Indian Air Force News & Discussions

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/iaf-conducts-drill-close-to-china-border/article23581533.ece
The ongoing nationwide mega-combat exercise of the Indian Air Force (IAF) began in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on Tuesday to examine the strategic preparedness of its infrastructure in the area.

Though IAF officials maintained a distance from the media, sources said the exercise — ‘Gagan Shakti’ — began around 6.30 a.m. at Chinyalisaur town, 230km from the Indo-China border.

The first An-32 transport aircraft carrying IAF personnel landed at the Chinyalisaur airstrip around 7.15 am. The aircraft made a second landing at the airstrip at 7.45 am and a third at 8.01 am, the sources said.

The exercise would continue in Chinyalisaur till Sunday, it added.

‘Gagan Shakti’ is said to be the IAF’s biggest such exercise in decades, to check its operational preparedness with a focus on dealing with all possible security challenges, including from China and Pakistan.

The two-week drill started on April 8 and would continue till the 22nd of this month, officials had said.

Last Saturday, the IAF conducted a maritime air operation in the western sea board to check its deep strike capability in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.

 

[randomradio]

Sorry for prolonging the off-topic fork in the thread, but MMRCA does not really prove what you said.

Have in mind that procurement competitions are (or should be) pretty complex affairs. Performance and Capability for competitor designs is defined, rated, weighted and baked on the competition results according to the priorities and goals that the AF wants to attain (this changes from one program and/or country to the other), but it is only one of the considerations to move forward.

Economic, political and other considerations are also baked on the results. Things like ToT, engagement by the local industry (percent of overall program cost that comes back to the country), economic or technology offsets, political considerations, ToT, weapon and platform export limits (and degradation of capability via said limits), financing, life-cycle costs, logistics, supporting infrastructure, future upgrades etc etc..

It is really impossible (and highly inappropriate) to reach definite or even relative conclusions about one single aspect of the program via reading the publicly disclosed information of said program in the whole. Like a child, each program is different.

Hope that helps, cheers..sorry for the off-topic post.

Whatever IAF chooses is gold standard for pretty much all air forces. Due to our varied geographies where combat can take place, mountains, deserts, plains and oceans, in some of the hottest and coldest places on the planet, along with some of the most rarefied air you can find in the world, what's suitable for the IAF is suitable for every single country in the world. You will notice that out of all the serious air forces in the world, only India is closest to the equator, hence why our standards are gold standard. We need more out of aircraft than most other countries do.

Our combat requirements are also as high as any top air force would want.

The recent exercises are proof of that.
http://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/180418/wargame-wins-praise-from-unlikely-quarters.html
In China, media reports have to be vetted by the government, so in a way they reflect the government’s stand and line of thought.

A report in a leading news aggregator Zhaizao declares that such large-scale air exercises are at present difficult for any other country except the United States and if India indeed has involved more than 1,100 air force assets then Russia and China will have to change their assessment of India.

There are many air forces that have bought aircraft with minimum tests simply because India bought that stuff. Mig-21, M-2000, Jaguar, Mig-29 etc. Look at how successful the Su-30MKI has become in their renamed forms, Su-30SM, Su-30MKM, Su-30MKA.

Lastly, the technical round in MMRCA only considered the technical specs of the aircraft. There was no politics and costs involved in this phase. The MMRCA tender was thoroughly professional. All aircraft were tested in similar conditions.

So when the IAF says the F-16 is not good enough, then people will stick their heads out to listen to the IAF's opinion.

 

[Dante80]

Whatever IAF chooses is gold standard for pretty much all air forces.

No, it isn't really. Different Air Forces have different requirements, and weigh certain performance, capability, economic, ToT, offset and political factors and attributes differently. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all procurement program.

All in all, I'd have no problem believing or thinking that the F-16 platform is objectively not as good as another platform. I'd never base my assumptions though exclusively or predominantly on the fact that it was not chosen in a specific procurement competition.

 

[randomradio]

No, it isn't really. Different Air Forces have different requirements, and weigh certain performance, capability, economic, ToT, offset and political factors and attributes differently. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all procurement program.

What IAF wants out of its aircraft, all smaller air forces pretty much want on par or lower capability than that. IAF's demand is to basically get the best of what you can really offer.

This is no different for even the smaller air forces in Europe.

Here's a Dutch evaluation.

Look at how low the F-16 Block 40 and the F-16 Block 60 are.

All in all, I'd have no problem believing or thinking that the F-16 platform is objectively not as good as another platform. I'd never base my assumptions though exclusively or predominantly on the fact that it was not chosen in a specific procurement competition.

You will easily know if you look at specs in the first place.

The F-16 has very poor range and inadequate payload. To increase range, it has to carry extra fuel, which makes it unnecessarily heavier and eat into its payload.

Since the aircraft is small, the fuselage does not carry a lot.

Here's Rafale:

Typhoon

Look at the number of air to air missiles carried on the fuselage. The F-16 can't do that. So even by looks alone you can easily tell how far ahead these two jets are.

Rafale is even better than the above since it has 5 heavy hardpoints instead of 3 on the Typhoon.

Apart from that, both jets can fly more than one hour longer with internal fuel.

Then there's the invisible stuff, like supercruise, climb rates, turn rates, the quality of the avionics etc, which are all a generation ahead compared to what even the F-16 Block 60 carries.

The Typhoon and Rafale can both supercruise at mach 1.4 to mach 1.5 with external tanks and missiles.

In light of such facts, how is it possible to say the F-16 is still relevant today?

And when evaluations also reject the F-16, then it's obvious that the air forces are doing something right.

The IAF remains the gold standard for imported jets through competitions. It's not something to be proud about, but then it is what it is.

Both EADS and Dassault have advertised their MMRCA victory on tech specs in all air shows all around the world. This doesn't really happen when other air forces pick one of the two. You can see the example in the last line of the brochure. It's because the IAF is considered a very professional, apolitical and choosy picker.

 

[araberuni7]

Gripen in pole position after re-issuance of IAF fighter RFI
Reuben F Johnson, Kuala Lumpur - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
20 April 2018
Key Points

• The Saab JAS 39 Gripen E seems to be leading the IAF's latest fighter contest
• The requirement stipulating use of GaN-based TRMs in the aircraft's AESA radar seems to be a major discerning factor

Despite the decision in February to broaden the Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) latest fighter competition to allow twin- as well as single-engined aircraft to bid, the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E is still likely to remain the favoured choice, according to industry sources familiar with the contest’s request for information (RFI) who spoke to Jane’s at Malaysia’s Defence Services Asia (DSA) exposition this month.

http://www.janes.com/article/79454/...position-after-re-issuance-of-iaf-fighter-rfi

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
25-April, 2018 18:05 IST
Air Marshal C Hari Kumar, Air Officer Commanding-In-Chief, Western Air Command Visits Air Force Station Patiala

Air Marshal C Hari Kumar PVSM AVSM VM VSM ADC, Air Officer Commanding in Chief, Western Air Command and President Air Force Wives Welfare Association (Regional) visited Air Force Station Patiala on 25 Apr 2018. The dignitaries, on their arrival were received by Gp Capt SS Kaila, Station Commander Air Force Station Patiala and Brigadier AS Rathore, Dy GOC 1 Armd Div.

The AOC-in-C, WAC inspected the station and interacted with Air warriors and apprised them on current security scenario and future challenges. During the visit AOC-in-C was briefed on the operational preparedness of the station. He commended the station on their efforts in recently held 'Ex Gagan Shakti'. He urged all Air warriors to be vigilant at all times and be prepared to handle any contingency. Mrs. Devika President AFWWA (R), also inspected AFWWA(L) Thrift shop and interacted with the 'Sanginis' of the station.

The Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal C. Hari Kumar with the officers during his visit to Air Force Station Patiala, in Punjab on April 25, 2018.

ARG/BBS

 

[araberuni7]

Do you guys find any reaction from Russian side after IAF booted both MiG-35 and Su-57 in consecutive weeks?
The guy who come up with GaN AESA idea in IAF, I applaud him.
I hope both PAF and BAF learn from IAF. I have read quwa conversation that PAF booted Su-35 after Russia offered Su-35 with downgraded radar to PAF.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
10-May, 2018 16:27 IST
First ever online selection of Airmen by the IAF

In yet another first, the IAF successfully conducted its first online selection test for airmen from 03 to 06 May 18. Taking forward the Digital India Initiative of the Government of India, the first ever Scheduled Test for Airmen Recruitment (STAR) was conducted successfully through computer based online tests in collaboration with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) Pune, a Government of India organisation functioning under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. This is the first instance of any of the three services undertaking selection tests online. This makes it easier for candidates across the country to appear for selection accommodating a wider choice of candidates, without having to apply an early filtration necessary in the earlier selection process.

A total of 409169 candidates had registered for the online STAR examination for Airmen. The online examination was successfully conducted at 439 centres spread over 102 cities across the country. This included over 100 centres in the North Eastern states, J&K and states which have limited representation in the IAF. Over 80% of the candidates were allotted centres of their first choice. 320678 candidates (78.37%) out of those who had registered appeared for the online test.

In the earlier manual pattern of tests, despite the IAF receiving over 4 lakh applications, owing to the limitations of testing capacity at the Airmen Selection Centres, only 80000 to 1 lakh candidates could be called to undergo the written test. Candidates were therefore screened out based on their Class 12 marks, thus denying opportunity to otherwise eligible candidates. In the online test format, all eligible candidates applying for STAR would be tested at examination centres closest to their place of residence. This would imply a near eight fold increase in the number of candidates who would be tested annually. The IAF stands to gain from the larger pool of candidates to choose from, while offering a level playing field to all eligible candidates.

The initiative is part of the Air Headquarters policy to reach out to the best talent to man and service the technology intensive platforms that equip the IAF. Apart from increased transparency and cost reduction, the initiative will help the IAF reach out to the youth in remote corners of the country and help them participate in the selection. Being the first of its kind initiative, the conduct of the examination was closely monitored by the highest echelons of Air Headquarters and Command Headquarters. Hon’ble Raksha Mantri and Chief of the Air Staff complimented the team involved in planning and executing the online tests in collaboration with CDAC, in ensuring that the entire process was executed without any glitch. It is a major milestone that would set a new benchmark for providing a fair opportunity to deserving youth from the remote corners of the country to join the IAF.

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[araberuni7]

India and Sweden will soon sign an agreement on sharing of classified information required for defence manufacturing and co-production in India, as the two sides look forward to open a new chapter in their defence partnership.

Prime Minister Löfven of Sweden welcomed India’s recent accession to the international export control regimes, including to Australia Group (AG), Wassenaar Arrangement (WA), Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and The Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC), and expressed support for India’s membership of the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG).

Swedish defence major SAAB has shown interest in manufacturing Gripen aircraft in India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. India and Sweden have agreed to strengthen their defence and security cooperation, including in areas of defence production and cyber security.

Gripen E Fighter Jet (Source Saab Group)AAB has partnered with the Adani Group for defence manufacturing, with the joint venture expected to bid for supplying fighter jets to the Indian Air Force. According to the request for information (RFI) floated by the defence ministry earlier this month, the IAF is looking to procure 82 single-seat fighter jets and 27-28 twin-seaters.

Lockheed Martin, Saab and Dassault Aviation are among the manufacturers expected to compete for India’s fighter order. The planes must be largely built locally as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s make-in-India drive to build a domestic industrial base.

Source Deccanherald

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
14-May, 2018 13:30 IST
Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Seminar: Head Quarter western Air Command

Head Quarter Western Air Command, situated in Subroto Park, Delhi conducted a seminar on Humanitarian and Disaster relief(HADR) on 14 may 18. The seminar is being conducted to focus onto effective measures to deal with HADR situations in Northern region of India. Apart from the IAF participation, secretary level delegations from the states of Himanchal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttrakhand, Haryana, Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir are participating in the seminar. Major respondents to disaster situations like NDMA, NDRF and ITBP are also attending the seminar.

In disaster situations, more often than not, the IAF is the first responder and kick starts the process of help to the affected population. To its credit, the IAF has not only national disaster relief operations like Op Madad – Chennai Cyclone, Op Rahat– UttrakhandFlash Floods, Op MeghRahat– Flood relief in J&K and relief operations at Andhra Pradesh during cyclone HUD HUD, it also has been carrying out relief actions in the international disaster situations like Evac of Indian Diaspora from Yemen, Op Maitri – earthquake relief at Nepal, cyclone relief at FIJI and flood relief in Sri Lanka. In most cases aircraft and personnel of Western Air Command have been the mainstay of these operations.

On the agenda are also discussions on National Perspective on Disaster Management & Capability Building and Enhancement of disaster relief for the attending states. Discussions on the response procedure using the IAF platforms would also be held at the seminar.


“I hope that by the end of the seminar we would have a clear understanding between all agencies involved in responding to a crisis situation at the earliest in an effective, efficient and economical manner. This would definitely reduce the loss of life and infrastructure during calamities” said the Senior Air Staff Officer of Western Air Command, Air Marshal NJS Dhillon AtiVishishtSeva Medal.

HQ WAC has been conducting such seminars and demonstrations across its area of responsibility. The present high level seminar held at Subroto park, New Delhi culminates on 15 May 18.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
10-May, 2018 20:18 IST
De-congestion of Parade Road and Dhaula Kuan

NHAI opens slip lane for free left at Parade road junction as part of its Dhaula Kuan Airport Decongestion plan. Work done in 40 days. Likely to give huge relief to airport bound traffic. Work involved Construction of RCC boundary wall for Airforce, shifting of water, Sewarge, OFC, electric and gas pipelines.

1.In order to eradicate the problem of traffic congestion in the Dhaula Kuan-Airport Corridor, Ministry of Road Transport &Highways, Govt. of India sanctioned a project for improvement of Dhaula Kuan and Parade Road junction. On account of constraints in transfer of land from Defence Authorities and Forest clearance, this work could physically start on 23.03.2018,

2. At T- junction near Defence area on Parde Road, the project provide for widening of 1.845 Km. (1.445 Km. along NH-8 and 0.4 Km. along Parade Road) including 3 lane underpass.

3. Inspite of the limited work front and restricted working hours available for construction, due to security concerns of Indian Air Force, NHAI was able to achieve the target of completing First Mile Stone to open 4 lane left side main carriageway on Dhaula Kuan - Airport corridor in Delhi- Gurgaon direction within just 45 days. The work involved shifting of various utilities like over head electric lines, sewer lines, storm water lines, air force OFC network, tree cutting, IGL gas pipe lines etc. and construction of 450 m. RCC panel boundary wall in Air force area and 1400 m. boundary wall in the army area and four lane carriageway (LHS) in Delhi-Jaipur direction.

4. With opening of this carriageway, traffic congestion on LHS of NH-8 will be eased out. The traffic from Dhaula Kuan to Gurgaon and Parade Road will take free left. Gurgaon bound traffic will continue over RTR flyover as it is, but till the completion of underpass, traffic bound to Parade Road will take U-turn below RTR flyover.

****

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
15-May, 2018 14:04 IST
Summer adventure Camp at Air Force Station Hindan

A Summer Adventure Camp was organised at Air Force Station Hindan for children and families from 12 to 15 May 2018. The camp is aimed to inculcate and promote the spirit of adventure, camaraderie and virtue of self-discipline among the participants.

A total of 600 personnel including air warriors and their families participated in the camp. Various activities such as Microlight Flying, Power Hand Gliding, Para Sailing, Rappelling, Zorbing, Go Karting and Swimming were organised during the camp. Adequate safety measures were undertaken to safeguard against heat, exhaustion and dehydration of the participants.

The station also made an extra effort to facilitate participation of specially abled children of Umeed Vidyakiran School and their teachers. A total of 26 children and 22 staff of the school also participated and enjoyed various adventure activities.

The camp was held in morning and evening sessions to ensure that every participant gets a chance to take part in the organised activities. The participants took part in various activities with full zeal and enthusiasm.

The Senior Air Staff Officer of Head Quarter Western Air Command, Air Marshal N.J.S. Dhillon along with the dignitaries in a group photograph during the Humanitarian and Disaster relief (HADR) seminar, in New Delhi on May 14, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

A view of Mechuka bridge | Photo Credit: Rahul Karmakar

GUWAHATI, May 15, 2018 13:07 IST
Updated: May 15, 2018 13:31 IST

Mechuka, a small town in West Siang district ,with an advance landing ground (ALG) that is closest to the border with China.

Also spelt Menchuka, the Buddhist-dominated Mechuka is perched 6,200 feet above sea level in the Eastern Himalayas and at an aerial distance of 29 km from the nearest point on the India-China border.

The landing strip at Mechuka’s ALG, one of six the Defence Ministry had reconstructed, expanded and made operational by April last year, is 4,200 feet long. The Indian Air Force (IAF) controls this ALG as well as the other five – Tuting, Aalo, Pasighat, Vijaynagar and Ziro.

In November 2016, the IAF successfully landed a C-17 Globemaster, a large military cargo aircraft that normally needs a longer runway at sea level, at Mechuka.

“We want to test the waters with a smaller aircraft initially for a once-a-week flight. The frequency and size of fixed-wing aircraft can be increased depending on the response the service ,” Mr. Sona, who represents the Mechuka Assembly constituency, said.

The nine-seater flight service, to be handled by the State’s Civil Aviation department, is not part of New Delhi’s Udey Desh ka Aam Naagrik or UDAN scheme for regional connectivity.

There is a twice-a-week helicopter service between Mechuka and Naharlagun, a commercial helipad near State capital Itanagar. But this service on Mondays and Saturdays is erratic because of unpredictable weather.

Mechuka is about 190 km north west of West Siang district headquarters Aalo. The road has not been in the best of shape, but the State government claims it will benefit from the 1,559 km Trans-Arunachal Highway (from Tawang in north-west to Kanubari in south-east) and branch projects.

The difficulty in reaching Mechuka terrestrially, however, has been a boon in disguise for mountain terrain biking (MTB), Mr. Sona said.

“MTB enthusiasts from all over have certified a 700 km stretch from Mechuka to Itanagar as the best track for mountain biking. We are focusing on this and other adventure sports such as white- water rafting in a big way,” Mr. Sona said.

 

[Hindustani78]

HINDAN: Specially abled children of Umeed Vidyakiran school participating at various activities at a Summer Adventure Camp organised by Indian Air Force at Hindan airbase in Ghaziabad on Tuesday. UNI PHOTO

Resurfacing of runway underway at the Chandigarh airbase on Wednesday. PTI

Chandigarh, May 16

The Chandigarh airport would be a completely certified international airport by August 2019 and its runway would be made available for night operations as well, a senior Indian Air Force official said on Wednesday.

The IAF was executing a multi-phase plan to upgrade operational facilities at the airport, Air Commodore S Srinivasan, Air Officer Commanding (AOC), 12 Wing, Air Force Station, Chandigarh, said at a press conference here.

“By Feburary 2019, this runway should be ready for all types of aircraft (including long haul wide bodied ones) and by that time taxi links, dispersal area too will be ready.

“The physical length of the runway will be 12,400 feet and what we call take off distance available will be 10,400 feet, which is good enough for all types of aircraft.

While there were no civilian flights during this period, the IAF aircraft were relocated to alternative air bases in the region to continue operational tasks.

Chandigarh base primarily houses transport aircraft responsible for air maintenance of the northern sector and other communication duties.

The airport lies in defence airfield that is increasingly being used by civilian operators. The Air Traffic Control and runway operations lie with the IAF.

After completion of the second phase of runway re-carpeting/repair work in May, the effective runway length would increase to 10,400 feet from 7,200 feet.

“The work on runway was undertaken in 3-4 phases and multiple layers of bitumen are being put. Additional ramp costing is coming to Rs 2 lakh per night as the runway has to be kept operational.

Touching upon the importance of this base, he said, “This is the biggest air logistics base in India, more so for the armed forces. The entire sustenance of Jammu and Kashmir, starting from Srinagar, right up to the reaches of Karokaram and the Aksai Chin is looked after by this base.”

“The military aeroplanes that operate from this base—you have the C17s, IL-76, AN32s, MI-26 and a host of other military aircrafts—that come here from different bases operate out of this base. The officer said in case of any closure of the Air Force station or the runway, the biggest loss of efficiency was for the country.

“The entire mechanism of restricted hours, restricted watch periods directly impacts the supply of basic sustenance equipment material for the Army and the military forces deployed on the borders,” he said.

Replying to a question, he said around 29,000 tonnes of tonnage was supplied annually to Jammu and Kashmir from here.

Air Force sorties from the base to northern region were 10-15 per day and they were being operated from Ambala till May 31. — PTI

 

[MimophantSlayer]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1004208298504015872