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Indian millitary system is a very well organized section of defence that we all feel proud of as Indians. Indian millitary forms the backbone of Indian Defence. Newer and improved weapons are needed by the army to fight back. To make yourself up to date and informed about the new developements of technology in Indian Military, browse through this blog. Know how technology has been highly embraced in our Indian Millitary System.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

BAE Systems bids for Indian Army's artillery gun order


BAE Systems has submitted a fresh bid for an Indian Army order for 155mm towed howitzers, the company said Tuesday, adding that it was offering an advanced version of the gun that had performed extremely creditably during the 1999 Kargil war with Pakistan.

The BAE offer is 'based on the FH77 B05 155mm howitzer, and a significant proportion will be manufactured in India to meet the specific needs of the Indian Army', a company statement said.

The FH77 B05 is a more powerful, updated and computerised version of the howitzer that performed so well in the Kargil conflict. FH77B05 has significantly greater range than its predecessor, but retains many of the features that endeared the system to its users in the Indian Army,' the statement added.


The army is known to be immediately looking for 400 towed howitzers as part of its artillery modernisation programme that has suffered inordinate delays. The numbers could eventually go up to 1,600. If the entire modernistion programme is taken into account, the army will be shopping for some 5,000 howitzers in the next two decades in a combination of towed, self-propelled and ultra-light guns.
 
The BAE bid is in response to a fresh request for information (RFI) issued by the defence ministry last month after the previous tendering process was cancelled after it had reached the summer field trial phase.


No official reason has been assigned for the cancellation but sources said this was because some of the contenders could not meet the conditions stipulated in the tender.

'BAE Systems and the FH77 B05 was present and ready to take part in those cancelled trials in Rajasthan and the (gun) remains in India ready to recommence the process,' the statement said.

Andrew Gallagher, managing director and chief executive of BAE Systems India, said: 'BAE Systems is confident that the FH77 B05 is the best heavy towed howitzer in the world today and meets the requirements of the Indian Army.'

'If selected...our FH77 howitzer will be largely manufactured by Defence Land Systems India, our joint venture with Mahindra and we hope this will be the first step to establishing this business as an artillery centre of excellence, for BAE Systems globally. Furthermore it will create highly skilled local jobs in India,' Gallagher added.

Anand Mahindra, vice chairman and managing director of the Mahindra Group, said: 'Working on this programme will bring world-leading artillery technology to India for the first time, setting in motion the process of making Defence Land Systems India a global force in artillery.'

BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009, BAE Systems reported sales of $36.2 billion (Rs.1.7 trillion).
 
News Source: Sifi

Final Certification Process For Indian LCA Underway

Source: Defence Forum Of India



The final certification process for Tejas, India’s Light Combat Aircraft, has begun ahead of its crucial initial operational clearance (IOC), program official P.S. Subramanyam tells AVIATION WEEK.

The certification process is being conducted by a team headed by K. Tamilmani, chief executive at the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (Cemilac). It is one of the most significant developments in the last nine and a half years of the program. The first prototype of the Tejas initial technology demonstrator made its first flight on Jan. 4, 2001.

“The certification mainly ensures that the user [the Indian Air Force] will be handed over a safe, mature and reliable aircraft with specified performance,” says Subramanyam, who is program director for combat aircraft and director of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). “Cemilac has given a clear road map segmenting two major steps—equipment and system certifications. The process was started a month ago.”

More than 300 engineers from ADA, Cemilac, the Defense Research and Development Organization, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., the National Aerospace Laboratories and other program partners are working in tandem to ensure that Tejas enters the much-awaited IOC by December 2010.

“There’s excitement in the air,” Subramanyam says. “We are ensuring that everything goes as per the script—be it the tests on the ground, on the aircraft and while [in the] air. The Tejas certification mission is in full throttle.”

For its part, Cemilac has been updated with all the test schedules. “All operational equipment needs to be certified,” Tamilmani says. “We look at the reliability of all systems . . . especially in the flight-control systems. Tejas has four levels of redundancy stages for its flight-control computer.”

Tamilmani says Tejas has proved itself as a safe platform, and the Cemilac team interacts very closely with the users conducting the airworthiness certification.

“The envelope for IOC is frozen and we are working very closely with the [Indian Air Force] program management team at ADA and with other partners,” Tamilmani adds.


Monday, August 30, 2010

MEADS Edges Towards Critical Milestone

By: Military Technology
Source: DefPro


Kee: “MEADS addressed all requirements provided by the nations.”

Interview with Gregory L. Kee, General Manager, NATO MEADS Management Agency

The tri-national Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) programme is closing in on a final Critical Design Review. Major assemblies are now being integrated and tested in anticipation of the CDR, that will formally complete the design phase. The programme further demonstrates significant hardware progress toward flight tests in 2012. In an interview with MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, a media partner of defpro.com, Gregory L. Kee, General Manager, NATO MEADS Management Agency gives details and latest news.



Under development by Germany, Italy and the US, the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) is a ground-mobile air and missile defence system that will eventually being developed to replace the PATRIOT in the US, the HAWK and PATRIOT systems in Germany, and the NIKE HERCULES in Italy. It is the only medium-range air defence system that provides full 360° coverage for the warfighter.

MT: The US Army says that MEADS does not meet their requirements. Can you talk to me about that?

Kee: MEADS has addressed all requirements provided by the nations. It is important to recognise that the MEADS design requirements were set jointly by the US, Germany and Italy based on the increased need for coalition fighting and US experience with an aging PATRIOT system during both Iraq wars.

MEADS meets challenging requirements not addressed by any previous air and missile defence system. The system is easily deployed to a theatre and, once there, can keep pace with fast-moving manoeuvre forces. MEADS will be the only air and missile defence system able to roll off air transports with troops and almost immediately begin operations to protect manoeuvre forces and critical assets against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and manned aircraft.


MEADS is being built with open architecture and plug-and-fight, so it will have the ability to adapt to each of the three nation’s requirements. It will be interoperable with the other systems each of the participating nations uses and will operate effectively in a coalition environment. Looking even more broadly at NATO, MEADS will align and fit into the missile defence architecture that’s being developed for Europe.

MEADS addresses the limitations of the PATRIOT system, which began design and development in the late 1960s. Operation “Iraqi Freedom” and NATO operations in Afghanistan have underscored the need for the 360° protection that MEADS provides. The combination of 360° sensor operation, near-vertical launch capability, and the PAC-3 MSE missile gives MEADS a far greater defended area. MEADS advanced sensors see farther to make full use of PAC-3 MSE missile’s capabilities. MEADS sensors are also optimised for their functions; the UHF surveillance radar is optimised for efficient search over a very wide area, and the X-band multifunction fire control radar is optimised for very accurate tracking of today’s advanced threats.

MT: The Obama administration has focused on NATO and Trans-Atlantic armaments cooperation through its Ballistic Missile Defense Review and Phased Adaptive Approach. Does MEADS contribute any value?


Kee: Absolutely. From the beginning, MEADS has been a unique and far-reaching programme, tasked with demonstrating methodology to allow three NATO countries to share in development of a common system that enables interoperability for future coalition operations. As the US, Germany, and Italy develop MEADS, it has been shown to be a positive example of transatlantic cooperation. By working together to replace the aging missile systems of the three countries, we are accomplishing more with limited budget than each country could alone.

The MEADS programme continues to prove its value. The benefits of international cooperation are extending far beyond cost sharing (42% of the development costs are being covered by Germany with 25% and Italy with 17%), although European participation has freed up over $1.6 billion in budget authority that has been applied to other US defence needs. The contributions by German and Italian industry are world-class, and having such an advanced capability as MEADS in the hands of our allies ensures that the US will not need to respond unilaterally to every military crisis that threatens US citizens or interests worldwide.

Furthermore, having a shared system among coalition partners and within NATO promotes interoperability, cooperation, and exchange of information among allied forces. For these reasons, it is expected that MEADS will be purchased and fielded by many of our allies throughout NATO and elsewhere. MEADS is aligned to contribute to the European Phased Adaptive Approach.


MT: There was some recent Congressional language in the US that the programme was behind schedule. What is the current status of the system design?



Kee: The programme is on track to complete design approval and to begin test flights at White Sands Missile Range in 2012. Focus remains on completing the system-level Critical Design Review (CDR) in August 2010, which will be the last of 47 discrete design review events that have been held during the past two years. To date, more than 1,000 evaluation criteria required for final design approval of the system have been demonstrated. All major component designs for the radars, launcher, reloader, and battle manager are finalised and have been approved by the three nations.

Production of assemblies has already shown substantial progress as the programme moves into an integration and test phase in 2011. As noted in a March 2010 US Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, the MEADS programme's five critical technologies are fully mature ahead of CDR. In February, the MEADS interceptor, an advanced version of the current PAC-3 missile, successfully intercepted a threat-representative tactical ballistic missile target at White Sands Missile Range. The programme is now producing the radars, launchers, reloaders and battle managers needed for integration and test activities. Recent major integration and test milestones accomplishments include:

• A unique system test capability has been integrated that enables hardware-in-the-loop testing of MEADS elements in a system configuration. This integration enables use of the MEADS battle management system and its plug-and-fight capabilities;



• Tactical software deliveries have begun in support of system integration;



• A MEADS IFF unit is in test at Pratica di Mare Air Force Base in Italy;



• The first US Integrated Launcher Electronics System (ILES) has been completed and delivered to Germany for integration on the MEADS Launcher;



• The first Launcher Platform Group has been integrated onto an Italian prime mover and passed acceptance tests;



• Multifunction Fire Control Radar antenna elevation and automatic levelling tests were completed successfully following integration onto an Italian prime mover.



MT: What is the cost of the system?



Kee: Future MEADS production costs are expected be comparable to those of other air and missile defence systems while offering superior performance. Estimates being generated today have the benefit of actual costs for key components like the interceptor, transmit/receive modules for both radars, software, and launcher electronics. Additionally, operations and sustainment costs for MEADS are forecast to be nearly half of what it costs to maintain PATRIOT.

For example, MEADS requires far fewer soldiers and less equipment in a fire unit, but it protects more area than PATRIOT, with increased capability to handle more threats and at greater ranges. With MEADS mobility, range, and flexible architecture, far fewer MEADS units will be needed. For example, four PATRIOT units would be needed to provide the 360° protection of a single MEADS fire unit. Up to eight or more PATRIOT units would be needed to provide the range and coverage of a single MEADS fire unit.



MEADS benefits from reduced manpower needs, advanced prognostics, modular software, higher availability, and smaller, more fuel-efficient components. Since operations and sustainment costs of major weapons systems represent nearly 70% of the overall life cycle cost of a system, MEADS could potentially save user nations billions of dollars over the lifecycle of the system.


MT: Do you have any final thoughts?

Kee: I am optimistic that the nations will approve the next phase of the MEADS programme. MEADS’ 21st century open architecture allows operational mission-tailoring to the user. Based on our initial assessment, MEADS provides 3-8x greater firepower with 1/3 the force, resulting in dramatic operation and support cost savings over current systems. MEADS is also more transportable than PATRIOT. MEADS major elements and smaller vehicles weigh less and emplace more quickly than their PATRIOT counterparts, increasing airlift flexibility to get MEADS into the theatre and increasing mission flexibility once there.

Through MEADS plug-and-fight capabilities, nations gain the opportunity to easily and affordably integrate their own sensors or shooters into the MEADS open architecture. Existing stovepipe systems use a proprietary software-based battle manager that requires complex integration to incorporate additional capabilities. Germany will be the first nation to benefit from the MEADS open-architecture battle manager through integration of the IRIS-T SL missile into German MEADS fire units. MEADS is also the only terminal air and missile defence system using Mode V identification friend-or-foe (IFF) technology to help reduce fratricide.


MT: Mr Kee, thank you for this interview.

Friday, August 27, 2010

India suspends defence exchanges with China

News Source : HT

India has suspended defence exchanges with China after Beijing refused a visa to an Indian army general from the Kashmir region, media reports said on Friday. Army's General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Area Command was denied visa because he was responsible for "disputed" region of Jammu
& Kashmir, according to China.

New Delhi would give little details on the issue, only saying that the visit by the general to China did not take place.

"While we value our exchanges with China, there must be sensitivity to each others' concerns. Our dialogue with China on these issues is ongoing," External Affairs Ministry spokesman said in a statement.

The Chinese have been provokng India on Kashmir in recent times by refusing to paste visas on the passports of residents of J&K, instead stapling them instead.

India has strongly protested this practice since the government refuses to recognize stapled visas as valid travel documents.

While trade between India and China has flourished, mistrust remains, especially over the state of Arunachal Pradesh and the government policy of allowing the exiled Dalai Lama to live in India.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Indian MoD comments various defence and security issues




Indian Press Information Bureau




According to the Indian Press Information Bureau, the following information was recently given by Indian Defence Minister, Shri AK Antony in written replies to members of the Parliament of India:

Development of Indigenous Cauvery Engine for LCA

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing Kaveri engine for Light Comber Aircraft (LCA). The technologies / productions of Kaveri engine which attained maturity during the development process are given below:

(i) All major engine sub-assemblies have been tested for aerodynamic performance and structural integrity (life & safety) requirements from qualification point of view.

(ii) Critical sub-systems have been developed.

(iii) Full authority Kaveri Digital engine Control System (KADECS) has been designed and developed.

(iv) Various critical technologies in the fields of instrumentation/measurement, health monitoring, data acquisition, etc. have been developed.

(v) Twelve materials (Titanium, Steel and super alloys) have been developed and type certified.

(vi) Directionally Solidified (DS) casting technology and high temperature tip brazing technology for the High Pressure and Low Pressure turbine blades & vanes have been developed.

(vii) Adequate manufacturing technology base has been established.
 
The reasons for the delay in developing the said engine are as follows:
 
(i) Non-availability of critical materials, viz., nickel and titanium based alloys in the country.

(ii) Low priority from foreign manufacturing agencies in view of the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) vis-à-vis the production order quantity from other engine houses.

(iii) Lack of manufacturing infrastructure for critical components.

(iv) Flying Test Bed (FTB) trials were not originally envisaged but included subsequently, based on the recommendations of Certification Agency and IAF.

(v) US sanctions imposed during 1998 affected the delivery of critical systems & components.

(vi) Lack of infrastructure of engine testing and component / system level testing within the country leading to dependency on foreign agencies.

Kaveri engine testing under simulated altitude and forward speed conditions during February 2010 has been successfully completed. Another engine has been integrated with IL-76 aircraft at Gromov Flight Research Institute (GFRI), Moscow for ground and flight test which is expected to complete by October 2010.

These two major milestones would make ‘Kaveri’ engine certified for flight operations. Productions of LCAs are, meanwhile, as decided by user, being fitted with imported engines. The details of funds allocated and utilized year wise, during the last three years, are as below:

Financial Year / Allocation (Rs. in crore) / Expenditure (Rs in crore)

2007-2008 / 157.05 / 152.51

2008-2009 / 153.54 / 153.54

2009-2010 / 123.20 / 122.06
 
Delivery of Admiral Gorshkov Aircraft Carrier
 
The Government proposes to acquire an aircraft carrier ‘Admiral Gorshkov’ from Russia. The delivery of the ship has been planned for December 2012. A team of Indian specialists comprising of officers, sailors and civilian personnel have been deputed to Russia as part overseeing team who are constantly monitoring the progress of work onboard the ship. Additionally, the Refit work is being monitored through regular project reviews at the shipyard by sending composite delegation.
 
Modernisation of T-72 Tanks Vis-a-Vis Arjun Tanks
 
The Army follows a philosophy of having a mix of legacy equipment, equipment with matured technology and state-of-the-art equipment. T-72 tank is not an antiquated equipment. Therefore, the Army intends to retrofit/upgrade these tanks to enhance their mission reliability and life expectancy.

Orders for 124 Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun have already been placed on the Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi. As on date, 85 MBT Arjun Tanks have been issued to the Army. Keeping in view the production capacity for MBT Arjun Tanks and strategic considerations, the Government is also exercising the option for modernising T-72 tanks instead of total replacement of these tanks on completion of their life span.
 
Strengthening of Coastal Defence
 
Government has initiated several measures to strengthen coastal security, including surveillance mechanism. For this purpose, an integrated approach has been put in place. The coastal surveillance and patrolling have been enhanced. Joint and operational exercises are taking place on regular basis among the Navy, the Coast Guard, Coastal State Police, Customs and others to check the effectiveness of the new systems. The intelligence-sharing mechanism has been streamlined through the creation of Joint Operational Centres and multi-agency coordination mechanism. Measures have also been taken to further strengthen the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. Towards this existing naval Commanders-in-Chief are also designated as the Commander-in-Chief Coastal Defence. The Indian Coast Guard has been additionally designated as the authority responsible for coastal security in territorial waters including areas to be patrolled by coastal police.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

IDRW - SECURITY AND DEFENCE NEWS MAGAZINE

IDRW released sample issue of Security and Defence News magazine.


Download it from the link below.


Monday, August 23, 2010

Iran Displays Military Strength Amid Growing Tension

News By :





Nicolas von Kospoth
Managing Editor
defence.professionals (defpro.com) GmbH



Iran’s new combat UAV, called Karrar. (Photo: IRNA)


It is no coincidence that, just as Iran prepares to load fuel rods into a nuclear reactor at its Bushehr plant, the Iranian president as well as high-ranking military officials made great efforts to emphasise their country’s military strength and repeatedly claimed that an attack by the US or Israel on installations of its allegedly peaceful nuclear programme would be very “unwise.” Next to the usual sabre-rattling rhetoric, which we have become used to during past years, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Sunday unveiled a new long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Not that Iran is unfamiliar with the use of unmanned aircraft – in fact, the country has been operating a number of different small and medium-sized tactical UAVs for several years. However, Iran claims the recently unveiled system, dubbed Karrar (Farsi for “Striker”), has been fully developed and manufactured by its national defence industry. According to different intelligence sources, Iran has been producing its own unmanned surveillance aircraft since the late 1980s and has, reportedly, provided the Hezbollah with such systems.

The country’s newest development in the field of UAVs, amongst other military solutions, was now presented to the public on the occasion of the Iranian Defence Industry Day, which was attended by Ahmadinejad as well as the Iranian Defence Minister, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi.

Although no specific data has been released on its performance and capabilities, the 4-metre long UAV is believed to have a payload capacity sufficient to carry two 250-pound bombs or a precision 500 pound bomb. This will provide it with an attack capability, in addition to its tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) functions. According to the Defence Minister, it will have a range of approximately 1,000 kilometres, which Iran has also claimed for other UAV systems already operated by its military. The Defence Minister further explained that the aircraft is jet-propelled and is able to operate at high altitudes. So far, there have only been reports about the capability to carry bombs, rather than missiles.

Although the system is not likely to have a significant strategic impact (at least not in the scenarios of US and/or Israeli pre-emptive attacks against Iran, so far known), Ahmadinejad is convinced of its deterrence capabilities. According to news sources, he said the UAV’s goal is to “keep the enemy paralysed in its bases.” It is thus that the Iranian President emphasises the “defensive” nature of the new weapon system, at the same time labelling it an “ambassador of death”.

In the eyes of Ahmadinejad, it is another successful step within Iran’s military self-sufficiency programme, which aims to convince the “enemies of humanity” that any attack against the Iranian nation would be defeated. His peculiar self-confidence goes as far as offering friendship to the United States, provokingly saying that “there are no logical reasons for the United States to carry out such an act,” as they couldn’t even defeat a small force from Iraq.

Whether Iran would be capable of producing a fleet of armed UAVs that are large and capable enough to overcome modern air defences and truly endanger an enemy force remains to be seen. A far greater threat comes from Iran’s ballistic missiles. On Friday, Iran test-fired a new liquid fuel surface-to-surface missile, called Qiam-1, which is claimed to have an advanced guidance system. Its true precision and lethal capability, as that of most Iranian weapon systems, cannot be independently verified and remains within the realm of speculation.

Nevertheless, Iranian officials insist that their military is prepared to defend its territory. On Sunday, Vahidi told the Iranian news agency IRNA: “Indigenized hardware – amour and equipment – form part of our capabilities, of which the Iranian army is proud, in addition to the high morale of the combat troops.”

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

China deploys new CSS-5 missiles on border with India

News Source : IDRW

BY:PTI


China has moved new advanced longer range CSS-5 missiles close to the borders with India and developed contingency plans to shift airborne forces at short notice to the region, according to Pentagon.

Despite increased political and economic relationship between India and China, the Pentagon in a report to the US Congress said, tensions remain along the Sino-India borders with rising instances of border violation and aggressive border patrolling by Chinese soldiers.

However, a senior Defense Departmentofficial told reporters that the US has not observed any anomalous increase in military capabilities along the Sino-India border.

Noting that China continues to maintain its position on what its territorial claim is, the official said, the two capitals – Beijing and New Delhi – have been able to manage this dispute, in a way, using confidence-building measures and diplomatic mechanisms to be able to maintain relative stability in that border area.

“But it’s something that China continues to watch; but I wouldn’t say that there’s anything in this report that demonstrates a spike or an anomalous increase in military capabilities along the border.

“It’s something that China’s paying very careful attention to. It’s obviously something that India is paying careful attention to as well,” the Senior Defense Department official said.

In its annual report, the US Defence department said, to improve regional deterrence, the PLA has replaced older liquid-fueled, nuclear capable CCS-3 intermediate range missiles with more advanced and survivable fueled CSS-5 MRBMs.

“China is currently engaged in massive road and rail infrastructure development along the Sino-India border primarily to facilitate economic development in western China: improved roads also support PLA operations,” the Pentagon said.

The report presented to the Congress said despite increased political and economic relations over the years between China and India, tensions remain along their shared 4,057 km border, most notably over Arunachal Pradesh, which China asserts as part of Tibet and therefore of China, and over the Aksai Chin region at the western end of the Tibetan Plateau.

“Both countries, in 2009, stepped up efforts to assert their claims. China tried to block a USD 2.9 billion loan to India from the Asian Development Bank, claiming part of the loan would have been used for water projects in Arunachal Pradesh. This represented the first time China sought to influence this dispute through a multilateral institution,” the Pentagon said.

Readers Quiz.........?

What is this...............................?

It is easy to figure out what this is in generic terms. So readers are invited to guess the identity of this A Gold Star for the most detailed (and correct) identification.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Missile Development Programmes

Source : Bharat Rakshak


Status of missile development programmes, currently being run in the country, are given below:-


(i) Nag - It is a 3rd Generation Anti-Tank Missile having ‘top attack’ and ‘fire and forget’ capability with a range of 4 km. Its validation trial based on User Trial feedback has been completed successfully. Missile system is ready to enter production /induction phase.

(ii) HELINA - It is the Helicopter Version of 3rd Generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile with a range of more than 7 km. Launchers have been cleared for captive carriage trials and handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for carriage trials.

(iii) Astra – It is Air-to-Air Missile system for beyond visual range, designated to be a missile for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). Its two guided flight trials from ground launcher have been undertaken during July 2010.

(iv) LR-SAM – It is a Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) jointly developed / produced by DRDO and IAI, Israel. Its Ballistic flight trials was undertaken in May 2010.

(v) MR-SAM – It is a Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) jointly developed/produced by DRDO and IAI, Israel. Its preliminary design has been carried out. Pre-tender briefing to all prospective vendors has also been carried out.

(vi) Agni Series of Surface-to-Surface Missiles: Agni-I with a range of 700 km and Agni-II with a range of more than 2000 km have been developed and inducted into Services. Agni-III with a range of 3000 km is ready for induction into Services.

(vii) BrahMos – it is a Supersonic Cruise Missile. It has twin roles against sea and land based targets and can be fitted on multiple platforms including ships, submarines, aircraft and mobile ground platforms. The missile has range of 290 km with 200 kg warhead and a speed of more than 2.8 mach number. BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile development programme started as a joint venture between India and Russia through an Inter Government Agreement in February 1998. It has already been inducted in Indian Navy and Indian Army. The Air Version of the missile is under development.

Except BrahMos, no offer has been received from any country for joint venture in missile development programmes. There is no plan to accept the conditions of Missile Technology Control Regime.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri SB Wankhede and Shri AP Shivaji in Lok Sabha today.

SU-30MKI Upgrade - Cobham 754 Buddy Refuelling System for Su-30MKI


Source : Angle of Attack Blogspot

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Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Chinese arms for Pakistan



Source: Indian Millitary Watch

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DRDO to develop army’s next-generation tank

News Source: IDRW

News By: Ajai Shukla /Business-standard.com

With most of our armour unfit to fight at night, the project is crucial.

In March this year, during trials in the Rajasthan desert, the Defence R&D Organisation’s Arjun tank conclusively outperformed the Russian T-90, the army’s showpiece. Buoyed by that success and by the army’s consequent order for 124 additional Arjuns, the DRDO is now readying to develop India’s next-generation tank, currently termed the Future Main Battle Tank (FMBT).

While costs are still being evaluated, the projections are mind-boggling. The development cost alone could be Rs 5,000 crore. Then, the replacement cost of the Indian Army’s 4,000 tanks — at a conservative Rs 25 crore per FMBT — adds to Rs 1,00,000 crore. The bulk of this would flow, over years of production, to Tier-I and Tier-II suppliers from small and medium industries.

For the first time, the DRDO has outlined the FMBT project’s contours. Talking exclusively to Business Standard, DRDO chief and Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister, V K Saraswat, revealed, “While the Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) has been handed over to private industry, the DRDO will develop the FMBT. We need about seven-eight years from the time the project is formally sanctioned. The army and the DRDO have already identified the major features of the FMBT, which are quite different from the Arjun. While the Arjun is a 60-tonne tank, the FMBT will be lighter… about 50 tonnes. It will be a highly mobile tank.”

Vital project

The FMBT project, says the military, is crucial for India’s future battle readiness. As army chief, General Deepak Kapoor pronounced 80 per cent of India’s tank fleet unfit to fight at night, which is when most tank battles take place. The bulk of our fleet, some 2,400 obsolescent Russian T-72s, are being shoddily patched up (see Business Standard, Feb 3, ‘Army to spend billions on outdated T-72 tanks’). More modern T-90 tanks were procured from Russia in 2001, shorn of crucial systems to reduce prices, after parliamentary dissent threatened to derail the contract (Business Standard, Feb 4, ‘Piercing the army’s armour of deception’). Only now, after nine years of stonewalling, has Russia transferred the technology needed to build the T-90 in India.

Urgently in need of capable tanks, the army has worked with DRDO to finalise a broad range of capabilities for the FMBT. These have been formalised in a document called the Preliminary Specifications Qualitative Requirement (PSQR). The detailed specifications of the FMBT, once finalised, will be listed in General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR).

Amongst the capabilities being finalised for the GSQR are: active armour, which will shoot down enemy anti-tank projectiles before they strike the FMBT; extreme mobility, which makes the FMBT much harder to hit; the capability to operate in a nuclear-contaminated battlefield without exposing the crew to radiation; and the networked flow of information to the FMBT, providing full situational awareness to the crew, even when “buttoned down” inside the tank.

Also being finalised is the FMBT armament, a key attribute that determines a tank’s battlefield influence. The Arjun already has a heavy 120mm ‘main gun’, and two small-calibre machine guns; the recently ordered batch of 124 Arjuns will also fire anti-tank missiles through their main gun. The army wants all of those for the FMBT, with ranges enhanced through technological improvements.

However, the DRDO chief ruled out an electromagnetic gun, the next generation in high-velocity guns towards which armament technology aspires. “The Future MBT is not so far in the future,” Saraswat quipped.

FICV, too

With the FMBT project squarely on its agenda, the DRDO also envisages a major role in developing the FICV. Says the DRDO chief, “The FICV is not just a conventional armoured vehicle for transporting soldiers. It involves advanced technologies and multidisciplinary integration, which private industry has never done. Only the DRDO and the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) have that experience. DRDO teams are already thinking about the technologies that should go into the FICV. But this is only to support private industry in making the FICV project a success.”

While private industry weighs its options about where to manufacture the FICV, the DRDO has already chosen the Heavy Vehicle Factory (HVF) in Avadi —- the OFB facility that builds the Arjun —- as the FMBT production line.

“It will definitely be produced in HVF. I see no way that we can go away from HVF,” says Saraswat. “The HVF will work with us from the preliminary design of the FMBT, so that we can go from prototype to mass production without any hiccups.”

Arjun Tanks

News Source: IDRW

BY: PIB

The Indian Army is placing an order for 124 Arjun Tanks Mark – II in addition to the equal number of Mark – I ordered earlier. Tank T-90, Tank T-72, and Arjun tanks are all main battle tanks of the Indian Army.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri BP Tarai and Shri Prabodh Panda in Lok Sabha today

India to launch satellite-based navigation system GAGAN

News Source: iplextra.indiatimes


A satellite-based navigation system to aid air traffic from Southeast Asia to Africa, including over the high seas in the vast region, would be launched on Tuesday, placing India into a select group of nations which possess such a sophisticated technology.

GAGAN or the GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation to be launched by Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel would not only help the civil aviation sector but also help in marine navigation, search and rescue operations, rail and road transport, survey and mapping as well as precision farming.

So far, only the US, Europe and Japan have developed similar capabilities. GAGAN would fill the gap between the European EGNOS and the Japanese MSAS systems to provide seamless air navigation service across regional boundaries, an official spokesperson said.

The system, developed jointly by the Indian Space Research Organisation and Airports Authority of India, would operationalise a satellite-based Indian Flight Information Region in conjunction with all nations from Southeast Asia, Gulf and West Asia and the eastern coast of Africa. It would be based on a satellite constellation consisting of 24 satellites positioned in six earth-centered orbital planes, she said.

When commissioned, GAGAN is expected to provide civil aeronautical navigation signals consistent with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards based on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Panel, as part of the Future Air Navigation System for the aviation sector.

GAGAN would benefit the sector in a major way, including enabling aircraft to fly on direct straight-line routes. Currently, the planes fly over the land-based radars which are not installed in a straight line. GAGAN would help them navigate on a straight line as it is dependent on satellite route guidance and thus enhance fuel savings.

The system would help in ‘precision approach’ while landing at all airports in this vast region. It would not only result in savings on ground-based radar systems, but also improve air traffic capacity through reduced aircraft separation, that is more planes can be accommodated in a limited airspace.

GAGAN would also enhance air-to-air surveillane and

controlled flight into terrain, the absence of which becomes a major cause for aircrashes while landing. The project involves establishment of 15 Indian Reference Stations, three Indian Navigation Land Uplink Stations, three Indian Mission Control Centers and installation of all associated softwares and communication.
 
To know more about GAGAN click the below wikipedia link
 
 
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Monday, August 9, 2010

MMRCA Updates : IAF Recommends Rafale & Eurofighter For MMRCA!

Times Now Report




After exhaustive trials of six fighter jets, Indian Air Force (IAF) has made its choice clear to the Government on the kind of fighter jets needed. Frontrunners for the force are French fighter Dassault Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon built by the European consortium. Bernhard Gerwert, Chief, EADS, says “If you are taking into account the portfolio of EADS we can bring the bridge between civil aviation and military aviation.” But the Americans and Russians have lost out. Boeing’s F18 no longer a frontrunner and Sweden’s Gripen too falling off the Indian radar.

Despite MiG 35s big thunder, its engine failing to impress while the F-16, according to the IAF has no future. Another reason favouring Rafale and Eurofighter is political. Thomas Matussek, German Ambassador, “We regard India as a strategic security partner and this is why we do not insist on an end user monitoring agreement period.” So when the mother of all defence deals is signed for the 126 Multi-Role Combat Aircraft either Rafale or the Eurofighter will fly away with the Rs 42,000 crore deal.

MMRCA Updates : Times Now Report

After exhaustive trials of six fighter jets, Indian Air Force (IAF) has made its choice clear to the Government on the kind of fighter jets needed. Frontrunners for the force are French fighter Dassault Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon built by the European consortium. Bernhard Gerwert, Chief, EADS, says “If you are taking into account the portfolio of EADS we can bring the bridge between civil aviation and military aviation.” But the Americans and Russians have lost out. Boeing’s F18 no longer a frontrunner and Sweden’s Gripen too falling off the Indian radar.

Despite MiG 35s big thunder, its engine failing to impress while the F-16, according to the IAF has no future. Another reason favouring Rafale and Eurofighter is political. Thomas Matussek, German Ambassador, “We regard India as a strategic security partner and this is why we do not insist on an end user monitoring agreement period.” So when the mother of all defence deals is signed for the 126 Multi-Role Combat Aircraft either Rafale or the Eurofighter will fly away with the Rs 42,000 crore deal.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Advance Agni II to be tested in September

BY: THE HINDU

A “totally new missile,” called Agni II – is to be tested in September from the Wheeler Island, off the Orissa coast.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Agni II – has two stages and both are powered by solid propellants. “It has several advanced technologies,” sources in the DRDO said.

The missile, which can carry nuclear warheads, can be transported by both rail and road. Its range is between 2,750 and 3,000 km. It will thus fill the gap between Agni II, which can cover about 2,500 km, and Agni III that has a range of about 3,500 km. Agni I can hit enemy targets 700 km away. While Agni II and Agni III are two-stage missiles, Agni I is a single-stage one. All are capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

The Agni series have proved the re-entry technology developed by the DRDO. When the missile re-enters the atmosphere from the vacuum of space, the nuclear warhead has to be protected from intense heat.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Arjun Mark II and Futuristic main battle tank (FMBT)

News Source: IDRW

BY: Vinayak shetty

If latest Times of India reports are to be believed , then its seems that Arjun Mk-2 and FMBT will be two different tanks , in their report TOI have told that Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVR&DE) is working on Arjun Mk-2 and is also working on Futuristic main battle tank (FMBT) which it plans to field by 2020 .

It was rumored that army wanted Arjun Mk-2 to be a FMBT MBT and where not interested to induct any further numbers from Arjun MBT , but after impressive show by Arjun MBT when pitted against T-90s , Army not only ordered more 124 Arjun Mk-1 but also was interested in Arjun Mk-2 variant.

FMBT will be completely new tank with new modern design features , and will incorporate futuristic Armour and weapons control systems , Indian army earlier had planned for a joint venture with Russia on new Main battle tank but Russians them-self have canceled their futuristic T-95 MBT program and also have scrapped their a parallel Tank program know as Black Eagle and are working on further improvements on their existing T-90s MBTs , this could be the main reason for Indian army to stick with Indigenous FMBT MBT Project .

Ajun MBT MK-2 will have Have Panoramic Commander’s Sight as per another report and it will have better Battle field awareness and along with more powerful locally developed 1500 BHP engine along with ERA Armour protection , CVR&DE plans to offer new Arjun Mk-2 for trials to army with next three years

LSP-5 gears up for first flight

News Source: IDRW

ADA and HAL is all geared up to conduct first flight of LSP-5 and as per source ,ground runs are been carried out and first flight is expected by mid or second last week of this month , LSP-5 will be carrying new layout of the cockpit as per suggestions from the pilots who have been flying them and it also will be carrying Radio aid which will be used for Weapons Testing.

LSP-5 will have all integrated sensors that includes having night lighting within the cockpit, and an auto-pilot , this will be third LSP Tejas to be rolled out of HAL Complex this year , in April this year LSP-3 with MMR radar was rolled out making it first Tejas to have an on-board radar .

HAL is also working to complete LSP-6 and have its first flight by end of this year LSP-6 will be used to further explore Angle of Attack (AOA) and also do minor improvements to its airframe , as per unconfirmed information provided by source to www.lca-tejas.org LSP-6 will also be a Test bed aircraft to incorporate newer avionics and other subsystems which will be developed for Tejas Mk-2 ,we have to still verify this claim from multiple sources .

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

U.S. Finally Reacts to North Korean Sinking of Korean Ship

News From: DefPro.org
Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA)

The USS George Washington CSG contributed to the exercise.

Riki Ellison, Chairman and Founder of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA), has analyzed the U.S. military exercises off the Korean Peninsula this week. Ellison is one of the top experts in missile defense in the country. His observations are the following: “Off the Korean Peninsula this week our U.S. forces, led by the USS George Washington Battle Strike Group made up of 20 ships, 100 aircraft and 8,000 sailors, made a definitive statement to our ally, South Korea, of extending our military deterrent.

“This military exercise with Korean forces involved a coordinated and integrated application of both offensive and defensive forces that are required to handle a military crisis in this region of the world. This exercise ties together the advancements of military technology, the updating of older systems and new sailors and officers gaining needed experience. It is a necessary requirement that needs to take place regularly in order to secure the peace and stability of our allies that live on and around the Korean Peninsula.
 

Indian Army T-72 tanks now have night vision


The Indian Defence Minister yestrday stated in the parliament that the T-72 tank fleet is being optimally used and is the mainstay of the present tank fleet. The entire fleet of this tank is fully battle worthy with high mission and operational reliability. A part of the T-72 fleet is already equipped with high end technology night vision device which has been fully integrated and exploited. Further, the process of upgrading the night fighting capabilities with the state-of-the-art thermal imaging is an ongoing process.

Kaveri engine on path to become flight worthy

BY: IDRW NEWS NETWORK


Defence minister yesterday in parliament declared that GTRE has successfully carried out Altitude testing where Kaveri K-9 under belly of IL-76 aircraft carried out different engine performance simulation at various altitude and second part of testing will see that working engine from IL-76 will be replaced by Kaveri K-9 engine and this engine will actually power the aircraft .

Tests have been conducted currently at at Gromov Flight Research Institute (GFRI), Russia, on a IL-76 Flying Test Bed (FTB) ,after this trials are successfully , GTRE will integrate the kaveri engine with a Tejas Air frame (Mostly likely PV-1) and plans to have its first test Flight by end of 2010 or early 2011.

DRDO's Next Star Wars-Like Weapon

Image from : Asian Defence Blogspot

Monday, August 2, 2010

AMCA: Why Israel Should be Part of AMCA Project

BY: Vinayak shetty

ADA along with HAL have embarked into developing a 5th generation aircraft all alone ,  AMCA project has per IAF ASR (Air staff requirement) has to be Fully stealth aircraft and also should be a multirole aircraft able to play role of both Air superiority fighter and also be able to carry precision air strikes ,very similar role which Tejas MK2 might have to carry out when inducted into Air force .

Constant delays in Tejas program have made many defence experts in India,  question the whole AMCA project which India wants to carry out on its own with out any International defence partner , Many including Defence Expert Rakesh Sharma have suggested an international defence partners help to carry out this project , and why Israel fits the bill for the AMCA project .

Israel have technical knowing and  might bring its expertise in Avionics and its subsystems to develop a highly capable aircraft , and in return India will get an international partner for Export and they will also play a crucial role in getting export orders for AMCA in international market , Israel are currently disappointed regarding F-35, since they will not be able to do any local upgrades to F-35 they indent to purchase and rising cost of this aircraft already has forced Israel to cut back on number which they earlier indented to induct .
while induction numbers of F-35 might be small for Israeli air force , Israel will also face another problem since it will have to carry out fleet replacement of older F-16 and F-15 in service with them , Israel is second largest operator of F-16 in the region and soon older Blocks will require replacement and Israel might struggle to replace them in one to one basis with F-35 ,and to avoid shriking of aircraft they too will require adding new variant of fighter aircraft or induct more similar aircrafts already in their force .

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