Russia confirms Pakistani interest of Mi 28 NE

Russia confirms Pakistani interest of Mi 28 NE

Pakistan once again looks into the Russian military hardware to expand it's military's fighting power. A Pakistani diplomat confirmed the Mi 28 NE interest to the Janes. Pakistan already operating wide range of attack helicopters, again looks for another Russian attack helo. As Russia express defense cooperation with Pakistan on two grounds, Air defense and counter terrorism.

Pakistan increasingly looking to expand the relationship with Russia, by buying modern attack helicopters and other military hardware's. Earlier Russia and Pakistan concluded a deal to buy four new Mi 35 attack helicopters, where the deliveries soon to takes place.

The Mi 28 is modern dedicated attack helicopter, even can withstand from large caliber bullets like 23mm and 30 mm. The Mi 28 NE has dual control. The helicopter can be controlled by either the pilot or the weapon officer. one of the known unique features in the Night hunter series, which was recently entered into serial production.

The Mi 28 comes with mutli purpose 30mm machine gun for dedicated ground attack. along with rockets and anti tank missiles for close air support missions to the ground troops. the advanced sensor suits easily filters the threat and engage it with high precision, where Russia showcased such capability in Syrian theater by attacking Syrian rebel targets.

Modern self protection suits and hardened armored structure can protect Mi 28 from advanced AAA systems and MANPAD's. along with a 360 degree situational awareness system. Pakistan will get the modern Mi 28 NE the same which will be ordered for the Russian forces who currently in serial production.

Heavy weapons fitted in the Mi 28 can makes the helicopter best for convoy protection and escort missions. the Mi 28 can provide close escort for more than two hundred kilometers. which is very low combat radius compared to it's competitor AH 64 E. which was chosen by the Indian air force over the Mi 28.

However the Mi 28 can carry more payloads than the Apache, Mi 28 can carry 16 anti tank missiles along with 40 rockets in two pods. while the Apache can carry eight anti armour high performance Hell fire missiles along with thirty six 70 mm rockets. In performance wise the Apache leads in all missions.

The gun fitted in both helicopter has 30mm caliber comes with more than 1000 rounds. The gun in the Apache can be controlled by the Pilots eye vision. while the same not available in the Mi 28.

The Americans never give the Apache's to the Pakistan who has long range and high performance compared to all other attack helicopter. Apache is the only attack helicopter whose combat radius is more than 400 kilometers, while other helicopters like AH 1 Z viper and Mi 28 has a combat radius of 200 km and 180 km respectively.

In earlier the Russians first offered the Mi 28 NE to the Pakistani's, however later it was withdrawn after heavy pressure from the Indian government. However nowadays the growing deeper relationship with Russia, even Pakistan gets handful numbers of Su 35 S from Russia.

Know your Apache and Chinook

Know your Apache and Chinook

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

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

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

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

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

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

CH 47

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

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

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

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

An year of defense under Modi

An year of defense under Modi

          Yesterday we had seen what was expected from Parrikar’s office. Today we’ll concentrate on what the DAC or the CCS has cleared. The DAC headed by the defense ministry is meeting repeatedly to fast track the acquisition process. In the DAC defense minister is assisted by chief of the armed forces and secretaries.

The crucial Rafale deal

          With an ambitious aim to provide IAF with the state of the art fighter jets, India in 2007 floated the MMRCA deal. IAF was to receive 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft from a foreign firm, even more ambitious was the plan to manufacture these jets in India under ToT. After an extensive and detailed technical evaluation in 2012, IAF cleared the Dassault Rafale taking into consideration the technical details, operational and maintenance costs over the EU pitched ‘Eurofighter Typoon’. 

   Even after a long negotiation drama Dassault and India never came into terms and the deal was in deadlocks for most of the time. Even diplomatic level meetings and negotiations had failed to yield any results.  Under the UPA term the MMRCA deal never materialized.

      The NDA government soon after coming into power put the MMRCA deal on fast track. Several diplomatic and high level management meets were held to help materialize the deal. A major announcement in this regard was made during Modi’s visit to France. 

  

         The government went into a G-G deal under which Dassault would supply 36 Rafale’s to India in fly away condition. The deal is estimated at around $8 billion. The decision has been criticized as being converted from ‘Make in India’ to ‘Make in France’ but such a move was very necessary taking into considerations the current scenario of IAF.  

         The government hasn’t official confirmed the fate of the MMRCA deal, being a globally awarded tender the procedure to cancel the tender is pretty long. The government will have to issue a notification canceling the tender informing the global contenders. A final agreement in this deal is still awaited.

 M777 Howitzer

 
     The DAC has given its principle accord to acquire 145 M777 howitzers for the Indian Army. The deal is valued at around Rs 4500 crore. The deal is cleared under the ‘Make in India’ campaign and has been awarded to BAE systems. BAE will now scout for an Indian partner to start with the production of these ultra light howitzers in India. These howitzers weigh around 3 tonne and can be easily transported by a heavy lift helicopter. 

 
     The deal will be taking place under the Foreign Military Deal (FMS). The M777 are highly capable battle guns which have seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan. M777 can fire a 155mm artillery shell up to 40km. The M777 will be the first artillery gun Indian Army will be seeing almost after 30 years. BAE has promised to relocate its final production line to India by collaborating with a local private firm.

 Apache AH64 and Chinook CH47

    The DAC has cleared the requirements of the Air force for Apache AH64 attack helicopters and Boeing manufactured Chinook CH47 heavy lift helicopters. IAF intends to acquire 22 AH-64D Apache longbow attack helicopters and 15 CH-47F heavy lift helicopters in a deal worth well over $3.1 billion.
     
      The IAF currently operates the aging Mi-35 which is the basic attack helicopters. To replace the aging fleet of these Mi’s IAF came with plans to acquire the Apache. The Apache is one some of the most feared machines on the present battle field, armed with Hellfire missiles an hover of the Apache can annihilate the enemy positions.

 
     The Apache’s have range of 476 km, powered by two GE T700-GE-701C engines the copter can climb almost 2500 feet/min. It can carry an array of weapons, with the M230 chain gun serving as the primary weapon system. Hellfire missiles, Hydra rockets and stinger missiles complete the whole weapons package. Apache seen excessive battle in Iraq and Afghanistan and has been the most after sought CAS platform for ground operations.

      The Chinook are the most versatile heavy weight lifters on the battle field. The Chinook are famous for the role they played in ‘Operation Geronimo’ and their hoist capability is unmatched by any other aircraft. The Chinook can hoist Howitzers, crucial supplies, battle field vehicles and even fighter jets. Powered by two Lycoming T-55-GA-714A turboshaft engines which collectively produce a thrust of 7056 kW. Chinook can be used to transport troops, supplies and artillery movement. 

     The Chinook can transport up to 55 troops or can hoist a maximum load of 12700 kg. They are surely the heaviest lift capable helicopters for the western bloc and have been receiving upgrades throughout its lifetime. Once inducted the Chinook will be the most capable lifter of the IAF and can replenish the front line forces with crucial supplies at shorter span of time.


Airbus C295 – The Avro replacement

  
     The decision to equip IAF with the Airbus C295 is a major breakthrough decision. One for it replaces the aging Hawker Sidley 748M twin turboprops and it is a huge boost for the ‘Make in India’ campaign. The deal also gains importance since it is the first deal to be signed under private partnership agreement. 

     The C295 acquisition for the first time will see the participation of an Indian based private company participating in an aircraft project. Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) have formed a consortium to supply IAF with 56 tactical transport aircraft under a deal worth around $2 billion.

      IAF will receive 16 C295 in fly away condition and another 40 aircraft will be manufactured in India under a TOT. The C295 is a new generation, highly versatile and combat proven tactical airlift aircraft. The aircraft is capable of carrying payloads up to nine tonnes. Powered by two powerful six bladed Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines which collectively produce 5290 hp the aircraft can attain a maximum cruising speed of 480 km.

   The short take-off & landing (STOL) feature guarantees the aircraft can land in short and rough airstrips or make shift airstrips and serve the nerve centre of the battle field. Rapid transfer and on flight care is the need of the hour when performing casualty evacuation missions for which it is fitted with Casevac and Medevac systems developed by Airbus. The aircraft can carry up to eight stretchers for performing Casevac missions and can serve as front line hospital when configured under Medevac mission carrying mobile intensive care units (ICU) with life support equipment.


Article Karthik Kakoor

Apache AH 64 D Block III

Apache AH 64 D Block III

   Apache AH 64 D Block III

Another addition to the stables of the Indian Air force, it’s the American Apache attack helicopters this time which promise to annihilate the enemies at their tracks. These Apache’s will be replacing the Soviet era attack helicopter the Mi 35 Hind. The deal was in turbulent waters since the last decade and has finally arrived at a solution after much delay. IN the mean time owing to the delays an MLU was signed to modernise the aging Mi’s. They were provided with additional upgrades which concentrated mainly on the avionics, the Mi’s received new sensor suites and DIRCM countermeasure suites owing to these upgrades the Mi’s are battle ready till 2025. The void left by these attach helicopters is huge and the Apache’s promise to fill this cap efficiently thus serving as the back bone for any offensive operations in the future.

When the tenders were floated for procuring a rotary attack platform the Apache and Mi 28 were the forerunners for the program. Apache’s state of the art The Apache ruled out the Russian attack helicopter Mi 28, with its superior performance and network. US has offered India the latest generation AH 64 D Longbow Block III series helicopters, which is also called as AH 64E. The Apache are one of the best products to be rolled out from the Boeing lines, there are nearly two thousand Apache’s serving nearly fifteen other nations throughout the globe.Though the Apache’s will be charged with providing CAS to the army they will still be operated under the IAF and will not be joining the Army aviation corps.

The current deal between the US and Indian government aims to field twenty two Apache helicopter under the Air force. India along with the helicopters will receive fifty additional engines, 1500 Hell fire missiles for anti armour operation, 250 Stinger missiles which will counter the aerial threats. India will also be provided with 12 addition fire control radar and 22 night vision equipments. The total deal is calculated to cost around $1.2 billion.

The Defence Ministry has also taken inputs from the Indian Army to raise a separate squadron of attack helicopters lead by AH 64 and the home grown LCH and ALH Rudra, Rudraarmed with unguided rockets have already been delivered to Army Aviation.

The AH 64 E is capable of guiding unmanned aerial vehicles from itself, the WCO can operate  any of the UAV's under the army, and can also uses its advanced JTDIS to guide the Artillery's to fire with pin point accuracy.


Apache is capable to fly low, and is an all weather helicopter that can make sorties even in the worst conditions. Equipped with state of the art Electronic countermeasures and defensive suites, any threats standing against these copters can be neutralized with a moment’s notice. The Infrared warning systems help Apache to carry out night missions without any major hindrance. Apache also uses thermal and IR camera, these technologies help the Apache serve as an eye in the sky. Apache's formed the first wave of attack in operation Desert Storm, flying low they destroyed several Iraqi early warning Radar sites.

       The deal will be finalized during the visit of Secretary of Defense, USA , Ash Carter. Boeing will deliver the helicopters by 2018 and the Apache's promise to be a force multiplier providing the crucial CAS to the infantry. 

Editor- Karthik Kakoor