Indian Build Up

[Neo]

Mar. 25, 2007
India declares air-to-air missile test successful
BHUBANESHWAR, India

India on Sunday successfully tested an indigenously developed air-to-air missile with a range of up to 80 kilometers, a defense ministry official said.

The missile, "Astra" (Weapon), is being developed for the Indian air force and it can be fired from a fighter aircraft without being detected by radar, the official said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to talk to reporters.

Sunday's test was carried out from Chandipur range, nearly 270 kilometers (167.78 miles) from Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Orissa state.

India and longtime rival Pakistan regularly test-fire missiles, but normally only give each other notice for long-range launches. It was not immediately clear whether India informed neighboring Pakistan, also a declared nuclear power, ahead of Sunday's test.

India's homegrown missile arsenal already includes the short-range "Prithvi" (Earth) ballistic missile, the medium-range "Akash" (Sky), the long-range "Agni" (Fire), the anti-tank "Nag" (Cobra) and the supersonic Brahmos missile, developed jointly with Russia.

The "Astra" air-to-air missile was first tested three years ago, the Press Trust of India news agency said.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1173879169569&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull

 

[Contrarian]

India to set up a UAV base in Andaman

PORT BLAIR: Amidst rising threats of terrorists infiltrating into the country through the sea route, India on Saturday announced plans to establish an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) base and station in the Andaman archipelago.

The plans to mount a high technology surveillance apparatus to monitor the sea traffic around the archipelago was announced by A K Antony on his first visit to the island territories after taking over as the Defence Minister. The archipelago numbering 572 islands converges into the vital Malacca Straits, the pathway of 60 per cent of the world's energy and commercial trade.

"We have initiated moves to locate most modern surveillance equipment on these islands to counter rising threats of terrorism, sea piracy and weapons and drug trafficking," Antony said.

The Minister was accompanied by Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt and Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff, Lt Gen Hardev Lidder.

Asserting that the Government was according topmost priority to stepping up security surveillance in the areas as well as boosting coastline security, Antony said these steps were being taken in view of projections by intelligence and other security agencies that terrorists could strike or infiltrate through the sea routes.

The agencies feel that infiltration through land borders was proving difficult in the light of hi-tech surveillance system put up, he said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_to_set_up_a_UAV_base_in_Andaman/articleshow/1804091.cms

 

[Contrarian]

Astra test-fired again successfully


BALASORE: India on Thursday conducted another test of its home grown air-to-air missile Astra, considered a new system in the guided missile development programme, from a military base in Orissa.

Astra was fired from complex-II of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in the coastal district of Balasore, at 11:33 am, military sources said.

The missile has a striking range of 25-40 km and its launch speed is estimated to be 0.6 to 2.2 mach. It was earlier tested from the same range on March 25 and 26.

Developed by the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), the missile has a length of 3,570 mm and a diameter of 178 mm. It is likely to be ready by 2011-12.

The latest tests are aimed at providing the Indian Air Force with a beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile to equip the Mirage 2000, MiG-29, Su-30 MKI and the Light Combat Aircraft, sources added.

The local administration evacuated over 6,000 people in six villages, within 2.5 km from the ITR campus, to temporary shelters.

 

[EagleEyes]

Apart from the nuclear missiles. Astra is probably the only successful and good weaponry made by India.

 

[Adux]

Apart from the nuclear missiles. Astra is probably the only successful and good weaponry made by India.

gee, thanks

 

[Contrarian]

Astra's third flight successful

Special Correspondent

The launches of the air-to-air missile took place from the ground

# It has mechanical, electrical and avionics adaptability
# Missile developed by DRDL, Hyderabad

CHENNAI: Astra, India's air-to-air missile, was successfully launched from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, near Balasore, Orissa on Thursday morning. This was Astra's third flight in five days, with the previous flights taking place on March 25 and 26. All the three launches took place from the ground at Chandipur.

"Today's flight was good," said Prahlada, Chief Controller, Research and Development (Services Interaction), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This was the beginning of a series of launches of Astra and there would be a minimum of 40 flights, he said. "We have to prove Astra's control system, propulsion system and so on. Today's flight was to prove its control system. For the first time today, we tested the missile's computer, navigation system and the control system," Dr. Prahlada said.

The flights on March 25 and 26 were to test the missile's propulsion system.

On when the missile would be launched from an aircraft, he said Astra had been designed as an air-to-air missile but the initial flights would be from the ground. After about 10 flights from the ground, it would be launched from an aircraft.

It was a boost-coast missile, that is, after boosting in flight, it would coast along. Although the missile has a range of 80 km, these experimental flights had no range, Dr. Prahlada said.

Astra weighs 154 kg and is 3.5 metres long.

It can reach a speed of 0.4 Mach to 2 Mach. It is a single-stage missile powered by solid propellants. It has a smokeless propulsion system. Its aerodynamic configuration makes it agile. It can be launched in different kinds of weather.

It has mechanical, electrical and avionics adaptability to be fired from Sukhoi 30 MKI (Mark India), Mirage 2000 and MIG 29 and the Light Combat Aircraft.

Astra was earlier launched from the ground on May 9, 11 and 12, 2003.

It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/30/stories/2007033006531400.htm

 

[Lilo]

IAF seeks more airborne warning systems
New Delhi, PTI:
The Indian Air Force has projected a need for 5 more Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) to enhance its capability to counter emerging missile threats in the skies and waters around the country.

India has already inked a 1.1 billion dollar deal with Israel to purchase three Phalcon AWACSs mounted on Russian Il-76 aircraft.

Capable of mounting surveillance for up to 14 hours with in-flight refuelling, the AWACS will extend strategic reach beyond Indian airspace.

, IAF officials said. Under the Phalcon deal, New Delhi has an option to acquire three to five more AWCS from Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) that would be delivered during 2009-12.

The induction of more Phalcons systems as would help the force create theatre-based airborne command and control posts for airspace surveillance and management tasks, the officials added.

India will receive the first of the three Phalcon systems by September and the remaining two by 2009. The IAF has trained about 250 personnel in Israel for operating the complex systems comprising sophisticated radars and sensors. In addition, 450 personnel have been trained to man ground facilities for the AWACS systems.



DRDO project

The 500 million USD project by DRDO (Defence Research Devolepment Organisation), which envisages mounting an Indian system on a Brazilian Embraer aircraft, has not found much favour with the IAF, as the jet does not have a flight endurance of 10 hours and cannot cruise at altitudes above 40,000 feet.

IAF officials said the new system will only have a range of 300 km and a surveillance arc of only 240 degrees. The force wants the DRDO project, whose delivery schedule has already slipped from 2012 to 2016, to be turned into an “airborne battlefield surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance system”.

They also said the DRDO system would be an additional property for the main Phalcon AWACS system. The DRDO system could thus be used to undertake real-time surveillance of the ground battlespace over a span of 120 km and a depth of 80 km.

“It would provide a network-centric scenario to the army, Navy and IAF,” an official added.

DRDO is using a L-band radar derived from the Rajendra radar developed for the Akash surface-to-air missile.

http://deccanherald.com/deccanherald/apr22007/national225446200741.asp

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[Contrarian]

Indian Army To Acquire 100 Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters In Five Years

Answering a question on the Advanced light helicopters, he stated that approximately 100 of these would be required in next three to five years. However, some finer aspects as concerning their configuration have to be looked into.

Army Chief Gen J.J. Singh inaugurated the Reunion of the Maratha Light Infantry (MARATHA LI) here today. The four day Reunion is being held at the Regimental Centre located here, which also is the training centre and ‘home’ to the Maratha soldiers. On arrival Gen JJ Singh was presented a Guard of honour.

This is the 13th Reunion since the country attained its independence. It is organized twice a decade and serves as an opportunity for retired officers to meet the present generation and reminiscence their nostalgic memories and also pass on their experiences. Approximately 225 serving and Retired Officers, Retired Foreign Officers and 500 Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks are participating in the celebrations. Besides them, widows and parents of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the nation have also been invited.

The history of the Maratha Regiment, spanning over two hundred years, has been written in blood and sweat, with deeds of great valour and sacrifice. The 1st Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry was raised in 1768 and from then on, the Regiment has grown from strength to strength. The Regiment has the unique distinction of being affiliated with both Indian Navy (INS-MUMBAI) and Indian Air Force (20 AF Sqn -Sukhoi).

Gen JJ Singh, who is also the Colonel Commandant of the MARATHA LI, while addressing the officers and men of the Regiment complimented them on their excellent performance in operations and safeguarding the frontiers of the nation.

The Army Chief also released a first day cover to commemorate the event. The first day cover displays the sketch of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Incidentally, the war cry of this regiment is “Bol Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai”.

The regiment also has the proud legacy of Sepoy Namdev Jadhav, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his valour while fighting the Germans in the Second World War in Italy. Gen JJ Singh later unveiled a bust of this Maratha war hero.

Gen JJ Singh also gave away badges of sacrifice to the widows and next of kin of the martyrs to include Smt Laxmi and Mrs Rekha, both of Bekkinkere Village of Belgaum District, Smt Sunitha ( Kavathe Mahankal, Sangli) and Smt Archana (Sillod, Aurangabad), amongst others.

Gen JJ Singh also answered questions by the media on this occasion. On the aspect of MBT Arjun he stated that the Army will soon be receiving 14 tanks which will be put through a training exercise. The minor problems of these tanks have been communicated to DRDO, which he hoped will be rectified soon.

As regards Army's stance on Siachen he stated that these have been communicated to the Government and the issue of Siachen will be taken up in the composite dialogue between the two nations, the outcome of which will be known in a few days.

On the level of forces in J&K, Gen JJ Singh stated that these are decided based on the process of constant review. The postures and counter infiltration strategies also depend on seasons such as winter and summer. The Army’s efforts are always directed to bring down the levels of violence and restore normalcy.

As for other events relating to the Reunion, on Friday, 6th April 2007 a team of Pilots from Indian Air Force will perform Suryakiran display at Argan Talao Location from 1130 to 1200 hours. General JJ Singh, will also inaugurate the Slithering Training on Saturday and thereafter preside over the Biennial Conference with all senior officers and battalion commanders of the Regiment during which important decisions on various issues of the regiment will be taken.

http://www.india-defence.com/reports/3004

 

[joey]

Apart from the nuclear missiles. Astra is probably the only successful and good weaponry made by India.

Not really not at all.

apart from quoting what you read in media let me tell you what I read in DSJ.

The Akash is in service in limited numbers, India has ordered Mirach 3 from Gallinio Avionicca to further test akash which is M-SAM.

Long range SAM can be done if service asks else not.

The Trishul, was a done project but Navy opt for Barak due to its mobility while fitting in existing IN warships.

The NAG has done several trials, and besides IIR seeker which it has already done, DRDO is developing a MMW seeker.

Then there are some which let the info come.

 

[ahussains]

So what are the characteristics of Indian AWECS as compare to PAF Erieye and Chinees Y-8 when they got it in near future ..

 

[Contrarian]

Rosoboronexport to Being Delivery of Smerch MLRS; New Orders Signed


Russia will shortly begin supply of 38 Smerch-M 300mm BM9A52-2 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) to India under a $450 million deal signed two years ago, according to Russian media reports.

Reports in the Russian media also suggest that Rosoboronexport, Russia's monopoly arms export agency, also signed a new option contract last week with the Indian defense ministry for delivery of an additional $300 million worth of these systems.

If correctly reported, the total cost of Smerch MLRS deliveries to India will now be worth $750 million, which will make it one of Russia's largest export orders for infantry weapons.

The original $450 million contract, included the cost of combat vehicles, auxiliary equipment, fire control systems, personnel training, and a commission for Rosoboronexport.

Reports say that these deliveries were delayed as the first lot of these weapons was to have been dispatched to India in the spring of last year. The shipment was held up as the Indian Army had doubts whether the vehicle's engine could maintain a maximum speed of 80 km/hr (50 mph). The doubts were eventually laid to rest, and shipments under the original contract will now be completed by 2008.

The new $300 million agreement envisages the supply of two more batteries (24 units) by 2010. In contract size, Smerch deliveries to India are now equivalent to the sale of 310 T-90S tanks to India in 2001.

The Smerch rocket system has a range of 70 km, extendable to 90 km in particular circumstances, with a barrage time of 38 seconds. The Smerch has smart interchangeable warheads including thermo-baric (vacuum) warheads, which can destroy enemy entrenched in deep bunkers. It will provide the Indian Army capability to neutralise a variety of targets like massed concentration of armour and troop deployments well beyond the range of any of its present artillery systems.

Reports quotes officials of the Tula Splav Design Bureau, which specialise in multiple launch rocket systems, as saying that the firepower and accuracy of Smerch MLRS can be compared with those of short-range tactical nuclear missiles.

Deliveries of Smerch batteries on the original contract with India are to be completed by 2008 and the new deliveries on the options contract by 2010.
http://www.india-defence.com/reports/3038

 

[su-47]

So what are the characteristics of Indian AWECS as compare to PAF Erieye and Chinees Y-8 when they got it in near future ..

Here's the detail on the Phalcon. The article calls Phalcon the most advanced AWACS in the world.

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/phalcon.htm

 

[Contrarian]

I think he wanted to know about the indegenous AEW&C's specs, not Phalcons.

 

[Bull]

With the successful launch of the nuclear-capable Agni-III, India has achieved the capability to develop an inter-continental ballistic missile to strike at targets 5,500 km away within the next two to three years, top defence scientists said today.

"We have achieved the capability to make missiles with a range of 3,500 km to 5,500 km but the decision (to develop an ICBM) has to be taken by the political leadership," Defence Research and Development Organisation chief M Natarajan said here.

"DRDO scientists are working on miniaturising the systems of the Agni-III so that a third stage can be squeezed into the 16-metre-long missile to enable it to go up to 5,500 km with the same 1.5-tonne payload," Natarajan said a day after the first successful launch of the 3,000-km Agni-III.

Agni-III will also be converted into a submarine-launched ballistic missile to open more second-strike options for the country, DRDO scientists told reporters during a briefing.

Pointing out that Agni-III had been tested to almost its full range of 3,000 km, mission director Avinash Chander said the missile would become "fully operational" after two to three more launches to be carried out in the next three years.

DRDO has drawn up a busy schedule of tests for its diverse range of indigenous missiles, with the second test of its missile defence system set for August or October. The organisation is also planning user trials for its surface-to-air Akash missile and fourth generation anti-tank Nag missile.

Chander said Agni-I, with a range of 700 km, had already been inducted into the army while the country's first fully solid-state missile, the 2,000-km Agni-II, is currently being inducted.

Asked whether the proposed ICBM would be christened Surya, Natarajan said it be given a name derived from the Agni series.

For the first time, Chander said, DRDO had acted only as an integrating agency with the Agni-III, with most of the missile's components being made by private industry. A total of 258 private firms and 20 DRDO laboratories were involved in this venture.

"This is why there were no production delays and the next missile is being readied in parallel," he said.

"Agni-III is the first Indian missile to have crossed the equator," said Chander, adding that the detonation of the missile's warhead had been recorded and would be analysed.

Asked how much composite material had been used in the missile, he said: "Left to me, I would like to make it an all-composite missile as the use of more carbon-composites can make Agni-III lighter to increase its payload and range."

Sounding a word of caution, Natarajan said that there were "constraints" in manufacturing the Agni missiles in large numbers. The number to be made would be decided in consultation with the armed forces, he said.

The DRDO chief said his organisation had also faced a lot of constraints in rectifying faults that had led to the failure of the Agni-III's first test last year as the country lacked adequate ground test facilities for checking critical missile components.

Chander said some of the firsts established by yesrterday's launch included a "flex nozzle control" for the rocket motor, a specially developed composite propellant, a guidance and control system with "built-in fault tolerant avionics" and systems to withstand the "severe aero-thermal environment" experienced during re-entry.

 

[Bull]

Top DRDO Scientists have revealed to PTI that a Submarine Launched Version of Agni III missile is going to be developed. They also revealed that Agni III range can be extended to up to 5,000 Kms but Government approval would be required for the same.

"We have achieved the capability to make missiles with a range of 3,500 km to 5,500 km but the decision (to develop an ICBM) has to be taken by the political leadership," Defence Research and Development Organisation chief M Natarajan said here.

"DRDO scientists are working on miniaturising the systems of the Agni-III so that a third stage can be squeezed into the 16-metre-long missile to enable it to go up to 5,500 km with the same 1.5-tonne payload," Natarajan said a day after the first successful launch of the 3,000-km Agni-III.