Germany to Plan Air Force Exercise with India

Lt. General Aarne Kreuzinger-Janick, the Air Chief of Germany has told FE that his country will explores the option for air combat exercises with the Indian Air Force soon. Germany is in talks with India about these joint exercises. He said that when Air Marshal NAK Browne of Indian Air Force visits this September it will be the agenda of their talks. He also added that the two countries had already discussed its possibility. India already conduct several military exercises with other countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia and also with China but their military interaction with Germany is still limited until now. As of now, exchange pilots are offered for specific training.

Eurofighter Typhoon is part of the 126-aircraft MMRCA that is worth $10.4 billion in deal that is being seen by many people as a possible driver for the expansion of the relationship of the two countries. The Air Chief of Germany also said that the Eurofighter was ready to be sharing its technology with India up to a degree no one else had offered. They are transferring some of their operations to India so they could beat the French Dassault “Rafale” challenge. They have set up military research & development center in Bangalore already.

It's very interesting to see that how the joint air exercise diplomatic step influnce mmrca...it's already heard that Rafale is put a low bid for mrca.

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Indian Navy recieves the second batch of MiG-29Ks

Now the Indian Navy has 9 MiG-29Ks fighter jets after they received their second batch of jets from Russia.The new batch of MiGs is more superior as compared to the Sea Harrier jump jets of the Indian Navy. This aircraft is going to be deployed on the INS Vikramaditya. This carrier is getting refitted for India.

A deal between Russia and India signed in 2004 is for Russia to supply India with 12 of these single seater MiG-29K fighter aircrafts and with 4 of the two-seater MiG-29KUBs. And as a part of their bargain, Russia’s MiG Aircraft Corporation also delivered a flight simulator and technical equipment for the Indian Navy. In addition to this agreement, they have signed another contract in March of 2010 for another purchase worth $1.5 billion for 29 MiG-29K Fulcrum-D carrier fighter jets and the delivery will begin in 2012 which is the same time that Moscow is also going to deliver their retrofitted aircraft carrier.

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DRDO, ISRO Miliary, ISR Platforms being tested during Indian Army, Air Force Joint Exercises

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) would be testing some of the new military platforms during the Indian Army's six day-long ongoing exercise -- Vijayee Bhava -- in northern Rajasthan.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) would also be testing its satellite capabilities to connect to a real-time war-like situation. "ISRO is keenly watching the efficacy and robustness of its satellite down-links for the field forces," an army spokesperson said here today.

Western Army Commander, Lieutenant General S R Ghosh today reviewed the six day-long exercise and briefed the operational commander.

Over 50,000 troops are taking part in the exercise, which is being conducted by Chandigarh-based Western Army Command. Army is putting into test some of the new concepts derived from its transformational studies carried by it in the last few years.

"The purpose of the exercise is to transform Army into a lean, agile and enabled force ready to tackle the developing security situation in today's scenario"

-- Western Army Commander, Lieutenant General S R Ghosh

The concept of dedicated Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) units would also be validated during the exercise to enhance operational situational awareness.

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Rafael Derby Air-to-Air Missiles for Indian Air Force HAL Tejas Fighter Jets

Leading defense and aerospace publication FlightGlobal has quoted industry sources confirming the integration of Rafael Derby Air to Air Missiles with India's indigenous HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Delivery of the missiles is to begin in 2012.

From FlightGlobal:

A contract to integrate Rafael's Derby medium-range air-air missile with India's Tejas light combat aircraft will be signed soon, according to industry sources. Delivery of the missiles is expected from the second half of 2012, following the final phase of integration tests that are planned for early next year.

The active radar- and infrared-guided Derby, which provides an all-weather, beyond visual-range capability, has previously been acquired for the Indian navy's British Aerospace-built Sea Harrier FRS51 fighters. Fourteen aircraft have been modified to use the weapon, said Indian sources.

The Derby missile can be fired in lock-on before launch mode for short-range engagements, or in lock-on after launch mode for use against medium-range targets.

India's air force has so far signed for 40 production examples of the single-engined Tejas, but the service could eventually acquire up to 100 more in an improved Mk II configuration. The service is now evaluating more Israeli-made systems for the fighter, including additional weapons.

The Indian navy also could buy 60 of the Aeronautical Development Agency-designed Tejas.

The Derby contract is an example of the huge potential market that Rafael is trying to exploit in India. Company sources have described the nation as its current first priority, due to the size and diversity of its requirements.

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Indian Army, Air Force Begin Six-Day Joint Exercise Along Western Deserts

A six-day joint exercise of the Army and the IAF will begin Monday in the deserts of Bikaner and Suratgarh near Pakistan border. "Vihayee Bhav" -- the exercise, will involve tank-to-tank wars, helicopter operations and others, Army officials said.

According to the Army, it has conducted 10 major exercise near the Pakistan border in the past six years and this exercise will boost synergy between the Indian defence forces.

"Battlefield tactics for warfare are being practiced in the exercise which also aims at fine-tuning the concept of Cold Start doctrine," an official said. Cold Start was a military doctrine developed by the armed forces in 2004 and involves joint operations between the three main services Army, Navy, and Air Force.

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Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon Emerge Favorites in Air Force M-MRCA Deal

In the past week, a number of mainstream and defense / military specific media sources revealed that the French Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets have made the shortlist while the American Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Lockheed Marting F-16, Sweden's Gripen and Russian MiG-35 fighters have been rejected. Dassault and Eurofighter have been asked by the Ministry of Defence to extend the offer validity thus making them part of the shortlist.

India Defence had earlier reported that these two fighter jets had emerged favorites after the Indian Air Force conducted extensive field trials between 2009 and 2010. See:
-- Air Force MRCA Deal - Eurofighter Typhoon Ahead on Technical Parameters

India has agreed to provide the United States with relevant data based on which its fighters were rejected for the lucrative USD 11 billion dollar deal. The United States, however, has been rapidly growing its share in the Indian defense market and Boeing alone envisions deals worth USD 50 billion in the coming decade.

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Indian Navy Interested in Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Maritime Surveillance Unmanned Aircraft Systems

In the build up to Aero India 2011, officials from U.S. defense major Northrop Grumman revealed that they have received and responded to a Request for Information (RFI) from the Indian Ministry of Defence for MQ-4C Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (BAMS UAS) for the Indian Navy.

They have obtained necessary clearances from U.S. Government and have also briefed U.S. Navy on the same. Mr. Walter Kreitler, Director of BAMS UAS programme told India Defence (indiadefence.in) that he feels the U.S. Navy and Indian Navy have very similar operational roles and requirements. Since the Indian Navy will be operating Boeing P-8I aircrafts in a maritime surveillance role, MQ-4C will fit in very well to complement surveillance operations.

Northrop Grumman will offer MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV to the Indian Navy. MQ-8B is smaller than Chetak helicopter in service with Indian Navy. Fire Scout can be operated from any ship capable of handling a conventional helicopter thus fitting well with Indian Navy ships in service. In addition to conventional military roles, MQ-8B has potential for homeland security and law enforcement roles as well.

From NorthropGrumman.com
The United States Navy's MQ-4C Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) program provides persistent maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) data collection and dissemination capability to the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force (MPRF). The MQ-4C BAMS UAS is a multi-mission system to support strike, signals intelligence, and communications relay as an adjunct to the MMA/P-3 community to enhance manpower, training and maintenance efficiencies worldwide.

The MQ-4C BAMS UAS, at full operational capability, will provide ISR persistence over large maritime distances for long periods of time for up to five simultaneous orbits worldwide. The MQ-4C BAMS UAS missions include, but are not limited to, maritime surveillance, collection of enemy order of battle information, battle damage assessment, port surveillance, communication relay, and support of the following missions - maritime interdiction, surface warfare, battlespace management, and targeting for maritime and littoral strike missions.

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Northrop Grumman Confirms RFIs Issued for Naval Airborne Early Warning Aircraft

While briefing media personnel in Bangalore on the eve of Aero India 2011, (Retired) Commodore Gyanendra Sharma, Managing Director of Northrop Grumman India announced that the Ministry of Defence has sent a Request for Information (RFI) for E-2D Naval Airborne Early Warning aircraft to Northrop Grumman.

As per details given by Mr. Sharma, Indian Navy has shown interest in procuring at least four such aircrafts. He also mentioned that first E-2D aircraft was successfully launched from USS Harry S. Truman signifying end of the testing phase. Northrop Grumman is positive that a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the same would be issued by year end.

It should be noted that E-2 (C&D) family of aircrafts are the only AEW&C aircraft capable of operating from aircraft carriers. Although carrier capable, only USA and France use them in thatrole. Rest of the operators deploy E-2C as shore-based AEW&C platforms. Currently US Navy is the only E-2D operator. India and UAE are the only countries to have expressed interest in E-2D. Even if E-2D enters service with Indian Navy in near future, Navy does not have aircraft carriers capable of operating E-2D. Hence E-2D will be used in shore-based role till the time right carrier is commissioned.

When asked about possibility of upgrading existing E-2C aircrafts to E-2D, Mr. David Parsley, Programmed Manager for Electronic Systems replied that externally E-2D might look similar to E-2C, but in terms of electronics and radar, it is a totally different beast. E-2D was designed from scratch and it is so advanced and powerful compared to E-2C that upgrading E-2C aircrafts to E-2D standards is not possible.

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Air Force MiG-29 Upgraded; Flight Test Conducted

Russia's MiG corporation on Friday carried out the first test fight of a MiG-29 fighter modernized under a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF). "On February 4, 2010, a MiG-29UPG fighter carried out its first test flight. The flight lasted for an hour and was flawless," MiG said in a statement.

The IAF has awarded the MiG corporation a $900 million contract to upgrade all of its 69 operational MiG-29s. These upgrades include a new avionics kit, with the N-109 radar being replaced by a Phazatron Zhuk-M radar. The aircraft is also being equipped to enhance beyond-visual-range combat ability and for air-to-air refueling to increase flying time.

In 2007, Russia also gave India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) a license to manufacture 120 RD-33 series 3 turbojet engines for the upgrade. The first six aircraft are being upgraded in Russia while the remaining 63 will be refitted at the HAL facility in India.

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United States Offers Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to India

The United States may allow India to buy its fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter as part of its Joint Strike Fighter program, military officials in Washington said. U.S. Undersecretary of Defense Ashton Carter, head of acquisitions at the Pentagon, hinted at the possibility saying that there was "nothing on our side, no principle that bar Indian participation in the Joint Strike Fighter program."

"Right now," he added, "they're focused on these aircraft which are top-of-the-line fourth-generation fighters." Speaking in response to a report by Carnegie Endowment's Ashley Tellis on India's Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft, Carter clarified, however, the decision would be "India's alone." Determined to increase its defenses and become a regional superpower, India plans to spend up to $30 billion on its military by 2012. In recent months, it inducted a long-range, nuclear-tipped missile into its armed forces, unveiling a defense spending budget spiked by 24 percent since last year.

The moves have Pakistan fretting, with leading officials billing India's drive a "massive militarization." The United States' consideration of offering the F-35 to India isn't new.

In 2007, Lockheed Martin briefed Indian air force officials on the stealth aircraft but plans for a sale were subsequently blocked by Washington. India's interest, though, remains. Lockheed Martin Vice President Orville Prins recently confirmed that the company had received an official interest request by the Indian navy. The request concerned naval variants of the F-35, including the F-35B STOVL and F-35C. "We are going to offer our aircraft to them," he was quoted saying by the Defense Update Web site.

Citing the Tellis report, Defense News said India was eyeing the purchase of 126 fighters, valued at more than $10 billion. Competitors are said to include the Lockheed Martin F-16IN Super Viper, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, Saab JAS-39 Gripen and the Mikoyan MiG-35. The possible release of Joint Strike Fighter program technology to India marks a significant shift in policy toward New Delhi, a change resulting from growing concern over the military growth of China.

Also, if the United States holds out on its initial reservations, it may lose a potential client to Russia. India is considering buying 250 T-50 fifth-generation fighters from Russia in an ambitious joint development project with Sukhoi.

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Air Force MMRCA Competition Contenders to Turn Out at Aero India 2011All six fighter jet contenders for the USD 11 billion Air Force Medium Multi-role

All six fighter jet contenders for the USD 11 billion Air Force Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) deal will showcase full flight displays at Aero India 2011 scheduled to be held between February 9th and 13th at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bangaluru (Bangalore).

The six contenders -- Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin F-16, MiG-35, Dassault Rafale, EADS Eurofighter Typhoon and SAAB Grippen -- will each bring two to three aircraft along with elaborate teams and flight simulators for display. India is expected to make its choice around July 2011 and will ink the USD11 billion deal. The contenders for the MMRCA contract for 126 aircraft will be making a final attempt to impress the Indian Air Force and the Indian public at the upcoming Aero India 2011.

Each company is expected to bring along at least two competing aircraft as well as competent teams and flight simulators for display. Russia's contender, the MiG-35 Fulcrum-F, is an export version of the MiG-29M OVT fighter jet. It is a highly maneuverable air superiority fighter, which has already won high acclaim among aircraft industry and military experts.

The fighter is powered by RD-33 OVT thrust vectoring engines. The RD-33 OVT engines provide superior maneuverability and enhance the fighter's performance in close air engagements. India is expected to make its choice in July this year. Moscow earlier said if MiG-35 wins the tender, Russia is ready to transfer all key technology to India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. and provide assistance for the production of the aircraft in the country.

Aero India-2011, which will be held in the southern city of Bangalore on February 11-15, is most likely to attract the record number of leading manufacturers, vendors and suppliers from 63 countries.

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Indian Navy to Commission Searcher, Heron UAV Squadron at Porbandar, Gujarat

Enhancing coastal surveillance capabilities to counter marine terror threats from Pakistan and pirate attacks on Indian vessels, the Navy is going to commission a squadron of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) at Porbandar in Gujarat on January 17.

The squadron will comprise Israeli-made Searcher and Heron UAVs and would help in enhancing our surveillance capabilities off the coast of Gujarat, Navy officials said here. The Indian Navy had commissioned its first UAV reconnaissance squadron at its base in Kochi in January, 2006 and is one of the few maritime forces to be using such equipment.

The Navy is also planning to acquire high-altitude long endurance (HALE) UAVs.

In an RFI (Request For Information) issued recently, the Navy has specified that it wants a platform with at least 25 hours mission endurance, an all up weight of no more than 15 tons, service ceiling of 40,000 feet and cruise speed of 100 knots. The Navy presently uses a small mix of Israeli Heron and Searcher Mk2 UAVs, and is making efforts to acquire shipborne unmanned rotorcraft.

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