Know your Apache and Chinook

Know your Apache and Chinook

   After years long delay, Finally India signs the deal with US to buy 22 Apache Attack helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy lift Helicopters along with associated equipment's valued $3 billions, the deal was finalized early 2010 by Boeing and India, and Boeing keeps the same price for more than 13 times before signing the deal, so far the signing details not available for public release however the FMS - foreign Military sales document clearly says  Apache would be the AH 64 Block III variant that's the AH 64 E, the most modern helicopter in service with US forces, however no clear information available for which variant of CH 47 would be delivered, as per earlier suggestions in 2010, The CH 47 F would be acquired, and recent time US moved with much modern MH 47 G versions.

   There is no doubt that AH 64 is the most advanced attack helicopter ever developed, during the race with Russian Mi 28, Apache impressed the Indian officials with network centric capability, low flying capability and easy weapon handling, along with fire and forget anti armor missiles and 30mm chain gun impressed the IAF officials very much. the initial plan is to buy 22 apache helicopters followed by another 11 Helicopters in future, that's only for the air force, also Army too insisting the Ministry to buy a set of 39 Apache helicopters, however both follow on order and Army's requests put on hold as of now.

   Apache is an low observable helicopter, when it flies very low, no radar will see it, during the initial stage of attack in Iraq, Apache leads the role by destroying Iraqi early warning radar's, without being detected, It also performed numerous support missions all over Iraq and Afghan proved it's capabilities, most of the Helicopters won't carry fire control radar's, the AH 64 E carries a mast mounted milli meter wave fire control radar developed by the Northrup gruman, the Long bow radar can guide the Radar guided missile Hell fire to engage targets in fire and forget mode, which allows automatic target acquisition and engaging, the Long bow can track more than hundred targets within a minute, both moving and stationary targets, and ripple fire the Hell fire missiles, Apache can carry 16 Hell fire missiles,

   Apache also support the Ground troops using it's missiles and gun's. the Apache's optical systems allows engage hell fire missiles, if the target was lazed by the ground troops. means if Ground troops pinned down by enemy heavy resistance, they can light the enemy positions using the laser which was connected with Apache's computer system, once the target acquired Apache can use missiles, Rockets or Guns to suppress the Target.

    Apache comes with two heavy engines that can boost the Apache's speed by some 300 kilometers per hour, and can fly as much as 20,000 feet, Apache can conduct mission close to some 500 kilometers, these stats for fully armed AH 64 E, if it was stationed in Kashmir region Apache can cover entire Kashmir Region, and reach any given spot within a hour with full combat power. It's believed IAF could use those Apache's close to Border area's to provide air cover to the ground troops, Apache's can't be refueled in the air, however it can be deployed from any forward operating air bases close to the mission area. Apache can also engage air threats like fighter aircraft's, helicopters and UAV's using the Stinger missiles.

   with the Packages, IAF set to receive tons of missiles, ammunition  and spare parts, the package includes" 50 T700-GE-701D engines, 12 AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars, 12 AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometers, 812 AGM-114L-3 Hellfire Longbow missiles, 542 AGM-114R-3 Hellfire II missiles, 245 Stinger Block I-92H missiles, and 23 Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensors, rockets, training and dummy missiles, 30mm ammunition, transponders, simulators, global positioning system/inertial navigation systems, communication equipment, spare and repair parts; tools and test equipment, support equipment, repair and return support, this amount of weapons are enough to knock out and front line offensive forces, can also support the Indian Army's offensive forces to achieve the object.

CH 47

   As per the initial contract, IAF Selected the CH 47 F, which is the most advanced variant available for export, however later years, some of the CH 47 units modernized with most complicated sensor suites and inflight refueling capability to extend the range,  the MH 47 G also designed with low observable characteristics, the American using very low numbers of MH 47 G varients, which are used by the JSOC command only, America never exported the MH 47 G to other countries, however still now no clear information about which variant of Chinook, IAF is going to acquire, mostly IAF gets the CH 47 F with some modifications.

    The IAF Plans to buy some 15 Chinooks as initial batch, four more later. the CH 47 F can carry or slug upto 12 tons of load, with the maximum speed of 300 kilometers per hour, it can fly as much as some 18,000 feet height, the Chinook can conduct missions at some 350 kilometers from base and rteurn back to the base with reserve fuel, It can be deployed from forward operating bases too, however the US Army' MH 47 G only has the refueling capability, no others has such capability. 

   IAF selected the CH 47 for many reasons include it's maneuvering capability to fly low and narrow ways in between hills to remain undetected, IAF mainly selected the Chinooks to transport heavy armaments close to border positions which was inaccessible by the roads, IAF also plans to use the CH 47 to carry materials to construct roads and bridges close to borders, the Heavy lifter Mi 26 can carry 20 tons of payload however it can't perform multi role missions like Chinook,

It reported some media sources quoted anonymous sources, Boeing will complete the delivery of both AH 64 and CH 47 within next 36 months.

Republican candidate Trump : Believe in India

Republican candidate Trump : Believe in India

    The US Schedule to conduct the next round of Presidential election by next November, and the Campaign already started by two biggest parties who ruled America in the past, US has two biggest Parties, one is the Democratic party another is the Republicans, the famous presidents like George Bush, Nixon, Reagen are all Republicans, where Kennedy, Clinton Obama are all Democratic, both have huge difference's in their approach towards  foreign policy, Democratic always soft characters, the North Korean Nuke deal is the example, while Republicans are bit aggressive peoples, they are the one who waged war over Middle East.

     Same like Congress in India, Democratic are old fashioned peoples, they can keep their friendships with long standing ally's only, and never tried to establish new connection or expanding their interests, compared to Republicans, Democratic peoples love to keep the Pakistan friendship, how ever the Republicans are pro Indians and hate to make friendships with rouge Muslim nations and communists nations like Russia, China, North Korea, one of the recent example is Republican candidate Ben Carson, who is the director of Neurosurgery in America's famous hospital John Hopkins said that, I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that,” he told host Chuck Todd. When asked if he believed Islam “is consistent with the Constitution,” Carson answered, “No, I don’t, I do not.”

   Unlike the Republican candidates, Democratic's were happy to join hands with islamic nations, The Iranian Nuke deal is the good example and soft stand in Ukrainian issue and South China sea issue, even the shocking news is once the French are ready to strike some Selected targets inside Syria, when more than 1500 civilians dead in a worst chemical bombing, however the Obama administration ordered the French do not step in the battle, and keep enjoyed more deaths of innocence civilians, also many US military officers and NATO countries urged Obama administration do not supply arms to Sunni militants, However the Democratic rejected the plea and join with KSA to supply arms and ammunition to Radical Islamist rebels in Syria.

    Donald Trump is the famous business man in America, who is a bright candidate from the Republican party, some other known candidates from the Republican party is Jeb Bush- son of ex president Bush, the known Rand Paul, and Indian origin Bobby Jindal too, Trump is more aggressive when comes to foreign policy, who also hates those radical Islamist controlled rough nations, and openly supported India's moves many times,

    In a recent interview about east Asia policy, Trump openly talked about Pakistan and compared it with North Korea, stating both nuclear nations are the threat to mankind, also he talked many things about Pakistan, include delivering freedom to Pakistan from the Air, just like how America provided freedom to Iraq and Afghan earlier, He also said US must move with India to Check Pakistan from every corner, Trump also sounded Pakistan is the most dangerous country along with Iran and North Korea, peoples must accept the Iranian regime runs by radical shia extremists, who always threaten to destroy US and Israel, the only reason they hates Pakistan is, its a Sunni majority nation. and there is no doubt both the Shia and Sunni extremists are same.

    As a known truth also revealed by Trump is, US can send it's ground troops into Pakistan to seize the Pakistani nuclear weapons, if the situation becomes worse, he also said that DPRK is openly threaten America while Pakistan working behind the closed doors, Trump says in the interview he will not reveal his military plans against Pakistan, he says Pakistan can guess what I mean, there is only one country in the world who is working very closely to seize the Pakistani nuclear is Israel, they plans to strike the Pakistani nukes several times, however they never tried, which means they never withdraw their plans, If times comes good Israel can do his mission,

    Israel is the only country in the world who heavily affected by the Islamic terrorism, earlier countries like Iraq and Syria almost closer to posses the Nuke weapons, however Israel bombed their dream, Pakistan is the only other Muslim nation with nukes, where Iran almost closer to producing  the nuke weapons. Israel tried several times to bomb the Iranian facilities, however the soften democratic leaders from the US argued Israel do not move on.

    The Current US Indian relationship goes very smoothly, India want US to keep away from Pakistan, since US still helping his cold war ally, by supplying aid money along with weapons and fighter jets. and It would be good to see in future US may completely moves away from the Pakistan, which is good to Both India and Israel, It's high time that many American loves the Indians and slowly hates the Pakistani radical extremism, with new Regime in US by Next year could make India way very closer to America.

More Talwar Class Frigates for Indian Navy

More Talwar Class Frigates for Indian Navy

    Indian Navy plans to buy three more new Talwar class frigates from Russia through Reliance Defense, which was earlier planned for Russian Navy, those three ships are almost completed without having the engine/power plant, due to the Ukrainian issue, they denied to supply the Zorya gas turbine engines to Russia, So Russia has no plans either scrap the Ships or transfer to Friendly country's who maintain peace with both Russia and Ukraine, Earlier Russia openly offered the Ships to India, however Navy plans for future induction with P 17 A project.

   The Indian Private player Reliance defense, plans to buy the Ships from Russia and Engines from Ukraine to integrate both in his own shipyard Pipavav Ship building, which is partially owned by Reliance defense, It's believed either India or some other Navy would buy the Ship from Reliance, the price also comes very cheap, because of zero interests from foreign Navy's, Those Russian frigates are much complicated to operate, need huge maintenance costs, however Indian Navy has no problems since it operates six Talwar class frigates, Navy already modernized the Ships for their needs by adding Brahmos and AK 630 missile systems.

    Compared to the Older Talwar Frigates, the new frigates comes with vertical launching Shtil Missiles, the older Talwar class comes with arm launching Shtil missiles, which can launch one missile every 10+ seconds only, however the VLS allows multiple missile launch in quick time to engage multiple threats simultaneously, the Talwar class comes with two AK 630 for close defense system, some of the Indian Talwars have two Khastan based CIWS for last line of defense, India already moved or inked a contract with Russia to upgrade all existing Arm based Shtil missiles into Vertical launch mechanism.

    The Russian Talwars comes with Klub supersonic anti shipping cruise missiles, which is a drawback, where Navy plans to use the Brahmos missiles in all of it's Navy Ships in coming days, that's the major reason why Navy earlier rejected it, the Klub missiles used by earlier variants of Indian Talwars too, however the same was replaced with Brahmos in last three Talwars, the Ships can fire those anti shipping missile through it's vertical launchers for saturation attacks,

     The Frigates major mission is escort other naval vessels and aircraft carrier, so the Frigate could comes with decent anti air capability's and anti submarine capabilities, the Ship has the Shtil and AK 630 for Anti air missions, However it's not considered best in modern battlefield, since the scenario  changed with more variety of anti missiles systems, like Long Range Missiles, Short range quick reaction missiles, and CIWS support, India yet to comes in the best category, while the P 15 B class destroyers were comes with such capacities comprising Barak Long range missile, Maitri Short range missile and AK 630 or Phalnx for CIWS support.

   The Talwar's anti submarine capability, comes with variety of options, the whole system known as RPK 8, which includes RBU series of Rocket launchers, Talwar uses twin RBU 6000 launchers, each comes with 12 barrels, the Rocket launchers can launch anti submarine rockets which can detonate under the sea, the tested depth is somewhere near to 1000 meters, with having the range of some 4 kilometers, which is a much safer distance to engage a maneuvering Submarine, the same launcher can also drop depth charges triggered with time or depth, The Talwar can also fire heavy 533 mm Torpedo's, each Talwar comes with four launchers,

    Talwar comes with main Sonar in the Bow, and also carries towed sonar array's to search submarines from stand off distance, the entire system controlled by one finger with the use of Granit designed Purga fire control system, which gives a ultimate edge to the Talwars class frigates in anti submarine fighting capability, the Ship also can carry and coordinate with Ka 28 anti submarine helicopter, which can increase the range of Ship's ASW capability, the same methods are used in almost all front line Naval destroyers and  frigates,

    The Indian Navy has a plan to operate three dedicated Carrier Battle Group and four Amphibious assault group by 2030, the vision already set to achieve the Blue water capability, each of the Battle groups comprises three Destroyers, five frigates/corvette along with two or more Nuclear or Diesel electric submarines, along with support ships, the Navy has three Kolkata Class destroyers, four Vizag class Destroyers, and three Delhi class Destroyers, Navy need 12 more Modern Destroyers before 2030, also in Frigates and Corvette's Navy operates and Building some Six P 17 A class, Six plus three Talwar frigates, three Shivalik's and three Brahmaputra's, and four Komarta class corvette's, and Navy need another ten frigates to achieve the goal.

   Many sources from Navy quoting that Navy might buy those Ships comes via Reliance, however even if the Navy or government denies the Acquisition, Reliance can sell those ships to foreign countries which gives them high profit, It's a good chance to Navy they might buy those Talwar's. 

China concern about growing India USA Relation

China concern about growing India USA Relation

   As the new government sworn in Delhi last year, they took the Chinese threat very seriously, and planning to counter each and every action taken by the Chinese, not only in Eastern Borders, India plans to counter China in Indian Ocean and South China sea too, The NDA government also mulls it's partnership with US very closer, the major aspect is the military cooperation, building strong relationship with US makes China forced to quit some counter moves in Border area's, as recently India allowed some US military group to search Arunachal area to find the lost B 24 in WW2, The same request was denied by the UPA government many times, due to the Chinese pressure.

   After 26/11, The US government openly supported India to take military actions against Pakistani Militants in PoK, which brings the US government approach to New Delhi much softer, the US relation may focus the Pakistani agenda first, however later it was turned into Chinese medium, as in 2013 when Chinese camped inside India, which shows China slowly backing it's old tactics to grab Indian Land, also openly said India Should accept Arunachal as dispute territory and Tibet is integral part of China, the UPA government almost accepted that deal with Chinese warmongering tones,

   Once the NDA government takes the Capital, they move into different strategy, making closer ties with USA to counter China, also the US think tanks who reports the US Congress also shows favor to Indian moves against China, by inking many military contracts and joint exercises,

    The US president once said that, It's would be good to see Indian interest to counter Chinese growing threat in Indian Ocean and South China sea, and US will support Indian moves against growing Chinese influence, also He said India too looking US as a good partner to counter  Chinese aggressive maneuvers in East Asia, India also agreed to sign a joint statement with USA chiding Beijing for provoking conflict with neighbors over control of the South China Sea. He suggested reviving a loose security network involving the United States, India, Japan and Australia.

    At first, the growing interest in Naval Exercise, India and US together working to expand the annual Malabar exercise into new level by participating large number of warships from Both countries, and extending the Period, also allowing Japan as a Permanent member of this Joint exercise, the exercise takes place in Bay of Bengal, which draws major attention from China, China openly shows it's concern of US warships in Bay of Bengal, and this Malabar edition involves much number of warships from US and Japan, with Nuclear attack submarines and Air Craft carriers.

   Another event is, Recently India allows a US military team to search lost WW 2 B 24 bomber in Arunachal, earlier the same request was denied by the UPA government after China pressured India to not allow US Military personnel's close to the border, China claims the territory of Arunachal Pradesh for itself and several of the crash sites are close to the border, however the new government rejected the Chinese plea and allows the US team to explore the crash site.

    The Joint Military exercise Yudh Abhyas, is held every year in US or India, to validate the mutual interest in war fighting capability, the exercise which started in 2004 under US Army Pacific partnership program. This exercise will strengthen and broaden interoperability and cooperation between both the Armies and complement a number of other exchanges between the two forces.this year's Yudh Abhyas was conducted in Washington involving Indian Kumon regiment and US Army's first corps.

    The Indian and US team set up a Joint maritime Naval ship design bureau, which can help Indian Navy to build it's first Super carrier with the help from US Navy, the design aspects comes from US navy's latest Ford class super carrier, and India also plan to build the carrier with electro magnetic launching system which can launch heavier fighter Jets from the carrier deck.

   Vajra Prahar is another special operation exercise conducted by US and Indian Special forces, the first series of exercise commenced early 2012 in Himalaya's, however later years the exercise called off, and recently the US Ambassador Richard verma says that, Our bilateral Special Forces exercise VAJRA PRAHAR will resume again in January 2016 for the first time since 2012.  This is the tempo of a defense relationship between two forces determined to forge a new level of cooperation, and breaking down historical barriers to do so.

   Ambassador Verma also mentions Indian interest to join the Red Flag exercise again, as Earlier said IAF will send it's fighter jets to participate the next edition of famous Red flag exercise, 

Russia Starts bombing ISIS positions in Syria

Russia Starts bombing ISIS positions in Syria

   As already expected, the Russians started bombing ISIS positions inside Syria, with the multinational bombing missions, this is the first time ISIS shows some heavy casualties since it's raise, Russia also planning to start special operations inside ISIS position with close air support, as recently satellite pictures shows Russia slowly massing their Air force fighters near Syrian Latakia port, the Port also host Russian naval outpost, before the Russian build up, ISIS and FSA almost comes close to Russian bases, when the emerging threat identified by the Russians, they first sent some special forces supported by infantry assault vehicles such as BMP 3 and BTR's, which is the first appearance of  Russian ground forces assaulting the Free Syrian army,

    As first the satellite pictures shows, four modern Su 30 SM fighters, which was delivered recently to the Russian Navy, as three of them configured as pure air interceptor and one is armed with variety of Electronic jamming payloads, which is reported by Italian think tank David, by analyzing the Airbus satellite pictures, the next day the fighters numbers increased with additional deployment of 12 new Su 25, the dedicated ground attack platform used by the Russian air force, the Su 25 is designed to counter American A 10 thunderbolt, the Su 25 comes with much number of hard points, which can drop bombs and unguided 60 mm High Explosive Rockets, which can destroy small hardened positions and temporary light bunkers,

    And the next day, the satellites found another set of 12 Su 24 Fencer long range Interceptor attackers, as earlier some Syrians managed to take photographs of one IL 78 Tanker air craft closely escorted by four Su 24, however the Syrians too using the same aircraft's, after seeing the satellite images western Analysts confirms those are the new Su 24 which is directly comes from Russia, thus makes the Syrian Arab Air force is much powerful air force that can capable to show maximum restrain against his enemies, the count brings 28 new fixed wing aircraft's.

  Not only with the Fixed wings, Russia also shipped more than dozens of Attack and Transport Helicopters, the Transport helicopters include Mi 17 and Mi 8, which can used to carry Russian troops close to the battlefield, and the arrival of new Mi 35 attack helicopters can provide low lever air cover to the ground forces,  those new Helicopters comes with defensive suites like ECM and Jamming capability with the addition of  DIRCM. which can spoof IR and radar guided missiles in close ranges,

   The above all Flying units, transported using the An 124 and IL 76 Cargo aircraft's, ADS-B based trackers like Flight Radar 24 and Plane finder websites, shows numerous air traffic activity from Russia to Syria via Iran, they also saw the Israeli Surveillance aircraft's activity, when new Russian Planes off loading the Cargo, The Israeli Spy planes well inside the Israeli air space but the side mounted L band radar in it's G 550 can give clear images of Russian activity,

    Before the tactical air force deployment, many defense watchers spotted Russian Landing ships activity near Syrian port Latakia, as per some open forces which was verified by the Russians, there were some 2000 Russian Marine troops supported by newer T 90 Tanks, BMP 3 and BTR infantry fighting Vehicles, along with long range Towed Artillery, those armors are already placed in defensive positions in Syrian Al assad Air base near latakia, as earlier Rebel forces comes close to the Base, Not only the Al assad air base, satellite images shows Russia speeding up construction of new Airbase near Latakia, which can be controlled by the Russians only, satellite pictures show the work already started and it could be finished with in ten or less days,

    When the Deployment starts, the Israeli PM due a visit to Russia to meet Russian President about the air assets deployment in Syria, as earlier Israel always gets a freedom of attack capability to  strike Syrian positions, earlier the Israeli forces struck and destroyed large cache of Russian delivered P 800 Oniks anti shipping missiles near to the Latakia Air base, the Syrian sounded anti Israeli slogans, where Russia keeps silence, not only that time, Israel attacked Syrian positions many times, most of the targets are Russian delivered weapons only, more over Israel will attack those weapon cache if they were bound to transfer Hezbullah Terror groups,

    with round of Talks, both Israeli PM and Russian President agreed to co ordinate the strike in Syria, also established a deputy military leaders hot line which can slow down close encounters with Russian and Israeli air crafts, the Israeli PM accompanied by the Israeli military chief too, they explained about the disputed Golan Heights and possible encounters with Syrian forces earlier, Israel also plans to assist Russian forces by giving target information and ground Intelligence to ease the Russian job in Syria.

    And after the deal reached, Russian Air force combined with Syrian Air force pounded ISIS stronghold in Syrian Palmyra, an ancient city recently captured by the ISIS, and they already destroyed the relics in Palmyra, and build defensive positions to hold the city under their control, the attacks were carried out by the Syrian bombers, however the tactical information provided by the Russians, spotters found numerous activity of Su 30 SM fighter before and after the offensive, and the reported death toll raised some 100 kills with many injured, and It's expected the Russian-Israeli-Syrian team will coordinate more attacks inside Syria to eliminate the ISIS, as a Surprise Americans closely watching the online social media about the ISIS activities and strike selected  targets, last day minutes after a ISIS leader posts something in Social media brings a F 18 armed with 250 kg High Explosive gift, resulted sudden dispatch,

The Pakistani Dream of Second Strike Capablity

The Pakistani Dream of Second Strike Capability

      Recently Pakistani media dawn published that Pakistan already possessed second strike Capability, without mentioning the launching platform, ex Pakistani defense secretary Lt.Gen Khalid informed this in a seminar conducted by strategic vision institute, before talking about such capability one must understand what is second strike capability, If a country attacked by preemptive nuclear strike in a first wave of attack, the country's all strategic based weapons and it's support systems will be compromised, they have no options left to counter the first strike, So they need a overseas territory or an sea based moving platforms that can launch Nuclear missiles,

     The known best option is the Submarine based second strike capability, even with the Submarine based Nuclear missiles, you need guidance from satellites too, the Submarine should communicate with satellites for launching the missile, country owned Navigational Satellite systems also must needed for Second strike capability, the Submarine based second strike option is very expensive, once the launch code initiated by the Country's Strategic forces command, the Submarine will launch the missiles within the second, means almost all SSBN are armed with ready to fire missile, unlike land based other assets.

      For First Strike, one must use the Land based Silo or TEL launchers to launch the Nuclear missile, with full superiority of support access, means the country gets Navigational support and guidance for better accuracy, the missile also targets the country's strategic positions only, also no one willing to launch a single nuclear missile, the first strike comes with ripple launch of missiles targeting major economic and Military positions, makes sure that they will not able to launch a counter strike, so the suffered country need an another option to counter the first strike, that's where it's comes the Second Strike Option.

     The Second strike would need as much as fire power to pose a serious nuclear attack, in a Nuclear war no one will launch a single nuclear missile, during the early 1983, Soviet early warning computers malfunctioned and reported single Minuteman ICBM on the way to Moscow, the soviet commanding officer is intelligent enough to predict it's a false Alarm, since both soviet and Americans know, the first strike could comes simultaneous missiles launches with saturation attack to disable all Soviet land based nuke launching systems and early warning networks.

    Mutual Assured Destruction is the term used in Nuclear war, like rival forces of Russia against US  and NATO allies, and China against south pacific nations and India, these are the only countries in the world who poses clear second strike capability, even India too don't have such capability, the ongoing Arihant Project completed by only 2018 or so, the first Indian Nuclear strategic submarine with live nukes is the INS Aridman S2, the first SSBN INS Arihant is the test vehicle to validate the SSBN capability, while the second one is twice as the size of Arihant. S 2 is capable to carry 24 K-15 missiles, or some 8 K-4 missiles, that can capable to disable entire Pakistani strategic positions.

    The North Korean's recently tests a SLBM launch, with modified diesel submarine and modified lad based missile, the Submarine could carry less than four or two Missiles only, that can't pose concrete second strike capability, the same what Pakistan too trying with the Chinese diesel electric submarine, Pakistan has some Agosta class submarines, who can't carry Nuclear missiles or Pakistani cruise missiles, the Agosta can launch Exocet anti shipping missile through it's torpedo tubes, so there is no way of using the proven Agosta submarines for Pakistani SLBM Program. So if Pakistan tries a second strike they could modify Chinese diesel electric Submarine.

   Indian Army has the full offensive capability and can capable to control entire Pakistani territory with in first 72 hours at the mean time Indian Navy can control the entire Pakistani waters within first 24 hours. so Pakistan has no option to counter Indian Army, that's why they sounding themselves has the Second strike Capability,   

Show off in South China Sea, India Joins with Pacific Nations and US

Show off in South China Sea, India Joins with Pacific Nations and US

    As China slowly making it's stance in south China sea, countries like Philippines and Vietnam shows it's restrain by conducting naval patrol close to Chinese artificial island in south China sea, that won't prevent the Chinese constructions, even the US tries some tricky maneuvers over the island, not only in south China sea, China already makes it's tough stance in Japanese Senkaku Diaoyu Island, and the known ADIZ zone in east China sea,and they continuing their advancement in far south China sea by claiming Spratly and Paracel Islands.

    China almost gained full power in South China sea, where they can defeat any foreign Navy's or Allied forces, if those countries didn't stop the Chinese advancement, then they could loose their tiny islands for no reason, and China fields his massive army nearby their door steps, Not only in south China sea, China slowly moving into Indian Ocean and almost managed to lease a Maldivian island, the Island named Atolls, initially China says that atoll island used only for tourism and research purpose and it's clear they can mass the forces in case of any possible skirmish with India or US Navy. the US has a base in Indian Ocean named Diego Garcia,also in Bay of Bengal China has a Island which was ceased from Myanmar, named Coco Island.

    So the point is, there is a need of Multi national alliance, which can stop Chinese aggressive maneuvers, The US is always poised to counter the Chinese advancement, however they didn't get enough support from nearby countries, before the Victim country tries to confront the Chinese advancement, US goes first and makes the issue as Headline, that was proven many times, flying it's advanced P8 A plane over the ADIZ, later only countries like Japanese and South Korean performed counter maneuvers,

    India never tries to enter such global events, however that's no more, the new government almost takes a side in the Global events, to counter react any Chinese aggressive movements, after satellite pictures appeared of Artificial island construction, India send a flotilla of warships to conduct friendly surveillance with Philippines Navy, later they went to Vietnam and continue their patrols with Vietnamese Navy, India's major interests in the South China sea is the Natural deposits inside the Vietnam waters, where ONGC signs a agreement to explore the deposits, earlier last year the Navy Chief Joshi sounds that, India can deploy it's Naval forces in South China sea to protect Indian interests, that's the first strong message sent to China in recent years,

    Recently, The Chinese Officials acknowledged the New Australian PM's comment about South China sea, Prime minister Malcolm said "China to ease off on island construction in the South China Sea if it wants a reduced US presence in the region". He also says "Australia enjoyed very good relations with China, but described Beijing's South China Sea foreign policy as counter-productive".  and China reacted as Australia should respect Chinese interest in South China sea,

    Also the US Senate Armed Service Committee, expressed that the Pacific command should increase surveillance flights over Chinese illegally claimed islands, they also said Preventing the Chinese from further militarizing those features a range of options including freedom of navigation exercises and US is  considering those options now.  Means in coming days, The US Could increases it's surveillance flights over illegal Chinese Islands, that makes small skirmishes in south china sea, 

   As India also showing it's increased interests in global politics, India and US almost drafting a plan to stop Chinese advancement in both South china sea and Indian Ocean, the alliance included Australia, Japan and South Korea, these countries can perform Scheduled exercise near those disputed waters, which gives benefits to all Pacific Nations and India.

The Chinese Chengdu J 20

The Chinese Chengdu J 20

    The J 20 program is the Chinese first fifth generation fighter program, that can designed to hunt down American stealth fighter jets and Bombers and gives an upper edge to the PLA Air force in aerial fighting, the actual program initiated later 1990's, with many ex Ukrainian aerospace engineers and downed American F 117 technologies, and many hacked source codes of American Joint Strike Fighter program, the J 20 appeared first in 2011, looks similar to the American F 22, with canards, and set a new milestone in global aerospace, the J 20 primarily designed as a Air superiority Fighter, by housing large number of sleek air to air missiles in it's three weapon bays.

    With bunch of resources, the Chinese almost managed to fast track the Fighter development program, after the first flight in 2011, within five years they almost build five more prototypes and using those for testing, even the new seventh prototype 2016 rolled out this month by performing aerial flight tests, six prototypes used for flight characteristics tests and one used for ground based tests, those appeared J 20 prototypes initially tested in long time, sometimes the test can go more than hours, that looks the J 20 has much long combat radius to perform long range missions and long period of aerial supremacy.

    The Chinese has only one major problem in the J 20 program is the Engines, they started the engine program way back 1990, still they are not matured enough to create a true turbo fan engines, countries like France, England, America and Russia are the only countries who developed a true fighter jet engines , and they keep the engine blades composite technology as secret, while China could able to absorb the tech, they tried the reverse engineered Russian AL 31 F engines dubbed as WS 10 in China, they used the WS 10 to build as much as Flanker clones,however the engine will not performed well in the J 20 test bed, so they plans to buy newer Engines from Russia. they tried to purchase the AL 41 117 engine who powers the Su 35 Super flankers and the prototype variants of PAK FA, Russia almost denied the Chinese request, how ever instead of selling the Engines, Russia prefer whole Su 35 Sale to China which gives more money to Russia rather just millions for some engines,  both of them almost signed the Contract, and earlier this year some media sources reported that Chinese Fighter pilots went to Russia for a Training mission to fly in the Su 35,

    The Chinese has a project based on the WS 10 to develop a improved version of AL 31 F, they concentrating the WS 15 engine to power the J 20, as per some leaked reports, Janes says the power output of the new engines is just 80 Kilo newtons, means twin engine provide some 160 kN, which is rated less powerful engine in the fifth generation fighter category,

    Same like other fifth generation fighter jets, the J 20 too comes with a  AESA Radar, China uses a much larger AESA compared to others with some 1856 modules for transmitting and receiving emitted signals, which is capable to detect and track targets up to some 200 kilo meters, however these are all come from Chinese media, not a analyzed or confirmed reports, because no one saw the Radar inside the J 20, foreign military watches aware of KLJ 5 AESA radar,while the real capabilities is unknown, unlike foreign AESA are usually X band LPI radars , means enemy radar warning receiver will not detect the radar waves emitted from such Low probability of intercept Radar, Radar's like AN/APG 77, RBE 2 and Byelka has such capabilities, It's believed Chinese AESA too has such LPI Characteristics,

   The real shocking is the J 20's Electro Optic Targeting system (EOTS) one of the most advanced technologies emerged from the known IRST, which allows the fighter detect and track, enemy low observable stealth aircraft's in long ranges, even without using the on board radar, the EOTS can allow the fighter to launch medium range IR guided missiles, means the hostile air craft even have no idea about, where those missiles are coming from. such modern systems are presents only in the F 35 fighter jet, the system known as EOTS and in the Rafale known as FSO- Front sector optroincs, even the PAK FA based IRST system too not much advanced than the above mentioned systems.

    With the use of J 20's modern Avionic suites, the J 20 can detect and engage Su 30 MKI fighters from long range, even without being detected by the Sukhoi Radar, due to the LPI capability and Stealth the IAF's ground based Radar's too don't have the capability to track such stealth planes, The Sukhoi too have IRST which can detect the Low observable stealth aircraft, however it can detect those fighters in very close ranges only. same like other EOTS the J 20 too guide the air ground missiles using it's EOTS, how ever the J 20's weapon bay will not accommodate heavy bombs, they need to carry those missile externally only.

    One more Shocking is, China almost completed J 20's trails, and planning to mass produce those fighters within next two years, as earlier planned 2016 deadline is almost is passing by, It's believed China will carryout weapon tests in coming days, before going to mass productions, and by 2017 Chinese Air force gets the J 20 in it's wings, the same year Russia too induct their PAK FA in it's VKS fleet.

Spyder Anti Missile System

Spyder Anti Missile System

   Surface launched python and derby missile is known as Spyder, python is a infrared guided heat seeking missile, where derby is an radar guided BVR missile, both missiles can lock the target before or after launching the Missiles, simply known as lock on after/before launch, these missiles are the derivatives of Fighter launched Python and Derby,both Python and Derby is fire and forget missiles, that can be launched in ripple fire mode to intercept large number of hostile flying objects, two version of Spyder is available, one is the SR version, having a four cell launcher vehicle with a EL/M 2016 ATAR 3D AESA Radar, and the MR version comes with eight cell launcher with much powerful EL/M-2084 MMR 3D AESA radar. while all of them have same limited range of upto 25 km only.

   With the increasing threats from Chinese and Pakistani long range cruise missiles, IAF has a challenge to secure it's air bases from enemy low flying cruise missiles, and heavy bombs, at that time IAF has no real fire and forget quick reaction SAM batteries which is also capable to shoot very low flying loitering UAV's and low flying cruise missiles, Air force planned to buy a SAM system which can detect and shoot such low flying threats, and floated a RFI in early 2000, and many foreign countries like West, US, Israel and Russia offered their advanced systems, after effective field trails, IAF impressed with the Israeli Spyder's performance. any how due to the leftist parties protest the deal was stalled, and IAF has no other option than the Israeli offer, most of the Israeli offers are very handy to the IAF, they allows the Indians to whatever they can do, they don't hesitate to supply the Spares and missiles when India steps in a war.

After some years of delay, the Defense ministry finally signed the deal with the Israeli's. and within a year Israeli's started delivering those missiles and launchers to IAF, as per the initial deal the IAF receives some 108 Spyder MR Launching units, Radar's and command posts for some $260 millions, and the exact information about the missile delivery is not available, it's believed IAF may bought some 1500 missiles, as 50-50 of Derby and Python, and many open sources reported that India bought the MR SAM system, means the eight cell launcher, where the exact information remains secret. and it's deployed area's also not available for public's. mostly they are somewhere in eastern and western frontiers.

    The IAF has ordered some 18 batteries, so it's means one Spyder web consists of six Spyder launchers plus a single Radar and command posts. also Israeli's has no problems of using Indian made trucks for transporting, currently IAF using the TATA trucks for Transporting those missiles and launchers, the IAF is so familiar with the EL/M-2084 Multi Mission 3D AESA radar, and Israel allows India to reverse engineer the Radar to make a desi version, the desi version is called as Arudhra, the MMR radar is not just a surveillance radar, it act as a weapon locating radar, and fire control radar too, even those EL/M Radar systems guides the Israeli Air force fighter to attack the exact location of hamas rocket launching positions, the known Iron dome uses the EL/M 2084 for surveillance and fire control.

    The Spyder missile system can capable to detect very low flying loitering targets, like UAV's and Cruise missiles, the operational target engagement altitude is twenty meters to 9000 meters, where the typical cruise missile can fly, the Spyder can shoot down both sub sonic and supersonic cruise missiles, interestingly the Spyder system can  work with both MR and SR versions, the Python and Derby missiles has the lock on after launch capability which gives the missiles single shot confirm kill probability, the Spyder missiles can launched from the cell within five seconds once the hair trigger pressed and the target was identified as hostile, interestingly the Spyder systems comes with infrared search and track system too, even if the Radar was compromised the Spyder launcher unit can launch the missile against threats, like how fighter air crafts switch off their radar and guide those missiles using IRST,

    The Missile system is highly network centric system, means even if enemy comes in large numbers with variety of flying machines, the Spyder's MMR radar can mark each targets and ripple launch those missiles for high probability kill in single shot, such scenario was tested only by the Americans as of now, by using standard missiles to destroy Ballistic, Cruise and air craft targets with 100% kill probability, same can be done by the Spyder too, except those ballistic missile, the spyder will engage the Ballistic missiles,however the small missile won't make huge damage to the monster sized ballistic missiles,

    Currently those missile defense systems are being used by Peru and  Singapore along with Indians, It's believed that IAF already received all those ordered Spyder systems and all of them under operational.

Navy fast tracks Fleet Support Ship Procurement

Navy fast tracks Fleet Support Ship Procurement

   The Indian Navy plans to induct five brand new fleet support ship, Navy issues the Fleet Support Ship tender by early 2011, so far there is no real progress made in the procurement plan, and now only they speeding up the process, under this program Indian Navy set to receive five 40,000 tons of Large Fleet support ships which all to be built in India with private partners, with delivery period of First ship within 36 months and next ships in every six months, once the contract has been signed, those ships are mainly used to refuel and rearm Navy ships in the middle of the sea, to perform maritime missions much longer days.

    As of now Indian navy operates two fleet support ships, one 35,000 ton Ship bought from Russia, and another 24,000 ton ship made by Indian GRSE, with the help from Italian Ship builder, the Navy need more such Replenishment support ships to power the Front line warships to perform mission long time and longer range, usually those fleet support ships can provide, fresh water, fuel and food items to overseas deployed Naval ships, which helps them to operate far more ranges, not only this, the Support ships can also brings needed Missiles and Spare parts, and provide mechanical supports, they are designed to tow any large sized ships, if any of their engines are dead.

   The Total project value estimated some $1.3 billions for five ships, the ships barely carries costly missiles, Radars and another sub systems, that's why each ship valued less than some $250 millions, the cost looks low when the size is some 40,000 tons and 200 meters length. It's earlier reported that Spanish Ship Builder Navantia teamed with Indian L&T to construct those ships in India, and South Korean Hyundai teamed with Indian state owned Hindustan Shipyard to build Navy's FSS, however the Process yet to complete, and ministry yet to choose the winner, last year the DAC cleared the $1.3 billion FSS project, however it's still not get authorization from Cabinet committee and Finance ministry, and It's expected that they will clear the Program coming weeks.

    As per the Initial requirements the FSS should capable to transfer oil and foods to all Indian Surface ships, by using abeam or stern transferring methods, which allows faster refueling in parallel ways, allows quick resupply to Naval ships side by side, the Ships size as already mentioned like full load of some 40,000 tons and 200 meter length, means the empty weight of the ship comes down by some 20,000 tons, and Navy insists the ship could be constructed with dual hull for better survivability and hardened structure, even with the full weight the Ship could travel more than 20 knots at maximum speed, and normal speed of some 15 knots, in Normal speeds the ship should capable to go some 12,000 nautical miles without any stopping, and in maximum speed it can travel some 9000 nautical miles, with the endurance one can round the globe without going to any port for refuel or resupply, the ship designed to stay in the sea for more than sixty days.

    Most of the Fleet support ships are withdrawn from service once it served some 30 years, the upcoming FSS ships too fall in the same category, the ship needs to be designed to survive any rough sea seasons, the nominal requirement is sea state 8, and  perform replenishing missions in Sea state 5, the Ship comes with a Helicopter landing facility and supports a helicopter inside it's hanger, medium Helicopters weights up to some 17 tons can be operated from the Ship, which can perform multi purpose naval missions,

    The FSS can pump the ship's primary fuel of  High sulphur diesel at the rate of 2400 tons per hour, and Aviation fuel at 1200 tons per hour, Fresh water at 750 tons per hour, while the ship always carry some 20,000 tons of Ship's fuel, and 2500 tons of aviation fuel, the exact carrying value will not be available for public's. the FSS can perform simultaneous transfer of fuels and others to the receiver ship. the ship can also transport heavy weight torpedo's, missiles and ammunition, and transfer it to other Ships.

   The Ship has no fire power capability, it comes with two stand alone AK 630 CIWS for primary air defense, and some 12.7 mm machine guns for fire support, the ship can be manned by some 200+ crews and Officers, the ships defensive systems comprised with chaff and smoke counter measure systems, and equipped with home made Advanced Torpedo Defense System, along with electronic counter measure suites and communication intelligence systems. the ship primary navigation and surface search radar comprised by two L band Radar and single E/F band radar.

   Once the contract has been signed before the end of this year, Navy will taken deliver of first ship by 2018 by completing all sea, harbor and mission trails, and receives one ships every next six months. 

Pakistan confirms Su 35 talks with Russia

Pakistan confirms Su 35 talks with Russia

    Officials from Pakistan confirmed to IHS Janes that they were in talks with the Russian arms supplier Rosoboronexport to sell unknown numbers of  Su 35 S fighters, the information was first leaked by the Russian deputy foreign minister Sergi Ryankov that Russia and Islamabad in talks to supply Su 35 Multi role combat aircraft  to the Pakistani Air force, earlier many times Pakistani air force officials talks about the need of twin engine aircraft to counter Indian Air force, the Pakistani officials didn't says about exact timeline of new fighters jets induction, however it's believed they get modern twin engine fighters before 2020.

    The Pakistani air force so far flying only single engine Fighters, which lacks combat radius, sortie rate and survival probability, PAF has a Fleet of modern F 16 Blk 52 fighters, Chinese and Pakistani made JF 17, and older Mirage III and some Russian origin Chinese modified MiG 21's dubbed as  F 7, and France almost stopped it's support to the Mirage platforms, so they have to relies on the F 16 fighter jets, where they get offset and maintenance support from Turkey, even if the US stopped the support,

    As new generation comes, the PAF yet to matured to operate in a long range twin engine heavy fighters, as first they sought the Chinese J 31 fifth generation fighters, the J 31 program is hits a road block after the first flight in 2012, there is no clear progress made in the J 31, while China continuously working on the J 20, as per Initial plans the PAF intended to buy some two squadrons of FC 31, a degraded version of J 31 made by the Chinese, also the Pakistani officials not interested in the Kilmov RD 93 Engines, so they have to move on some other platforms, after many rounds of Talks the PAF Finally selects the Su 35 S Multi role fighter for it's future induction program.

     The PAF has a sight of dominance in the Arabian Sea, where The Indian Navy and Air force always enjoy freedom of Navigation, so far PAF has no real fighters that can bolster the Arabian sea, the F 16 lacks of Range and has no Anti shipping missiles, meantime the JF 17 has such capabilities, JF 17 is capable to carry YJ 12 based Anti shipping missile, however it's  lack of range and questions about it's sea skimming capability, So PAF need a good a good fighter that can capable to launch proven Anti shipping missile from stand off  Ranges, the Su 35 S with Kh 35 is a good option for them, and Russia can ready to sell those missiles to Pakistan if they were willing to pay the money. which helps them to secure the Pakistani Ports from Indian Naval Attack in case of war,

    As per Pakistani analysts, the PAF may get only one squadron of Su 35 S fighters with the Service availability rate of  60% at any time, due to the maintenance issue and cost factors, It's hard to establish a data link between Friendly fighter jets from PAF for situation awareness and co operation, so It's clear the PAF Su 35 may work stand alone mode, a four finger formation of Su 35 fighter is a good show off against any modern Fighter jets, two set of four finger is more enough to pose good deterrence in peacetime asymmetric warfare.

    Meanwhile the Chinese and the Indonesians are the other customers of Su 35, where all of them will buy only two or less squadrons, and Pakistan also gets the reservation, more over it's a good export opportunity for Russia, all these orders would give some $5 billions, while each Su 35 costs some $60 millions, while Pakistan can get some twenty Su 35 S fighters, missiles, offsite support, maintenance, and Spare parts for $1.5 billions, not a big money to spend Pakistan in three years due.

    Those Su 35 S surely pose an threat to Marginal IAF fighter aircraft's. where the current IAF Fighters can keep the Pakistani Air force to keep their fighters in Hanger, the Sukhoi and MiG fleet can control the entire Pakistani Airspace and destroy any PAF fighters if they tries to take off from the runway, if they gets the advanced Su 35 they will never hesitate to confront the IAF fleet, due to it's long range combat radius and radar detecting capability, they can easily pose a show off against Indian fleet at any time.

Indian Army BMP 2 Upgrade Program

Indian Army BMP 2 Upgrade Program

    The Hyderabad based state run ordnance factory Medak has backed a major order to upgrade one thousand operational BMP 2/2K into BMP -2M standard. The US $2 billion worth upgrade is a planned mid life upgrade program to keep the combat vehicle future ready. The upgrade will equip the vehicle with new generation automatic grenade launchers and anti tank missiles. The BMP-2 is an all weather and terrain infantry fighting vehicle which can be easily transported by air and can mount amphibious attacks. The Indian Army operates nearly 1500 BMP-2 with well over 1000 vehicles operating as assault vehicles and the rest operating as ambulances, mortar carriers, NAG equipped Anti-tank missile carriers and NBC Reconnaissance vehicle.

    The BMP was initially developed in Soviet Union and is being indigenously licence built in India by Medak ordnance factory. The BMP is a highly reliable and versatile vehicle. Equipped with 30mm main cannon and a 7.62 mm gun for secondary support the BMP is a shot in the arm for frontline forces. Most of the second generation BMP is also equipped with second generation wire guided fagot or Konkrus missiles for attacking tanks. The BMP vehicles have the unique capability of mounting amphibious assault.

    The key point in the up gradation program is enhancing the night fighting capability of the BMP vehicles. Plans for replacing the existing 260 hp engine with a more powerful 380 hp engine is adrift. The addition of a more powerful engine will allow the vehicle to operate in the harsh hilly terrains. The vehicle will also feature advanced fire control and electro-optics systems. A more powerful and newer anti tank missile will arm the vehicle after the refit. Reports of the BMP having been equipped with Kornet anti tank missiles are doing rounds. The army has been demanding the vehicle be equipped with automatic grenade launchers, so the 7.62 mm cannon may make way for 30 mm automatic grenade launchers.

   The BMP's night attack capability will be improved drastically with the addition of thermal IR imaging systems and laser range finders. The BMP will also be equipped with newer fire control system and electro optical systems. The new thermal imaging system can track targets up to 5 km and recognize the targets as far as 3 kilometres. The main fire control system can be optimized into a hot stick, meaning the gunner can choose the exact weapon to destroy the target. The target tracking computer system equipped with laser range finders help the crew have an enhanced situational awareness of the battlefield.

     The upgraded BMP will capable of firing two Kornet missiles. Enhanced fire control system helps the crew to reload the missiles at much faster rate. The BMP can also engage on the move targets. The Kornet anti tank missile comes with tandem charged high explosive anti tank warhead or thermobaric warheads, equal to 10 kg of TNT. The Tandem charges can penetrate most reactive armours presently employed by most main battle tanks. The Kornet missile uses laser beam riding for target guidance.

   The addition of 30 mm grenade launcher is a shot in the arm for Army to mount counter-terrorism operations. The Russian AGS 30 or AGS 17, 30 mm grenade launcher would be added to the vehicles during the refit. These grenades are equipped with high explosive fragmentation warhead. The vehicle can also be equipped with flash or smoke grenades. Smoke grenades are used to provide cover from enemy laser targeting.which is the BMP's primary countermeasure system 

  The OFB factory Medak still producing those BMP 2's, along with the Russian support Medak Factory will modernize the BMP's with many Russian sub systems.

  

Editor Karthik Kakoor

Pushing F 18 E/F under Make in India

Pushing F 18 E/F under Make in India

   There is an Interesting poster found in the ongoing England's Defense and Security Equipment International Exhibition, that Indian pavilion is showing the F 18 E/F Fighter Aircraft's in a make in India poster. unfortunately the F 18 is lost in the MMRCA race, after Indian cancelled the MMRCA and moved with off shelf Purchase of Rafale directly from France, there is huge cap of multi role air craft's and light combat aircraft in the IAF inventory, India and US are more closer in military relationship,US is offering many kind of Fighter jets and Missile, and it's excepted that US will once again push the IAF to buy F 18 super Hornets.

    There is many possibilities of using the Super Hornets, Indian Navy is expected to buy those Naval based F 18 for it's future EMAL aircraft carrier, Rafale M is the other best contender, however because of the EMAL technology transfer US may force the Indians to buy the Super hornets, the Indian Navy's future carrier is currently in design stage along with the support of US Navy's Future Carrier Development team, who already involved in the US Navy's Gerald R Ford class carrier program, the first ship with the modern low cost powerful EMAL aircraft launching system,   

   The Americans earlier offered the F 16 IN Block 60 Aircraft for multi role missions and offered the Scorpion for Intelligent and reconnaissance mission, however IAF didn't even think about those platforms, they always strict with the Rafale, as already mentioned all Indian Armed forces are under government control, so they can only suggest the government to what exactly they need, The Government will take final decisions whether it's needed or not, The same also happening in the MMRCA too, for operational missions IAF need some 126 plus Rafale's, and the decision maker Indian government ordered just 36 Rafale, and they even didn't signed the last proposed Rafale deal. It's on the government's hands, whether they will sign the deal or move away from the deal, no one knows that.

    The Indian Prime minister due a visit to America next week, where Modi will meet the US president Obama and his democratic members along with US military decision makers, where he will discuss about the pending deals, the IAF has scheduled to be operate many US made flying systems, however It's not signed since decades, the most awaited Apache AH 64, Chinook CH 47 is such an example, also PM will discuss with the US military leaders about the earlier offer of F 16 IN and assisting the Carrier building, PM will be accompanied with IAF and IN officials during the US visit.

   There is no doubt that F 18 is a best fighter Jet, a good alternative against the Rafale, in cost wise Rafale is double money than the F 18, how ever the overall flying cost will be lesser in Rafale compared to F 18, simply Rafale is higher procurement cost and lesser operating cost and F 18 is vice verse, as many suggested we can spare some amounts to keep the F 18 running all time like how we maintaining the Su 30 fleet, and it's hard to put double money in initial procurement,

   The Rafale deal itself hits in the roadblock, with the governments proposal of offset clause and some other missile integration issues, it's already missed many deadlines, and no clear signs about the deal, and it's bit confusion mostly the Government will walk away from the deal. Inducting completely newer version of fighter jets makes many problems in the IAF, new training new methods new controls and newer data links, the same will not needed in Rafale since IAF so familiar with the french fighters,

   The IAF itself asked the government many times to buy the EA 18 growler for dedicated electronic attack capability, and It's good to see IAF operating one squadron of dedicated Jamming aircraft,  the F 18 comes with an advanced AN/APG AESA radar, and the F 18 uses towed decoy to spoof long range radar guided missiles, such technology is not available in Rafale, and Rafale fully depend on it's Spectra EW suite.

  The Rafale is designed to fly very low level, used it's design techniques to penetrate enemy air defense and strike deep inside the enemy's heart. the F 18 is primarily a multi role platform, who follows the AESA provided ground mapping for low level penetration, who needed the Radar to keep scanning, which draws attentions of enemy radar warning receivers.

   It's clear that we should wait for a week to what the government is going to announce in Washington, whether it's the Scorpion or F 16 or the F 18  or nothing.