Indian Air Force News & Discussions

[Sri]

Hi there is a news update for FGFA in aviationweek
AW: What is the latest from fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA)?

A.N.: Negotiations are currently progressing for concluding the Preliminary Design (PD) contract. The PD contract is expected to be signed shortly, and this phase is estimated to be completed in 18 months. The PD phase will be the preparatory phase during which the transfer of documents, drawings, training, etc. will take place for enabling the joint design, development and manufacture of the FGFA. The conclusion of the PD phase will lead into the R&D phase, which is estimated to be of 102 months’ duration.

Source: India Thought Leaders: HAL Chairman Sets Firm Agenda For Aggressive Export Sales | AVIATION WEEK

Sorry if already posted.

 

[Sri]

According to this news it means that its going to take 10 years for FGFA to materialize

 

[Marxist]

US Congress clears C-17 sale for India

New Delhi, June 2 (IANS) The US Congress has cleared the sale of C-17 Globemaster III strategic lift aircraft for India.

The Obama administration had notified the Congress April 23 of the potential sale of 10 aircraft to India and sought out objections or approval.

The Congressional consent has come before Wednesday's start of the Indo-US strategic dialogue in Washington Wednesday.

The aircraft are being sold to India under the US government's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, with the maximum package value of $5.8 billion. That includes the 3.8 percent administrative fee the government charges to ensure timely delivery and guarantee the supplies.

Government-to-government deals may not necessarily be cheaper but ensure a hassle-free environment and a near-zero scope for corruption. In legal terms, such deals also ensure sovereign guarantees.

According to a report in India Strategic magazine, in the case of Gorshkov deal with Russia, after the recent agreement between New Delhi and Moscow, Moscow agreed to ensure the aircraft carrier's delivery by Dec 4, 2012 -- just before the Indian Navy Day.

During the discussions to revise the 2004 Gorshkov agreement between the two countries, Russia also ensured that work on rebuilding the carrier was not stopped.

The actual cost of the C-17 aircraft for India would be less as India would not be buying all the options and the 3.8 percent fee would be payable only on the actual amount of the deal. In some countries, the administrative fee ranges up to 18 percent.

Boeing India's Vice President for Defense, Space and Security, Vivek Lall, told India Strategic from Washington: 'We are pleased that India's intent to buy 10 C-17 Globemaster III has received US Congressional approval. With this, the Indian government is one step closer to acquiring the C-17 which we believe is ideally suited to meet India's airlift needs for military and humanitarian purposes.

'The submittal of the Letter of Acceptance to the government of India will be the next step towards finalizing the Foreign Military Sale.'

The Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief of Staff, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, said last year that IAF was looking for 10 plus 10 C-17s, described in its parlance as VHTAC, or Very Heavy Transport Aircraft, as a replacement for its ageing fleet of Soviet vintage IL-76 transport jets.

India has 17 IL-76 transporters, another six as IL-78 midair refuelers and one as an AWACS with Israeli Phalcon electronic rodome radar.

But IL-76 is out of production after the demise of the Soviet Union, and whatever useable airframes were available, they have mostly been taken by China.

An IL-76 can carry up to 45 tonnes of cargo while a C-17 can carry about 75 tonnes, and for a much longer range. A C-17 can land from grassy, football field size strips and needs only three crew members as against seven for an IL-76.

It does cost much more though.

The US Air Force has ordered a total of 223 C-17s, out of which 198 have been delivered. The 199th, shown to the Indian media team at its Boeing manufacturing facility at Long Beach, is set to join its designated squadron.

Boeing plans to continue production for about five years to ensure deliveries to the US Air Force (24), the United Emirates (six), Britain (seven) and India (10).

It should take India approximately three years to get the first C-17 after the formal agreement between the two countries is signed.

US Congress clears C-17 sale for India

 

[sudhir007]

US Congress clears C-17 sale for India

New Delhi, June 2 (IANS) The US Congress has cleared the sale of C-17 Globemaster III strategic lift aircraft for India.

The Obama administration had notified the Congress April 23 of the potential sale of 10 aircraft to India and sought out objections or approval.

The Congressional consent has come before Wednesday's start of the Indo-US strategic dialogue in Washington Wednesday.

The aircraft are being sold to India under the US government's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, with the maximum package value of $5.8 billion. That includes the 3.8 percent administrative fee the government charges to ensure timely delivery and guarantee the supplies.

Government-to-government deals may not necessarily be cheaper but ensure a hassle-free environment and a near-zero scope for corruption. In legal terms, such deals also ensure sovereign guarantees.

According to a report in India Strategic magazine, in the case of Gorshkov deal with Russia, after the recent agreement between New Delhi and Moscow, Moscow agreed to ensure the aircraft carrier's delivery by Dec 4, 2012 -- just before the Indian Navy Day.

During the discussions to revise the 2004 Gorshkov agreement between the two countries, Russia also ensured that work on rebuilding the carrier was not stopped.

The actual cost of the C-17 aircraft for India would be less as India would not be buying all the options and the 3.8 percent fee would be payable only on the actual amount of the deal. In some countries, the administrative fee ranges up to 18 percent.

Boeing India's Vice President for Defense, Space and Security, Vivek Lall, told India Strategic from Washington: 'We are pleased that India's intent to buy 10 C-17 Globemaster III has received US Congressional approval. With this, the Indian government is one step closer to acquiring the C-17 which we believe is ideally suited to meet India's airlift needs for military and humanitarian purposes.

'The submittal of the Letter of Acceptance to the government of India will be the next step towards finalizing the Foreign Military Sale.'

The Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief of Staff, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, said last year that IAF was looking for 10 plus 10 C-17s, described in its parlance as VHTAC, or Very Heavy Transport Aircraft, as a replacement for its ageing fleet of Soviet vintage IL-76 transport jets.

India has 17 IL-76 transporters, another six as IL-78 midair refuelers and one as an AWACS with Israeli Phalcon electronic rodome radar.

But IL-76 is out of production after the demise of the Soviet Union, and whatever useable airframes were available, they have mostly been taken by China.

An IL-76 can carry up to 45 tonnes of cargo while a C-17 can carry about 75 tonnes, and for a much longer range. A C-17 can land from grassy, football field size strips and needs only three crew members as against seven for an IL-76.

It does cost much more though.

The US Air Force has ordered a total of 223 C-17s, out of which 198 have been delivered. The 199th, shown to the Indian media team at its Boeing manufacturing facility at Long Beach, is set to join its designated squadron.

Boeing plans to continue production for about five years to ensure deliveries to the US Air Force (24), the United Emirates (six), Britain (seven) and India (10).

It should take India approximately three years to get the first C-17 after the formal agreement between the two countries is signed.

US Congress clears C-17 sale for India

Very expansive plane 580 Million dollar per plane

 

[jha]

yes... i would have gone for 40 Il-76 instead...but thats my opinion .

 

[Abingdonboy]

Does anyone have any news about the joint Indo-Isreali UCAV programme to turn old IAF Cheetaks into UCAVs I read about it ages ago but have heard little to know information about it.


LiveFist - The Best of Indian Defence: EXCLUSIVE: The Chetak UAV inside/out Part-3

 

[shiningindia]

Does anyone have any news about the joint Indo-Isreali UCAV programme to turn old IAF Cheetaks into UCAVs I read about it ages ago but have heard little to know information about it.


LiveFist - The Best of Indian Defence: EXCLUSIVE: The Chetak UAV inside/out Part-3

india want to replace it's entire chetak and cheetah helicopter so that they may change entire chetak and cheetah helicopter into UCAV.
but no information available.

 

[Abingdonboy]

india want to replace it's entire chetak and cheetah helicopter so that they may change entire chetak and cheetah helicopter into UCAV.
but no information available.

thank you, I was just wondering what stage thisproject was at since the article was written in 2008, if anyone had any ideas on timeline of induction or numbers but it seems that the project is still in the very early stageges if there is no info on it. thanks anyway

 

[sudhir007]

Sunday surprise: Sukhois fly over city skies - Nagpur - City - The Times of India

NAGPUR: Nagpurians residing near the airport heard a familiar roar in the skies on Sunday noon as a couple of Sukhoi aircraft flew over the city. The aircraft which took off from the Lohegaon airbase near Pune reached Nagpur at around 12.30 pm and encircled over the airport for a few minutes before flying back. Sources in the airport said that the city was the chosen destination as the air space over Nagpur is vacant during day time.

This allows space for such exercises. “There are chances that the aircraft may visit Nagpur once again on coming Sunday,” said an airport official. The Sukhois remained a major attraction during the air shows held in the city, especially because of the thundering sound they make. Flying enthusiasts were left disappointed when these planes did not feature in the last air show held over a year ago. The Sukhoi aircraft was procured from Russia in the mid 1990s and is among the frontline fighter planes of the

Indian Air Force (IAF). It is reported to be a highly flexible multi-role aircraft. The IAF has also obtained a licence for manufacture of the aircraft at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s factory at Bangalore. So far, the IAF has received over 100 aircraft from Russia.

 

[sudhir007]

did su-30mki kill F-35 after up-gradation with new radar and other equipment.

SUKHOI'S LIGHTNING STRIKES THE F-35 JSF

 

[Dash]

did su-30mki kill F-35 after up-gradation with new radar and other equipment.

SUKHOI'S LIGHTNING STRIKES THE F-35 JSF

Hi Sudhir...
I dont think its a good comparision as the article itself says, its a fighter V/s Strike aircraft....Su30 MKI is not a good strike aircraft with its 20m2 radar cross section...

But ever these machine get to a dog fight, then MKI is surely the winner in many aspects....

 

[sudhir007]

Hi Sudhir...
I dont think its a good comparision as the article itself says, its a fighter V/s Strike aircraft....Su30 MKI is not a good strike aircraft with its 20m2 radar cross section...

But ever these machine get to a dog fight, then MKI is surely the winner in many aspects....

atleast you are agree in one prospect that Mki can win in dog fighting in close combat

 

[sudhir007]

IIT Delhi to secure IAF in virtual skies idrw.org

The force has decided to rope in experts against hackers

The armed forces never shied away from roping in the best brains in the country to upgrade their systems and now it’s the turn of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to secure the cyber systems of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Following the recent cyber attack from the Chinese hackers, the IAF is planning to rope in experts from IIT Delhi and Powai to upgrade their cyber network.

Sources on condition of anonymity said that talks are on and the IITs have already proposed certain software to improve the system, which has been facing hacking threat from the Chinese and others. “Presently the cyber networks are divided into confidential, secret and top secret categories. We are looking forward to enhance the system and take it at least into the secret level to rule out any breach,” said an official from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

While IAF officials and cyber experts are going full throttle in finding out loopholes in the Air Force Network (AFNET), participation from IIT experts would assure an open evaluation of their systems.

The AFNET operates on a higher spectrum and connects all air force bases and offices into a single system. While the exchange of all normal and voice enabled data is considered safer it came into criticism after reports of breach from Chinese hackers.

Of late the Chinese have hacked into IAF’s secure network more than 2000 times and it is believed that the hackers have gathered complete information about IAF’s various formations and other secret information related to weapons and armaments.

Most sensitive leaks came in the form of the information related to IAF’s assets located on the borders of the country. As per the sources, these shadow hackers siphoned off critical information from three important IAF bases.

 

[Marxist]

First Three Super Hercules Airlifters Get Ready for India

Washington, Jun 10 (IANS): The first three of six C-130J Super Hercules airlifters purchased by India from in a $1 billion deal with US have taken the final positions on Lockheed Martin's assembly line in Marietta, Georgia.

Equipped with an infrared detection set (IDS), the aircraft for the first time will provide the IAF an ability to conduct precision low-level flying operations, airdrops and landings in blackout conditions.

With the first C-130Js aircraft scheduled for arrival in India February 2011, the Indian Army and Air Force will get "new special operations capabilities using the world's most advanced airlifter," the plane's manufacturer said Wednesday

To ensure 80 percent availability of the aircraft at any given time, Lockheed Martin has offered a long-term maintenance contract to the IAF on the lines of the ones it has with the US Air Force and the air forces of Australia, Britain and Canada.

The C-130J primarily performs the tactical portion of an airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for air dropping troops and equipment into hostile areas.

The flexible design of the Super Hercules enables it to be configured for many different missions, allowing for one aircraft to perform the role of many. Much of the special mission equipment added to the Super Hercules is removable, allowing the aircraft to quickly switch between roles.

The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) had notified the Congress of the sale of aircraft as well as associated equipment and services in May 2007.

In announcing the deal, the Pentagon had said it "will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important partner and to strengthen the US-India strategic relationship, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South Asia."

As India and the US are forging an important strategic partnership, the deal "will enhance the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by providing the Indian Government with a credible special operations airlift capability that will deter aggression in the region, provide humanitarian airlift capability and ensure interoperability with US forces in coalition operations," it said.

First Three Super Hercules Airlifters Get Ready for India

 

[RPK]

Indian Air Force to begin C-17 trials by month-end- Hindustan Times


The Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to begin trials of the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III heavy-lift transport aircraft, of which it intends to purchase 10, by the end of the month, an official said.

"It should happen in the next two weeks," the official told IANS on condition of anonymity.

"The trials should last about 10 days," he added of the evaluation process of the aircraft, which has a carrying capacity of 75 tonnes.

The trials are likely to be conducted in the same manner as the IAF is evaluating the six combat jets in contention for an order for 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft.

This means the C-17, which can take off from unprepared airstrips as short as 3,000 metres, will be put through its paces in the icy heights of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, the deserts of Rajasthan and the humid conditions of south India.

Price negotiations will begin after the trials and the first aircraft should arrive within two years of Boeing receiving a letter of acceptance, the official said.

Asked how long it would take for IAF pilots to convert to the C-17, the official said: "Pilots who have done a reasonable number of hours on the Il-76 (the IAF's current heavy lift aircraft) can convert to command status in a few months."

The US Congress has cleared the sale of the C-17 to India. The Obama administration had notified Congress April 23 of the potential sale of 10 aircraft and sought objections or approval.

The aircraft are being sold to India under the US government's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, with the maximum package value of $5.8 billion. This includes the 3.8 percent administrative fee the government charges to ensure timely delivery and guarantee the supplies.

The actual cost of the C-17 aircraft would be less as India would not be buying all the options that are offered with it and the 3.8 percent fee would be payable only on the actual amount of the deal. In some countries, the administrative fee ranges up to 18 percent.

The IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, had said last year that it was looking for ten C-17s, described in its parlance as VHTAC, or Very Heavy Transport Aircraft, as a replacement for its ageing fleet of Soviet vintage IL-76 transports. He also spoke of a repeat order for 10 more aircraft.

The US Air Force has ordered 223 C-17s, of which 198 have been delivered. The aircraft, which first flew in 1991, was inducted in 1995.

Boeing plans to continue production for about five years to ensure deliveries to the US Air Force (24), the United Arab Emirates (six), Britain (seven) and India (10).