desiman
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Lol ya i got the nick changed dint like the sound of it. Missed the forum too bro, will be posting some nice articles over the coming days.
INDIA: Building a Modern Arsenal in India
- Thread starter desiman
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Lol ya i got the nick changed dint like the sound of it. Missed the forum too bro, will be posting some nice articles over the coming days.
Insane
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Good to Have you BACK... Well Congrats on the New Name.
One request.. Please do not reply or engage to TROLL or Flame at all. Its best to ignore Posts which you think are not right .. That way you will survive the BAN and we will get a flow of useful information from you..
Welcome BACK...
One request.. Please do not reply or engage to TROLL or Flame at all. Its best to ignore Posts which you think are not right .. That way you will survive the BAN and we will get a flow of useful information from you..
Welcome BACK...
desiman
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Good to Have you BACK... Well Congrats on the New Name.
One request.. Please do not reply or engage to TROLL or Flame at all. Its best to ignore Posts which you think are not right .. That way you will survive the BAN and we will get a flow of useful information from you..
Welcome BACK...
Hey Insane
Its good to be back too buddy. Yup the new name was due lol Hope you like it
Well I am not here to troll anyways but sometimes some comment force you to reply back. The fairness of the forum or some mods can be debated but I dont mean to indulge in that. I am also looking forward to giving out more info as that is what I truly enjoy. Hope to see you around. Regards
DM
desiman
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On a side note - Pakistan has been issuing Request for Information (RFI) for a couple of new things that have surprised me. I have got note that not only they are trying to get their hands on some new helicopters but also a couple of new French avionics packages. The RFI will be made public in the coming months but it has been done with quite secrecy for some unknown reason lol Again I cannot back this up as it is not official yet. I will provide more info as I come to know.
Cheers
Cheers
desiman
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BTW has not INDIA send RFP for APACHEs...??
its good to have our DATABASE back... welcome back SIRJEE
India has re-issued a RFP in may 2009 if I am not wrong and Boeing re-submitted 2 proposals in oct 2009. The proposals are still being worked and a update is due soon from the MOD. frankly there are so many helicopter related deals going on that its quite confusing lol The initial RFP for 22 attach helicopters was cancelled by India because the cost were getting out of hand as well as none of the contenders meeting the standards required. The whole deal was renewed and the new competition is on again. Boeing had backed out of the competition in October 2008,but submitted an Apache proposal in October 2009.
Lol ill try my best to keep you satisfied bro, good to be back also.
desiman
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Russia, India to sign 5th-generation fighter deal in March
AIR FORCE NEWS — BY RIA NOVOSTI ON FEBRUARY 16, 2010 AT
New Delhi: Russia and India will sign the first contract on the manufacturing of a fifth-generation jet fighter in late February-early March, a Russian defense industry official said Monday.
"We expect a contract on the first stage of design, specifically the development of a technical design concept, to be signed in late February-early March," Alexander Fomin, first deputy head of the Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation, said.
He added that Russia and India were currently "at an active phase of negotiations" on manufacturing fifth-generation fighters.
It was not entirely clear whether Fomin was referring to Russia's prototype fifth-generation fighter, which has already made two test flights, or a new project. Nor did he indicate exactly what role India would play.
Russia has been developing its newest fighter since the 1990s. The current prototype, known as the T-50, was designed by the Sukhoi design bureau and built at a plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, in Russia's Far East.
It will be delivered to the Russian Air Force from 2015 onwards.
Russian officials have already hailed the fighter as "a unique warplane" that combines the capabilities of an air superiority fighter and attack aircraft.
AIR FORCE NEWS — BY RIA NOVOSTI ON FEBRUARY 16, 2010 AT
New Delhi: Russia and India will sign the first contract on the manufacturing of a fifth-generation jet fighter in late February-early March, a Russian defense industry official said Monday.
"We expect a contract on the first stage of design, specifically the development of a technical design concept, to be signed in late February-early March," Alexander Fomin, first deputy head of the Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation, said.
He added that Russia and India were currently "at an active phase of negotiations" on manufacturing fifth-generation fighters.
It was not entirely clear whether Fomin was referring to Russia's prototype fifth-generation fighter, which has already made two test flights, or a new project. Nor did he indicate exactly what role India would play.
Russia has been developing its newest fighter since the 1990s. The current prototype, known as the T-50, was designed by the Sukhoi design bureau and built at a plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, in Russia's Far East.
It will be delivered to the Russian Air Force from 2015 onwards.
Russian officials have already hailed the fighter as "a unique warplane" that combines the capabilities of an air superiority fighter and attack aircraft.
desiman
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India ready to test 5000-km-range nuclear missile
MISSILES & BOMBS NEWS BY PRESS TRUST OF INDIA ON FEBRUARY 10, 2010 AT 8:46 PM
India today said it will test fire the over 5,000 km range nuclear-capable Agni-V surface to surface ballistic missile "within a year" that can strike any target in China and Pakistan.
"Agni-V is a 5,000-km-plus missile and we are planning to carry out its first test within a year. After Agni-III and Agni-V, as far as cities in China and Pakistan are concerned, there will be no target that we want to hit but can't hit," DRDO Chief V K Saraswat said on Wednesday, adding that the "missile was already out of the drawing boards."
The test-firing of the Agni-V missile will also help India to join the elite club on nations with the capability to produce Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). Saraswat said the missile would be capable of being launched from canisters, which will help it to be launched from multiple platforms. With certain modifications, canister launchers enable ballistic missiles to be fired from ships and other moving platforms.
Comparing the Agni-III with Chinese 2,500 km range DF-21 and DF-25, Agni programme Director Avinash Chander said in terms of "accuracy and technology-wise", the indigenous missiles were better than the ones in the neighbourhood. He added that Agni-V would be a three-stage missile and it was in the sub-systems testing phase.
"The missile will have composite rocket motors instead of metal rocket motors. That technology has been realised 90 per cent as we have already tested it and are fine-tuning it to meet our requirements. It is in the sub-systems testing stage," he said.
Chander said the Agni-V is a derivative of Agni-III and 60 per cent of it was ready and the rest will have to be developed. "Agni-V will be the first missile that will have a three-stage propulsion system. It will have the same warhead and navigation system as that of the Agni-III, has the same diameter of 2 meters and is only half a metre longer than it," he added.
Asked if the country was planning to develop missiles of longer ranges, the DRDO Chief said, "In last 15 years, DRDO and India have come to a level of maturity in missile technology that we can build missiles of any range in these classes of systems mobile, semi-mobile and static if we need that."
He added the range and lethality of missiles was based on the requirements projected by the security establishment and "whether you make a 5,000 kilometre class missile or a longer range missile, 99 per cent of the technology and building blocks of the two are common."
Commenting on the successful test-firing of the Agni-III on February 7, the DRDO chief V K Saraswat said the "development" phase of the missile was over and it was ready for induction into the armed forces. The DRDO Chief said looking at the class and capabilities of the Agni-III, "there is no need for us to build missiles and keep storing them. There is no need and there is no requirement." He said "building and storing" missiles had a tremendous impact on "efforts and resources" and it was better to have building blocks of technology ready and have the capability as and when required in the shortest possible time.
Asked why was the missile test-fired only four times before induction, he said India had made advancements in design and simulation capabilities and a limited number of tests were required to prove the system.
On the problems faced by the Agni-II and Agni-III during their earlier tests, Chander said, "we have a problem and we have identified it. In both the cases, it was the quality-related issue and we are working to address those issues." He said the Agni-III was capable of being launched from both rail and road launchers and was made up of composite material.
Chander said the missile will be now tested by the armed forces as users and will be manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited in Hyderabad. The missile has been built with support of over 150 industrial partners, 20 DRDO laboratories and 20 other national level institutes, he added.
MISSILES & BOMBS NEWS BY PRESS TRUST OF INDIA ON FEBRUARY 10, 2010 AT 8:46 PM
India today said it will test fire the over 5,000 km range nuclear-capable Agni-V surface to surface ballistic missile "within a year" that can strike any target in China and Pakistan.
"Agni-V is a 5,000-km-plus missile and we are planning to carry out its first test within a year. After Agni-III and Agni-V, as far as cities in China and Pakistan are concerned, there will be no target that we want to hit but can't hit," DRDO Chief V K Saraswat said on Wednesday, adding that the "missile was already out of the drawing boards."
The test-firing of the Agni-V missile will also help India to join the elite club on nations with the capability to produce Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). Saraswat said the missile would be capable of being launched from canisters, which will help it to be launched from multiple platforms. With certain modifications, canister launchers enable ballistic missiles to be fired from ships and other moving platforms.
Comparing the Agni-III with Chinese 2,500 km range DF-21 and DF-25, Agni programme Director Avinash Chander said in terms of "accuracy and technology-wise", the indigenous missiles were better than the ones in the neighbourhood. He added that Agni-V would be a three-stage missile and it was in the sub-systems testing phase.
"The missile will have composite rocket motors instead of metal rocket motors. That technology has been realised 90 per cent as we have already tested it and are fine-tuning it to meet our requirements. It is in the sub-systems testing stage," he said.
Chander said the Agni-V is a derivative of Agni-III and 60 per cent of it was ready and the rest will have to be developed. "Agni-V will be the first missile that will have a three-stage propulsion system. It will have the same warhead and navigation system as that of the Agni-III, has the same diameter of 2 meters and is only half a metre longer than it," he added.
Asked if the country was planning to develop missiles of longer ranges, the DRDO Chief said, "In last 15 years, DRDO and India have come to a level of maturity in missile technology that we can build missiles of any range in these classes of systems mobile, semi-mobile and static if we need that."
He added the range and lethality of missiles was based on the requirements projected by the security establishment and "whether you make a 5,000 kilometre class missile or a longer range missile, 99 per cent of the technology and building blocks of the two are common."
Commenting on the successful test-firing of the Agni-III on February 7, the DRDO chief V K Saraswat said the "development" phase of the missile was over and it was ready for induction into the armed forces. The DRDO Chief said looking at the class and capabilities of the Agni-III, "there is no need for us to build missiles and keep storing them. There is no need and there is no requirement." He said "building and storing" missiles had a tremendous impact on "efforts and resources" and it was better to have building blocks of technology ready and have the capability as and when required in the shortest possible time.
Asked why was the missile test-fired only four times before induction, he said India had made advancements in design and simulation capabilities and a limited number of tests were required to prove the system.
On the problems faced by the Agni-II and Agni-III during their earlier tests, Chander said, "we have a problem and we have identified it. In both the cases, it was the quality-related issue and we are working to address those issues." He said the Agni-III was capable of being launched from both rail and road launchers and was made up of composite material.
Chander said the missile will be now tested by the armed forces as users and will be manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited in Hyderabad. The missile has been built with support of over 150 industrial partners, 20 DRDO laboratories and 20 other national level institutes, he added.
desiman
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Defense Industry Redraws Its Battle Plan for 2010
DEFENSE & SECURITY NEWS BY FROSTSULLIVAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2010 AT 5:25 AM
SINGAPORE: Over the past year, defense stocks have taken a beating. In the US, Lockheed Martin shares were down by 40%, while Northrop Grumman has lost almost 40% of its value. In Europe, BAE Systems and Thales have fallen by similar amounts.
According to Frost & Sullivan's Asia Pacific Consultant of Aerospace & Defense Practice Kunal Sinha, governments the world over have agreed to the fact that there is a black hole in the Defense Budget. Hence, they are exploring all viable options for capability downgrading and quantity reductions as well as for complete cancellations of some equipment programmes.
"The US government's decision to have a foreign policy led defense review in 2010, could spell drastic equipment cuts. The picture looks challenging though. The Core US defense Budget will edge towards USD600 billion a year but the supplemental budget which funds current operations will decline sharply in 2010, as US and other NATO forces winds down in Iraq and wages a more limited campaign in Afghanistan. The total spending on research and new procurement will fall by almost USD100 billion from its 2008 peak by 2010, resulting in a radical shakeup of the sector," he says.
In the 1990s, after the end of cold war, the industry reduced capacity through a wave of mergers, but with so few players left that is not an option in 2010.
Sinha says, "Instead, traditional contractors will lose market share to 'disruptive companies' that offer good enough but not exceptional products. Companies like Eurocopter are expected to do well, by taking advantage of its global scale and ability to adapt commercial products for military use at good prices."
"Defense Companies are also likely to focus on providing support services, such as Repairs and Training, for the military as Global spending on operations and maintenance overtakes the investment budget for the first time," he continues.
He adds, "Defense budget rationalization has seen some areas of the budget grow even as the total spending may have declined. In BAE systems, a slowdown in the demand for its heavily armored vehicle has been offset by the pickup in the combat aircraft sales, as production of F-35 ramps up. Defense administration has been shifting funds from expensive platforms to support irregular warfare and current operations."
Sinha identifies Defense Electronics, Cyber security and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles as some of the fastest growing segment in the defense market.
He continues, "Global companies are scooping up midsized companies in these areas, as was evident in the buyout of Axsys systems by General Dynamics. Exports and Foreign sales are potential bright spot in the defense market. India is expected to spend USD100 billion on military procurement over the next decade. Saudi Arabia and other Middle East Countries are also increasing their defense spending."
Frost and Sullivan believes that in spite of the budget cuts, countervailing pressures will make it hard for the governments to reduce defense spending, regardless of their financial position.
"As compared to 1990, where there seemed a clear change in the global strategic scenario, this time around there seems to be no such change. The threats remain the same, but what we are currently going through is a period of budget constraint," says Sinha.
Frost & Sullivan enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 40 offices on six continents.
DEFENSE & SECURITY NEWS BY FROSTSULLIVAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2010 AT 5:25 AM
SINGAPORE: Over the past year, defense stocks have taken a beating. In the US, Lockheed Martin shares were down by 40%, while Northrop Grumman has lost almost 40% of its value. In Europe, BAE Systems and Thales have fallen by similar amounts.
According to Frost & Sullivan's Asia Pacific Consultant of Aerospace & Defense Practice Kunal Sinha, governments the world over have agreed to the fact that there is a black hole in the Defense Budget. Hence, they are exploring all viable options for capability downgrading and quantity reductions as well as for complete cancellations of some equipment programmes.
"The US government's decision to have a foreign policy led defense review in 2010, could spell drastic equipment cuts. The picture looks challenging though. The Core US defense Budget will edge towards USD600 billion a year but the supplemental budget which funds current operations will decline sharply in 2010, as US and other NATO forces winds down in Iraq and wages a more limited campaign in Afghanistan. The total spending on research and new procurement will fall by almost USD100 billion from its 2008 peak by 2010, resulting in a radical shakeup of the sector," he says.
In the 1990s, after the end of cold war, the industry reduced capacity through a wave of mergers, but with so few players left that is not an option in 2010.
Sinha says, "Instead, traditional contractors will lose market share to 'disruptive companies' that offer good enough but not exceptional products. Companies like Eurocopter are expected to do well, by taking advantage of its global scale and ability to adapt commercial products for military use at good prices."
"Defense Companies are also likely to focus on providing support services, such as Repairs and Training, for the military as Global spending on operations and maintenance overtakes the investment budget for the first time," he continues.
He adds, "Defense budget rationalization has seen some areas of the budget grow even as the total spending may have declined. In BAE systems, a slowdown in the demand for its heavily armored vehicle has been offset by the pickup in the combat aircraft sales, as production of F-35 ramps up. Defense administration has been shifting funds from expensive platforms to support irregular warfare and current operations."
Sinha identifies Defense Electronics, Cyber security and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles as some of the fastest growing segment in the defense market.
He continues, "Global companies are scooping up midsized companies in these areas, as was evident in the buyout of Axsys systems by General Dynamics. Exports and Foreign sales are potential bright spot in the defense market. India is expected to spend USD100 billion on military procurement over the next decade. Saudi Arabia and other Middle East Countries are also increasing their defense spending."
Frost and Sullivan believes that in spite of the budget cuts, countervailing pressures will make it hard for the governments to reduce defense spending, regardless of their financial position.
"As compared to 1990, where there seemed a clear change in the global strategic scenario, this time around there seems to be no such change. The threats remain the same, but what we are currently going through is a period of budget constraint," says Sinha.
Frost & Sullivan enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 40 offices on six continents.
desiman
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India Requests M777 155mm Light-Weight Towed Howitzers
ARMY NEWS BY US DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION AGENCY ON JANUARY 28, 2010 AT 5:27 AM
WASHINGTON: The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Jan. 22 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of 145 M777 155mm Light-Weight Towed Howitzers with Laser Inertial Artillery Pointing Systems (LINAPS) and associated parts, equipment, training and logistical support for a complete package worth approximately $647 million.
The Government of India has requested a possible sale of 145 M777 155mm Light-Weight Towed Howitzers with Laser Inertial Artillery Pointing Systems (LINAPS), warranty, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, maintenance, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representatives technical assistance, engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.
The estimated cost is $647 million.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-India strategic relationship and to improve the security of an important partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South Asia.
India intends to use the howitzers to modernize its armed forces and enhance its ability to operate in hazardous conditions. The howitzers will assist the Indian Army to develop and enhance standardization and to improve interoperability with U.S. Soldiers and Marines who use the M777 as their primary means of indirect fire. India will have no difficulty absorbing these weapons into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be, BAE of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Watervliet Arsenal of Watervliet, New York; Seiler Instrument Company of St Louis, Missouri; Triumph Actuation Systems of Bloomfield, Connecticut; Taylor Devices of North Tonawanda, New York; Hutchinson Industries of Trenton, New Jersey; and Selex, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require annual trips to India involving up to eight (8) U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical reviews/support, training, and in-country trials for a period of approximately two years.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.
ARMY NEWS BY US DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION AGENCY ON JANUARY 28, 2010 AT 5:27 AM
WASHINGTON: The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Jan. 22 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of 145 M777 155mm Light-Weight Towed Howitzers with Laser Inertial Artillery Pointing Systems (LINAPS) and associated parts, equipment, training and logistical support for a complete package worth approximately $647 million.
The Government of India has requested a possible sale of 145 M777 155mm Light-Weight Towed Howitzers with Laser Inertial Artillery Pointing Systems (LINAPS), warranty, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, maintenance, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representatives technical assistance, engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.
The estimated cost is $647 million.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-India strategic relationship and to improve the security of an important partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South Asia.
India intends to use the howitzers to modernize its armed forces and enhance its ability to operate in hazardous conditions. The howitzers will assist the Indian Army to develop and enhance standardization and to improve interoperability with U.S. Soldiers and Marines who use the M777 as their primary means of indirect fire. India will have no difficulty absorbing these weapons into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be, BAE of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Watervliet Arsenal of Watervliet, New York; Seiler Instrument Company of St Louis, Missouri; Triumph Actuation Systems of Bloomfield, Connecticut; Taylor Devices of North Tonawanda, New York; Hutchinson Industries of Trenton, New Jersey; and Selex, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require annual trips to India involving up to eight (8) U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical reviews/support, training, and in-country trials for a period of approximately two years.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.
desiman
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Army, MoD Lock Horns Over Ban on Singapore Technologies
ARMY NEWS BY INDIAN BUSINESS STANDARD ON JANUARY 26, 2010 AT 7:53 AM
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) faces accusations of serious contradictions in the apparently ill-considered ban it had imposed last June on arms vendor Singapore Technologies Kinetic (STK). The ban was slapped on seven companies after the May 19, 2009 arrest of former Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) chairman, Sudipta Ghosh, on charges of corruption.
The ban on STK is all but collapsing. Next month, STKs 155-mm towed gun will take part in firing trials cleared by the MoD - for selecting a new-generation artillery piece for the Indian Army. STKs Lightweight Assault Rifle will also begin army trials in February. Inexplicably, though, the ban remains on STKs 155-mm Pegasus ultralight howitzer, which the army wants urgently for Indias mountain divisions.
The Pegasus trials remain blocked despite efforts of the army chief, General Deepak Kapoor himself an artilleryman who requested the MoD for trials to continue alongside the Central Bureau of Investigations investigations, to save time (reported in Business Standard on July 18, 2009). Rejecting that request, the MoD approached Washington to allow India to buy the American BAE Systems M777 ultralight howitzer.
The army, however, wants the option open on both, not a single-vendor situation in which the US-based company can dictate its price. Despite the MoD ban, the army chief has publicly declared that the STK howitzer remains an option.
On January 14, 2009, General Kapoor told the press, We have one gun (the Pegasus) waiting for trials and, at the same time, we have approached a foreign country (the US) for purchasing an ultralight howitzer directly. We will follow both routes. The moment one of them is successful, we will go ahead with that purchase.
But, MoD sources say they are not rethinking the ban on the Pegasus. They say the CBI has solid proof that STK paid money into Ghoshs bank account in Singapore. Asked why the CBI has failed to file charges against Ghosh, who was freed on bail last July, they have no answers.
Now, STK has also, for the first time, publicly protested the ban. Last week, STKs CEO, Brigadier-General Patrick Choy, revealed to the press in New Delhi that he had travelled to India last year to assist the CBI in its investigations into Ghoshs alleged corruption. Choy said he had invited the CBI team to Singapore for a full audit of STK, promising that he would fully open the companys books to investigators. The CBI has not, so far, responded.
STK first encountered the unpredictability of the Indian defence market when it flew a Pegasus howitzer into India for trials last year, in response to an MoD request. On June 5, 2009, just as the Pegasus reached the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, a media statement from the MoD spokesperson announced that STK had been banned. To this day, the MoD has not officially intimated STK about any ban.
After remaining stranded by the roadside in Pokhran for several days, the Pegasus was moved to Gwalior, where it remains housed in an army unit.
The Indian Armys artillery modernisation plan has remained stalled, for various reasons, for over two decades; the ultralight howitzer is only the latest procurement fiasco. The armys 180 artillery gun regiments each having 18 guns have not received any new weaponry since the Bofors gun was bought in the late 1980s.
ARMY NEWS BY INDIAN BUSINESS STANDARD ON JANUARY 26, 2010 AT 7:53 AM
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) faces accusations of serious contradictions in the apparently ill-considered ban it had imposed last June on arms vendor Singapore Technologies Kinetic (STK). The ban was slapped on seven companies after the May 19, 2009 arrest of former Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) chairman, Sudipta Ghosh, on charges of corruption.
The ban on STK is all but collapsing. Next month, STKs 155-mm towed gun will take part in firing trials cleared by the MoD - for selecting a new-generation artillery piece for the Indian Army. STKs Lightweight Assault Rifle will also begin army trials in February. Inexplicably, though, the ban remains on STKs 155-mm Pegasus ultralight howitzer, which the army wants urgently for Indias mountain divisions.
The Pegasus trials remain blocked despite efforts of the army chief, General Deepak Kapoor himself an artilleryman who requested the MoD for trials to continue alongside the Central Bureau of Investigations investigations, to save time (reported in Business Standard on July 18, 2009). Rejecting that request, the MoD approached Washington to allow India to buy the American BAE Systems M777 ultralight howitzer.
The army, however, wants the option open on both, not a single-vendor situation in which the US-based company can dictate its price. Despite the MoD ban, the army chief has publicly declared that the STK howitzer remains an option.
On January 14, 2009, General Kapoor told the press, We have one gun (the Pegasus) waiting for trials and, at the same time, we have approached a foreign country (the US) for purchasing an ultralight howitzer directly. We will follow both routes. The moment one of them is successful, we will go ahead with that purchase.
But, MoD sources say they are not rethinking the ban on the Pegasus. They say the CBI has solid proof that STK paid money into Ghoshs bank account in Singapore. Asked why the CBI has failed to file charges against Ghosh, who was freed on bail last July, they have no answers.
Now, STK has also, for the first time, publicly protested the ban. Last week, STKs CEO, Brigadier-General Patrick Choy, revealed to the press in New Delhi that he had travelled to India last year to assist the CBI in its investigations into Ghoshs alleged corruption. Choy said he had invited the CBI team to Singapore for a full audit of STK, promising that he would fully open the companys books to investigators. The CBI has not, so far, responded.
STK first encountered the unpredictability of the Indian defence market when it flew a Pegasus howitzer into India for trials last year, in response to an MoD request. On June 5, 2009, just as the Pegasus reached the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, a media statement from the MoD spokesperson announced that STK had been banned. To this day, the MoD has not officially intimated STK about any ban.
After remaining stranded by the roadside in Pokhran for several days, the Pegasus was moved to Gwalior, where it remains housed in an army unit.
The Indian Armys artillery modernisation plan has remained stalled, for various reasons, for over two decades; the ultralight howitzer is only the latest procurement fiasco. The armys 180 artillery gun regiments each having 18 guns have not received any new weaponry since the Bofors gun was bought in the late 1980s.
desiman
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desiman
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UPDATE 1-Sikorsky eyes $8-12 bln India defence deals
Wed Feb 17, 2010
NEW DELHI, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, an arm of United Technologies (UTX.N), is eyeing defence deals worth $8-12 billion in India by 2018 and plans to manufacture its Black Hawk helicopters locally, a top official said on Wednesday.
"We are committed to approach the Indian market with the same viewpoint as we approach the U.S. market," the firm's global vice president Steve Estill told Reuters.
"We are going to bring the Black Hawk here and also manufacture it in India."
Estill said the firm would expand its facility in southern Hyderabad city to make the military choppers. The unit currently makes aerospace components under a joint venture with India's salt-to-steel conglomerate Tata group.
Apart from selling 16 helicopters worth $600-700 million to India, Sikorsky will also lease out 20 choppers to the coast guard, Estill said.
India has a defence budget of $29.39 billion for the year to March 31, a quarter more than the previous financial year. It has also earmarked $562 million to boost border security and police forces
Wed Feb 17, 2010
NEW DELHI, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, an arm of United Technologies (UTX.N), is eyeing defence deals worth $8-12 billion in India by 2018 and plans to manufacture its Black Hawk helicopters locally, a top official said on Wednesday.
"We are committed to approach the Indian market with the same viewpoint as we approach the U.S. market," the firm's global vice president Steve Estill told Reuters.
"We are going to bring the Black Hawk here and also manufacture it in India."
Estill said the firm would expand its facility in southern Hyderabad city to make the military choppers. The unit currently makes aerospace components under a joint venture with India's salt-to-steel conglomerate Tata group.
Apart from selling 16 helicopters worth $600-700 million to India, Sikorsky will also lease out 20 choppers to the coast guard, Estill said.
India has a defence budget of $29.39 billion for the year to March 31, a quarter more than the previous financial year. It has also earmarked $562 million to boost border security and police forces
us offer MH-60R and Apache to India
MH60R helicopter for the Indian Navy and the Apache attack helicopter for Indian Army. Both of these choppers are unmatched for the roles they have been designed for. The MH60R has not been offered to any foreign country and India will be the first outside the U.S..
View attachment b62bc218a2f3fcf3552775093c590a53.jpg
MH60R helicopter for the Indian Navy and the Apache attack helicopter for Indian Army. Both of these choppers are unmatched for the roles they have been designed for. The MH60R has not been offered to any foreign country and India will be the first outside the U.S..
View attachment b62bc218a2f3fcf3552775093c590a53.jpg
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