Indian Build Up

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New Delhi, Sep 13 (IANS) A newly inducted Indian Army communication network could eventually enable the transmission of real time battlefield data to top commanders during hostilities and also enable a qualitative improvement in relief and rescue operations when natural disasters strike

For the record, all the army would say about 'Mercury Thunder' the third phase of the Army Static Switched Communication Network (ASCON) that Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated here Wednesday is that it would enable troops stationed at the remotest of places like the Siachen Glacier to directly communicate with Army Headquarters here - if the need arises.

'With Mercury Thunder, we have taken a quantum leap forward in our communications capabilities by raising the number of channels on which voice conversations can be simultaneously transmitted from 120 to 10,000,' Lt. Gen. Davinder Kumar, the Indian Army Signals-officer-in-chief, explained.

Since the new system supports a mix of voice, data and video transfer, the number of channels available at any given time would depend on what mix of the three was adopted.

Defence analysts said the true capability of the project would be realised when it was used to transfer video images from, say the Jammu and Kashmir border to Army Headquarters in New Delhi.

'Hitherto, video images captured by an UAV (unarmed aerial vehicle) of movements along the LoC (Line of Control in Kashmir) are downloaded at a ground station in its area of operation and then sent on to the relevant field formations and area headquarters, as also to Army Headquarters,' an analyst explained.

'With the new system, it should be possible to do all this in real time, thereby considerably cutting down the reaction time,' the analyst added.

'Mercury Thunder' builds on 'Mercury Streak' that created an optical fibre cable (OFC) network for the army in 1995 and 'Mercury Flash' that provided a microwave network in 1998. The new system enables the integration of its predecessors with a satellite-based overlay that enables seamless transfers over all three systems.

Noting that 'Mercury Thunder' would become the 'strategic backbone network' of the Indian Army, Mukherjee said it 'will not only create space for a digitised battlefield but also support, facilitate and interconnect other network-centric systems like C3I (command, control, communications, information).

'These entities can now be location independent and simply plug and play into the information infrastructure of 'Mercury Thunder',' he added.



Pointing out that modern warfare 'is not limited in time, space, and boundaries', he said: 'Modern warfare is also asymmetrical. To meet these challenges, it is fundamental that the information infrastructure lends itself to unify national security interests strategically and tactically during war, peace, disasters or otherwise.

'It must help facilitate the objectives of the leaders and commanders. It is encouraging to learn that 'Mercury Thunder' not only synergizes but also extends our over all objectives through its pan-India presence,' the minister added.

And, with the art of 21st century warfare undergoing a paradigm shift and being transformed from platform centric to network centric, Mukherjee stated that with ''Mercury Thunder' we achieve a significant milestone in our march towards being a network centric army'.

'Mercury Thunder' would also be of immense use in times of natural disasters as its three-tier overlap would ensure there was no breakdown of communications when a calamity struck, Mukherjee said.

 

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INS Baratang - the fourth ship of the Bangaram class of fast attack craft of Indian Navy - was commissioned at the naval base here on Tuesday.

The 46-metre 320-tonne vessel was built by Garden Reach Ship Builders and Engineers (GRSE) at a cost of Rs. 50 crores. This is the 135th ship commissioned so far for the Navy. Conceived, designed and built indigenously, the commissioning of the ship completes the induction of another glowing chapter to the nation's thrust to achieve indigenisation in the field of warship design and construction.
Weapon package

The ship which will be deployed under the operational control of the Naval Officer-in-Charge (Tamil Nadu), has its own weapon package and can be on voyage for 2,000 nautical miles without replenishment. It is fitted with the most modern and sophisticated navigational and communication equipment including radar bridge master. It has the CRN 91 close range anti surface gun with a range of five km. and a rate of fire of 500 rounds per minute. The Indian Navy's Directorate of Naval Division designed the ship.
Set for a big role

Complimenting GRSE for completing the construction of INS Baratang in a record time, Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallamraju said the new ship would be deployed in the Palk Bay where the Navy was involved in `Operation Tasha' for more than a decade. The ship had to play an important role in coming years, he felt.
Referring to the President's Fleet Review held here in February, he said the big event had showcased the naval might to all. "It presented to the world a modern, versatile and powerful Navy, while gracefully expanding the building of bridges of friendship. This was the first time an event of such magnitude was held in the City of Destiny," he said.
Mr. Pallamraju greeted Vice-Admiral Sureesh Mehta, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command on his appointment as Chief of Navy, and said "I thank Vice-Admiral Mehta and his team for bringing Vizagites close to the Navy."
Maritime surveillance

Vice-Admiral Mehta said the low draft and high speed INS Baratang would make it very versatile for seaward defence and low intensity maritime operations in shallow waters.
"These vessels offer a cost effective platform suited for a marine surveillance and rescue operations as well as for combat and have been built at competitive price of approximately Rs.50 crores per ship. GRSE Chairman and Managing Director Rear Admiral (retd.) T.S. Ganeshan, explained how they were giving thrust to improving design features, technology and productivity.

 

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New Delhi, Sept. 17 (PTI): Six years after American defence firms forayed into the Indian arms market after the lifting of US embargoes, a company is set to bag the first commercial deal for selling 197 light helicopters to the Army.
After almost two years of evaluation, including trials at the world's highest battlefield on the Siachen glacier, the army has, according to highly placed sources, opted for Bell Helicopter's 407 Shen model in preference to EADS' Eurocopter.
Though the army has given its technical evaluation to the defence ministry, the deal is yet to be cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council headed by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherhee as well as the Cabinet Committee on Security.
Though the price negotiations are yet to be finalised, the deal, which includes the training of Indian pilots, is estimated to be worth over 400 million dollars.
The deal envisages the initial delivery of 60 helicopters in a fly-away condition and co-production of 137 helicopters after 100 per cent technology transfer by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
And for the first time, the deal will include a 30 per cent offset to be negotiated according to the defence ministry's requirements.
Under the new arms procurement policy, the government has enforced 30 per cent offsets in all contracts worth over Rs 300 crores and made it mandatory for firms selling arms to India to sign an integrity pact. After the lifting of sanctions, the US made military sales of the ANTPQ fire-finding radars and reached an agreement to sell the retired warship USS TRENTON. All these were government-to-government deals done through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme of the US.

 

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VISAKHAPATNAM: The Indian Navy has set in motion efforts to set up a futuristic base between Rambilli and Elamanchili mandals, about 50 km south of Visakhapatnam.
It has become imperative for the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) to have a new base as the existing channel of Visakhapatnam port shared by the Navy and the port is narrow and crowded.
The new base is of strategic importance for the ENC to expand its facilities in an exclusive enclave by deepening a natural channel to have easy access to sea. Of the 5,000 acres sought by the Ministry of Defence, the Andhra Pradesh Government has already allotted 500 acres and the remaining land will be assigned shortly. As the allotment is for the Navy, the process is being accorded topmost priority by the district administration.
A focal point for naval operations in the eastern seaboard, ENC has its origin in the Royal Naval Base developed in 1939, later commissioned as Royal Indian Naval Ship Circars in April 1942. Vizag has the submarine arm of the Navy and training centre for marine commandos. There are over 40 warships, six submarines and 22 aircraft under its operational command.
Ministry of Defence sources told The Hindu that the first indigenously built aircraft carrier would be based here. The 37,500-tonne carrier being built at Cochin Shipyard will be capable of operating a fleet of 30 aircraft, including naval light combat aircraft, MiG 29k and Sea Harrier combat aircraft. The futuristic base assumes importance in view of proposals to operate amphibious warfare vessels, Akula class submarines now built in Russia, unmanned underwater vehicles to protect littoral domain. In the Maritime Capability Perspective Plan, it is stated that the Navy would acquire 160 ships and submarines, including INS Vikramaditya (Admiral Gorshkov), 45 other large combatants and some 18 submarines by end of next decade. Stating that they would have nearly 300 aircraft of all type in their inventory, Vice-Admiral Sureesh Mehta, who is appointed next Chief of Naval Staff, told a recent meeting that Vizag was poised to take the centre-stage in tune with the Navy's `Look East Policy'.

 

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NEW DELHI: Even as IAF fighter jets fly mock combat missions along the entire western front as part of the force's ongoing gigantic 'Gagan Shakti' exercise, the Navy too has jumped into the fray with its own combat manoeuvres along the Gujarat coastline.

Over 20 destroyers, frigates, submarines and minesweepers are taking part in the naval exercise called the 'Defence of Gujarat', which will conclude towards the end of this month after "tactical phase and weapon firing drills".

"The primary objective of this exercise, as the name suggests, is to prepare for protection of coastal assets, including oil refineries, which will be targeted by hostile forces in the event of a war," said an officer.

Among the warships undertaking combat manoeuvres are the guided-missile destroyer INS Mysore, guided-missile frigates INS Beas and INS Brahmaputra, apart from the new multi-purpose 'stealth' frigates INS Talwar, INS Tabar and INS Trishul.

 

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India revamping the Military to fight the wars of twentifirst century – high tech warfare from deep within the earth, from space and tracking every inch of terrorism </B>


The world has changed. The intelligent guided missile and nuke warfare and explicit ‘hit and run’ insurgency and terrorism has changed the spectrum and warfare of the future. Nations live in peace by demonstrating to others their military capabilities keeping others away from any misadventure. The future warfare will be fought from space and deep (miles) under the ground. The Military establishments will be deep within the earth, under oceanic crusts and definitely in Space and even in other planets and the Moon. At the same time Aerospace technology must be used to scan every inch of the nations surface to target and neutralize and terrorist activities in the country. India is surrounded by Pakistan and china. India is also hit with world’s worst insurgency and terrorism. The challenge is real for India and India is secretly taking steps very fast.
India has secretly decided to restructure its million strong Army to keep it ready to defend when the need comes on the future. The biggest problem for the Military in the future is that the enemy will be invisible. In futures, cities could be taken out without any clue that was behind it. It may not be always terrorism – the so-called hit and run operatives working in small groups. It can be overt missiles launched from unknown sources. The key technology that is important for the Military is to be able to scan the atmosphere and the surface of the earth and being able to use software algorithms to take the adversary out as the offensive projectile or apparatus is about to enter the Indian territory.
Indian Government and the Military has started revamping the security infrastructure. Indian knows it will fight future wars from deep within the earth and from Space if there is a challenge. The cold war will continue with terrorists trying to disrupt Indian life in communities. The Army is getting repositioned to handle both the threats. The duty of the Army, Air Force and Navy has completely changed. They must be alert all the time – not just when war is declared. All parts of the expensive infrastructure will be carefully controlled and guided by the computer algorithms, field intelligence and signal intelligence that allow no terrorists, no covert or overt adversaries even close to Indian territories.

 

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IAF seeks more jets to fly higher than Pakistan


Press Trust of India

New Delhi, September 29, 2006


Concerned by Pakistan's plans to induct more F-16 jets and the rapid depletion of the country's fighter fleet, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi has written to the government asking for more multi-role aircraft so that his force can maintain its superiority.

Tyagi, according to highly placed sources, has written a letter to Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, drawing attention to the fact that the number of IAF fighting squadrons is set to hit an all-time low.

More jets are needed for at least 36 squadrons to maintain the IAF's battle preparedness, sources said.

Tyagi, according to sources, recommended to the government the immediate purchase of at least 40 multi-role fighters. He also called for a speedy decision on the proposal to buy 126 combat jets.

Five aircraft, including the F-16 and F-18 of the US and Russia's MiG-29, are in the race for the 126-jet deal.

However, sources said the government has shot down most of Tyagi's proposals and indicated that the Defence Ministry wants to work on the early induction of the 126 fighters.

According to IAF sources, the number of combat squadrons has fallen to an all-time low due to crashes and phasing out of ageing aircraft like certain variants of the MiG-21.

IAF top brass is also concerned at Pakistan's plans to buy up to 44 F-16s from the US.
The IAF had earlier suggested a certain number of Mirage-2000-5 jets should be purchased as an interim measure to keep the force's strength at an optimum level.
However, Dassult, which makes the Mirage, has closed its assembly lines for the jet.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1809571,0008.htm

 

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HAL may bag orders to make Bell choppers

BANGALORE: Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) is expected to bag an order for manufacturing Bell 407 Shen helicopter in co-operation with Bell — the US helicopter major.

Sources said HAL may manufacture about 130 copters in the arrangement with Bell. The copters are for Indian Army that, sources say, has opted for the Bell 407 over Eurocopters Fennec.

The Army had shortlisted Bell 407 and Fennec for the replacement of ageing Chetak /Cheetah class of copters. The Army has planned to replace 197 of these copters.

Bell will manufacture around 60 helicopters at its facility in Texas while the rest would be co-manufactured by HAL following transfer of technology.

The selection, sources say, was made following two years of rigorous trials of both helicopters in severe testing conditions like Siachen and Rajasthan desert. The Bell 407 Shen was tested in hot and humid Bhatinda, Punjab, and by making repeated landings on the Siachen glacier.

The 407 crew completed engine change in record time of less than two hours. The 407 also successfully completed the overnight cold soak trial.

In cold soak trial, helicopters are made to switch off their engines at high altitudes and restart after some time. The Shen was able to restart successfully in a single go without any problems. The technical evaluation of Bell 407 has been completed by the Army. Sources say the copter meets all requirements.

The proposal from Bell to the Indian Army, which includes training of Indian pilots, is estimated to be around $500 million. The Bell 407 choppers are the basic platform for the new Advance Reconnaissance Helicopters ARH 70-A of the US Army.

The Bell 407 is a highly manoeuvrable, four-bladed, light helicopter with hot and high altitude capability. The helicopter can fly in both Arctic and deserts with ease.

Since the first flight of Bell 407 helicopter took place in 1995, the helicopter has completed over 1.2 million flying hours. Over 750 are in operation in over 40 nations worldwide. The aircraft entered the service in 1996.

Earlier this year, HAL assembled one Bell-407 for civilian use. Sources say officials were impressed with how quickly and easily the four-man crew was able to assemble the chopper.

 

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AgustaWestland Awarded Indian Navy Sea King Recovery Contract

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a contract by the Indian Navy to return to service seven Sea King Mk 42B helicopters. Work on the contract will commence immediately with AgustaWestland providing a specialist team that will work with personnel from the Indian aerospace industry to undertake the recovery programme.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will undertake the repair and overhaul of "rotable" items including the transmission and rotor heads in support of this contract. In March 2004 AgustaWestland signed a contract with HAL to enable it to perform indigenous Sea King repair and overhaul work in support of the Indian Navy Sea King fleet.

Bert Brookes, AgustaWestand UK`s Customer Support Director, said "We are delighted to have agreed this contract with the Indian Navy who are the largest export customer for our Sea King helicopters. The contract will ensure that seven existing airframes will be returned to service enabling the Indian Navy to achieve increased numbers at sea. This contract will aid AgustaWestland to further develop its business links with the Indian aerospace industry and will result in additional work for HAL's Sea King repair and overhaul facility."

The Indian Navy has received a substantial number of AgustaWestland Sea King helicopters including advanced Sea King Mk.42B and Mk.42C variants which were delivered in the late 1980’s.

 

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is in advanced negotiations with Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd. and MBDA of France for a $239 million contract to procure the Spyder SR short-range air defense system.

The Spider air defense system combines two types of air-to-air missiles developed by Rafael which have been converted into an air defense system. One missile is the Python 5, designed for short-range aerial combat; the other is the Derby, designed for medium-range aerial combat of up to 50 kilometers.
“Aviation Week” reports that the parties are waiting for the Indian cabinet’s defense committee to give final approval for the deal.
The Spyder will replace India’s current Russian-made OSA-AKM air defense system and the Strela-10M surface-to-air missile.
Rafael says the Spyder provides rapid response to air attack by planes, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and is also effective in intercepting precision weapons. The Spyder is intended to provide air defense both for ground forces in the combat zone and for strategic sites. The Spyder’s two missiles are equipped with internal radar systems and a combined radar system made by Elta Systems.
The missiles are fired from a truck based launcher with four missile launchers, which can be fired simultaneously at different targets at different ranges. The missiles’ interception envelope is 1-15 kilometers, and at altitudes of 9,000-20,000 meters. Rafael said that the company’s representatives were holding serious negotiations with Indian Ministry of Defence officials, but that it had not yet been notified if it had won the tender.

 

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NEW DELHI: India is now gearing up to produce as many as 1,000 more T-90S main-battle tanks, in addition to the 310 such tanks already imported from Russia, to add "more teeth" to its armoured might.

The Army gameplan is to have 21 regiments of T-90S 'Bhishma' tanks and 40 regiments of upgraded T-72 M1 'Ajeya' tanks by 2020 since the "speed and shock effect" of mechanised forces will continue to play a decisive role in future wars, say sources.

An armoured regiment typically has 45 tanks, along with another 17 for training purposes, war reserves and replacements. So, the 1.13-million Army intends to face future armoured battles with a mix of around 3,800 T-90S and T-72 tanks.

This will ensure India retains the conventional armoured edge on the western front with Pakistan, which is also strengthening its forces with induction of the 'Al Khalid' MBT developed with China's help and upgradation of its T-59 tanks, apart from 320 T-80UD tanks bought from Ukraine.

"We plan to progressively manufacture 1,000 T-90S tanks from 2007-2008 onwards under transfer of technology from Russia. There should be no problems since there is a lot of commonality between T-90S and T-72 tanks, which we already manufacture," said sources.

This virtually means the much-hyped indigenous Arjun MBT, not considered to be "fully combat-worthy" even after 33 years of developmental work, is only being thought of as "a technology demonstrator" by the Army as of now.

That is not to say the T-90S tanks, apart from attracting flak for being "expensive", have not suffered from technical glitches. There have been several problems with its Invar missiles, thermal imaging system and the like.

But the Army is now gung-ho about the T-90S tanks, dismissing the glitches as "teething problems".

With both conventional armour-plating and "explosive reactive armour" as well as a wide array of missiles and laser-guided weapons, T-90S tanks are "quite lethal", it says.

At present, the 310 T-90S tanks imported from Russia, at a cost of over Rs 3,625 crore, under the February 2001 contract are divided into five to seven regiments between the XXI (Bhopal) and II (Ambala) "strike corps".

The first lot of 124 T-90S tanks was bought off-the-shelf, while the rest 186 were imported in knocked-down condition to be subsequently assembled at the Heavy Vehicles Factory at Avadi.

The T-72 tank fleet, is also moving towards "substantial upgradation" under "Project Rhino", in collaboration from Israel, Poland and Russia

 

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Army focussing on revamping surveillance, intelligence: General J J Singh London, Oct 05: With new threat of "unconventional and asymmetrical" conflicts facing India, the Army is laying special emphasis on revamping surveillance and intelligence gathering systems and focussing on deterrent and preventive action, Army Chief General J J Singh has said.

The stress was to integrate surveillance and intelligence gathering into the information and decision support mechanism, Singh told Jane`s Defence Weekly.

Observing that the era of all-out wars is slowly being replaced by `war by other means--unconventional and asymmetrical` among others, Singh said "in this new threat paradigm, the Army will increasingly need to focus on deterring or preventing, preparing for and mitigating the consequences of threats to the nation, across the entire spectrum of conflict".

The Indian Army, the second largest in the world, was well on its way to becoming a more agile, balanced and versatile force, the Army Chief said.

"With the induction of state-of-the-art technology and increased technical threshold within its personnel while retaining traditional skills as its main pillar, the Army shall fulfill its role of maintaining national security and the core interests of the nation," the General said.

Referring to steps taken to improve performance, Singh said adequate attention was being given to improve the night fighting capability of the combat support arms, in addition to making the aviation wing of the army more versatile by enhancing its capability at the operational and tactical levels.

IAF mulls purchase of French Mirage fighters

The Indian Air Force is exploring purchase of French Mirage fighters to maintain an effective airpower strength as an interim measure in the wake of delays in finalising the contract for buying 126 multi-role combat aircraft.

"We are in negotiations with France for supply of some number of Mirage-2000-5," Air Chief SP Tyagi told newsmen here. Negotiations had also been revived with Qatar for purchase of 12 Mirage fighters, he said.

IAF is taking these emergency measures in the wake of reports that its fighting squadron strength has plunged to a low of 39 squadrons and reports that Pakistan is on the threshhold of buying more F-16 fighters from United States.

Tyagi disclosed that India was close to wrapping up a deal to purchase quick reaction surface to air missiles from Israel. Under the deal, India proposes to buy 18 Spyder missiles system in a deal worth more than Rs 1,800 crores.

Asserting that government was "alive and responsive" to requests by the IAF on measures to tide over depleting force levels, he also outlined that Hindustan Aeronautics had increased production of Sukhoi-30MKI fighters. He also said that IAF would go in for purchase of six more il-78 mid-air refuellers.

While saying that the proposed induction of lethal military platforms and system in the country`s neighbourhood was a cause of concern, the air chief said that these arms purchases by Pakistan had already been factored by the country`s strategic planners.

Maintaining that "our vision" is to acquire "strategic reach" and trans oceanic capability, Tyagi said IAF was preparing for induction of British Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers and Airborne and early warning system (AWACS) aircraft by next year.

He also said that the force would be getting 20 additional upgraded jaguars and 20 indigenous light combat aircraft by 2009.

Bureau Report

 

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As Pakistan buys 18 US made F-16 fighter jets, the Indian Air Force enters its platinum jubilee year with a huge shopping list - of over Rs 60,000 crore in just major deals alone. After the Hawk trainer, the Sukhoi fighter and the air-to-air refueller, the Air Force is now looking at another major modernisation drive.

There will be no shortage of firepower, either. The Defence Ministry is negotiating on a number of major deals, not just for new fighters. The shopping list includes helicopters and missiles as well.

Acquisitions on the cards

A Sukhoi-30 swap is on the cards. India gives back Russia 18 used fighters, and gets back new ones for a price. The MiG-29 is also ready for an upgrade. For just over Rs 3,000 crore, 66 MiG 29s will be upgraded.

Additionally the Air Force has committed to buying 40 indigenous light combat aircraft called ‘Tejas’, at a price tag of Rs 6,000 crore.

Hundred and seventy two helicopters will also get a new life, and the advanced light helicopter will be weaponised.

Another big buy would be 18 new surface-to-air missile batteries, at the cost of nearly Rs 6,000 crore

Why is India investing heavily in air power?

“No matter which way you look at it, air power would remain the main stay for any threat that is posed to you, or you wish to pose on an enemy. If in the Kargil war air power was used more extensively from day one, then the number of casualties would have been far less,” opines former air chief marshal S K Sareen.

“If India wants to be counted in the same league as China, accordingly its defence acquisitions will aim to be at the same level as China,” says Lieutenant General Asad Durani.

Added to all of the above, is the biggest deal of them all - the plan to buy 126 fighter aircraft costing Rs 42,000 crore. The Government is yet to make a decision on what these fighter aircraft will be, with the US F-16 being just one of the probables. The deal is evidently far from complete.

 

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As Pakistan buys 18 US made F-16 fighter jets, the Indian Air Force enters its platinum jubilee year with a huge shopping list - of over Rs 60,000 crore in just major deals alone. After the Hawk trainer, the Sukhoi fighter and the air-to-air refueller, the Air Force is now looking at another major modernisation drive.

There will be no shortage of firepower, either. The Defence Ministry is negotiating on a number of major deals, not just for new fighters. The shopping list includes helicopters and missiles as well.

Acquisitions on the cards

A Sukhoi-30 swap is on the cards. India gives back Russia 18 used fighters, and gets back new ones for a price. The MiG-29 is also ready for an upgrade. For just over Rs 3,000 crore, 66 MiG 29s will be upgraded.

Additionally the Air Force has committed to buying 40 indigenous light combat aircraft called ‘Tejas’, at a price tag of Rs 6,000 crore.

Hundred and seventy two helicopters will also get a new life, and the advanced light helicopter will be weaponised.

Another big buy would be 18 new surface-to-air missile batteries, at the cost of nearly Rs 6,000 crore

Why is India investing heavily in air power?

“No matter which way you look at it, air power would remain the main stay for any threat that is posed to you, or you wish to pose on an enemy. If in the Kargil war air power was used more extensively from day one, then the number of casualties would have been far less,” opines former air chief marshal S K Sareen.

“If India wants to be counted in the same league as China, accordingly its defence acquisitions will aim to be at the same level as China,” says Lieutenant General Asad Durani.

Added to all of the above, is the biggest deal of them all - the plan to buy 126 fighter aircraft costing Rs 42,000 crore. The Government is yet to make a decision on what these fighter aircraft will be, with the US F-16 being just one of the probables. The deal is evidently far from complete.

 

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Indian airforce to get new planes, systems in 2007
Thu 5 Oct 2006 8:54 AM ET
NEW DELHI, Oct 5 (Reuters) - India will acquire new aircraft, weapon systems and missiles from next year in a bid to boost the capabilities of the world's fourth-largest airforce, its chief said on Thursday.

Hawk Advanced Trainer Jets would come from Britain's BAE Systems Plc and an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWAC) would be acquired by 2007, Air Chief Marshal S.P. Tyagi told a news conference ahead of annual Air Force Day on Oct. 8.

A airforce spokesman later told Reuters around 50 Hawks and three AWACS, built by Israel on Russian platforms, would be delivered next year.

Tyagi also said India was acquiring two types of missiles -- medium-long range missiles and quick-reaction missiles.

"On quick-reaction missiles all negotiations are over and we are awaiting final clearance," he said, adding the deal should be signed in a month or two.

Military analysts said India had been negotiating with Israel for the "Spyder" surface-to-air missiles to target low-flying aircraft, helicopters and unmanned drones.

In addition, India is also planning to purchase six new flight-refuelling aircraft and is also awaiting delivery of 80 medium-size helicopters from next year, Tyagi said.

Pravin Sawhney, editor of "Force", a leading defence magazine, welcomed the purchases and said the Hawks and AWACS would act as "force-multipliers", enhancing the capabilities of existing weapons platforms.

Tyagi said the airforce was also looking at buying 20 Jaguars and 20 Light Combat Aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), India's flagship aircraft manufacturing company.

The force was also accelerating the production of Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets and upgrading its MiG series planes, he said.

The Indian air force has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Hawks, for which negotiations continued for nearly 20 years.

Analysts say the Hawks would help better train pilots and bring down the high rate of accidents, especially on the force's mainstay MiG-21 series fighter jets.

Out of nearly 800 MiG-21s that India's airforce has acquired since 1963, 330 have crashed, mostly due to human error, according to official figures.