirements, which wants a smaller, lighter missile with a longer range, greater maneuverability and an active seeker.
DRDO proposes to remove the shortcomings in the missile through batch-by-batch improvements.
India wants to build a version of Akash for use on ships, and is already looking into a longer range (60 kilometers) version.
The Akash missile system, according to a statement made by Defence Minister A.K. Antony in the Rajya Sabha, cost the exchequer Rs. 516.86 crore for its development, the highest for any of India's missile systems.
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.
The missile was first launched on May 9, 2003 from the ITR. Its second and third trials were conducted on May 11 and May 12, 2003 respectively at the same range. These tests were without control and guidance systems.
A second series of developmental flights to test the guidance system of the missile were carried out on March 25, 26 and 29, 2007.
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| Astra test launch from a ground based launcher on September 13, 2008 |
A follow up ground launch of the missile was carried out on September 13, 2008.
A successful developmental test of the missile was announced on Thursday, May 7. The missile was launched from the ground at an imaginary target to test its dual mode guidance.
Captive flight tests of the missile are planned in 2009 during which the missile will be mated to a launch fighter aircraft. Several maneuvers at different speeds and altitudes would be conducted and the compatibility of electronics, avionics and other systems checked.
After the captive flight tests, the missile would be integrated with the Sukhoi-30 and test-fired by the middle of next year.
DRDO is hopeful of equipping the Tejas and Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft with the missile since they have powerful airborne radars to leverage its BVR capability.
Even though the missile is in the early stages of its development, DRDO has drawn up plans to jointly develop a short-range air defense system with MBDA using a vertically launched variant of Astra.
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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.
In Phase I the BMD system will be implemented as a two tiered terminal phase interceptor system comprising of
1. Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) exo-atmospheric interceptor missile for intercepting targets outside the atmosphere.
2. Advanced Air Defence (AAD) endo-atmospheric interceptor missile for intercepting targets up to an attitude of 30 kms . The seven-meter long AAD interceptor is a single stage solid rocket propelled guided missile, equipped with an inertial navigation system, a hi-tech computer and an electro- mechanical activator totally under command by the data up-linked from the sophisticated ground based radars to the interceptor, sources said.
3. 'Swordfish' Long Range Tracking Radar (LRTR). The Swordfish LRTR has been developed from the Green Pine early warning and fire control radars imported by India from Israel in 2001-2002.
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| AAD interceptor missile displayed on Republic Day 2009. Photo Credit: Sawf News |
BMD Tests
India has conducted three successful intercepts using the Phase 1 system against non maneuvering targets in 2006, 2007 and 2009.On March 6, 2008 a PAD missile successfully intercepted a modified Dhanush surface-to-surface missile fired, from INS Rajput anchored inside the Bay of Bengal at 1620 hours, towards Wheeler Island, simulating a target “enemy” missile with a range of 1,500 km.
On November 27, 2006 a PAD missile intercepted a Prithvi ballistic missile at 48 km altitude.
In December 2007 an AAD missile intercepted a target missile at an altitude of 15kms.
India is also developing two new missiles, AD-1 and AD-2, as part of the ABM system. These Phase II missiles are being developed to intercept ballistic missiles with the range in excess of 5000 km and probably represent elements of a mid-course interception system.
Upcoming Test
DRDO will carry out another test around the year end to enhance the capabilities of AAD endo-atmospheric missile, which is used for intercepting missiles at altitudes up to 15 km.Sources say that if the tests prove successful, the DRDO will go ahead and deploy the system by 2015.
Boost Phase Missile Defense
The Laser and Science Technology Centre (LASTEC) is also reported to be developing lasers to takeout enemy missiles during their boost phase, when they are most vulnerable.
"It's easier to kill a missile in boost phase as it has not gained much speed and is easier to target. It cannot deploy any countermeasures and it is vulnerable at that time," DRDO's Air Defense Program Director V K Saraswat told PTI in January 2009.
"In LASTEC, we are developing many of these technologies. We have to package these technologies on aircraft like the Americans have done on their systems," he added.
"It is an involved process and not just about producing lasers. We have to put in many systems like the surveillance and tracking systems together for such a system to work. It will take another 10-15 years before we talk of integrating all these elements," he said.
A Boost Phase Missile defense system will need to rely on a space based launch detection system like the SBIRS satellite constellation being deployed by the US. Unlike the SBIRS, which is global in scope, India would require a more limited system to monitor Pakistan and China. India could also buy into the US SBIRS while developing its own limited constellation.
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 last year.
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) programme 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.
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, Februray 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)
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| A visualization of Sukhoi T 50 PAK FA Fifth Generation Fighter being co-developed by Russia and India |
Under an intergovernmental agreement signed in October 2007, Sukhoi, which is part of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), along with India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), will develop a fifth-generation fighter.
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.
Sukhoi has already started construction of three prototypes at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Production Association (KNAAPO) in Russia's Far East. Flight tests of the fighter could begin as early as August 2009, and the aircraft may go into production in Russian and India by 2015.
The fighter, estimated to be in the 30t category, is expected to feature super maneuverability, super cruise and stealth with an internal weapon bay. It is also expected to feature an advanced variant of the Tikhomirov Instrument Engineering Research Institute developed N035 Irbis-E radar that equips the Su-35BM.
India and Russia will sign a formal contract to jointly develop the fighter at the beginning of 2009, the head of the United Aircraft Corporation said on Friday, December 5.
"We are planning to conclude the contract at the beginning of next year," Alexei Fedorov said.
It is clear from the manner in which the contract is being negotiated that HAL inputs into the design of the fighters will be minimal.
Russia to speed up fifth generation fighter development
Russian deputy PM has asked Sukhoi to speed up the development of the fifth-generation fighter being produced in collaboration with India"I insist that the testing start as early as 2009, and the fifth-generation fighter must enter service with the Russian Air Force in 2015," Sergei Ivanov said at a meeting of the Military-Industrial Commission.
Ivanov said the plant had almost completed the construction of a first prototype of the fifth-generation fighter, but it will undergo only durability tests on the ground at a research facility in Zhukovsky near Moscow.
However, a second prototype will be built and will take to the skies by the end of this year, he said.
FGFA to be inducted into IAF by 2017
M Fakruddin, Director-Corporate Planning and Marketing, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) told to The New Indian Express in February 2009 that India and Russia have sorted out their differences on the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) to be jointly developed by them and are set to sign a formal contract."There have been differences between the two Air Forces as both have specific requirements," said Mr. Fakruddin.
"These issues will be sorted out soon and by the middle of the year we expect to start work so that the aircraft is inducted by 2017," he added.
FGFA being fast tracked?
The Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), being jointly developed by Russia and India, will fly by the end of 2009, with serial production starting by 2010.
"By the end of this year, the plane will rise into the air and flight tests will begin," Russian deputy prime minister Sergei Ivanov told journalists at the sidelines of a meeting in Russian Far East city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur said Monday, May 11.
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 that will power the 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.
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 first prototype of the Light Combat Helicopter was to make its maiden flight in March 2009 but has now been postponed to mid-August."We have completed the design. However, there was a problem with one of the vendors who was supposed to provide the tooling for the LCH, and so we have no choice but to push the first flight to August," said Ashok Baweja, HAL's chairman, during Aero India 2009.
The LCH will supplement the 22 attack helicopters that India is seeking as part of an international tender
Final operational clearance (FOC) is expected to follow within a year.
The 5.5-tonne twin engine LCH, a derivative of Dhruv ALH with tandem seating, will be armed with a 20mm turret twin-barrel gun, cluster bombs, rocket pods as well as air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.
Like the Dhruv, LCH is powered by two Shakti engines jointly developed with France's Turbomeca.
Designed for anti-tank and anti-infantry roles with a maximum speed of 275 kmph (148kt), it will also be capable of high-altitude warfare since its operational ceiling will be 16,000 to 18,000 feet (5,490m).
"The LCH will incorporate a number of stealth features and crash-worthy landing gear for better survivability. The LCH will have a narrow fuselage, with two crew stations," said an official.
HAL has worked with Israeli companies to develop its avionics equipment, which includes helmet-mounted targeting systems and an electronic warfare suite.
IAF has projected an initial requirement of 65 LCHs. When in service, the type will join the air force's Mil Mi-35 attack helicopters, reportedly being upgraded with new Israeli avionics and night-fighting capabilities.
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.
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 warsships 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 destoyers, 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.
The first ship of the class, INS Kolkata, was launched on March 30, 2006, and is currently being fitted for a scheduled commissioning in May 2010. The next two are scheduled for delivery at one year intervals, i.e. May 2011 and May 2012, respectively.
The commissioning of the ship was stalled because of a three year delay in the delivery of propellers and shafts by a Ukraine shipyard, which eventually forced MDL to place orders with a Russian shipyard.
The ships are powered by four Zarya reversible gas turbines from Ukraine, which have already been delivered. The engines will be installed after Russia delivers the propellers and shafts.
| Displacement | 6,800 tons |
| Length | 163 m |
| Beam | 17.4 m |
| Speed | 30+ knots |
| Sensors | Multi-function radar system,Humsa-NG hull mounted sonar and a Nagin active towed array sonar |
| Armament | 1 x 130 mm gun 2x8 Brahmos Supersonic Cruise Missiles 48 cell Barak 8 SAM 16 Barak 1 SAM 4 x 30 mm AK-630 rapid fire gatling guns twin-tube torpedo launchers anti-submarine rocket launchers |
| Aircraft Carried | 2 Sea King and Dhruv Helicopters |
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
India proposes to build seven stealth frigates using advanced manufacturing process like modular shipbuilding under this Rs 17,000 crore project.One of the companies likely to bid for the project is a joint venture (JV) between France’s DCNS, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), and Indian IT engineers Infotech Enterprises. The JV was setup to design ships for global clients and do back office work for DCNS, one of the world’s biggest warship builder.
DCNS already has a relationship with Mazagaon Docks Limited with whom it is jointly building Scorpene submarines under Project 75.
“We already have a relationship with DCNS; we are building the Scorpene together. They have the same infrastructure as we have, which means that the drawings they make can be easily translated into warships in our yard. But we will keep our options open by asking (Italian shipyard) Fincantieri to bid as well,” says Admiral HS Malhi, Chairman of MDL.
The Navy is keen to have all the seven warships delivered by 2021.
Sagrika
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 Sagrika 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. It is likely that the Shaurya system uses GPS to accurately determine the missile's launch co-ordinates, eliminating the need for it to be launched from a pre-surveyed site.
According to DRDO sources, the missile is not related to the K-15 'Sagarika' project.
Shaurya was first tested at 11.25 am on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 from Complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur.
The missile was launched vertically from an underground facility with an in-built canister.
"The missile was test fired from a 30-40 feet deep pit with in-built canister specially designed for the purpose. There was no water in the pit," a source said.
The missile flew to its target in 485 secs.
The missile uses a ring laser gyro developed by the DRDO for use on the Agni III missile.
Tejas - Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
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.
Kaveri Engine
The Kaveri Engine was to power the Tejas aircraft. DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has already spent Rs 200 crors ($411 million) developing the engine since 1989, but the powerplant is still overweight and does not have the 21,000-22,500lb of thrust (93-100kN) that the IAF requires.In October 2009, Defense Minister A K Antony announced that the country would purchase a total of 140 aircraft to form seven fighter squadrons of the IAF.
Air Chief Marshal FH Major said the first two squadrons of the fighter would be fitted with the American GE 404 engine."The initial squadrons of the LCA will be with the present engine. All the remaining five squadrons will be with a new engine that we will choose."
In September 2008, it was announced that the Kaveri would not be ready in time for the Tejas, and that an in-production power plant would have to selected.[1]The ADA plans to issue a request for proposal (RFP) for a more powerful engine in the 95-100 kilo Newtons (kN) range. The contenders are likely to be the Eurojet EJ200 and the General Electric F414.
It has been reported that Eurojet is proposing a thrust vectoring version of the EJ200 for the Tejas.
The initial 40 Tejas aircraft will be powered by the GE 404. Subsequent aircraft will be powered by the Kaveri replacement.
EADS Participation
In January 2009 ADA sought assistance from EADS to redesign the Tejas undercarriage and help reduce the weight of the fighter which is already 1.5 tons heavier than envisaged. Some of the other problems that ADA needs help with are fuel distribution, uneven braking, flight controls, environment controls and testing.
Under a $20 million, four year deal EADS will help get final operational clearance for the LCA Tejas.
Project Status
The second and third prototypes of the Tejas aircraft, PV-2 and PV-3, conducted armament trials in November 2007 at air-to-ground firing ranges in Pokhran, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan and Jamnagar in Gujarat.The two aircraft underwent cold weather trials in December in Leh.
In March and April next year, all three aircraft, possibly joined by LSP 2, will take part in hot weather trials at Nagpur in Maharashtra.
Weapon Trials
In its first live weapon trial, a LCA Tejas prototype (PV3) dropped two 25lb practice bomb on a practice range near Bangalore on Wednesday, February 2.
As on February 3, LCA has completed 1011 Test Flights successfully: TD1-233, TD2-298, PV1-182, PV2-107, PV3-120, LSP1-33, and LSP2-38.
| Powerplant | 1xF404-GE-IN20) |
| Thrust (Dry) | 54.9 kN (12,250 lbs) |
| Thrust (Afterburner) | 85 kN (19,000 lbs) |
| Internal fuel capacity | 3,000 Liters |
| External fuel capacity | 5×800 liter tanks or 3×1,200 liter tanks, totaling 4,000/3,600 liters |
| Radar | ELTA EL/M 2052 AESA Elta claims that the long-range AESA fire control system is capable of detecting 64 targets, and of simultaneously engaging "several" using radar-guided missiles. A prototype of the radar is currently being tested on a Boeing 737 testbed. For ground surveillance, the design is capable of generating high-resolution synthetic aperture radar imagery and of detecting moving surface targets, and can also be used to support maritime surveillance tasks. |
| Weight (Empty) | 5,500 kg (12,100 lb) |
| Weight (Max Take Off) | 14,500 kg (31,967lb) |
| Wing Loading | 221.4 kg/m² (45.35 lb/ft²) |
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.
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 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
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.
A special training center was built at Sosnovy Bor, near St. Petersburg, and has since produced three Indian relief crews. The center also looks to a busy future: it will train crews for Indian-built SSNs.
Nerpa Capabilities
Nerpa is the Project 971 third-generation submarine (NATO code name Akula-II), the most advanced Russian nuclear attack submarine.Construction of the 8,140-tonne Akula II class Nerpa nuclear attack submarine started in 1991 but was suspended for over a decade due to lack of funding.
Akula II class vessels are considered the quietest and deadliest of Russian nuclear-powered attack submarines. They feature a double-hull, with considerable distance between the outer and inner hulls to reduce the possible damage to the inner hull, and. a distinctive high aft fin.
The sub also packs a formidable punch.
Its armaments consist of four 650mm torpedo tubes, with 12 torpedoes, and four 533mm tubes, with 28 torpedoes. Torpedoes can be replaced with submarine mines, cruise missiles, rocket-assisted torpedoes, and a variety of other submersibles.
The Akula II in service with the Russians is equipped with 28 nuclear-capable cruise missiles with a striking range of 3,000 km. The Indian version is expected to be armed with the 300-km Club nuclear-capable missiles.
It is not known if India will receive Shkval rocket-assisted torpedoes.
The Akula II is able to dive deeper than any other modern SSN.
In response to media queries if Russia would lease a nuclear submarine to India, Novosti quoted Russian defense minister Anatoly Serdyukov as saying: "The press discusses lots of things. We do not export nuclear submarines."
Current Project Status
The Nerpa started sea trials on October 27, 2008.On November 8, the submarine was involved in a serious accident while undergoing sea trials with the Russian Pacific Fleet, in which 20 people were killed and another 21 injured. The fire protection system of the submarine was accidentally triggered resulting in the release of poisonous Freon gas.
The reactor of the submarine was not affected by the accident which occurred with 81 service personnel on board.
A board investigating the accident concluded that the tragedy was caused by the mishandling of a temperature sensor on board which led to deadly Freon gas being released.
Submariner Dmitry Grobov has been charged with "involuntary manslaughter" for entering the wrong temperature data for the submarine's living quarters, which caused the fire suppression system to release the Freon gas, according to Ria Novosti
President Dmitry Medvedev acknowledged Russian plans to lease a nuclear submarine (Nerpa) to India on Thursday, December 4.
Speaking to the press on the eve of his departure to India on a state visit, Medvedev said:
"We are talking also about cooperation in the sphere of leasing atomic submarines. This is also an important and highly technological area of cooperation… [and] we are willing to enhance cooperation in this field as well."
Asked if the Nerpa accident could have a negative impact on the lease.
"There is no negative impact on our relations, because unfortunately, this tragic accident, which is now under investigation, according to the information that we have at present, was a result of the so-called human factor and it does not characterize the current state of this project or of this nuclear submarine," Medvedev told reporters.
Russia could lease more than one nuclear submarine to India
Mikhail Dmitriyev, the head of Russia's Federal Military and Technical Cooperation Service (FSVTS), indicated to the press on Monday, December 15, that Russia may lease more than one nuclear submarine to India."There is a real possibility of leasing out to India several of our submarines powered by nuclear reactors for a term of 10 years," Dmitriyev said.
"This possibility can materialize in the coming years," he said. "The talk is not about selling submarines into India's property, but about their rent by India's navy."
Nerpa sea trials in June for year end delivery
Sea trials for Nerpa will be conducted from June 15 to June 20."Repairs on board the Nerpa submarine are almost complete," Amur shipyard general director Nikolai Povzyk told Russia's Kommersant daily said on Wednesday, May 13.
Povzyk confirmed that Nerpa would be delivered to India by the end of this year.
"We are completing the enrolment of trial team, which will have to finish trials and deliver the submarine to the Indian side by the end of this year," Povzyk said.
Russia to lease just one nuclear submarine
A Russian official clarified on June 22, 2009, that russia will lease just one nuclear submarine to India"We will lease only one submarine. In my opinion, India needs the sub more for enhancing its prestige rather than for accomplishing specific goals," Vyacheslav Dzirkaln, deputy head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, said in an exclusive interview with RIA Novosti.
Antonov An-32 Upgrade
In June 2009, India signed a $400 million agreement with Ukraine 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.
Raising payload
Antonov Website
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 aaircraft in the 2.5t-class.
The deal is expected to be finalized within two years and supply completed over the next three years.
The qualitative requirements are as follows
* Twin engine
* High maneuverability
* Anti armor capability
* All weather capability
* All terrain capability
The helicopters are likely to be equipped with an electronic warfare and self protection suite developed by EADS and India's Defense Avionics Research Establishment.
Competing for the order will be
* Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow
* Eurocopter Tiger* AgustaWestland AW129
* Bell AH-1Z SuperCobra
* Kamov Ka-50
* Mil Mi-28
* HAL's Light Combat Helicopter
HAL's Light Combat Aircraft, which is still underdevelopment, is expected to take to the air sometime in 2009.
News
India scrapped the tender for procurement of the 22 attack helicopters on March 25 because none of the three companies still in the fray met the qualitative requirements. A fresh tender will be floated.A fresh tender for the procurement is in the process of being floated, retiring Air Chief Fali Major told the press on Wednesday, May 27. Along with the 15 heavy lift helicopters being procured, the bid is valued at $2 billion.
AWACS
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| 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.
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.
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 entered service with the Russian Navy in 1987, but was deactivated in 1996.
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.
Press reports linked the Gorshkov deal to India's desire to lease a nuclear submarine from Russia.
The Gorshkov is to be inducted into the Indian Navy as INS Vikramaditya, as a replacement for India's INS Viraat, which is now 50 years old.
The carrier has a 273m flight deck to carry up to 20 MiG-29 fighters and up to eight Kamov Ka-28/Ka-31 helicopters. Eventually, it would carry HAL Tejas trainer aircraft, Dhruv light helicopters, Kinzhal air defense missiles and Kashtan air defence gun or missile systems.
Renegotiations
In early 2008, Russia claimed it underestimated the scale and the cost of the modernization and said it would not be in a position to deliver the ship before 2012 and at an additional cost of $1.2 billion.India termed the cost escalation exorbitant. After protracted negotiations, in February 2008 India agreed to pay an additional $800 million for the retrofit.
In November 2008, shortly after the Russian nuclear submarine Nerpa met with an accident, Russia demanded an additional $2 billion for the ship, instead of $1.2 billion.
"Construction of the ship will be completed in 2010 and tests will start in 2011, while in 2012 it will be transferred to the Indian Navy," said the director of Sevmash shipyard, Nikolai Kalistratov.
He, however, stressed that the ship would be handed over to Delhi only if it coughed up the additional money.
"The market price of such an aircraft carrier varies between $3 billion and $4 billion. The ongoing maintenance and upgrade makes up 60-70% of the new carrier's cost. This is about $2 billion," says Sergei Novoselov, deputy general director of Sevmash.
RIA Novosti quotes a source in Russian Defense Ministry as saying that if India failed to foot the bill, the carrier could be given to the Russian Navy.
"If India does not pay up, we will keep the aircraft carrier," he said. In early December, 2008, the Indian government cleared the MOD to renegotiate the price of the carrier with the Russians.
In January, a four day meeting was held in New Delhi between officials of both the sides. Later, a team of four officials left for Russian on Monday, January 26, to fix the final price. Once the team returns a final round of talks will be held at the Defense Secretary level.
In late May it was reported by the Russian media that India and Russia have reached an agreement on a revised price for INS Vikramaditya.
"The negotiations were successful," Sevmash CEO Nikolai Kalistratov told ITAR-TASS. He did not specify the revised price.
Delivery of MiG-29K
Russia delivered the first four MiG-29K aircraft under the contract to India and a batch of Indian Navy pilots started six months type conversion on the aircraft in Russia in October 2008.“Indian pilots are already training to fly the MiG-29Ks from a shore-based facility. They have been doing even 15 sorties in a day during the winter. We expect the first four MiG-29Ks to arrive in India later this year, with the other 12 being delivered by 2010,” said Mr. Pogosyan, who was recently been appointed by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin as the overall head of nearly all of Russia’s defense manufacturing and designing industry, said during Aero India 2009.
He also disclosed that the MiG-29Ks meant for India would be certified by Russian pilots taking of from a Russian carrier. However there were no plans as of now for Indian pilots to train from a Russian carrier.
Once the pilots return home they will keep in touch with carrier landing opertions using the Shore-based Test Facility (SBTF) that has been constructed with Russian help at the naval airbase INS Hansa in Goa.
Hawk AJT
India contracted for the delivery of 66 BAE Systems HAWK Mk132s under the AJT (Advanced Jet Trainer) program. Twenty four aircraft were delivered directly from the UK, with 42 being license-manufactured in India. Plans have been formulated to purchase a second batch of 57 Hawks, 40 for the IAF and 17 for the Navy.One BAE supplied Hawk crashed in Bidar on April 29 during a formation take off.
HAL was to hand over 10-11 Hawks to the IAF by December 2008 and 15 by March 2009. It has so far handed over just one.
The IAF is also facing a shortage of spares.
There have been reports that the IAF may cancel its follow up order of 40 aircraft.
The IAF has since shelved plans to procure 40 additional Hawk, opting instead to re-tender for additional trainers.
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. Boeing is pitching its twin-rotor Chinook. Sikorsky Aircraft, a unit of United Technologies Corp. of the U.S., also plans to bid.
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.
The new lot, to be delivered by 2011-12, will be armed each with eight BrahMos supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles instead of the Club-N/3M54TE missiles, which were installed on previous frigates.
Russia and India are negotiating a new contract on the delivery of additional Project 11356 frigates for the Indian navy, the head of Russia's arms exporter said on Wednesday, February 4, 2009.
The Krivak class frigate have a displacement of 4,000 metric tons and a speed of 30 knots, and is capable of accomplishing a wide range of maritime missions, primarily hunting down and destroying large surface ships and submarines.
Igor Orlov, general director of Yantar shipyard said at the 4th International Maritime Defense Show in St. Petersburg in June, that the construction of the frigates is on schedule and hulls of all three vessels had been laid down at the shipyard.
"The first ship will be floated out this year, the second, probably, in spring 2010, and the third - a bit later," he said, adding that the Indian government had provided sufficient and timely project financing.
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.
The new lot, to be delivered by 2011-12, will be armed each with eight BrahMos supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles instead of the Club-N/3M54TE missiles, which were installed on previous frigates.
Russia and India are negotiating a new contract on the delivery of additional Project 11356 frigates for the Indian navy, the head of Russia's arms exporter said on Wednesday, February 4, 2009.
The Krivak class frigate have a displacement of 4,000 metric tons and a speed of 30 knots, and is capable of accomplishing a wide range of maritime missions, primarily hunting down and destroying large surface ships and submarines.
Igor Orlov, general director of Yantar shipyard said at the 4th International Maritime Defense Show in St. Petersburg in June, that the construction of the frigates is on schedule and hulls of all three vessels had been laid down at the shipyard.
"The first ship will be floated out this year, the second, probably, in spring 2010, and the third - a bit later," he said, adding that the Indian government had provided sufficient and timely project financing.
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 will be met by HAL either through license production of the winning bidder's mode 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)
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.
The Indian Air Force has already completed technical evaluation of all MMRCA contenders: Boeing Super Hornet F/A-18E/F, Lockheed Martin Super Viper F-16IN, Saab AB's JS-39 Gripen, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter GmbH's Typhoon, and RSK MiG-35.
At least two sets of flight trials of the competing jets are likely to be conducted in summer and winter 2009 in the icy Himalayan heights, the deserts of Rajasthan and the humid conditions of south India.
Only 2-3 competitors are likely to remain in the fray following the flight evaluations, at which points prince negotiations will be opened with their manufacturers. The final choice is unlikely to be made before the end of 2010.
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.
The Indian Air Force has already completed technical evaluation of all MMRCA contenders: Boeing Super Hornet F/A-18E/F, Lockheed Martin Super Viper F-16IN, Saab AB's JS-39 Gripen, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter GmbH's Typhoon, and RSK MiG-35.
At least two sets of flight trials of the competing jets are likely to be conducted in summer and winter 2009 in the icy Himalayan heights, the deserts of Rajasthan and the humid conditions of south India.
Only 2-3 competitors are likely to remain in the fray following the flight evaluations, at which points prince negotiations will be opened with their manufacturers. The final choice is unlikely to be made before the end of 2010.
News
On Thursday, April 16, a senior defense ministry official announced that the bid by France's Dassault for its Rafale fighter had been rejected because of shortcomings.
On Monday, April 20, an IAF spokesman told Flight magazine that the Rafale was still in the race.
On Monday, April 20, an IAF spokesman told Flight magazine that the Rafale was still in the race.
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.
MiG-29 Upgrade
In March 2008 the MiG Corporation signed a $964 million contract with the Indian Defense Ministry to modernize some 63 MiG-29 fighters, thereby extending their service lives by several decades.
The project envisages upgrading the avionics and armaments of the aircraft to improve their intercept and ground attack capability.
The agreement stipulates that MiG will establish depots, service centers, and training centers with simulators in India. The aircraft are being upgraded in India by Russian and Indian specialists.
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. 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.
In late May 2009, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major told HT in an interview, “We have finished all evaluations and selected the A330 MRTT. The deal will come up for final approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) very soon. The Russian platform did not meet certain requirements.”
The Air Chief appeared to be piqued at the poor vendor support for equipment procured from Russia.
"After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Russia has changed the whole pattern of doing defence business. Now we are faced with issues concerning spares, vendor support and built-in delays in the structure of their centralised military corporations.”
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.
In late May 2009, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major told HT in an interview, “We have finished all evaluations and selected the A330 MRTT. The deal will come up for final approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) very soon. The Russian platform did not meet certain requirements.”
The Air Chief appeared to be piqued at the poor vendor support for equipment procured from Russia.
"After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Russia has changed the whole pattern of doing defence business. Now we are faced with issues concerning spares, vendor support and built-in delays in the structure of their centralised military corporations.”
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
 |
| 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.
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.
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.
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.
By June 2009, HAL had assembled 42 MKIs from the total order of 140 to be assembled by the end of 2012.
Currently 116 Sukhoi-30K and MKIs are in service in five squadrons, with two squadrons flying HAL assembled aircraft.
In January 2009, India ordered an additional 40 Su-30MKIs from Russia.
India and Russia are currently negotiating a midlife upgrade for the Su-30K aircraft supplied to it earlier.
Under a $795 million dollar agreement inked in February 2001, Russia shipped 124 T-90 tanks to India off the shelf. Another 186 were to be 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.
By June 2009, HAL had assembled 42 MKIs from the total order of 140 to be assembled by the end of 2012.
Currently 116 Sukhoi-30K and MKIs are in service in five squadrons, with two squadrons flying HAL assembled aircraft.
In January 2009, India ordered an additional 40 Su-30MKIs from Russia.
India and Russia are currently negotiating a midlife upgrade for the Su-30K aircraft supplied to it earlier.
T-90S Bheeshma Main Battle Tank
Under a $795 million dollar agreement inked in February 2001, Russia shipped 124 T-90 tanks to India off the shelf. Another 186 were to be 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.
References
- http://www.hindu.com
/2008/09/27/stories/ 2008092755480700.htm
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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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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