Proposals worth of 12,000 Crore cleared by DAC

Proposals worth of 12,000 Crore cleared by DAC

The S 125 Neva/Pechora

    The defense acquisition council chaired by defense minister Manohar Parrikar clears tri services proposals of defense equipment's worth of 12,000 Crore. The DAC meet was scheduled before the Defense Minister's visit to Russia, Thus gets more Russian based offers like upgradation's and new acquisitions. The Army gets two new Pinaka artillery regiments and the Air force's IL 76 based fleets gets new engines and upgrade packages. While the expected HTT 40 Trainer development program is not discussed either disapproved by the DAC.

Air Force

    Air force gets some good clearance of their proposed projects. Indian Air force operates 26 of Il 76 based platforms for various operations, 14 of them used for Transport, six of them used for mid air refueling and another six used for Airborne radar and Aviation research center respectively. The IAF'S IL 76 fleet uses the D 30 KP 1 engines. While the Russians unveiled a new engines based on the PS 90. The new engine will extend the life of Il 76. The new engine has a high bypass ratio, and it's highly reliable than the existing engine and improvements in the efficiency. IAF plans to keep the IL 76 fleet for one more decade by upgrading the engines.

   The IL 76 also gets an updated avionics suites. This includes new integrated flight and navigational systems, automatic control and communication systems and the new glass cockpit displays. The cockpit will be upgraded by eight multi functional LCD panels and three intelligent control panel. The upgrade brings the normal Il 76 into IL 76 MD 90 A Standard.

The Upgraded IL 76 MD 90 A with new engines and Cockpit

   Most of the IAF bases guarded by the S 125 Neva systems. Those stationary SAM systems provide cover to the air base from enemy air attacks. Those S 125 systems are very old and uses the command line of sight guidance systems, which requires a operator to keep guiding the Missile to hit the target. However most other nations switched these old systems into fire and forget missile systems like Patriot and S 300 based systems.

    While there is no sight in procuring new air defense systems. IAF plans to upgrade the existing vintage S 125 systems into new standard to work until new systems arrival. IAF has only a vision of using the mobile Akash SAM systems to safe guard the base out of the S 125. The proposed S 400 acquisition takes time to operational under IAF.

     The S 125 upgrade package include adding electronic counter counter measure suites in the missile to escape from chaff and flares, adding new electro optical tracking increases the missiles interception probability. Replacing the older analog systems into digital systems, It's believed half of the missiles analog systems will be replaced. This improves the missile's reliability and performance also require less power consumption. The Radar and command systems too upgraded into new standard. It's believed the Russian Almaz Antey will modernize the IAF's twenty five operational S 125 firing units. The Proposed upgrade costs estimated around 1800 crore.

Indian Army

Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher

    DAC cleared Army's proposal of raising two new Pinaka rocket artillery regiments along the Indo Pakistani border. Indian Army already operating more than five Pinaka Rocket artillery regiments, each regiment comprise three batteries of Pinaka Rockets and associated equipment. One Battery consists of six Pinaka rocket launching units, resupply vehicles and associated equipemts.

     The Army gets the Pinaka MK 1 systems. while the increased range of Mark 2 still in testing. Pinaka 2 has an increased range of 60 kilometers while the Mark 1 has 40 kilometers of engagement range.  The estimated project cost is around $500 millions or 3300 Crore. 

    The Indian Army's UN mission set to receive new  BMP 2M infantry fighting vehicles which replaces the older BTR and BMP. Army's UN mission gets 149 BMP, which will be deployed around Africa. DAC also clears the OFB Medak's wish of producing more BMP 2 Vehicles which will be later given to Indian Army or some other defense forces.

Indian Navy

     Indian Navy proposed the DAC to clear buying new Ocean going tug boats and deep submergence rescue vehicles. Under this proposal Indian Navy will get four new Ocean going multi purpose tug boats. This can be used to assist the Naval ships to bring them back to the Harbor if the ship has any mechanical problems. The ocean going tugs has long endurance as well as high power to tow bigger Naval ships.

A Mystic class DSRV from US Navy

     DAC also cleared Navy's proposal of buying much needed DSRV vehicles. The DSRV is used for rescuing downed/broken submarine and clandestine missions. The DSRV's are capable to rescue sailors at the depth of some 2000 feet. Some of the DSRV's can go upto some 5000 feet for rescuing sailors deep under waters.

    The DSRV's are also capable to bring back the submerged submarines to sea floor. The DSRV's are fitted in the Submarines, However Indian Navy has no such huge submarine's. So it would be carried by the Surface ships only. Most of the Foreign Navy's has such DSRV's. While Indian Navy yet to get such systems.  

Parrikar Visit to Russia to sweeten the FGFA deal

Parrikar Visit to Russia to sweeten the FGFA deal

   Indian Defense minister Manhoar Parrikar all set to visit Russia this November to advance the FGFA and MTA negotiations. Defense Ministry keen to fast track both FGFA and MTA program, and planning to sort out major problems before the Prime ministers visit to Russia. As many issues and backlogs listed in both FGFA and MTA deal. It's believed under the new defense procurement policy defense ministry may speed up the delayed fighter procurement.

     In 2015, The Indian Air force didn't received any new fighter jets except some Hawk and Pilatus trainers. The other side Indian Navy receives pretty good fighters and ASW planes from Russia and USA. The Air force's delayed projects like Rafale acquisition program and FGFA program hits road blocks due to many reasons. The defense ministry finding new ways to eliminate the delay by drafting a new Defense procurement Policy very soon.

   Indian Air force's flagship project is the FGFA, a modified variant of Russian PAK FA. Even the AMCA program also a long legged project, however IAF not concerned about AMCA, while they already knew the capability of ADA and HAL. The PAK FA program in Russia also has some problems like delays in testing and survivability of the air craft. The IAF also unhappy about the progress of PAK FA, since rival Chinese almost closes to induct the fifth gen stealth fighter jet J 20 by 2016.

    The major issue in the PAK FA program is the engine problem. The Russians yet to develop the Engines for the PAK FA, since fifth gen fighter should need an improved engine ehich can capable to perform super cruise in supersonic speed, also increased thrust and fuel efficiency. The PAK FA currently uses the modified variant of AL 31 F. The engine who powers the Su 35 Fighter jets.

   Earlier the PAK FA engine developer agreed that the new engine could be ready by 2017. The PAK FA would fly with the new engines by 2017. after completing the trails, serial production of the new engines started by 2020. As per Russian aerospace force the first batch of PAK FA comes with the modified AL 31 F. While the Block 2 version comes with new engines. So far there is no clear progress in the Engine development due to Ukrainian crisis who shorts the Supply lines.

117 S engine who powers the Su 35 and PAK FA

As per new plan The Indian Air force wants some sixty plus PAK FA fighter jets as a direct purchase from Russia. While the Air force didn't mentions about the engine characteristics of the direct purchase. The interim purchase will allow the Air force to stand against the Chinese fifth generation fighter's threat. However there is no theory that a fifth generation fighter would be encountered by a fifth gen only. The one who has superior RCS, Radar and missile can win the battle.

    The IAF's new plan is to buy nearly seven to eight squadron of FGFA. The FGFA comes with 40 major structural changes and it will be produced in HAL with the support of Russian engineers. For that India should give some $6 billions for research and development to Russia for transferring the cutting edge technologies like the Radar, engine and RAM coatings.

    Once India signs the $6 billion R&D contract. Russia would deliver three PAK FA for testing and study purposes to further develop the FGFA. The Russian engineers will teach the Indian counterparts to develop the most advanced fifth gen fighter in India. However the user IAF or IN should pay the production cost of the Fighter jets. each FGFA cost estimated some $120 million. Which makes  the total acquisition cost more $20 billion for eight squad of FGFA. Overall FGFA project value costs more than $25 billions.This has to be spend in next ten years.

    Until then India won't claim the PAK FA project would be the JV project of India and Russia. India may walk away from the deal any day, If IAF pilots didn't satisfied the performance of PAK FA. India insists the Russians let the IAF pilots to evaluate the PAK FA before buying the PAK FAand signing the FGFA contract.

    To clear those road blocks Indian Defense minister will visit Russia and discuss with the Russian counterparts. The visit pave the way to signing a agreement regarding the evaluation and R&D contract with Russia during the PM's visit by Russia December this year.

More Border outpost and Soldiers along India China Border

More Border outpost and Soldiers along India China Border

    Home ministry approved the proposal of building more border outposts along the Indo China border to keep an eye on the border. Earlier this year Home ministry agreed to construct new border outposts along the border even with despite Chinese pressure. More than fourteen outposts already constructed along the Indo China border as per earlier cleared proposal. During the UPA Regime the government keeps those plans under tables due to the Chinese pressure on constructing new fortification along border. However new government won't listens Chinese doldrums and keep constructing more border outposts.

    ITBP not only building more constructions along the border, they deploying more personals and  equipment's to keep the Soldiers perfectly equipped to confront against Chinese interventions. The Ministry also told, that ITBP receiving more night vision devices and winter suits, Home Ministry also approved the ITBP proposal of adding eight new battalions under the ITBP Command, five of the new battalions will be deployed along the border, while rest of them will be deployed in Naxal and Maoists affected northern states.

    The ITBP's prime goal is to be stop Chinese soldiers illegal border crossing, Early 2013 the Forces failed to stop the Chinese incursion, they entered inside Indian Lands and erected Tents. After despite movements from the Indian government they vacated form Indian lands. Meantime during the new government's period PLA did tried to infiltrate many times, However the Army and ITBP managed to stop them before crossing the borders.

   Last month, PLA Troops managed to infiltrate and constructed a small watch tower. Indian Army and ITBP gets orders from the government to destroy the illegal construction inside Indian territory, Later reports suggest that Indian Army deployed their special forces close to Daulat Beg Oldie to carry out combat operation if the Border action team engaged by the PLA soldiers. This shows Government always tries to take aggressive moves.

    So far this year ITBP constructed six new border posts in Arunachal and Himachal Borders, and eight posts in Uthrakhand. ITBP didn't reveal the exact destination of the newly proposed border posts. However it's believed more will be established in Arunachal and Himachal area's. where most of the incidents happens in earlier. Also the ITBP officials declined to comment about the number of attempts made by the Chinese to infiltrate Indian borders. Earlier reports revealed 300 such attempts made by the Chinese.

    The ITBP has a long time proposal of dedicated transport helicopters for resupply. The Ministry allowed funds to hire helicopters privately. However the funds remains unused because of, the lack of such medium transport planes in private companies. The ITBP keep pushing the ministry to provide dedicated  transport fleet based on Mi 17. which can meet ITBP requirement. 

India all set to lease second Akula class SSN from Russia

India all set to lease second Akula class SSN from Russia

   Defense Ministry sources confirmed that India and Russia soon sign a contract to lease one more Akula class nuclear attack submarine to Indian Navy for next ten years. Defense Minister's from both India and Russia will discuss about the lease contract in early November during the Defense ministers Russian Visit, and the contract will be signed in December when the Indian PM and officials visit to Russia. However Indian Navy will receive the sub only after 2018, after completing the modernization and training the Indian Navy crew's.

   Indian Navy is looking to induct one more Nuclear attack submarine for Carrier escort duties. Navy already operates a Akula class submarine named Nerpa, Indian designation is INS Chakra. which was leased from Russia back in 2012 as a leased period of 10 years. The second leased submarine also the same Akula class it's either the Kashalot or the Iribis. However sources confirmed that Improved Akula class submarine Kashalot will be inducted into Indian Navy.

    Navy insisted the government about the shortage of Submarines in the fleet. Most of the Indian Submarines are not capable to conduct long range patrols since they are diesel powered. While the lone SSN always has a duty of escorting the high value Aircraft carrier from enemy underwater threats. By the way India soon to commission another aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The Carrier almost finished in construction and final touch up's going on. The Ship scheduled to conduct weapon trails and Air craft landing and take off trails. INS Vikrant already completed most of the sea trails.

    The Kashalot is an improved Akula class SSN. Same like the Nerpa/Chakara. Which is modernized in earlier days with hydrodynamic sensors, modernized Skat 3 sonar systems and better equipment which makes the submarine more silent. The Akula's are more quieter than the American improved Los Angeles class attack submarines.

   Even if the contract signed this year. Indian Navy should  await two to three years to induct the Submarine under Indian Flag. The Ship needs to be modernized with latest control systems and some Repairing works. Which makes the ships combat capable to next ten years without the need of any refit's. Also India would send some Indian Navy crew's to Russia for training. By they way all of these procedures would take nearly three years.

   The leased variant of Akula comes with eight 533mm Torpedo tubes. While the Russian Akula's comes with four 533mm torpedo's and four 650mm nuke torpedo's. The Type 65 torpedo's is not available for export due to International arms control regulations. The leased variant of Akula can hold some 40 torpedo's in it's arms cache. Since long range missions require more torpedo's for defensive/offensive operations.

    Same like others, The Akula also can capable to launch Klub class anti ship or land attack cruise missiles from it's torpedo tube. All of the Indian Submarine's has such capability's for long range interception. The Akula's can also lays  mines for trapping enemy submarines and escape from enemy chase. The Ship also have manpad missiles to engage low flying helicopters and anti submarine planes. Firing the MANPAD needs the ship to be surfaced.

    Also It's believed that Russia may sell those submarines to India once the ten year lease period expires. The deal value of the ten years lease period estimated more than billions of dollars, except the operating cost.

ADA Tejas for Sri Lankan Air force

ADA Tejas for Sri Lankan Air force

ADA Tejas

   A silent Indo-Pak stand-off is brewing up in Lanka. India’s premier aerospace agency ADA is gearing up to offer the HAL manufactured Tejas or the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) to Sri Lanka Air Force. This is undoubtedly a game changing move to the maturing aerospace industries of India.  Sri Lankan Air Force is all set to replace its aging fleet of Mig 27 and Kfir platforms with advanced light combat fighter jets. Pakistan has already offered Sri Lanka its JF 17 multi role fighters and went on to claim of a possible deal. Time and again Sri Lankan officials have denied of having worked out any deals.

   Tejas is a demonstrating product for the budding Indian aerospace industry.  Tejas was designed and manufactured in India by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), further the jet was manufactured by HAL in house. Tejas even though built in India has incorporated an array of international components. The engines, radars and missiles were all imported and then further integrated to form a deadly weapon platform. However JF-17 was designed and developed by Pakistan and China with its own resources. Major components were built in-house and further incorporated to the aircraft. The reliability question of these components however remains unanswered.

   Considering on paper stats, the JF-17 has an upper edge over the under-development Tejas. The combat radius of the JF-17 is just unquestioned. The aircraft is powered by a Russian RD 93 engine. The aircraft also uses Chinese made  air to air missiles. These missiles were cloned from the original components and are vulnerable to malfunction threats.  The aircraft also carries a mix of air to ground munitions. The aircraft uses cruise missiles and anti shipping missile. However the need of SLAF is unique; Sri Lanka is a country that has seen lot of political unrest. SLAF employees extensive numbers of ground attack platforms, the real need is for an aircraft capable of dealing with aerial threats. The JF-17 fails miserably in this regard.

  Sri Lankan based newspaper ‘Sunday Observer’ has run a detailed report regarding the offer of Tejas to SLAF. Quoting the newspaper “India offers its latest Tejas multi-role combat aircraft to the SLAF to compete with Pakistani offer of JF 17”. The newspaper claims SLAF sources have been keen in both the jets and rank both the aircraft as very potential in fighting capability. SLAF is a cash strapped force; the budget allotted to SLAF is extremely less. Undoubtedly SLAF will consider the factor an economically viable option. The selected jet has to perform multiple missions. Reliability will be another concern for the SLAF; JF-17 was fielded years ago and has dedicated production lines. Tejas is yet to be inducted to the force; Its primary end user IAF has raised concerns over the performance of the jet.


SLAF currently operates nine Israeli made Kfir multi-role aircraft. Under its command is also seven Chinese made MiG 21 variant F-7 interceptor and  6 Soviet made MiG 27 ground attack jets. The diversified jets have overtime forced SLAF to spend a chunk of its budget on the maintenance of these aircraft. Plans of replacing these aging war pieces with a single model multi-role fighter air craft.

IAI Kfir

   SLAF have relied on Russia to induct aircraft to its fleet. SLAF is not only responsible of securing the air space but counter any arising on ground.  Sri Lanka is recovering from the Civil war waged by the dreaded LTTE. This war had shown the need for multi-role jets. The air space was always prone to attacks and there was unprecedented activity on the ground.

    As mentioned, SLAF has a very pale budget. High end products like the F-16 Blk 52 are the best aircraft that suits the needs of SLAF but budget is a major concern. America had made clear it wasn’t interested in helping Sri Lanka during LTTE war. All these factors have led Sri Lanka to look at the products fielded by maturing contenders.

    Sri Lankan Air Force Chief is scheduled to visit Pakistan early next month as a routine official visit. However some sources mention that he will be observing the PAF aircraft taking-off to skies. This show of force will be led by JF-17 and a deal may very much be finalized during this visit. Pakistan during Paris air show had claimed of an Asian country having signed up for a squadron of JF-17’s. Sources say it was Myanmar Air Force that reached out Pakistan for the aircraft but details were never divulged and the credibility of the deal is left unanswered.

JF 17

  

    Aircraft survivability is one more factor to consider; PAF has lost one or two JF 17 in accidents till date. It's widely known that a JF 17 crashed in late 2011; Faulty engines with Chinese sub-parts in the engine blades were ascertained as the reason for the crash. The pilot failed to eject from the aircraft due to a major fault in the crucial ejection seat. This is a major dent to JF-17. Tejas has clocked several thousands of air time in its test flights. The aircraft has been in flown in the most extreme conditions. The aircraft has remained in the skies and touched ground only when ordered to do so.

    The major concern for exporting Tejas is the need for obtaining clearance from various partners. The engine for the aircraft is from General Avionics, a USA based company. America has freezed all help to Sri Lanka after reports of war crimes surfaces. Various other components haven been imported from USA. For a deal to mature it is crucial that US gives a go ahead; America has been blunt in denying any assistance to Sri Lanka. The deal will go nowhere but down if Sri Lanka fails to kill the war crime allegations.  Taking all these factors it is likely that SLAF will likely favour and opt for JF-17 in the near future. 

Editor Karthik Kakoor

IAF plans to use armed Mi 17 against Maoists

IAF plans to use armed Mi 17 against Maoists

IAF Mi 17 v5 with two side mounted 2x12.7mm gun pods and Rocket launchers

    The Indian air force gets an official order from the home ministry and defense ministry to use helicopter gun ships for self defense when fighting against Maoist insurgents. So far the Mi 17 used for dropping commando's in dense battle field, carryout reconnaissance missions and medical evacuation. However they never allowed to use the guns or rocket pods fitted in the Mi 17 to provide close air support to the friendly forces. From now after heavy pressure from the state police and CRPF, the government agreed the proposal of using helicopter gun fire support for self defense.

     The Indian government deployed more than one lakh para military soldiers from CRPF, BSF, and ITBP along with additional of some 2,00,000 state police in Maoist prone states like Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Maharashtra and Odisha. with air support from IAF helicopter Mi 17 and small UAV's. The CRPF special forces like COBRA and some other state police special forces also deployed for special operations.

    Maoist is an extreme insurgent group who ask separate nation for their own peoples with the support from Chinese and other communist movements. They were armed with small fire arms and .50 caliber guns and RPG's along with the usage of high powerful IED's and bombs whicn even take out armored personnel carriers . That makes the Maoists one of the heavily equipped terrorists forces in India. They yet to get MANPAD's however they soon get such sophisticated missile system from Chinese supply line.

    Earlier in January 2013, The Maoists forces gunned down a low flying Mi 17 Helicopter. The Helicopter bound to evacuate a wounded para military personnel inside the hot zone. The Mi 17 successfully performed the mission and about to take off. The Maoists saw the Helicopter and fired on the helicopter. Bullets hits the Helicopters tail and windshield. Which makes the Helicopter forced to land for precautions. The IAF pilot decided to land the helicopter in a safe zone and tries to escape, and he did it.

     The IAF pilots informed about the helicopter's emergency landing to the nearby army outpost. The command sends Soldiers and special forces to rescue the Pilots and other soldiers and safe guard the helicopter. The troops successfully moved out the Helicopter from the hot zone. after maintenance the same helicopter returned to duties within months.

12.7 mm and 20mm gun pods ideal with Mi 17 V 5

    Meantime the home ministry issues strict order to do not use the helicopter's guns and Rockets. The Maoists attacks the low flying helicopters many times. However they never gunned down. Due to this orders It's hard to perform counter insurgency missions deep inside the Maoists red zone like Odisha and Chattisgarh. Earlier Mi 17 versions don't have the gun pod and rocket pods. however the newly deployed Mi 17 do have arms can be retrofitted.

    The Mi 17 can be configured with rockets pods and 12.7mm and 7.62 mm Heavy machine gun pods each with thousand rounds in the wings. The Mi 17 v5 had six hard points three in each side. Usually the IAF Mi 17 v 5 carry's rocket pods to destroy fortified targets and light armor vehicles. However the Maoists don't have such fortified or armored systems. So using the machine guns are way too effectively against the Maoist. Adding two 12.7mm two 7.62 mm along with two Rocket pods is the best suitable fire power against the Maoist. The Mi 17 can be configured with door mounted machine guns too.

    During in a interview Additional DG (anti-Naxal operations) R K Vij told that "Maoists have often fired at Mi-17s (helicopters). We have lost personnel and people, but we have never retaliated. The law has never stopped us from retaliation. We have conducted exercises. Garud commandos of the Indian Air Force practised firing from Mi-17. We are not sitting ducks, we can also attack them. It will help us handle the situation better."

Door mounted 7.62mm HMG in Mi 17

  “On October 13, three IAF helicopters flew over a specified area of Bijapur and practised strafing. Senior officers of the IAF and anti-Naxal operations of the state police participated in the exercise,” Vij said. So from now IAF would carry out air raids if Maiots try to harm any aerial activities conducted by the armed forces.

US Plans to supply 8 new F 16 Blk 52 to Pakistan

US Plans to supply 8 new F 16 Blk 52 to Pakistan

     The Obama administration considered the Pakistani proposal of supplying eight brand new F 16 Blk 52 Fighters to the Pakistani Air force in a unknown deal value. The deal was accepted the US president but which is yet to be cleared by the US Congress committee. It's highly unlikely the US congress would block the deal. Since the US Congress has majority of Republican members. The Pakistan Air force already operating some 53 modified F 16  A/B and another 18 F 16 C/D or Blk 52 Fighters. and the new batch of eight F 16 could be the Blk 52 model.

    The US administration is concerned about the possible nuclear proliferation of Pakistani nuclear warheads. The US think tanks suggested that Pakistan may increased their nuke warheads from 90 to 130 in last four years, and they also could overtake the England's nuke numbers by 2025. Since the UK government planning to shrink their nuke warheads into just 220. The US government tries to arm the Pakistan government conventionally to stop working on Nuclear programs.

    Earlier days the US will use their forces to stop others Nuclear programs, However the Democratic US government approaches some other ways to stop others Nuclear programs. One of the good example is the Bill Clinton's  North Korean nuclear deal. which was intended to stop the North Korean weapon grade nukes into civil nukes. However the North Koreans broke the deal and continued towards the weapon grade nuclear works. The same goes for Iran.

Democratic Obama offers billions of dollars and assistance to the civil nuke reactor construction in Iran. However they too working closely to produce nuclear warheads.The deal yet to be sealed. and still on the tables. Iran is also same like North Koreans and just tested a nuclear capable missile which was against the agreement of the Nuke deal.

    Obama administration doing the same mistake in Pakistani nuclear programs by offering more conventional weapons and civil nuke works. The US offered Pakistan as a waiver of assistance to constructing civil nuclear power plants, economically assist to construct dams, and providing more fighter jets and munitions to the Pakistani Armed forces.

     The US wanted to use the Pakistani lands to move over Afghanistan. Pakistan suing the US much money for using Pakistani roads. Pakistan charges some $500 to $2000 per trucks who using Pakistani roads. So the Obama administration also need to impress the Pakistani's by give more weapons and fighter aircraft's.

PAF F 16 Block 52 with CF Tanks

 Coming to the F 16 delivery's, The US government stalled or cancelled more than seventy F 16 A/B fighters and delivered some forty F 16 A/B Fighters early 1990's. Later days all of them upgraded to fire BVR missiles and Harpoon anti shipping missiles. and US delivered 18 brand new F 16 Blk 52 or C/D fighters which is much capable multi role fighters to conduct air to air and surface as well as maritime missions too. US also allowed Jordan to deliver some 13 F 16 A/B fighters to Pakistan. Those are also upgraded into ADF version. which is much suited for air to air missions.

     Recently the US congress funded Think Tank suggested that arming the Pakistan is the bad idea. They might be join the Chinese to attack Indians in case of war. The congress members much concerned about the safety of Pakistani nuclear weapons too. The US tracks the Pakistani's F 16's movements all time. However in early 1990 they modified some F 16 B fighters to carry Nuclear bombs.

     Even if the current deal is signed the Pakistani fleet of F 16 numbers would increased into 78. which include 28 brand new F 16 C/D Blk 52. The Blk 52 is the multi role capable strike aircraft. which can carryout air to ground, air to air and maritime strike missions.

    The current F 16 C/D sale is not a threat to the Indian Fighter's. Since the IAF has equipped with much modern twin engine Su 30 MKI and MiG 29 UPG's. both are primarily built for air to air missions with little air to ground capabilities.

    However in April, The US government approved the possible sale of 15 new AH 1 Z viper attack helicopters along with 1000 Hell fire anti tank missiles along with associated systems for less than a billion dollars.

   All the US delivered systems are always under American watch, India too keep the satellites to track the F 16 fighter and Mirage fleet of PAF along with future AH 1Z. since they can make little damages to Indian Air force and Indian ground units. The Pakistani Mirage fleet and F 16 A/B can carry nuclear gravity bombs. Just like how the IAF Jaguar assigned for nuclear strike roles.

   Anyway, the proposed civil nuclear deal and Fighter jet acquisition deal yet to be approved by the US congress. and It's possible that US congress may block the proposed deal. 

Pakistan threatens to use Nukes if India Initiates Cold Start

Pakistan threatens to use Nukes if India Initiates Cold Start

    Pakistan once again threatens with Nuclear weapons if Indian army tries an offensive inside Pakistani territory. If India and Pakistan once again enraged in a war the NDA government will allows the Army to conduct full blown offensive just like how Indra Gandhi gives free hand to the Tri services to go against Pakistani forces. The Indian Army currently fully equipped to fight against any dense battlefield. unlike earlier the Army will not conduct regular patrols alongside the border, They will cross the border and conduct offensive operation. It's the BSF's duty to safeguard the Indian Borders, like a auxiliary units for first line of defense.

     Pakistan is too much concerned about the Army's latest modernization of network centric battle forces. The entire armed forces connected with satellite communication, means they can work as a team and coordinate well with other friendly forces. However Pakistan is still in stone age military planning and execution. The Pakistan Army suffered heavily due to the internal politic issues. In case of war the Indian Army may mobilize entire conventional Army and equipment close to the borders within 72 hours.

    In case of war the first 72 hours of operation could be defensive mission to stop the Pakistani's illegal border crossing. This can be done by using the BSF units to. During the first 72 hours IAF would control entire Pakistani skies by destroying their early warning radar networks and SAM sites, and forcing their Fighter jets keep inside the hanger or they will loose all of their fighter jets in first 72 hours.

    In the first 72 hours Indian navy almost start blockading the Pakistan Naval supplies and locate and destroy Pakistani Naval Submarines. Indian Navy much concerned about the Pakistani Submarines. So Indian navy may look to locate and destroy the submarines. with the help of anti submarine planes like P 8 and Tu 142 they would locate and destroy those Submarines within 72 hours. If the Pakistan Navy tries to brings their Submarines into conflict. Meantime the Coast guard keep vigil to search for any suspicious Pakistani trawlers close to Indian EEZ. In wartime It's clear there will be no warning before shooting. 

    Within the 72 hours the entire Indian Army, expect the forces who deployed along India China border will be deployed near to the borders. They can be mobilized all over from India, meantime the Indian Naval groups also comes very close to Karachi port for possible Naval fire support. Almost half of the Indian Navy ships comes close to the Pakistani shores for Naval artillery gun support. This would provide additional fire support to the Indian Army ground troops, If they would be ready for offensive operation inside Pakistan.

BSF Soldiers guarding the frontiers

    As the NDA governments agenda and the Army's wish is to capture the Pakistani occupied Kashmir. For that India may deploy a large column of Army units and BSF soldiers to conduct clean up mission inside PoK. with the close air support from Indian Air force and Army aviation units. The Support would be essential for a free backup to the ground forces, IAF and IA aviation use Attack helicopters like Rudra and LCH for such operations.

     At the end of first 72 hours, there would be massive pressure from International communities to stop  the offensive. When Indian Army ready to deployed inside Pakistan for some destruction mission. Pakistan knows they can't fight against the Indian Army. While Indian army is trained and equipped as superior as compared to Russian and American ground units. So the Pakistan will be forced to use their nukes to stop the Indian adversaries.

     It's clear that Pakistan will warn the Indians as the usage of  Nuclear bombs. While India focus on the conventional warfare on the first 72 hours. Pakistani's may start working to assemble their nukes  into hair trigger mode. The Indian and Western intelligence would smell the Pakistani nuclear loose status. Even there would be possible special operation could be initiated by the Indian and Israeli soldiers to seize the Pakistani nukes. Otherwise India may host the Israeli's fighter jets to carryout areal strike before conducting a special operation.

A small Indian Navy flotilla

    If the deadly mission successful. then there is no need of using ground operation. If the operation is ruled out or failed, Then the Indian Army crosses the border and wage full effort to seize the Nukes. Meanwhile the IAF fighters keep circling over Pakistani airspace for possible missile launching. The IAF's massive surveillance platform can fly 24x7 mission inside Pakistani air space for their nuke activities. So it's hard for the Pakistani's to carryout a missile launch inside a denied airspace. even if they tries to fire a nuclear equipped road based cruise missile that would be the end of Pakistan.

    With the retaliation India washed out the Pakistani cities by launching multiple nukes makes Pakistan inaccessible for decades.

China gifts 300 Type 99 Tanks to Pakistan

China gifts 300 Type 99 Tanks to Pakistan

The Chinese Type 99

    Pakistan Army set to receive brand new third generation Type 99 main battle tanks from China as a gift. The Pakistani's shows interests in the Type 99 earlier and evaluated them for future purchase. This would be a ideal replacement of older Pakistani Type 59,85,69  main battle Tanks, those are also acquired from the Chinese earlier which is unfit in current battles. Recently the Pakistani Army buys some 300 second hand upgraded T 55 Tanks from Serbia, to increases their Tank numbers close to Indian Army.

    The Chinese Type 99 delivery seems just a beginning. Pakistan plans to replace their aging tanks with modern third generation Tanks with in house developed Al khalid and another foreign Tanks like Type 99. They also planned to modernize the Ukrainian delivered T 80 Tanks into new standard with the help of Russia. The modernization makes the tanks more powerful to fight against Indian T 90 MS. Pakistan operates some 300 T 80 Tanks which are 2+ generation Tanks.

    Addition of the new Type 99 tank in the Pakistani inventory gives some good advantages against the superior power fire of the Indian Army. India deployed more than thousands of brand new modified  T 90 Tanks along the Indo Pakistani borders, with the option of deploying another thousand more before 2020. Compared to the Type 99 the T 90 also developed based on the T 72 Variant and performance wise the T 90 leads in the race due to light weight and more protective composite armor.

    The Type 99 is a third generation tank, features some advanced automatic technologies like auto reloader, electronic countermeasures, missile firing cannons and active protection systems. The Type 99 is one of the front line main battle tank of the PLA Army. It's believed the Type 99 is the upgraded T 72 which incorporates Russian and Western technologies. the smooth bore main gun, auto loader mechanism are all comes from the Russia, while the armors and optronics suites  are derivatives from some western armors.

 

   The Type 99 has some active protection systems to spoof off the guided missiles and the explosive reactor armor used to withstand from point attack shells. The protection systems are comparable to the Modern Tanks like T 90 and western Tanks like Challenger MBT. However the Tank yet to be battle tested. The Type 99 comes with digital architecture for fire control which reduces the tank crew and work load. The fire control system is the ISFCS-212 with an IR automatic target tracker, The Type 99 also has laser target designator, an IR searchlight, and an improved 2nd generation thermal sight.

The T 80 MBT

  The Indian T 72 too modified with some western technologies, which allowed the Tanks to be operated in day and night conditions. The Indian T 72 modernized with Polish fire control systems and thermal imagining systems. along with home made explosive reactive armors and Israeli made Navigation systems. The T 72 Ajeya also employed Laser warning systems and improved Engines. while the Type 99 superior in missile firing cannons only. Indian Army operates more than  2000 upgraded  T 72 main Battle tanks.

   The Type 99 can fire guided Missile Invar from the smooth bore gun, makes the Tank powerful against non line of sight targets, which allows to engage Tanks hidden from the plain. The laser guided missile can home into enemy target then explode with high explosive or tandem hallow charge warhead. The missile can be self guided or guided from the Tank for jamming resistance. The missile uses laser beam riding for guidance, allows to engage targets upto some  5 kilo meters. The Inavr missile also being used by Indian Army in it's T 90 Tank. The Indo Israeli cannon launched guided missile comes with better range and fire power which was employed in the Arjun Tanks .

Indian Army T 90

  It's believed Pakistan may modernize the first batch of 300 Type 99 to suits in Pakistan condition and  they eventually deploy those Tanks near Punjabi lines. showing their little offensive fire power against Indian Army. However the Indian Army set to receive third generation guided anti tank missiles from Israel. which allows the Army infantry group to destroy modern tanks like T 80 and Type 99. The Spike ATGM comes with laser and IIR guidance with top attack mode, which can defeat almost all kind of modern Tanks. While Pakistan don't have such fire and forget man portable missiles.

   Those Type 99 should need better air cover to work near Indian borders, Since the Indian Air force already inked a contract to procure  the modern Apache gunships with fire and forget anti tank missiles like hell fire. The Apache can withstand from the Type 99 secondary fire support systems like 12.7 mm and 7.52 mm machine guns. 

Costly upgrades, $850 millions for four Kilo class Submarines

Costly upgrades, $850 millions for four Kilo class Submarines

    Indian Navy signed a contract with Russian Shipyard Zvezdochka to upgrade four existing kilo class submarines into cruise missile launching capable submarines dubbed as Project 08773 for some $850  millions. The Indian Navy operates nine modified kilo class submarine called as Sindhughosh class submarines. The INS Sindhurakshak is also a modified kilo class, which was exploded in Mumbai harbor two years ago. 9 out of five kilo class submarines are already modernized to fire cruise missiles early years and under operational, however they yet to receive modern digital systems.

  The new refit  program modify the last four kilo class submarines to fire the Klub class anti shipping cruise missiles from the Submarine, for stand off anti shipping capability. Which makes the Kilo submarine suited for both anti submarine and anti surface maritime missions. The Klub class cruise missile can capable to engage targets upto some 200 kilometers. Thus makes the Submarine operate from safer distance before engaging against the hostile ships.

   All kilo Submarines works under diesel electric propulsion, where energy can be stored in the batteries for usage. The Kilo class submarines are one of the most quietest submarines identical to the Swedish Gotland Submarines. Rival enemy China too operate such Submarines in good numbers. So it's easy for Chinese to  identify Indian Kilo's acoustic signatures. Each submarine hold some 240 batteries for energy storage, where Indian Company EXIDE provides those batteries to the Submarines operated by Indian Navy.

   Same like others, Indian Navy too fitted some communication and defensive systems in the Submarines sourced from the west. The Automated and Information control systems are built by the Avrora Systems Russia, and the under water Communication system fitted in the submarines are originated from France company Gican. And multiple command systems and fire control systems are all modified by some other foreign and in home sources, makes the Indian Kilo submarines most modern and highly reliable submarines compared to other Kilo variants.

    Whenever the Submarine goes for refit, There will be a new addition of modern systems or replacement of older systems. Major systems like bow mounted Sonar systems are developed by BEL is fitted in some kilo class submarines. along with modern countermeasure suites, hull modifications and external antenna's for communications.

Thales Optronic Mast

 As per current projections, Newer Kilo class submarine costs some $300 to $400 millions according to the user's modifications. However the Indian Navy refit costs $200 millions per unit. In this packages Indian Navy will receive more number of Tube launching cruise missiles, Torpedo's and mines. This makes the entire budget for four Submarines upgrade contract close to $850 millions. one of the costlier upgrades ever done by the Navy. Earlier the IAF shocked the nation by upgrading the Fleet of Mirage 2000 with a whooping $2 billions.    

   Not only this, Indian Navy set to receive TB 29 thin line towed array Sonar systems to search enemy naval activities from stand off ranges. This makes the Kilo class submarine one of the best diesel electric submarines compared to other diesel electric SSK. The bow sonar in the Kilo along with the TB-29 towed array and Combat Control System (CCS) Mk 2, known collectively as the QE-2 System, provides a functionally equivalent system for the Los Angeles and Ohio class submarines. Enhancements include increases in acoustic performance, improved combat control capabilities and replacement of obsolete equipment.

The modernization also include the replacement of older periscope's into new generation optronic periscopes. mostly the refit comes with the Thales Optornic mast. 

    The unique capabilities of the  the Kilo class submarines is launching Klub class cruise missiles, the Kilo sub's comes with six 533mm Torpedo tube. The tube has a unique function of launching Torpedo's, Mines and Cruise missiles too. each Klub can be armed with four Klub's for long range surface targets, and two torpedo's for short range targets submarine and warships.

rearming a Klub cruise missile in 533mm Torpedo Tube

   The Klub missiles has the range of some 220 kilometers, fly in very low sea skimming mode, which is very difficult to spotting them in the radar. The missile can fly at supersonic speed in the terminal phase for high kinetic impact. makes lethal penetration in the Ship's hull and superstructure. The missile can be guided by the SATCOMM and active Radar homing for high precision.

   The refit also includes balance five Kilo class submarines  in Indian Shipyards by adding newer electronic system. The Reliance owned Pipavav may get this order in another deal. the refit allows the Navy to operate those Submarines for another 20 to 35 years. The Indian Navy set to receive the first modernized kilo submarines from Russia by next twelve months.  

One month of Russian aerial delivery to ISIS and Syrian Rebels

One month of Russian aerial delivery to ISIS and Syrian Rebels

UAV Screen grab

    It's almost a month since Russian Air force started bombing against the Syrian Rebel forces and ISIS positions, along with small victories near Aleppo provenance. So far nearly 700 plus sorties flown by the Russian Fighter jets like Su 30 SM, Su 24M , Su 25SM and Su 34. Which makes more than 50 sorties per day flown by the Russian Air force jets. Those sorties also include the deployed Helicopter gunships like Mi 24 P and electronic intelligent plane like  IL 20 Coot. The list gives a good light about all the Russian aircraft availability rate and combat performance.

   All the Russian fighter aircraft's and helicopters uses the Latakia based air force base for combat operations, and performs missions within the range of some 200 kilometers. Those Syrian Rebels are way too closer to the Russian Naval outpost, that's why the Russians suddenly deploys ground troops and fighter air crafts to prevent them to over run the Bases. Those airborne platforms are used for offensive operations and ground troops used to safe guard Russian assets in Syria. Rarely some times the long range strike aircraft Su 34 used for striking targets well beyond some 300 kilometers where the ISIS is operating.

    Most or some 60 % of Russian Air strike pounded just some 75 kilometers off from the Latakia base, which is situated in between Latakia and Idlib provenance. Those area's are currently under control of Syrian rebels, and some  25% of Russian Air strikes pounded over Aleppo city, the same place where a trilateral conflict between ISIS vs FSA vs The Syrian Army.  This is where Syrian Army gets more ground support to start the offensive in past weeks.

    Currently the Syrian Army Engaging the Syrian Rebels over three sides, Idlib, Aleppo and Homs. In Aleppo the Syrian Army needs to fight against the ISIS too. Initially the Syrian Army planning the offensive over the west of Syria to bush back the Rebels over east side, where most of the ISIS activities reported. The Syrian Army gets multiple supports from the Nations like Russia and Iran, The Syrian ground forces supported by the Iranian Elite ground forces known as the Quds Forces, Air strikes from the Russian Air forces, Milita support from Hezbullah Terrorists and Intelligence and other supports from Cuban's.

    The Syrians started the ground offensive 15 days ago, ten days after the Russians started Bombing. However the cooperation between the Russians and Syrians are way too limited. Since both are not good enough to use the modern technologies for calling a close Air support mission. The Russian low flying helicopter pilots visually identifies the Enemy positions before attacking, where the UAV gives clear picture to the Fighter jets to carry out attacks. This is something called very old statics since the ground soldiers are highly mobile and they won't use much armors.

     The Syrian Rebels using the US made Saudi supplied TOW missiles to take out Syrian Tanks and armored carriers. Also many witnessed that the Chinese HJ 8 and French Milan anti tank missiles too used by the Syrian Rebels. Anyhow all these missiles are second generation systems, thus need someone to guide the missiles to hit the target. Unlike third generation Anti tank missile systems like Javelin and Spike uses IIR and laser guidance for target acquisition and self guidance, makes the missiles fire and forget. The US refused to provide such missiles to the Rebels.

TOW 2nd Generation Anti Tank Missile

    Those Second generation missiles would be operated by a group of two experienced persons. Where Most of the Syrian Rebel members are defected soldiers of Syrian Arab Army. Even the FSA leader Noeimi is an Ex Syrian Military officer who  defected from the Syrian Army during the early days of Civil war. The FSA scored many armor kills during this series of defensive operations.Videos from YouTube and multiple reports from Conflict news confirms more than 70 Syrian armors were destroyed by the FSA in last 15 days using those anti tank missiles.

    Even though the Syrian Army slowly moving towards the Rebels strongholds like Aleppo and Idlib. The Syrians and Russian cheering with small victories. However there is major secret operation is ongoing headed by unknowns, to assassinate top military commanders in battlefronts. Recently one of the Iran's top military officer general  Hossein killed in the battlefield near Aleppo. There is some other high ranking  military officials also killed in front lines. Even more the Syrian rebels managed to fire a RPG over an Russian consulate near latakia.

MAP of current Situation in Syria Courtesy ISW

   The Russians also pounding some Targets by using their long range cruise missiles, at first they fired some long range modified Klub cruise missiles off from Caspian sea, Week later they fired some missiles into latakia from the Russian Naval ships positioned near Mediterranean sea. Those are just some live missile tests it seems, where it doesn't makes good results when engaging threats like moving ground forces.

    Anyway there is a good days are coming in the conflict,  as The Syrian offensive almost started in full swing and they bound to enter the Rebel stronghold's. From Rebel side they just received modern weapons from the US para drop. makes the inventory having MANPAD's too which is yet to be confirmed makes them a good threat to low flying Russian Fighter jets.