The 3 Most Deadly Air Forces in Asia

Air power has played a critical role in the conflicts that have set the Asian political scene since World War II. From the Korean War to the Vietnam Conflict to the several wars between India and Pakistan, air forces have helped tip the strategic balance in war, and frame the terms of peace.

But effective air forces need more than flashy fighters. They need transport aircraft that can provide strategic and tactical airlift, and Aerial Early Warning (AEW) planes that can maintain surveillance and control of the sky. They need a defense-industrial base that can keep the warplanes in the air. This article looks at the three most effective air forces in Asia, in the context of their ability to put planes in the sky, to make sure those planes are well flown, and maintain a reliable supply and procurement base.Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF)

The JASDF was established in 1954 as the air branch of the Japanese Self Defense Force, the quasi-military mandated by the post-World War II peace treaty. Over the decades, Japan has combined its own high level of technical sophistication with a series of airframes provided by the United States to field a formidable force.

The JASDF is well stocked with modern, capable aircraft. It flies over 300 generation 4 and 4.5 fighters (F-15s and F-2s), supplemented by an older group of F-4 Phantoms. It maintains a large AEW fleet, along with a squadron of tankers capable of keeping its fighters in the air.

The Japanese also have a reputation for high quality. The JASDF regularly participates in American Red Flag exercises, and in recent years held joint training with the Republic of Korea Air Force. Recently, the JASDF’s pace of operations has exceeded even that of the Cold War, as North Korean, Russian, and Chinese provocations have kept the branch on its toes.

Japan’s procurement programs have not always gone smoothly. The F-2 project produced a fighter mildly more capable than the F-16 at much greater cost, although it did keep defense money at home. Japan also seems likely to purchase the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter in significant numbers, and we do not as of yet have a handle on how this purchase will affect the readiness and capabilities of the force.

Indian Air Force (IAF)

During the Cold War, the IAF was one of only a few air forces to use Soviet aircraft to good effect, enjoying a great deal of success in its various wars against Pakistan. India combined Soviet technology with a British system of training and management, which left it relatively well prepared when challenged by Pakistan’s Western aircraft.

The four Cope India exercises between 2004 and 2009 demonstrated that Indian pilots have maintained their edge. Using a variety of tactics, the Indians managed to go toe-to-toe with the best that the US Air Force had to offer. Even granting that the USAF was trying to make the case for the F-22 at the time, the IAF performed very effectively.

India flies over 300 generation 4 and 4.5 fighter aircraft, supplemented by a large fleet of MiG-21s. On the support side, the Indians operate a roughly 200 strong fleet of ground attack aircraft. The IAF has also stepped up its important ancillary duties. It is acquiring C-17 Globemasters to manage its heavy lift responsibilities, and has respectable aerial refueling and AEW capabilities.

Two huge question marks remain. The first involves India’s commitment to its joint PAK-FA project with Russia. The fighter has huge potential, but has suffered from numerous, predictable teething problems.

The other issue involves the struggle to purchase Dassault Rafale fighters from France. After years of trying to navigate the Indian procurement system, the French government seems equal part desperate and exasperated. The delivery of Rafales would undoubtedly improve the quality and reliability of the force, as well as ensure a good backup relationship if the PAK FA fails to pan out.

People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)

Thirty years ago, the PLAAF was huge, but ungainly. It possessed a tremendous number of obsolescent interceptors, along with a cadre of poorly trained pilots. China’s aviation industry struggled to produce third generation fighters.

Things have changed. China now operates over six hundred generation 4 and 4.5 fighters, complimented by a large group of older interceptors and strike aircraft. China has produced most of these aircraft, including the J-10 and J-11, domestically. China is working on two major new fighter projects, including the J-20 and J-31 stealth fighters.

The PLAAF also operates a growing fleet of heavy airlift, tactical airlift, and AEW aircraft. Over the past decade, it has rapidly increased its aerial refueling capabilities, giving the force extensive reach along China’s borders and into the East and South China Seas.

The PLAAF has also stepped up training, including setting up its own counterpart to Red Flag. Chinese pilots fly far more hours now than they did even a decade ago, often seeing more cockpit time than their American counterparts.

Of course, Chinese industry still struggles with quality control, especially with respect to engines. The Chinese military industrial complex also depends too much on the appropriation of foreign technology, through means both fair and foul. Nevertheless, in terms of airframes, pilots, and industrial capacity, China is now the most important aviation player in Asia.

Conclusion

Several other great air forces fly the skies of the Asia-Pacific. Pound for pound, the Republic of Korea Air Force may be tougher than any of the services listed here. However, the ROKAF still lacks an advanced, domestic fifth generation fighter project, and has not developed aerial refueling capabilities. And of course, including the United States Air Force, which distributes a considerable portion of its strength into the Pacific, would have revised this list.


                                                            SOURCE : http://idrw.org/

Indian defence ministry bats for Super -30?

India’s Defence minister Manohar Parrikar in recent Television Interview hinted that if MMRCA deal with France does collapse, India will not order Regular Sukhoi-30MKI which are currently manufactured in India but an upgraded version of the Su-30MKI aircrafts .
Hints are much clearer now that Parrikar certainly has Plan B and he is not ready to negotiate RFP Clauses with French Company Dassault over Purchase of Rafale Fighter jets. Sources close to idrw.org have hinted that Parrikar is going to push for more Ingeniously upgraded Sukhoi-30MKI with many key Technologies currently been developed in India for Lca Tejas and Tejas MK-2 .
“Super 30″  first coined in 2012 was to upgrade Current Su-30MKI fleet with 5th-generation fighter jet technology to keep the jet relevant in Air combat for next two decades, before 5th generation fighter aircrafts like FGFA and AMCA takeover  front line roles in IAF. Original “Super 30″ upgrades proposed to include a new radar probably an AESA radar, equipping it with new state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems. improved on-board computers, New weapons systems like Astra 1& 2 BVRAAM along with Indian developed PGM. RCS reductions measures for Air-intakes and Engines exhaust .
New built Sukhoi-30 will carry Super -30 upgrades but many of the changes will happen over the time and this upgrades will be included in mid-life upgrade (MLU) for earlier built Sukhoi-30 MKI-1 aircrafts . But key Challenge will be to Incorporate Changes and build Super -30 aircrafts in limited time frame due to falling Indian air force Squadrons level and also bigger challenge will be to raise Serviceability and operational availability of Sukhoi-30 in IAF fleet.


                                                                     SOURCE : http://idrw.org/

Sukhoi(Su-47) Berkut Golden Eagle Fighter

The Sukhoi Design Bureau of Moscow, Russia has developed the Su-47 (previously called the S-37 Berkut or Golden Eagle) fighter aircraft, which first flew in September 1997. Su-47 is in a forward-swept wing configuration and uses a highly unstable triplane (with three main lifting surfaces) aerodynamic configuration. The Su-47 was introduced in January 2000 and completed the first stage of flight trials in December 2001. The aircraft is operated by the Russian Air Force

In May 2002, Sukhoi was selected as prime contractor for the next-generation Russian PAK FA fighter programme. The PAK FA fighter aircraft is a development of the Su-47 but without the forward swept wings. The first flight test of the PAK FA fighter aircraft was completed on 29 January 2010.

The design of the very high maneuverability prototype is based on the avionics and aerodynamics technologies developed for the Su-27 upgrade programme.

Some of the systems and component designs from the Su-27, (the all weather supersonic fighter aircraft with Nato reporting name Flanker), have been used in the Su-47, for example the design of the canopy, landing gear, some of the avionics and the near-vertical tails.

Su-47manoeuvrability
The Su-47 has extremely high agility at subsonic speeds enabling the aircraft to alter its angle of attack and its flight path very quickly, and it also retains maneuverability in supersonic flight. The Su-47 aircraft has very high levels of maneuverability with maintained stability and controllability at all angles of attack.

Maximum turn rates and the upper and lower limits on air speed for weapon launch are important criteria in terms of combat superiority in close combat and also at medium and long range, when the mission may involve engaging consecutive targets in different sectors of the airspace. A high turn rate of the Su-47 allows the pilot to turn the fighter aircraft quickly towards the next target to initiate the weapon launch.

 

“The Su-47 has extremely high agility at subsonic speeds.”

The swept-forward wing, compared to a swept-back wing of the same area, provides a number of advantages: higher lift to drag ratio; higher capacity in dogfight maneuvers; higher range at subsonic speed; improved stall resistance and anti-spin characteristics; improved stability at high angles of attack; a lower minimum flight speed; and a shorter take-off and landing distance.

Su-47 fuselage
The Su-47 fuselage is oval in cross section and the airframe is constructed mainly of aluminum and titanium alloys and 13% by weight of composite materials.
The nose radome is slightly flattened at the fore section and has a horizontal edge to optimize the aircraft’s anti-spin characteristics.

Forward-swept wings
The forward swept mid wing gives the unusual and characteristic appearance of the Su-47. A substantial part of the lift generated by the forward-swept wing occurs at the inner portion of the wingspan. The lift is not restricted by wingtip stall. The ailerons – the wing’s control surfaces – remain effective at the highest angles of attack, and controllability of the aircraft is retained even in the event of airflow separating from the remainder of the wings’ surface.
The wing panels of the Su-47 are constructed of nearly 90% composites. The forward-swept mid wing has a high aspect ratio, which contributes to long-range performance. The leading-edge root extensions blend smoothly to the wing panels, which are fitted with deflectable slats on the leading edge; flaps and ailerons on the trailing edge.
The all-moving and small-area trapezoidal canards are connected to the leading-edge root extensions.

Armament
The Su-47 experimental fighter aircraft features 14 hard points (2 wingtip, 6–8 under wing, 6-4 conformal under fuselage). The hard points are equipped with R-77, R-77PD, R-73, K-74 air to air missiles.
It is also fitted with air to surface missiles X-29T, X-29L, X-59M, X-31P, X-31A, KAB-500, KAB-1500.

Cockpit
The cockpit’s design has focused on maintaining a high degree of comfort for the pilot and also on the pilot being able to control the aircraft in extremely high g-load maneuvers.

“The wing panels of the Su-47 are constructed of nearly 90% composites.”

The aircraft is equipped with a new ejection seat and life support system. The variable geometry adaptive ejection seat is inclined at an angle of 60°, which reduces the impact of high G forces on the pilot. The seat allows dogfight maneuvers with significantly higher g loadings than can normally be tolerated by the pilot.
The pilot uses a side-mounted, low-travel control stick and a tensometric throttle control.

Landing gear
The aircraft uses a retractable tricycle-type landing gear with a single wheel at each unit. The smaller nose wheel retracts towards the rear and the two main wheels retract forward into the wing roots.

Engine
The Su-47 fighter aircraft is powered by two Perm Aviadvigatel D-30F6 turboshaft engines. Around 83.4kN of dry thrust can be produced by each engine. The engine is principally used in short-haul airplanes for passenger transport.
The length and fan tip diameter of the engine are 3.98m and 1.05m respectively, while the dry weight and delivery weight of the engine are 1,550kg and 1,712kg respectively. The engine also features a thrust reverser and a low pressure compressor.

Su-47 performance
The Su-47 fighter aircraft can climb at a rate of 233m/s. The cruise speed is 1,800km/h. The range and service ceiling of the aircraft are 1,782nm (3,300km) and 18,000m respectively.
The maximum take-off weight of the aircraft is 34,000kg. The wing loading and maximum g-force of the Su-47 are 360kg/m² and 9g respectively.


                                                             SOURCE : http://su-27flanker.com/

Russia, India Complete Draft Project for Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft

Russia and India have completed the preliminary design for the Sukhoi/HAL Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), the regional director of international cooperation at the united Russian-Indian aircraft manufacturing company said Saturday.

“As of now, we and our Indian colleagues have completed the creation of the export version of the [Sukhoi] PAK FA, known in India as FGFA. We already have documents and understanding of the scope of the next phase of design, the scale of future production,” Andrey Marshankin said in an interview with the Russian News Service radio.

Marshankin noted that while the Russian version of the fifth generation fighter jet is operated by a single pilot, the Indian Air Force prefers aircraft that are operated by two pilots.

“In difficult conditions of modern warfare it is extremely difficult to simultaneously maneuver [the aircraft] and attack the enemy. Currently, the Indian side suggests that the Indian version of the fifth generation fighter will be made for two pilots,” he said.

The Sukhoi PAK FA (T-50) is the Russian Air Force’s first stealth fighter, intended to succeed the Sukhoi Su-27, as well as the Mikoyan MiG-29 fighter jets. The aircraft conducted its first test flight in 2010 and deliveries are set to begin in 2016. The FGFA, developed jointly by Russia’s Sukhoi and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, is a derivative from the PAK FA.

                                                            SOURCE : http://idrw.org/

Rafale or SU 30MKI - The big question

It has been repeatedly emphasised by this analyst that the IAF misconceived the MMRCA requirement, disregarded the uncommonly high costs involved in procuring the chosen Rafale and France’s past record of unmet transfer of technology promises, and the Su-30s/MiG-29M2s as sustainable alternative. I also warned that the massive expenditure on the Rafale would starve the indigenous programmes (Tejas and the advanced medium combat aircraft — AMCA) of funds, and stifle the Indian aviation industry trying to get back on its feet.

The reasons for the nose-diving deal are many, and they are serious. The unwillingness of Dassault Avions, the Rafale manufacturer, to guarantee the performance of this aircraft produced under licence at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd  despite the original RFP (Request for Proposal) requiring bidders to transfer technology, including production wherewithal, procedures and protocols, to this public sector unit for the aircraft’s local assembly, has been reported. There’s, however, an untold back-story revealing France’s intended duplicity.

Perceiving India as the perennial sucker, Dassault chose Reliance Aerospace Technologies Pvt Ltd (RATPL) as partner in the hope that the fabled Ambani reach and influence in Delhi would help it get around the HAL production obligation. Problems were not anticipated as evidenced by RATPL approaching the Andhra Pradesh government in 2013 for land around Hyderabad to set up a factory. But because RATPL has zero experience in producing anything remotely related to aviation, Dassault saw it as an opportunity to “double dip”, meaning arrange it so India would pay it twice for the same aircraft! This was to be managed thus: Dassault would set up a production line under RATPL aegis importing every last screw and production jig and collect the money for the 108 Rafales it puts together here at the cost-plus-profit price HAL would charge IAF. In other words, Dassault would export the Rafale assembly kits and wherewithal virtually to itself and pocket the proceeds while paying a premium to RATPL.

But this double dipping ruse in the works merely whetted France’s appetite for more. Capitalising on the IAF brass’ penchant for newer French aircraft and the Indian government’s tendency eventually to cave into the military’s demands, Dassault proposed an enlarged Rafale deal with the cost revised upwards from the $30 billion level to a $45-$50 billion contract. For such enhanced sums, Dassault sought to replace the Rafale originally offered with the slightly better “F-3R” version, promised a mid-life upgrade involving retrofitment of the Thales RBE2 AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar, and suggested India’s future fifth and sixth generation combat aircraft needs be met by the “F-4R” and “F-5R” configurations (or whatever designations they are given) now on the drawing board featuring crystal blade for jet turbines, “fly-by-light” technology, etc. Such contract extension suits the IAF fine because it plays on Vayu Bhavan’s antipathy for Russian hardware (expressed in terms of “diversity of suppliers”) as well as indigenous aircraft, and undermines both the multi-billion dollar project jointly to develop the fifth generation fighter aircraft, Su-50 PAK/FA with Russia and the Indian AMCA with its design finalised.

But for Parrikar’s welcome show of common sense this French plan would have rolled out nicely. Inconveniently for Dassault, he publicly disclosed that the far deadlier and more versatile Su-30 MKI costs `358 crores (roughly $60 million) each compared to the `700 crore price tag for the Rafale, meaning two Su-30s could be secured for the price of a single Rafale. Implicit is the reasonable conclusion that it made more sense to buy a much larger fleet of 4.5-plus generation Su-30s than to get stuck with a 4.5-minus generation Rafale sporting 5.5 generation aircraft prices. The cost comparison remains skewed even when the “super Sukhoi-30”, costing `70 crores, is considered, when the added advantage of the plunging the Russian ruble kicks in, allowing India to extract far more bang for the buck from Moscow.

Looked at another way, the original allocation of $12 billion for the MMRCA could fetch IAF at current prices a whole new, augmented, and more capable fighter/bomber armada and raise the force strength to 50 frontline combat squadrons. This because the $12 billion can buy 20 Tejas Mk-Is (in addition to the 40 already ordered), 150 Tejas Mk-IIs, some 35 super Sukhoi-30s, and around 50 MiG-29Ks/M2s (with the M-2s nearly equal of the MiG-35 the Strategic Forces Command wanted for delivering nuclear bombs, but were denied). In short, a composite additional fleet of 255 aircraft can be acquired for the initial price of 126 Rafales, with “incalculable” savings in streamlined logistics, training, and maintenance but absent the cost-hikes, delays, and aggravation of setting up a new production line (as HAL already produces Su-30 MKIs).

Besides, France’s extortionist attitude is offputting. In response to the IAF’s request not too long ago for an immediate transfer of two Rafale squadrons from the French Air Force as a quick-fix, Paris agreed but demanded these would have to be paid for at the same rate as new aircraft and that these planes could carry only French sourced weapons. Worse still, France’s reputation for fulfilling technology transfer provisions too is suspect as past experience reveals.

The IAF trusts Paris not to cutoff the supply of spares if India follows a foreign policy not to France’s or even America’s liking. Except, heeding Washington’s directive, France recently stopped the delivery of two Mistral-class amphibious assault ships Russia has paid for. What’s the guarantee Paris won’t sever supply links and leave HAL stranded mid-production and IAF frontline squadrons grounded in case India resumes nuclear testing, say?

The larger question is: How come France’s record of defaulting on technology-related parts of contracts combined with the unaffordability of French aircraft generally using any metric, were not factored by IAF and Ministry of Defence when shortlisting Rafale?


                                                               SOURCE : http://idrw.org/

IAF gets first overhauled Su-30 MKI

More than 10,000 lines of unique part numbers, amounting to nearly 75,000 quantities are processed, reconditioned, repaired, overhauled and assembled back on the aircraft during overhauls.
BENGALURU: In first overhauled Su-30 MKI (SB 027) aircraft reached the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday. Su-30MKI is currently the backbone of fighter fleet with IAF, has long needed an overhaul.

In an official press release issued here, HAL said: "After the overhaul, the Su-30MKI aircraft (SB 027) is ready for IAF's use. The serviceability levels of Su-30 MKI fleet will enhance greatly resulting in strengthening of air defence capabilities."
The twin-seater, long range, multi-role, air superiority aircraft are being overhauled at HAL's Nashik facility. More than 10,000 lines of unique part numbers, amounting to nearly 75,000 quantities are processed, reconditioned, repaired, overhauled and assembled back on the aircraft during overhauls.
"After successful testing of various systems on ground and in air, as per stipulated flight profiles, the aircraft is certified to fly. At present, the TTL (Total Technical Life) of the aircraft is 6000hrs/25 years," the press note said.
The press note, quoted the defence minister as having said: "...India would continue to need fighter planes such as Su-30s due to a not-so-friendly neighbourhood."
HAL Chairman R K Tyagi said that the Su-30 overhaul facility at HAL Nashik is one of its kind in the world and has great export prospect as nearly 10 countries have Su-30 fleets.


                                                            SOURCE : https://www.facebook.com/IAFSu30

Naval MiG-29Ks to debut before Obama on R-Day

A pair of Russian-origin naval MiG-29K fighters will fly overhead US President Barack Obama on the Republic Day, making their maiden appearance on the annual display of India’s military might.
The two fighters – the most potent weapons on board aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya – are to leave their home base in Goa shortly to arrive in the North for the practice drill. They will be accompanied by a US-origin P8I maritime surveillance aircraft. The threesome would fly in a “Vic” formation with P8I in the front.
This would be the first appearance of naval fighters on the Rajpath in a growing reflection of India’s maritime strength, sources said.
Almost three decades back, a young naval aviator Arun Prakash – who rose to become the Navy chief – flew with Sea Harrier jets over the Rajpath as a part of the Beating
the Retreat ceremony. That was the last time when naval combat aviation came to the capital.
New Delhi purchased 45 naval fighters from Russia to fly from the decks of INS Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov) and indigenous carrier Vikrant, which is under construction. The first MiG-29K squadron was commissioned in Goa in August, 2013 and currently there are six fully trained pilots who can land on the deck even in pitch dark night.
Carrying enough punch to undertake simultaneous air dominance and power projection missions, the MiG-29K can take Indian naval aviation from a defensive stature to one of dominance. The aircraft has a maximum speed over twice the speed of sound (about 2,000 km per hour) and can climb to an altitude of over 65,000 feet.
The Navy is now set to start a second base of these fighters at the Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam.
The maritime combat platform, however, would not be the only Russian origin military hardware that Obama would witness. There will also be tanks, armoured vehicles and Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft. Two of the Indian Air Force’s latest acquisitions – C-130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III  – from the USA too would fly on the Rajpath.

                      
                                                            SOURCE : http://idrw.org/

IAF unlikely to get FGFA before 2024-2025 - Aviation Magazine VayuAerospace

According to Defense Analysts of reputed Aviation Magazine VayuAerospace, IAF is unlikely to get Futuristic stealth fighter anytime before 2024-2025. Even after visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin last month Technical and Price differences continue to mar the joint Project with Russia to develop the fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA).
Russian media house ITAR-TASS in its report recently had informed that Russian air force will start getting first T-50 aircrafts by 2016 and Production variant of Pak-Fa will have its first flight by 2019 and Russian air force will get them by 2023.
While IAF is unhappy by lack of access given by Russians on the T-50 Project to them and has also questioned the development of new engines and Avionics suite since Sukhoi is also not sharing any information about their status and technical specifications.
Once an agreement is reached by India and Russia. Sukhoi will supply 3 T-50 Prototypes within 5 years timeframe for testing and customization and it is likely that post 2020 first FGFA will take flight and will enter the Production by 2024.
PAK FA (T-50) is multipurpose fifth-generation fighter jet, created by the Sukhoi design bureau. The plane performed its first flight in 2010 and 5 Prototypes have been flying since then, but many of technologies which will go in Production variant are still under development like new Engines and AESA radar and avionics.
India and Russia had finalized $290 million preliminary design contract in Dec 2010 according to which Sukhoi T-50 could be “tweaked ” to Indian requirements. Final R&D contracts which were to be signed by 2012, is still not done and India’s Workshare has been reduced to 13% from 50 % while India will be contribute $ 5.5 billion on the program which includes design and development .


                                                                   SOURCE : http://idrw.org/

Type 096 submarine can attack US homeland from China's coast

The Type 096, China’s third-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, has given the PLA Navy the means to strike the continental United States from the Chinese coast for the first time, according to the Singapore-based Lianhe Zaobao.
China is estimated to have four Type 094 Jin-class second-generation ballistic missile submarines. Together, those four submarines can carry 48 JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missiles and 200 nuclear warheads, which is 35% of China’s nuclear arsenal. With an attack range of 6,000 kilometers, the JL-2 missile’s threat to American forces is confined to the Western Pacific.
China is developing Type 096 Tang-class ballistic missile submarines to replace the Type 094 by 2020, according to a study from the Moscow-based Russian Military Analyst. By then, the PLA Navy is looking to have at least six Type 094 and Type 096 submarines operational. It will control 80 submarine-launched ballistic missiles with about 300 nuclear warheads.
The new ballistic missile designed for the Type 096 submarine is estimated to have a range of 11,000 kilometers. This would make the submarine capable of launching a direct nuclear attack against the continental US.
The new submarine reportedly even has the capability of firing its missiles through layers of ice, said an US expert. Under the escort of the Chinese surface combat fleet, it would be able to begin its attack from Hawaiian waters.
It is inevitable that more US targets will become exposed as China continues to advance its missile weapons technology.


                                                                        SOURCE : http://idrw.org/

India mulls switching from Rafale to Su30MKIs

India could consider buying more Sukhoi-30 fighters if the $25 billion proposed deal to buy 126 Rafale jets from France collapsed, a top government official said as reported by Hindustan Times.
HIS Defence has quoted India’s defence minister Manohar Parrikar as having said at a press conference in New Delhi that negotiations with Dassault over the purchase of 126 Rafale fighters have suffered ‘complications’. Parrikar did not specify these difficulties, but stated that additional Russian licence-built Sukhoi Su-30MKI multirole fighters would be “adequate” for the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the event of the Rafale deal being scrapped.
The Hindustan Times source attributed the delay in the fighter project to France reneging on “key conditions” laid down in the global tender for acquiring the jets.
India had selected Rafale fighters over Eurofighter Typhoons in January 2012 after French firm Dassault Aviation emerged as the lowest bidder for the world’s biggest fighter contract. But negotiations have yielded little progress with both sides haggling over clauses in the proposed contract for nearly three years.
In September, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha had told Hindustan Times that it was critical to keep the Rafale fighter deal on schedule as the air force could not afford any more delays.
This has apparently sent the alarm bells ringing in Paris. India Economic Times reports that ‘a French ‘empowered’ delegation is likely to visit India this month to carry forward the much- delayed talks for the multi-billion dollar contract for 126 Rafale fighter aircraft”
A top government official told Hindustan Times that under existing rules, there was no scope for the Eurofighter consortium, backed by four European countries, including UK, to re-enter the race to sell its Typhoon fighters to India. The Germany-led consortium had come up with a revised proposal — sweetened with a discount — to sell 126 Typhoons to India.
The deal, described as the “world’s biggest French kiss”, writes the Calcutta Telegraph, was estimated to be $10 billion initially but by common consent has now soared upwards of $20 billion, making it one of the biggest military contracts in the world.
Three years after the selection, a senior Indian defence official has confirmed that the Indian negotiators are wary because “the French seem to be going back on their word”.
Russian observers point out that India might have been watching with concern France’s backtracking on the delivery of two Mistral landing warships to Russia that are being built in France. India has been insisting that the aircraft should be assembled in India — as an apparent insurance against any change of mind by the French government.
Indian defence ministry officials speculated privately, reports the Calcutta Times on what the air force’s options were — ordering more Sukhoi 30Mkis from Russia, for instance — to meet the requirement for medium multi-role combat aircraft.


                                                                    SOURCE : http://idrw.org/

India, US May Sign Big Defence Deals

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday expressed confidence that India and US will be able to sign big defence deals during President Barack Obama’s visit to New Delhi for the Republic Day celebrations.
At the Adamya Chetana Seva Utsav here, Parrikar said, “It is quite obvious that defence deals will be finalised during Obama’s visit.”
“There are many things on the radar and we are working on the shape and size of these deals. We are facing issues in terms of technology, and these are being tackled. But I cannot divulge further details,” he added.
Speaking about the frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the border, Parrikar said the government will not take things lying down.
“Whenever there has been a ceasefire violation, we have responded with double vigour. The incident that took place recently was not an infiltration. It was a mere attempt. They attempt to fire at night so that terrorists can sneak in. But we have been alert and have given them a powerful response,” he said.
Several eminent engineers in the aeronautics and space sectors were felicitated on the occasion. They included former ISRO chairman U R Rao, HAL chairman R K Tyagi, Dr C G K Nair, DRDO’s Dr Tamilmani and others.
Union Chemical and Fertilizers Minister H N Ananth Kumar and Law Minister D V Sadananda Gowda and lexicographer G Venkatasubbaiah were among those present.

       
                                                            SOURCE : http://idrw.org/

Computer glitch prevents US most advanced F-35 fighter jet from firing until 2019

The Pentagon’s fighter jet F-35 may not be fully operational until 2019 due to a newly discovered computer glitch. The $400 billion ultra-sophisticated jet, the most expensive in US history, was expected to enter service in 2015.

F-35 is the fifth generation combat aircraft which is designed in three variations for US Air Force, Navy and Marines to replace out of date aircraft. It was planned to join the Marines in 2015 and Air Force in 2016.

It is planned to replace the Air Force’s A-10 Warthog ground attack plane and Lockheed F-16 multirole fighter, the Navy instead of Boeing F/A-1

8 Hornet carrier-based fighter, and the Marines instead of Boeing AV-8B Harrier II jump-jet.

However, the most awaited plane’s main weapon will not be able to fire due to a computer glitch. The four-barreled rotary cannon for the Air Force version of the F-35 cannot function until new software is elaborated, despite jet scheduled to join the army this year.

“There will be no gun until [the Joint Strike Fighter’s Block] 3F [software], there is no software to support it now or for the next four-ish years,” an Air Force official affiliated with the F-35 program told the Daily Beast. “Block 3F is slated for release in 2019, but who knows how much that will slip?”

This problem is especially acute as this version of the jet is planned for close air support (CAS) operations. While the F-35 is equipped with other armaments, it might be not enough.

“Lack of forward firing ordnance in a CAS supporting aircraft is a major handicap,” an experienced pilot commented for the Daily Beast. “CAS fights are more fluid than air interdiction, friendlies and targets move… Often times quickly. The ability to mark the target with rockets and attack the same target 10 seconds later is crucial.”

Equipped with a gun, Air Force’s F-35A version barely carries enough ammunition. Despite being able to shoot 3,300 rounds per minute, it will only be carrying 180 to 220 rounds.

The two other versions of F-35 – for the Navy and Marine Corps – have different configurations with external gun pods, however, they will not have a software for them either, the Daily Beast reported.

F-35 production has been facing delays and cost overruns due to numerous software problems and production defects. The jet which has already cost $400 billion dollars to US taxpayers since the program started in 2006. The costs doubled since the start of construction in 2011 making it the most expensive project in military history.

However, the Pentagon denied the aircraft will be delayed, the International Business Times reports as well as neither Lockheed nor the F-35 Joint Program Office responded to inquiries.

Last December, a problem with fuel was discovered. The engine of the aircraft can shut down when the fuel gets too hot to work as a coolant, although this information was disputed by the Pentagon.

Last summer, the F-35 was supposed to be the star attraction at the Farnborough Air Show in Hampshire, but it did not appear after the entire fleet was grounded after a fire at a Florida airbase in June.

The Pentagon plans to buy 2,433 jets in three variations. Great Britain has also ordered 14 jets. However, the program is getting more and more severe criticism.

“To me, the more disturbing aspect of this delay is that it represents yet another clear indication that the program is in serious trouble,” an Air Force official told the Daily Beast. “F-35 maker “Lockheed Martin is clearly in a situation where they are scrambling to keep their collective noses above the waterline, and they are looking to push non-critical systems to the right in a moment of desperation.”

The F35 is designed and built by American Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company which manufactures the widely spread military aircraft F-16, also known as the Fighting Falcon, successful all-weather multirole plane.

 

 

                                                       SOURCE : http://idrw.org/