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Full Fledged Flight Detachment, Medium Power Radar for Indian Air Force Car Nicobar Base

2010-10-05 The Indian Air Force (IAF) base in Car Nicobar soon will have a full-fledged flight detachment and a medium power radar (MPR) will be commissioned by 2012. This information was revealed by Wing Commander M.S. Sridhar - the officiating station commander - to online journal Aviation Week.

Wing Commander Sridhar:
"The MPR will further add teeth to the base ... We have a Rohini radar now with limited ground control interception. We will also have an air defense weapons squadron ... We lost close to 130 [people] from IAF during [the] tsunami and we have now completely reconstructed the base ... The runway was the key. It acted as the lifeline to people here, and it, too, was redone four months after the tsunami. The base had subsided by 1.2 meters, post-tsunami .. The 122 HF Helicopter Sqdn. operates the MI-8 choppers. There is a UAV base, which is used for reconnaissance for the southern and northern group of islands,"

The base spread across 509.4 acres, was handed over to India by the Royal Air Force in 1956. The runway is 8,790 ft. long. The base is located 280 km. (174 mi.) from Port Blair. The base is strategic for ANC because the major shipping lanes of many countries pass through the region. The base's development is is considered key for monitoring the Malacca Straits.

A couple of years ago, India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) tested the BrahMos supersonic ship-to-ship missile from the Car Nicobar region.

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This is a necessary move. As it is there are surveillance stations existent there, every surface/sub-surface target transiting the area is monitored. Air surveillance did not have as much importance earlier, but is now being augmented. Siting of air assets will add "teeth" to the "eyes and ears".
ANC will become one of the important commands.
 
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Indian Air Force team flagged off to participate in Himalayan Car Rally
From ANI

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New Delhi, October 7: 'Team Sky Hawkz', the Indian Air Force (IAF) team of three reconfigured Gypsy vehicles, roared-off from 412 Air Force Station here on Thursday to participate in 'Raid-de-Himalaya' that begins from Shimla on October 9.

The rally is ranked amongst the toughest motor rallies in the world.

Air Marshal JN Burma, Air Officer-in-charge Administration flagged off the 'Team Sky Hawkz' today.

The team is led by Gp Capt MK Abrol. Other members include Sqn Ldr Ashish, Sqn Ldr Choudhary, Fg Offr Kunal, Sqn Ldr A Kapoor and JWO AK Singh.

The rally will run through Shimla, Manali, Rohtang, Lahul and Spiti Valley, Keylong, Sarchu valley and will head back through a different route to Manali.

The competition will run through rivers, river-beds, gravel, mud tracks and snow including black ice on high mountain passes.


Indian Air Force team flagged off to participate in Himalayan Car Rally
 
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First shots Fired in IAF Trainer procurement Contract​

Ajay shukla

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A Beechcraft rendition of the T-6C trainer with IAF roundels added on. This aircraft, which will be evaluated by the IAF from Monday the 11th, is one of the hot contenders to replace the accident-dogged HPT-32 Deepak that the IAF has been using as a Stage-1 trainer.


I had written about the Grob trainer, which is also vying for India's purchase of 75 trainers, while HAL develops and builds 106 of its own Hindustan Turbo Trainer - 40 (HTT-40). My article is archived in Broadsword, on 16th June 10, "Grob Aircraft targets 181 trainers for the IAF: eyes HAL’s share of 106 basic trainers"

The Beechcraft press release is replicated below:

Beechcraft T-6C Trainer to Demonstrate Proven Capabilities during Indian Air Force Field Evaluation Trials

WICHITA, Kan. (Oct. 5, 2010) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today announced its Beechcraft T-6C military trainer is scheduled for evaluation by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in field evaluation trials beginning Oct. 11 at the Air Force Station Jamnagar in India. HBC is vying for a contract that specifies an initial purchase of 75 aircraft and options for follow-on orders that could eventually exceed 100 aircraft. A decision on the contract is anticipated in the coming months.

“The T-6C offers the Indian Air Force the world’s most proven and cost-effective training system available,” said Jim Maslowski, HBC president, U.S. and International Government Business. “It accommodates instruction in instrument flight procedures and basic aerial maneuvers and, including its predecessors the T-6A and T-6B, has accounted for more than 640 deliveries worldwide.”

The T-6C is being considered as a replacement for the IAF’s HPT-32 Deepak 2 trainer. The evaluations will be conducted over five days and consist of flights by IAF test and instructor pilots. HBC will also demonstrate the T-6C’s maintainability as part of the evaluation.

The T-6C aircraft features an integrated glass cockpit and advanced avionics suite that greatly expands advanced training opportunities, including a Head-Up Display, Up Front Control Panel, three Multifunction Displays and Hands-On Throttle and Stick. With its hard point wing, it can accommodate external fuel tanks and the systems and capabilities of today’s front-line strike fighter aircraft, while retaining all the inherent training and flying characteristics that have made the T-6 the most successful primary trainer in the world.

The Beechcraft T-6 delivers an outstanding training capability that is appropriate for most basic introductory flight training through more challenging and complex advanced training missions. To date, it has been used to train pilots from approximately 20 different countries.

Deliveries of the T-6 began in 2000 after the aircraft was initially selected to fill the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System role for the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy. Since then, additional military programs worldwide, including NATO Flying Training in Canada, the Hellenic Air Force of Greece, the Israeli Air Force, the Iraqi Air Force and the Royal Moroccan Air Force, have chosen the T-6 as their primary trainers.

Broadsword: First shots fired in IAF trainer aircraft procurement contest
 
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BRAHMOS felicitates IAF on 78th Air Force Day


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NEW DELHI (BNS): The Indian Air Force (IAF) will be celebrating its 78th anniversary on Friday with breathtaking display of air power, at Air Force Station Hindon.

From 1932 till date, the IAF has evolved into the world's fourth largest and sees its area of operations extending far beyond the country's boundaries - from the Strait of Hormuz in the west to the Strait of Malacca and beyond in the east.

Apart from other operational capability building measures, one of the most significant action on part of IAF has been, the induction of BRAHMOS weapon system in its inventory.

The air-launched version of this supersonic cruise missile is in progress and soon IAF's multirole Su-30MKI fighters will be armed with BRAHMOS.

These two deadly combinations of land-attack version and air-version are bound to prove a force multiplier for the Air Force.

Indian Navy and Army have already inducted BRAHMOS cruise missiles.

The BRAHMOS missile jointly developed by India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya and produced by New Delhi-based BrahMos Aerospace JV has a range of 290 km and can carry a conventional warhead of up to 300 kg.
 
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IAF Showcases Impressive Parade, Air Show on Air Force Day
Air Chief Awards Presidential Awards, Unit Citations


The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 78th anniversary today. A ceremonial Air Force Day Parade (AFDP) was held at the airbase in Hindan, near Ghaziabad commemorating the occasion. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal PV Naik reviewed the grand parade. The impressive parade was led by Group Captain PK Vohra.



The Air Force Day Parade is conducted every year to publicly pledge the continued dedication of the IAF in its service to the nation and to reassure all countrymen of its vitality and preparedness. The Air Force Day is celebrated to mark the significance of the Day (October 8, 1932) when the Act to establish the IAF came into effect. Significantly, this day also marks the commissioning of the first six IAF Officers.





The Air Chief presented 25 Vayu Sena Medals (VM) including nine for gallantry and 30 Vishisht Seva Medals (VSM) on behalf of the President of India, at an Investiture Ceremony held at the parade. He also awarded citations to four air force units – Helicopter Training School (HTS), No. 48 Squadron, No. 3004 Squadron and No. 27 Squadron, for excellence in performance.





The proceedings began with air warriors descending from the sky with the IAF and Akashganga flags carried by sky divers of IAF’s sky diving team. Later, the Air Warrior Drill Team and a breathtaking air show, showcased the capabilities of the IAF. The celebration culminated with a scintillating display by the Sarang Helicopter Aerobatic Team and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team.





The backdrop at every AFDP remains an eye-stopper, and was equally impressive this year. Depicting “Aerospace Power”, emblazoned crests of the seven IAF commands with Himalayan Eagles were embellished alongside pictures of AWACS, Brahmos, C-130J military transport aircraft, CARTO SAT 2 B satellite, fighter aircraft and attack helicopters. The flanks on either side of the centre of the backdrop displayed snapshots of the varied fleet of IAF in action during various missions, including participation in international exercises with friendly nations and relief missions demonstrating all of IAF’s capabilities.





The static display of some IAF aircraft and arsenal provided glimpse of the IAF’s awesome lethal strike capability. The equipment on display included Brahmos land attack supersonic cruise missile, MiG-29 air superiority fighter aircraft, MI-17 1V medium lift helicopter, Dornier transport aircraft, HAWK MK 132, Advanced Jet Trainer, Mirage-2000, Jaguar DPSA (Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft), MiG - 21 Bison, Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft and Transporter and Loading Vehicles (TLVs) for the Pechora missile.



The participating aircraft in the air display included Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters, Dornier, Avro, AN-32 Transport aircraft,while the fighter included Jaguars, Mig-21 Bis, Mig-29, Mirage-2000 and Su-30 MKIs. The show-stoppers as always were the four-helicopter display by Sarang team in Advanced Light Helicopters and the nine-aircraft Suryakiran Aerobatic Team in Kiran jet trainers.





CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF CITATIONS



HELICOPTER TRAINING SCHOOL



Helicopter Training School (HTS) is the alma mater of all helicopter pilots of the Indian Air Force. The humble origins of this premier school dates back to 02 Apr 62, when it was raised at Palam, with a modest strength of two trainees and two Bell-47 helicopters. The school has ever since evolved in stature and capabilities and today nearly a 100 trainees pass out of its portals every year, HTS also holds the privilege of being the largest helicopter unit of the Indian Armed Forces. The unit, ever since its inception, has been at the forefront rendering aid to Civil Authority in the southern central peninsula. It has rendered yeomen service by ensuring timely help during the unprecedented floods that affected Kurnool district last year. The air warriors of Helicopter Training School have shown their grit, determination, professionalism and most importantly, empathy for our countrymen in need. The unit has always reacted proactively and instantly, whenever called upon. Be it cyclone relief ops in Sri Lanka in 1978 and in AP in 1979 and 1990 or flood relief ops in 1980, 1984, 1986, 1989, 2000, 2005, 2009 or for that matter, earthquake relief ops in Latur area in 1993. In the 30 odd years since its move to Hakimpet, HTS has flown a staggering 856 hours in 986 sorties as aid to civil authority. In these missions 3, 73, 662 lbs of relief material has been dropped and 326 souls have been airlifted/winched to safety.



For the highest levels of professionalism, dedication and untiring efforts in the face of the most challenging environments, Helicopter Training School is awarded the Unit Citation by the CAS.



NUMBER 48 SQUADRON, AF



Number 48 Sqn, AF was raised on 19 Nov 1959, at Barrackpore and has served in all operational commands of the Indian Air Force. The Sqn has operated Dakotas, Packetts, and AN-32 aircraft. The Dakotas of the unit were the aerial lifeline in NEFA till they were eventually replaced by the Packett aircraft. The squadron was re-equipped with the AN-32 aircraft and moved to its present location, Chandigarh in 1986. Since then it has formed an aerial bridge for the Indian Forces in J&K sector across the Himalayan Ranges. Other than regular air landing and air drop missions in Siachen glacier, Karakoram ranges, Indus and Shyok valleys, the Sqn has been undertaking air landing operations to Kargil ALG (advanced landing grounds) as well towards Ops Sadbhavna. In a quest to enhance the operational capability, successful night landings were carried out at Leh and Thoise airfields in July 96 and May 2000 respectively. The Sqn has participated and contributed towards counter insurgency, counter terrorist Ops and aid to civil authorities consistently in all sectors of the country



In the year 2008, the sqn displayed exceptional professionalism and grit by reactivating Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), the world’s highest ALG after a gap of nearly four decades. Regular ops to DBO ALG have been sustained since, contributing to IAF’s potential and morale for the Army troops. The Squadron has also successfully carried out trial landings at Fukche and Nyoma ALGs, located close to the Indo China Border. On 30 Oct 2009, the Sqn achieved another milestone when it carried out a company level para drop in a three aircraft formation at Nyoma DZ. The Sqn has proved its worth in overseas missions like ‘Op Pawan’, ‘Op Cactus’ and Kabul relief ops. The unit was also selected to participate in the prestigious Zhuhai international air show in China in the year 2008. The sqn was awarded the Presidential Colours by the Hon’ble President of India on 15 Feb 07.



For consistently setting exceptionally high professional standards, unstinting sincerity of purpose and execution of all assigned tasks with selfless devotion and steadfast dedication to service, 48 Squadron, Air Force is granted the Chief of Air Staff Unit Citation for the year 2010.







3004 SQUADRON, AF



3004 Sqn was formed on the 20 Sep 2004 at Nalia with the designated task of carrying out intelligence through surveillance and Reconnaissance within the Kutch sector. In the course of its duties the squadron has been a source of real time imagery and intelligence of incursions into the Indian Territory which has been instrumental in countering and checking infiltrations. The sqn has assisted the Indian Army, Navy, Coast Guard and BSF in various missions. The squadron has also successfully flown a single continuous mission of 34 hours duration, a record with no parallel till date.



For its sustained good performance along the Line of Control in checking and preventing infiltration and related enemy actions thereby bringing laurels to the IAF Number 3004 Squadron is awarded the citation by Chief of Air Staff.



For achievements in operational roles, 3004 Squadron is awarded the Citation by Chief of Air Staff.



NO. 27 SQUADRON, AF



Number 27 squadron, the “Flaming Arrows”, was formed at Adampur on 15 Feb 1957. The squadron took part in ‘Operation Vijay’ for the liberation of Goa in 1960 and also took part in the1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak conflicts. The squadron was the first to be deployed at Leh during Op Meghdoot with Hunter aircraft in 1984. It was re-equipped with Jaguars in January 1985 with deep penetration strike and EW roles. It took part in Operation Safed sagar in Kargil sector in Jul 1999. The Sqn was the first to be deployed for Op Parakram on 16 Dec 2001. The Squadron initiated a new era of strategic reach for the IAF by being the first to carry out AAR (air-to-air refuelling) with IL-78 Flight Refueling Aircraft in March 2003.



In Oct 2009, the Squadron participated and excelled in the international exercise, ‘Ex Eastern Bridge’ with the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) at Thumrait Air Force Base in Oman undertaking joint missions with the RAFO Jaguars and F-16 aircraft and achieved 38 out of 40 direct hits. The squadron also flew more missions in the exercise than the two Jaguar squadrons and one F-16 squadron of RAFO while maintaining 100% serviceability.



In Dec 2009, the squadron was deployed at Jaisalmer for Ex-Shock Effect. For the first time in the history of Jaguar aircraft, twenty 1000 lbs bombs were dropped successfully in one detail on the very first day of the exercise. Followed by this, in April 2010, the squadron participated in Ex-Abhyas where it accomplished all the assigned missions with 100% mission launch and serviceability throughout the exercise. The squadron has continuously performed all the assigned tasks with utmost precision, professionalism and dedication bringing laurels to the IAF in all their endeavours.



For achievements in operational roles, Number 27 Squadron, AF is awarded the Citation by Chief of the Air Staff.


PIB Press Release
 
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Indian Air Force Day 2010 At AFS Hindan

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Su-30 MKI​
 
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Security scenario alarming, says IAF chief

HINDON (Ghaziabad): IAF chief P V Naik on Friday described the current security scenario in India's neighbourhood as a "volcano" that may erupt anytime and asked the air warriors to be prepared to meet both internal and external challenges.

"Current security scenario is like a volcano and may test your skills anytime without warning. These times require swift action," Naik said addressing the Air Force Day parade here.

The Air Chief Marshal said that operational preparedness was the key to meet the complex and intensive threat with "speed of response, flexibility and precision".

Noting that the Air Force would turn itself into a potent aerospace power within the next five to seven years, he said the future inductions such as the 126 MMRCA, flight refuelling aircraft, AWACS and other platforms would pose technological challenges that need to be met by imbibing new skills.

Pointing out that the new communication network, ASNET, had changed the way the Air Force conducts its operations, Naik said the Air Force was moving quickly to become a network centric aerospace power.

"We have the responsibility to absorb the new technology and operate all systems effectively to secure, protect and to preserve Air Force's ground and air assets with diligence and utmost prudence," Naik said.

Later, interacting with the media, Naik said he had described the security situation as "volcanic" because it was not known when it would erupt.

On modernisation and new acquisitions, the Air Force Chief said that the MMRCA and fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) that would join the fleet in the next decade, would help the IAF meet the national aspirations.

Asked about the FGFA, Naik said he expected it to be inducted in the Air Force by 2017 and equated it with the F-22 Raptor of the US Air Force which is already operational.

"I wish I could join the Air Force again to fly these modern aircraft," added Naik, who will reach superannuation next year.
 
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Indian Air Force Celebrates 78th Anniversary

 
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India jets order boosts ailing Russian defence industry

MOSCOW: Russia's ailing defence industry has received one of its biggest boosts in years with a huge fighter jet deal with India, but much of the sector remains stuck in a Soviet-era time warp, analysts said.

India announced Wednesday it planned to buy up to 300 fifth-generation stealth fighters that would be jointly developed with Russia in a deal that may be worth up to USD 30 billion (22 billion euros).

Last year's record arms sales helped mask systemic troubles in Russia's defence industry that have pushed even the Russian military to seek hardware abroad in its drive to overhaul outdated weaponry.

"Russia needs the Indian money like it needs air to accelerate the production of fighter jets for its own military," said Ruslan Pukhov, head of Moscow-based Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies ( CAST).

"It's not only good but revolutionary news." The deal is the biggest ever for India -- one of Russia's top three arms buyers -- and crowned two years of growing defence bookings for Russia that will ensure a steady revenue in the coming years.

But Russia has struggled to innovate technologies to meet the needs of modern warfare and is relying excessively on a few high-performing refurbished Soviet-era models, which form the bulk of its arms sales.

President Dmitry Medvedev lashed out at the "poor" state of the industry last month, as the defence ministry announced it was tripling its procurements budget over the next decade, bucking global trends.

Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov stressed Russia would not hesitate to spend the allotted 19 trillion rubles (USD 613 billion) on imported arms where Russian makes "did not meet the required standards."

"Our producers want to issue outdated models, but we don't want to buy them," Serdyukov told the weekly Russian Newsweek.

The world's second-largest arms supplier has been in talks with France to buy its Mistral-class warships in what would be its first ever purchase of hardware from a NATO member.

The planned procurements are part of a massive military reform that gained speed after Russia's 2008 war with Georgia showed the need to drop its Cold War-style structure to ready for modern-day, irregular warfare.

"Overall the situation in the defence industry is very negative and not consistent: It needs to be diversified," military expert Konstantin Makienko said.
 
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Can anybody tell me what's the current SAM capability of Indian defense... What are the latest procurement and all... I know it but still want to correct myself on that... Thanks in advance....
 
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