Akash Short Range SAM System

Akash Short Range SAM System

     India initiated a project to develop a Surface to air missile in the early 1990's , as a Result of the Program the Akash project was born, and DRDO successfully test fired the First Akash missile in early 1990. the Akash missile was developed by jointly with the effort of BDL and OFB with the supports from DRDO, as each contributed by integration, development and manufacturing. so far the Akash achieved many milestones and improved a lot even work as a Stand alone systems.

    There was two projects in Akash, one is mark 1 another is mark 2 but both are same, However Mark two has increased range by adding active seeker in the missile. The Akash Mk 1 need continuous radar guidance to hit the target, a bit older technique. That means someone need guides the missile to hit the target, The Akash onboard computers can do the guidance work. Modern systems Like Barak 8 and Aster 15 controlled by on board seeker in the missile and uses Ground based Radar's guidance for high probability kill. 

      The Akash missile has the range of 30 kilometers, and can engage targets upto 59,000 feet and as low as 100 feet. Aksah can fly at the speed of twice of Sound, means more than 2.5 mach speed. the missile can sustain 15 G, gives it better maneuverability against highly agile aircraft. The the Akash warhead weights some 55 kg of fragmentation. With the use of ramjet engines, Akash can maintain top speed at all altitudes and maneuverable in any altitudes. The entire flight can be controlled by the command control computer and the controller can order the missile self destruct in mid air if missile was wrongly fired.

    One Akash system comprises four launcher vehicles, each with three ready to fire missiles, means one system can fire 12 missiles at one go, However all need a guidance from the command computer, The system also comes with a Akash reloading systems, a Rajendra 3D CAR Radar for Target acquisition A fire control Radar, and a mobile Power generator to provide power to all the systems in the battery. and a command control center work as the heart of the System. some Akash comes systems with Rohini 3D CAR radar for additional support.

     For Air force all the systems comes in a wheeled platform, each squadron consists of two akash Systems, and four Akash system comes as a Regiment under Army classification, one Akash System can cover an area of 5000 square Kilometers, with a probable reliability  of 80 to 100% successful management rate. with the quick mobile configuration option the system can be deployed remote places and can be operated very quickly. with the Army, Akash systems comes in Tracked platform it can be deployed all over the tough terrains unlike the Air force's wheeled platform, all the systems in Akash is indigenous and tested in all tough Indian Conditions. 

    Compared to all other systems the Akash is much more cost effective, missiles are less than half a million dollars, unlike the western and Russian missiles costs double than the Akash. 

    The Indian Air force and Army tested the Akash missile extensively before inducting in the force, the trialss include command and control launch from Remote Control center, firing as a group of Missiles from different launchers. conducting tests in tough Electronic counter counter measure scenario's to kill more modern Fighters who uses advanced electronic counter measure systems. Striking nearby targets in very low altitude and Long range High altitude targets, and ripple firing missiles to strike a single target/Multi Target scenario, in all such scenario's Akash performed well and satisfies the users Evaluation trialss.

    So far IAF has eight Squadrons of  Akash missiles systems, and the Army has two regiments of Akash missiles, each regiments consists of six Squad of Akash systems

Aftermath of Turkey shot down Russian Su 24 M

Aftermath of Turkey shot down Russian Su 24 M

    After the recent spur in Syria when Turkey shot downed a Russian Su 24. It's almost changed many things against FSA Rebels, Kurd Rebels and the ISIS. All three have  sponsors and have their own agenda which different from each other, which makes the Situation difficult to understand and solve through diplomatic routes. Kurds needs a separate country in Syria, Iraqi and Turkish Border, Islamic state need entire Middle east, and the FSA needs Freedom in Syria by toppling the dictator who gassed and killed nearly half a million innocent Syrians.

    Here each gets revenues from respective partners or sponsor. More than thirty five million Kurd peoples lives in the Iraqi, Iranian, Turkish and Syrian Borders. Their major goal is independent Kurdistan representing their own peoples. Majority of Kurds are Sunni Islamist's as well as some Shia minority living in Iranian borders. Another half a million Yazedi's living very closely to Iraqi borders. As said above they fighting against everyone, Like against Turkish, Free Syrian Army and the ISIS.

   Americans supporting the Kurdish close to Iraq and Syria to fight against ISIS. After Iraq, Kurd peoples in Iraq attacked most by ISIS. So here Kurd gets funded by Americans and the West to defend them from those brutal terrorists groups. On the other hand FSA gets funds from Middle east and west. and the So called ISIS gets fund from their own oils, which was smuggled through Kurd tribal area's via Turkey.

    Russians openly said, only after the shot down, It's the Turkey who buying ISIS oils. While Turkey blames Syrian Assad who gets cheaper oil from ISIS. Analysts confirms the ISIS extracted oil come to the Kurd Borders. and the bidding involved by Oil companies and some Nations as Russians told Turkey's Government, Who bids higher gets the oil, which was moved via Turkey or Syria to the ports.  Russians and Americans targeting those oil Trucks, However most of the Trucks are unable to  be traced.

    After the shot down, Russians deployed S 400 long range air defense batteries, That can track targets upto some 400 kilometers meantime it will engage airborne targets upto some 400 kilometer. The range can be covered entire Cyprus, Israeli Jerusalem and major Turkish cities which include NATO base Incrilik too. Makes each and every aircraft flying in the zone can be monitored and  targeted.

   This makes every foreign aircraft flying in Syria comes under the S 400 umbrella. Makes some NATO missions inside Syria also in troubles. Currently Some US, French Aircraft's conducting strikes inside Syria. Last four days there were very less airstrikes conducted by Collation aircraft inside Syria. Anyhow the S 400 in Syria won't make any real changes, However this makes sense of Russian plan to protect the Syrian airspace from rival aircraft's from NATO.

    Russia also warned Turkey to do not enter Syrian Air space, If Turkey do so Russians will strike the Turkish Air crafts. Actually Turkish Fighters comes inside Syrian Air space to attack Kurd Rebels. It's very rare. However this will happens occasionally. Last four days there were very less or zero Activities reported. While American F 15 C and Turkish F 16 D conducting Combat Air patrol in Turkish Border normally. Turkey also warns Russia to do not enter Turkish air space otherwise they will do the same.

   Russia almost broken all kind of military and economic cooperation's with Turkey.  This worsen Russian economic only. Since Russians export to Turkey is about some $25 billions every year. while Turkish export to Russia just $6 Billions. Which means economically worsen Russians sanctioning themselves. Russia almost lost it economic relation with west since the illegal annexation of Crimea and waging war in Eastern Ukraine.

    Anyway the situations will worsen only if Turkey and Russia clash each others in Black Sea or in Syrian border. unless there will be no more escalations in the Su 24 shot down. 

IAF's An 32 Tactical Air lifter serves upto 2035

IAF's An 32  Tactical Air lifter serves upto 2035

     Indian Air force is the largest operator of Soviet designed An 32 Tactical turboprop Air lifter. Deliveries starts from early 1985 to 1991. India operates more than 105 such aircraft as of now. Initially IAF bought nearly 125 units. Where two of them lost in accidents. These air crafts running behind the schedule for last some years. However the Modernization allows the aircraft to keep rolling till 2035. The An 32 is one of the best platform can be used as a STOL aircraft operated from small landing air strip in remote locations. An 32 also performed better in High altitude Leh and hotter Punjab makes one of the best reliable aircraft in IAF inventory.

     After expiring the first life term in 2000, IAF asked the government to carryout a Mid life upgrades to the An 32 with new subsystems. However the proposal shelved form more than ten years. In June 2009 a An 32 crashed close to Arunachal due to mechanical issues. Thus wakes up the government about IAF call of Modernization. IAF awarded a Ukrainian Aircraft company Antonov and his partner company Antonov Civil Aviation to carryout the modernization.

    The Modernization plans is upgrading first 40 units in Ukraine as five batches and another 65 in India with mechanical support from Ukraine. The first 40 units are completed as five batches. Ukraine will delivered one batch every year starting from 2010. And IAF will start modifying the aircraft after one or two batches delivered from Ukraine.

    The Modernization include Engines and Cockpit changes. The An 32 will get new modernized engine named Motor AI 20 DM Sich. The new engine is more reliable compared to it's predecessor. Suits best for High altitude operations and short take off and landing mission. the engine further allows the aircraft to carry some half ton more cargo.  This engine further allows engine life to some 22,000 hours. Typically Turbo props engines can runs longer than the Turbo jets.

     The Modernization include variety of modern systems in the cockpit. There is no mention of glass cockpit digital systems. However almost all modern upgraded system comes with Multi functional LCD displays in the cockpit. The proposed IL 76 modernization also include the same MFD systems. So it's believed the An 32 too get MFD systems in the cockpit.

     Modern systems include digital altimeters and distance measuring equipment's. collision avoidance system. ground proximity warning system, Radar warning receivers, upgraded communication systems. Which include SATCOM systems. and new improved onboard oxygen generation systems. GPS navigation systems also installed in the modernized An 32.

    IAF will carryout modernization work of balance 65 An 32 aircraft in Kanpur based No. 1 Base Repair Depot aviation plant.  Reports suggested that IAF already carried out flight trail of in house modernized system and completes all other 65 systems within 2017, Two years running behind the original schedule. Overall IAF about to spent $400 millions for the upgrade program.  The deal also include two full mission simulators for pilot training.

    The An 32 can carry 42 fully armed para troopers for more than 2000 kilometers at the speed of some 450 kilometers per hour. Which is one of the best tactical aircraft with the assisted support of short take off and landing in small air strips too. An 32 can fly upto the height of some 31,000 feet. A nominal range which can evade most short range surface to air missiles and MANPAD's.

  From now the IAF's An 32 Cline will be called as An 32 RE. The RE Stands for Re-Equipped. This will allow the IAF to keep the Antonov's for another 20 years or upto 2035. 

Dhanush Anti Shipping Ballistic Missile

Dhanush Anti Shipping Ballistic Missile

    Dhanush ballistic missile is the Navy's one and only operational Ballistic missile. China and India is the only nation in the world who uses the Ballistic missile for Anti shipping missions. China uses the long range DF 21 missile to destroy American carriers using Nuclear warhead. The DF 21 D has the Range of some 1600 kilometers, While the Indian Dhanush is some 350 kilometer quasi ballistic missile, Chinese DF too a quasi ballistic missile. Quasi Ballistic means a missile which fly in low trajectory or large ballistic with in flight maneuvers make unexpected changes in his flight.

   Dhanush is a two stage missile, with solid and liquid fueled engines. The first stage always ignited with Solid fuel, The Dhanush can carry 500 kg warhead at the range of some 350 to 600 kilometers. The Dhanush missile is a modified Pritvi ballistic missile a variant also used in ballistic interceptor role too. Dhanush certified to be launched from small offshore patrol vessels to heavy Rajput class destroyers too. Currently most tests are conducted from the OPV's to validate the performance of the Dhanush platform.

   Dhanush actually a test platform, used to evaluate India's AShBM and BMD capabilities from sea based platforms. AShBM is something like a failed theory, While many suggesting It's very hard to hit a moving platform using the ballistic missile. The major reason is Ballistic missiles will not hit the target at bulls eye or pin point. Most ballistic missile hit target close to some 10 meter circular error probability. However some believes the term quasi ballistic missile can outperform the theories. Indian DRDO scientists claims with the fins and stabilizers the Dhanush can destroy the enemy ship with good accuracy.

    DRDO also claims that The fins can be controlled via on board visual camera's. Means the sea always in blue, and sea level always at constant point. While the ship is something different in color and shape too. One more is the Ship always above the sea level. This allows the Dhanush can engage the target in high precision. Navy has plans to deploy some Dhanush missiles in their front line warships.

    Dhanush also used to destroy Port's and Naval bases for quick support. Earlier Naval operation in 1971 shows the Navy's capability of attacking enemy port with barrage of missiles. Navy sticks to keep the same for future warfare too. As per officials Navy also deployed some Sukanya class OPV's with Dhanush missiles. Only disadvantages is if the Ship carries a Missile then it have no room to carry a helicopter vice verse.

  
   Launching Dhanush and Brahmos missile over enemy targets makes them less time to react and gives less or zero probability of intercept. The tracking radar and the missiles can be easily confused by both cruise and ballistic missile trajectory. most of the ships don't have good interceptor missile to intercept ballistic missiles, except AEGIS equipped warships.

    India also plans to field the Interceptor missiles in the Ships, just like how American added Standard Missiles into their frontline destroyers for ballistic missile interception. India also has plans to add PAD and AAD missiles into the ships for ballistic missile interception. However the long term plan will be executed once the land based system matured.

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Russian Su 24 vs Turkish F 16

Russian Su 24 vs Turkish F 16

    The Syrian Civil war once again heat up with latest show down of Russian Su 24 shoot downed by a Turkish F 16 D. Tuesday Morning a Russian Su 24 M2 on a surveillance and reconnaissance mission over rebel held area in Northern Syria close to Turkey. Surveillance mission where conducted prior to bombing raids. The Northern Syria was under controlled by FSA, ISIS and Kurd Forces, all of them fighting against each other to capture grounds.

    Reports suggested a pair of Su 24 M2 fly very close to the Turkish air space. The Turkish Quick reaction forces launched two F 16 D fighters from nearby air force base to investigate the threat. Turkey said they warned atleast five times before shooting down the Russian Su 24. Many suggests the Su 24 M2 strayed the Turkish air space less than 17 seconds. A so called Wikileaks diplomat cable published a letter saying about the air space violation occurred only 17 seconds.

Letter posted by Wikileaks

     Analysts confirm that the Turkish F 16 fired a AIM 120 C from long Range, allows the fighter jet staying well inside Turkey before launching the missile, The TuAF fighter jets waited for the Su 24 M2 to enter Turkish air space and fired the AIM 120 C Missile.

    The AIM 120 C is a long range BVR missile with semi Active radar guidance. The Range of AIM 120 is more than some 100 kilometers. The missile can be guided by the F 16's Radar. and can use onboard sensor once the missile visually identify the target for high interception probability. Most of the CAP mission uses the Radar guided missile to ensure the safety of the launch aircraft. This allows little room for the enemy aircraft to out maneuver the missile and brake the missile lock.

     The Fighter jets can easily evade such long range missiles by many ways. By using ECM,Jamming,  chaff's and aircraft maneuvers. The Russians once claimed the Su 24M2 blind the USS Donald Cook's high power AN/SPY 1 AESA Radar outside Black Sea. The poor propaganda was spread by most pro Russians to cheer the Russian break through in jammers. However Military analyzers debunked the Russian claim by saying no one can defeat the Physics.

The Turkish claim of Su 24 M2 Shoot down

   The Su 24 M2's Radar warning receives and Missile approach warning receivers may alert the Crew about the incoming missile. And the onboard Jamming system will try to jam the missile's radar seeker using the high power radio frequency. But failed, Next they will try to out maneuver the  missile by maneuvering the jets to broke the lock, But again failed. At last they must launch the countermeasures to confuse the Missile. However the Su 24M2 failed to deploy countermeasures too.

Flames after Su 24 M2 hit by AIM 120C

  This proves the Russian fighters are poorly equipped to fight in modern battles. while the Americans improved much in missile seeker and ECCM techniques. The Russian state media and official Ministry of defense claimed their fighters performing very well in Syria. However this incident shown there is no notable achievements in Russian Fighter Aircraft technology.

    The Su 24 M2 is not a air superiority or multi role fighter jets, It's a Ground attack and Nuclear strike bomber. The Su 24 M2 don't have a onborad radar for scanning the airspace, Air Force analysts Avitionist.com once published photos of Russian Su 24 using America GPS Navigation, However it uses the Electro optronics to fire Infrared guided close combat missiles like R 73 and R 60 both are fire and forget short range missiles used for dog fighting.     

   The Russians need to send Su 30 SM to conduct mission close to Hostile presence area. that can perform such aerial combat missions. Otherwise they need a multi role fighter aircraft like the western Rafale or EFT, Which is suited best for conducting reconnaissances as well as combat air missions. Anyhow this a small lesson to Russian origin Aircraft operators about the capabilities of Russian fighter jets in real battlefield.

   Warnings were issued to foreign aircraft's when they fly very close to sovereign air space, Early in 2012 Indian Su 30 MKI Fighter jets fly close to Chinese border in Arunachal pradesh in a special mission, Within a second Chinese radar picked up Indian Air force activity's close to the border, So they too dispatched a pair of Su 27 to confront Indian jets. However Indian fighter jets fly 30 km off from International Border and never tried to breach the Chinese air space. Later both of them turn back and continue their mission without violating others air space.  

    The Russians on other side flying very close to Baltic Nations Air space, Even nuclear armed Russian bombers flown very close to European countries, However they never entered their Air space. The EU and other Baltic Nations scrambles their fighters to intercept the Russian Jets and Bombers before they violating Sovereign air space. More than hundreds of such scrambles happens in last few months. However there were no shoot down or dangerous maneuvers reported.

   Back in 2012, A Turkish RF 4 E Phantom Reconnaissance plane fly very close to Syrian Air space. Without any warnings the Syrian SAM Batteries fired and shoot down the F 4 killing the two pilots. The Turkish plane violated the Syrian air space by entering their territorial waters. However no warnings or anything issued.

South Korea and Russia competing for Indian Army's VSHORAD tender

South Korea and Russia competing for Indian Army's VSHORAD tender

    It's Once again the South Koreans and Russians competing to Supply mobile VSHROAD systems to Indian Army, Recently India selected the South Korean K9 Howitzer who defeated the Russian Msta-S in Evaluation and Field Trails. It's once again the South Korean competing against the Russians for a multi billion dollar air defense missile deal, Indian Army currently operates the Sterla Mobile VSHORAD's which is not a good platform in current battlefield due to lack of High altitude engagements.

     Here under the new tender Army needs a mobile system equipped with cannons and air defense missiles, Older Sterla having four surface to air missiles with low engagement rate, Sterla can bring down targets flying upto some 11,000 feet altitude only, Nowadays Helicopters can fly even higher than the Sterla engagement altitude, So army needs a new system which is much advanced systems for higher attitude engagement. Here the Russian Sosna R first competed, Later the South Korean Bi Ho also entered in the race. Where both are on final run to seize the Tender.

Sosna R

  The Sosna R is high performing low cost short range mobile defense system, Which can perform fire  on the move too, The System equipped with two six barreled 30mm cannon and another twelve ready to fire missiles. The maximum target interception altitude for the Sosna R's missile is some 15,000 feet, Which is a major disadvantage since MANPAD missile's like American stinger and European starstreak has engagement range upto some 25,000 feet. Which is good enough for engaging high flying targets.

    Actually the Fighter jets can normally cruise at the altitude of some 35,000 or above. They also drop air to ground munitions and fire missile even at the same altitude, To intercept those high flying air crafts ground forces need most sophisticated systems. Indian Army is poorly equipped when dealing with such threats. Army's Igla and other missiles are decade old and poor engagement rate.

    Sosna R is completely new system same like the Pantsir S1 systems, Which is based on the older Khasthan and evolved Palma system. The Sosna R is still in trails and yet to be delivered to the Russian ground forces.

    The Sosna R work as a Stand alone system as well as can be integrated into network systems. The Sosna R comes with a Electro Optics and Radar system for effective surveillance and guidance. Sonsa system uses upgraded version of sterla missiles for target management. Which is a Infrared Guided missile. Most of the IR guided missile comes with fire and forget capability. Allows multiple target engagement simultaneously.

    The six barreled twin 30mm Gun in the Sosna provide additional fire support for better engagement against low flying targets. The cannons can engage targets upto 3000 feet height. Which allows to destroy low flying cruise missiles and low flying other targets like UAV and Observation Helicopters.

     Same like others, The Sosna R also lacks range, It can engage targets upto some 12,000 to 15,000 feet only. Which is not a good range for future battlefield scenario's, Since enemy fighters and helicopters can easily evade the system by flying above the engagement rate.The Target engagement range of  the Missile is some ten kilometers.

Hybrid Bi Ho

 
 The Hybrid Bi Ho is the South Korean system comes with single barrel twin 30mm cannon and two twin launched surface to air missiles. The Biho uses the south Korean Chiron man portable surface to air missile for target engagement. Same like Sterla the Chiron too limited upto some 12,000 to 15,000. As said above missile have low altitude engagement rate is not a viable solution for future battle planning.

   The Biho comes with better surveillance and tracking system. same like Sosna, the Biho too work as a stand alone system and can be interconnected to air defense network. The Electro Optornic system and the Radar makes the system more reliable. The Biho have little enhanced target tracking system compared to Sosna.

    Almost all of the VSHORAD designed to perform missions in low altitude, When comparing both of the system are better, however the Sosna Leads with the multiple number of Missiles and cannon. while Biho leads in sensor and EO Systems.

    The Chiron also a fire and forget IR guided missile same like Sterla, Both are smarter enough to evade the countermeasure systems dispensed from the Fighter jets.

Conclusion

 
    It's better Indian Army may reject both of the contender, due to the altitude limitation. Better scrap it and go for some other system having interception altitude of more than 25,000 feet. The Indian Trishul project based on French MICA missile is better for that, However the system doesn't have onboard cannon. However a 30 mm cannon won't make wonders in future battlefields. While one must understand about the importance of CIWS in warship. 

Air chief Raha warns, China cornering us

Air chief Raha warns, China cornering us

Chinese Su 27 Flankers

   Indian Air force chief attends the annual seminar conducted by center for Air power studies. The seminar is about to discuss Chinese air activity close to Indian air space. Air chief Raha concerned about Chinese increased activities in Tibet autonomous region which was allegedly annexed by China earlier. China tries to focus all available sides to corner India. The Chinese influence in Pakistan and Chinese military tie up with Sri Lanka  is all some small examples.

   Earlier October, Raha said that IAF watching Chinese fighter jets increased presence in the TAR region. IAF also noted Chinese military build up and increased activities of building new military infrastructure in that area's. China has a large military air base close to Daocheng Yading, where they can field most of their fighter jets and missile defense systems.

    Air Force Cheif also expressed concern of fielding long range air defense missile in TAR, which makes IAF fighter's facing huge risk when conducting combat air patrol missions. China is the first customer of Russian S 400 missiles. China plans to field regiments of S 400 close to Taiwan, Hainan and Tibet to counter Chinese rival enemies like Taiwan, USA and India.

    Fielding one S 400 missile battery in TAR makes huge risk of IAF pilots who fly combat missions close to Chinese borders. China will deploy their S 400 Batteries close to above said regions by early next year. IAF chief talks about the latest threats in that region, and also said that, Earlier IAF has a threat of HQ 9 batteries which is a clone of Russian S 300 missile same like S 400. IAF has several options to counter those batteries using kamikaze UAV's and combat drones.

Chinese H 6 Bomber Missile Carrier

   Chief also Talks about Chinese maritime patrol missions very close to Indian waters, IAF Chief surprised about Chinese nuclear boats close to Indian waters in the name of anti piracy mission, with a strange logic. Chinese Naval presence close to Andaman Nicobar command is a way very concern. ANC is vulnerable to enemy attacks due to lack of war ships and air defense assets.

    Air marshal also talked about Indian advancement in Arunachal Pradesh, where China attacks first in case of war erupted between India and China, Building new infrastructure and modernizing older landing grounds and air strips gives quick support to IAF to conduct offensive and defensive operation within and outside Indian air space.

    Raha clearly mentions the need of alliance between AESAN nations to stand against Chinese alleged  claims of disputed territories. From Akshai shin to Tawang China repeatedly violating the borders  and sending Chinese patrol's inside Indian lands. India tries to fortify the Borders by constructing more numbers of Border outposts and deploying more soldiers. Recent stand off shows India has slight upper edge compared to the Chinese.

   Air Chief Raha also briefed about Chinese assistance of constructing Gawdar port in Pakistan. Which gives an upper edge to China to monitor Indian activities in western waters. India also concerns about Chinese assistance of Pakistani construction of economic corridor which connect Pakistan and Pakistani occupied Kashmir. 

    When talking about Pakistan, The Pakistani government and army allegedly support the anti Indian elements operating close to Indian borders. Pakistan continuously supporting those anti Indian elements who focus killing Indian civilians, Stopping those activities only increases the Indo Pakistani relations said Arup Raha.

   Raha also answered questions about IAF's involvements in anti Naxal operations. Raha said So far more than fifteen thousand sorties flown by IAF's both fixed and rotary wings, which transported more than 75,000 para military personnel's and 1600 tons of load.

Rafale slowly moving away from India

Rafale slowly moving away from India

    Recent information's from Defense ministry, It looks like Rafale and it's associated company's slowly moving away from the earlier proposed deal, Since India failed to negotiate the French team even after very long time consumed by both sides. India first announced to buy a 126 Rafale and additional 72 as Make in India program whose deal value estimated around $12-$15 billions. Which makes one of the finest deal for Indian defense industry and the user Indian Air force. However the ministry suggests the deal value over priced and Rafale's negligence to joining with HAL tampered the progress of So called Indian MMRCA tender.

    India selects HAL as primary Indian supplier of Rafale, However France is not impressed with HAL's primary operating structure, and suggested some other private players to be roped in for Rafale Production line in India. The ministry rejects the French suggestion and insists HAL will be the Primary partner of Dassault. France also said, if HAL will be selected Dassault officials may supervise the HAL's performance and  Build Quality.

    HAL rejected the French's supervise in their work, However the Initial understanding as per the RFP, The  Rafale's quality and warranty should taken care by the French's Dassault. Which means Dassault will taken care of HAL produced Rafale too. French refused the plan and shelved the negotiations. Which considered most critical part and the reason of cancelling the MMRCA.

   Due to the failure of Initial warranty and over price issue, India plans to buy some 36 Rafale Fighters directly from France without any know how technology transfer, As Prime minister's initial motto of Make in India in each and every defense procurement also buried. Prime Minister announced Indian option of buying 36 Rafale directly from France without any ToT or nothing. Unlike the user IAF wants some other options along with ToT.

     The Indian Air force wants the Rafale must equipped with Ingeniously made Astra long range BVR missile and Stand off cruise missile Brahmos. French side agreed the IAF's proposal and ask additional money for customizing the aircraft. The contract negotiation committee rejected the cost escalation and stay with the announced deal value. The French side refused and said they will deliver the Rafale F3 just how France operating without adding Astra and Brahmos. However the user IAF not satisfied about the shortcomings in the Rafale Fighter aircraft's capability without coming with Astra and Brahmos .

    

The contract negotiation committee also proposed 50% of offset in the deal. France refused the Suggestions and said they will invest only 30% of the deal value in India. However later some reports suggested that France agreed Indian proposal of 50% of deal value money to be invested back in India. The major roadblock kicked and both side moved towards next line of contract negotiations.

    Days ago Indian defense minister said the Rafale deal is in final stages of price negotiations, which is reported by Economic times. However there is no clear information about the offset issue and deal value finalization. Which makes the deal still hanging. Minister also confirms that 50% offset issue almost sorted out. However minister didn't said it is finalize.

     Minister also confirms that only 36 Rafale's will be procured under government to government contract. There is no additional numbers are planned. However some Air force officials believes that the 36 numbers makes logistics issue and makes no wonder in Combat or any other operations. So it could be another 36 or more will come under Make in India initiative. They also cited the French aerospace involvement in Indian  defense sectors.

    Safron is the Company who delivering Sneccma M88 Engines to the Rafale Aircraft and invested a Indian assembly line to produce the engines in India. They plans to make Engine parts and assembly line in India to meet the Indian needs of more engines to the first announced MMRCA tender. Reports from Bloomberg cited Safron confirmed they shelved the Indian assembly line plans due to low number of Rafale orders. Which is considered a major drawback in the Rafale deal.

   The same news quoting officials circled all over the media since two years, yet no clear changes in the ground, Which makes India might move away from the deal otherwise French will walk away from the Deal. Even after Indian announcement, Qatar and Egypt singed Rafale deal with France and Egypt operating three units of Rafale's.

Russian Bombers Tu 160, Tu 95 Combat debut in Syria

Russian Bombers Tu 160, Tu 95 Combat debut in Syria

Tu 160 Black Jack Closely escorted by two Su 27 Flankers

    The Russian air force unleashed the Syrian air space by flying long range strategic bombers and long range cruise missiles from Bombers and Submarines. This is the third segment of Russian cruise missile strike since the tactical Russian air force deployed in Syria. This time it's a huge number of cruise missiles varying from Kh 555, Kaliber and Kh 101. Many of those cruise missiles and Bombers credited with combat debut.

    The Russian Defense ministry confirmed there were total of five Tu 160 Black Jack Strategic Bombers, six Tu 95 MS Bears and another fourteen Tu 22 M3 Bombers closely escorted by eight Su 34 Fullback and four Su 30 SM Flankers. All the fighter jets comes directly from Russian mainland by flying more than 6,500 kilometers. Bomber like Tu 160 and Tu 95 MS bear saw their first operational combat since their deployment in Russian fleet. Even the Tu 95 MS deployed in 1965 saw his first combat debut after fifty years.

    This time not only bombers, Submarine from unknown location in Mediterranean sea also fired salvo of four long range Kaliber class cruise missile, Kaliber is a variant of Klub class cruise missile with increased range of some 1500 km, which is primarily used by the Russian Navy. The Missile can fly at the speed of Supersonic in mid course. The Kaliber Missile can be guided by nearby ground forces or UAV in terminal phase for high precision.

    The Kaliber used for third time in a row, at first Russian Navy's Caspian flotilla fired salvo of Cruise missiles over Rebel controlled position in Syrian Aleppo Homs and Idlib provenance, In second time Russian fleet in Mediterranean sea fired the Kaliber cruise missiles over rebel controlled positions. The third time they fired the same missile from an submarine hits targets in Aleppo and Idlib suburbs.

    The Syrian battleground is a perfect place for Russians to test fire their newest missiles, The recent Strike involves a very low observable cruise missile dubbed by  Kh 101 which is a variant of Kh 55 missile, The Kh 101 is very long range low visible missile, Primarily used for nuclear strike from the Black Jack Bombers. Sources close to Russian intelligence expects the new Kh 101 has range of upto some 3000 kilo meters while Kh 102 is Nuclear armed cruise missile. Both are intended to replace the older Kh 55 from Russian Bombers fleet.

   The Kh 101 can fly at the height of upto 45,000 feet at the speed of some 0.7 mach, During the terminal phase the missile can descend 90 to 200 feet before striking the target. The Kh 101 can carry 450 kilograms of conventional warhead, while the Kh 102 can carry 250 kilo tons of Nuclear warhead. The missile use the Russian GLONASS navigation with terrain matching for guidance. In the Terminal phase missile can use the IR seeker for target lock. It's clearly looking that Russia evaluating his combat readiness along with the new missiles.

    The Syrian Air space is well protected and safe for Russian air operation. The Cruise missiles are effective in contested air space only. Russia can strike anywhere in Syria with his fighter jets with guided and dumb bombs ranging from 250 kg to 1000 kg, That can make damage to enemies more than the air launched cruise missiles. Most reports along with Russian defense ministry reports confirmed that targets are pointed at Aleppo and Homs, where a three side fight is ongoing between ISIS vs SAA vs FSA.

Tu 95 MS seen with 8x Kh 101 cruise missile

  

  On the other side Russia used the Tu 22 M3 for carpet bombing. The Tu 22 M3 dropped metal storm over unknown location in Syria. This could be more effective way of bombing, The dumb bombs carried by Tu 23 M varies from some 250 Kg to 2 Tons. Which means the fleet of 14 Tu 22 may drop more than 100 tons of ammunition's over the Syrian land in one day.

    The Strategic Russian Bomber fleets are actually a cruise missile carriers, which can carry long range cruise missiles from Stand off Ranges, Primarily designed to strike US Navy Aircraft's, US Airbases and American mainland outside from the US Air defense umbrella. The Russians almost tested all kind of Strategic cruise missiles in Syria. However Russian Defense ministry confirms that they were informed the Coalition Air groups before conducting the strike.

   Photos appeared in Social media confirmed the wreckage's of missiles inside Syria, There is a confirmed report of one or two cruise missiles malfunctioned and crashed in Syria. One of the crashed cruise missile identified as Kh 555 possibly launched from Russian Tu 95 bears. The pop up engine is recovered from Syrian deserts confirms it.

   The Russian Ministry also confirmed that The temporary deployment of additional eight Su 34 and four Su 30 SM in Russian Tactical air operation base in Syria. The Russians said the punishment to the ISIS is because of the Russian airliner downed in Sinai weeks ago.

Kh 555 Cruise Missile

Tu 22 M3 seen with FAB dumb Bombs

Navy set to reveal the secret Radar ship by end of this year

Navy set to reveal the secret Radar ship by end of this year

AESA Based Radar ship

    Indian Navy all set to reveal the secret Radar ship specially designed to track long range ballistic missiles and air borne targets. The Project almost finished now and set to be floated into the sea by this fall. Indian Navy crews will run the ship while DRDO and some other scientists will operate the ship. Countries like US, Russia China already have such ships in their inventory which is a major part of the Ballistic missile interception program.

     The ship was built by the Hindustan Shipyard limited in Visakhapatnam, The ships keel was laid on June 2014 as a project completion date set by December this year. Same like INS Arianth the Radar ship also monitored and funded by the Prime ministers office. The Ship will further boost India's anti ballistic missile shield, by providing exact information about the enemy missiles even at the longer range and higher altitude for mid course Interception.

    The Ship houses two AESA radars, another set of telemetry scanners and associated systems. The Ship houses a large X Band AESA for long range target tracking and surveillance, Usually most of the X band AESA having range of more than 2000 kilometers for steady tracking. The reason behind adding the AESA in the ship is, it can be moved easily, due to earth's curvature, fixed land based Radar's lacks range and reliability. Since Ballistic missiles fly with the Earth's rotation to meet the target in short time.

    The new X band AESA comes with state of art gallium nitrite technology, The GaN based T/R Modules requires less power to operate and highly reliable, optimized smaller in size and longer operational life. The 360 degree rotating heavy AESA is the Ships can provide clear information about incoming enemy threats even at longer range. The X band transmit and receive the data at the frequency level of 8.0 GHz to 12 GHz band.

   Another is a S Band Radar, Which also provide search and tracking in another frequency range, Most nations uses the S Band to track very fast moving cruise missiles, and low flying sea skimmers. Most of the Missiles navigates very smart to escape from enemy Radar's. The S band AESA can track even those highly maneuvering missiles. Some of the Chinese cruise missiles has range of more than 1000 kilometers even they were nuke capable missiles. The latest Kolkata's MF STAR can track targets upto some 300 kilometers only.

    Both S and X band can track all kind of airborne targets even flying at the range of some 2000 Kilometers. The ship also can provide target information's to the nearby ships about the incoming threats. The Ship can guide the land based PAD/AAD missiles to hit the ballistic missile targets at the mid course mostly if failed then terminal phase, Terminal passe can increase the interception probability of the missile if the mid course interception was failed.

    The Ship possibly add one more Radar to find Low observable targets. It's reported that UHF radar's can able to track low observable targets like semi stealth fighter jets and stealth UAV's. However the UHF's Tracking range is some 500 kilometer or less. The DRDO's Radar ship can add the UHF for additional supports. However it's still not confirmed

    Other systems like Telemetry scanners used for target acquisition and classification. which transmit and receive target information's from Tracking radar and classifies it into the mission computers. Like Fighter jets or Cruise missiles, Mostly telemetry used for spying purpose to receive information's from enemy activities. which gives communication supports to covert military agents for secure transmissions.

Israeli UHF Radar

    The Ship is something bigger. The actual length is some 175 meters and displacement of more than 10,000 tons as described by the ship designer Vik Sandvik. The ship also carry a Helicopter for support missions. However the ship will not carry any weapon systems onboard. Usually one or two EO based CIWS used for self defense. The Ship officially called as Missile Range Instrumentation Ship. 

    Recent development in the Israeli Terra systems noted, Which would be a good competitor to be fitted in the Ship. IAI already announced that they have an export customer of the system. Terra is comprised with one UHF and S Band AESA radar constructed with GaN modules. Most of the DRDO's Radar systems are evolved from Israel like the LRTR and MPR radar systems. It's highly likely Terra would be placed in Indian MRIS ship.

Rajnath's China Visit, Border issues Discussed

Rajnath's China Visit, Border issues Discussed

    Home minister Rajnath singh scheduled a five day visit to China starting from this November 19th, Key issues like border problems, Naxal insurgency and joint effort to neutralize terrorism will be  discussed. Another key issues like South China sea and relations with ASEAN also likely to be discussed. Home minister plans to meet Chinese government officials to increase the co operation between both nations when dealing with International issues like Middle East issues and South China sea issue.

    Rajanth's visit will focus the border tensions along the International border starting from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, The Modi led government invested in Chinese border to fortify the border with new infrastructures and additional troops. China contentiously protesting Indian advancement close to borders, which include several new out posts and Advanced Landing Grounds.

    Previous UPA Regime halted building additional watch towers, deployment of additional troops and official visit to Arunachal due to heavy Chinese pressure. However the new government didn't listen Chinese protests and continuing fortifying the borders with latest equipment and additional troops.

    Border Incursion's are often happen in such high altitudes, since both have no clear sights of their respective borders. The Chinese were more active on incursion and breaching Indian lines. Recent incident close to Daulat beg oldie created small hamper between two nations, when China constructed a small watch tower inside Indian boundary which will be destroyed by Indian forces later, Some sources reported that India alerted the Special forces for quick deployment in the incident zone for further Action. Later it was solved peacefully with flag meetings.  

     Most of the border incidents with China solved peacefully these days, with two party's flag meeting involving military and government officials to ease the tensions. China nowadays not interested in flag meets, which led further escalation in the issues. Rajnath will ask Chinese military and government officials to hold flag meeting regularly without failing.

    Rajant also meet Chinese officials to discuss about Naxal and maoist insurgency and possible Chinese funding of money and arms to the insurgents. North east militant groups actively get supports from Chinese covert agents. Earlier Indian Para military forces found Chinese originated small arms and ammunition in hands of Maoists and Naxals. Which makes controversy between two nations. Just like how Pakistan help Kashmir separatists, China doing with Naxals and Maoists.

     India and China will hold talks to neutralize ISIS terrorists activity in Asia, Uighur militants in China and Kashmir Militants in India would easily brainwashed by ISIS to carry out bigger attacks towards civilians. Both India and China would work jointly to thwart such plans. Both agreed to share any information regarding such terrorism planned against others.

  

  Rajnath planning to skip the South China sea issue in his visit, India taken wise step to stand against China in the South China sea in the name of free usage of International waters. India actively working to solve the disputes in the South China sea by conducting patrol missions close to Chinese artificial Island. India also deployed a Naval ship in South China sea as a operational deployment of India's act east policy.

    China also forced India to don't join the ASEAN nation's alliance, A state formation who teamed up against Chinese action in South China sea.  India will not join the ASEAN alliance however India may Stand with ASEAN nations statements and supports International freedom of Navigation mission over South China sea. Indian Navy also plans to fly FoN mission above the Chinese Artificial Islands.

Russia ready to supply RD 93 Engines to Pakistan

Russia ready to supply RD 93 Engines to Pakistan

    Russian engine company Klimov acknowledges that they would ready to supply RD 93 Engines and it's associated repair systems and maintenance facilitates to Pakistan for it's JF 17 fighter jets. The long delayed Russian and Pakistani negotiations regarding above was just cleared to improve the Russian and Pakistani relationship. India yet to respond the Russian engine sale to Pakistan, Which is not as much as threat to India, rather than the American delivery of F 16 fighters to Pakistan.

     Pakistan operates fleet of F 16 and JF 17 single engine fighter jets as their backbone of primary air defense against Indian Fighter jets. Pakistan agreed to buy more than 150 JF 17 fighter jets from the CAC/PAC - Which is a joint venture between Chinese and Pakistani aerospace industry. Three version of JF 17 planned to be developed, which can get modern system in future mid life upgrades.

    Pakistani air force operates Block 2 version of JF 17 and all earlier Block 1 versions has been modified into Block 2, while Block 3 yet to enter production. Pakistan plans to build those new Fighters with improved Russian engines. The Pakistani JF 17 powered by the Russian RD 93 Engines. which is a modified RD 33 engine who powers the MiG 29 and MiG 35 fighter aircraft's. IAF's and IN's MiG 29 fleet uses the same RD 33 engines.

     The Modified RD 93 engine has superior dry thrust compared to earlier versions. due to the modification of engine's gearbox. The increased thrust also decreases the service life of the engines life by just 2200 hours. The original RD 33 can fly more than 4000 hours. The Chinese and Pakistani officials acknowledged that the modified engine has better reliability, and said they face no problems of that engine even flying more than 7000 hours in Pakistani and Chinese JF 17 fleet. Without quoting the unknown crash of JF 17 in Pakistan. Which was believed to be engine issues. 

     Those engines can be transferred to Pakistan via the Chinese supply lines. To reduce the time limit Pakistan directly approached Russia for the engine sale. Not only the engine sale, Pakistan requested Russia to assist building RD 93 engine repair facility's and further developing the RD 93 to achieve more power. The negotiations hanged since years, and now only Pakistan gets a positive news from Russia.

     This supports from Russia allows the Pakistani's to get increased service availability of JF 17 fighter aircraft. Which also helps the Pakistani's to know how to solve the engine issues. Since the issue in WS 13 Pakistan plans to build all additional JF 17 with the Russian RD 93 Engines. WS 13 is currently conducting trails in China. Which will be installed in the future JF 17 versions and the Chinese fifth generation fighter J 31.

The RD 93 Engine

   For the PAF fleet of JF 17, Pakistan needs more than 1000's of RD 93 Engines to keep flying the JF 17 for years. Even if there is any issues broken out between their relationship, Pakistan can manage to keep flying those Fighters with the stock of large quantity of Engines. And it's also a good chance to Russia to boost the military export orders. This huge orders can further increases the Pakistani relations. Which can sweeten the Tor M and Su 35 contract negotiations. 

     Meanwhile, there is no sources, which clearly mentions about the transfer of technology and producing those engines in Pakistan with raw materials supply from Russia. This will further enhance the Pakistani knowledge in advance turbo fan jet engine technologies. China once tried to reverse engineer the RD 33 engines. However the actual achievement is unknown since the clone WS 13 still showing some problems. which is the major reason why Pakistan further moved with RD 93 from Russia.

Terrorists storm in Paris, Kills more than 150, What we know so far

 Terrorists storm in Paris, Kills more than 150, What we know so far

    The Paris area reeled Friday night from a shooting rampage, explosions and mass hostage-taking that President François Hollande called an unprecedented terrorist attack on France. He announced sharply increased border controls and mobilized the military in a national emergency.

    French television and news services quoted the police as saying around 100 people had been killed at a concert venue where hostages had been taken in a two-hour standoff with the police, and perhaps many more killed in apparently coordinated attacks outside the country’s main sports stadium and at least five other popular locations in the city. But estimates on the total number of dead varied widely in the confusion.

    Witnesses on French television said the scene at the concert hall, which can seat as many as 1,500 people, was a massacre. Ambulances were seen racing back and forth in the area into the early hours of Saturday morning.

    Television reports said at least two assailants at the concert hall were killed as police assaulted the building.

    The casualties eclipsed the deaths and mayhem that roiled Paris in the Charlie Hebdo massacre and related assaults around the French capital by Islamic militant extremists less than a year ago.

    An explosion near the sports stadium, which French news services said may have been a suicide bombing, came as Germany and France were playing a soccer match, forcing a hasty evacuation of Mr. Hollande. As the scope of the assaults quickly became clear, he convened an emergency cabinet meeting and announced that France was placing severe restrictions on its border crossings.

    “ As I speak, terrorist attacks of an unprecedented scale are taking place in the Paris region,” he said in a nationally televised address. “There are several dozen dead, lots more wounded, it’s horrific.”

    Mr. Hollande said that on his orders the government had “mobilized all the forces we can muster to neutralize the threats and secure all of the areas.”

    President Obama in Washington came to the White House Briefing room to express solidarity and offer aid and condolences. “Once again, we’ve seen an outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians,” he said. “This is an attack not just on Paris, it’s an attack not just on the people of France, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values that we share.”

    There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but Twitter erupted with celebratory messages by members and sympathizers of the Islamic State, the extremist group based in Syria and Iraq that is under assault by major powers including the United States, France and Russia.

    The main shooting appeared to have broken out at a popular music venue, The Bataclan, where the American band Eagles of Death Metal was among those playing, and French news services said as many as 100 hostages may have been taken there — many of whom apparently were killed later. Some accounts said grenades had been lobbed inside the music hall.

    A witness quoted by BFM television said he heard rounds of automatic rifle fire and someone shouting “Allahu akbar!” at The Bataclan.

    Another witness who escaped the concert hall told BFM: “When they started shooting we just saw flashes. People got down on the ground right away.”

    The police ordered bystanders in the that area to get off the streets as officers mobilized, French television reported.

    Other French news media reported that Kalashnikov rifles had been involved in the shootings — a favored weapon of militants who have attacked targets in France — and that many rounds had been fired.

Police sirens sounded throughout central Paris on Friday night.

    Despite the increased border security, air travel in and out of Paris appeared to be unaffected. Officials at Charles de Gaulle confirmed that flights were not suspended, although security had been heightened significantly. Both departing and arriving passengers and baggage were being screened thoroughly.

    Germany’s Interior Minister, Thomas de Maizière, said early Saturday that he had offered to send military assistance to France if requested.

    “I am in close contact with my French colleague and have offered assistance through German special forces,” Mr. de Maizière said in a statement.

    Loretta E. Lynch, the United States attorney general, also offered help. “We stand in solidarity with France, as it has stood with us so often in the past,” she said in a statement. “This is a devastating attack on our shared values and we at the Department of Justice will do everything within our power to assist and work in partnership with our French law enforcement colleagues.”

    American and European counter terrorism officials were reviewing wiretaps and other electronic surveillance records, but a senior American security official said there was no immediate indication that there had been suspicious chatter or other warning signs ahead of the attack.

   Unlike the attacks against Charlie Hebdo and a kosher supermarket in January, terrorism experts said the targets of the Friday attacks had no apparent rationale. Instead, assailants appeared to strike at random in hip neighborhoods on a Friday night when many people would be starting to enjoy the weekend.

    “It’s a Friday night and there’s a lot of people out, a lot of tourists out,” said a senior European counterterrorism official. “If you want maximum exposure you do it like this, in the dark when it’s scarier and more difficult for police to act.”

First Published in Newyork Times