India exercises option for six more Hercules transport aircraft

[axisofevil]

While Procurement matters for the IAF are not really hunky-dory; there is no need yet to push the "panic-button".

Then; I do not agree that the Refuellers and AEWACS need to be moved to the top of the requirement list. Not just yet. Its the IAF's sword-arm; the fighter-fleet that needs attention, with the over-riding need for Trainers.
So far as the AARs are concerned; the 6 IL-78s in the fleet; which can make do. Of the transports, the C-17s and C-130s can fly nearly the length and breadth of the country on a single load of fuel. While the IL-76s and An-32s soldier on in their assigned roles (which does not call for AARs). While the Avros are strictly relegated to Training and general Hack duties now, they are not a vital part of the IAF's fleet.
Now to answer your question, about prioritising the Transport requirements: its only aimed at the C-130 airlifters. Which is aimed at beefing up the "last-mile" air-delivery capabilities, esp in the North and NE. Hence even the Chinook acquisition MUST be fast-tracked. Even that will then require a repeat order, after juggling other demands on resources.

So far as the AEWACs are concerned; if the Ground based Radar System acquisition is proceeding on track (along with the Aerostat program) then the the AEWACs requirements gets breathing time.

Do not get too carried away with notions of two-front wars. That is appropriate only for the likes of Bharat Verma who saw Wars on every tree-branch or hiding under every bed.

My priority list sees Trainers on the top of the list, alongside attempting to keep the Fighter Fleet numbers. After that sustained effort to upgrade the AD network and beef up the Radar/Sensor network. AEWACs can follow that.
So far as AAR/IFR capability is concerned; the Airbus MRTT aircraft acquisition project seems to be back on track. The 6 AARs in that lot can come through pretty quickly, since its a commercial deal of an existing aircraft model.

So you deny the fact that every war we had with Pakistan. China sent units to the border?

 

[Capt.Popeye]

So you deny the fact that every war we had with Pakistan. China sent units to the border?

Now you tell me which wars did that phenomenon take place? Which years, what was the nature of the deployments and what level did the "heat" rise upto each of those times?
Please do give verifiable information; i.e. substantiated information.

 

[pursuit of happiness]

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has exercised its options for a further six Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules transport aircraft under a USD564.7 million contract modification announced by the US Department of Defense (DoD) on 18 July.

The deal includes field service representatives and three years of post-delivery support after the first aircraft delivery, and is set to run to 30 April 2020. Once delivered, these new aircraft will be based at Panagargh in eastern India, the proposed headquarters of the Indian Army's new XVII Mountain Strike Corps.

India received the first of its initial batch of six C-130J-30 aircraft in February 2011, with the remaining five arriving in-country by September of that year. Operated by the specially formed 77 Squadron at Hindon Airbase, near New Delhi, these aircraft are used primarily for special forces operations. In August 2013 a C-130J-30 demonstrated the type's ability to support Indian military operations in the far north of the country when it landed on the world's highest airstrip in the Himalayan Ladakh region bordering China.

With six aircraft already in service, the IAF signed a letter of offer and acceptance for the additional six platforms in December 2013. The total value of these six new platforms, including engines, spares, and support is USD1.1 billion, bringing the cumulative value of India's C-130J-30 buy to USD2.06 billion.

In May 2014 an IAF C-130J-30 crashed on take-off near Gwalior, around 370 km southwest of New Delhi, killing all five crew members. Official sources ascribed the cause of that incident to wake turbulence, rather than any mechanical fault with the aircraft.

The IAF's contract to procure additional C-130J-30 platforms is part of a wider recapitalisation and build-up of India's airlift capability. Over recent years, the country has signed for 10 (and received 8 to date) Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft, and is developing with Russia a tactical twin-engined jet transport aircraft, known as the Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA).

Also, the IAF has received 12 Dornier Do-228 light transport aircraft manufactured indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and has launched a competition to buy 56 light/medium tactical transport aircraft. The frontrunners for that requirement are the Airbus DS C295 and Alenia Aermacchi C-27J aircraft. Finally, in 2009 the IAF signed a USD398 million contract with Ukrspetsexport, the Ukrainian state defence export agency, to upgrade the IAF's fleet of Antonov An-32 'Cline' transport aircraft to extend their service lives from 20 to 40 years.

--
bas.. isse kya hoga..
can india have TOT or jv for domestic prdoction

 

[kaku1]

what the hell happen to MTA? Why buying more Hercules?

 

[axisofevil]

Now you tell me which wars did that phenomenon take place? Which years, what was the nature of the deployments and what level did the "heat" rise upto each of those times?
Please do give verifiable information; i.e. substantiated information.

So let me understand this. You are on this forum posting info yet you lack some serious info like the one I posted about CHina? Come on bro. This is the major issue with Indians. We are in the dark, clueless about previous wars. Even when one shows the proof, one tries to downplay and justify it.

 

[Koovie]

what the hell happen to MTA? Why buying more Hercules?

The Hercules are in a different class, the IAF is very happy with them and MTA is years ! away from being inducted.

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

What is the IAF thinking!

- You can bet that After this their next contract will order the remaining 6 C-17 (India is already the second largest operator of C-17 after USAF)

Seeing something like this is hard to walk away from

 

[StormShadow]

We indians have lost many opportunities because of foolishness. When we Got Independence, US was very supportive and enthusiastic about India, as it was the most populous democracy. Nehru looked the other way, wanting more to be a socialistic. Tried to show his statesmanship writing stupid letters to UN suggesting plebiscite in Kashmir and what not. We are still struggling about it. US (JFK) offered India with a ready made nuclear bomb to explode and get into the Nuclear Haves club. We refused. Only Nixon was very critical of us. Then we sided with Soviet Russia during Cold War and invented the stupid concept of NAM rejecting US's extended hand of partnership, because of which they had to befriend Pakistan, which made Pakistan become at par with India. We have rejected every partnership call from Americans, whereas they have helped us so much, the last one being in the Nuclear supplier Group's acceptance of India as a nuclear power even though we haven't signed NPT. Today, when China is encircling us from all direction, a global situation is emerging where US is trying to check China as China is claiming land of almost all its neighbours, not just our Arunachal Pradesh. I truly hope we don't blow this opportunity up. Life is a journey. Wherever we see opportunity we should make good use of it. The breaking up of USSR and Putin ignoring India after that; the 1965 war with China should tell us that there are no permanent friends in this world. It's all issue based. And nothing but America is a better natural ally of India as have been acknowledged by our recent leaders. Let's make good use of it rather than shying away from it. Please, please, please, DON'T BLOW IT THIS TIME..

You forgot to mention the help extended by the US during the 1971 war where US almost nuked us.

 

[axisofevil]

You forgot to mention the help extended by the US during the 1971 war where US almost nuked us.

Yea right....US could never nuke us. That's a fact spreading the BS. The US would never ever be able to nuke a on nuclear power after WW2. That's a fact.


Read this link and realize everyone from the Chinese, France to the Middle East was supporting Pakistan. Plus, we sided with Russia over the US even though the US tried to befriend was right after Independence. Blame Nehru for that shit. Maybe coz Nehru turned a blind eye to Netaji in the USSR, is probabaly why we sided so heavily with the Russians in the first place. Food for thought.


1971 War: How Russia sank Nixon’s gunboat diplomacy | Russia & India Report




1. In 1971 war the 'Indo-Soviet" treaty assured that the Nixon administration would not risk World War III for the sake of the pathetic Pakistani military dictatorship.
2. Don't forget: During the 1962 Chinese aggression, as the Chinese advanced without resistance into Indian territory, JF Kennedy warned China (through the Soviet Union) that if she crosses into populated areas (Assam) the US would use her nuclear weapons. Nehru had already agreed to an 'air umbrella'.
3. During the Kargil War, Pak PM Sheriff hinted to President Clinton that Pak may use nuclear weapons against India. Clinton warned Pak that the US would not allow that to happen.
4. Pakistan, India (China at the present time)'s nuclear arsenal can be greatly (not totally) made ineffective by action by US or Russia.
Since India has made a policy decision to let China encircle India (with Pak and Sri Lanka, ? Burma), the only recourse is to make a treaty with US and/or Russia.


US is a friend now, and India needs the technology USA is willing to lend, believe it or not, like it or not. I am an Indian. This reckless obduracy, or the reflexive antipathy coupled with a thoughtless perpetuation of predetermined prejudice against US is not going to helpIndia in the long run.

USA once NUKED JAPAN now look where they are with their relations. Learn to adapt to the changing world and its politics.



I am merely asking for a better relation between these two democracies. I am not asking anybody to allow USA to meddle in our internal affairs. Besides you are wrong:

India was offered a permanent seat on the council 56 years ago. And that offer was made by the United States and the Soviet Union. It was
declined by India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru said the seat should be given to China instead. India was first offered a permanent seat at the UN security council in 1955. In his visit to India President Obamahas offered his support for India to become a permanent member of the Council. China doesn't want India with a veto power at the UN.

It will only make things far more complicated and cumbersome for China.

Use your intellect!

 

[Capt.Popeye]

So let me understand this. You are on this forum posting info yet you lack some serious info like the one I posted about CHina? Come on bro. This is the major issue with Indians. We are in the dark, clueless about previous wars. Even when one shows the proof, one tries to downplay and justify it.

What proof or evidence have you shown to substantiate your statement(s) so far about the Chinese?
Specifically about Chinese troops in EVERY war fought with Pakistan.
"Show your money"; only then I'll be inclined to take it seriously. Btw, I'm quite familiar with all conflicts since 1962.

Just as I am familiar with the exploits of the 'Brothers Montgolfier'
So I await your "proof"..... not some drama-laden statements.

 

[NEPALESE GURKHA]

what happened to it ?

 

[Abingdonboy]

While Procurement matters for the IAF are not really hunky-dory; there is no need yet to push the "panic-button".

Then; I do not agree that the Refuellers and AEWACS need to be moved to the top of the requirement list. Not just yet. Its the IAF's sword-arm; the fighter-fleet that needs attention, with the over-riding need for Trainers.
So far as the AARs are concerned; the 6 IL-78s in the fleet; which can make do. Of the transports, the C-17s and C-130s can fly nearly the length and breadth of the country on a single load of fuel. While the IL-76s and An-32s soldier on in their assigned roles (which does not call for AARs). While the Avros are strictly relegated to Training and general Hack duties now, they are not a vital part of the IAF's fleet.
Now to answer your question, about prioritising the Transport requirements: its only aimed at the C-130 airlifters. Which is aimed at beefing up the "last-mile" air-delivery capabilities, esp in the North and NE. Hence even the Chinook acquisition MUST be fast-tracked. Even that will then require a repeat order, after juggling other demands on resources.

So far as the AEWACs are concerned; if the Ground based Radar System acquisition is proceeding on track (along with the Aerostat program) then the the AEWACs requirements gets breathing time.

Do not get too carried away with notions of two-front wars. That is appropriate only for the likes of Bharat Verma who saw Wars on every tree-branch or hiding under every bed.

My priority list sees Trainers on the top of the list, alongside attempting to keep the Fighter Fleet numbers. After that sustained effort to upgrade the AD network and beef up the Radar/Sensor network. AEWACs can follow that.
So far as AAR/IFR capability is concerned; the Airbus MRTT aircraft acquisition project seems to be back on track. The 6 AARs in that lot can come through pretty quickly, since its a commercial deal of an existing aircraft model.

2 points sir:

1) The Trainer issue has largely been addressed- PC-7 Mk.2s are being inducted monthly now and rookie pilots at the IAF's pilot school are already training on it, a follow on order for 100+ units is likely to come within the next year. And the AJT (the main issue previously as supersonic MiG-21FLs had been used in this role as AJT previously costing the lives of many) requirement has been fully addressed by the HAKW AJT Mk.132 which have been inducted in large numbers. One might point to the last remaining issue being the HJT-36 IJT but truly I don't understand why the IAF needs this, the PC-7 Mk.2-Hakw AJT combo is more than sufficient to train rookies there is ZERO need for the IJT, it is an outdated requirement.

2) The C-130Js of the IAF are not meant for "last mile" connectivity, they are dedicated Special Mission a/c for SOFs, they won't be used for day to day transport tasks.

View attachment 40086 what happened to it ?

Underdevelopment, will be in service towards the end of the decade.

 

[Koovie]

We indians have lost many opportunities because of foolishness. When we Got Independence, US was very supportive and enthusiastic about India, as it was the most populous democracy. Nehru looked the other way, wanting more to be a socialistic. Tried to show his statesmanship writing stupid letters to UN suggesting plebiscite in Kashmir and what not. We are still struggling about it. US (JFK) offered India with a ready made nuclear bomb to explode and get into the Nuclear Haves club. We refused. Only Nixon was very critical of us. Then we sided with Soviet Russia during Cold War and invented the stupid concept of NAM rejecting US's extended hand of partnership, because of which they had to befriend Pakistan, which made Pakistan become at par with India. We have rejected every partnership call from Americans, whereas they have helped us so much, the last one being in the Nuclear supplier Group's acceptance of India as a nuclear power even though we haven't signed NPT. Today, when China is encircling us from all direction, a global situation is emerging where US is trying to check China as China is claiming land of almost all its neighbours, not just our Arunachal Pradesh. I truly hope we don't blow this opportunity up. Life is a journey. Wherever we see opportunity we should make good use of it. The breaking up of USSR and Putin ignoring India after that; the 1965 war with China should tell us that there are no permanent friends in this world. It's all issue based. And nothing but America is a better natural ally of India as have been acknowledged by our recent leaders. Let's make good use of it rather than shying away from it. Please, please, please, DON'T BLOW IT THIS TIME..

So because you live in the USA we all should start kissing their as*es ?

India will never become an "ally" of the USA, the most hypocrite nation on earth.

 

[NEPALESE GURKHA]

2 points sir:

1) The Trainer issue has largely been addressed- PC-7 Mk.2s are being inducted monthly now and rookie pilots at the IAF's pilot school are already training on it, a follow on order for 100+ units is likely to come within the next year. And the AJT (the main issue previously as supersonic MiG-21FLs had been used in this role as AJT previously costing the lives of many) requirement has been fully addressed by the HAKW AJT Mk.132 which have been inducted in large numbers. One might point to the last remaining issue being the HJT-36 IJT but truly I don't understand why the IAF needs this, the PC-7 Mk.2-Hakw AJT combo is more than sufficient to train rookies there is ZERO need for the IJT, it is an outdated requirement.

2) The C-130Js of the IAF are not meant for "last mile" connectivity, they are dedicated Special Mission a/c for SOFs, they won't be used for day to day transport tasks.


Underdevelopment, will be in service towards the end of the decade.

So u mean Indian government is procuring it just for 6 years left in this decade ?

 

[Abingdonboy]

So u mean Indian government is procuring it just for 6 years left in this decade ?

Procuring what just for 6 years?