How Meteor boosts Fighter jets performance in aerial Combat

How Meteor boosts Fighter jets performance in aerial Combat

There is many long range air to air missiles available in the market, yet the Meteor is the known best missile in the air combat. The main reason is not only the long range, but its modern guidance systems and data links makes Meteor is the most successful missile in the modern aviation history. Nations like US and Russia also had long range missile, however they were lags behind meteor's performance.

The famous aviation blogger hushkit shortlisted Gripen as second in the top ten list of worlds best BVR fighters, as many surprised the entry of Gripen in second place right after the Raptor. As the title already suggested it's Top 10 BVR fighter. The Gripen comes second because of its meteor missile. Gripen is the single engine medium weight aircraft, developed to perform multi role missions.

So far Sweden supplied Gripen to many nations, due to it's low cost, higher sortie rate and low operating cost. In India it was rejected due to many reason, which include single engine and not good enough characteristic for air to ground strike mission. Gripen is the only aircraft who gets the Meteor missile in full configuration as of now, which include mid course update using the data link and active seeker usage in terminal phase.

Meteor missile is the 300km long range missile, can autonomously find and kill the target in long range, allows the launch platform safe to exit from the threat zone. This makes the enemy platform had no idea about the origin of the launch platform.

All the modern European fighters soon to be equipped with the Meteor missile, makes the European fighters can dominate the future battle with the Meteor missile. Typhoon and Rafale is in final phase of meteor integration. Once they too get the missile as operational status. Rafale comes in second place with the RBE 2 AESA Radar, along with the Low Radar cross section and the Spectra EW.

The Above said combination changes entire battlefield, The Rafale saw the target first, use the LPI radar to track the target, guide the Meteor till the terminal phase, and fall back to the safe zone. This makes the enemy has no idea who is coming, who is hitting,and how to escape.

Modern missiles are more smart, There is no fault reported in recent days, As many nations used to bring down the UAV's and the recent Su 24 shot down using the Turkey F 16 armed with AIM 120. The verbal word dog fighting almost end, after the active guided missiles entered the in the battles. Means the maneuverability of the fighter aircraft becomes useless in these days.

The US uses the AIM 120 D whose range is about some 160 kilometers, AIM 120D also had similar capabilities like the Meteor. However it's just some 160 km range. The AIM 120 D is operational in few air forces like RAF, IDF and UK Air force. while it's predecessor is used by many countries which include Pakistan.  Hushkit gives first rank to Raptor, Since it had stealth characteristics and LPI Radar. which makes very difficult to lock the Raptor by enemy fighter jets. AIM 120 D is the main weapon of Raptor.

The Russian had a long range active air to air missile, called R 33, it uses a combination of semi-active radar homing for initial acquisition and mid-course updates, and inertial navigation to reach the target at extreme range. The Zaslon phased array radar of MiG-31 allows four missiles to be guided simultaneously at separate targets. However compared to the meteor's  mid course update and active radar homing characteristics, the R 33 short in legs. Russians is developing a new generation air to air missile based on the R 33 called as R 37, having characteristics like Meteor, however longer range and speed.

In India the MKI uses the R 77 BVR missile as main weapon, The MKI radar is long range detection capability, however the missile range capped at some 80 kilometers. IAF also uses the R 27 missile for long range, that's some 120 kilometer. India once asked the MBDA, about the possibility of adding the meteor missile in the MKI. However the status is unknown, mostly the plan was withdrawn.

Japan is going to be emerged as a world's best missile operator once they made the JNAAM with the support from MBDA and Mitsubishi, the missile gets Japanese modern seeker and MBDA's modern missile technologies. Once the missile ready Japan and UK among the two nations who operates the modern long range missile.

India will get the Meteor with the Rafale package and R 37 with the PAK FA package.  

Once again Gripen, now the Electronic attack variant

Once again Gripen, now the Electronic Attack variant

    It's the IAF's wish to acquire a fleet of electronic attack jet similar to the American Growler. Since ages the IAF keep trying to insists the ministry to acquire a fleet of such electronic attack variants. So far  US and the Australians are the one who operates such dedicated jamming fleet, and now Chinese modifying the JH 7 for such duties and Russians also started working on the Su 34 by converting into Jamming aircraft. The Brazil is another country who makes contract with Swedish company for possible electronic attack variant based on the Gripen NG platform.

    The Gripen also proposed the IAF officials to jointly produce the EA variant of Gripen NG along with Brazil and Sweden. The IAF yet to respond the offer, Since the Gripen has not capable to combat in much longer missions, since it comes with single engine and smaller in size, compared to  other fighter jets in it's variant.

    SAAB's aeronautics executive vice president  Sindahl said in a interview " If you look into future combat scenarios, if you have a high-end air force with a broad threat situation, something like a ‘Growler Gripen’ would make a real difference,That‘s what we’re looking into, and that’s why it’s so good to have Brazil on board with the F-model ".

    The future combat air battle involves much complex condition include denial of modern combat system in the fighter jets by using dedicated jammers to disrupt the frequencies. US is the master in such technologies using such jamming planes since decades. By checking their combat loses in air warfare is very minimal compared to other air forces. And they almost capable to shoot down any hostile aircraft with the powerful support jets before the enemy found the presence of foreign aircraft's. Even in the F 117 shoot down in Serbia, the US post mission brief reported that the lack of support system like EA 6B prowler's absence makes the SA 125 successfully intercept the F 117. Interestingly later days almost all US offensive combat fleet comes with dedicated electronic jamming jets.

    In the Iraqi invasions US flown as much as 100,000 sorties over the Iraqi air space. That time Iraq has much better air force and surface to air missile batteries. In that combat US lost only 44 fighter jets in combat missions, and another 40 in Accidents. The EF 111 Raven is used to provide electronic support to the collation aircraft and there is no Coalition aircraft were lost to a radar-guided missile during Desert Storm while an EF-111 Raven was on station. EF 111 Raven later replaced by the EA 6B prowler, then the same was replaced by the EA 18G growler.

     The US uses the long range twin engine fighter jets for such missions. The same goes for China and Russia too. The JH 7 is a twin engine long range heavy fighter and the same goes to Su 34, which is  also a long range low flying heavy fighter. The IAF must choose either the Su 34 based EA or the Growler. unlike the Gripen which comes in shorter range and not capable for long range stand off Jamming support.

Su 34 with center line and wingtip jammers

    For jamming each jamming pods requires much power to generate high frequency radio waves, which require high energy means more fuel. The Growler comes with five dedicated AN ALQ 99 pods, which needs high power to emit much powerful radiation to jam ground based radars and airborne radar guided missiles. The emitting power should be greater than the enemy missiles electronic guidance for successful jamming. Those jamming pods in the EA 18 G produce more than 60 kW of energy in all bands in desired speed and altitude for successful jamming.

     Self protection jamming pods like SAP 315 in Sukhoi's can provide jamming support to own fighter jets and will not support other or friendly forces nearby. The Russian KRET who producing SAP jammer's are to be fitted in the center line or wingtips of the Su 34 and other Flanker variants for self protection to fight and operate inside the communication denied air spaces.  They comes with the idea of converting a Su 34 by adding multiple SAP pods for dedicated stand off jamming capability for safe operations and provide jamming support to the friendly jets for operating under a safe umbrella . It may be available for exports too and it's a good choice of choosing the Su 34 for IAF's dedicated jammer fleet.

Krakusha EW system

  Another one is the ground based Jammer systems. The same KRET who manufactured SAP jamming pods also manufactures ground based jammers for communication and signal denial. They almost completed a bigger sized jamming antenna's in occupied Crimea to stop NATO aircraft's misadventures in future conflict. Another mobile jammer is the Krasukha EW system comes in a 4x4 wheel for battlefield jamming. The Russians already deployed the systems in Syrian Latakia base to stop any foreign fighters air space activities. Comparison between the airborne jamming and ground based jamming is, one is offensive and another is defensive.

    However Indian Air force uses the self protection jammers only for self defense. It comprises Israeli and french EW pods for Su 30 and Mirage fleet's respectively. And there is no ground based or air borne based dedicated stand off jamming systems, except those AEWCS systems. which can also works like a Jammer. It's high time that Ministry should clear the IAF proposal of buying such dedicated Jamming fleet.

India Sweden Renew Ties

 India Sweden Renew Ties  ! On the path to co-develop highly capable fighter jets. 

   

   In the process of delivering its promise of a resurgent India the NDA government has taken a stand to boost its bilateral ties with countries which will be a boost to its economy and infrastructure. Several high level visits have been made by Indian delegates to boost the ties and develop the country mainly through co-developing advanced technologies. The latest in the list to have shown interest is Sweden, over the course of a month the country has exchanged warm ties. 

    The honorable President of Republic of India Pranab Mukharjee visited Sweden last week signaling India’s newer approach to the country. The diplomatic ties between the countries were in troubled waters when Sweden raised its objection to extraditing Sweden nationals in the Puralia drop case. 

The President during his visit signed several MOU which will boost the ties between the counties in the field of education, bilateral trade, economics, infrastructure and defense. Sweden extending its support to India by sending its Defense minister Peter Hultqvist who has concluded several important deals after meeting his counterpart Manohar Parrikar. 

   The military ties between the countries dates back to the era when India acquired the Bofor guns. The deal even though then proved to be a major boost to the army returned to haunt the armed forces with several scandals emerging.

Sweden and Indian companies have been in agreement to supply India with state-of-the art sensor suites. Sweden’s SAAB has been a forerunner in the lucrative Indian defense market. SAAB had fielded its Gripen NG for the ambitious MMRCA deal but lost out in the initial phase of testing. SAAB has also participated in the MANPAD tender for which a winner is yet to be announced by the Ministry of Defence, India.

    The visiting Defense Minister of Sweden has confirmed that India was offered the Gripen as a replacement for the aging MiG-21 fleet. The home grown Tejas project has evolved overtime and will soon be materialized. The Tejas team is in a race to acquire FOC certificates and once done the jet may soon operate from FOB’s of IAF. 

  

  But with the active fighter squadron dipping at an alarming rate the operational capability of IAF has suffered greatly. Realizing this NDA government went for a G-G deal with the Dassault to supply 36 Rafale to India. Sweden is wishing the same agreement can be reflected in regard to their SAAB developed Gripen NG.

India is strongly stressing for strengthening the prospective India defense industry, ‘Make in India’ has been key feature for setting up a dynamic platform for the interested foreign firms. The government has also cleared the FDI for defense to be increased from 26% to 49% and has also made the procurement process more flexible. 

    Aerospace development has been a field Indian firms have failed to master, SAAB has shown interest to work with India to jointly develop a more lethal LCA platform. If conceived the nations can be working at making the under development Tejas MKII more lethal. IAF has for long been pitching for a more capable Tejas variant, even though the Tejas MK-I is one of the most advanced jets in India lacks in several key fields. IAF has really not been impressed by the performance but still believes is the best platform given its budgetary issues.

    With the Indian firms failing to master the technological hurdles faced in the designing of fighter jets any assistance is a welcome move. America has already entered into an agreement with India to help it improve an advanced jet. America will also be assisting India in developing the hot engines.

   

  

    The home grown Kaveri program failed to provide a reliable engine to the LCA program. The LCA program is now powered by the GE supplied F-404 engines. Several key technologies for the Tejas MK-II are to be finalized, America has already shown its interest in helping India develop the GE F-414. SAAB may also help India overcome these hurdles by providing advanced technologies which will enable India develop a more lethal aircraft.

     Notably the visiting Defense Minister also toured HAL’s primer facility in Bangalore. HAL, Bangalore is the hot bed for any developmental activities in the Tejas and other jet programs. During the visit the minister was given a glimpse of the home grown attack helicopters, 

    ALH Rudra and LCH, the defense system of these helicopters are designed by SAAB. With the minister touring the homeland of Tejas a deal for co-development is most likely but with SAAB strongly suffering in attracting foreign costumers for the Gripen it has to be seen how the program will evolve in the future. 


Editor - Karthik Kakoor

SAAB pushes Gripen for IAF Light Aircraft Platform

SAAB pushes Gripen for IAF Light Aircraft Platform

Shortage of fighter aircraft has been one of the long standing problems for IAF. The active fighter squadron have hit a record low, IAF is now just operating 34 squadrons against the sanctioned 44 squadrons which is considered the minimum operational strength. More and more squadrons will be retiring in the coming years, IAF plans to retire the aging MiG-21 and MiG-21 Bisons by 2017. IAF for long has been looking out for capable platforms to replace the aging MiG-21’s.

India came up with the ambitious LCA project under which India would operate home grown light attack fighter jet. To fill in the gap between the light fighters and the multi-role heavier air superiority jets, India drew up the MMRCA deal. These deals failed to bring any respite to IAF, the LCA project is lagging behind years but may soon be operated under IAF banner, on the other hand the MMRCA deal never finalized and is believed to be dead now.

   But the IAF did receive a good news with the Modi led NDA government going for a G-G deal with France to supply 36 Dassault Rafale fighter jets off the shelve to India. This has come as a respite to the IAF which has been raising alarms owing to the dipping jet numbers.

The threat levels reached new heights with various think tanks raising concerns and reporting that the IAF had lost its superiority to the PAF which now operates some of the most advanced jets.  The new NDA government has been stressing on improving the nation’s security through fastened procurement and modernizing the forces.

     The replacement program for the MiG-21’s is running behind years, the IAF is now looking at other options. India recently signed an agreement with the American’s to co-develop hot engines based on the GE engines which are powering the Tejas. This will be an major boost to the program. With the Defence industry being opened up under the FDI scheme various leading foreign companies has come forward to offer India they’re priced products. The newest in the line is the Sweden based Saab which is approaching India with their Gripen NG to replace the MiG’s. 

    The Saab had fielded the same Gripen for the MMRCA tender. After a detailed technical and operational review India had selected Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon, among which the Rafale won the tender. The visiting Swedish Defence minister Peter Hultqvist will be offering India with an deal to procure these advanced jets. DRDO has sought the help of Saab in developing Tejas MK-II, a deal for co-development of a new fighter platform may also be option the government will opt for.   

     A single Gripen in fly away condition will be around $70 million as against the more costlier Dassault Rafale which costs somewhere around $108 million. But the Gripen had failed early in the tests IAF had conducted during the MMRCA deal, but faced with a depleting force IAF may still the Gripen as stop-gap measure until the more advanced Tejas MK-II will be rolled out by HAL.  

      IAF currently operates jets based mainly on Russian technologies, the Su-30 is the foremost aircraft of the IAF. IAF also operates MiG 29, MiG 27 and MiG 21 which will soon be retired. India also operates the advanced Dassault Mirage-2000 and the Britain manufactures Jaguar. India is now stressing on multi-role aircraft rather than operating various single mission oriented aircraft, this will help IAF save the operational costs. 

    The MMRCA deal set the tone for India’s western platform procurement as India set aside the Russian fielded MiG-35 in the very first rounds of testing. The operational costs run up to cores and with India facing a strong cut down in its defence expenditure it is extremely demanding of the IAF to operate single mission oriented aircraft. The Mirage 2000TI is one of the first multi-role aircraft to be operated by the IAF. The Mirage service availability is well above 80%.  With the LCA project running years behind schedule an replacement deal for the IAF is the need of the hour. 

   IAF  has constant issues with the operational capabilities of the aircraft but HAL has promised of refine the product. HAL has already started the designing of the Tejas MK-II which will be developed around the GE F-414 engine. The aircraft will be more capable and the powerful engine will be clubbed with advanced Avionics and stealth capability which will effectively classify the jet as a 4.5 generation jet. 

    The Tejas MK-I plans has also been delayed for almost a decade. But developing a fighter jet is something that can’t be mastered in a year or two. The F-22 Raptor project of the USAG evolved after almost 3 decades of dedicated R&D phases. Even though being developed in India, Tejas has been possible only because of foreign nation products. The main component of the project was acquiring a suitable engine which could be powerful at the same time highly efficient.

      The program had stalled with the DRDO developed Kaveri engines failing to prove their capability. DRDO and HAL then started looking out to foreign nations which were open to provide India with a engine that could perform well in the Indian conditions. Finally India selected GE developed F-404 for powering the jets. Several key avionics and the weapons package were procured from other nations. The procurement process ran into troubled waters with several delays. 

India a closes ally of Russia, who forces India to buy anything they designed, it's started since from the independence, Russia is not good for developing Multi role fighters,  they use huge models of Aircrafts for Missions, for Air combat they use Flankers, Fulcrums and Foxbat's , for Maritime attack they use Fencer, Blinder, for Ground Strike they use Badger and Frogfoot, for long range bombing they use the newest Fullbacks. But interesting IAF also went for the same for Air combat Fulcrum and Flankers, ground strike Badger, for deep strike Jaguar, something like other missions too. 

    IAF learned a lesson of Fighting with Pakistan need not only a good Air superiority fighter also need some good ground attack platform can also switches it's mission into Air combat roles too. in Kargil the IAF fighters all sitting in ducks due to no intrudes from PAF. but large number of Paki troops intruded, forced the IAF to carryout Ground strike role,  the MiG 27 and 23 is just a bomber they can't carry guided munitions, just amount unguided munitions, which makes no sense but billing the IAF in huge amount. 

But Multi role platform Mirage 2000 and Deep Striker Jaguar comes to the rescue and told the IAF to re think their strategy,

   Most of the western air forces operates one or two kind of Fighters for Better use, mostly a Multi role plus a Ground attack or Light Aircraft for recon mission. Just like the French using thier Mirages and Rafale for missions, both are good platforms and good multi roles.

   If Airforce have multiple variants they need multiple contracts, equipments, service engineers, Trainings, Spare parts, Missiles, ground supports, data links more and more, which makes huge money and problems in the inventory. also makes Half of the fleet siting in the Hangers and waiting for spares and maintenance  experts, 

    That's why IAF should look for reduced variants of  fighters, They can go for Su 30 as Air superiority, Rafale and Mirage for Multirole and Tejas series for Light combat missions, accelerate Future projects like AMCA and FGFA, Which makes IAF strict with five to six platforms with complete support within India, 

  The Su 30, FGFA, AMCA and Tejas is developed in India, we can make huge stockpiles of spare parts and Missiles for those Aircrafts, since all those made in India we have no problem in Technical expertise, where HAL easily can handle the issues very easily since HAL is the manufacturer. But again inducting fighters like F 18, F 35, Gripen, Rafale, MiG 35, Su 35, makes huge problems and service availability, also costs the IAF too much. So IAF sticks with Su 30, Rafale and Tejas variants, no need of More foreign aircraft.

Editor Karthik Kakoor 

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  

Suitable LCA Replacement of Mig 21

Suitable LCA Replacement of Mig 21

The Israeli Kfir modded from French Mirage

       India has already come forward with new improved designs under the LCA project and has cherished it as the Tejas MK II which have enhanced designs and technologies making the Tejas more reliable. 

   MK II will be fitted with the Cobham IFR probe and Israeli AESA , and will have a enhanced wing design providing a better degree of  maneuverability. Even though the Tejas is said to be a reliable product it lacks the punch the IAF has demanded and can compromise the scope of operations the pilots can perform. 

     The MKII with all the enhancements promise to provide a very reliable aircraft but with the LCA Tejas itself to be inducted to the force the MKII is a long distant project. The security of the force is something that can’t be compromised and has to be looked after under any circumstances.

     With the MK II being a distant it is crucial other options are looked at and with the flying squadrons depleting drastically it is time an option is floated at the earliest. Any more projects on HAL will compromise the work on both the MKII and any project added to them. Bu what the government can look at is an joint venture with a leading Aerospace partner who can take the cumbersome work but yet provide a reliable platform for Indian companies to develop on. 

        The Swedish Saab is a leading aerospace community that has provided very reliable aircraft's to leading forces across the globe but the relationships with Saab and Indian forces is good, but  setting up a reliable work station itself will take a long time. 

   Israeli IAI has been a leading aerospace partner for India and has helped India develop platforms, avionics, missile systems, propulsion systems and the list goes on every project executed by the Indian side has had the participation of the Israeli aerospace industry. Israeli products have been cost effective and have saved time and works for the Indian side. 

   With just $50 Million being shunted out for a single aircraft the development is strongly compromised. To make costs for this the product developed in JV can be exported to countries which not only serve economically but also go a long way in the diplomatic channels. The Latin American countries and various other African countries are now investing heavily in acquiring modern technologies to their forces.

JV with Israel

       Israel operates F 16, F 15 and the stealth enabled F 35 is currently in the pipeline and will operate them by the end of this decade. Israel operates no light fighter but building a light fighter with the technology they poses is extremely easy and can fill the treasury of Israel. Israel already has completed several export orders under the Kfir program and the countries are operating successfully.

     If at all India starts a JV with Israel, India will have no worries in the field of providing avionics and latest technologies to the aircraft. India will still have to develop a power packed engine or again this can also be exported form a foreign firm. With the help of Israel India can then manufacture aircrafts easily back home with all the technology. 

     The Israeli's might need one or two squadrons of these jets, and we India can manufacture some ten to fifteen squadrons and another few more squadrons can be developed for export.

      If India starts with the negotiations and paper work the actual contract materialize by early next year and the prototype can be expected anytime by 2019 and the first operational squadron can be expected by 2023 by time which HAL will e ready to start with the MK II development program.

      By 2025, stealth would be seen in almost all advanced countries but not all countries will be able to operate a stealth enabled aircraft. Faced with internal threats African and Latin American countries need reliable light fighters and the export option will always be viable for the program. 

Sixty UAE Mirage 2000-5 is also an option

The Textron Scorpion cost effective  Light Ground Attack only 

Editor Karthik Kakoor