The Indian Navy HW Torpedo

The Indian Navy HW Torpedo

     The Indian Navy not only short of Submarines, but also lacks with Torpedo's which can be fired from Submarines to hit enemy Submarines and Warships in a standoff Range, currently the ongoing P75 aka Scorpene or Kalvari Class Submarines does not have any Torpedo's once it is ready to be inducted into the Navy, earlier Indian Navy selected the Italian Torpedo company WASS to supply their modern 533mm heavy weight Torpedo's to Navy's new Submarines, the Company WASS is a sub company which is controlled and financed by the Finmeccania. the company who was caught by the CBI for alleged bribes paying to the Indian Officials,

   By the recommendation from the Armed forces and CBI, The ministry blacklisted the Finmeccania to don not participate any other defense deals, which was done by previous regime, but the Finmecannia is the trusted and important supplier to the Navy, like the Naval main gun and other systems Subsidies of the Finmeccania leads the race, the same company who short listed to supply the Torpedo's to Navy's Future submarines,

     But after the investigation CBI found  no clear evidences to the alleged bribe case, so as per the recommendation the new Government lifted the ban of Finmeccania, also the same problem was caused the Israeli supplier IAI, which is also later cleared, and Now Navy in works to WASS to seal the deal of Supply the deadly Black shark Torpedo's to Kalvari class Submarines.


1. The Black shark is the new generation heavyweight torpedo which can destroy any kind of Surface and submerged platforms at the range of some fifty kilometers gives  a decent stand off Range from Enemy Torpedo's and Depth Charges, the Torpedo is named to be most advanced for the next twenty years makes the current Torpedo decoy systems vulnerable to the Black sharks performance and precession,


2. the Black shark is a Heavyweight and house inside the 533mm torpedo tubes inside the German and Western standard submarines, with the shape and design the torpedo invisible to the Enemy detection systems, where the radiated homing beam and the propulsion system is complete modern and can bypass most advanced Detection systems currently employed by other Naval Ships and Submarines.


3. So far the company delivered only fewer numbers of  Black shark torpedo's, because of incapable platform design and European arms control treaty,


4. The Torpedo can be launched from sub surface and submerged sailings, known as Push out and swim out launch, also the Torpedo allows the launch platform to immediately vacate from the launch zone, with the use of Lithium cells for propulsion the Torpedo swim without make any noises also the contra rotating blades allows the Torpedo silent and more maneuverable during the swimming.







5. with the high speed and long range, the Torpedo can reach the target quickly and sinks the target in one shot,where the speed and exact range is highly classified.


6. The Torpedo uses two guidance system, one is wire guidance, which means the submariner keep an eye on the target allows the Torpedo hits the desired target only, makes less or zero damage to nearby Vessels, a good one used for sinking Escort warships, another one is fire and forget mode, means once the torpedo fired the torpedo itself goes to the target using the magnetic, frequency and acoustic signature of enemy vessels,


7. The torpedo has no limits of launch depths, can able to fired from any depths of submarines maximum diving range. also it not limits the Submarines performance during the Launch like Speed limit and other limits.

  

   Currently the Indian Navy's Type 209 Shishumar class submarines can able to fire AEG-SUT Mod-1 wire-guided active/passive homing torpedoes, each sub can hold fourteen such torpedo's, Indian Navy has four Shishumar class submarine, which also can able to fire Harpoon Anti ship cruise missiles from under water. the AEG-SUT Mod-1 torpedo has the range of some 30 kilometer at the speed of some 35 knots, but it's also the standard 533mm Torpedo design.

    The Navy's Kilo Sindhughosh class submarines uses the vintage Type 53 Torpedo's which is less in range speed also lacks of modern sensor and counter counter measure systems. and uses the modern TEST 71/76 anti-submarine, active-passive homing torpedo, the Kilo class submarines has six launch 533mm launch tubes, way back earlier the Sunk of Sindhurakshak caused when the sub was reloaded the TEST 71/76 Torpedo's

Air force plans to retire three Squadron of MiG's

Three squadrons to be retired from active duty. Can Su-30 MKI be a stop-gap measure ?

    Indian Air force plans to retire two Mig 21 and one MiG 27 Squadron from it's fleet, thus reducing the  serving squadron from the existing 35 to 32. A single squadron under IAF consists of 18 fighters with two trainer jets and two more jets in reserve. So IAF will be phasing out almost 54 jets from service.

     The MiG 21 and MiG 27 were acquired from Russia in the early 70's and 80's and have now become obsolete considering the modern jets being fielded by Pakistan and China. IAF has planned to replace the phasing out squadrons with the more advanced SU-30 MKI. IAF had placed an order for 272 Su-30 MKI which is being taken care off by HAL. HAL has till date delivered around 210 Su-30 MKI to the air force and has promised the delivery of another 62 jets at an expedited pace.

    IAF is also awaiting the induction of Rafale and LCA to boost it's capability. HAL currently is manufacturing around 16-18 Su 30 MKI a year which will be serve as a squadron when inducted. With the squadrons depleting IAF is sure to raise the number of orders with HAL for these lethal jets. The Su-30 MKI is an proven platform which can serve the IAF as a multi-role aircraft.

      The MiG 21 was an dedicated air interceptor platform for the IAF and the LCA program has been a promising replacement for the aging jets. Even though the Tejas is running behind schedule it has turned out to be a reliable platform and is one of the only jets to have attained IOC and FOC without a single crash. HAL and ADA has already started work on the advanced Mk-II. The MiG 27 was an ground attack platform and have been key part of the fleet against ground targets. The Mirage 2000 can be considered as an replacement for the MiG-27 and the soon to be inducted Rafale will also fill the void left by the MiG-27.

  
    The jet's even though decommissioned will continue to serve the nation by being the 'Christmas tree' for other jets serving in the fleet. Key machinery of the jets will be used for keeping other aging jets in the fleet and will be serve as the spare for years to come.

    IAF currently operates 35 squadrons as against the sanctioned 45 squadrons. Even though HAL is working at  its best the aging and retiring jets is a worrying matter for IAF. The answer for this is possible only by setting up a parallel supply line in HAL and actively encouraging private players for producing state-of-the-art jets indigenously.

Editor Karthik kakoor

Pakistan's over audacious claim of its Ra'ad Cruise Missile

Is Pakistan over confident with its Ra'ad Cruise Missile ?

       The Pakistan Air force's ultimate Air to ground weapon is the Ra'ad Air Launched cruise Missile, Frankly speaking it's one of the best Air launched missiles across the Globe and is in par with European missile systems, The subsonic missile has a range of around 350 kilometers and can carry a 450 kg of high explosive or around 10 kilo ton Nuclear warheads, the missile becomes deadlier with terrain hugging capability. 

          The Missile uses the decade old INS - Inertial Guidance system. INS basically works based on the accelerometer and gyroscope to lock to the target with GPS guidance. This system can  be easily jammed by several means. Firstly the missile relies on American GPS satellites for guidance and if these GPS Satellites are switched off then the missile becomes a wanderer in eternity.  Pakistan lacks an dedicated satellite system which is crucial for strategic operations. India has the dedicated IRNSS program taking wings. 

           It is believed that the the Ra'ad is a cloned version of Tomahawk missile. The Tomahawk though themselves are under Pakistan is governed by strict rules. But during the Afgan war Pakistan had taken possession of around five unexploded Tomahawk that had landed in Pakistan territory. With little or renewed efforts and help of China it is believed Pakistan developed the Ra'ad and the Babur missiles. These missiles have been repeatedly test fired from time to time and have turned out to be very successful. 

          Pakistan has fitted these missiles out on its  Mirage platform, the aircraft is capable of carrying the missile tagged to its multiple weapons stations. Even though the latest aircraft in Pakistan's inventory is the F-16 gifted by the US, fitting out the Ra'ad on it is a distant dream thanks to the IP terms laid down by US. The soon to be inducted China-Pakistani JF 17 platform can carry the Ra'ad. 

  
    The missile is capable of targeting forward Indian posts close to the border but the missile entering India's mainland is a distant dream. 

1. Most of the cruise missiles use dedicated satellites for target acquisition which provides dedicated information about target position and performance. But Pakistani Ra'ad relay's only on the GPS, and Ra'ad mainly relies on American GPS system, the GPS being relayed to the missile can either be intercepted and manipulated directly or dedicated jammers can easily jam the signal to the missile systems. The accuracy in GPS oriented system is extremely limited. Mos of the Indian missiles mainly demand on SATNAV and RLG ( Ring Laser Guidances ) which guarantee unmatched accuracy. A two second GPS Jamming can make huge difference in the Ra'ad strike performance, a two second jam makes the missile less accurate CEP at 2 kilometers. 

2. The Indian early warning radar's can easily track hostile Pakistani jets, and the launched Ra'ad cruise missiles path can be traced inch by inch and guaranteed interceptor systems can be deployed. Even if the missile employs terrain hugging, integrated AWECS and Aerostats can easily track and guide the interceptor missiles to intercept the incoming missile. Ra'ad is operational only at high altitude meaning the missile relies on a  Hi Lo Hi mode. This mandates the missile has to gain altitude as it closes in on the target and once the missile starts gaining altitude the missile can be detected and be destroyed by QR SAM systems. India's Akash can be a potent interceptor against the Ra'ad. The missile being huge in size and the RCS mandates supersonic fighters of the IAF can chase the missile and intercept it using  their BVR or heat seeking missiles.

3. With the advanced F-16 being placed out of the mission, Pakistan will be left only with the aging Mirage 111 platform for launching Ra'ad missile. Pakistan has more than around fifty aircraft and the jets are aging and using the jets for deep penetrating strikes would be a disaster for the PAF thanks to the superior jets which patrol the Indian skies prowling for victims. Let alone the IAF jets, the stand in multi layer air defense missiles can easily intercept these aircraft thus neutralizing the imminent threat. The Ra'ad is a capable platform for nuclear missions. The missile can carry a 10 kilo-Ton nuclear warhead and the missile can be intercepted with the standard package. The missile will explode in the air or close to the ground inflicting sustained damage on Indian target. 

        But once Pakistan initiates a nuclear strike, India will be forced to retaliate. The retaliatory strikes will inflict heavy damage on Pakistan and India may consider neutralizing threats through out Pakistan by sustained bombing missions. Pakistan's claim of comparing the Ra'ad with the world's fastest cruise missile BrahMos is over audacious. Salvo of BrahMos is a nightmare for even the latest interceptor systems. 

Editor Karthik Kakoor

The "dry dock queen" undocks from HSL ready to guard the nation waters

INS Sindukriti Sails out for "Full Power" Trials  

       The Indian navy’s depleting underwater fleet has received a major boost with ‘INS Sindhukriti’ a Kilo class submarine entering final ‘full-power trials’ from Friday off the Vishakhapatnam coast. The submarine was stuck in a refit for almost a decade at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Vishakhapatnam. The refit of the submarine began way back in 2006 at HSL, which would enable more advanced systems to be fitted on it. During the refit the submarine was to receive modernized control systems, weapon systems, sonar and other associated electrical systems. Aged well over two decades the submarine’s hull was set to be repaired and refitted to maintain the stealth.

      INS Sindhukriti was acquired from the Russians in early 1990’s and served the navy till 2006 after which she entered a midlife refit. The refit of INS Sindhukriti gained significance with it being the biggest-ever repair of a submarine undertaken in any shipyard in the country. The submarine was to be handed over to the Navy in less than three years after refit. The government for the first time had opted out of the option of sending submarines abroad for medium refits. But the planned refit turned disastrous as HSL kept negotiating with the deadline. HSL contributes this delay to Russia pulling foot with supplying modern technology to India.

     Furthermore HSL had zero experience, describing the delay in refit process the then CNS Sureesh Mehta had clarified “That kind of expertise did not exist in India before and this is for the first time that we are trying it out here. Instead of sending them to Russia all the way, this one is being offloaded to Hindustan Shipyards. There are some problems in their procurement procedures. It takes a little longer than is expected". The submarine will enter the navy after being docked for almost a decade. The submarine was fondly called the “dry dock” queen.

        Even though docked for a decade the submarine has received the latest control and weapon systems. The submarine is now fitted with the highly advanced indigenously developed USHUS sonar system, the sonar system is considered to be far superior to the Russian variant. The sonar system is developed by NPOL and is believed to be  fitted out on the Arihant class submarines. BEL (Bharat Electronics) has filed its CCS Mk-II an composite communication system. These systems are a new generation of communication system built specially for naval ships, the system enables data exchange in a more secured and encrypted means. Kirloskar Pneumatic Company ltd (KPCL) has pitched in with an upgraded 400 bar HP air compressor.

      The submarine has got advanced control systems and navigational package from Russia. The submarine has also received 100km of cabling and 30km of mostly high pressure piping has been renewed. Russia has provided the Klub-S 3M-54E1 land attack missile with a range of around 300 km. The missile can be fired from the submarine’s torpedo tubes. The Klub weapon system will now be coupled with Type 53-65 passive wake homing torpedo and TEST 71/76 anti-submarine, active-passive homing torpedo and the 9M36 Sterla-3 SAM launchers.

Article by Karthik Kakoor

The Sikorsky S-70 declared winner for Multi Role Helicopter tender

Indian Navy chooses S 70B as Multi Role Helicopter

    The Indian navy is receiving a much awaited boost for its rotary wing. The navy is expected to acquire 16 naval multi-role helicopters under a $1 billion deal. The naval rotary arm has been crippled with repeated crashes and the service availability of the Chetak and Sea king hitting a new time low. These Sea kings and Chetak were primarily used for ASW, SAR and reconnaissance missions.

     After year’s field trials and evaluation the Navy has finally selected the Sikorsky S 70 B multi role helicopters to replace the aging Sea King helicopters. The S 70 B has superseded the European NH 90. The S 70 is based on the legendary Black Hawk air-frame. The S 70 can be operated from an array of naval platforms.

    Armed with heavy torpedo’s and depth charges the S-70 B will be an integral part of the critical ASW (Anti Submarine Warfare) missions. The S 70B will carry Hellfire missiles and Harpoon missiles which will enable the copter to deal with any surface threats.

    Even though the order is for only sixteen helicopters, it is expected to be increased in the near future. The Navy has plans to field these S-70 B’s onboard the new Kolkata destroyers and the P-17A frigates. IAC-I, INS Vikrant’s air wing is also to be finalized in the coming days, the Ka-31 and Sea wing are expected to form the network centric and AWACS platform. Indian navy is yet to officially announce the ASW aircraft for the carrier, with India having tested the S-70 B for various parameters it is no wonder these are the favorites.

   The S-70 B for the Indian Navy will be carrying the FLASH (Folding Light Acoustic System for Helicopters) as against the export standard HELRAS (Helicopter Long-Range Active Sonar). The FLASH will enable S-70 detect submariners at longer ranges and greater depths. The Heptr will also be capable of dropping sonobouys which will help in detecting submarines and torpedo’s, these sonobouys can boost the situational analysis around a port or key off-shore installation.

   The Navy currently operates the Russian Ka 27 helicopters for ASW missions. The load and range of the Ka-27 is extremely limited. With the Navy stressing for modernized fleet the induction of Ka-27 and Ka-31 would have been a setback for its mission. The S-70 B’s are marvels and have proved their might serving the US Navy over the years and still remain the mainstay ASW helicopter of the US Navy. The $1 billion deal will include assisting India with logistical support, maintenance, spare parts and training air crew. The aircraft has to be supplied with AGM hellfire missile, Mk 46 Torpedo's and 30mm cannon.

   The Navy's primary requirement is 91 Naval MR Helicopters. With the home grown Dhruv evolving with every passing day, the navy has not been able to finalize the capability and scope of the Dhruv. The navy has forwarded a $ 3 billion deal to the DAC which may be cleared under the Make in India campaign. Sikorsky has inked a deal with the Indian giant Tata and is already involved in the manufacturing S 92 cabins which are being used in the US version

Editor Karthik Kakoor

The Mystery of S 300 in India

Is India operating the S-300 PMU-2 SAM System ?

     There is a circulating news of do India have any S 300 series SAM missiles, but the clear answer is No, India didn't have operated the S 300 systems, But we have some S 300 associated Radars like The PSM-33 Mk.2 Radar and the ST-68 'Tin Shield' Radar, those Radar makes the Journals to report India operates the S 300 missiles, also India too requested the Russian S 300 PMU or S 300 VM SAM systems, and Russian too offered it many times, since the early 1995, when China sold some Medium Range Ballistic missiles to Pakistan,


    The PMU version can shoot down any incoming aerial threats in extended ranges upto some 100 kilometers, and the VM version can shoot down Ballistic missiles in endo atmosphere, Previously some media reports that India get a squadron of that means 6 Regiments of S 300 PMU each regiments comprising three Launchers with a rice tag of around one billion, also all the PMU systems upgraded by more advanced ballistic missile interceptor role dubbed S 300 VM.

  Also some reports mentions those deployed S 300 protect the Indian capital Delhi and the Economic capital Mumbai from Pakistani missile Threats, both Cruise and Ballistic missiles, back in the 2000's India don't have any Anti Missile Systems.

    The Truth is India has huge number of S 125 SAM systems, but those SAM systems have advanced Radars which are incorporates with the S 300 System, almost all major Air force  base were covered by a dense Air defense units, most of the Indian Bases situated near to the Pakistani Borders, to safe guard those base from Pakistani Attacks most Air bases have squadron of S 125 Stationary SAM systems along with advanced Radars like Russian made Flatface, PSM 33 and Tin Sheild Radar units, The S 125 works with the Radar guidance mechanism, so it need a sophisticated radar systems for better detection and interception.

     Those Air bases also well protected by mobile SAM systems like the OSA AK short Range quick reaction missile systems. as the second layer of defense, the same goes for protecting other civilian structures in Mumbai and the National Captial Delhi, the Delhi have three tier Systems, One with S 125 long Range Interception, another OSA AK batteries and the huge number of AA systems, Here is journals saw some S 300 Radar systems and citied that were the S 300 Systems and missed to take photographs of S 300 Launchers.






     Earlier 2000, India concerned about the Pakistani and Chinese Ballistic and Cruise missile Threats, that Time India don't have any good systems that can shoot down missiles, so India went for a International Shopping, three systems were Short listed, the Russian S 300, American Patriot Systems and the Israeli Arrow systems. During that time Indians has good relationship with the Russians, and many of them predicted India might buy the S 300 systems from Russia, meantime the Indian Defense Secretory Mr.Nambiar also visited Russia and witnessed the S 300 live test. and Media's from both India and foreign suggested that India also Seal the agreement of Supplying six regiments of S 300 Batteries.

     Meantime DRDO also started projects like Akash and others to defend the Indian skies from Enemy birds, but they lack of good Surveillance and Air search radars, so they effectively want good Radar systems with complete ToT. but Ministry knows about DRDO and they knows it takes time to mature the System from DRDO, so they went for Purchase, and selects the Israeli Arrow system. but not the S 300 system, by performance analysis the Aroow is better than S 300VM in case of intercepting Ballistic missiles and also comes with good Long range Radar.

    Because of the Nuclear test, Americans imposed sanctions to India, which creates many problems in the Indian defense research and manufacturing. also the Israeli Arrow missile developed in support of Americans both with funds and Technologies, So Americans asked the Israeli's not to Supply those Systems to India, but the Radar associated with Arrow is developed the Israel firm ELTA under IAI, also Israeli's supported Indian Nuclear efforts and defended Indians by continuously supplying critical defense equipments,

     Israel agreed to sell two Green pine Radars to India and allows the Indians to study and reproduce more variants, which gives a chance to India to Develop long range Tracking Radars, hence the Sword Fish born, also India setup-ed a BMD network with the Help of those Green pines, so now India can track almost all kind of Flying objects within and outside Indian Territory, but they don't have the missiles to intercept, later India went for interceptor program, Tier 1 comprising AAD and PDV systems and Tier 2 consists of AD 1 and AD 2 systems, where the AAD is nearly entered serial productions and could be deployed before the end of Next year,

   But the Meantime India slowly and steadily upgrades the existing S 125  with newer Radars, makes them almost good in comparing with the S 300 SAM systems.

Savage Taliban returns to Afghanistan marks arrival with Parliament attack

 Taliban returns to haunt Afghanistan attacks  heart of Kabul

  The dreaded Taliban Islamic extremists group have returned to haunt Afghanistan which was on its way to recovery and development. Taliban terrorist have started gaining grounds in the Northern provinces and preliminary intelligence reports have now confirmed the taking over of two districts in Kunduz Region. Taliban militants yesterday struck at the heart of Afghanistan after a suicide bomber and gunners attacked the Parliament at national capital Kabul. The advance of Taliban has been left unchecked with only the Afghanistan forces left to take care of the situation. The international forces have retreated from the troubled Afgan region after fighting a lengthy battle with the militias.  

     The NATO led by America which once was a crucial link in restoring peace, law and order across Afghanistan has phased out its force leaving Afghanistan alone to handle the situation on ground. India has been an active element in helping Afghanistan restore the Democracy it once enjoyed. Afghanistan has termed India as a strategic partner which has stood by its side in the worst of its time. India played a key role in helping Afghanistan host its first ever election in decades. India has also helped Afghanistan restore its Economy by actively helping in increasing its trade with India and other Asian nations. India has also provided world-class training for Afghanistan military forces in bases throughout India.

    But the growing relations between Afghanistan and India have been an alarming situation for Pakistan. Taliban leaders have claimed support of Pakistan’s ISI support for their activities across Afghanistan. Last year Taliban had ambushed 24 Indian ITBP commandos and Afghan military personnel in attacks against Indian Consulate. Attacks on Indian missions have been key matter of concern in India’s aid to Afghanistan, the threats have increased over time with the NATO forces pulling out.





     Taliban is slowly gaining grounds in the Northern provinces, which NATO forces continue to consider as the one of the toughest battleground in their history. By Sunday Taliban had taken control of the Chandra district in Kunduz region, this is a victory for the Taliban as this will eventually pave way for the neighboring resource rich districts. Afghan National Army (ANA) has been successful in holding up fort in the mainlands but the renewed surge by Taliban has inflicted a major dent to the ANA operations. 

 Taliban after taking over the Chandra district has now advanced into the Dashti Archi. Dashi Archi houses a key operational base of the ANA, Taliban have also seized nearly four battle tanks and numerous heavy artillery. ANA meanwhile has started evacuating the nearly 150,000 civilians before mounting a counter operation. The attack on Afgan parliament has raised questions over the operations of the ANA. But with left extremely minimal force there is hardly anything the ANA can do.

    ANA has put up a brave face in countering the Taliban in its area of operation. ANA has been busy mounting operations on Taliban holdings across Kabul. The repeated bombings and gunfights in and around the capital have kept most of the ANA grounded around Kabul. During the attack on parliament the ANA successfully gunned down the insurgents and took control of the power seat. During the operation a ANA soldier executed six Taliban perpetrators alone thus controlling further damage to the control. The video of the brave men can watched in the link here.


Editor - Karthik Kakoor

Sri Lanka Buys the JF 17

Sri Lanka Buys the JF 17 Blk 2

       Reports revealed that Sri Lankan Air force buys a squadron of Block 2 version of China Pakistani Developed JF 17 Multi role fighter, in Sri Lanka a Squadron consists of 18 to 24 fighter jets, number include Trainer, Reserve and Active combat group. during the Paris air show this year, Pakistani officials announced that JF 17 gets the first export order and signs the agreement with a South Asian country to supply the JF 17 Fighters, without revealing the Name of the Customer.

       Two days after the announcement made in Paris air show, a Pakistani TV news Channel quoted the South Asian customer is the Sri Lankan Air force, earlier this month Pakistani Army Staff General Raheel Sharif meets with several Sri Lankan Officials and the Sri Lankan Air force Chief, also during the meet photo's emerged that a JF 17 Scale model along with Sri Lankan Air force emblem, reveals the Sri Lankan plans of Buying the Chinese Pakistani made JF 17 fighter jets.

      

   It's also reported that The Sri Lankan air force gets the upgraded Block 2 version of the JF 17 which having air to air Refueling, improved Avionics, more combat load, and advanced electronic warfare capabilities. each fighter costs some $30-53 millions, makes the fighter as very cheap in price, also the Company plans to deliver the JF 17 to Sri Lanka before 2017. looks as they already signed the Agreements.

       It seems there is no problem in the Contract, since Sri Lanka has a good relationship with both Chinese and Pakistan, they have good relations since decades. Sri Lanka operates many Chinese developed combat and Cargo planes which include the Chengdu F 7 Fighter jet, MA 60 and Y 12 Transporters. also the JF 17 don't have modern western equipments since it makes numerous other problems because of Technology stealing.

         Earlier the Pakistanis approached the French for improved Engine the Snecma M 53 Engines, more powerful RDY multi mode Radars along with MICA advanced air to Air missiles, also seeks the support of data link to connect the aircraft with many other Flying platform like AEWCS and ground stations. the deal valued some $1.6 billions, But France refused to supply those cutting edge state of Art technologies to the Pakistani's and the Chinese due to the concern of Leaking French advanced technologies to other Countries especially China, also Indian lobby is prevented the French to deliver those technologies to  China and Pakistan,

      Where India operates Mirage 2000 fighters which were recently modernized with more advanced Technologies listed above, 

      So it's forces the JF 17 to use the outdated Russian engines and Chinese Missiles, even they approached the South African Darter A and European IRST advanced dog fighting missiles to fit in the JF 17, that contract status is also unknown, since most countries knows about China, that they were reverse engineer everything they buy, 

        Also the JF 17 comes with Chinese made KLJ 7 radar, where it's also developed by the Chinese, since it's believed that even Russia too refused to sell the Radar systems to the JF 17 otherwise those Russian Radars significantly large in size which it can't fit inside the Radome of the JF 17. The JF 17 uses the Russian Klimov RD 93 engines, the same Mig 29 uses twin RD 93 Engines.

       The JF 17 comes with array of Chinese made Missiles, Bombs where they lack of proven modern Air to Air and Air to Ground missiles, since it's radar can't integrate it. the Primary long range BVR missile is the Chinese made PL 12 missile having range upto 60 to 100 kilometers. and uses the PL 9 and PL 5 heat seeking missile for Dogfighting. 

   

   But the JF 17 has some good numbers of Air to ground missiles, like Precision and Laser Guided Bombs. stand off Cruise Missile like Ra'ad, But it's not confirmed that weaponry includes the Pakistani Ra'ad available for Export to the Sri Lankan Air force. But they too can supply it to show Sri Lnakan Air force also a Threat to Indian Air force and Strategic locations in Southern corner of India. also it's planed more variety of Air to ground missiles like Anti radiation, unguided bombs and more.

     Even Sri Lanka gets the Chinese Pakistani made JF 17 it won't change anything in the Souther part of India.   

Swedish A 26 Submarine for Indian Navy P 75 I

Swedish A 26 Submarine for Indian Navy P 75 I

     The Swedish naval firm Kockums Collins slowly pushing the next generation diesel electric submarine to the Indian Navy, where Sweden lost in the race of supplying the Gripen Fighters to the Indian Air force, now they looking to sell it's advanced concept designed A 26 Submarine to the Indian Navy, Recently Navy floated and RFI for Supply six new generation diesel electric submarines to the Indian Navy under project name P 75 I.

     Earlier the French firm DCNS won the contract of supply six Diesel electric submarines to the Indian Navy under Make in India project, where DCNS supply spare parts and design technology to the Indian private firm who build the Ships in India, they also gives the rights to the Navy to modify existing technology with newer or Indian made subsystems. recently the Navy floated out the first of the Scorpene named as Kalvari class, Navy plans to commission all the six Submarines before 2020.

     The P 75 1 is the successor class of Kalvari, the same existing tenders and Contracts, but more advanced version is inducted, since Scorpene is older technology, Navy looks for Advanced Diesel Electric submarines, west and other countries knows Indian Navy looks for foreign designs, same like earlier days, India went for two designs, one set of HDW or Type 209 submarine from Germany, and another set of Kilo class submarine from Russia.

    But that creates many problems too, mainly the logistics spare and Service issue, both were different models and platforms,after that many of the Officials suggested sticks with single platform, where this also makes problems, one submarines acoustic signature is got in enemy hands it's easy for them to identify other Submarines easily, but operating multiple models makes enemy operators confuse to  identify or locate the exact range and acoustic signatures.

     So Navy has two options either sticks with French Scorpene aka Kalvari Class or Advanced versions from French named SMX Ocean, both have similar operating procedures and Machines but improved model, makes the crew easily switch from other submarines. or go for a New design, currently three others have heavy competition like the Russian Kilo Class, Swedish A 26, and the Japanese Soryu Class.

      The Options are something complex, where Indian rival enemy China has almost full knowledge about the Russian Kilo class, China operates good numbers of Kilo class bought from Russia, they also successfully modified the kilo class, so buying the Kilo class makes no sense if we fight against the Chinese in Future,

      Another one is the Japanese Soryu class, one of the finest Diesel Electric submarine from the Japanese, most advanced SSK across the globe, a Heavy SSK weighting over 5000 Tons, can launch tons of weapons, can able to dive upto some 1500 feet, where other modern SSK can dive only upto 1000 feet, But the problem is Japan won't sell it's top most military Hardwares to other countries, The Australians hardly negotiating to get those submarines, But still they get no clear words from the Japanese Ministry, Indian Defense Minister also approached the Japanese Ministry to Participate the P 75 I program, even that they didn't shown much interest in the existing US 2i Amphibious plane deal.

     So the Clear option comes out Swedish and French designs, that's why the Sweden Firm slowly pitching the A 26 to the P75I program, But in performance wise it's very poor compared to the all other models, like lower dive depth, lower tonnage, weapon launching capacity, But they have the very good Artistic representation which can attract the every customer. the Recent Paris Air show 15 Swedish officials takes the  words towards Indian Officials, While India keep silent on the P 75 I,

ADA Tejas 1 P with AESA Radar

ADA Tejas 1 P with AESA Radar

     HAL Plans to retrofit the Israeli made EL/M 2052 aesa radar on the serial production of Tejas once FOC is achieved,so far LCA uses the Israeli made  2038 radar which is a Doppler Multi mode radar known as mmr. so far Tejas test fired the Russian made R 73 heat seeking missile, which is a Short range IR guided missile, but the BVR missile yet to be fired from the Tejas, as per initial planning IAF wants the Tejas to fire both Israeli and Russian Missile along with Indian m,ade Astra BVR and some other Precession Guided Munitions.

         For long Range Interception Most Fighter Aircrafts carry Long Range BVR missiles, which allows them to engage enemy fighters from safe distance,  Tejas having low Combat radius which is noted less than 500 Kilometers one of the main reason why IAF rejecting the Tejas, due to this less combat radius The Tejas should need a Long range BVR missiles, Tejas planned to Carry BVR missiles like Indian made Astra which having range of some 70 kilometers, the Russian made R 77 missile having Range of some 80 kilometers, and the Israeli made Derby missile having Range of some 50 kilometers,

        But so far no reason provided by the HAL or the ADA why Tejas still not fired the BVR missiles either anyone of them, earlier Tejas launched a R 73 with using bore sights which will not uses much of the Radar for fire and control the missile, the Israeli elta already provided the source codes to the ADA to integrate missiles and Bombs with the Radar and with the Fighter Jets primary control systems, it's a Huge technology needed to integrate the Radar with Fighter jets and communicate with other platforms like Ground Stations and other aerial platforms like AEWCS.

       which also a major concern why IAF not interested in Tejas, even the decade old MiG 21 Bison which is a Upgraded version have BVR missiles for Interception, the Bison uses the R 77 adder missile for BVR engagement and R 73 Archer for Short range engagements. that's the main reason why IAF still using the Bison's in it's fleet and not interested the Tejas,

       Tejas not yet received the In flight Refueling probe, but it's already on behind the schedule by some six months, so far no informations are received, also recently the HAL team carried out hot refueling of Tejas, means Refueling the plane while the engine on working, a step towards refueling in the Air.

     The missile firing questions many things, does the Radar or the data links have problem to fire missiles and Bombs, and the IAF also interested in ASEA radars, where ADA planned AESA radars only on MK 2 versions or retro fit later, two models of planned one is Israeli ELTA made EL/M 2052 AESA another ARDE Uttham AESA recently unveiled on the Aero India 2015.

     It's the Indian Navy who is eagerly wants the Naval version of Tejas. who is also funding for naval tejas project too, the Naval Tejas planned to carry Kh 31, and Kh 35 Anti Shipping missiles, but the current situation is the same like BVR integration, means they yet to integrate and fire the missile.

      By these all problems It's seems that ADA and HAL plans to fit the AESA radar in Tejas to Fire those multi kind of Missiles, the news also not comes from official spokespersons or HAL, but some sources closed to ADA reveal the information, It's good to having a AESA in Tejas which gives more range and more target informations accommodate more missiles and fires them guide them to hit the Target, if Tejas fitted with AESA, then it becomes the first IAF fighter who comes with Operational AESA Radar equipped Fighter Jet

IAF haunted by repeated crashes! What exactly is happening ?

 IAF jets are falling from the skies, what exactly is happening ?

        IAF top brass is worried, not for the depleting squadron numbers but it’s the repeated crashes that have for long haunted the air force. An answer to this is to be found in the near future if IAF has to keep up the morale. This year alone IAF has already lost six aircraft, even the most advanced jet of the fleet Su-30 MKI has crashed raising alarms.

       IAF has lost two Jaguar deep strike aircraft, and the advanced hawk trainers. Every year IAF loses around ten aircraft as a result of crashes for most of the crashes mechanical issues emerge as the main problem.  With a depleting force these crashes may prove costly and with every crash reduces the morale and confidence of the guardians manning their machines 24/7 come what may.

This year the crash pattern is very disturbing -

January - Mig 21

March - Jaguar

May - MiG 27

May - Su 30 MKI

June - Hawk AJT

June - Jaguar

      The very main reason for crash has been mechanical issues but there have been isolated cases when human error’s have also led to crashes.

First up the MiG 21

        India currently operates nearly 200 of the upgraded Bison and Bis variants, all these jets are scheduled to be phased out within the next two to three years. MiG 21 will be replaced by the home grown LCA Tejas. Mig 21’s have proven their might overtime and have completed some of the most difficult missions possible by a fighter jet. But the MiG 21 is a aging platform that has crosses its shelf life. The replacement program for MiG 21 was conceived but is materializing only now. A stop gap measure was totally out of question owing to the cost and the setback LCA would receive it was ever to happen.

 Many other nations currently operate MiG 21 in their fleet, notably Syria which is using it against ISIS. Syria has lost only three fighter jets over these years. The reason for crash was the missiles and rockets targeted at them by ISIS extremists. Is the maintenance of aircraft to be blamed for this? The facts themselves speak out, India lost over four MiG-21 at the same time Syria lost three but all three were lost in hostile environments. But out MiG-21 were on routine sorties and not on active combat duty.

Not much changes with the advanced version of Mikoyan series IAF operates. The back bone and the most advanced jets of our air force the ‘Flankers’ have their own story to narrate. Right from the induction phase flankers have had problems with their engines and fly-by wire technology. IAF has repeatedly raised this issue with HAL the primary maintainer for Indian jets. 

      HAL has in turn requested Russian firms to resolve the issue. The solution worked out by Russians is yet to be inducted in to our jets leaving them vulnerable. IAF flies more than 200 Su-30 which are to guarantee ‘air-superiority’ for the nation, six Su-30 have crashed so far since their induction into the force. Russian’s till date have lost only a single flanker till date which was attributed to a pilot error.  Again a question rises as to what is the issue?

What can be the reason for these crashes?

     The very first step in IAF has a huge and unaddressable problem, lack of training to the future guardians. IAF is the fourth largest air force in the world, yet lacks a reliable trainer jet. Basic, intermediate and advanced platforms are missing in the air force, the Hawk is being inducted in large numbers. Pilatus is also being induced but when the pilots are to operate the most advanced jets will this really help? Most of our jets are based on Russian technology but the training is held mainly in western jets, will this not compromise the knowledge and skill of our pilots? 

       Issue with maintenance is another reason IAF to worry of. The availability rate of Su 30 MKI is currently 50%, meaning of the 200 odd Su 30 MKI less than 100 jets are in flying condition. The aircraft are checked and re-checked before taking to the skies, soon after landing the pilots are required to note down even the minute changes in the system. And it is up to the maintenance team from then to get the aircraft to its best possible state. IAF has raised its concern with the number of ground staff available for maintaining these jets.

     The spare parts issue has also haunted IAF for years, with jets being imported from other countries IAF again has to depend upon these nations for maintaining the jets.  The contracts for the spare parts are contracted and sub contracted which turns out to be a big issue in the whole story. The procurement of these crucial parts is a long and cumbersome process and has to be cleared by various offices before being finally cleared for procurement. 

     These long pending delays usually cripple the operations of the jet. All IAF jets have to undergo scheduled maintenance at regular intervals to make sure the jets are in the best possible conditions. HAL usually contracts these key functions to private companies who in turn sub contract the work thus crippling the work cycle a certain authority is not maintained. The contracts rely upon HAL for procuring spares and HAL again has to look up to the base countries of the jet to dispatch the spares thus delaying the whole work.

     The other problem can be the flying hours attained by the jet, the service availability issue was a very critical problem in the last regime.  50% availability is extremely low considering the age of the jets. A single hour of flight can cost well over a million.  Are our jets really clocking the mandated flying hours?

      The new government is now drawing up plans to boost our aerospace industries. HAL is up for a major revamp at the same time the IAF has to receive a free hand in the maintenance issues. Just inducting newer aircraft to the fleet will not serve the purpose, IAF and the Indian government has to stress on maintaining these muscular beasts in the best of the possible forms.

Editor - Karthik Kakoor

The missile arsenal of Indian armed forces

 The missile arsenal of Indian forces

Cruise Missile

    As the name defines these missiles basically cruise to deliver their payload to a designated target. Cruise missiles are usually powered by jet engines, Scramjet and Ramjet are the latest technology. Cruise missiles are very cost effective and the same time can cause havoc our enemy territory. These missiles can fly low hugging to the terrain thus making it extremely difficult to be detected. Cruise missiles are classified based on the speeds, subsonic cruise missiles travel at a speed lesser than the speed of sound approximately at around 0.8 mach ‘Tomahawk and Klub’ are the best examples.

      Supersonic missiles travel approximately at around 2-3 mach i.e. almost a kilometre/second of its flight. BrahMos jointly developed by India and Russia is the only versatile Supersonic cruise missile. Cruise missiles enjoy considerable long ranges but owing to the operational cost medium range missiles are favoured by armed forces across the world.  Hypersonic missiles are still under development and will fly at around 5-6 mach.

BrahMos cruise missile

       India has the worlds fastest and the deadliest cruise missile in its arsenal, BrahMos. India and Russia decided to setup a private company that could work independently off the political circles, the result was BrahMos aerospace a portmanteau of the rivers Brahmaputra and Moskva. BrahMos flies at variable speeds between 2.8-3.0 mach and can be launched from all platforms. 

     The ‘missile man’ of India APJ Abdul Kalam and the then Russian deputy defense minister N V Mikhailov worked relentlessly get BrahMos going. The project took baby steps with India holding 50.5 % share and Russia holding 49.5% share in a joint venture. Russian government and Indian government pitched in US $123 and US $127 million respectively for the project. After three long years of hard work, BrahMos was for the first time test fired from ITR, Chandipur on 12th June 2001.

      Repeated tests followed and the missiles was tested for VTL, mobile launcher and land attack  capabilities during the course of 10 years. The development and success with BrahMos has been a never ending process, the missile has evolved over the years and is now currently in Block III configuration. Till date 35 validation and trail tests have been carried out, during one such test BrahMos became the world’s fastest cruise missile. 

        On 20th March 2013, the submarine launched version of BrahMos was testes fired from a submerged pontoon of the Visakhapatnam coast. BrahMos-A the air launched version is expected to be test fired shortly from a IAF Su-30. Indian navy and Indian army have already deployed the BrahMos. Air force has also placed an order for over 200 air launched version of the BrahMos.

Nirbhay cruise missiles 

   

    The home grown Nirbhay, is a multi-platform all weather cruise missile. The missile can carry one tonne of payload and has operational range of 1000 km. Nirbhay is a two-stage missile system with loitering capability. Nirbhay is equipped with ring-laser gyroscope for accurate strikes. Nirbhay can fly at extremely low altitudes, the missile is enabled with terrain hugging technology which effectively means the missile can fly in the tree levels. This method is instrumental in avoiding detection by enemy radar systems and can help in reducing the reaction time of the enemies. 

          Nirbhay is capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads. Initially Nirbhay will be launched from a mobile launcher which has been developed by Tata. Further development will guarantee the launch of Nirbhay from Aerial and Naval platforms. The missile will supplement the BrahMos with its extended range.

       The first test of the missile took place in February 2013, the test was a partial success as the missile was destroyed half way to its target after it showed diversion in its trajectory. The missile was again tested in October 2014, the missile delivered the package to the designated target flying flawlessly through the skies. Nirbhay is expected to enter service in less than three years. India also has the Exocet and Harpoon missiles in its arsenal.

Ballistic Missile

      A ballistic missile is a missile system that follows a ballistic trajectory over most of its flight path where most of its trajectory is governed by the gravitational pull of earth. Ballistic missiles cover most of their flight in the stratosphere and during the terminal phases enter the atmosphere and are guided to a per-designated targeted with the help of highly advanced navigational systems. Ballistic missiles are usually powered by multi-stage rockets and are usually classified based on the range and the payload they can carry i.e. conventional and nuclear warheads.

      Ballistic missiles can be launched from silos situated either on the ground or in submarines which is the best platform for retaliatory strikes. Ballistic missiles launched from the submarines are classified as SLBM (Submarine Launched Ballistic missile). India has a very matured ballistic missile program thanks to the relentless work of DRDO. The Agni program serves as the umbrella program for India’s ballistic missile program. 

        Agni V remains to be the most advanced ballistic missile, India has developed. Agni V has a confirmed range of 5500 km classifying it as an ICBM (Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile). K-missile family are SLBM’s, K-4 which is currently under development will have an operational range of 3500+ km. The K-12 with 750 km has been fitted out on INS Arihant and is slated to be test fired in the near future.

Article by - Karthik Kakoor