India to acquire 15 US-2i aircraft from Japan after defence minister’s visit

[shree835]

India’s plan to acquire at least 15 US-2i amphibious aircraft for its Navy from Japan is expected to fructify when the defence minister of Japan arrives in India next month.

Speaking to FE, a senior officer said, “Soon after the Emperor of Japan’s visit is over, Itsunori Onodera, the defence minister of Japan, will visit India to explore the potential for cooperation between the defence and aviation industries between the two countries, as well as to figure out the mechanism and modalities for the acquisition of the aircraft by the Indian Navy.” Also, Onodera will also be seeking confirmation from India on cooperation in dealing with the issue of piracy in the Indian Ocean.

India has reportedly clarified that it is reviewing the Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET), thereby placing the Shinmaywa US-2i as a dual civilian-and-military item. India has accepted the high cost of the aircraft to build up the strategic partnership.

The two sides had set up a joint working group to decide the terms of the cooperation of the US-2i amphibious aircraft when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had visited Tokyo in May this year, and could possibly include joint production, operation and training on the US-2i amphibious aircraft. The Indian Navy earlier issued a request for information (RFI) for the aircraft. Canada’s Bombardier, Japan’s ShinMaywa and Russia’s Beriev had offered their aircraft to meet the requirements.

India to acquire 15 US-2i aircraft from Japan after defence minister’s visit - Financial Express

 

[Scorpion666]

Good news .... Navy s getting swanky new toys from all around the place !!!

 

[hari sud]

Somebody educate the forum on US-2i's role in Indian Ocean.

India already has a second hand US built amphibious landing ship, capable of carrying a battalion of marines ashore with their hardware and supplies.

Where do these planes fit into the strategic thinking process.

 

[Manvantaratruti]

Somebody educate the forum on US-2i's role in Indian Ocean.
India already has a second hand US built amphibious landing ship, capable of carrying a battalion of marines ashore with their hardware and supplies.
Where do these planes fit into the strategic thinking process.

These aircrafts have a range of 4,700 km and best part is when the fuel runs out they don't have to crash in the sea. It can just glide down and land in the sea.

That makes them extremely valuable assets for maritime reconnaissance. Ideal to be placed in Andaman Nicobar and other island bases.

I suspect IN would mount radars and EW equipment on them to make it more relevant.

They are also ideal Sea rescue vehicle which can carry 20 passengers and just land in the sea and pick up survivors.

I think India needs to negotiate building 30-50 of these aircrafts for both IN and Coast Guard, build them in India and use these platforms for the MRMR requirement. Better to focus on reducing the various types of naval aircrafts to address logistics and maintenance issues.

It is unlikely Japan an sell larges numbers of this aircraft to any other nation so it should be relatively easy to negotiate a deal involving manufacturing them in India. Like IN did with Dornier 228.

@Capt.Popeye What is your views on this ?

 

[shuntmaster]

The ShinMaywa (formerly Shin Meiwa) US-2 is a Japanese large STOL amphibious aircraft designed for air-sea rescue (SAR) work. The US-2 is scheduled to replace the older ShinMaywa US-1


The second production US-2
RoleAir-sea rescue amphibian
Manufacturer.... ShinMaywa
First flight.... 18 December 2003
Introduction.... 30 March 2007
Status... in production
Primary user.... Japan Maritime Self Defense Force
Produced.... 2003-Present
Number built.... 4 (3 expected)
Developed.... from ShinMaywa US-1A

Shin-Meiwa US-2 search and rescue flying boat

 

[sudhir007]

what is the price of us-2

 

[Koovie]

1. Great addition for our naval forces, its long range amphibious capabilities will add much to our rescue capabilities.

2. This deal will be a great proof for our deep relations with Japan, considering its very strict defense export policies.

 

[[Bregs]]

This is the first defense deal between India and Japan thats why high cost has been ignored

 

[cloud_9]

Are they going to through a party like last time

 

[帅的一匹]

I think India is the only buyer of US-2 in the world. Since Japan wanna sell it and India has tons of cash, business done. It looks cute.

I think this one could glide all the way up to SCS?

 

[FOX80]

very good news..done it as soon as possible.

 

[Sergi]

Apart from sea rescue missions It sounds a good drop and pick up vehicle for Marcos as well

Any strings on military use ???

 

[janon]

I think India is the only buyer of US-2 in the world. Since Japan wanna sell it and India has tons of cash, business done. It looks cute.

I think this one could glide all the way up to SCS?

It is the first time that japan is selling defence products. They have a constitutional ban on selling offensive platforms. That is why there are no international customers for japanese defence products, and not because they are not competitive. For consumer goods, you know how they have set the highest standards.

Somebody educate the forum on US-2i's role in Indian Ocean.

India already has a second hand US built amphibious landing ship, capable of carrying a battalion of marines ashore with their hardware and supplies.

Where do these planes fit into the strategic thinking process.

Landing ships are for amphibious assault. These planes are for search and rescue.

 

[JohnyD]

guess this will pave the ways for exporting Japanese Nuke tech to India for civilian reactors..

 

[anant_s]

Japanese support is crucial for Jaitapur NPP (Hitachi supplies RPV). Apart from this Japan is funding a large portion of Dedicated Freight Corridor project.
Put all these things together and this possible deal might start making sense even though the birds cost a bomb.
That said, 15 looks too big a number.