Hunt on for new generation assault rifles; Excalibur not a replacement

Hunt on for new generation assault rifles; Excalibur not a replacement

     When it comes to the Army, a modern, reliable assault rifle is the very basic - the primary weapon of an infantry soldier posted either on the border or deployed for counter militancy missions in the hinterland.

    However, despite a four year process to select a new generation rifle to replace the glitch prone Indian made INSAS, the Army is still not close to a viable option, with a new desi weapon being pushed by DRDO getting mixed reviews during ongoing user trials.

   With the INSAS rifle - developed by DRDO and introduced in service in 1996 - not adequately meeting its requirements, the Army started the search for a new basic weapon in 2011. The contract was cancelled earlier this year - contenders failed to meet the stringent requirements - and a new variant of the INSAS, called the Excalibur, was fielded by DRDO.

    The new rifle is being tested presently by the Army at two locations, with trials now at the final stage and results expected by February. However, several officials that ET spoke with say that the results till now have been mixed, with one team finding the rifle inadequate and the other seeing it as an improvement over the INSAS.

  While the final results will take a few more weeks to come in, Army officials say that while the Excalibur would be an improvement over the INSAS, it would at best be a replacement rifle. "The Excalibur is an upgraded version of the INSAS, it is not a new rifle but the older weapon has been given additional features," a senior Army officer said.

    But on the Army's parameters for a futuristic assault rifle, the Excalibur fails to make the cut. "It is at best a replacement for the INSAS rifles in service but for a future weapon, the rifle simply does not have the technical qualities," another officer told ET.

    The Army is in urgent need to get a replacement for the INSAS but is also keen to get a world class  product. Army officials have told ET that the ideal process would involve a fair competition in which the Excalibur also takes part to determine the best weapon systems suited for the Indian combat environment.

Article first published in Economic Times

Ministry plans to reissue the MANPAD Tender

Ministry plans to reissue the MANPAD Tender

   The Defense ministry plans to re issues a tender to procure man portable air defense systems for the Indian Army. As first the RFI issued in early 2010. Following with weapon system trails in Indian conditions which include high altitude winters and hot weather trails in Mahajan Range. Indian Army almost short listed the Russian Igla S system and forced to perform some tough trials include live air interception. The Results are varied since it failed to hit the target Multiple times.

    It's back in 2012, Indian Army invited the Russian Igla S demonstration team to perform live interception. The firing trails started in Mahajan range, The Igla S failed to perform to meet Army criteria. The Igla S Scored only one shot out of four firings. Then Army plans to start the sea trails. where two shots fired only one hits the target. Army told the Russians to repeat the trails giving a chance to Russians to perform better in next time.

    During the next trials, Igla S Managed to hit all targets, four targets set for interceptions, and all of them destroyed, However Army find issues in the sights in cold trails, And the Army evaluation team suggested the Russians to modify the Sight lens, Receiver metrics and it's software's. Army gives another chance to Russians to prove the capability of Igla S later 2013.

    During 2012, USA offered it's Stinger missiles to Indian MANPAD tender. This forced the Indians to re evaluate the entire contract. India asked the US firm to provide know how technology and asks co producing those units in India. US denied the Indian offer and that's the closure of 2010 RFI.

Stinger MANPAD

    After pressures from the armed forces, Ministry once again floated the MANPAD tender, This time too the same companies who participated earlier comes again. The new tender added one more condition that's the Transfer of Technology and most of the Firing units could be produced in Indian private companies only.

    The trails once again conducted in the same place and results also same, However Army didn't published the actual test results. However the companies who offered the MANPAD systems find difficulty's in the tender. The contenders like Russian Rosboronexport who offered the Igla S, France MBDA who offered the Mistral and the Sweden SAAB who offered RBS 70 NG found there is a lack of transparency in the procurement process. As clearly Indian government wants the technology of the MANPAD's. While the foreigners are not ready to share with Indian Companies.

    The above Reason makes the Second RFI also withdrawn, due to the above known issues. Earlier the French MBDA teamed up with Larson and Tubro, and the SAAB joined with state owned PSU Bharath  Electronics. They were ready to produce those systems in Indian companies while they didn't provide critical technologies like seekers and firing guidance systems.

    This time government stricken the procurement plans under Indian vendors only, Which means 100% of Make in India. This also pave the way to compete new private defense companies like Punj Lloyd and Bharath Forge. Under this new RFI the Armed forces buy entire missiles systems from an Indian company.

    Foreign companies who makes the MANPAD's teamed up with Indian vendors may compete in the RFI. The government short list the low price vendor as L1 bidder, and start negotiate for procurement. Indian government ink contract with only Indian companies who also have stakes in foreign companies who offered the MANPAD's. As simply MBDA and L&T jointly proposes the Mistral missile and Army impressed with the performance and price tag. The contract goes to L&T and L&T makes those Missiles in Indian plants.

Mistral MANPAD

   Indian Army currently using decade old early model of Russian Igla MANPAD systems. Those systems are running behind the schedule. Army wants a man-portable system weighing less than 25 kilograms with fire-and-forget capability. Other Army requirements include a capability of engaging aerial targets day or night with an effective range of 6 kilometers.

   As per the RFI of MANPADs in 2010, Of the 5,175 missiles and associated equipment sought under the 2010 tender, 2,315 missiles were to be delivered fully assembled and 1,260 partially assembled, with 1,000 missiles to be assembled entirely in India and 600 to be made at Indian facilities.  Associated equipment includes launchers, sensors, thermal imaging sights, and command-and-control units.

Small but better Vision set for Pakistan Air force

Small but better Vision set for Pakistan Air force

     The Pakistani Air force rapidly growing as a formidable air force with the induction of JF 17 block 2 fighters and F 16 Blk 52 fighters along with Airborne control center and multi role Tanker aircraft. PAF Spokesperson said this in a interview, when the PAC - Pakistani Aeronautical Complex delivered the 16th JF 17 Blk 2 fighter this year, Completing the goal of 16 Aircraft per year. He also said about the future of PAF with two advanced aircraft's. along with one twin engine aircraft.

    Pakistani Airforce plans to decommission all older generation fighter aircraft before 2020 and keep  just two model of advanced fighter aircraft later 2020. The older Fighter jets like French made Mirage series and Chinese modified MiG 21 are about to be completely withdrawn by 2020. In 2020 PAF would operate JF 17 Blk 2 and 3 version, F 16 Blk 52 version along with low number of either J 31 or the Su 35 for special missions.

    Pakistan air force set to receive the modified Block 3 fighters by early 2017, with Chinese made AESA Radar's, New engines and improved avionics and electronic warfare suites. PAF operates some fifty older generation JF 17's. Even though they do have the BVR capability and able to launch Anti shipping missiles too. Pakistan deployed a modified JF 17 blk 1 squadron close to Karachi for naval strike missions. PAC also plans to modernize those early models with advanced systems present in Blk 2 variants.

    The Block 2 version is currently in serial production, That PAF plans to induct thirty two fighter jets in two years span. The target set to PAC to deliver those new Blk variants within two years time. The PAC also completed the first batch of 16 aircraft's this year, and about to produce another 16 in 2016.

    The Chinese testing new engines avionics and radar's in their J 10 platform. Which can be easily transferred to the PAF JF 17's. China currently testing those new systems in J 10 B platform and set to achieve the goals before the fall of 2016.  Thus shows the Pakistani's can easily adopt new Chinese technologies in newer JF 17 when the production starts in 2017.

    Pakistani's another option is the proven F 16 fighters. PAF operates some seventy six F 16 Fighters where most of them are advanced variants. Those F 16 are multi role aircraft's comes with decent air to air mission systems and air to ground options. PAF also pressing the Americans to supply additional F 16 Blk 52 aircraft's. The Americans didn't responded the Pakistani proposal this time.

    The American government is ready to supply the new F 16 to Pakistani Air force. However the American congress dominated by the Republicans blocked the US government proposal of possible FMS sale. The Senate committee almost close to isolate the Pakistani's from the US allies list, Due to many reasons, Which include their support of terrorism and connections with China and Russia.

     It's reported due to the increased interests with Indians, Americans moving away from Pakistani options. The Republican President candidate Trump fingers Pakistan is the mother of Terrorists and US have many plans which include deploying American ground forces. He also supported Indian view of Pakistan and China, Also endorsed the US Congress option of making close relationship with India.

    It's clearly the PAF may add upto some 200 plus modern fourth generation fighter aircrafts and another twelve Su 35 S or J 31 advanced twin engine fighter jets before 2020. The fleet Supported by Il 78 tanker aircraft's for long range  mission supports,

    The PAF also have four SAAB 2000 Erieye airborne control center, The force multipliers make the fighter jets more powerful with additional jamming and control supports. PAF has another set of four Chinese AESA mounted on the An 12 modified as YJ 8 in China.

    The small but outstanding force is good enough to challenge the Indian Air force. However the 200 fighters numbers seems tiny when IAF operates more than six hundred modern twin engine fighters with advanced network centric systems.

Virus in the House, Ex Army Officer Arrested alleged connection with ISI

Virus in the House, Ex Army Officer Arrested alleged connection with ISI

     It's very shocking that how easily those army officers fall in the ISI trap. This is the third arrest of NIA within fifty days. Last day they arrested a Ex Indian Army Hawildar who living very closely to the International border in Rajastan. The Anti terrorism squad from Rajastan and Utter Pradesh closely watched the Hawildar's activities in last several months. After getting enough evidence, The Police officers arrested him and detained for his anti national activities and alleged spying for Foreign Intelligence.

    Actually this is not the first time, The Government Intelligence found loop holes in the Army, They earlier arrested several key army officials who liked with Foreign Intelligence. The reason behind the espionage activities remain unknown. Mostly they trapped for money and girls. The arrested Hawildar is living very closely to the Pokhran firing range, Where most advanced weapon systems firing trails will be executed.

    Ex Army soldiers are not questioned by Serving Army sodliers due to several restrictions and respects. So they roam freely in some inaccessible places. So the foreign intelligence's target is such persons and paying them for photographing and collecting information's. The aftermath of their espionage activities makes huge damage to the National security.

    In earlier, A ISI Spy from Sri Lanka infiltrated Officers Training Academy in Chennai, Where he  transferred almost all the officers information's to Pakistan via Sri Lankan authorities. The NIA finally found him and arrested for his activities. The Spy almost did enough damage before captures,  The Spy worked as a bartender in the OTA Chennai.

  

 Another one arrested in utter pradesh who is an ex Army Subedar, who living in army cantonment Jhansi, He made contact with Pakistani officials and transfers key data about the army movement from Head quarters to battle zone's. He transferred the information's to Pakistan via a private cyber cafe, Later only he arrested by Indian intelligence. 

    Early last month in Delhi, Intelligence wing arrested two persons among them is a Ex BSF head Constable who also working under ISI intelligence, After questioning them, they spelled a Army officer's name frequently, The NIA team further speed up the investigation and looking for his aides. The NIA team went to Kashmir and arrested the Army officer who retired from active service months ago.

  

  Once the NIA reached his residence the army officer deleted his whatsapp conversations and other messages from his mobile phone. That makes the issue very seriously. And CBI taken him under their custody for questioning. The investigation process still going on.

    Within two months the Intelligence agency arrested three military officers, Who having connections with ISI. This arrests shows there is many others also involved in the espionage activities who transferring army secrets to the enemies.

 It's very hard to digest the traitors are ex army officers. 

Jackpot for Reliance, Key defense deals Signed with Russia

Jackpot for Reliance, Key defense deals Signed with Russia

    The Recent Indo Russian meet could be a very successful for Reliance, who signed number of memorandum's with Russian defense giants which include Russian shipbuilder cooperation USC and it's export Agent Rosboronexport, Reliance also signed another mega deal with Russian air defense missile maker Almaz Antey who produces the small Tor missile systems to the long range S 400 missiles. The total contract agreement could reach more than some $10 billions. Which is one of the biggest military deal signed with Private company.

     The new Indian government's agenda is produce almost every Military hardware's in India with foreign co operation. The major aspect is bringing private firms in defense sector to produce those hardware's then buy from local vendor. Many of the Indian Private companies like Reliance, TATA and L&T signed many contracts with number of foreign companies. Some of them move with western military industry. Where Reliance keep with Russians as bigger market with less margin.

     The recent PM visit to Russia accompanied by many Reliance officials. Reliance in negotiations with many Russian companies since last one year. The private companies won't waste time unlike government, One year of hard work gives better results to Reliance. It's reported many times here in the blog that Reliance officials camped in Russia to talk with Russian shipbuilders to build warships and maintaining older warships in Russian shipyard.

  

  First deal signed with the Russian shipbuilder United Shipbuilding Cooperation, The USC has entirely controlled by the Russian government, Having three major ship building and maintenance centers in Russia. Most of the Russian warships and Submarines are built in those shipyards only, Another contract signed with Rosboronexport for exporting and maintaining contract of Russian built warships.

     The estimated deal value of the above contract is more than billions of dollars. Reliance look to gain profit of some $10 billions within next fifteen years. The actual contract period is fifteen years. The signed contract is about to be

1. Modernizing all Russian Built Indian Navy ships under Reliance facility

2. Refitment of  all Russian Built Indian Navy ships under Reliance facility

3. Building more Talwar class frigates

4. Building Landing Platfrom Docks for Indian Navy

5. Construction of Missile Boats and Shallow water ASW Craft

     Reliance confirms the first two works should be carried out in Reliance shipyard only, For the others Reliance will compete with Indian PSU's. Reliance bought Pipavav shipyard in Gujarat. The Reliance maritime missions spearheaded by Ex Indian Navy vice admiral H.S Malhi.

     Reliance gets another good contract with the Russian air defense missile company Almaz Antey. who is also a Russian state owned company. Most of the Russian air defense systems are built by Almaz Antey only. S 125, S 300 and S 400 are good examples for that. The Russian government agreed with the Almaz Antey and the Reliance defense to build missile defense systems Radars and modernize existing systems in India. The contract further allows the Reliance factory's to build and sell those systems to Indian Military and foreign countries.

    The deal mainly focus the need of Indian Military's modernization of existing missile defense batteries. The recent DAC meet confirmed the proposal of Air force's modernization of S 125 systems with new electronics. The work could be carried out by Reliance defense only. since they get the contract from Almaz Antey to upgrade works.

Tor M1 Air defense system

     Almaz Antey also confirmed Reliance's option of building Tor M 1 systems in India. Tor M1 is known as one of the best known stand alone air defense system. The Indian Army has a requirement of  QRSAM which will replace the older sterla system. The Tor M1 Production option gives good opportunity to Reliance. If Reliance secures the Army contract.

In future if India signs the S 400 deal, Reliance will built those S 400 systems to Indian Air force.

ISIS vs the Collation and Russian Air force

ISIS vs the Collation and Russian Air force

     It's more than three months since Russia deployed it's tactical air troops and starts bombing ISIS and Rebel positions. Initially Russia told the operation would end in a matter of weeks, Many media reports also suggested ISIS won't survive against a massive Russian air contingent. However so far there is no real ground changes in Syria. Russians continuously bombing rebel positions with variety of new bombs include banned ammunition.

    After Turkey shoot down the Russian fighter jet, The situation has changed into different which forces Russia to deploy more powerful long range air defense missiles. The Russian aircraft's are forced to carry air to air missiles for self defense. However that wasn't decreased Russian bombing. It forced the Russians to intense the bombing campgain.

    Everyone claims most of the ISIS revenue comes with smuggled oil. Russia and it's allies blamed Turkey is trading with the ISIS oil without citing the sources. The Russians located some oil tanker convoy's and bombed them. Anyhow they never stops the ISIS oil business, Since ISIS shares border with KSA, Jordan, Iran and Turkey. Still the ISIS running good economy than many other governments in the world.

A destroyed house

   The Russians mainly focusing Rebel controlled Aleppo city in west Syria. The intense bombing resulted hundreds of civilian deaths in Aleppo. The Russian air support provide good victory's to the Syrian government forces and it's allies.  Currently the Rebels almost pulled back from Aleppo. Which gives a good victory to Assad. As of now most of the Aleppo province under Syrian government control

     On the other side ISIS pounded by Americans from Persian Gulf, The USS Harry S Truman arrived Persian gulf days ago, and starts bombing ISIS positions in Iraq, Americans didn't perform much in Syrian ISIS targets due to the S 400 deployment in Syria. US plans only special ground operation in Syria. Almost all airborne operations in Syria withdrawn due to safety precautions. Americans deployed ground forces in several key locations which include Kobane and northern Syria.

    French on the other side deployed his aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in Mediternnan  sea. Where they carryout attacks inside Syria. Russians allowed the French to conduct missions inside Syria, and supports them too. France targets ISIS positions close to Iraq border with pin point delivery of PGM's from Rafale Aircraft's.

    France also used it's SCALP stand off cruise missile against Daesh positions. The missile hits exact positions and destroyed the targets completely. The Russians earlier used cruise missiles from Bombers, Surface ships and Submarines targeted Rebel and ISIS positions.

    Russia also plans for second air base in Syria for seamless operation. The Russians working on the Shayrat airbase which is located 25 miles off from Syrian city Homs. The Russians currently using the rotary wing platforms like Mi 24 P and other helicopters from Shayrat air force base. By modernizing the Shayrat air force base allows the Russians to use fixed wing fighter aircraft's too.

    The Germans also involved in the Bombing, They deployed some Tornodo ground attack jets and Euro fighter Typhoons for surveillance missions. German will assist the NATO partners by providing refueling support and satellite and reconnaissance support. German parliament agreed the government proposal of sending more than thousands of ground troops to Syria. However the actual ground reports of German forces in Syria yet to be confirmed.

Picture Showing incapacity of American and Russian campaign in Syria

     The Russians also planning to deploy some special forces in Syria for combat operations. There is many photos emerged in social media showing Russian forces fighting in Syria. Recent photographs shows Russian cargo ship carrying equipment's through bosphorus strait. That shows Russia soon going to deploy more ground forces in Syria.

    Anyhow, The Russian plans are dwindling, that they earlier planned to complete the mission within the end of this year. However many reports suggest China and Iran provides economic support to the Russians to keep fight in Syria.

European Fincantieri joins with GRSE to build P 17 A Frigate

European Fincantieri joins with GRSE to build P 17 A Frigate

    Italian based Fincantieri joined with two Indian shipbuilders GRSE and MDL to build seven new modern stealth frigates for Indian Navy under P 17 A project. The project value estimated some six billion dollars to build seven frigates in two shipyards for parallel delivery. Four of the ships will be built in GRSE and three of them in MDL. Where Fincantieri assist design and development of the P 17 A project. 

    Fincantieri already had deepen ties with India Navy. Navy's Replenishment oil ships are built by Fincantieri. INS Deepak and INS Shakti is built by Fincantieri shipyards in Italy later delivered to Indian Navy. Fincantieri is one of the major shipbuilder in Europe along with DCNS and Navatia. Fincantieri is also a part of many European warship building along with merchant ships and cruisers too.

     Navy insists The P 17 A design must be stealth and identical to European warships. They were small in size modular designs  lesser in tonnage, However they should carry more punch than other compared Ships. Ships like Italian Caio Dulio has good capabilities like powerful phased array Radar's. Multiple new generation sensor and processing system. along with multiple missile systems.

     The P 17 A requirements also similar to that one. Indian Navy is new to AESA fixed radar's. Israeli MF STAR on the Kolkata is the first in series and Navy impressed in MF STAR's performance, So further interested in building more ships with MF STAR as main fire control radar. INS Vikrant Aircraft carrier and Vishakapaniam class destroyers also houses the same MF STAR Radar as primary. Navy also plans to install the MF STAR AESA in the P 17 A Ships too. Most of the Indian Naval ships uses Russian made Top Plate Radar as primary radar. Shivalik's, Talwar and Delhi class are good example. 

     The Ship will carry 16 Brahmos cruise missile as primary offensive and anti shipping role. The frigates are known as either Anti submarine or anti air warfare. In India most of the frigates comprises both capabilities. Frigates are generally used for escort duties. Holding less destruction power while carries more defensive missile systems. The Ship may carry one or two Naval artillery guns. Nowadays most Shipbuilders prefers dual artillery guns for low cost fire supports.

Modern 6000 Ton warship

     The Defensive system comprises most number of anti air missile systems. Which include long range short range and CIWS systems. Navy plans to install 32 Barak 8 long range air defense missile along with another 16 or 32 Maitri short range air defense missiles for quick reaction support. Both of them considered one of the best missile systems in the world. It's reported that the Maitri is based on the MICA air launched missile, who comes with both Radar and IR guided for better air interception.

    Navy once issued a Global RFI to buy upto eight CIWS system based on Sea Ram system. Who comes with RIM 116 missiles. Many CIWS systems comes with barreled 30mm cannons. It's believed Navy may add either Sea Ram missile system or the older AK 630 gun based CIWS system.

     Other equipment's like jammer's, Communication interceptor's, High frequency radio interceptor's and Electronic warfare suites also installed in the P 17 A ships. These systems are presents in all older Naval ships too. However the new ship comes with modern EW suites compared to the older one.

The Light Fremm Frigate

   The Anti submarine warfare suite consists of deadly RBU 6000 Rockets along with torpedo decoy systems to counter enemy submarines and torpedo's. The Frigates too comes with 533mm heavy weight torpedo tubes for anti submarine warfare. The Frigate will carry one sea hawk anti submarine helicopter for broader range of surveillance and reconnaissance.  That's also used for search and rescue missions.

     It's reported the government speed up project by allocating funds within next financial year to start the construction by 2017. With the delivery of first ship by 2019. Navy's revised plans indicates the all the seven ship's will be delivered before 2023.  

The Flagship project PAK FA nearing Collapse

The Flagship project PAK FA nearing Collapse 

Reports from Moscow coming that the PAK FA project may collapse due to the lack of Russian interest in the PAK FA Project.

Russians pushed Indians to sign the R&D contract which valued some $6 billions. 

Some media reported that the Project slashed into $6 billion to $3.7 billions. However there is no official confirmations. Probably fake news reported by some unknown media. 

India tries to speed up the FGFA project by slashing ninety plus improvements into just 45 improvements. Reduction of improvement may decrease the FGFA's performance. However govt want the fighter soon to be delivered to IAF.

IAF asked the Russian government to evaluate the PAK FA fighter with Indian Pilots. Russia declined the IAF proposal. IAF told the govt that, without evaluating the PAK FA it's not good to sign the R&D Contract and pump the Money.

IAF didn't satisfied the PAK FA's engine performance. The Russians using the AL 41F1 Engine is a derivative of F 117S Engine. The engine is not a worth of engine to power the stealth fighters. Russians involved in the engine research however mass producing the new engine would happen only after 2020. The F 117S engine won't super cruise at supersonic speed.

The Russians initially planned to induct 55 new PAK FA fighters as revised plan from earlier planned 200 planes. Suddenly they cut the order of PAK FA by just 17 aircraft's. 

Russia said the PAK FA remains as reserve  fighter, while they continue buying the Su 35 S fighter.

Hence IAF is pushed to pump the money and buy the PAK FA, where Russians too didn't buying the Jets. The reason behind the low number of orders due to economic issues and technological issues. 

This looks like IAF may move away from the unknown PAK FA project. IAF so far spend some $350 millions for FGFA preliminary design purpose.

India plans SEAD Exercise in Red Flag 16

India plans SEAD Exercise in Red Flag 16

   Indian Air force plans to send it's deep penetration attack aircraft Jaguar along with Su 30 MKI Air superiority fighter to participate US Red Flag Exercise in Alaska USA. The Indian Air force to learn many things from USA to perform SEAD/DEAD missions along with combat air patrol and Air superiority missions. Such exercise is very minimal since most exercise focus only one vs one or group fighting.

      To perform SEAD Missions, The Fighter jet need to penetrate the enemy air space by flying very low or below the radar coverage. after it will launch the anti radiation missile over the enemy Radar and air defense missile site. The Jaguar has similar capabilities and specially designed to perform such missions. IAF earlier used the Jaguar as bomb truck, mostly used to drop Bombs. The IAF not ready to retire the Jaguar aircraft, with many upgrades IAF plans to keep the Jaguar till 2035 or till the AMCA comes.

    The IAF also dispatches two C 17 globe master transporter aircraft. who carries more than hundreds of IAF's elite special operation commando's known as Garuds to perform the same SEAD mission. The C 17 will drop the Special forces deep behind enemy lines. where they would carry out sabotage missions in enemy radar sites.

     There were only two options to perform SEAD mission, One is via Jaguar aircraft other is using special forces to sabotage the radar site. Most of the nations used such kind of aircraft's to destroy enemy air defense batteries in first wave. Israel is the only other who send elite special forces along with heavy lift helicopters to perform SEAD missions deep behind enemy lines.

    In modern warfare, Forces not only face the Early warning Radar's, They eventually face more powerful electronic warfare systems like Jammers, communication and Radar interceptors and high power radio frequencies who disrupt missile and it's guidance. They were very powerful and highly mobile platforms.

     IAF wanted to penetrate highly defended Chinese Airspace, the upcoming Russian S 400 delivery to China threatens each and airborne platforms flying over Indian Capital in case of war against China. IAF tries many options to perform SEAD Missions which include Kamikaze drones, PTA Vehicles and Stealth drones, If all of the previous options failed IAF may send it's troops deep behind enemy lines to execute the SEAD mission.

    Once the SEAD mission is accomplished IAF need to patrol the Air space from enemy Intruders. IAF Plans to use the Su 30 MKI armed with maximum number of BVR and WVR missiles for combat air patrol. The Patrol supported by two IL 78 aerial tankers. IAF will send four Su 30 MKI to the Red Flag exercise, where they can perform CAP missions. Usually a Su 30 MKI can fly more than two hours without the need of aerial Tanker. with Tankers Su 30 MKI can fly more than eight hours.

   The Exercise clearly validates IAF's new operational capability of capturing enemy air space and keep the air space under IAF control. Such missions are top priority to conduct safe ground operations for friendlies.

    Indian Air force slowly expanding it's wings from primary air defense into Close air support missions, Offensive air missions and Capturing enemy air space's. Future ground operations must need such capabilities.

Patriot Air defense missile

     USA giving better opportunities to Indian Air force to exercise with Red forces and Blue forces. US may deploy Patriot or HAWK missile batteries along with AN TPS 75 Mobile radar and F 15 and F 16 fighters as Red forces or enemy forces. Where IAF will dispatch Jaguar aircraft's or C 17 with Garuds for SEAD missions and Su 30 MKI for Combat air patrol missions.

    The Exercise already get authorization from government, which will be scheduled to be happen Summer 2016.

Pakistani Long Range Shaheen III IRBM

Pakistani Long Range Shaheen III IRBM

Shaheen III Missile

    Pakistan recently conducted in house developed Shaheen III Intermediate Range Ballistic missile test firing, Who can strike anywhere in India and covers Israel too. The typical range of Shaheen III is some 2700 kilometers. who carry warheads upto some one Tons. However there is no mention of actual payload capacity. Pakistani sources said the test validates various technical aspects and parameters.

    The Shaheen III is the successor of earlier Shaheen short range ballistic missiles. However many technical aspects comes from the Failed Pakistani space programs. The Shaheen III project is a derivative of Pakistani satellite launch vehicle.

     Pakistani officials said the Shaheen can carry multiple warheads used to defeat the Indian ballistic missile defense shield. This allows Pakistan get credible deterrence against Indian Nuclear missile's. However there is no information of  Pakistani Re entry vehicle program. Pakistan needs to research more to achieve the RV technology. It's clear Pakistani's don't have an RV or MIRV warheads. However they do have heavy one ton nuclear warheads.

    Pakistani officials told the test is against the Indians who is more active in modern thermonuclear projects and the three layer of missile defense systems. The modern Indian Nuclear warhead can be delivered through Submarines, Aircraft's and Ballistic Missile systems. The term called as Nuclear triad. The three layer missile defense system comprised of Israeli Indian Barak 8 based LRSAM, the home grown AAD,PDV and the newly planned S 400 Acquisition from Russia.

   So The Pakistani's need more better delivery options to penetrate Indian defense shield to further perform a nuclear missile attack. The Pakistan has low end of nuclear deliver options. The Pakistani deterrence based on  medium range ballistic missiles and unproven Air launched cruise missiles. Those systems will not have a capacity to penetrate Indian airspace due to dense air defense network and surveillance in India.

   Many analysts confirm the Shaheen III is originally meant for Israel, Who always looks to steal the Pakistani Nuclear warheads. The Israeli's tried twice to perform such missions. One with India another alone. Both are not executed due to lack of ground options from India. Israel destroyed  dream of Iraqi and Syrian Nuclear capability. Pakistan is the only one escaped from the Israeli attack so far. However that will not last long.

   The Israeli Intelligence along with West and Americans who keeps their eye's always over the Pakistani Nuclear warheads. Since the warheads can be easily transported and sold to terrorists. There is a early report in Daily Mail that ISIS is very close to buy a Nuclear warhead from Pakistan.

    The Israeli's also have a good layer of missile defense systems. Which is considered as one of the best systems along with USA. The Ballistic missile defense system comprised with PAC 3 systems, David Sling system and the more powerful long range Arrow ballistic missile defense system. Those missile defense layers can protect each and every inch of the Israeli lands.

Arrow missile defense battery

   Israel do have credible nuclear deterrence, comprised by submarine launched platforms, Air launched platforms and missile launched platforms. The Israeli's using modified Dolphin class submarines. Which is believed to carry Tomahawk missiles armed with Nuclear warheads. However there is no confirmation of the source. Except US president Clinton's mention of Tomahawk missile sale to Israel. It's clear the Dolphins do carry the Popeye cruise missile whose range upto some 1500 km armed with Nuclear warheads. Most of the Israeli nuclear programs are highly classified.

   The Pakistani's are always under watch of Israeli intelligence and the recent Indo Israeli mutual pact's brings India and Israel more closer against the Pakistani's.

    So it's clear the Pakistani long range missiles won't pose a serious threat, When all of the Indian missile defense systems becomes operational.     

Zumwalt Class Destroyer-The future is Here

Zumwalt Class Destroyer-The future is Here

   The US Navy recently launched the modern stealth guided missile destroyer USS Zumwalt as the lead ship of in his class. US planned to build more than thirty such ships. Due to the price escalation the orders further reduced into just three. Since a ship in her class costs more than $4 billions. The overall program cost for the Zumwalt program exceeds over $22 billions. which means US spend some $22 billions for just three ships. The current Zumwalt is not the final design while the Navy needs the Ships main artillery comes with Rail gun.

   The Zumwalt is currently in sea trails, where she will test her weapons, and evaluates it's capability and performance. The Zumwalt is something more advanced compared to the European vessels. The European destroyers and frigates are superior in design compared to Russian and American ships. Which has some stealth aspects in long range which is a significant advantage when conducting missions in lone mode and battle group mode. Zumwalts radar signature is way very less compared to the European systems.

   The Ship's hull also a state of art technology, The ship made up of special grade steel with composite materials, which reduce the Radar reflection as well as gives strength to the Ship to sustain from anti shipping missiles. Which makes the ship is more stronger and She can withstand even after number of missile hits.

  The Ship's hull designed as wave piercing tumble-home, Which allows the ship to perform maneuvers, more speed, although the major advantage is the Ship is she can sail smoothly even in rough sea's. Which makes the crews more active and reduce the workload when conducting missions in high sea states. The design also gives more acceleration and Speed in any rough sea conditions.

   The Zumwalt powered by two Rolls Royce gas turbine engines, Each can produce 35 MW power to propel the ship and provide electricity to the Ship. The whooping 35 MW  powerful Rolls Royce engines are used in the England's Aircraft carrier too. The gas turbine's power, accelerate the ship's speed  upto some 30 knots per hour. The secondary power system comprises another set of Rolls Royce Turbine engines which produced some 3.5 MW power for addition back up or emergency power sources. Mostly these engines are used to produce electric power to supply current to Ship's equipment's.

   The Ship's main sensor and processing system comprised with modern AN/SPY 3. Which is a dual band radar operated in two frequency in same time. The Radar emits frequency at S band and X band simultaneously. Where the X band used as Multi functional radar and S band used as Volume Surveillance radar. The Radar's provide illumination support to interceptor missiles like Standard Missile series and ESSM for high probability of Interception with two way data link support.

    The AN/SPY has increased service availability than all other available Radars. The AN/SPY 3 has 95% of service availability with very few down time. The fault detection system isolates problems without the need of human works. The AN/SPY 3 has six faces for 360 degree coverage. The DBR or AN/SPY 3 has very less moving parts hence the maintenance is not needed for regular intervals.

   The Ship comes with two 155 mm artillery for long range fire support whose range is upto some 120 kilometers. The Artillery shells can be guided to hit the target more precision. The Advanced gun systems soon to be replaced by adding electro magnetic rail for multi role fire support. which include bombardment and Interception. Compared to other rifles EM guns has long range and less deviations and quick interception. Installation of EM guns will start by coming years.

   The major offensive and defensive weapons are placed in the Ship's front side. Each side having 10 Mark 57 VLS systems each with four Launch tubes. The Zummwalt class can carry 80 VLS Tubes which can carry more number of missiles. The Missile numbers are varies depend upon the size of the missile. The VLS can house single SM series missiles while carry's multiple ESSM and ASROC missiles. Typically Zumwalt carries good numbers of Tomahawk long range ground attack missiles, SM series ballistic missile interceptors, ESSM missiles for Air defense, and ASROC rockets for Anti submarine warfare.

    Zumwalt can also carry a ASW Helicopter and a troop transporter. The Large deck allows the Destroyer to carry two heavy Helicopters. The Zumwalt also carry's three unmanned rotarcraft for reconnaissance and surveillance assistance. 

Shocking, Government admits 45% of IAF Fighters won't fly

Shocking, Government admits 45% of IAF Fighters won't fly

   India admits that 45% of IAF Fighters won't fly due to several reasons. IAF operates nearly 800 combat aircraft while 350 Combat aircraft's won't fly. Such low level operational preparedness irked the Air force to revamp it's plans to increase the service availability. Even the IAF's backbone fighter Jet Su 30 MKI's service availability remains 55% only. The Defense minister said earlier, that Government knows the service availability issue of Su 30 MKI which can be increased in coming years. However even after one year there were no changes in the availability numbers.

    The low number of service availability is because of many reasons. IAF currently operates 220 Su 30 MKI fighters. Which is eleven squadron of Su 30 MKI that is eleven Air force bases in India houses the Su 30 MKI fighters. Here each squadron has fifteen active fighter jets along with two Quick reaction jets, one reserve Jet and two trainers. If conflict erupted the Air force base will launch only fifteen fighters, and the other five keep in reserve position. they too launched in case of any emergency's. In normal days two Aircraft's are always assigned as QRA role for launch in the air within two seconds once gets signal to take off for emergency mission.

    As earlier CAG Report reveled about operational capability of Su 30 MKI is just below 55%. The major issue considered as engine issues and lack of spare parts. IAF asked the government many times to sign the contract with Russia for mass producing Su 30 MKI spare parts, which include engines and bearings. IAF also alarmed about AL 31 FP engine issues many thimes. However the early government didn't heard the IAF's plea.

    The Defense minister confirms in early 2015 that Su 30 MKI service availability will raise upto 60% before the end of 2015. In coming years the percentage will rise upto some 75%. 75% is known as good score when comes to Aircraft service availability.

    Currently each Su 30 MKI squad can launch only eight to eleven Aircraft's only, making some ten other fighter jets sitting in the ducks to get repair or waiting o receive spares. Recently India asked the Russians to provide technological supports in three hundred sub components in the Su 30 MKI. Which shows the Russians didn't provide 100% ToT of Su 30 MKI.

    The IAF's another Air superiority fighter is the MiG 29 UPG. IAF has three squadron of MiG 29 units or some sixty MiG 29 fighters. The reason of  low service availability in MiG 29 is due to the upgradation work. It's clear nearly six to twelve MiG 29 units in HAL hangers for upgrade works in batches. The upgrade works will be completed before 2020. Currently the service availability of MiG 29 also somewhere between 50-60% only.

   IAF's Only known multi role attack aircraft is the French made Mirage 2000. The IAF operates three squadrons of Mirage 2000 aircraft's. Where two squadrons of  Mirage 2000 based on IAF Base in Maharajpur, and one more in Gwalior. The Mirage is known as one of the best fighter in the IAF fleet whose service availability kept over 80% at any given time. However the Mirages are currently in Upgrade programs that makes Mirage service availability gone below 60%. HAL scheduled to complete the upgrade work before 2020.

      The Air force's another and only dedicated ground attack perpetrator fighter bomber is the Jaguar Aircraft. IAF operates five Jaguar IS squadrons and one Jaguar IM squadron for maritime attack missions. The Jaguar's are just completed the DARIN 2 upgrade program. The Jaguar is the only aircraft who currently has the Service availability of some 75%. The Jaguar too get upgrade in coming months with new engines, Display and weapon systems. This applies to the Jaguar IS Aircraft only. All Jaguar IM has upgraded with agave Radar later replaced with Israeli Radar and Sea Eagle anti ship missile later replaced with Harpoon missiles. The Jaguar IM Based on Jam Nagar air force base No 6 Dragon squadrons.

     Other fighter jets like MiG 27 and MiG 21 is not a worth fighter in current air battle. They were killed in first shot of war. However they can be reconfigured as electronic jammer aircraft's to confuse the enemy fighter jets. In modern air combat AESA Equipped fighter aircraft's can easily neutralize such noise in air combat.

     There is no air force in the world who keeps the combat Aircraft service availability at some 90% of above. Air forces like Japan and Israel keeps the service availability of their fighter jets at some 85% at any given time. Since they use only two or three model of fighter aircraft's, who reduces the spare and engine replacement issues.

     It's clear that the IAF's service availability won't increase until HAL and other aerospace sectors completes the upgrade works. So this takes upto 2020. Until that IAF's aircraft service availability won't increase more than 70%.

Cornering China, US Clears warship sale to Taiwan

Cornering China, US Clears warship sale to Taiwan

    In a move to counter the Chinese forces, US Congress agreed a billion dollar warship sales to the Island nation Taiwan. The Chinese reacted very anger to this foreign military sale, and said the proposed sale will change the military balance in Chinese region. China also summons US Ambassador for the military supply to Taiwan. Taiwan is one of the most pro American Nation who continuously supports the Honk Kong Freedom movements. A 200 km sea lane is the border between China and Taiwan.

    The Proposed US Congress military supplies to Taiwan is, Two Perry Class 4400 Ton frigates, Javelin 3rd Generation anti tank missiles, TOW Anti tank missiles, Stinger Man portable air defense missiles, Sea Whiz Land based CIWS batteries, Hundreds of AAV-7 Amphibious Assault Vehicles and some other communication equipment's. The deal value estimated some $1.8 billions.

   The Chinese vice foreign minister, Zheng Zeguang, said “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory,” and “China strongly opposes the U.S. arms sale to Taiwan.”  He also said the arms sale violates international law and harms China’s sovereignty and security interests. “To safeguard our national interests, China has decided to take necessary measures, including imposing sanctions against the companies involved in the arms sale,” Zheng said. “No one can shake the firm will of the Chinese government and people to defend their national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to oppose foreign interference.”

   Chinese government also said that, China will never recognize Taiwan as an Independent country, And said US always making troubles in Chinese foreign policy's. Which will destabilize the relationship between China and USA. China also hints Taiwanese supports to the US and South Asian nations freedom of Navigation missions close to South China sea. India also a part of that alliance who regularly conducting naval mission close to South China sea.

   In Reply, The US State Department spokesperson Dave McKeeby said the sale is consistent with the United States support for Taiwan to defend itself under the Taiwan Relations Act and is consistent with Taiwan’s defense needs. The US Congress's Foreign relations members also defended the Congress proposals of arming the Taiwanese to safeguard their interests.

   Perry Class Frigates are made by Americans in the early 1980's to 2000. The US Navy decommissioned all the Perry Class frigates from it's fleet. and allowed to sale the same to foreign nations. US also allowed some other nations to build the same class with slight modifications. The Taiwan Navy currently operates eight Perry Class frigates, where all of them built in Taiwan shipyards and assisted by the Americans.

    The new US supplies comes up with two additional Perry class frigates. This will sums up total frigates count to ten. The Ships are modernized with new systems before transferred to the Taiwan Navy. The retrofitted warships will be transferred as early as 2016 a US Spokesperson said. 

    The Modified Perry Class frigates armed with AN SPS 49 Air search Radar and AN SPS 55 Surface search radar to scan both air and sea surface for targets. The Perry class fitted with the AN/SQS 56 Sonar systems. The fire control system comprised with STIR Radar system.

Javelin Missile

   The Ship comes with single arm launcher that can launch interceptor missile SM 1 whose range upto some 160 kilometers and the interception altitude is 80,000 feet. The same arm launcher can launch Harpoon anti shipping missiles too. However some modified systems replaced with Taiwanese HF 3 supersonic Anti shipping cruise missiles.

    The Primary defensive systems includes the CIWS and Torpdeo Decoy systems. The Perry class carry's single Sea Whiz Close in weapon system and six 324mm Torpedo's. The electronic warfare suite comprised with NATO standard AN/SLQ 82. Other systems like 30mm cannon and 76mm OTO Melera Naval artillery systems.

    Apart from that warship sale, US Supplies Javelin anti tank guided missiles for infantry supports and second generation TOW anti tank guided missiles. The deal value and actual numbers are unknown. US also agrees to supply Stinger man portable air defense missiles to shoot down low flying helicopters and fighter jets.

   Four Years ago, US and Taiwan signed a deal to buy F 16 Blk 52 fighters for some $5 billions. The Chinese too reacted the same. However US never given up and supplies the fighter jets and associated equipment's. Interestingly most of the Taiwanese weapons are sourced from United States.

Army Special forces lack of Parachutes CAG slams Defense Ministry

Army Special forces lack of Parachutes CAG slams Defense Ministry

    The Comptroller and Auditor General once again slammed the government about the shortage of Parachutes used for the Special forces in the Army. The CAG informs the issue in parliament and asks the government sort out the issue as soon as possible. The Indian Army's Para commando's are the elite units who performs special operations mission inside and outside Indian Boundary's. The forces are inserted into enemy lands by jumping from Air force transporters.

     CAG slams the OFB who didn't speed up or provide quality parachutes to the Army which was designed by DRDO earlier in 2006 with the contract amount of some 11 crore's.  CAG says only 32% of the Army special forces have enough parachutes. other don't have it. Which means nearly 2500 of Army special forces has enough required parachutes. Indian Army has 8000 of Para commando's special forces

    Army's Para commando's are the elite units who can act in first wave of offensive mission outside Indian borders to pave the way of regular soldiers.

    Armed forces other elite forces like MARCO's and Garud Commando's too facing the same issue, However the issue is not serious as like Indian Army.

RSAF F 16 C/D Falcon vs IAF Su 30 MKI Flanker Code Name SINDEX

RSAF F 16 C/D Falcon vs IAF Su 30 MKI Flanker Code Name SINDEX

    The Republic of Singapore Air force F 16 Fighting falcon and the Indian Air force Su 30 MKI Flanker engaged in a practice exercise to know the capability of each others fighter Jets. The RSAF has rival enemy China who operates Flankers and it's clones and the IAF's has rival enemy Pakistan who operates F 16 blk 52 fighters. The Joint military exercise validates the operational credibility of understanding the threats posed by each others fighter Jets. This is not the first time that IAF conducting military exercise against Fighting falcons, Earlier many times IAF fighter performed simulated attack run over Falcons in friendly exercises.

    The Joint Exercise code named SINDEX- Singapore India Exercise, The RSAF fighters conducting exercises with Indian Air forces many times since earlier 2004, The annual exercise mostly involves Singaporean F 16 against Indian Air force fighters such as Mirage 2000, MiG 29, Jaguar and Su 30 MKI. In this edition RSAF deployed six F 16 C/D or Blk 52 fighters along with hundred other personnel's led by Lt.Col Ong Teck Coon.

    Indian side deployed only four Su 30 MKI, The month long exercise conducted in Kalaikunda Air force station in India from November 12th to December 17th. Reports from Singapore suggested the two seat F 16 accommodated Indian Pilots for observation during close combat missions and long range interception. IAF too allowed the Singaporean pilots to embark the Flanker. Such exercise are very important to know how the Fighters will respond when scrambled to interception and conducting combat air patrol.

    India slowly increasing the military exercise with America and it's allies to counter Chinese threat. Indian Armed forces engaging numerous exercise with anti Chinese nations. What is new here is India slightly expanded the exercise period into  10 to 15 days from month long to train Indian pilots and armed forces to fight against foreign military's. Earlier SINDEX exercises are mostly ten to fifteen days only. However this years exercise went more than a month.

SINDEX 2016 Team

  

  This is not the first time IAF Su 30 MKI faced the F 16 Blk 52, Earlier the IAF get a chance to engage simulated attack against American F 16's during the COPE India exercise in November 2005. During Cope India 2005 Americans deployed 12 F 16 Blk 52 in IAF station in Kalaikunda to face off against the IAF's Su 30 MKI Flankers. During the exercise they performed aerial attack run and ground attack missions.

     One year before that's in 2004 at first time IAF Su 30 gets a chance to fight against simulated attack against F 16 fighters. In 2004 under the code name SINDEX 04 RSAF deployed Six F 16 C/D to face off against IAF's Su 30 MKI, MiG 27 and Mirage 2000 aircraft's. Later years RSAF deployed F 16 to face off other Indian fighters like MiG 29 and Jaguar aircraft's.

    This makes most or all of the IAF fighters have full information's of how a F 16 fighter will works. And IAF pilots know how to face off against Pakistani F 16 fighters when they engaged in surprise missions. Meantime the Pakistani's never been engaged their fighters against any Flankers. However it's believed that China already given enough information's about Flankers operating procedures.

RSAF and Indian Airforce

   A high level Singaporean defense officials also visited India during the exercise, and Signed a Defense cooperation agreement  along with Singapore India strategic partnership agreement. The mutual agreements are mostly focus on the anti Chinese alliance against Chinese illegal claims in South China sea. The Key points in the Agreements are,

(a) Establish a regular Defence Ministers' Dialogue;

(b) Deepen cooperation in maritime security; and

(c) Encourage cooperation between defence industries of the two countries.

(d) Joint Military Exercises.

(e) Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)

    The Agreements also deepen the cooperation in earlier signed Naval ship location information's and joint cyber defense cooperation works between Singapore and India.