Happy Birthday to Marshal of Indian Air force Arjan Singh

Happy Birthday to Marshal of Indian Air force Arjan Singh

Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh DFC will turn Ninety Seven on15 April 2016. The Indian Air Force has planned a grand function at Akash Officers’ Mess, New Delhi on 14 April 16 to celebrate the occasion. A large number of dignitaries will be in attendance which will include the former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh and the three Service Chiefs among others.

The Marshal has strongly believed in four simple principles throughout his life. Firstly, one should be thorough in his profession; secondly, one should complete the job at hand to the satisfaction of everyone; thirdly, one must have implicit faith in his subordinates; and fourthly, ones efforts should be honest and sincere. He feels that if one adheres to these four principles, one can never go wrong.

The IAF salutes the Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, an iconic figure and wishes him all the best and grateful to him for guiding and inspiring through the years.

The Marshal of the Air Force was the first Indian Air Chief to lead a young Indian Air Force into war. He was Chief of the Air Staff when the IAF saw action in 1965. He was hardly 44 years of age when entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Indian Air Force.

The Marshal was born on 15 April 1919, in Lyalpur (now Faislabad, Pakistan), and completed his education at Montgomery (now Sahiwal, Pakistan). At the age of 19, he was selected to the Empire Pilot training course at RAF Cranwell. His first assignment on being commissioned was to fly Westland Wapiti biplanes in the North-Western Frontier Province as a member of the No.1 RIAF Squadron. After a brief stint with the newly formed No. 2 RIAF Squadron where the Marshal flew against the tribal forces, he later moved back to No.1 Sqn as a Flying Officer to fly the Hawker Hurricane. 

He was promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader in 1944. The Marshal led the Squadron against the Japanese during the Arakan Campaign, flying Close Air Support missions during the crucial Imphal Campaign and later assisting the advance of the Allied Forces to Rangoon. For his role in successfully leading the Squadron in combat, the Marshal was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in 1944. On 15 August 1947, he achieved the unique honour of leading a fly-past of over a hundred IAF aircraft in Delhi, over the Red Fort.

After his promotion to the rank of Wing Commander, he attended the Royal Staff College at UK. Immediately after Indian independence, he commanded Ambala in the rank of Group Captain. In 1949, he was promoted to the rank of Air Commodore and took over as Air Officer Commanding of an operational command, which later came to be known as Western Air Command. Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, had the distinction of having the longest tenure as the AOC of an Operational base, initially from 1949-1952 and then again from 1957-1961. 

After his promotion to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, he was appointed as the AOC-in-C of an Operational Command. Towards the end of the 1962 war, he was appointed as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff and he became the Vice Chief of the Air Staff in 1963. He was the overall commander of the joint air training exercise "Shiksha" held between the IAF, RAF and RAAF.

On 01 August 1964, in the rank of Air Marshal, the Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh took reins of the IAF, at a time when it was still rebuilding itself and was gearing up to meet new challenges. The Marshal was the first Air Chief to keep his flying currency till his CAS rank. Having flown over 60 different types of aircraft from Pre-WW-II era biplanes to the more contemporary, Gnats & Vampires, he has also flown in transport aircraft like the Super Constellation.

In 1965, when Pakistan launched its Operation Grand Slam, with an armoured thrust targeted at the vital town of Akhnur, the Marshal led the Indian Air Force through the war with courage, determination and professional skill. He inspired the IAF to victory, despite the constraints imposed on the full-scale use of the Air Force combat power. Then Defence Minister YB Chavan wrote about him, “Air Marshal Arjan Singh is a jewel of a person, quiet efficient and firm; unexcitable but a very able leader.”

The Marshal was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his astute leadership of the Air Force during the war. Subsequently in recognition of the Air Force's contribution during the war, the rank of the CAS was upgraded and Arjan Singh became the first Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force. He remained a flyer to the end of his tenure in the IAF, visiting forward Bases & units and flying with the Squadrons. 

He retired in August 1969, thereupon accepting Ambassadorship to Switzerland. He was Lieutenant Governor of New Delhi from Dec 1989 to Dec 1990. Having been a source of inspiration to all personnel of the Armed Forces through the years, the Government of India conferred the rank of the Marshal of the Air Force upon Arjan Singh in January 2002 making him the first and the only 'Five Star' rank officer with the Indian Air Force.

- PIB

Reliance plans for a major push in Aerospace

Reliance plans for a major push in Aerospace

Reliance planning for a major push in Indian aerospace projects, which were currently in starting phase, the list included modified Tejas and AMCA. Reliance interests in aerospace sector which include MRO facilities, engine development, avionics and aircraft designing. Reliance looks not only the military sector, who also looks through the state government requirement for aviation facilities.

Reliance plans to invest more than $7 billions for the modified Tejas project. IAF plans to procure more than 120 such aircraft, where HAL already invested huge amount in the Tejas production line, to improve the production numbers upto 16 per year. However the need of light fighters requirement may cross over 300. where IAF plans to buy another batch of Tejas MK 2, the MK 2 program shelved due to budget and technology issues.

Reliance understand the vacuum of  Tejas Mark 2 fighters, and trying to get improved LCA production orders from Indian air force. who already established a state of art aerospace park in Mihan, where the infrastructures large enough to support commercial  transport planes too. The facility where Reliance already working on rotary wing supply chain.

AMCA is the another project, who is currently in the table. AMCA is the known flagship project of IAF, who approached DRDO and HAL for development and assembly. However the progress seems bit low, since PSU's need govt's money to fund the research and development. Unlike Private sector invest their own money for R&D. Reliance officials confirmed that they were ready to spend more than $15 billion in coming years.

AMCA is still on the design phase, it seems the first fighter in the world which is going to be developed to accommodate the engine for superior performance, since the overweight issue in Tejas yet to be addressed, India select the American General Electric F 414 engine, which is modified to deliver more thrust to suits Indian and US Navy's requirements.

Reliance is the only private player, who is keen in the multi billion dollar aerospace defense and maritime sector. Reliance is known group who is top in the Indian billionaire list. Other private companies like Mahindra, Ashok Leyland and TATA also interested in Indian aerospace, however their net worth is not even close to Reliance.

Reliance ambitious projects also include, rotary wings. Many Indian private firms and state governments looks for Helicopters for VIP transport. Reliance looks to satisfy the private need of rotary wings. Reliance also ready to supply, upkeep and maintain helicopters for private users. Reliance also plans to build range of helicopters in India. the good example is how Reliance get a chance to build more than 200 Ka 226 T helicopters for Indian requirements and export.

Reliance estimates, the ongoing naval utility program and upcoming light observation/reconnaissance/utility helicopters project value may go beyond $5 billions. Reliance currently in talks with the Bell and Airbus for possible partnership to make those helicopters in India, under the Make in India program.

The Reliance's path finding flow chart estimates clear look through about aerospace sectors, as first finding the requirement of armed forces, establishing capabilities to built in India, once reached, then looks for civil and state government markets, satisfying Indian needs then push towards export to foreign countries.

Currently Reliance has handful of projects and contracts in aerospace sector, who signed number of contracts with Russian firms like Rostec to build helicopters, and ROS aero systems to build Aerostats in India. During Def Expo they signed a agreement with Ukrainian Antonov to build the strategic and tactical military air lfiter in India

In India Reliance is the only private company who keen in bigger defense projects like aircraft and ship building, Reliance has good enough net income to run any projects on their own.

Chinese flankers deployed close to Indian border

Chinese flankers deployed close to Indian border

China increases it's military presence close to Indian border for the last couple years, which include new constructions, transport links and fighter aircraft facilities. The Indo China border almost covered by wide range of Chinese surveillance radars and fighter jets too, which can penetrate Indian air space very easily with the support of modern long range missiles such as S 400.

The Chinese air force is well equipped with modern combat aircraft's.having more than 1500 combat capable modern fourth generation fighter jets, which include more than 600 Flanker variants, who outnumbers entire Indian air force fighter numbers as of today. The heavy fighters supported by light fighter like J 10. and ground attack fighters like JH 7, who also act as a electronic attack fighter too. 

Military analysts confirms that China deployed nearly five to ten squadron of fighter jets in the Lhanzu and Chengdu military regions, who covers northern and western Indian borders, those two military regions act as Indian front, who can focus only about India, China recently restructured the Military commands by changing the small operational regions into military regions, who focus India, Taiwan and Pacific separately.

In the Lanzhou military region who is part of the western military district, covers entire Tibet plateau and India's northern frontier. PLAAF deployed two Flanker squadron, three JH 7 squadron and two   J 10 squadrons. these fighter jets can be thrown in a matter of time towards India. the well equipped military base can allow large number of sortie rates and keeps the service availability of the fighters always in maximum.

Both the Flanker and JH 7 is long range fighter attacker, who specially placed near Tibet to attack Indian forward positions near Kashmir and Uthrakand, even it can try to penetrate the Delhi's airspace too with the EW support from JH 7.

The Lanzhou military region also well supported by aerial refulers and advanced air borne control systems and SIGINT platforms, the Y 8 and An 30 placed in the region can give real time target information to the friendly fighter jets.

Those are all nothing when the H 6 comes as front runner, actually those H 6 bombers could not breach the Indian airspace, due to it's speed and design, even it's older design too. However China uses the H 6 as a missile carrier, by carrying more number of long range cruise missiles, even the newer H 6 E/F variants are remodeled to carry nuclear missiles. In  conventional warfare they too act as a good cruise missile carrier, which can confuse the IAF radars and fighters so much.

So far there is no clear information available about the HQ 9 air defense units in Lanzhou, However entire airspace can be shielded by variety of Soviet designed Chinese cloned air defense missiles and artillery's. who poses a tough challenges to Indian air force, if IAF planned to perform close air support to ground troops. Since Chinese main goal is to keep the IAF sit in the hanger, where PLA ground troops easily outnumber Indian troops along the border.

 Actual details about the Chengdu's military power is not available in open source, since many accused China make this route as favor for any offensive mission against India, who earn victory's in 1962. However satellite analysts reported the Chengdu almost as capable as the power of Lanzhou military region.

In what under new command both the Chengdu and Lanzhou military region comes under the Chinese western theater command, for quick response and focusing India as the main objective. On the other side India still trying to get good option to counter the Chinese deployment.  

US Repeating weapon supply to Pakistan from USA

US Repeating weapon supply to Pakistan

The Americans repeatedly supplying new weapons to the Pakistani's even after heavy pressure from the Indian side. The US president obliterating his expert committee's advice and US State congress advice to not supply more weapon packages to Pakistan. Pakistan is the known country who actively supporting terrorism in Indian Sub Continent.

It's clear from Indian side a good relationship with America only by stopping weapon supply to Pakistan, the country who repeatedly threatening India to an nuclear war, and sending military trained terrorists into India to carry out attacks all along the Line of control and Indo Pakistani border.

The new supply to the Pakistan from US is, nine additional number of modern AH 1Z viper attack helicopters and hand held thermal imagery devices for Pakistani army to improve the situational awareness. Pakistan also plans to start discussing about buying additional F 16 Blk 52 fighters too. These deals are all comes with US subsidiary.

India strongly condemns the US plan of selling F 16 fighter jets to Pakistan, even summoned the US ambassador to India. not only the F 16 fighter jets the US also supplying modern BVR missiles to them. Almost all Pakistani F 16's upgraded and capable to perform precision ground attack missions too.

The Pakistani's approached the French earlier to upgrade the Pakistani Mirage platforms to perform precision ground attack mission. The proposed deal worth of more than $1.6 billion which include Democles targeting pod and modification in the fighter aircraft. India strongly protested the proposed deal. which forced the French to drop the deal. Also French almost suspended almost all kind of military relationship with Pakistan.

India is closely working with the Americans with the interest of building closer military relationship to face the Chinese aggressive posture all along Indian border, from Kashmir to Andaman.  Indian and US military officials continuously visiting US and India respectively to conclude the military agreements like LSA, BECA and CISMOA. even working close on the DTTI program.

India expects a good relationship with the Americans, many of the US congress lawmakers and military leaders too. PACOM commander Adm Harris and US DoD secretary Ash Crater is known military brass who actively support Indian stand against both China and the rough regime Pakistan.

North Korea is the one who threatening the US forces in Korean continent and the American main land with nuclear weapons. The same Pakistan doing against India since decades. even more Pakistan sending military trained terrorists into India to destabilize the peace.

During the Gurdaspur attack, Indian intelligence recovered US made NVD devices from the attackers, which will be used by the Pakistani military or smuggled by Taliban from Afghanistan. India taken the issue to the US, who later redirected the FBI to investigate in the matter. also confirms the Pakistani government involvement in the Gurudaspur attack. same goes to the AFB Pathankot attack. US President Obama still not acknowledged the issue correctly and keep pushing more modern thermal equipment to Pakistan. 

The most pro Indian US military leader PACOM commander openly criticized the US government nod to sell F 16 to Pakistan, Adm Harris said F 16 deal with Pakistan will affects aspects on Indo US ties. Adm Harris also so active about the South China sea issue too. Reports emerged in Media that Adm Harris wants to confront China. White House says not so fast posted in Navy times which was later cleared by the PACOM that there is no such controversy between White house and PACOM.

By looking, Obama itself who supporting the Pakistan with few other democratic backing him. However no other Congressman or Republican want to supply weapons to Pakistan, the only terrorists regime in the Middle east who armed with Nuclear missiles.

Meanwhile one Pakistani analysts criticized Indian moves against the Fighter jet sale to Pakistan, saying India is singed a IGA with France for 36 modern Rafale's, and also looks to buy 200 plus 4++ gen fighter from USA. who saying some ten fighter jets and few attack helicopters can change the military stability of the region.

It's clear the Pakistan tries as much as they can to milk the Americans before the elections, that they know Republicans will not give any such weapons to Pakistan, Since Trump openly says I've a military plan for Pakistan. Trump known as pro Israeli and Pro Indian. 

Morals, threats and shared interests Indian/Israeli Air force

Morals, threats and shared interests Indian/Israeli Air force

Indian Air Force Commander, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, visited the IAF this past week as a part of the plan to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries. During his visit, he toured different IAF bases, one of the "Iron Dome" batteries and was exposed to the IAF's abilities and the threats the IAF faces. "This is a very important visit" said IAF Commander Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel. The Indian Air Force is a professional and centered force, and we are deepening our cooperation with them".

"The military cooperation with India is at the heart of our military interests", shared Lt. Col. Sigal Benglass, head of International Affairs Branch in the IAF. "India is a very significant country, its air force is large and it operates a variety of western and eastern platforms. This was a unique visit in Air Force terms in which we were able to present the regional and strategic situation, the different threats, and our assortment of simulators and training concepts with the Commander of the Indian Air Force". 

The Indian Military is one of the largest militaries in the world, with its air force being the fourth largest in size in the world. Its strategic status is also strengthening due to its amount of servicemen and women its technological development. "India is an important country in the East that the entire world looks to", explained Lt. Col. Tzviki, Deputy Military attaché in the IDF and Ministry of Defense Mission to India. "It has a large and developed air force, which operates many Israeli made cutting edge weapon systems also operated by the Israeli Air Force, a fact that creates a basis for cooperation".

Due to the tangent lines between the militaries, the importance of the cooperation between the Israeli and Indian Air Forces enhance, with the goal of promoting issues in multiple fields such as power building, operation concepts and a future work plan. "The options with India are tremendous and significant and we have to work step-by-step", stated Lt. Col. Benglass. "The Indian Air Force is different from us in how it flies, trains and qualifies its personnel, differences that are an advantage to us. Until now, we have discussed common platforms and we are interested in expanding said discussion.

 Additionally, there is a significant cooperation between the Ministries of Defense as well as major processes at the political level. The greatest milestone we are expecting this year is the exchange of combat aircrews between the two countries, an exercise that will take place for the first time in history and will constitute of a significant milestone and a sign of things to come".

Although it seems as if the two countries are basically different, and are positioned in different strategic areas, one could find many similarities between the two. India, just like Israel, faces a variety of security challenges such as fighting terror, dealing with threats alongside their borders and dealing with radical Islamism. "Our relations with India are may be young, but they're very deep", stated Lt. Col. Tzviki. "The two countries are democratic countries in complex areas. On the basis of common moral ground, interests and threats, a deep friendship began".

India also has a central role in the Middle East - Commander of United Nations Disengagement Observer Force that is located on the northern border of Israel, is Indian. "India has a central role in everything that takes place in the northern arena, a fact which has an influence and strategic importance for us", stated Lt. Col. Tzviki.

This was Air Chief Marshall Raha's first visit in Israel, who is also temporarily serving as Chief of General Staff. The visit is being held as a part of a process to strengthen and preserve the relationship between the official. The visit is a reciprocal visit as IAF commander, Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel, visited India last December. "Cooperation begins with people. It is built between commanders that delineate the path so that the intimate relationship that they build is used as a significant milestone in advancing towards a slow, true and consistent cooperation", added Lt. Col. Benglass.

The Indian Air Force Commander's visit is part of a series of visits the IAF is holding with officials from countries around the world. The mutual visits create personal connections and cooperation in fields such as power building, development processes and knowledge sharing. 

In addition, they give the IAF extended control in the aerial space close to Israel that is currently characterized with heavy movement of foreign aircraft, and gives legitimization to activity during and after war. "On the strategic level, the IAF is a part of significant cooperation and there has been great progress that can be attributed to many reasons such as the strategic situation and the spirit of the IAF Commander", concluded Lt. Col. Benglass.

From Sibat IAF

Ashley Again, IAF is in Crisis

Ashley Again, IAF is in Crisis

The famous think tank who behind the stronger military relationship between India and US, once again wrote a column focusing the Indian Air force's low number of operational fighters. He wrote this column with the proper inputs input ex IAF officials like AM Mathershwaran, and Indian Navy official like Adm Arun Prakash.

He comes with good points by showcasing how bad is the Indian air force, and what are the options left to revamp the modernization program. He not only blamed the low squadron number, he insisted the problematic force structure along with crippled acquisition and modernization programs. where rival forces Pakistan and China is in full swing to modernize their air inventory.

China and Pakistan field about 750 advanced air defense/multirole fighters against the IAF’s 450-odd equivalents. The airfield infrastructure limitations in Tibet, however, prevent China from bringing all of its air capabilities to bear against India. Yet after 2025, China could be able to deploy anywhere between 300 and 400 sophisticated air craft against India, in addition to the 100 to 200 advanced fighters likely to exist in Pakistan by then.

The IAF’s likelihood of reaching its 2027 goal with a high proportion of advanced fighters is poor. It is stymied by serious constraints on India’s defense budget, the impediments imposed by the acquisition process, the meager achievements of the country’s domestic development organizations, the weaknesses of the higher defense management system, and India’s inability to reconcile the need for self-sufficiency in defense production with the necessity of maintaining technological superiority over rivals.

All three tiers of the IAF are currently in trouble. The Tejas Mark 1 is handicapped by significant technological deficiencies; the prospects for expanding the MMRCA component to compensate for the Tejas’s shortcomings are unclear; and the IAF’s reluctance to proceed fully with the PAK-FA program could undermine its fifth generation fighter ambitions.

The IAF should revisit some aspects of its current approach. It should be cautious about expanding the Tejas acquisition beyond six squadrons and consider enlarging the MMRCA component with the cheapest fourth-generation-plus Western fighter available. India should also reassess the decision to develop the AMCA indigenously and avoid weakening the collaboration with Russia on the PAK-FA program.

India should expand its investments in advanced munitions, combat support aircraft, electronic warfare, physical infrastructure, and pilot proficiency all current strengths while being realistic about its domestic capacity to produce sophisticated combat air craft. Indian policymakers must especially guard against the temptation to prioritize indigenous design and manufacture over the imperative of providing the IAF’s able pilots with the best fighters available.

Like China, the IAF possesses various combat support platforms, but its airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) and its aerial refueling aircraft in particular are still too few in number to support effective air operations on a sustained basis around the Indian subcontinent. The IAF operates a small number of medium UAVs for tactical reconnaissance and maintains some armed drones, such as the Harpy, for the suppression of enemy air defenses.

When the number of aircraft actually operational on any given day is accounted for, the IAF’s numerical superiority over the PAF is less than two-to-one, way below the advantageous ratio necessary to underwrite the IAF’s obligations against both Pakistan and China and representing a considerable degradation in comparison to the 1980s, when the IAF enjoyed close to a three-to-one superiority over the PAF.

With all PAF F-16s likely to be eventually brought up to the Block 52 standard and equipped with the C5+ version of the potent AIM-120 A2A Missile, the force will have acquired a formidable BVR air combat capability.

If the PAF’s plans come to fruition with the acquisition of additional F-16s and new fifth generation
Chinese J-31s—something Islamabad is working frantically to procure—the Pakistani air arm could end up with a decent three-tier multirole force a decade or so from now. Based on discussions taking place between Pakistan and China and between Pakistan and the United States,

the PAF in the not-too-distant future could operate some 40 J-31 stealth fighters at the high-end; some 100 F-16s armed with among the best U.S. beyond visual- range air-to-air missiles and other advanced air-to-ground munitions, and possibly complemented by a smaller number of Chinese J-10s in the middle; and as many as 250 JF-17s at the low end.

Even the least capable fighter in this lineup, the JF-17, is an effective combatant: it is capable of all-weather operations against both air and surface targets, its aerodynamic performance compares favorably with that of the Indian Tejas, and the later units of its class will likely be armed with advanced Western sensors, weapons, and defensive systems.

The entire reports has lot of information's. and one can download the report from here 

Why IAF rejected MiG 35 Fulcrum F

Why IAF rejected MiG 35 Fulcrum F

Many in the social media claiming that the MiG 35 is the better low cost option to ramp up the number of fighter jets in Indian Air force, without knowing the actual reason behind why IAF didn't said any words about MiG 35. Russian fighters are good, but not suits for modern Indian requirements. The air fighting evolved since years that dog fighting replaced with long range BVR missiles.

During the initial days of MMRCA evaluation, IAF rejected American F 16 and Swedish Gripen as a reason of single engine. the first lesson for the contenders that IAF clearly looking the modern fighter should fight in the dense condition, even if the IR guided missiles burst the engine, the fighter need to be return to base without being crashed.

During evaluations, MiG 35 was forced out, without even tested by IAF in many conditions, This is recently declassified by the MiG CEO, which was published in IDRW .  This due to some reasons, one is during the evaluation trails two MiG 29's crashed in Russia, which forced all MiG 29 grounded. This issue also well addressed by live fist in early 2010. The detailed information explained by Shiv aroor and posted in Livefist .

The IAF's intentions is clear, that they don't want the MiG platforms so the Russian planes. This due to the IAF's serious discussion after the evolving ground threats and need of good close air support platform. Here many think dumb bombs can easily worked out. However this is not true, A fighter needs to be visually identifies the ground target before dropping bombs.

The Americans and the Western fighters doing this since decade after learning lessons in Gulf war. Pakistan and China has massive number of mobile platforms like Artillery's and Tanks. A good fighter with loads of LGB can only stop the enemy's offensive platforms.

The MiG or the Su 35 can't do this. Russians has different operating procedure, their main objective is defend the Russian air space from enemy fighters and provide air cover to the ground troops. The reason why Russia using so many Fighter jets and interceptors and operating very less number of ground attack jets like Frogfoots.

The Indian air force expanded it's capabilities from defensive mission into air offensive and close air support. Currently India has enough number of such fighter aircraft's. 300 of Su 30 MKI and another 60 MiG 29 UPG is enough for such mission. More over Indian air space is heavily guarded by long range missiles like Barak ( upcoming ) and Akash SAM systems. So the Indian air space is well protected by those layered defensive networks.

Those SAM's has highest availability rate and operating costs too very low, compared to a fighter jet. The Europeans are more smart in this field that they understand in the SAM theory, so they moved into multi role fighter jets and deploying more SAM systems.

The IAF is so happy with the usage of western fighter jets like Jaguar and Mirage 2000 and planned to keep those fighters upto 2030. those fighters are very good in precision bombing missions. they were upgraded and can provide close air support to the ground units in anytime, day night and any tough weather conditions.

Here too the Russian fighters do carry such precision guided munitions. But they were so costlier and they can't fly very low to drop those bombs. IAF can equip sixteen LGB's in a western platform with the cost of single MiG 29 or Su 30 MKI armed with one Kh 25 missile. hardly the Russians using the Missiles for precision strike and West uses bombs.

The Russians too tried GLONASS guided bombs, which is combat proven in Syrian civil war. However they were never comes closer to the western PGM's accuracy. PGM used to hit stationary targets, while LGB used to strike mobile targets. for both LGB and PGM, west uses Bombs, Russia uses Missiles for moving targets, and uses guided bombs for stationary targets. 

Lets assume a mission, a friendly forces operating with several armors and infantry units surrounded by large enemy column. The Infantry man calls for an close air support mission and the location also identified.  Fighter jets are usually very fast, they can cross some 400 kmph at minimum speed, The battle is encircled at some five square kilometers.

So the hard job for the Fighter jet is to identify the enemy targets, and escape from MANPAD threats. Usually two to eight fighter jets assigned to perform the task. So these fighter jets must be equipped with modern sensor suites to defeat the MANPAD threats and modern EO systems to identify the enemy targets in the grounds.

As one more the enemy targets are highly mobile, and they were close to the friendly units. One hard thing should be understand everyone, that our ground troops ill equipped to mark the enemy troops, the recent acquisition of multi purpose binoculars are the only option to laze the enemy target and directly feed into the fighter jets mission computer.

Once the identification acquired from the ground troops they cross check the info by checking their own. for that they need to be fly low and slow. Few fighter jets are performed this mission, like Tornodo, F 15, F 18 and the Rafale. Hardly no Russian jets can perform such mission. they hits many stationary objects in Syria, but no identities of mobile targets. US on the other side performed some good mission by destroying many mobile targets and convoy's.

India is not going to fight against militia or poorly equipped army's, India needs to fight against two modern army's even in tough terrain condition. So CAS will be achieved with modern multi purpose fighters like Rafale. not the air superiority fighters like MiG 29 or 35.

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on a Visit to the State of Israel

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on a Visit to the State of Israel

Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha is on a four day goodwill visit to the State of Israel. The visit is aimed at consolidating the existing robust bilateral military to military cooperation between India and Israel.

During his visit to Israel, the Air Chief is scheduled to call on the Israeli Defence Minister Mr Moshe Ya’alon. He would also meet Lieutenant General Gadi Eisenkot, Chief of the General Staff, Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Major General Amir Eshel, Commander of Israeli Air Force and Mr. Ophir Shoham, Director of the Ministry of Defense (MOD), Directorate for Research and Development MAFAT. The meetings would essentially focus on a wide range of bilateral issues pertaining to the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries.

During his visit to the various operational air bases, Air Chief Marshal Raha would also visit the Israeli Air Force, Flight School, at Hatzerim air base. He would also be updated on the progress of various defence projects being carried forward as joint ventures between the two countries.

The itinerary also includes a visit to `Yad Vashem', Israel's Memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, established in 1953 and a visit to the 'Memorial of Indian Soldiers' built in commemoration of sacrifice of the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I in the liberation of Haifa.

In recent years, there have been several close and high level contacts at the political and military levels between the two countries. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha’s visit to Israel would further boost bilateral relations between two Air Forces and is likely to provide greater convergence at the operational level.

- PIB

All time low, Air force struggles with low squadron

All time low, Air force struggles with low squadron

   Indian air force once again raises its concern of depleting squadron numbers and strength, expressing no steps taken to control the attrition. and yet they need to wait couple more years to induct new fighter jets. Since rival forces already massing up their fighter jets numbers. The air force also keens to buy newer fighter jets under the new DPP policy which will be unveiled by coming 28th March.

Reports circulated earlier that the air force officials shows concerns of the very low number of fighter jets in the air force. The air force has only twenty-two squadrons of fighter jets, which are combat capable. another eleven squadron fighters are not combat capable during war time. The older MiG 21 and MiG 27 comprises eleven squadrons in the existing operational 33 squadrons.

The air force has to maintain the same 22 squadrons till 2019. Which is 50% less than the sanctioned fighter jets to confront against both China and Pakistan simultaneously. The air force has not placed new orders so far. The ordered LCA comes in later 2019 only, which will form his first operational squadron. The proposed MMRCA yet to be signed, FGFA contract nose-dived, AMCA still on the drawing board.

MMRCA is one of the major reason behind this low number of the squadron. That the air force keen to induct along with the homemade LCA Tejas. The politics played the bigger role in the MMRCA acquisition program. which is known as one of the biggest military deal in the Indian history? The Government earlier allocated some $8 billion to buy 126 fighter jets from France. which estimated some $60+ millions per fighter jet.

The selection process completed in early 2012 and Air force plans to rolls out first Rafale squadron from Indian assembly line by 2016, Even till now the government didn't sign the MRCA contract with France.

Airforce selected the Rafale for many reasons, from the experience gathered from Mirage 2000 to its small size which can fit in existing MiG 21 shelters. The politics played on the other side providing alternate options to the air force. However, IAF won't ready to accept the proposals made by the politicians.

They were offered more Su 30, later allowed the SAAB to propose the Gripen, proposing F 18 E/F, and the current F 16 offer. Air force completely rejected all such offers and insisted the government buy the Rafale only. and allows building AMCA and LCA in parallel.

This is the only option that IAF can sustain from the depleting squadrons. The Americans pushing the F 16 to the IAF with the government support. those fighter jets will not suit for Indian requirements, who also kills the Tejas project too.

The ministry all set to clear the new defense procurement policy to  speed up the procurement's. The new DPP allows faster defense procurement same like during in wartime, said defense minister.

Anyway, The IAF loves the Rafale and wants the fighter just like how the MMRCA drafted by the air force officials, If Defense Minister gives up the F 16 to the IAF, there is no chance IAF has to work with F 16 and forget the MMRCA.

Parrikar hints to invest huge amount in S 400 SAM

Parrikar hints to invest huge amount in S 400 SAM

   Defense minister Parrikar said in an interview with economic times, to save money we are planned to cut the medium range SAM procurement to buy more units of S 400 long range surface to air missile system. He also said deploying the S 400 close to Pakistani border will force the PAF to operate fighter jets from Afghan, saying with slight overconfidence.

Parrikar says this move will save more than $7 billion which are slated to spend for lower range surface to air missile systems. that he failed to study the operational differences between long range and medium range systems. Since air defense networks coupled in a layered manner who interconnected with civil and military surveillance radars.

Russia connects the FGFA contract with S 400, which makes some serious troubles in the IAF, who already invested funds in the Indo-Israeli joint project Barak 8. The missile is lesser in range, however, increased performance compared to the Russian S 400 system. IAF freezes the FGFA contract and the S 400 contract due to some issues in the PAK FA's performance.

The layered defense comes with, AAA batteries, such as 23mm and L 70 anti-aircraft artillery's, Quick reaction short range missiles like SpyDer, medium range SAM missiles like Akash, at last, the Barak 8 long range SAM, with additional deployment of homemade AAD, PDV for ballistic missile defense.

The above is layered defense system proposed by both air force and the army, who already operates the above-mentioned systems, except the Braak 8 and the BMD system. The Russian offer of S 400 increases the layer number and also expand the layer's cover zone from initial 80 kilometers into whooping 350 kilometers.

What defense minister saying is, removing few short, medium, long range missiles can save more money when they get covered by the bigger S 400 batteries. failing to understand the tactics used by fighter jets such as low flying, using decoy's, ECCM suites, jamming and more. Long range batteries can be spotted easily by the satellites because of its size, Since both S 400 and Barak 8 is highly mobile, they survive from such precision strikes by cruise missiles.

The defense minister failed to understand the another Russian tactics, using Indian money in every defense projects, Brahmos is absolutely a better platform, however, the clones of P 800 are widely used by other navy's. Even so, Brahmos meant to be 50-50 joint venture, Still India imports 65% of its components from Russia, The reason why production cost of Brahmos is very high and the reason behind the very low number of Brahmos stocks in arsenals.

What Russia planning is the same, By forcing the Indians keep on the S 400 and sacrifice Indigenous efforts to build such long-range missiles, where most of the S 400 equipment's could be outsourced, and it's very rare option of transfer of technology and making S 400 in India with more than 50% of sub-components.

Another question is the slow death of desi ballistic missile defense program, India has a good project for BMD mission, who comes in PDV, AAD in the first phase who is in the final phase of testing now, and AD 1 and AD 2 as the second phase for very long range protection. the BMD scheduled to be deployed before 2014, However the program slowly moving away from the revised timeline.

There is no idea what stopping the DRDO to deploy the BMD system. The 8th successful test of BMD conducted in November last year, deploying the S 400 will surely kill or slower down the desi BMD program. earlier some reports suggested that India went to Russia for the S 400 because of the seeker issues in the BMD missiles.




Reports circulated in the media, that defense minister said, deploying an S 400 launcher unit close to the border will force the Pakistani air force to ground all the fighter's or to be operated from Afghan only. It's clear the Range of S 400 may cover entire Pakistan, Question is can the S 400 take down every military airborne target flying in Pakistan If S 400 deployed close to the border.

Defense minister must acknowledge that China will deploy those S 400 close to Lhasa and in Tibet, which covers northern and eastern India, which includes capital New Delhi. the question repeats, can the Chinese S 400 stops the IAF jets operating from New Delhi and Arunachal.

On the other side, Indo-Israeli joint project Barak 8 almost ready to be operational, and both of them currently working on the land based Barak 8 launchers, even before the pre-production 40% of the Barak 8 components are from India, the % of Indian sub-components will increase in coming years. who decreases the acquisition costs gradually.

As of now all plans are in talks, same like the previous government, This deal to take the time to materialize.

Pictures : Iron Fist 2016

Pictures : Iron Fist 2016 

Su 30 MKI, MiG 29 UPG, MiG 27

Su 30 MKI firing Astra BVR AAM

Left Akash, right OSA AK

OSA AK SAM firing

C 130 J popping flares

Akash SAM night firing

An 32 popping flare

Air force statement on Exercise Iron Fist 2016

Air force statement on Exercise Iron Fist 2016

Indian Air Force’s day-night exercise demonstrating its combat and fire power was conducted on 18 Mar 16 at Rajasthan’s Pokhran firing range in the presence of Hon’ble President Shri Pranab Mukherjee and Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Chief of the Air Staff in his welcome address gave an insight into the exercise and the modernisation in the Indian Air Force. During his address, he stated that the primary objective of this exercise is to reassure the nation about our commitment and capabilities in safeguarding our national interests. 

 The Air Chief said that the IAF moves ahead on its transformation path despite certain constraints, maintaining a high combat potential for meeting challenges.

The event comprised six packages depicting six themes in which more than 180 aircraft, including fighters, transport and helicopters participated.

Fly Past.

 The great journey of the IAF over eight decades was summed up by means of this package, with the aircraft of yesteryear flying wing to wing along with the latest acquisitions of the Indian Air Force. A MiG-27 aircraft heralded the commencement of the flypast by towing the Ex “Iron Fist” banner, which was followed by Supersonic run by the MiG-29 aircraft. 

 The “real time recce” capability of the IAF was displayed by a Jaguar aircraft. Vintage aircraft flypast by “Tigermoth” evoked the memories of the birth of military aviation in India and was followed by the Pilatus, the latest trainer aircraft of the IAF. The fly past by a mixed formation comprising a MiG-21 Bison, MiG-27 Upgrade, MiG-29 and the mighty Su-30, showcased the transformation of the IAF over the decades.

Net Enabled Operations.

 This segment commenced by the majestic fly past of the indigenously developed Airborne Early Warning and Control System and the display of AWACS aircraft. The flypast was followed by a synchronized multiple aircraft weapon delivery demonstration of precision based bombing at simulated enemy targets by Mirage-2000, Su-30, MiG-27 Upgrade aircraft and the Jaguar.

Air Defence Operations. 

After demonstrating the offensive capabilities, the exercise demonstrated the multi-layered Air Defence Operations of the IAF. It comprised of the fly past by the Flight Refuelling aircraft (IL-78 FRA) along with two Su-30 aircraft and the indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’, which displayed its swing role attack capabilities by delivering Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) followed by firing an air to air missile, engaging both targets with deadly precision.

 The phase also included Surface to Air Guided Weapons like the IGLA shoulder-fired missile system and the OSA-AK missiles striking down airborne targets successfully. There was also a spectacular simulation of a Combat Search and Rescue operation carried out by the IAF’s versatile helicopters, the Mi-35, Mi-25 and Mi-17V5.

Combat Support Operations.

 This phase showcased the very important role played by the Indian Air Force in support of the ground forces. There were numerous targets simulating the enemy’s vital assets, engaged on the ground from the air by a variety of aircraft on the IAF’s inventory. Apart from the fighters, the assault landing capability of versatile C-130 J aircraft and the fire fighting capability of the Mi-17V5, were also displayed in this phase.

Flying Displays. 

 After the demonstration of live weapon, an array of aerobatic displays by the Sarangs, the Suryakirans and the Su-30 added a dash of colour to the evening. The Air Warrior Drill Team (AWDT) and Air Force Symphony Orchestra (AWSO) enthralled the audience with their performances.

All Weather Operations. 

As the night drew upon the desert skies, the night capabilities of the IAF came to the fore. A number of targets were engaged in this phase by fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters using rockets as well as bombs. The “Search light” and Slithering Operations engaged the attention of the audience while the Combat Free Fall during the night phase showed how the IAF could take on insertion of troops in the enemy territory undetected.

 The Akash Missile firing was a first in the history of Fire Power Demonstration. The exercise inched towards a close by a beautiful and awe-inspiring display of Flare dispensation by a C-130J and an An-32 aircraft. The final event of the exercise was the awesome display of firepower by a MiG-27 Upgrade aircraft, giving a befitting close to a grand display.

The event showcased more than 22 types of platforms and Weapons Systems. Frontline fighter aircraft including Sukhoi-30, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, MiG-29, Attack helicopters, Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and high tech AWACS displayed their potential during the show in which prestigious indigenous project – Light Combat Aircraft “Tejas” was also a part. 

 Transport aircraft like An-32, Embraer, IL-76, IL-78 and C-130J participated in all their glory while medium lift helicopters (Mi-17, Mi-17 1V, Mi-17 V5) and attack helicopters (Mi-25, Mi-35) constituted the rotary wing ingredients.

Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parikar, Hon’ble Rajasthan Governor Shri Kalyan Singh, Chief Minister Smt Vasundhara Raje and Chiefs of Indian Army and Indian Navy were among others present during the Exercise.

The President, Prime Minister and the Defence Minister complimented Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Air Marshal RK Dhir, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command for the excellent Fire Power Demonstration.

-PTI 138170

IAF's firepower demonstration Iron Fist at Pokhran 18 Mar 16

IAF's firepower demonstration Iron Fist at Pokhran 18 Mar 16

The Indian Air Force is demonstrating its combat and firepower on 18 Mar 16 at Rajasthan's Pokhran firing range in the presence of the Hon’ble President Shri Pranab Mukherjee and the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. During the event, the IAF would showcase its capability delivering fire power both by day as well as by night.

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of the Air Staff would be welcoming the Hon'ble President and the Hon’ble PM at Pokhran. The primary objective of this exercise is to demonstrate the IAF's capability to safeguard our national interests. During the exercise, the IAF would also project its transformational state-of-the-art combat potential for meeting challenges be it from the air, land or sea.

The event comprises six packages depicting six themes in which more than 180 fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters are participating.

First on the show, would be a flypast showing IAF's journey over eight decades, with the aircraft of yesteryears like Tiger Moth flying along with the with the latest acquisitions of the IAF. The flypast by a mixed formation comprising MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29 and the mighty Su-30, would represent the transformation of the IAF over the decades.

Next package would comprise net-enabling operations aircraft. This would commence with fly past by the indigenously developed Airborne Early Warning and Control System aircraft, which would then be followed a synchronized weapon delivery demonstration comprising precision based bombing at simulated targets by Mirage-2000, Su-30, MiG-27 and the Jaguar.

After demonstrating offensive capabilities, the IAF would showcase its multi-layered Air Defence operations. It will comprise fly-past by Flight Refuelling aircraft, IL-78 FRA along with two Su-30 aircraft which will demonstrate the ability to extend on-station endurance and strategic reach of fighter aircraft.

This phase would also include Surface to Air Guided Weapons like the IGLA shoulder-fired missile system and the OSA-AK missiles striking down airborne targets. Capability demonstration of the indigenously developed 'Tejas' aircraft to deliver Laser Guided Bomb and fire a Air-to-Air Missile and the capability of the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter to carry out rocket firing would be carried out for the first time.

This would be followed by a spectacular simulation of a Combat Search and Rescue operation carried out by the IAF's versatile helicopters such as MI-35 and Mi-17V5. The firing of Akash Missile would be undertaken for the first time in the IAF's history of Fire Power Demonstration.

The next phase would highlight the important role played by the Indian Air Force in support of the ground forces. This phase involves striking of targets that would simulate the enemy's vital assets which would be engaged from the air by a variety of aircraft in the IAF's inventory. In addition, the assault landing capability of the versatile C-130J aircraft and the fire fighting capability of the Mi-17V5, would also be displayed.

After the demonstration of live weapons, an array of aerobatic displays by the Sarang Team, the Suryakiran Team and the Su-30 would add fervour to the evening. The Air Warrior Drill Team and Air Force Symphony Orchestra would then enthral the audience with their performances on Terra Firma.

As night draws down upon the desert skies, the night capabilities of the IAF would come to fore. A number of targets would be engaged in this phase by fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters using rockets as well as bombs. The Combat Free-Fall jumps during the night would showcase, how the IAF could take on insertion of troops deep into the enemy territory, undetected.

The entire event would showcase more than 22 types of platforms and Weapons systems. Frontline fighter aircraft including Sukhoi 30, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, MiG-29, Attack helicopters, Remotely Piloted Aircraft(RPA) and high tech AWACS would display their potential during the show.

Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ and LCH the prestigious indigenous projects, would also be a part of air display. Transport aircraft like the An-32, Embraer, IL-76, IL-78 and C-130J would participate in all their glory while medium lift helicopters(Mi-17, Mi-17 1V. Mi-17V5) and attack helicopters(Mi-25, Mi-35) would also showcase their capabilities.

 - PTI  138123