You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Indian Military News, Reports, Data, etc.
- Thread starter bd popeye
- Start date
was expected
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated the procurement of a fresh lot of 40 additional Su-30MKI air dominance fighters at an estimated $75 million apiece, reliable diplomatic sources disclosed to Arming India.
The procurement is being taken up as a follow-on order to the 272 Su-30MKI fighters already contracted to be made under transfer of technology at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)'s Nasik division.
Along with the initial 50 aircraft acquired in a flyaway condition from Russia in the late 1990s, the latest increment of 40 aircraft will take the total number of Su-30MKIs ordered for the IAF to 312.
This is a significant development running concurrently with the rapid headway in India-Russia talks on finalizing an agreement on an Indian commitment to the futuristic Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA). Arming India had on Feb. 3, 2016 exclusively reported a $3.7 billion deal-in-the-works for India's contribution to the development costs of the FGFA, and a further commitment to buy a minimum of 60 of these fighters.
The rebound to Russia takes places amidst a continuing impasse in Indo-French price negotiations for the import of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft for the IAF.
Observers also see these developments as a consequence of a determined rearguard action by Russia to protect its turf and reinforce its pre-eminence in the Indian defense aerospace market. Russia's traditional dominance in the Indian market has sought to have been challenged by the U.S., Israel and Europe in the last decade-and-a-half.
The reliance on the Sukhois extends the life of the Su-30MKI assembly line in Nasik by another decade. An estimated 175 of the 222 Su-30 MKIs contracted to be assembled in India are reported to have already been rolled out. The roll-out rate is between 10 and 12 aircraft a year. Post the Sukhois, the Russian complex at HAL will be kept alive with the licensed manufacture of the FGFA.
Interestingly, India and Russia are set to sign a deal for faster delivery of Sukhoi spares for the IAF. The Economic Times had reported in early December 2015, quoting Sukhoi Managing Director Valery V. Chishchevoy, that an Indian delegation was to deliberate on the spares supply deal later that month and the contract for the same would be signed at the earliest.
The Sukhoi resurgence and the FGFA inroads will directly impact on the market for the Rafale in India, keen observers of defense trade reckon. Although the initial negotiations are for only 36 Rafale jets for the IAF, France is already pursuing a detailed roadmap to notch up sales even beyond the original Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) number of 126 and also pitch the Rafale for the Indian Navy, sources inform Arming India. The Russian jets, clearly, stand in the way of these plans.
What is hard for a resource-strapped Indian defense establishment to ignore is that the Rafale is, reportedly, two-and-a-half times more expensive than the MKI. The cost of 40 follow-on Sukhois to the Indian exchequer is about $3 billion, as against the reported $7 billion to $8 billion for the 36 Rafales.
However, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha has made it clear on more than a couple of occasions that Sukhois aren't a replacement for the MMRCA, under which Rafale is the chosen one.
I
Indian Army and Chinese army met on the occasion of the "Chinese Spring Festival" which was conducted at Chinese Border Personnel Meeting huts in Chushul and DBO sectors of Eastern Ladakh.
The delegations were led by Brig RS Raman and Senior Col Qian Youu Wu while at the DBO, the delegations aere led by Col BS Uppal and Lt Col Duan Yugang.
The ceremonial border personal meeting was marked by hoisting of national flags by both the delegations, followed by the opening address by the delegation leaders. The proceedings reflected the mutual desire of maintaining and improving relations at functional level at the border.
A cultural programme showcasing vibrant Chinese cultural and traditional grandeur was organized.
"The delegation parted amidst feeling of friendship and commitment towards enhancing the existing cordial relations and maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control," said PRO Defence Northern Command.
The Indian government is expected to give final approval to a large defence systems deal with Israel within a month, covering equipment including Rafael Litening targeting pods and Spice 250 precision-guided bombs worth $500 million.
According to sources related to the deal, the contract will include 164 Litening pods, likely to be carried by the Indian air force's Sukhoi Su-30 fighters. It will also include a large number of Spice 250s, add the sources.
In a bid to bolster its Defence and strategic reserves, India is in talks with Russia for buying various military products. Russian Ambassador to India Alexander M Kadakin told The Pioneer that the two sides are actively negotiating on the purchase of S-400 Russian air defence missiles for protection of Indian cities from any possible attacks from outside. Besides, India is negotiating for taking on lease another nuclear submarine from Russia. India is also looking at buying
some more MiG 29K fighters for INS Vikramaditya, India’s largest Naval ship and aircraft carrier, bought from Russia, the envoy said.
Speaking on the eve of Russia’s Diplomats’ Day, Kadakin said India-Russia defence relationship has been on a constant rise over the years. The ambassador added that India-Russia relationship is independent of their relations with other countries, and it remains on a stable and strong footing. “We do not feel jealous when India acquires military hardware from other countries for its strategic needs. India is a superpower in the making and we have worked always with India in military, industry and scientific areas to see it as strong as it is today,” Kadakin said.
“Please name a country that can lease a nuclear submarine,” he added to underline Russia’s partnership with India. India is one of the six countries in the world apart from Russia, the United States of America, China, the United Kingdom and France to deploy nuclear-powered submarines.
This is the first time there has been an official confirmation about lease of second nuke submarine even though speculation is rife about India seeking another one from Russia after the success of INS Chakra, the Akula Class submarine that has been on lease from Russia for ten years. “The hull of the submarine is ready but it has to be refurbished as per Indian needs after the talks are concluded,” Kadakin said on the second nuclear submarine.
INS Chakra was inducted into Indian Navy about four years back. Satisfied with its performance, India is now looking at adding more to its fleet. Already India-made nuke-powered sub INS Arihant is undergoing sea trials. INS Arihant is made with technical support from Russia and India plans to make more such in future.
Kadakin said an agreement is also being worked out for making spare parts of Sukhoi aircraft in India. Besides, Russia will soon open at least four service centres in India for the Su-30 MKI jets to help resolve the maintenance issues of the plane. As of now Hindustan Aeronautic Limited (HAL) runs the only overhauling facility for the Sukhois in India. India has about 200 Su-30 MKI jets. Kadakin said an agreement for service centre is being finalised and will be announced soon.
Interestingly, India’s shopping list has a lot of Make in India component in it. “Our Defence relationship is completely in tune with Make in India Sukhoi spare parts will be made in India. Besides, India and Russia have already concluded a deal for Kamov Ka-226 helicopters. Russia will help India produce 200 of these machines through HAL,” Kadakin said.