Syrian Battleground, Russian Marines and American A 10 Deployed

Syrian Battleground, Russian Marines and American A 10 Deployed

    The Syrian battleground sees two major world power competing to hold military balance in war torn Syrian Iraqi territories. Even after the Russian close air support Syrian Iranian troops and Hezbollah terrorists failed to capture grounds controlled by Free Syrian army sponsored by KSA and west. On the other side US continuing help the Kurdish forces to fight against ISIS in northern Syria close to Turkey. Turkey is an NATO Member requested help from NATO to safe guard their air space from air space violations from Syria.

    Russia currently deploying some three thousands of Marine units and special forces in Syria. Most of them are Special forces and FSB comes from Crimea and Eastern Ukraine. Those Special forces performed espionage missions inside Ukraine and seized major cities like Luhansk and Donestk. Those Cities are now under control of Russian sponsored Militia's. Russia plans to move those special forces to conduct scout missions inside Syria to pave the way to Syrian Army to achieve the objective. Some photos in social media found that Russian special forces already operating inside Syrian Battle grounds.

    Spotters across middle east found continuous Russian deployment in Syria which include Russian Marines and other equipment's. Russia already has some two thousand plus troops inside Syria for many activities. They assist Syrian ground forces in the grounds, assisting command planning and conduct offensive missions, logistics supports like mechanics and ground support and many more. Even most of the Syrian Fighters jets are serviced by Russian ground crews.

    Russian forces also deployed air defense systems like communication denied systems to protect the air space by jamming fighter jets communication. Russia also deployed Pantsir S1 quick reaction SAM's to protect the Syrian air space from NATO and Israeli aircraft's. Even with the dense air denial environment Israel successfully performed two combat sorties and destroyed several Hezbullah convoy's inside Syria.

   

 On the other side, In Northern Syria US supporting the Kurd forces to battle against ISIS in Manbij and Jerablus. At first US deployed six F 16 C fighters in Turkey to safe guard their air space which was replace by twelve A 10 and six F 15 C. The Eagle's will provide cover and conduct combat air patrol missions close to Syrian air space. while the A 10 helps the Kurd forces to fight against the ISIS.

    US also plans to deploy another batch of A 10 warthog's in Iraq to support the YPG forces to retake the Sinjar provenance from ISIS control. US currently assisting the Sinjar offensive using their F 16's operated from Iraqi air fields. The Kurd forces planning to retake the Sinjar before the winter starts. The offensive almost stalled since there is no political cooperation between Yazedi's and Kurd's. Kurd forces allied with Yazedi's controls 20% of Sinjar as of now.

     Days ago US and Kurd forces conducted a special operation mission to retake key position in Al hawa close to Iraqi borders. The US Air force provided good small arms weaponry to the Kurds before starting the offensive. The ground support includes new set of mortar's Rifles and Rocket launchers. US also provided communication systems to coordinate US Strike package to hits the correct target.

     Three A 10 and one AC 130 gun ship roared over Syrian Air space and provided close air support. The mission lasted for more than hours. US continuously strafed the ISIS positions using GAU Avenger cannon and AC 130's howitzers. The mission successfully pushed the ISIS from Al hawa. and The Kurd forces retakes the city entrance and erects defensive positions.

   Jordon also concerned about ISIS build up in Al Tanf close to Jordon borders, and asks Israeli and US reconnaissance missions over Jordon Syrian border. earlier Israel provided some of the AH 1 Cobra helicopters to Jordon to keep the border's secure from Infiltration. US and Israel discussing about Jordanian request of surveillance mission over Al Tanf.   

A-10 Thunderbolt for Indian Air Force

A-10 Thunderbolt for Indian Air Force

     The relationship between US and India has evolved over time, be it in the field of trade, the flourishing computer and Internet industries or the military field.  America has termed India as a strategic partner and has looked up to India for countering the Chinese aggression in Asia. India is the key for America’s quest to strike a power balance in the trouble ridden Asian-Pacific region. America has proactively helped India inch forward in every field. 

           America is currently third biggest supplier for the lucrative Indian defense market that is growing by bounds. America has over time cleared the sale of some of the most strategic platforms to empower India in its arms race against China. The export of Boeing C-17 globe master and the Poseidon's to India have showcased America’s trust of India. A new smoother and prospective way has been carved with the recent visit of Obama, who has opened hot lines to make sure the relationship reaches newer heights and turns out to be a game changer in the race for peace.

          India’s plans of acquiring modernized and reliable platforms to arm it’s forces with the most robust and efficient equipment''s is a long way to go. With the regional threats increasing and with China’s aggression to check, the drive for the modernization has taken a front seat in India's development agenda. India is look at every available option  to add the most battle proven weapon to its arsenal. There is news in the air, news that has gained credibility with sources close to Janes and LoS partially confirming it. It’s to do with the ‘Guardians of our Skies’, yes it is again from the stables of the Indian Air force.  

         Reports have now emerged that Boeing has requested the permission of US Congress to offer the battle proven A-10 thunderbolts to foreign nations and it has emerged at a time when a delegation led by CAS (Chief of Air Staff) Air Chief Marshal of Indian Air Force, Anup Raha is in US discussing and review projects for acquiring the most proven weapons from USA. The A-10 thunderbolt has been the mainstay CAS aircraft for the US forces for over three decades. The primary user of the A-10 thunderbolt’s, USAF has now come up with plans to retire the jets from service and to replace them with the more advanced F35’s.

Why should India be looking at acquiring the retiring A-10 Thunderbolt?

       The need for a CAS aircraft was strongly felt during the Kargil operations, without any CAS aircraft IAF was forced to use its rotary wing, but they failed to operate in the hostile and high altitudes of the Himalayas. Though IAF pressed its fleet of Jaguar’s and Mirages in to service the kills attained by these jets were extremely minimal.  With Pakistan and China lingering around the borders day in and out a repeat of Kargil is never far. Indian Air Force for long has been on the lookout for a proven CAS platform. With very limited options clubbed with financial crunches, IAF was forced to look at acquiring rotary aircraft capable of CAS rather than the costly jets.

      With Boeing pitching in for selling the A-10, this may turn out to be the most after-sought jets by IAF. These jets are extremely maneuverable and cost efficient to operate. The jets not only perform as CAS aircraft but can also carry forward air control (FAC), where the jets will mark targets for providing guidance to CAS aircraft. The jets are powered by two GE developed TF34-GE-100 turbofan engines, these engines have proved their capabilities in extreme weather conditions. The jets have seen most of their combat in hot weather conditions and thus proving the engines are highly reliable in Indian conditions.

      If added to the depleting arsenal of IAF, these jets can be force multipliers and can help boost the morale of the ground forces to a great extent. The cost concerns can be effectively worked out, costing just over US $ 12 million for a single piece these jets can be the most cost efficient option the IAF may be left with. The deal would not only be cost efficient but would also prove to add to the capabilities of IAF. 

     Just the thought of these jets circling over head can boost the morale of the ground forces, the jet may not only be used in a war but can also be used in Anti-Naxal operations. CRPF for long has been requesting for a dedicated CAS unit, which can serve as the backbone for any ground offensive against the red forces.

    The A 10’s are dedicated CAS (Close-in Air Support Aircraft). Designed around the GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon and coupled with titanium armours these jets are often referred to as flying tanks.  The jet can annihilate the enemies and freeze them in their paths. Though first delivered in 1976, the A-10’s have been the most favored CAS aircraft in the USAF arsenal. A-10 tasted its first piece of battle in the 1991 Gulf war, where the jet was responsible to the most kills in the war. Such was the success rate of the jet that USAF was forced to think twice about replacing them with an advanced version of the F-16.

     


















 By the end of the war A-10’s had flown about 8100 sorties and enjoyed a 95.8 % mission capable rate. By the time US involved in combats across Iraq and Afghanistan, A-10’s had become the most after sought support machinery. About 60 A-10 were flown to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom to support the ground forces inch forward in the hostile environment. Though slow moving, these jets can spell havoc when the doorway to the canon’s are opened. These jets have been the most successful CAS aircraft, time and again they have proved their might by supporting the cause taken by US.

         US had offered India with Scorpion jets which if inducted would have formed the CAS wing and would also help in the light bombing missions. But the Scorpions have never tasted battle and inducting such an aircraft can be a costly mistake. The Scorpions are expected cost over US $15 million, rather the Indian government may look at negotiating for the battle proven A-10’s.

         The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is one more aircraft the IAF is believed to have shown interest in. Gripen was even fielded in the now stalled MMRCA deal, but had lost out in the initial rounds of testing. Saab had drawn up an agreement with Tata, to jointly develop the Gripen NG (New Generation) in India. Gripen though developed by EU nations, mainly depends on components developed and manufactured by US companies and this was one of the main reason, IAF turned down Gripen. The idea of co-developing a jet is a welcome move for the Indian industries, but at a time when IAF squadrons are depleting it may not be the best option. A single unit of Gripen NG is estimated at around US $70 million, even though developing in India may reduce the cost it still won’t turn out to be the most cost efficient option for IAF. 

Why should IAF be acquiring an aircraft the USAF is retiring from active service?

          The aircraft’s India will not be sent just off the shelf. Boeing has clearly mentioned that the aircraft which will be on offer to foreign countries will be refurbished and will be overhauled. The jets will also receive major upgrades to its avionics and weapon stations, thereby enhancing the capabilities significantly. USAF is actively pitching to field the F-35 Lightning aircraft which will serve as a multi-mission aircraft. The move to retire the A-10’s is aimed towards cutting operational costs.

         A-10’s are proven CAS and FAC operators but cannot engage aerial targets. Deploying additional fighter squadrons to escort these machines is extremely demanding and with the threat theatres in which USAF is involved increasing, it is time USAF looks at aircrafts that can attack at the same time defend when attacked. But IAF has a limited operational range and is currently charged with protecting the borders of its nation.

          A-10’s weren’t scheduled to be retired from service until 2035, it was even planned to develop unmanned A-10 but was later dropped considering the operational range. These jets have evolved to effective piece machinery because of the constant updates these jets have received since their induction. The whole basic layout of A-10 have been transformed over the years LASTE, IFFCC and laser receiver pods are some of the key changes that have been imparted aboard the jets.

           In 2005, A-10 was provided with precision engagement upgrades and improved fire control system and ECM systems were clubbed to the aircraft. The very notable upgrade was when USAF came up with the decision to provide new wing sets to the entire A-10 fleet. With this upgrade the jets can serve till 2035. If inducted by the IAF by 2018, the jets can serve for nearly two decades and with a few upgrades, the jets service life can be increased substantially at least till an dedicated CAS platform is developed by India.

          If the US congress clears Boeing plans to sell upgraded A-10’s to foreign countries, India will top the priority list. On the lookout for a dedicated CAS platform there wouldn’t be another best available option for the IAF. With India and US enjoying a warm relationship a G-G deal should guarantee these jets to be flying in IAF colours in the least possible time. 

        These jets will not only serve in the frontlines but can also serve in securing the internal interests by supporting CAS to the Anti-Naxal operations. If acquired by IAF, these jets will be a priced possession. Any Adventurous moves by any hostile forces can turn out to be disastrous with the flick of a few buttons. Be warned hostiles IAF may soon be armed with the “Warthog”. 

 Article-Karthik Kakoor  

Scorpion Jet offered to IAF

Scorpion Jet offered to IAF 

       With the Problems in LCA and other Trainer Jets IAF seeks a good platform, which could be cost effective, low operating cost and it should be perform Close Air support mission, Recon mission for longer time, since the LCA failed the above aspects which have less than 500 kilometers of Combat radius, which pushed back the LCA from IAF for decades, and incapability of ADA and HAL also a reason for that.

Fully Armed Scorpion Jet

        So IAF always looking for a good Ground attack platform in lesser operating and procurement cost, due to the Heavy manpower and armor threats from both China and Pakistan IAF also need a good CAS fighter who gives dominant air support to the foot soldiers, The IAF has good numbers of Modern Air superiority fighters like Su 30 MKI and MiG 29 UPG, the Super Sukhoi, T 50, FGFA is in pipeline, and Good Numbers of Medium strike Multirole Platforms like Mirage 2000 TI and upcoming Rafale both can perform mission outside friendly territories, also the Jaguar will be used for Deep Strike and SEAD missions until the arrival of AMCA,

        But here  IAF heavily lacks of a Good Ground Attack platform which can assist the Ground Troops, the IAF relies on other fighters to perform such CAS and Recon missions which is a Over kill, an Armed Mirage who flying around a Clock mission somewhere in the Borders for Close Air support is an over kill, earlier IAF used Helicopter Gunships like Mi 35 and Armed Mi 17 v5 but both lacks speed altitude and Range, So the place again left for a Good cost effective CAS platform.

         The same is also for USAF they relies on A 10 which is a Good platform for CAS, A 10 is the best platform for CAS, whenever enemy hears it was the A 10, he will stays in the hideouts, otherwise he would end up with the Bullets or PGM. But the main problem is the high operating and Maintenance cost, so the Americans needs a Plane that would be stay in the Air long time with Munitions also have Recon elements. Whose cost would be minimal, both in procure, flying and Maintenance.

         Here American and Indian needs is equals, India Chooses the Rafale for MRCA as well as CAS and Armed Recon missions (Light Attack/Armed Reconnaissance) (LAAR). While the Americans still looking for a good platform, they found nothing so the managed to keep with F 35 and F 15. 

          But two US companies identifies the Shortage of Such platform both USAF and most other countries, So they managed to create a Fighter who can do all the above missions and yes with the desirable low cost both flying maintaining and procurement. and they rolls out the Scorpion Light Attack Jets early 2013. 

         The USAF, Pentagon officials analyzed the Scorpion Jet. but they found many problems and declined to use in the Air force, the main problem lies on the Payload. Scorpion offers good Recon elements but lacks the Payload, for that it can be used only for COIN missions not in regular warfare, also the Flight have worst performance in lo lo lo and hi hi hi mission, good in Medium Altitudes only, these are the two main reasons why USAF didn't look the Textron Scorpion. 

        So they looks for buyers from foreign countries, Recently The US officials says that they were ready to give the Scorpion to Indian Air force, this is the second time they were offering the scorpion to IAF for both LAAR and Training missions. 

       But reality is the IAF should neglect the Scorpion for the same reason why USAF neglected the Scorpion, 

        If we compared the LCA Tejas with the Scorpion, which can outperform Scorpion each and every aspects, expect the Combat Radius, where Scorpion have 1400 km of Combat Radius without Drop Tanks, Tejas have 500 kilometers even with the Drop Tanks. here Tejas costs $32 Million per piece and costs $12,000 to $16,000 per hour, but Scorpion costs only $20 Millions and Flying costs less than $3000 per hour.

         But Tejas have many other advantages but all will be downsized due to the Combat Radius, Redesigning the Tejas  with same mission characteristics but with longer Combat radius that is not below 1000 KM, is a good choice for IAF, and that it can be ordered in hundreds which gives  the IAF upper edge in Asian Air forces, 

 

The Scorpion Light Attack

The Scorpion Light Attack/Trainer Jet

Fully Loaded LCA

A 10 Loves Iraq

A 10 Loves Iraq 

       The reason Behind Developing a Aircraft is the Nation who always create Troubles for It's Allies. To Destroy It's  Tanks they Developed a Gun But No Fighter can carry such a Big Gun so they Just Created a Plane that Accommodate the Gun .The Americans Named it A 10 A  Thunderbolt Later Called WARTHOG.

          After the withdrawal from Iraqi Battle Ground The A 10 Provide CAS ( Close Air Support ) to Friendly Forces in Afghanistan later they were sent to US. and The Successful A 10 Ends it's life. But those ISIS given rebirth to the Warthog. They asked the Americans they love to taste the A 10's Bullet .The Pentagon also agreed ISIS Requests. and send the Fighters to Demolish those ISIS Strongholds .

          As of Now the USAF alone taking 60% of Air Strikes in Islamic State. here to The F 16 Carried out some 40 Percentage of Sorties .where A 10 performed 11 % of Sorties .the USAF brings the A 10 later November Last year.

           Recently Those ISIS militants Tried to Kill a A 10 with Russian MANPAD Strela.They fired Barrage of some 4 Missiles. But A 10 survived and repelled the Attack.The story can be found Here This Indicates the A 10 fitted with new Generation DIRCM ( Directional Infra Red Counter Measures ) and Jammers to escaped from Islamic state's MANPAD threats and SRSAM threats.

      as of Now the Islamic Militants Shot down only one F 16 which was Piloted by a Jordanian. Who later executed by ISIS. 

Lets Check out the US Airstrike Info for the last two days 

on 19th January 2015

Syria

•  Near Kobani, 11 airstrikes struck two large ISIL units and eight ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL staging positions, and an ISIL vehicle.
•  Near Aleppo, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
•  Near Al Hasakah, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and an ISIL artillery system.

Iraq

• Near Bayji, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and a large ISIL unit and destroyed three ISIL buildings.
• Near Ar Rutbah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle.
• Near Taji, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Fallujah, an airstrike struck a large ISIL unit.
• Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and a large ISIL unit and destroyed an ISIL building.
• Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and a large ISIL unit and destroyed two ISL buildings and an ISIL artillery system.
• Near Baghdad, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL building.

on 20th January 2015

Syria

• Near Kobani, nine airstrikes struck seven ISIL tactical units and destroyed four ISIL staging positions, five ISIL fighting positions, four ISIL vehicles, and an ISIL mortar system. 
• Near Al Hasakah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL bunker.

Iraq

• Near Al Qaim, two airstrikes destroyed two ISIL armored vehicles.
• Near Al Asad, two airstrikes destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL supply caches.
• Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL mortar systems.
• Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Kirkuk, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.Near Ramadi, an airstrike struck a large ISIL unit and destroyed three ISIL buildings and two ISIL heavy weapons.

Airstrike assessments are based on initial reports. All aircraft returned to base safely.

Mission Stats  for USAF since November Last Year

F 16 - 41 % 
F 15 - 37 %
A 10- 11 %
B 1  -  8 %