IAF not interested in more Su 30 MKI

IAF not interested in more Su 30 MKI

Reports emerged that IAF might buy additional number of Su 30 MKI from HAL, which followed by contract with Russia, Buying additional number of Su 30 means IAF have to pay some % of cost to Russia and IAF itself invest money in HAL to produce more fighter jets. Recently Russian media reported that IAF might buy addition Su 30 MKI to upscale the squadron number.

IDRW, quoting unnamed air force official that IAF not interested to buy more Su 30 MKI, HAL in India gets an order of build more than 200 MKI fighters in India, with the support from Russian Sukhoi. IAF ordered 272 units from Russia and HAL. which all the deliveries could be completed before 2019.

To keep the Su 30 MKI production line, Russia pushing IAF to buy more Su 30 MKI, as the MMRCA program cancelled and the Rafale acquisition also in doldrums, Russia believes IAF might order more Sukhoi's. However IAF is not interested in more MKI fighters, rather than looks in to increase the service availability of Su 30 MKI.

IAF currently operates more than 220 Su 30 MKI fighters, which half of then non combat condition, due to lack of spare parts, maintenance and  repair issues.  where Sukhoi, HAL and his sub contractors are all responsible for such low service availability issue. which is explained here ( Su 30 MKI problem )

IAF clearly mentions that, they were looking to increase the service availability of the MKI, rather than buying more numbers, which increases the problems not solving the issue. IAF facing low service availability of Su 30 MKI, nearly 55%. Defense minister said in last year that IAF working to solve the issue and plans to increase the availability by 65%.

So far there is no good reports available that the service availability rate increased, The failed negotiation between India and Russia in last December is a easy guess for that, India also looking for third party sources to solve the MRO issue, Same like how IAF backed up the MiG 21 fleet in early 90's with the Israeli and western sub components. 

The major sub components in Su 30 MKI, like it's engine's blades, radar materials all sourced from Russia, India negotiating the Russians to transfer such critical parts technology transfer, Russians refused to do so.

Alternate options, $9 billion for Rafale

Alternate options, $9 billion for Rafale

It's better to invest such huge amount in other armed forces like army and existing air force projects to speed up and enhance the quality and reliability, rather than going for an expensive Rafale fighter deal, The Rafale is not a magic plane that can sneak and destroy Pakistani and Chinese positions, other IAF jets like Su 30 MKI and Jaguar too do the same.

Currently many of the air force fighter program is running slow due to lack of funds, since Ministry and IAF stocking money to seal the Rafale deal. on the other side IAF backbone fighter  MKI waiting to get spare parts and ordinances. The Jaguar DARIN program delayed due to lack of funds, and the engine selections process too couldn't be resolved since ages.

The numbers won't make changes rather than technologically evolved fighters, There is no assessment that, authorized 45 squadron fighters can save India from coordinated attack by both China and Pakistan. although maintaining those 45 squadron of fighters also drain IAF's budget. So it's better to enhance the older fighters to keep them with upgrades.

There is no chance of using those older MiG 21 and MiG 27 in modern battles since they are not capable to survive in modern theater despite upgrades, It's better decommission those jets as soon as possible rather than scheduled decommission, this will consume more IAF's budget and also threats IAF pilots too who handles those vintage soviet fighters.

Air force recently started upgrading the Mirage 2000 with new avionics and sensor suites with modern weapons. It's reported that, HAL can roll out six modernized Mirage 2000 every year. the upgrade works scheduled to be completed before 2020. the new mirages are better in all terms, also shares few modern technologies with Rafale.  

The new mirages comes with new sensor suites, modern air to air missiles and engines, which makes it one of the better and modern fighter in IAF, IAF always maintained the service availability of Mirage 2000 is by more than 75%. IAF operates three squad of Mirage 2000.

Jaguar is the other one who waiting for good upgrade with modern engines and missiles, The Jaguars are one of the better platform used to carryout precision ground attack and SEAD missions. Jaguars with his unique features like terrain hugging fly path and lack of radar, provide better survivability in modern battlefields too.

The maritime Jaguars are already upgraded with new avionics and missiles, US made new generation Harpoon missile added in place of older generation Sea Eagle missiles. Even though IAF plans to replace the older Agave radar with modern Israeli AESA radar. also IAF plans to integrate the US made AGM 88 HARM missile to replace older martel missile to conduct anti radar missions.

The IS version of Jaguars also carries cluster munitions like US made CBU 105 and modern precision guided munitions, All the IAF jaguars can carry a pair of ASRAAM IR guided missiles for self defense. IAF operates six squadron of Jaguars. upgrading them with all the above said system keeps Jaguar better till 2035.

Sukhoi Su 30 MKI is one of the primary air superiority platform, however the fighter shows many problems, which include engine issues and lack of spare parts. which makes half of the fleet on the ground. The Su 30 MKI can conduct all kind of missions include anti shipping, air to ground and air to air missions.

IAF looking to upgrade the Su 30 MKI into super sukhoi with new generation avionics and engines, However as per current scenario the Super Sukhoi upgrade may be pushed to 2030 or so. What IAF need is to improve the service availability of Su 30 MKI upto some 75%, By opening new over haul centers allowing to stock more spares.

Recent contract with Israel to equip the Su 30 with new gen litening pod with Spice glide bombs makes the Su 30 MKI gives better stand off capability, the same what Rafale do since years by impressing nations with pin point ground strike even bypassing dense air defense systems with the help of spectra, The Su 30 MKI can configurable such system.  Su 30 MKI currently flies with Israeli EW system, which can be replaced with modern Israeli systems. adding those can even by pass Rafale's qualities too.

What the Rafale also have is long range stand off cruise missile, the SCLAP EG is better for air to ground strike with the range of more than some 200 kilometers. IAF also mulls for Brahmos in Su 30 MKI, however the Brahmos costs is too much, It's better DRDL can develop such air launched missiles similar like Pakistani Ra'ad and SCLAP EG for better stand off missile strike. IAF operates upto some 12 squad of Su 30 MKI. the numbers may increased by 15 in coming years.

MiG 29 is another platform that IAF currently doing upgrades, with new upgrades the MiG 29 is also act as a good company with Mirage and LCA. HAL can complete the upgrades before 2020. The new upgrades include modification in air frame to carry more fuel and carry heavy ordinances. IAF operates nearly three squad of MiG 29 UPG jets. 

The above mentioned fighter jets alone comes nearly 27 squadrons, adding more number of Tejas can roughly give 30 squad fighters with service availability of more than 75%, That's what we call a real and better air power, rather than 45 squads with 50% service availability. Even it's a known concern that IAF lack of fighter pilots too.

By spending those $9 billion into above said fighters makes more than what 100+ Rafale's do in IAF. this money can speed up the upgradation works and gives more fund to buy spares and ammunition's. quarter of the amount can also been spend for modernizing the air fields and protection systems like base defense VSHORAD's and Radar jammer systems.

The late and costly Rafale fighter won't suit Indian economical needs, It will bankrupt the IAF. It's clear no other US, European and Sweden Jets won't makes sense, they too abolish the IAF. 

Arming the Sukhoi's with Israeli Bombs

Arming the Sukhoi's with Israeli Bombs

      Indian air force all set to seal a contract to buy more than 140 new generation litening 5 target designation and surveillance pods along with thousands of spice guided glide bombs for better ground strike. which makes nearly half of the Indian Sukhoi's with multi role and precision strike capability rather than just single role of air superiority.

     IAF's not new to both of the above systems. Indian air force already operating many Sukhoi's with older generation Litening targeting pods and Spice guided munitions. However the actual number of the ammunition is remain classified. IAF has some good air superiority platforms but lack of ground attacking platforms, The Mirage 2000 and Jaguar is the only aircraft to do so the precision ground striking.

   Nearly seven squadron of Su 30 MKI going to be adopt the new generation Litening-5 pod from Israel, which was unveiled last year. compared to the previous version, the new system comprising new sensor suites, which increases the recognition distance and increase the range of target detection. The new system comes with two forward looking infrared sensors. one is the mid wave IR another is the short wave IR.

   The active laser illumination system supports ground troops to laze the target for precision bombing from safe distance. The ground images can be captured using the high definition CCD camera for better clarity of recognition. which improves the detection capability, The litening  also uses the thermal camera's to find out camouflaged units and fake targets.

    The Rafale has been selected with his immense capability of flying very low and carry more ordinance. Rafale comes with ASSM precision guided munition for pin point target strike. The Sukhoi normally designed as an air superiority fighter to intercept and conducting patrols to destroy any uninvited guests inside Indian air space.

   Changing the role of an aircraft is not so easy, However it's possible, the Israeli's and Americans worked on the F 15 by adding more support units for ground attack. and makes the Strike eagle version of F 15, which is one of the best known multi role aircraft. India is also trying the same by adding more guided weaponry in Sukhoi's arsenal.

    The Spice bombs are glide bombs who guided by CCD and IR sensors. Spice also supports INS and GPS guidance too. either any of the above said guidance system used in the missile. Spice comes with 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 pounds weight with the warhead weight of 100 kg, 250kg, 500 and 1000 kg's respectively. The actual glide range of Spice missile is more than 60 kilometers, some unofficial sources claims the actual range may go well beyond 100 kilometers.

    The previous generation US made Joint direct attack munition also uses the same technology. However now they adopted the GPS and laser guided systems. In modern world the rise of smoke screens and GPS jammers can easily jam the Bomb. which makes the bomb may attack the wrong or false target.

    The litening pod in the Sukhoi works with the spice bombs. The scene matching technology used in the Litening can  feed more than 100 different targets into a single Spice bomb. whoever the best matches the bomb strikes it.

    India almost stopped using the dumb bombs, which is not used in modern warfare since most military hardware's are mobile. IAF asking the government to stock PGM to fight effectively in future battles. each Su 30 MKI can carry more than 32 Spice 250 bombs and a Litening Pod. along with two or four long range BVR missiles for self support.

    The above configuration can destroy almost many strategic Pakistani buildings and Pakistani sponsored terrorists camps close to the border. Su 30 MKI can attack those positions well inside from Indian airspace. As per some known sources the deal value of Litening and Spice is more than half a billion dollars.

India plans SEAD Exercise in Red Flag 16

India plans SEAD Exercise in Red Flag 16

   Indian Air force plans to send it's deep penetration attack aircraft Jaguar along with Su 30 MKI Air superiority fighter to participate US Red Flag Exercise in Alaska USA. The Indian Air force to learn many things from USA to perform SEAD/DEAD missions along with combat air patrol and Air superiority missions. Such exercise is very minimal since most exercise focus only one vs one or group fighting.

      To perform SEAD Missions, The Fighter jet need to penetrate the enemy air space by flying very low or below the radar coverage. after it will launch the anti radiation missile over the enemy Radar and air defense missile site. The Jaguar has similar capabilities and specially designed to perform such missions. IAF earlier used the Jaguar as bomb truck, mostly used to drop Bombs. The IAF not ready to retire the Jaguar aircraft, with many upgrades IAF plans to keep the Jaguar till 2035 or till the AMCA comes.

    The IAF also dispatches two C 17 globe master transporter aircraft. who carries more than hundreds of IAF's elite special operation commando's known as Garuds to perform the same SEAD mission. The C 17 will drop the Special forces deep behind enemy lines. where they would carry out sabotage missions in enemy radar sites.

     There were only two options to perform SEAD mission, One is via Jaguar aircraft other is using special forces to sabotage the radar site. Most of the nations used such kind of aircraft's to destroy enemy air defense batteries in first wave. Israel is the only other who send elite special forces along with heavy lift helicopters to perform SEAD missions deep behind enemy lines.

    In modern warfare, Forces not only face the Early warning Radar's, They eventually face more powerful electronic warfare systems like Jammers, communication and Radar interceptors and high power radio frequencies who disrupt missile and it's guidance. They were very powerful and highly mobile platforms.

     IAF wanted to penetrate highly defended Chinese Airspace, the upcoming Russian S 400 delivery to China threatens each and airborne platforms flying over Indian Capital in case of war against China. IAF tries many options to perform SEAD Missions which include Kamikaze drones, PTA Vehicles and Stealth drones, If all of the previous options failed IAF may send it's troops deep behind enemy lines to execute the SEAD mission.

    Once the SEAD mission is accomplished IAF need to patrol the Air space from enemy Intruders. IAF Plans to use the Su 30 MKI armed with maximum number of BVR and WVR missiles for combat air patrol. The Patrol supported by two IL 78 aerial tankers. IAF will send four Su 30 MKI to the Red Flag exercise, where they can perform CAP missions. Usually a Su 30 MKI can fly more than two hours without the need of aerial Tanker. with Tankers Su 30 MKI can fly more than eight hours.

   The Exercise clearly validates IAF's new operational capability of capturing enemy air space and keep the air space under IAF control. Such missions are top priority to conduct safe ground operations for friendlies.

    Indian Air force slowly expanding it's wings from primary air defense into Close air support missions, Offensive air missions and Capturing enemy air space's. Future ground operations must need such capabilities.

Patriot Air defense missile

     USA giving better opportunities to Indian Air force to exercise with Red forces and Blue forces. US may deploy Patriot or HAWK missile batteries along with AN TPS 75 Mobile radar and F 15 and F 16 fighters as Red forces or enemy forces. Where IAF will dispatch Jaguar aircraft's or C 17 with Garuds for SEAD missions and Su 30 MKI for Combat air patrol missions.

    The Exercise already get authorization from government, which will be scheduled to be happen Summer 2016.

Shocking, Government admits 45% of IAF Fighters won't fly

Shocking, Government admits 45% of IAF Fighters won't fly

   India admits that 45% of IAF Fighters won't fly due to several reasons. IAF operates nearly 800 combat aircraft while 350 Combat aircraft's won't fly. Such low level operational preparedness irked the Air force to revamp it's plans to increase the service availability. Even the IAF's backbone fighter Jet Su 30 MKI's service availability remains 55% only. The Defense minister said earlier, that Government knows the service availability issue of Su 30 MKI which can be increased in coming years. However even after one year there were no changes in the availability numbers.

    The low number of service availability is because of many reasons. IAF currently operates 220 Su 30 MKI fighters. Which is eleven squadron of Su 30 MKI that is eleven Air force bases in India houses the Su 30 MKI fighters. Here each squadron has fifteen active fighter jets along with two Quick reaction jets, one reserve Jet and two trainers. If conflict erupted the Air force base will launch only fifteen fighters, and the other five keep in reserve position. they too launched in case of any emergency's. In normal days two Aircraft's are always assigned as QRA role for launch in the air within two seconds once gets signal to take off for emergency mission.

    As earlier CAG Report reveled about operational capability of Su 30 MKI is just below 55%. The major issue considered as engine issues and lack of spare parts. IAF asked the government many times to sign the contract with Russia for mass producing Su 30 MKI spare parts, which include engines and bearings. IAF also alarmed about AL 31 FP engine issues many thimes. However the early government didn't heard the IAF's plea.

    The Defense minister confirms in early 2015 that Su 30 MKI service availability will raise upto 60% before the end of 2015. In coming years the percentage will rise upto some 75%. 75% is known as good score when comes to Aircraft service availability.

    Currently each Su 30 MKI squad can launch only eight to eleven Aircraft's only, making some ten other fighter jets sitting in the ducks to get repair or waiting o receive spares. Recently India asked the Russians to provide technological supports in three hundred sub components in the Su 30 MKI. Which shows the Russians didn't provide 100% ToT of Su 30 MKI.

    The IAF's another Air superiority fighter is the MiG 29 UPG. IAF has three squadron of MiG 29 units or some sixty MiG 29 fighters. The reason of  low service availability in MiG 29 is due to the upgradation work. It's clear nearly six to twelve MiG 29 units in HAL hangers for upgrade works in batches. The upgrade works will be completed before 2020. Currently the service availability of MiG 29 also somewhere between 50-60% only.

   IAF's Only known multi role attack aircraft is the French made Mirage 2000. The IAF operates three squadrons of Mirage 2000 aircraft's. Where two squadrons of  Mirage 2000 based on IAF Base in Maharajpur, and one more in Gwalior. The Mirage is known as one of the best fighter in the IAF fleet whose service availability kept over 80% at any given time. However the Mirages are currently in Upgrade programs that makes Mirage service availability gone below 60%. HAL scheduled to complete the upgrade work before 2020.

      The Air force's another and only dedicated ground attack perpetrator fighter bomber is the Jaguar Aircraft. IAF operates five Jaguar IS squadrons and one Jaguar IM squadron for maritime attack missions. The Jaguar's are just completed the DARIN 2 upgrade program. The Jaguar is the only aircraft who currently has the Service availability of some 75%. The Jaguar too get upgrade in coming months with new engines, Display and weapon systems. This applies to the Jaguar IS Aircraft only. All Jaguar IM has upgraded with agave Radar later replaced with Israeli Radar and Sea Eagle anti ship missile later replaced with Harpoon missiles. The Jaguar IM Based on Jam Nagar air force base No 6 Dragon squadrons.

     Other fighter jets like MiG 27 and MiG 21 is not a worth fighter in current air battle. They were killed in first shot of war. However they can be reconfigured as electronic jammer aircraft's to confuse the enemy fighter jets. In modern air combat AESA Equipped fighter aircraft's can easily neutralize such noise in air combat.

     There is no air force in the world who keeps the combat Aircraft service availability at some 90% of above. Air forces like Japan and Israel keeps the service availability of their fighter jets at some 85% at any given time. Since they use only two or three model of fighter aircraft's, who reduces the spare and engine replacement issues.

     It's clear that the IAF's service availability won't increase until HAL and other aerospace sectors completes the upgrade works. So this takes upto 2020. Until that IAF's aircraft service availability won't increase more than 70%.

RSAF F 16 C/D Falcon vs IAF Su 30 MKI Flanker Code Name SINDEX

RSAF F 16 C/D Falcon vs IAF Su 30 MKI Flanker Code Name SINDEX

    The Republic of Singapore Air force F 16 Fighting falcon and the Indian Air force Su 30 MKI Flanker engaged in a practice exercise to know the capability of each others fighter Jets. The RSAF has rival enemy China who operates Flankers and it's clones and the IAF's has rival enemy Pakistan who operates F 16 blk 52 fighters. The Joint military exercise validates the operational credibility of understanding the threats posed by each others fighter Jets. This is not the first time that IAF conducting military exercise against Fighting falcons, Earlier many times IAF fighter performed simulated attack run over Falcons in friendly exercises.

    The Joint Exercise code named SINDEX- Singapore India Exercise, The RSAF fighters conducting exercises with Indian Air forces many times since earlier 2004, The annual exercise mostly involves Singaporean F 16 against Indian Air force fighters such as Mirage 2000, MiG 29, Jaguar and Su 30 MKI. In this edition RSAF deployed six F 16 C/D or Blk 52 fighters along with hundred other personnel's led by Lt.Col Ong Teck Coon.

    Indian side deployed only four Su 30 MKI, The month long exercise conducted in Kalaikunda Air force station in India from November 12th to December 17th. Reports from Singapore suggested the two seat F 16 accommodated Indian Pilots for observation during close combat missions and long range interception. IAF too allowed the Singaporean pilots to embark the Flanker. Such exercise are very important to know how the Fighters will respond when scrambled to interception and conducting combat air patrol.

    India slowly increasing the military exercise with America and it's allies to counter Chinese threat. Indian Armed forces engaging numerous exercise with anti Chinese nations. What is new here is India slightly expanded the exercise period into  10 to 15 days from month long to train Indian pilots and armed forces to fight against foreign military's. Earlier SINDEX exercises are mostly ten to fifteen days only. However this years exercise went more than a month.

SINDEX 2016 Team

  

  This is not the first time IAF Su 30 MKI faced the F 16 Blk 52, Earlier the IAF get a chance to engage simulated attack against American F 16's during the COPE India exercise in November 2005. During Cope India 2005 Americans deployed 12 F 16 Blk 52 in IAF station in Kalaikunda to face off against the IAF's Su 30 MKI Flankers. During the exercise they performed aerial attack run and ground attack missions.

     One year before that's in 2004 at first time IAF Su 30 gets a chance to fight against simulated attack against F 16 fighters. In 2004 under the code name SINDEX 04 RSAF deployed Six F 16 C/D to face off against IAF's Su 30 MKI, MiG 27 and Mirage 2000 aircraft's. Later years RSAF deployed F 16 to face off other Indian fighters like MiG 29 and Jaguar aircraft's.

    This makes most or all of the IAF fighters have full information's of how a F 16 fighter will works. And IAF pilots know how to face off against Pakistani F 16 fighters when they engaged in surprise missions. Meantime the Pakistani's never been engaged their fighters against any Flankers. However it's believed that China already given enough information's about Flankers operating procedures.

RSAF and Indian Airforce

   A high level Singaporean defense officials also visited India during the exercise, and Signed a Defense cooperation agreement  along with Singapore India strategic partnership agreement. The mutual agreements are mostly focus on the anti Chinese alliance against Chinese illegal claims in South China sea. The Key points in the Agreements are,

(a) Establish a regular Defence Ministers' Dialogue;

(b) Deepen cooperation in maritime security; and

(c) Encourage cooperation between defence industries of the two countries.

(d) Joint Military Exercises.

(e) Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)

    The Agreements also deepen the cooperation in earlier signed Naval ship location information's and joint cyber defense cooperation works between Singapore and India.

Brahmos A missile Ready by April 2016

Brahmos A missile Ready by April 2016

   Sources inside from Brahmos said that, they will carry out first maiden test launch of Brahmos A missile by November, and with the induction date of next April, after completing three dummy Brahmos missiles and one actual missile, all four will be fired from the Su 30 MKI aircraft, first three would be evaluate the launching altitude, speed, fraction and aircraft stability, the final launch would be Brahmos in actual combat mode with warheads and on board seekers, once all tests are successfully completed, HAL will starts works on the first phase of modifying Su 30 MKI fleet from IAF inventory.

   The HAL has a Sukhoi facility in Nasik, where they did several structural modification in the Su 30 MKI fighter to carry the 2.5 ton Brahmos missiles, the Brahmos will be carried on the Center line only, to stabilize the Aircraft when flying and maneuvering, the Su 30 MKI is designed to carry only Air to air missiles in the center line, thus can accommodate two air to air missile, however the Sukhoi can carry Kh 35 Anti ship missiles under the air in take position, compare to the 500 kg Kh 35, the Brahmos A missile is five times weightier than the Kh 35. so HAL chooses much harder center line to carry the heavier missile.

   The First three tests completely evaluate the Fighters performance when carrying a much heavier missile, like it's flying speed, maneuvering ability, cruise speed, take off issues and land back safely with the missile, HAL and Brahmos corp already completed or nearing completion of wind tunnel model  tests to check problems and effect of aerodynamic changes, and some reports mentioned that the first modified Su 30 MKI already delivered to Brahmos corp for testing the missile,

   Mainly the HAL is responsible for structural modification in the Su 30 MKI fighter jet, and Brahmos corp is responsible for Missile modification, the actual Brahmos missile size is 8.4 meter, and the Su 30 MKI some 22 meters from tail to nose cone, so they need to Shorten the missile at first, which results reduced weight too, normal variant of Brahmos weights some three tons, while the Air launched version slightly lower that is 2.5 tons.       

   HAL plans to transfer the second modified Su 30 MKI to Brahmos Corp before this month, where air launched tests are scheduled in November, however there is some other checks and tests will be done in ground before firing the missile in the air, if plans are successful, India will be the second country after France having air launched Super Sonic cruise missile launch capability, The French using the Supersonic ASMP A missile for nuclear delivery and using the Rafale for delivering the missile,

    Once all such tests passed, HAL will continue works on the first batch of 42 Su 30 MKI fighters to launch the Brahmos missile, such stand off Supersonic missile gives an upper edge to the IAF in the Asian sub continent, means the IAF can strike enemy targets in deep behind the border, and so far there is no real decision taken to modify the Brahmos missile to carry Nuclear warheads, and that plan is just a media speculations.

   Brahmos CEO also mentioned about the ongoing project of Brahmos NG with the weight of just 1.5 tons able to be carried in medium fighter jets like Mirage 2000 and MiG 29, also a good chance of increased number of Missiles in front line warships and  adding the missile in smaller Ships like Missile corvette's and EEZ patrol vessels, the project expected to be completed before 2019.

   As of now there is three variant of Brahmos missiles under operational within the Armed forces, Block I variant used for Anti shipping missions, Block II used for striking land targets from land based launchers, and the newer Block III variant used to strike target situated in deep behind covers, the missile has steep dive capability which can strike targets inside mountain caves too.

India and Russia starts drafting the Su 30 MKI upgrade Plan

India and Russia starts drafting the Su 30 MKI upgrade Plan

   The Indian and Russian officials started drafting a proposed modernization plan of Indian fleet of Su 30 MKI and the Russian Su 30 SM fighters, the  proposed modernized plan take off only after 2020, once the Indian Su 30 MKI orders completed and the Russian orders of sixty Su 30 SM fighters, India and Russia both plans to upgrade the Su 30 into Super Standard, as of now India planned to operate some 272 Su 30, with 200+ units operational and another 72 in orders, and the Russian's operating some 15 Su 30 SM and another 45 in orders.

   The Modernization talks started in early 2012, and plans to start the works by 2015, because of some delays in the process, like the cost over run and Radar selection, the upgrade cost estimated more than six billion dollars for the Indian Su 30 MKI fleet, include new engines, radars and smaller structural changes, as India already working on the structural modification, to carry large sized missiles, Russians also working on a suitable Radar which can perfectly fit inside the radar dome.

    The Su 30 Flankers primarily designed to provide air defense to the Russian air space, so the Flanker was designed to carry large number of air to air missiles only, no Bombs or no other big sized stand off cruise missiles, even the Su 30 series won't carry drop tanks, carrying drop tanks extensively reduces the air craft's maneuverability, and makes the Fighter keep inside the Sub sonic speed, nowadays Supersonic drop tanks developed and tested, however Russia never bothered about the extended Range since all Russian Aircraft's has good combat radius. except the Mikoyan platforms.

    So at first in MKI modernization, India made several structural changes  in the airframe to carry dumb bombs, Stand off anti shipping missiles and stand off anti radiation missiles, those guided missiles would be fitted under the belly only, thus makes several issues too, like problems in landing etc, that's the major reason of Indian Air force's purchase of western aircraft's like Jaguar and Mirages in earlier days, as Russia too adopted adding air to ground weaponry into the Flanker series and making as Multi role, Russia went for two versions one is the Su 30 SM and the Su 35 S, both are considered as multi role air crafts.

   India mainly wants the Su 30 MKI should fire an Brahmos missile, the missile poses a serious offensive power in case of war, HAL already made some structural changes into the First two Su 30 MKI given by the IAF, they already completed ground based trails, include landing vibration trails, and planning for a test launch of the missile by early next year, It was earlier planned this year, once the Structural changes completed then HAL continuously work on the other platforms, however there is no mention of transferring some 42 modified Su 30 MKI armed with Brahmos to the SFC for Nuclear delivery, and it's hardly to be believed of Brahmos with Nuclear warheads.

   The Engine issue is a major problem in the existing Su 30 MKI platform, even IAF thinks to adopt a western engine during the upgrade program, and the Russian too offering modified AL 31 engines, however so far IAF didn't said about the engine replacements as of now, because the Sukhoi Engine service center already running  in HAL Koraput, and it shows that India may go for a advanced Russian engine based on the AL 31 or the more advanced AL 117 engines who powering the Su 35 fighters.

   Updated electronic warfare and Jamming system is one of the most important add on in the Su 30 upgrade, currently two Russian Jammers participating in the upgrade process, one is the Russian KNIRTI developed SAP 518 and the KRET's Khibiny jamming and EW system, India already evaluated the SAP 518 and it's believed the first batch of 42 structurally modified Indian flankers with Brahmos could carry the SAP 518 wingtip jammers, so far from analysis made by foreign military watchers the KRET's Khibiny is the advanced Jamming system ever developed by the Russians.

   Radar is the another piece which also discussed in the modernization plan, the Russians offering the most advanced Zhuk ME GaN based AESA Radar, however IAF asks about the Byelka Radar, which was developed for the T 50 program, the Byelka developed from BARS Irbis E radar, which is more feasible option for the IAF,

   The entire Su 30 MKI modernization program is expected to be completed in 2030, that's why IAF sticks the HAL to stop the Production line once complete the 272 orders placed by IAF, It's expected that HAL completes the MKI delivery by 2019.

China making Growler version of Xian JH 7

China making Growler version of Xian JH 7

  As a truth that future warfare fully relies on the Air power, whether it's a fighter jet or the missiles,  mean time there were couple of technologies also adopted by the fighters and missiles is the countermeasure suites, to make sure their travel is safe and secure from guided missiles , almost all of the fighter jets and Military cargo and Transporters uses the Flares and Chaffs to disrupt the guided missile, at best chaff's are used to confuse the radar guided missiles which uses aluminized glass filament or silver coated nylons, and the Flares used to spoof the infrared or heat seeking missiles by dropping number of burning magnesium or hot burning materials,

   But those are ineffective due to several reason, they can be used very quickly making empty the shells, and because of modern missiles they can easily bypass any kind of chaff's and flares, which is  the widely used countermeasure systems, But later technologies emerged to confuse the missile by it's data link, usually missile transmit and receive target information through a unique frequency which is mostly in the millimeter band which means the frequency range is somewhere between 60 to 120 Ghz, as per some open sources the AGM hell fire missile uses the 94 Ghz frequency to transmit the target information, while the missiles actual frequency is Top secret. so It's needed a amplifier system that can generate the frequency same at the missile frequency to disrupt it,

   The Americans and the Israeli's found that application very early now they were masters in such warfare, usually the Americans use the AN ALQ 99 pod which generates the frequency that can spoof almost all kind of Air to air, ground to air and Radar signals, the Specially designed F 18 is used to accommodate such huge Systems, Jamming is same like Communication Jammer COMJAM used to jam enemy communications, however in Air warfare it can be carried by a fighter jet and react very quickly,

   The Chinese now only identified the use of dedicated jamming systems like the American EA 18 Growler, China plans to convert the Fighter bomber JH 7 as their dedicated Jamming platform, it's a good idea since the JH 7 can carry much larger payload, designed to fly very low, and large combat radius to assist the friendlies to complete the mission at long range,

   China already have a COMJAM and EW flying system based on the H 6 bomber, and another model based on the Y - 8, because of huge in size and low speed, those are not combat capable, like air combat or aerial dog fighting's, means the enemy forces can easily identifies the larger plane and kills it very easily if they identified heavy radio frequency interferences,  So it's looks the JH 7 is a good options since it's same like the fighter jets, can also carry out Air to air missions and SEAD operations,

    Meanwhile Still IAF has no good such systems,however is IAF not new to this field, when in Kargil the Indian Airforce mirages used the Remora EW pod designed by the French, which spoofed the Pakistani Stinger missiles, making the bombing run safer even in dense manpad threat zone. also earlier once IAF silently sounded inside their Circle that IAF should buy a squadron of EA 18 Growler from the US, Since it's rival forces could adopt the same kind of technology in future, while the Plans shelved same like other plans, and Now China ramps up it's JH 7 and rebooting with advanced electronic warfare systems,

Pay your attention to the wingtip that's the SAP 518

   However Chinese also have small EW pods in the Su 30 wingtips, it's the Russian origin SAP 518 Jamming pods, the standard Russian wingtip jammers for Flanker and Full back variants, most of the Flanker users like Algeria, Malaysia and Chinese also have the same system, But the Indian MKI don't have such systems, since IAF adopted to use the  Israeli made ELTA EL/L 8222 Jamming pods, However now only India thinks to use the Russian made SAP 518 wingtip jammers in the Su 30 MKI fleet, earlier it was spotted when HAL puts the Su 30 MKI in a vibration test, So it's believed the modified Sukhoi's who used to carry Brahmos also comes with the wingtip Jammers like SAP 518.

   However those Kind of wingtip Jammers or very small, and small range, they never comes close to the AEWCS and dedicated Jamming Fighters bubble, compared to the dedicated Jammers like American EA 18 G, those wingtips are just a small caliber bullets.

   Even Chinese are new to the EW environment, they can study the existing SAP 518 jammers and develop their own and deploy in it's own JH 7 fighter Bombers,  So in future warfare IAF pilots should ready to face the Chinese magic, otherwise IAF should step up to counter such threats by buying modern EW systems or develop our own.

FGFA program hits a Road block

FGFA program hits a Road block

       During the Initial days of Fifth generation fighter program development, the government and IAF agrees to induct some 300 new fifth gen fighters from abroad. under this Plan, IAF gets some 150 single seat PAK FA from Russia, and another 150 improved PAK FA under the code name of FGFA, FGFA is a Indian designation of multiple improved characteristics in the imported Russian PAK FA, and Built in Indian state owned company HAL. but days passed the Government slowly sabotaged the IAF's plan, initially those Fifth gen fighters meant to deployed in new bases near China, and helps the HAL to develop the medium Fighter code named AMCA.

     For Future IAF plans to use some 300 Fifth Generation fighters ( PAK FA and FGFA) another 150 Medium combat aircraft, and Keeps some 300 advanced Sukhoi Su 30 MKI's and some 100 of Rafales for Deep strike and Combat patrolling and quick redeployment, thus makes the IAF suggested 40+ Squadrons of good fighters to pose a concrete middle finger towards Chinese Air force,

But the major strategic project hits many delays, from Numbers, design changes and delivery periods

Design Changes

     As per initial plan IAF and HAL jointly discussed and evaluated some 80+ changes in the existing PAK FA platform, and they will start working with the prototypes provided by the Russian, the HAL receives three T 50 prototypes in 2017, 2019, and 2021. the IAF team evaluates and suggest the changes, the major structural changes is the Twin seat configuration, Computer integrations and IFF systems along with missile integrations, also its believed that minor improvements also added to increase the stealth characteristics.

     But due to the late arrival of the Jets and lacks of Technological expertise from HAL, The ministry cut down almost 40 design changes in the FGFA, means most of the suggested changes will not happen, and the phenomenal difference between FGFA and PAK FA is just 40 improvements, the time lines also planned to decrease by three years, previously planned it took some eight years to deliver a single FGFA to India once all improvements are completed.

     both countries agreed to manufacture the first batch of aircraft in Russia and for subsequent batches to be manufactured by HAL under transfer of technology.

Numbers

     The Initial plans stated some 150 PAK FA and another 150 FGFA, means India starts receiving the T 50 from Russian Serial production plant by 2018, meantime Russia gives three prototype variants to the HAL to inspect and evaluate the plan to improve the T 50 into FGFA,

    Later Reports verified, that India go for some 144 FGFA and another 50 numbers of PAK FA from Russia, and it's scheduled that Russia could provide a squadron of PAK FA before 2020, the Government cut more than 100's of PAK FA orders,

    But recent reports mentions IAF might buy only 65 fifth generation Aircraft, But it's not clear While India just increased the PAK FA order numbers to current 50 to 65, or IAF cuts down the FGFA numbers from 144 to just 65, the reports merely confusing without stating the Status of the T 50 program,

    Another reports mentions, India may opt out from the FGFA and all other fifth generation program with Russia, and directly purchase just 65 PAK FA under government to government contract, just like how Make in India Rafale cancelled and only the 36 Rafales will be bought,

So it looks like either the Government cut down the numbers or increased the PAK FA orders,

Delivery Periods

    At first, The HAL is to get three Russian prototypes for re-design and testing in 2015, 2016 and 2017, and is scheduled to hand over the first series produced aircraft to the IAF in 2019, Which is the FGFA, But the same can be moved to two years cap and delivery, the timeline Changes into 2017, 2019, 2021, and IAF starts receive the FGFA by 2025, almost six years of delay, 

     Because of the delay the New government planned to buy a squadron of PAK FA as stop cap measure, and It's believed that India may receive the first squadron of T 50 before 2020, to face the Chinese fifth generation threats, 

    Because of cutting down the design changes, The government informs in the Parliament that, Once the Research and development contract signed, the Russia and HAL delivers the FGFA within three years, and Government almost near to complete the draft of the Contract, but no sign of Signing the contract by this year. 

   So if Government moves towards the FGFA by the new timeline It's good to we have some Fifth generation fighters before the 2020, to show off with the Chinese.  

After IAF Su30 spanks Typhoons,questions about F-35's ability to fight against Su T-50

After IAF Su30 spanks Typhoons, questions about F-35's ability to fight against Su T-50

 

  Earlier this year a damning report from an F-35 test pilot revealed the troubled $400 billion dollar single-seat stealth fighter was easily outmaneuvered by a two-seat 1980s vintage F-16D combat jet.

   As recently as last week, the success of modern Russian designs appear to have won some vindication when Indian Russian-made Su-30 combat jets went toe-to-toe with British Typhoon fighters in a competitive training exercise: It was a 12-0 clean-sweep victory, in favour of the Indians.

   The T-50 is the latest incarnation of Russian combat jet doctrine.

   It purports to blend stealth with extreme maneuverability, and an extensive suite of sensors and weapons. Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes to have the jets operational by 2020, though an initial order for 50 of the aircraft has since been cut back to just 12.

   The Tu-50 is just one of several new fighter types the F-35 Lightning II may eventually face.

  Despite its advanced sensors and avionics, the fighter’s single engine simply isn’t powerful enough to push the bulky and overweight airframe through the air all that fast — or accelerate it away from danger.

   The F-35’s supporters argued that dogfighting was not what the next-generation stealth fighter was built for:

    “The F-35’s technology is designed to engage, shoot and kill its enemy from long distances, not necessarily in visual ‘dogfighting’ situations,” a Lockheed Martin statement reads.

   “The challenge, chivalry and thrill of ‘guns-only’ dogfighting is clearly of a bygone era,” a 2007 US Air Force article reads.

Detractors, however, point out we’ve heard that argument before — with near disastrous results.

    US Navy jets went into Vietnam without cannons, such was the confidence they had in their ultra-advanced new missiles. Every jet designed and built since then has had them included due to the lessons learnt at the hands of the Russian-build jets the US came up against.

Detractors also argue F-35s long-range, stealth fighting style is also suspect.

   To survive against a T-50, the F-35 must be stealthy. To be stealthy, the F-35 cannot carry any weapons or fuel under its wings. This reduces its capabilities and flexibility considerably.

    Even if the F-35 is able to evade new visual and heat-seeking sensors developed specifically in the past decade to find it, it is totally reliant upon the success of its two air-to-air missiles. These must find — and then hit — targets which are capable of both hiding through stealth and countermeasures while using extreme maneuverability to dodge.

    Once those two missiles are fired, the comparatively slow and sluggish F-35 is entirely dependent on its stealth capability to slink away from the battlefield to refuel and rearm.

And it’s not all that stealthy from behind.

If it’s spotted, the questions remain: Can it run? Can it turn? Can it fight?

 Article first published in news.com.au

Flanker and Typhoon Dogfight Ex Indra Dhanush

Flanker and Typhoon Dogfight Ex Indra Dhanush  

Royal Air Force and Indian Air Force fighter pilots participating in Exercise Indradanush are full of admiration for each other’s capabilities and aircraft.

The two week exercise has seen four Su-30MKI Flanker fighters from 2 Squadron IAF deploy from Northeast India to RAF Coningsby to train with Typhoon FGR4 equipped 3(Fighter) Squadron. The exercise provides a rare opportunity for RAF pilots to test themselves against the fourth generation Russian built fighter.

Over the course of two weeks the complexity of the training sorties is increasing, starting from 1 v 1 dogfight to sorties involving up to 20 fighters.

Wing Commander Chris Moon is Officer Commanding 3(F) Squadron. He said: 

“First impressions of the Flanker are very positive. It is a superb aeroplane and it’s a privilege to operate our Typhoon alongside it. 

“The RAF and IAF both pride ourselves on operating some of the leading edge technical equipment in the world. However without the people to support that we are nothing so that’s where our real strength lies.”

His views were echoed by Squadron Leader Avi Arya, a Qualified Weapons Instructor responsible for training pilots on the radar and weapons systems of the Su-30. He said:

“Both are fourth generation aircraft and so are matched evenly, so the learning value comes from the person to person contact, it’s the man behind the machine which matters. All fighter pilots speak the same language, that’s the common thing we have and it’s very comfortable to learn from each other.”

Speaking shortly after his first encounter with the thrust vector equipped Su-30, Typhoon pilot Flight Lieutenant Mike Highmoor had no doubt about the values of the bilateral exercise:

“This is fantastic. It’s the first time I’ve flown against a Flanker this morning and it’s fascinating to see another air force do its thing in a different aeroplane. Flying against an aircraft which is equally comparable to the Typhoon isn’t something we get to fight against on a regular basis in the UK. It’s very exciting.

“It’s an incredibly impressive fighter but the Typhoon is a good match for it.”

Opposing Flt Lt Highmoor on that first sortie was Squadron Leader Amit Gehani who trained with the RAF in the UK. He said: 

“It’s going well. We’re flying a lot of missions that are proving our air combat missions. We brief on the ground, we go up there, set up the fights and thereafter it’s a free for all.

“The Typhoon is a good aircraft, a very powerful aircraft. The RAF pilots here are really amazing and flying with the Typhoon we’re learning a lot of new lessons from the RAF which we will take back to India. Of course we’re also giving some good points to the Typhoon pilots.”

On training sorties the fighters are being refuelled in mid-air by tanker aircraft from their respective countries operating from RAF Brize Norton. C-130J Hercules aircraft are undertaking joint parachute drops of RAF Regiment and IAF Garud troops while RAF and IAF C-17 crews are also training together. The exercise concludes 31 July.

 Edited by Wg Cdr Dylan Eklund published in Royal Air Force

US offers Small Diameter Bomb to Su 30 and Tejas

US offers Small Diameter Bomb to Su 30 and Tejas

     The US offers it's modern Small diameter glide bomb to equip it in the light combat jet Tejas and the Long Range Su 30 MKI, as Precession Bombing and pin point strike is a game Changer in future warfare and asymmetric warfare, India also planning to develop it's own small anti armor missiles, as Defense correspondent Saurav Jha reveals about the Indian Plans of developing own anti armor missile same like US made Hell fire and European Brimstone. But all of these systems are not having good range, also it needs the launching platform comes close to the Target before engining, or need a visual identification before engaging.

      But the SDB is entirely different it can glide through the air and travels more than 100 kilometers and  hits the Moving vehicle at pin point accuracy with highly lethal fragmentation warhead. the SDB is low in cost, weights low. but the performance is superior with the Tri seekers the Target acquisition and pin point strike become more easier. as the main aspects of lock on after launch, means it acquire targets his self.

     The SDB comes with three Guidance system, first is the GPS/INS based guidance to get a approximate target location of moving or stationary Target, the on board mmW seeker tracks the inbound threat, whether it's highly moving or stationary, and the Imaging infrared seekers identifies the priority targets, thus three makes the SDB hit the Target very accurately, the accuracy calculated less than one meter when the SDB Launched far from 60 kilometer or less.

      So far India has many types of PGM/LGB's which way too heavy more than 250 kg to 750kgs. Bombs like Russian made OFAB dumb bombs, KAB 500,1000, 1500 laser guided Bombs, Israeli made Improved fragmentation Bombs,variety of other PGM's like Gabriel and other, American made CBU 105 Cluster Bombs,  and the desi made Sudharshan LGB,  along with two or three models of Glide Bombs and anti armor missiles are at developing stage,  But those Indian Glide bombs and anti armor missiles is still in development stages would require another three to five years before adopted into the Airborne Platforms.

      But the need of Glide bomb is it  can strike targets at pin point launched from and can be launched from stand off Ranges, as increasing threats of armor platforms like Tanks and IFV along with support systems who moves at the speed of some 50 to 60 kilometers, striking them with PGM's or LGB from directly above is not give a good result, even those LGB's are guided they can actually hits the Targets and destroys it, but the Launch platform gets threats from Enemy SAM missiles. also using a 250 Kg of LGB to strike armor a target seems quite overkill. although Those PGM's are good for striking stationary targets like aircraft hangers, Radar installations, Supply Dumb,

     Also the Anti armor missiles like Hell fire and Brimstone is good against moving targets like Tanks and other platforms, with the less weight and mmW those missile can strike such moving vehicles at pin point strike. due to less weight Aircrafts and Helicopters can carry such missiles in good numbers, even those AH 64 E can carry 16 AGM Hell fire missiles, good for Battlefield Air support missions, and Close air support missions.

      But in Asymmetrical warfare, it's hard to identify the threats, where they mostly works deep inside enemy territory and works with the enemy as it's proxy, the Enemy government supply supports and logistics and keeps them within his Territory and neglects it's connection and existence, the current Ukrainian  crisis is the best example, where Russian sponsored Militants  attacks Ukrainian positions with Russian support then vacate the area and hide inside Russian controlled territory, which makes the Ukrainian can't have the option to attack deep inside Russia or it's controlled area.

      The same is also happening in Pakistan, they nowadays sends terrorists, who were intercepted and killed by ground forces, also they get continued fire support from regular Pakistani forces,  But in future they use their armors to provide support to the infiltrators, thus makes our forces pinned down till support arrives, here we can use those SDB's it can be launched from our space and strikes the targets deep inside the enemy territory.

      Fighter like Tejas can carry eight to twenty SDB with or without drop tanks, makes that effective in good battlefield support Aircraft,  with the stand off range the LCA can withstand from enemy air threats too, but for missions like continued Bombing, IAF can use the Su 30 MKI with the payload of more than 20 to 32 SDB missiles. thus proves more effective in any short sharp war with Pakistan.

     As precession Bombing is the Major concern in future warfare, IAF needs to stock guided munitions like  LGB/PGM's , Glide bombs and anti Armour missiles.

Air force plans to retire three Squadron of MiG's

Three squadrons to be retired from active duty. Can Su-30 MKI be a stop-gap measure ?

    Indian Air force plans to retire two Mig 21 and one MiG 27 Squadron from it's fleet, thus reducing the  serving squadron from the existing 35 to 32. A single squadron under IAF consists of 18 fighters with two trainer jets and two more jets in reserve. So IAF will be phasing out almost 54 jets from service.

     The MiG 21 and MiG 27 were acquired from Russia in the early 70's and 80's and have now become obsolete considering the modern jets being fielded by Pakistan and China. IAF has planned to replace the phasing out squadrons with the more advanced SU-30 MKI. IAF had placed an order for 272 Su-30 MKI which is being taken care off by HAL. HAL has till date delivered around 210 Su-30 MKI to the air force and has promised the delivery of another 62 jets at an expedited pace.

    IAF is also awaiting the induction of Rafale and LCA to boost it's capability. HAL currently is manufacturing around 16-18 Su 30 MKI a year which will be serve as a squadron when inducted. With the squadrons depleting IAF is sure to raise the number of orders with HAL for these lethal jets. The Su-30 MKI is an proven platform which can serve the IAF as a multi-role aircraft.

      The MiG 21 was an dedicated air interceptor platform for the IAF and the LCA program has been a promising replacement for the aging jets. Even though the Tejas is running behind schedule it has turned out to be a reliable platform and is one of the only jets to have attained IOC and FOC without a single crash. HAL and ADA has already started work on the advanced Mk-II. The MiG 27 was an ground attack platform and have been key part of the fleet against ground targets. The Mirage 2000 can be considered as an replacement for the MiG-27 and the soon to be inducted Rafale will also fill the void left by the MiG-27.

  
    The jet's even though decommissioned will continue to serve the nation by being the 'Christmas tree' for other jets serving in the fleet. Key machinery of the jets will be used for keeping other aging jets in the fleet and will be serve as the spare for years to come.

    IAF currently operates 35 squadrons as against the sanctioned 45 squadrons. Even though HAL is working at  its best the aging and retiring jets is a worrying matter for IAF. The answer for this is possible only by setting up a parallel supply line in HAL and actively encouraging private players for producing state-of-the-art jets indigenously.

Editor Karthik kakoor