Stephen Cohen
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Make In India F-16s, F-18s: Hunt for new range of fighter jets set to take off
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/...8-airforce-sukhoi-french-rafale/1/703302.html
The defence ministry is moving fast to end the critical shortage of fighter jets in the Indian Air Force (IAF) which has been decommissioning squadrons flying MIG-21s that have been in service for over 50 years.
Hoping to seal the deal for 36 French Rafale soon, India's hunt for another range of fighters will gain ground next month when it gets a lowdown on the plans for 'Make in India' F-16s and F-18s.
Indian officials will get a presentation on the proposals on the two US fighters next month when Pentagon official Frank Kendall will be in New Delhi.
The defence ministry is moving fast to end the critical shortage of fighter jets in the Indian Air Force (IAF) which has been decommissioning squadrons flying MIG-21s that have been in service for over 50 years.
US companies have already made formal presentations on supplying F-16s and F-18s to the IAF but New Delhi wants to make these planes completely in India. The Russian Sukhoi-30 MKIs are assembled in India but the new proposal is to get complete transfer of technology that would require assembly lines of the US fighters to be set up in India.
Sources said that after New Delhi conveyed its plans, the US officials will bring back their proposal in the meeting next month. India is keen on deep absorption of technology, not just bringing the planes in knocked-down kits.
The IAF's requirement for fighter jets is such that there will be enough orders for the companies to set up manufacturing units in India.
NEW PROJECTS ::
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington, India was recognised as a major defence partner of the US.
Kendall's visit is being seen as a follow-up of the move to explore new projects of cooperation. Sweden's aircraft defence major Saab has also offered Gripen fighter jets but it is yet to make a formal presentation.
The IAF had rationalised fighter operations to delay decommissioning of some squadrons.
New Delhi hopes that the deal to buy 36 French Rafales would be signed in the coming weeks.
The indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas will make an entry into IAF from July 1. Only two aircraft will form the 45 squadron which is being revived. The IAF will have 20 aircrafts with the current capability and equal numbers with enhanced features and 80 with the advanced version which, apart from the new radar, will have capability to fire advanced BVR and short range missiles.
IMPROVEMENTS ::
Officials hope that the strength of the squadron will reach eight by the end of next year. The complete version of Tejas, known as Mk IA, which will bring it at par with the best in the world, is still some years away. This aircraft will have Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) which will enable it to handle several targets.
CHOICE GALORE ::
In terms of the existing platforms, the supply of home-assembled Su-30 MKIs by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to IAF has improved significantly. Last year, IAF received close to 20 aircraft, the highest since production began over a decade ago. The officials said that all options are on the table as of now on the choice of new fighters.
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/...8-airforce-sukhoi-french-rafale/1/703302.html
The defence ministry is moving fast to end the critical shortage of fighter jets in the Indian Air Force (IAF) which has been decommissioning squadrons flying MIG-21s that have been in service for over 50 years.
Hoping to seal the deal for 36 French Rafale soon, India's hunt for another range of fighters will gain ground next month when it gets a lowdown on the plans for 'Make in India' F-16s and F-18s.
Indian officials will get a presentation on the proposals on the two US fighters next month when Pentagon official Frank Kendall will be in New Delhi.
The defence ministry is moving fast to end the critical shortage of fighter jets in the Indian Air Force (IAF) which has been decommissioning squadrons flying MIG-21s that have been in service for over 50 years.
US companies have already made formal presentations on supplying F-16s and F-18s to the IAF but New Delhi wants to make these planes completely in India. The Russian Sukhoi-30 MKIs are assembled in India but the new proposal is to get complete transfer of technology that would require assembly lines of the US fighters to be set up in India.
Sources said that after New Delhi conveyed its plans, the US officials will bring back their proposal in the meeting next month. India is keen on deep absorption of technology, not just bringing the planes in knocked-down kits.
The IAF's requirement for fighter jets is such that there will be enough orders for the companies to set up manufacturing units in India.
NEW PROJECTS ::
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington, India was recognised as a major defence partner of the US.
Kendall's visit is being seen as a follow-up of the move to explore new projects of cooperation. Sweden's aircraft defence major Saab has also offered Gripen fighter jets but it is yet to make a formal presentation.
The IAF had rationalised fighter operations to delay decommissioning of some squadrons.
New Delhi hopes that the deal to buy 36 French Rafales would be signed in the coming weeks.
The indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas will make an entry into IAF from July 1. Only two aircraft will form the 45 squadron which is being revived. The IAF will have 20 aircrafts with the current capability and equal numbers with enhanced features and 80 with the advanced version which, apart from the new radar, will have capability to fire advanced BVR and short range missiles.
IMPROVEMENTS ::
Officials hope that the strength of the squadron will reach eight by the end of next year. The complete version of Tejas, known as Mk IA, which will bring it at par with the best in the world, is still some years away. This aircraft will have Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) which will enable it to handle several targets.
CHOICE GALORE ::
In terms of the existing platforms, the supply of home-assembled Su-30 MKIs by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to IAF has improved significantly. Last year, IAF received close to 20 aircraft, the highest since production began over a decade ago. The officials said that all options are on the table as of now on the choice of new fighters.
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. better ask for engine tech and build more rafale and tejas mk1a.
+fgfa+amca+rest
