RM Manohar Parrikar conveys DAC : A Detailed view

RM Manohar Parrikar conveys DAC : A Detailed view

   Working towards its promised modernized military, the man in command RM Manohar Parrikar chaired the all crucial Defense Acquit ion Council (DAC) meeting yesterday. The RM assisted by the defense secretary and the three chief of staff met in South Block, New Delhi to discuss the future course and held discussions regarding the future acquisition for the strengthening of the forces.  DAC has cleared several important acquisitions which promise to keep the nation ready to face any atrocities it may face from its unstable and unreliable neighbours. Even though the DAC meet was conveyed on Friday, it remained inconclusive on several issues and had to be cut short owing to the unplanned departure of RM Parrikar to Goa on a undisclosed emergency.

    The highlight of the DAC is undoubtedly the clearance for the acquisition of nearly 48 Mi-17V-5 medium lift helicopters for the IAF. These Mi 17V-5s are slated to replace the aging Mi-8 helicopter fleet, which is currently the air force mainstay lift copter force. IAF currently operates nearly 150 Mi-8 copters and relies on its lift capabilities for all operations across the nation. The Mil Mi-8 copters were acquired from the Russians to mainly supplement the forward operating forces. With these airframes aging and unable to serve at higher altitudes the IAF acquired the latest Mi-17V-5 medium lift copters from Russia in 2008 under a speculated US $ 1.4 billion deal.

   The air force currently operates a 70-strong Mi-17V-5 fleet and has placed an order for nearly 199 copters which were placed in 80+71+48 phased manner. DAC has now cleared another 48 Mi-17V-5 copters to be acquired from the Russian firm. In support to NDA’s ambitious, Make in India campaign the deal will mandate the Russian firm to team up with an Indian private aerospace partner to manufacture the copters indigenously in India.

   DAC has also addressed the needs for Air Traffic Control (ATC) radars raised by the Air Force. IAF will now get the ‘ATCR-33S SRE’, all weather ATC radar manufactured by BEL. The ‘ATCR-33S SRE’ is an S band Air Traffic Control. Radar which is suitable for Terminal Control Applications (TCA). The radar is extremely accurate and versatile thus guaranteeing hinder free operations across IAF bases. The radar works has two beam riders, with the S Band beam rider acting as the primary rider and the L Band beam rider acting as the auxiliary beam rider. The radar enjoys an operational range of 130 kilometres.

   The Air defense squadrons of the IAF have received a shot in the arm with the DAC clearing the induction of 7 additional Akash SAM batteries under a US $700 million   deal. IAF is currently operating 8 squadrons of Akash missiles, with each squadron comprising of 8 Akash missile launchers plus the support systems consisting the radar ground control and resupply wagon. The L&T facility in Coimbatore is currently capable of manufacturing nearly 360 missiles per year. The government is also considering of ramping up the production with more than 3000 missiles under order and with the product lining for export to other friendly nations the production sure needs a boost.   

  The Navy has received a lesser share of the pie as against the trend this time around. DAC has approved navy’s plan for operating harbour tugs in an estimated 300 crore deal. DAC has cleared the path for acquiring 8 Chetak helicopters for the navy. Even though these platforms were introduced in the late 60’s, these are still in at the HAL line for the armed forces. The plans to acquire the multi-role helicopters have been stalled after scam charges were made against the bidders.

   With the P 75 project nearing completion the government is venturing all options to open up the bids for the P 75I tender at the earliest. DAC has in principle accepted to speed up the process and has demanded to be briefed in the following meetings.

   DAC has also cleared Army’s proposal for the construction of multiple short span reinforced steel bridges in collaboration with L&T across Kashmir. These bridges once completed will guarantee faster movement of the forces, hence enhancing the response time. The proposal for acquiring UAV raised by the Army has been left untouched and is to be addressed in the coming meetings.

Edit - Karthik Kakoor

DAC Meet July 2015

DAC Meet July 2015

      

      The Defense Acquisition council Chaired by Defense Minister Parikar cleared more than $4 billion worth of defense equipments suggested by Navy, Air force and Army, as same as  previous Meets  this time too Navy gets more amount, by spending much money to buy another batch of P 81 Neptune from Boeing USA, also deals include Survey vessels too cleared, all these cleared deals will be sent towards the CCS- Cabinet Committee on Security for making Contracts if Finance ministry agrees to fund such Programs.

P 8 I for Navy

    As details emerged earlier about the additional number of P 8 Purchase, the DAC clears navy's proposal of buying four more P 8I maritime as second batch, the Navy required nearly 24 such long range multi mission ASW Aircrafts to monitor the long sea shores from both Chinese and Pakistani underwater and surface threats, as per plans the Navy bought 8 P -8 I from US company Boeing, a derivative version of US Navy's P 8 Poseidon, Boeing delivers all the 8 ordered aircrafts right in time without any negligences,  The Indian Navy crew also satisfied about the P 8 I's performances, also they went for next batch of four more P 8 I in the current five year plan. the four new P 8 I costs nearly $1.5 billions include spare, support and ammunition packages, Navy also plans to buy another two batch of P 8 I Neptune from Boeing in Future.

Other Cleared Projects for the Navy

     The DAC also cleared the Navy's proposal of build four large survey vessel valued more than $400 millions, all those survey vessels will be build in Indian Shipyards with foreign assistance, this is the fourth time DAC clears the Survey vessel program of the Navy, it seems whether CCS or FM contentiously rejecting the DAC's proposal of the Navy's requirement.

    The Navy also suggested the DAC to pass the requirement of adding all small Navy ships into Navy's network centric system, which runs with dedicated satellite, who is recently commissioned and under operational, but it was connected with large Naval warships only, but can't integrated with small ships like interceptor Boats, High speed vessels and small other Navy assets, adding a special system in those small ship makes it work with the Navy's Network centric system, the deal valued nearly $ 10 millions.

   Navy also asks the DAC to clears another $6 million to install RFID chips in all Naval assets include land based bases and Naval ground vehicles and Surface ships, this allows the Navy to identify the exact information about the current status of the System in one click.

    The Navy operates Five Kora class corvette's, all armed with 16 number of Kh 35 Anti Shipping missiles, who uses the Radar guidance which is fitted in the Ship, uses the Russian made MR-352 Pozitiv-E (Cross Dome) for Surface and Air search for Possible incoming Targets and uses the Garpun-Bal and MR-123 radars for Fire control, while the Mid life upgrade of those Corvette's need modern Air Search and Fire control Radar,  the Navy asks the DAC to clears some $ 6 millions to replace those Radars into modern one.

   Navy also ask the DAC to clears Brahmos Training facility dedicated for Ship borne sailors to get trainings in such systems to ensure their battle skills more powerful, instead of wasting missiles as test firing for Training purposes, DAC clears nearly  $0.5 millions for Navy's Proposal of building land based Brahmos training facility.

     Another major Navy's proposal was Mid Life upgrade of Navy's front line destroyers  and Frigates, Recently Russia proposed a upgrade of Indian Naval ships who uses Arm launching Shtil system into Multiple launch VLS Shtil's , as Navy's many Ships using the vintage arm launching technique to launch the Interceptor missiles, Navy looks the bright option to upgrade the ships with multiple launching VLS Shtils,

    In first phase three Delhi class destroyers and six Talwar class frigates would be upgraded into multiple launch VLS Shtil systems, DAC Clears $500 millions to upgrade those Destroyers and frigates with new generation SAM launching system.

 

    But all these DAC Cleared proposals should be cleared by CCS and FM before going to make a contract with the Supplier or Builder.

For Air force

    for Air force Same saga Repeats, Air force gets only less value of Deals compared to the Navy, DAC Clears Air force proposal of Buying and integrating ACMI pods in Existing MiG 29 and Hawk fleets, the Air force uses the ACMI pod in the Su 30 MKI to study and Training Pilots into real combat situations with real aircrafts, Su 30 MKI uses the US made ACMI pod. a short note about ACMI pod from US Airforce website

The ACMI pods, which look similar to the typical air-to-air missile in dimensions, collect data as the aircraft negotiates training scenarios in the 67,000-square-mile Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex while participating in RED FLAG-Alaska. Back on the ground, the information is dissected and used to debrief the crew on what they did well and what they could improve on - education being the key.

   DAC clears Air force proposal of buying such ACMI- Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation system with $4 million price tag.

    DAC also clears Air force requirement of building a Ground based simulator based on the Upgraded Mirage 2000 interface. the deal values not given,  these are the two deals cleared for Air force.

For Army 

     The DAC clears army's proposal of replacing vintage Russian made Zu 23 and Swedish made L 70 AAA guns from Indian Army's air defense unit, the Army likely float a Tender under make in India category to buy modern advanced systems like Sky Sheild or Mantis C-RAM ( Counter Rocket Artillery Mortar )  systems, where Punj  Lloyd, TATA and L&T collaborating with foreign companies to build such systems in India, the deal estimated nearly $2.5 billions for some less than 500 units, those Guns comes with automatic fire control systems,and requires less crew to operate.

   Also a special unit of the Indian Amry gets a New generation ground based Electronic Warfare system, which is used to intercept and Jam enemy communications and  Radio frequency's. the deal valued nearly $4 millions.

    DAC also clears Army's requirement of buying some 14,000 units of multi-spectrum camouflage net, used to cover and Hide, moving Strategic targets like Radar, SAM batteries and Tanks from Enemy's reconnaissance planes and satellites. the Army already have similar systems in huge numbers it seems new nets or additional numbers of camouflage net , and the contract value is also unknown.

     DAC also clears to buy huge number of Modular Charge system used to supply Direct current to the Field Artillery and communication systems, which gives powers from Diesel Generator to the Artillery unit by using the Modular Charge system to control the Electricity flow. the deal valued nearly $10 millions.

    DAC also clears a deal to acquire micro lite UAV's from foreign manufacture to train the NCC cadets in surveillance field, depsite backdrop of failed indigenous effort.  the deal value unknown. 

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

DAC sets the Course for a Safer Future

DAC SETS THE COURSE FOR A SAFER FUTURE

M777 Ultra Light Howitzer

       Delivering the promise of fast tracking the procurement process, the DAC headed by the MoD, Manohar Parrikar met yesterday night clearing crucial procurement's for the forces. The tri-services chiefs were in attendance to the crucial meet where clearance was accorded to crucial procurement's to overcome the short falling in the forces. The DAC has cleared procurement's of up to $3.4 billion.

Avro Replacement

       In a major decision the DAC has finally paved the way for the replacement of the aging Avro’s. DAC has finally given its consent to consortium formed by Airbus and Tata.  The Avro replacement deal is estimated around 11930 crore, under which India will procuring 56 aircraft. Airbus has fielded it’s C295 for the replacement and deal and has also signed a deal with Tata to co-produce it in India.

    Under the deal, 16 aircrafts will be procured in fly away conditions and the rest 40 will be manufactured in India. This is a significant step in the ‘Make in India’ campaign and this deal will effectively make Tata the first private company to setup an assembly line to manufacture aircraft in India. The numbers of these tactical aircraft is expected to increase with time, Indian navy and Coast guard have already expressed their interest to procure the aircraft.

C 295

 LUH Replacement

           The aging Cheetah and Chetak fleet have been one of the most agonizing machinery in service. The Navy, Air force and Army operate more than 100 crafts. These aging machines have met with several crash and had greatly reduced the efficiency of the forces in the front line. Even though plans to replace these crafts were drawn several years ago the program has finally taken wings in this DAC meet.    long delayed procurement finally seems it's order, the Army operates more than 100 of Vintage French origin HAL built Cheetah and Chetak helicopters which is already The Ka 226T designed by the Russians has finally won the tender process and will soon replace the aging fleet.

         The order is expected to be around 200+, the helicopter would again be produced in India by an Indian private company and the program is slated to be a major relief to rotary operation wing.

Ka 226T

 Light weight Howitzer M777

      To counter the moves of China, India has planned to setup a mountain strike corps. This regiment is in-charge of checking any aggressive moves by the Chinese and will also be one of the first parties to enhance the Chinese, should a full scale war break out between the countries. Artillery guns has been one of the most lacking fields in the army, thanks to the famous Bofor’s deal any future plans to procure these guns have always run into turbulent waters.

    The DAC has finally cleared the procurement of the M777 from the US, these artillery guns are extremely light weight and can be easily transported with the help of even a medium helicopter. The M777 deal is valued at around $700 million, the army will be procuring nearly 145 units. BAE has come forward to supply the howitzers by locally producing them in India with an private player.

 Air force and Navy

 DAC has also approved the procurement of 36 Pilatus PC 7 IJT, this will be a follow on to the orders placed by the air force.

 DAC has also given its nod to accument ALG (Advanced Landing Grounds). IAF will also receive modern communication systems.

 Stressing for an office in the skies for the PM and the President, DAC has given clearance to procure two Boeing 777-300 from the state carrier, Air India, this aircraft will then be fitted out with an advanced radar and warning system. The aircraft will also be fitted with defensive systems which can deploy chaffs and flares to counter any missile threats. The aircraft will be replacing the aging 747 that have for long served the PMO and the President’s office.

The frontline Talwar and Delhi destroyers will now be fitted with the potent BrahMos system. The navy will now receive 69 BrahMos missiles which will fitted on all the Talwar and Delhi destroyers. 

 DAC has also allocated about 30 crore, signalling the start of the IACII project. DAC has also set apart 3 crore, for the modernization of Kochi ship yard. Tele-medicine facilities for the Navy has been cleared at around 62 crore. 

 Editor Karthik kakoor

TATA Airbus Teaming up for Tactical Transport for IAF

 TATA Airbus Teaming up for Tactical Transport for IAF

       It’s from the stables of IAF again, a new replacement project seems to have reached the final rounds of negotiations. The new Modi-led government has re-issued the request for proposal (RFP) for 56 transport aircraft worth an estimated $2 billion. These aircraft will be replacements for the aging Hawker Sidley 748M twin turboprops serving the IAF as tactical transport aircraft which are being retired at an alarming rate. The tactical transport aircraft is basically used to carry out recon missions, ferry Special Forces and play a major role in causality evacuation from the battlefield. RFP for this program was floated several years ago but was cancelled after several loopholes were brought to notice by the vendors. 

     With the need for these aircrafts being urgent, any plans for co-development would have hampered the operational capabilities of the air force. Being the first deal, to be signed under private partnership program, the deal promised to nurture the ‘Make in India’ campaign will to newer horizons.  In accordance to the deal, the Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will be liable to supply 16 aircraft in fly away condition and another 40 aircraft will be manufactured in India under a TOT. Though the deal offers a reliable platform to foreign players, the deal has been for long haunted by the private partnership the vendors have to sign up. Initially the deal received heightened interests from foreign vendors but with the private partnership in deadlocks most of the vendors pulled out of the deal, except for Airbus. Facing a single vendor scenario, the deal has been now referred to the DAC chaired by the MoD will now decide the future path of the deal.   

      Initially Antonov’s An-26, the Ilyushin Il-112, Alenia Aermacchi C-27J and EADS Casa C-295 were eager to be part of the deal. Airbus formed a consortium with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL). The other foreign vendors were in talk with L&T and Mahindra and Mahindra but failed to sign up with any Indian companies largely due to the persistent ToT clauses. Airbus then pitched up its C295 as a competitor for the program. IAF at the present operates a sizeable fleet of An-26 and had showed inclination towards the aircraft but Antonov till date has not been able to form a consortium with any Indian firms, even though L&T was rumoured to be in talks with Antonov the deal between them never materialized.

With Modi visiting Airbus facility during his trip to France, the deal is probably headed towards C 295. Furthermore the present government has shown renewed interested in inviting foreign investments. Airbus released a statement reaffirming its "commitment to produce in India," echoing Modi's “Make in India” mantra. Tom Enders, Airbus executive was quoted saying “India already plays an important role in our international activities and we even want to increase its contribution to our products".

Airbus C295

    The C295 is closely associated with the Spanish-Indonesian co-developed CN235 aircraft for its roots lay with the aircraft. Airbus started out by modifying the basic designs of CN235, with plans to enhance the lift capability of the CN235, Airbus stretched the fuselage considerably and this saw the birth of C295 with a 50% increased lift capability. The CN235 was powered by two GE CT7 series engines, with weight added up to the aircraft, the CT7 failed to power the aircraft. Airbus soon zeroed in on the PW 127 series engine to power the aircraft. The aircraft has a wing span of 84 ft and is 80 ft in length. C295 witnessed its maiden flight in late 1998.

     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 aircraft is also fitted with a pressurized cabin which can house up to 70 passengers and can attain a cruising altitude of 30000 feet. 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 center of the battle field.

  The aircraft is designed with a pressurized 41 feet long cabin which can accommodate up to 70 personnel and the cargo hold employs the state-of-the art pallet system. The cabin has dedicated pallet systems which can carry up to five pallets measuring nearly 88 X 108 In and can carry cargo weighing up to 4,536 Kilos on one pallet. 

     To facilitate easier movement of the cargo from the hold the aircraft is provided with a rear ramp door, through which the cargo can be off-loaded efficiently. Provided with the STOL the aircraft can take off and land from any unsurfaced/unprepared airstrip and this will help the forces a long way since the aircraft can land supplies or evacuate causalities right from the center of the battlefield. The aircraft requires a minimum of 2200 ft of runaway to takeoff under normal operating conditions and will need around 1050 ft of runway for a safe landing. The aircraft provides 1300 km of operational range at maximum load and with minimal load the aircraft provides a range of up to 5000 km.

    The aircraft can perform airdrop of paratroopers and supplies for which the aircraft is equipped with an 88 in wide platform which employs a Container Delivery System (CDS). 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 be turned out to Casevac missions in very little time where the aircraft will accommodate stretchers and basic medical equipment but performing a Medevac mission requires more complex turnovers where the aircraft will have to accommodate stretchers, advanced medical equipment's and also support and specialized teams. 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.

     The avionics package of the aircraft is robust and carries forward most of the systems from its predecessor the CN235. Most of these systems have received upgrades over time and form a versatile avionics function for an aircraft like C295, the systems are basic and the operational cost of these systems is minimal. Thales avionics provided the rest of the avionics package. Highly Integrated Avionics System (HIAS), an advanced integrated avionics system based on the Thales Topdeck avionics suite. The C295 glass cockpit with digital avionics includes four large active matrix liquid crystal displays.

     The main stay radar of the aircraft will be the AN/APN241 radar which comes with a high resolution SAR mapping mode. The main update the C295 received was the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) which will enhance the patrol and surveillance to a great extent. Equipped with FITS the aircraft can perform an array of missions be it anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare or SAR operations the FITS will enable the crew to work more efficiently using its automated control features.

     FITS is a system entirely developed by Airbus, an on-board suite of networked computers and displays provides the crew with the required information in a processed manner which allows the crew to work efficiently. The aircraft comes with Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) and Laser Warning System (LWS), and chaff/flares dispensers. The aircraft will be equipped with an integrated electronic warfare suite, which includes a Bharat Electronics radar warning receiver and missile approach warning system and Bharat Dynamics countermeasure dispensing system.

Editor Karthik Kakoor

DAC Meet Feb 2015

DAC Meet Feb 2015

The Indian Airforce Pilatus PC 7 MK II

       With the new government taking over the ruins right from the start has shown renewed interest in bolstering the nations security. The government has also realized if India needs to keep its boat sailing with China always playing in its backyard the answer lies in bolstering the armed forces. Strengthening the armed forces is surely going to go long way in being deterrence against any attacks against India. With the situation demanding newer and newer technology with every passing day the government has focused towards the international market to work with the Indian based companies to help manufacture mean machines. 

      The DAC, set up in 2001 as part of the post-Kargil reforms in defence sector, approves the long-term integrated perspective plan for the forces, accords acceptance of necessity (AON) to begin acquisition proposals, and has to grant its approval to all major deals through all their important phases.It also has the power to approve any deviations in an acquisition, and recommends all big purchases for approval of the Cabinet committee on security. the Defence minister heading the council assisted by the MoS for Defence , Chief of Staff’s , Defence secretaries and the chief of ISC.

       The DAC was chaired by Minister of defence Manohar Parrikar today in Delhi. The major decision taken today would be to procure MCMV from South Korea. The DAC has made a total turn around. The last DAC meet had deferred this procurement sighting the role of Korean suppliers in dealing with third parties to secure the deal. The decision also involves to procure C 130J, Pilatus PC 7.

Lockheed Martin C 130 J

         The first major clearance given by DAC was for orders to be placed for C 130 J Super Hercules aircraft by the Lockheed Martin. Though the order is not of huge numbers it significantly boosts the capabilities of the IAF. IAF has used the C 130 J for special forces support and with a C 130 J meeting a very unfortunate crash last year the numbers had dwindled last year. DAC has now cleared for acquiring a single C130 J Super Hercules aircraft. This would now fill the void which was created after the last year’s crash. The order is worth around INR 500 crores .     

Pilatus PC 7 

Having an array of training aircrafts for imparting the basic skills of flying a jet is the common practice throughout the world. Usually countries maintain an array of trainers classified as Basic Trainer Jets, Intermediate Trainer jet and Advanced Trainer Jets. But IAF has followed a completely different pattern for years. IAF has with recent acquisition of the AJT in form of HAWK can boost of a very advanced training course. But the problem lies deep down, IAF has very few numbers of Basic Trainer and negligible number of Intermediate Trainer Jets. To fill the void of the Intermediate Jets HAL is now trying to field the HJT 36 Sitara. But the factor of placing a Basic Trainer Jet has been a long unsolved problem. With repeated request and clearance received for Pilatus PC 7 the DAC has given a nod for the acquisition. Pilatus PC-7 is manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft, Switzerland. the Indian Air Force has selected the Pilatus PC-7 MkII trainer. An initial order of 75 was made to Pilatus Aircraft. The contract was formally signed on 24 May 2012 between the Ministry of Defence, India and the Pilatus Aircraft. With the Air force pushing for these jets the DAC for procuring BTJ the DAC has now given its consent to the deal. IAF currently operates about 60 Pilatus PC 7 which were manufactured by Pilatus. HAL has also made ground breaks in developing a BJT for IAF also in plans to develop such BJT for IAF. Instead of the requested 175 aircrafts the DAC has now cleared a purchase of only 38 Pilatus PC7’s and this may forge ways to soon see a HAL manufactured Basic Jet Trainer HTT 40 being inducted into IAF.

Minesweeper for Navy 

INS Aleppy a Pondicherry Class Minesweeper

       The Indian navy had requested for a number of projects. Ranging from Submarines to Air craft carriers. But the urgent need was felt much lighter vessels which were extremely important. The Minesweeping and Mine lying vessels had taken high priority and the DAC has given its final go-ahead for the program.

       By the end of last year he “ Defence Ministry” scrapped the tender raised to induct about 8 MCMV to the force. The tender to acquire two minesweepers from Kangam South Korea was scrapped sighting involvement of foreign interests. But dwindled numbers has now forced DAC to clear the deal and then further the MCMV. The Indian navy even now operates Pondicherry class MCMC. The government has now signed the deal for acquiring about 8 MCMV’s. 2 from imported directly from South Korea. While 6 other would be built in GSL under ToT. With the Kangam facing alleged bribes prompted the Ministry to cancel the order for the MCMV from South Korea. The Mine counter vessels are of tremendous help to the navy. These vessels are going to be of lot of help for the navy. These MCMV’s ensure the path of Ships is having no mines laid out in their path. Which will prevent the Ships being hit by Mines. The Indian Navy alarmed about the aging Counter mine vessel had stressed upon the deal. DAC has now cleared about $5 billions, 12 MCMV’s have been cleared by the DAC.

   Sources close to the Ministry have for now the US 2i deal with Japan on hold. The US 2i is a SAR Amphibious Aircraft. The ToT was requested and the DAC is waiting for additional information from the maker Shinmaywa.

     The Avro Replacement program which was recently signed between Russia and India has found no mention in the current meet.

 Editor Karthik Kakoor