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The Balance of Air power in Sub-continent considering latest inductions of Platforms / capabilities by PAF

THE F-16 MODERNIZATION DETAILS
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Ismail Demir: "Our F-16 OZGUR's are currently the most advanced F-16's operated by the Turkish Air Force , despite them being produced originally between 1987 to 1990"

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“We delivered our first F-16s ‘freed’ by our defense industry with domestic and national systems,” Demir tweeted, referring to the project called Özgür, or “Free” in English. “


From now on, our F-16s will continue to serve our forces with much more advanced capabilities and in a modernized manner.


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The structural improvement project includes increasing the lifespan of the F-16 Block-30 aircraft from 8,000 hours to 12,000 hours, read a statement issued by the SSB.

“In addition, avionic capabilities developed with national and domestic means are integrated into our aircraft,” the statement said.

Domestic ammunition and missiles will be directly integrated into the F16s thanks to the “national mission computers” installed into the aircraft, it added.


The project will also be applied to the Block-40 and Block-50 aircraft, thus enabling the relevant inventory to be used effectively till the 2040s, according to the SSB.




 
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In addition to Tejas MK-2 & AMCA -

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IAF & DRDO's Omni role Combat aircraft or O.R.C.A.

It will weigh around 23 tonnes.

Basically it's an indian version of Rafale 4.5+ Gen Jet is planned for production around 2030 - 32.




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LCA Tejas Program Updates May 2023




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Buddy Re Fueling
LCA -- MKI


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HAL has started metal cutting for Series Production of Indigenously designed & devloped Basic Trainer Jet HTT-40.
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T-129 ATAK-1

ITAR FREE ENGINE DEVELOPMENT



A tandem seat, twin-engine, NATO-interoperable attack helicopter optimized for attack, armed reconnaissance, precision strike and deep strike missions, at day and night all environments and regardless of weather conditions.

TUSAS-T129-ATAK-780x470.jpg


After USA backing down from provision of replacements for Legacy Cobra Gunships to Pakistan, PAA went on to study Chinese Z-10 ME & T-129 Atak-1 Gunships of Turkiey.




The ATAK-1 qualified on stringent test parameters of Pakistan army with regards to Desert theater, High altitude , Engine performance, Electronics etc.

The “T129 ATAK” Multirole Combat Helicopter has been optimized for specific hot &high performance requirements of the Pakistan Army Aviation.

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The T129 ATAK incorporates asymmetric weapon loading capability and enables the use of all weapons effectively according to mission requirements. For close combat support missions, a 20mm turreted gun with a capacity of 500 rounds and 70mm Classic Rockets with a capacity of 76 rockets have been integrated; whereas for multipurpose missions, 16 x CIRIT® 70mm Laser Guided Air-to-Ground Missiles, 8 x UMTAS® Long Range Anti-Tank Missiles and 8 x STINGER® Air-to-Air Missiles are integrated, as well as the state of the art EW systems and EO systems.


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The T129 ATAK cockpit provides situational awareness through good visibility arcs and integrated mission and communication systems. Aselflir-300T targeting sight system increases image quality and range performance with real-time image processing and multiple target tracking with a thermal camera, laser rangefinder, designator and spot tracker. AVCI®-Helmet Mounted Display System provides integrated display capabilities to crew for extensive mission.

Within the scope of the Turkish ATAK Program, a total of 91 (59 + 32 optional) T129 ATAK Helicopters will be delivered to Turkish Land Forces and 27 (24 + 3 optional) T129 ATAK Helicopters will be delivered to Ministry of Interior. More than 50 ATAK have been delivered so far.



T129 ATAK


TECHNICAL DATA
Length14.54 m47.70 ft
Height3.40 m11.20 ft
Width3.49 m11.45 ft
Crew2 Tandem2 Tandem
Main Rotor Diameter11.90 m39.00 ft
Fuel Tank756 kg945 lt
MTOW5065 kg11166 lbs
MOTOR
2 x Turboshaft Motor LHTEC-CTS800·4AT
Take-Off Power 2 x1024 kw / 2 x 1.373 shp
PERFORMANCE (@Avarage Mission Weight, ISA-Sea Level)
Max. Cruise Speed281 km/h152 kts
Hower Out of Ground Effect (HOGE)4221 m13850 ft
Hover In Ground Effect (HIGE)4572 m15000 ft
Rate of Climb13.26 m/sec2610 ft/min
Vertical Rate of Climb7.3 m/sec1430 ft/min
Service Ceiling4572 m15.000 ft
Range (Std. Tank)537 km290 nm
Endurance3 hrs3 hrs
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GIDS REVEALS NEW SYSTEMS WEAPONS

SHAHPAR -III
REVEALED
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After Shahpar -II Block 2...




Shahpar III, an upgrade to the Shahpar II Block II MALE UCAV, with a 1.65 tonne MTOW, 20+ hour combat endurance, 35,000 feet service ceiling, 6 hardpoints with external payload of 530 kg, and a 3,000 km SATCOM BLOS range.

UAV.jpg



Shahpar-III MALE UCAV (Group 4). Shahpar-III will be most advanced variant of Shahpar UCAV, earlier GIDS developed Shahpar-II (Block 1/2) and Shahpar-I.

  • MTOW: 1650 kg
  • Endurance: 20+ hours
  • Service Ceiling: 35,000 ft
  • SATCOM (BLOS): 3000 km
  • Hardpoints: 6x hard points
  • with 400-530 kg payload capacity.





Also details of A HALE UCAV with a 3+ tonne MTOW, an endurance longer than 35 hours and an external payload of 500 kilograms for direct attack, deep strike, ISR, IMINT/SIGINT, EWS roles.

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BURQ-II, upgraded variant of the Burq laser-guided missile, with a 12 kilometre range.
Fatah-II, upgrades and range extended version of the Fatah-1 G-MLRS, now with a 250 kilometre range, 300 kilogram warhead.

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Low-to-Medium Range Air Defence System (LOMADS) with a maximum range if 100 kilometres,
Maximum missile speed of Mach 5, the TEL having 4 tubes each.

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GRAD - An S-band surveillance radar, 100 km detection range & MFADR X Band AESA X Band Tracking radar

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E - SHORAD
FAAZ-Surface Launched (SL)
25 kilometre ranged jeep/vehicle carried air defence system:


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Counter UAV System -
Cognitive Software Defined Radio-based Counter UAV system

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New Products GIDS - Road to future

 
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-------------------------------------------------------------

LCA Tejas Program Updates May 2023




FwALQc8WcAAtxgc



--------------------------------------------------------------------






-----------------------------------------------------------------------


Buddy Re Fueling
LCA -- MKI


-----------------------------------------------------------------------
HAL has started metal cutting for Series Production of Indigenously designed & devloped Basic Trainer Jet HTT-40.
FwtWeRoWYAA9Eoo

 
The Mirage can be and should be upgraded by the lessons learned by building the JF17. The Mirage upgraded structurally and with electronics will still deliver pain and it keeps the other assets free for other tasks.
 
GIDS also developing SMART Munitions for UAVs & its Rotary wing Gunship Helicopters -

BURQ-II
An upgraded version with less than 50kg weight now boasts an extended range of upto 12 kilometers.


HALE 02.jpg


HALE UAV DEVELOPMENT


 
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Low-to-Medium Range Air Defence System (LOMADS) under development as revealed by GIDS Road to Future

"The under development system LOMAD AD is reportedly in Prototype deployment & testing Phase with more than 5 years of investment already incurred in it. The roots linked to "SA Denel R-Umkhonto High Velocity IR Homing SAM project under Javelin " dovetails the timelines around 2017-19 era.

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The subsequent development of Sub Systems and integration of latest Electronics , Guidance Systems
, Search & Track Radars, Missile Multiple Seekers, Jamming Resistance , Passive Capability , Coverage etc was done successfully as evident also in ALCM Taimor case by GIDS, which is a big development indeed.


Cheetah_missile_400x300.jpg




[Taimoor ALCM with integrated terminal IIR seeker]
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The depicted system falls in Hisar - U or SIPER Block -I range configuration - With Striking resemblance NORINCO GAS2 derived from PL-12 Chinese Missiles.

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whereas "fine tuned system" seems to inspire take-away's from using the Chinese LY-80 extensively from deployment point of view & the future growth pattern aimed towards modelling the "Turkish SIPER - Block II / III Air defense system"

- the latter With its impressive range and high-speed capabilities, the SIPER offers an effective solution for protecting airspace against aerial threats.


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The system is a Fully Autonomous Self Propelled Truck Mounted Mobile Medium ranged air defense system on TEL. The Battery or Complete units would comprise of a multi-function radar and six multi-cell launchers carrying four missiles each.

The Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) of the system consists of four tubes, providing flexibility and firepower in air defense operations.

This advanced system boasts a maximum range of 100 kilometers and is capable of achieving a maximum missile speed of Mach 5.

The Radar system is indigenous AESA TRM modules.

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LOMAD 1.jpg


The capability includes Simultaneous Target engagement of 12 and hence at least one version or Battery presumably being Active Radar Homing.

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The Propulsion system [Dual Pulse Rockets , Ramjets ,miniature turbofan or turbojet etc ] and other critical sub components seems to be Commercial off the shelf COTS systems , and that's the area where NESCOM, GIDS , NASTP etc need to tap / merge / join forces with Turkish industries and Pakistan's own private sector to indigenise the System to its fullest potential and open doors for future projects including Local BVR development . "
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Low-to-Medium Range Air Defence System (LOMADS) under development as revealed by GIDS Road to Future

"The under development system LOMAD AD seems to inspire from Chinese LY-80 & Turkish SIPER Air defense system - the latter With its impressive range and high-speed capabilities, the SIPER offers an effective solution for protecting airspace against aerial threats.

FeCIzmrWAAAM8vC


The system is a Fully Autonomous Self Propelled Truck Mounted Mobile Medium ranged air defense system on TEL.
The Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) of the system consists of four tubes, providing flexibility and firepower in air defense operations.

This advanced system boasts a maximum range of 100 kilometers and is capable of achieving a maximum missile speed of Mach 5.

The Radar system is indigenous AESA TRM modules."

View attachment 931238

The naval version of Barak-8 has an operational range of 100 km while the army and air force version have 70 km range. IN is now calling LRSAM as MRSAM since we're developing our own indigenous version of long range air defense system
 
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Low-to-Medium Range Air Defence System (LOMADS) under development as revealed by GIDS Road to Future

"The under development system LOMAD AD seems to inspire from Chinese LY-80 & Turkish SIPER Air defense system - the latter With its impressive range and high-speed capabilities, the SIPER offers an effective solution for protecting airspace against aerial threats.

FeCIzmrWAAAM8vC


The system is a Fully Autonomous Self Propelled Truck Mounted Mobile Medium ranged air defense system on TEL.
The Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) of the system consists of four tubes, providing flexibility and firepower in air defense operations.

This advanced system boasts a maximum range of 100 kilometers and is capable of achieving a maximum missile speed of Mach 5.

The Radar system is indigenous AESA TRM modules."

View attachment 931238


Akash NG's dual-pulse rocket motor is a major advance over the legacy Akash's ramjet engine.

"The Akash NG features DRDO's dual pulse rocket motor too, a powerful seeker (approx 2x the performance of that on the Astra Mk1, QRSAM), and is specifically tailored for low RCS threats."
Superb information and explanation by @Firezstarter1 !!
1684848530664.png

In Jan 2021, India tested its brand new Akash NG (New Generation) program. Name apart, this is a radically new system which overhauls the entire Akash architecture and has little resemblance to its predecessor. It offers the IAF a totally Indian replacement for the MRSAM joint venture (Barak-8 being the purely Israeli variant). Judging by its revealed architecture and system details, the Akash NG will likely have equivalent or even better performance than the MRSAM. As can be expected, IAF representatives were present during the trial.
The Akash NG features DRDO's dual pulse rocket motor too, a powerful seeker (approximately 2x the performance of that on the Astra Mk1, QRSAM), and is specifically tailored for low Radar Cross Section threats. The threat class also indicates it will field DRDO's new laser fuse. Intercepting highly maneuvering targets is where the Dual Pulse motor will be particularly useful. The seeker can target velocities up to the SRBM class clearly indicating a limited TMD role, similar to that of the Barak-8. Considering a missile/ rocket barrage is an increasing threat for many forward IAF bases, this is a useful capability to have.
20230523_185043.jpg


Unlike the MRSAM, this is not a vertical launch system(Akash NG's have square canisters).There are tradeoffs here. On the one hand the missile need not carry excess weight in the form of thrust vector control or a nose cone with motors to slew it (Brahmos style, and which would impede lock on before launch), implying better range. A slant /turntable mechanism would give it better reaction times too. However dealing with multi axis surge attacks would be a challenge unless DRDO had each launcher address a sector independently. This is exactly what they have done.
Take a quick look at the image above after reading the press release. What you see is India's first combined Radar and Launcher setup beyond the short range Trishul program. The image clearly shows a 4 panel AESA Multi Function radar setup, similar to that developed for the QRSAM program.
20230523_185201.jpg


Towards the rear, behind the initial smoke plume, you can see another slanted panel. So 360 degree coverage, with the thinner strip panels for IFF. The radar in all likelihood will be more powerful than that on the QRSAM. It has to be, as the Akash NGs envelope will be around 2.5-3x that of the QRSAM’s. The radar has to look and guide further.

In short, unless this is a test setup alone (which doesn't seem likely, why go to all that trouble for this configuration) each Akash NG can have an independent battery by itself, mobile and lethal. It can relocate on its own and unlike comparable Russian systems, the radar is fully multi-function with limited dependence on its Surveillance Radar beyond Early Warning. It is also AESA, something the Russians are yet to broadbase on their SAM systems.

Given the radars capacity, it wouldn't be beyond DRDO to pair this radar with independent launchers too. They'd complement the units with the radar-missile mix. Perhaps, operating as launchers plus loaders with spare missiles.

All in all, there are many interesting possibilities in play if DRDO chooses to go ahead with this configuration.

We can also expect future variants of this radar to have an EO pod with a long range thermal Imager, day camera and a long range laser finder as a back up to the radar allowing it to mount nearly undetectable attacks (very few fighters have laser warning systems). Again, similar to the QRSAM system.

While colocating the radar and missiles may open up their vulnerability to Anti Radiation Missiles, these are AESA systems, not easy to track or counter. Remote operation would be possible and knocking out a radar merely takes one launcher off the table. In the MRSAM architecture, unless there are backups, the single radar is the key FCR for its launchers. With the Akash NG, targeting a single radar is not enough to shut down a multi-launcher threat, each with its own sensors.

In short, this is a much more lethal system. And all this in a compact footprint as DRDO notes.


In the next iteration we will likely see the Akash NGs AESA Based long range surveillance radar too. Via a command post the whole setup will be linked to the IAFs IACCS, with engagement efficacy being dramatically boosted by access to the IAFs wider sensor network.

Overall, the Akash NG program offers India a very capable and credible alternative to reliance on imported systems, which come with more restrictions and can't be rapidly reconfigured to Indian requirements. The IAF would be well served to induct it, and have DRDO develop more variants for enhanced range profiles and threat classes.

Purely my Understanding n Opinion and corrections is most welcome
20230523_190523.jpg

Akash NG vs QRSAM:
●Qrsam is meant for Quick reaction for faster reach to target(4.5M) as its task is protecting moving convoy of Army
20230523_185201.jpg

●As moving convoy hv biggest threat frm Heptr/Drones/loiterings so reaction of missiles matters most because they suddenly appear nd doesn't give more time to react nd here Qrsam's speed matters most
●Also for more control at 4.5M the QRSAM has extra fins whereas
●Akash NG is comparatively slow missile but hv dual pulse for engaging maneuverable targets Like Cruise missiles and aircraft
●ANG is made to protect the static strategic locations frm maneuverable targets
●And for engaging highly maneuverable targets ANG has ku band seeker
●As ANG is designed to counter Electronic attacks and thats y it hv Advance ECCM capability
●Slow speed of ANG gives it better missile control to engage maneuverable missiles also dual pulse+Ku aesa seeker makes it proper Area defence system
While QRSAM is like point defence system!
 
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Akash NG's dual-pulse rocket motor is a major advance over the legacy Akash's ramjet engine.

"The Akash NG features DRDO's dual pulse rocket motor too, a powerful seeker (approx 2x the performance of that on the Astra Mk1, QRSAM), and is specifically tailored for low RCS threats."
Superb information and explanation by @Firezstarter1 !!
View attachment 931251
In Jan 2021, India tested its brand new Akash NG (New Generation) program. Name apart, this is a radically new system which overhauls the entire Akash architecture and has little resemblance to its predecessor. It offers the IAF a totally Indian replacement for the MRSAM joint venture (Barak-8 being the purely Israeli variant). Judging by its revealed architecture and system details, the Akash NG will likely have equivalent or even better performance than the MRSAM. As can be expected, IAF representatives were present during the trial.
The Akash NG features DRDO's dual pulse rocket motor too, a powerful seeker (approximately 2x the performance of that on the Astra Mk1, QRSAM), and is specifically tailored for low Radar Cross Section threats. The threat class also indicates it will field DRDO's new laser fuse. Intercepting highly maneuvering targets is where the Dual Pulse motor will be particularly useful. The seeker can target velocities up to the SRBM class clearly indicating a limited TMD role, similar to that of the Barak-8. Considering a missile/ rocket barrage is an increasing threat for many forward IAF bases, this is a useful capability to have.
View attachment 931255

Unlike the MRSAM, this is not a vertical launch system(Akash NG's have square canisters).There are tradeoffs here. On the one hand the missile need not carry excess weight in the form of thrust vector control or a nose cone with motors to slew it (Brahmos style, and which would impede lock on before launch), implying better range. A slant /turntable mechanism would give it better reaction times too. However dealing with multi axis surge attacks would be a challenge unless DRDO had each launcher address a sector independently. This is exactly what they have done.
Take a quick look at the image above after reading the press release. What you see is India's first combined Radar and Launcher setup beyond the short range Trishul program. The image clearly shows a 4 panel AESA Multi Function radar setup, similar to that developed for the QRSAM program.
View attachment 931256

Towards the rear, behind the initial smoke plume, you can see another slanted panel. So 360 degree coverage, with the thinner strip panels for IFF. The radar in all likelihood will be more powerful than that on the QRSAM. It has to be, as the Akash NGs envelope will be around 2.5-3x that of the QRSAM’s. The radar has to look and guide further.

In short, unless this is a test setup alone (which doesn't seem likely, why go to all that trouble for this configuration) each Akash NG can have an independent battery by itself, mobile and lethal. It can relocate on its own and unlike comparable Russian systems, the radar is fully multi-function with limited dependence on its Surveillance Radar beyond Early Warning. It is also AESA, something the Russians are yet to broadbase on their SAM systems.

Given the radars capacity, it wouldn't be beyond DRDO to pair this radar with independent launchers too. They'd complement the units with the radar-missile mix. Perhaps, operating as launchers plus loaders with spare missiles.

All in all, there are many interesting possibilities in play if DRDO chooses to go ahead with this configuration.

We can also expect future variants of this radar to have an EO pod with a long range thermal Imager, day camera and a long range laser finder as a back up to the radar allowing it to mount nearly undetectable attacks (very few fighters have laser warning systems). Again, similar to the QRSAM system.

While colocating the radar and missiles may open up their vulnerability to Anti Radiation Missiles, these are AESA systems, not easy to track or counter. Remote operation would be possible and knocking out a radar merely takes one launcher off the table. In the MRSAM architecture, unless there are backups, the single radar is the key FCR for its launchers. With the Akash NG, targeting a single radar is not enough to shut down a multi-launcher threat, each with its own sensors.

In short, this is a much more lethal system. And all this in a compact footprint as DRDO notes.


In the next iteration we will likely see the Akash NGs AESA Based long range surveillance radar too. Via a command post the whole setup will be linked to the IAFs IACCS, with engagement efficacy being dramatically boosted by access to the IAFs wider sensor network.

Overall, the Akash NG program offers India a very capable and credible alternative to reliance on imported systems, which come with more restrictions and can't be rapidly reconfigured to Indian requirements. The IAF would be well served to induct it, and have DRDO develop more variants for enhanced range profiles and threat classes.

Purely my Understanding n Opinion and corrections is most welcome
View attachment 931258
Akash NG vs QRSAM:
●Qrsam is meant for Quick reaction for faster reach to target(4.5M) as its task is protecting moving convoy of Army
View attachment 931259
●As moving convoy hv biggest threat frm Heptr/Drones/loiterings so reaction of missiles matters most because they suddenly appear nd doesn't give more time to react nd here Qrsam's speed matters most
●Also for more control at 4.5M the QRSAM has extra fins whereas
●Akash NG is comparatively slow missile but hv dual pulse for engaging maneuverable targets Like Cruise missiles and aircraft
●ANG is made to protect the static strategic locations frm maneuverable targets
●And for engaging highly maneuverable targets ANG has ku band seeker
●As ANG is designed to counter Electronic attacks and thats y it hv Advance ECCM capability
●Slow speed of ANG gives it better missile control to engage maneuverable missiles also dual pulse+Ku aesa seeker makes it proper Area defence system
While QRSAM is like point defence system!

Interesting Post.

Thanks for sharing.

Going through it - one seems amazed at speed of DRDO , HAL & Other institutions announcing Projects one after the other , with seemingly very slow or No progress in decades.

So the famed Air Breathing Ramjet engine is replaced in second stage due to weight ...!

The Dual Pulse motor , which was highly criticized by Indian experts when comparing BVR Propulsion case btw Meteor and PL-15 is suddenly "praised" and becomes technically astute when its used in Astra and other Indian Projects.
 
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