Indian Build Up

[Astra]

On papers china is surely more powerful than India. No doubt.
But war is not fought by weapons, it is fought by men. Nobody will be a winner in india china war. But the fact is, both countries are more interested in development and nobody wants to halt their growth by fighting a meaningless war.

 

[Malang]

On papers china is surely more powerful than India. No doubt.
But war is not fought by weapons, it is fought by men. Nobody will be a winner in india china war. But the fact is, both countries are more interested in development and nobody wants to halt their growth by fighting a meaningless war.

Hello Astra


No one is doubting the calibre of either of the 2 defence forces but conventionally China has a slight upper hand terrestrially due to their equipment and style of governance. Air and Naval Forces of both are even Steven.


Though large scale confrontation between both is unthinkable even hypothetically at the moment. Low intensity confrontations are a nice way of testing each other's preparedness and are de rigeur in the subcontinent.


Malang

 

[Proud to be Pakistani]

Please stop posting trash based on emotions rather than facts.

I really doubt india is making satellite killer, but if we are, then good for us

All you people with satellite killer.... Come to earth... the trip to mars is over..

 

[Black Stone]

India doesn't need ASAT capabilities, unless they want to weaponize space, which I doubt that.

If India is pursuing ASAT capabilities, it would be targetted at China, not Pakistan.

The US, The former Soviet Union and China are the only countries with this capability.

Since we are warming with India, China is not a threat.

 

[Tiki Tam Tam]

All you people with satellite killer.... Come to earth... the trip to mars is over..

The trip to the Moon is on the anvil!

 

[Vinod2070]

All you people with satellite killer.... Come to earth... the trip to mars is over..

Not yet.

But read somewhere that ISRO is planning for a future mission to Mars. Details not yet concretized.

 

[JimmyJ]

technovelgy.com/ct/Science-Fiction-News.asp?NewsNum=931 Debris Cloud From Chinese ASAT A Menace To Space Lanes: Science Fiction in the News
When a country becomes or tries to be a better power, there is some responsibility that it needs to taken up. It is widely accepted not to weponise the space. I never want India to do an ASAT as it can be very bad for the humanity as a whole.

India's build up is not aganist Pakistan while the Chineese build up is not against India. But China believes that India may join US allies to restrict China. (Anyone who has done wrong will always try to see the same in others). This belief might have come from Chineese using Pak as a counter against India. So there is more that just India Pak rivalry thats going on in South Asia.

I don't believe that India is powerful than or even as powerful as China. But the theater of operation in case of a war has a lot of restriction. (Imagine Taiwan declaring Independence when China is at a full scale war with India. So about Pakis attacking India at the same time which is less probable due to Unkil.) So China won't be able to utilize its full power against India. Also the Chineese navy is yet to be a blue water navy. Also the Malacca Strait is an important choke point much closer to the India's sphere of influence.

If any of the recent events are any eye opener, first the US then China is acknowledging India as a regional power in the Indian Ocean who will be able to secure the sea trade. So China rather than trying to counter India will soon be looking more for cooperation. This will also bring a safer Asia. The instability that is spreading in South Asia (Pakistan, SriLanka and Bangladesh) seems to have come as an eye opener for the two nations. China is not very pleasant with the presence of continued US presence in Pakistan as Pakistan is gate way for China to Indian Ocean Region. It brings in insecurity feeling to China and so it would clearly like to keep India in better, if not best, relation

 

[Contrarian]

Offsets To Help Wipro Enter Defense Sector
Offsets To Help Wipro Enter Defense Sector

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India Defence Premium
Dated 4/2/2008
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Wipro Ltd, which is India’s third largest software services company, will build electronic warfare systems, radars and flight simulators locally for US defence contractors, such as Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp., as it pursues what are called offset contracts for missiles and aircraft sold by foreign vendors to Indian armed forces.

India's defence offset policy mandates that foreign contractors source components and systems from local vendors for at least 30% of the value of orders of more than Rs300 crore that they get from the Indian military. Indian companies are expected to get offset orders from global military equipment makers of nearly Rs40,000 crore up to 2011, according to the ministry of defence.

The biggest of such orders will come from local sourcing in a purchase of 126 fighteraircraft, estimated to cost Rs42,000 crore. Wipro, the Bangalore-based company with interests from soaps to software, is setting up dedicated units for these systems, including avionics, anticipating bigger revenues from defence customers from middle of next year. This company, chaired by Azim Hasham Premji, has plans to build command and control systems for defence equipment; design and development of flight control systems; aircraft simulators; maintenance simulators; and other communication systems associated with the defence sector, said a person familiar with the development.


“Wipro has already approached the Indian government for necessary approvals for making a strong presence in defence production,” this person said. Sudip Nandy, chief executive officer of telecom and product engineering services at Wipro, said these permissions are required for exploring offset opportunities under the guidelines of the ministry of defence.
“There could be a different school of thought whether it is required or not. But we are going ahead with this,” added Nandy.
“Revenues from defence are small, but the big revenues will start flowing from mid-2009 to end-2009,” Nandy had said in an earlier interview in January. “We currently have three tie-ups and will announce a few more.”

Wipro and Lockheed Martin set up a network-centric operations centre in August last year, called Ambar Jyoti, in Gurgaon, near New Delhi, to work on new technologies in communication for the defence sector.Wipro also has a tie-up with Britian’s largest defence maker BAE Systems Plc., to build sub-systems for aircraft engines that power business jets in the commercial segment. This relationship could set the basis for further cooperation in the defence and aerospace businesses. India’s imports of military hardware and software could reach a cumulative $30 billion (Rs1.2 trillion) by 2012 as its armed forces buy multi-role fighter jets, artillery guns, a variety of helicopters and long-range maritime spy aircraft, according to a study by the Associated Chambersof Commerce and Industry of India, or Assocham, a lobby of trade associations.

“In the past three years, India spent as much as $10.5 billion of military hardware and software, making it the largest arms importers in the developing world. Indian military budget was about $20 billion in last fiscal and is expected to grow 7% annually over the next five years,” Assocham said. Much of the budget goes to meet spending on salaries, fuel, spares and other operating expenses.

The year 2001 witnessed the entry of foreign private players in defence-related manufacturing in India, with a 26% overseas ownership permitted in the sector. By mid-2007, there were about 5,200 companies supplying 20-25% of components and sub-assemblies to state-owned contractors in the defence sector.

The government has recently issued licences to various private companies for the production of defence items including Larsen and Toubro Ltd, the Tata group, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, Max Aerospace and Aviation Ltd and Ramoss India. Companies such as Kirloskar Brothers Ltd,Ashok Leyland Ltd and the Jindal group, too, supply defence equipment and services to the state-owned defence production companies. The same person, quoted earlier, added that Wipro is also trying to secure key offset opportunities emanating from civil aviation purchases.

Under a 111-plane acquisition deal by National Aviation Co. of India Ltd, which operates Air India, from the US-based plane maker Boeing Co. and France’s Airbus SAS, the government has ensured an offset clause similar to that in defence purchases.
“Wipro is also eyeing contracts from both Boeing and Airbus,” he added.

Offsets To Help Wipro Enter Defense Sector | India Defence

 

[KENT]

Very Very much needed move implementing by the government by allowing private sector into defence Reserch, design and production of defence related devices. Prospect of Indian defence industry is very bright with the arrivel of Offset policy as well as entry of Private sector.

I think, why I have getting the feeling that, MRCA will be going to be either F-16 or F-18, since every now and then I have been hearing about collabration of Lokheed and Boeing with Indian Industrial empires.

 

[Flintlock]

US$ 1.5 Billion Upgrades For 30 Indian Air Force Military Bases

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Dated 7/2/2008
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India, which is planning a $1.5 billion upgrade for its 30 military airports and their air traffic control systems, issued a request for bids in January, a senior Indian Defence Ministry official said.

The Air Force is also buying air defense gear, a senior service official said. He gave no details about the equipment sought but said the Air Force likely will spend more than $1 billion on it.
Invited to bid on the project’s first phase were France’s Thales, the U.S.’s Lockheed Martin, Germany’s Siemens, Italy’s Celex, Britain’s Terma, and India’s Tata Power and Mumbai-based NELCO. That phase will include the supply, installation, testing and integration of equipment subsystems.

The effort is part of India’s plan to increase troops’ mobility in conformity with the latest military doctrine, which stipulates that future wars will be fast, lethal and shorter.
Last month, the Indian government approved the purchase of six U.S. C-130J airlifters to speedily move troops.

The airfields include Adampur, AFA, Agra, Ambala, Bagdogra, Bareilly, Bhatinda, Bhuj, Bidar, Chabua, Chandigarh, Gorakhpur, Gwalior, Halwara, Hasimara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Jorhat, KKD, Nal, Naliya, Pathankot, Pune, Sirsa, Suratgarh, Tezpur, Uttarlai and Yelahanka.

Bidders must include offsets worth 30 percent of their bid, and must agree to complete the work within 3½ years of contract signature. One airfield will become a model airbase and test bed, the official said. Each airfield must receive new lighting, automated air traffic control management system, instrument landing system, distance measuring equipment and a Doppler very-high-frequency omni-range navigation system that works up to 15,000 feet. The winning bidder must also supply six mobile airfield lighting systems to fill in when airfield lights fail, one mobile air traffic control system, and facilities to train people to run and fix the systems.

The automated air traffic control system must operate around the clock, 365 days a year, with lights that have a minimum life of 15 years and operate from zero to 50 degrees Celsius. All equipment should be able to operate on AC power from 160 volts to 260 volts.

 

[Flintlock]

Indian Air Force To Acquire 24 Attack And 12 Heavy Lift Helicopters

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Dated 8/2/2008
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to acquire 24 new attack helicopters and 12 heavy lift helicopters to replace and augment its Soviet-era fleets. Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Fali Homi Major told India Strategic defence magazine, whose website he inaugurated Thursday night, that a global Request for Proposals (RFP) for 24 state-of-the-art attack helicopters was around the corner. So was an RFP for 12 heavy lift helicopters to replace the old 20-ton Mi 26 helicopters.

IAF's fleet of half-a-dozen Mi 26 heavy lift helicopters needs urgent replacement while the Mi 35 attack helicopters are being upgraded in systems to extend their useful life for some more time. Major said that the IAF was 'actively pursuing a comprehensive plan to upgrade its helicopter fleet by upgrading older machines and inducting new ones.'

While the Mi 17 multi-role helicopters and Mi 35 Soviet-era attack helicopters would be upgraded, a parallel plan was underway to renew assets in the next 10 years as part of the air force's overall perspective plan. A plan to acquire 80 newer Mi 17 1Vs was already under implementation.

'Within the next 10 years though, there would be a transformation of the helicopter fleet,' the air chief said, pointing out that newer machines with state-of-the-art glass cockpits, mid-flight refueling capability and night operations were needed to meet the contemporary and future requirements.

He agreed the acquisition process had suffered after 1990, and it was time new helicopters and systems were inducted to match the emerging strategic scenario as well as requirements for mobility of troops, men and material even during a natural calamity.

The armed forces provide the best-organized personnel even during peace time operations whenever floods, snow storms, earth quakes and disasters like tsunami have taken place.

Noting the development of some indigenous capability by HAL-produced aircraft, particularly the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), he said: 'A number of procurement schemes are being progressed and we will, in future, have a mix of indigenous and imported aircraft to meet our operational requirements, which includes heavy and medium-lift and utility helicopters. These helicopters will be inducted in a phase manner during the next two 5-year plans.'

Major did not indicate any preference, saying that the aircraft and systems are procured in accordance with the Air Staff Requirements (ASRs) in a transparent and thorough process, and that 'whosoever makes them, will be invited to participate in the tenders.'

As for the attack helicopters, Boeing has already made known its offer to sell its latest version of the Apache AH 64 to India.

In fact, Boeing had invited a group of defence analysts from India, including this writer, at its aircraft and helicopter manufacturing facilities to showcase its sophistication in military products.

Boeing Vice President Chris Chadwick then said that the company was offering both the Apache Block III as well as Chinook CH 47 heavy lift in the 20-ton category to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Block III version would be available to the US forces in 2011, and if India chose it, to the Indian Air Force as well.

Indications are that the EADS Eurocopter has also offered its Tiger attack helicopter with latest technologies to India, both for the Army and Air Force.

However at present, the attack helicopter role is vested with the IAF.

Major said that the effort would be to invite manufacturers from around the world, and that in the heavy lift category, helicopters with 15-to-20-ton capacity would be considered.

'Today, we want the best, with digital net-centric connectivity as well as onboard sensors and weapons, so that we can use them for long, while periodically upgrading their systems or parts.'

It may be noted that Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) parts with modular, replaceable designs are now standard in aircraft and helicopters. For sophisticated machines though, they have to be ordered - or outsourced - from other manufacturers.

According to Air Marshal Ashok Goel, strategic affairs analyst, in a large country like India helicopters are one of the most vital systems. 'Their flights have to be stationed at various places to give the armed forces reach and mobility to counter a threat or help the people in a natural disaster.'

The helicopters are required not only for ferrying onboard and under-slung military equipment but also for deployment in natural disasters as has been observed during calamities like tsunami and snowstorms in the recent years.

(Author: Gulshan Luthra)

 

[KENT]

Right now attack Helicopters are the need of hour to deal with the meance of insurgents. Since most of these insurgent operate in dence jungles and hence it makes difficult to bring them out from their hideout through the fast jets. In addition to this helicopter, the exteriors of this helicopters should be made up of thick metal as well their roter blade should powerful enough to resist the blow of grende or all other explosives.

 

[su-47]

Right now attack Helicopters are the need of hour to deal with the meance of insurgents. Since most of these insurgent operate in dence jungles and hence it makes difficult to bring them out from their hideout through the fast jets. In addition to this helicopter, the exteriors of this helicopters should be made up of thick metal as well their roter blade should powerful enough to resist the blow of grende or all other explosives.

we dont need apache longbows or eurocopter tigers to deal with insurgents. dhruv fit with rockets would be fine.

the attack helis are for real war. i hope we choose apache longbow. its the best darn heli there is.

 

[Flintlock]

Indian Air Force To Induct BAe Hawk Jet Trainers On February 23rd


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Dated 11/2/2008
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The Hawk-132 advanced jet trainers (AJTs) will be inducted into the Indian Air Force on February 23 in the presence of Defence Minister A. K. Antony.

The induction of the five advanced jet trainers marks the operationalization of the aircraft. It will be an important milestone in the training of future fighter pilots. Training for young pilots will start from July 2008, said an IAF source.

The AJTs will replace the more demanding MiG-21 for providing advanced training to the next generation of fighter pilots. The first two Hawk aircraft arrived at Bidar on November 12, 2007.

The induction of Hawk AJTs will fulfil a long-standing demand of the IAF that will effectively bridge the gap between the slow jet trainer such as Kiran and the advanced fighter aircrafts in the Air Force.

The IAF first felt the need for an AJT in 1982. To fill the quantum difference in the skill and judgement levels required by a young fighter pilot as he transits to state of the art fighters such as the Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000 and MiG-29, the Hawk-132 would adequately serve as lead trainer for these advanced aircraft.

The Hawk-132 is a variant of the highly successful BAE Systems Hawk AJTs. It incorporates an open architecture mission computer, glass cockpit and a state of the art avionics suite including a new generation Inertial Navigation System with GPS (INGPS).

Hawk-132 is also equipped with several Indian components such as the communication sets, identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system and the radio altimeter.

In addition to being an AJT, the Hawk-132 is fully combat capable and can carry air-to-air missile and air-to-ground strikes. It can also be used as a lightweight fighter.

The contract for the supply of the Hawk AJT was signed between the IAF and BAE Systems in 2004. The deal envisaged a supply of 66 aircraft.

The first batch of 24 aircraft will be built at the BAE Systems' facilities in Brough in East Yorkshire (UK), with flight-testing taking place at Warton. The remaining 42 aircraft will be manufactured under licence in India through a partnership with the public sector Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bangalore.

The Bidar airfield, which is located in northwest Karnataka, will serve as the main operating base for the Hawk. This base has been a training establishment for trainee IAF pilots since 1963.

India would be the third biggest customer for Hawks, closely following in the footsteps of the British Royal Air Force and the South African Air Force.

The Hawk is in worldwide operation with 800 plus aircraft in use by 17 customers and 22 armed forces. The trainers have generated over 1.5 million flight hours in experience.

 

[mujahideen]

Indian Army turns down government call to downsize

* Army cites domestic insurgencies as reason for refusal

By Iftikhar Gilani

NEW DELHI: The Indian Army has turned down a government recommendation of downsizing in favour of more reliance on technology and weapon systems.

Citing factors like fighting militancy in Jammu and Kashmir and northeast besides manning the higher reaches of Kargil and the eastern front facing China, the army top brass has told the government to shelve the idea of “downsizing the military strength at present”. Instead of downsizing, Indian Army is raising two divisions for deployment in the mountainous terrain facing Pakistan and China. Former Indian Army chief, General VP Malik had decided to do away with about 50,000 troops in early 1999. But, soon after Kargil, he raised a new corps, 14 Corps based in Ladakh.

Over past few years the government here has been pushing the idea of restructuring in the forces to make it “more leaner and meaner”. Keeping in view the changed war scenario, a section in the strategic establishment has asked to rely more on technology and weapon systems rather on a huge man power. Government sources said that much of the defence budget, which accounts for more than 60 per cent of the annual budget, goes to salaries, pensions and other benefits like logistics and canteen services rather to modernization and the capital account.

It is believed that army’s top brass is likely to make a detailed presentation about the inadvisability of downsizing move to the top political leadership next month. The army says the ground situation does not leave any room for “field force rationalisation” (troops engaged in actual combat operations) as the two fronts, Pakistan and China, need physical presence of the troops on the ground. It has also argued that operational commitments in Jammu and Kashmir to tackle insurgency were manpower intensive.

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