tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39159593779932210002024-03-05T09:39:21.522+05:30Thum! Kaun Aata Hai?News and opinion on India's defense modernization; a veteran's perspective.Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.comBlogger261125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-39678443888478381852021-07-16T19:06:00.005+05:302021-07-16T19:36:11.016+05:30Russia's LO Checkmate! No One Saw it Coming! Via TwitterIntroductionRussia's Sukhoi is company funding development of a LO supermaneuverable optionally manned single engine lightweight (18 t) Mach 2 fighter that will be unveiled at MAKS 2021 On July 12, 2021, days ahead of MAKS 2021, Russia's Rostec announced:“The United Aircraft Corporation will present a fundamentally new military aircraft on July 20 - on the first day of the Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-43727612168267295972021-05-13T16:47:00.003+05:302021-05-13T16:59:57.797+05:30Buoyed by Rezistor-E Success on INS Vikramaditya, Russian Navy to Install Precision Landing System on Admiral KuznetsovAccording to data made available to TASS by Russia's Chelyabinsk Research Institute of Measuring and Radio-Technical Equipment, Indian Navy pilots have already conducted over 1,500 landings on INS Vikramaditya using the Rezistor-E landing system which has "performed splendidly."The Rezistor-E is a radar based air traffic control and precision approach radar system featuring digital channel data Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-72291485756899272232021-04-28T17:59:00.003+05:302021-04-28T19:57:13.853+05:30Finally, Tejas LCA, Python-5 Close Combat Missile (CCM) IntegrationOn April 28, 2021, six years after initiating the project, the Indian MoD announced that its Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has conducted integration of the Python-5 air-to-air missile on Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA). Integration trials ended on April 27, 2021 at Goa.The MoD press release states, "At Goa, after successful separation trials, live launch of the missile onVijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-22295592032037212872020-10-30T21:26:00.005+05:302020-10-30T21:26:34.335+05:30Kh-35E Uran Missile Tested from INS KoraThe Indian Navy's missile corvette INS Kora reportedly test fired a Kh-35E Uran (NATO:SS-N-25 Switchblade) to its max range on October 30, 2020 in the Bay of Bengal hitting the target with precision. The Kh-35E is the export variant of the Ukrainian Kh-35 missile, a 620-kg subsonic cruise missile powered by a Motor Sich R95-300 turbojet engine. The missile features a 145-kg warhead and has a max Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-91568114176038792072020-10-30T18:38:00.003+05:302020-10-30T18:38:34.061+05:30The Reason Why India Declined the US Offer of MQ-9B Reaper Armed DronesMQ-9B via Twitter During the recent 2+2 Ministerial dialog between India and the US, the US reportedly pressured India into buying MQ-9B drones but India declined, denying President Donald Trump a foreign policy success that could have boosted his reelection chances. The deal would have secured US jobs (The USAF has lost interest in the Reaper, a weapon system honed for anti-terrorist Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-70916771205615387082020-10-29T15:26:00.003+05:302020-10-29T15:31:49.737+05:30Russia Tests Ship Based Missile Launched Rocket Propelled Torpedo Russian Northern Fleet "Admiral of the Fleet Kasatonov" Project 22350M frigate during recent weapon trials. Photo via RuMoD On October 28, 2020, the RuMoD in a press release announced that the second P-22350M frigate of the Northern Fleet "Admiral of the Fleet Kasatonov" fired a newly developed anti-submarine missile at the training grounds of the fleet in the Barents Sea."The shooting was Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-72399986984138328722020-10-28T11:44:00.002+05:302020-10-28T11:45:16.704+05:30All Foundational Agreements Signed , but What about Tech Transfer under DTTI?The US in 2006 proposed that India sign the following 3 foundational agreements to facilitate increased defense co-operationLogistics Support Agreement (LSA). Now known as Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA)Communication Interoperability and Security Memorandum Agreement (CISMOA) Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial Cooperation (BECA)On October 27, Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-83176261634568653652020-10-26T17:40:00.000+05:302020-10-26T17:40:02.637+05:30Russia Well Prepared for US Hypersonic WeaponsIntroductionWhen the US withdrew from the ABM treaty in June 2002, Russia indicated that it would develop hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) warheads to counter any anti ballistic missiles systems that the US deployed to ensure the efficacy of the Russian nuclear deterrent. On March 1, 2018, during a presentation to the Federal Assembly, President of the Russian Federation, Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-37346996302253145012020-10-25T18:58:00.000+05:302020-10-25T18:58:24.582+05:30INS Vikrant Basin Trials in October 2020: Really? via TwitterGoing by this photograph of INS Vikrant posted by @DefencePROkochi on Twitter on October 25, 2020, INS Vikrant does not appear ready for basin trials.The TNIE reported on October 4, 2020 that INS Vikrant is set to begin basin trials this month.The TNIE had reported in August 2020 that NS Vikrant, is set to begin testing in waters (Basin Test) with its systems and equipment Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-23323859933595164062020-10-09T15:51:00.002+05:302020-10-09T17:45:09.351+05:30Rudram - 1 : Next Generation Anti-radiation Missile (NGARM)via TwitterIntroductionIn April 2012, DRDO announced that it is developing an anti-radiation missile on priority to equip Su-30MKI aircraft.In August 2014, DRDO Chief Avinash Chander confirmed to the press that missile design is in progress and hardware is being readied for the first trials. "We expect successful trials of this ARM from an aircraft in about the next three years," he Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-57669226252315643822020-09-27T16:34:00.002+05:302020-09-27T16:47:23.307+05:30PLAAF vs IAF: Which Air Force Would Prevail? IAF, PLAAF airbasesIntroductionThe People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force (PLAAF) is a large, well trained and technologically air force. Arguably, more technologically advanced than the Indian Air Force (IAF)! Importantly, almost all PLAAF platforms and weapon systems are locally developed and manufactured. The PLAAF's size and technological edge notwithstanding, the well trained, Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-13106362153501588942020-09-08T12:15:00.000+05:302020-09-08T12:15:09.187+05:30Su-30SM2 Upgrade - Likely Base for HAL's Su-30MKI Upgrade Su-30SM at MAKS 2019IntroductionThe Sukhoi Experimental Design Bureau in partnership with Irkut Corporation is developing a new modernized version of the Sukhoi Su-30SM Flanker-H that features upgraded engine, improved Radar and avionics and modern weapons. Designated as the Su-30SM2 (Earlier referred to as Su-30SMD), the aircraft leverages the operational lessons that Russia has learned Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-33538846465401832302020-08-29T13:08:00.001+05:302020-08-29T17:35:17.706+05:30IAF vs PLAAF: Assessing the J-20 Threat Dual seat variant of the J-20 via TwitterIntroductionThe J-20 is a large and heavy all aspect stealth fighter, sometimes referred to as a light bomber. Based on the geometry of its shape, it likely has a very low front aspect RCS and reasonably low side aspect RCS. However, rear aspect RCS reduction is minimal. The J-20 was developed to penetrate undetected airspace in the vicinity of Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-21589406409793537592020-08-08T19:37:00.006+05:302020-10-13T13:18:06.373+05:30IAF vs PLAAF - The PLA's UAV Threat Wing Loong 1 at MAKS 2019IntroductionThis is the second article of series that I am writing analyzing the relative strengths and weaknesses of the IAF and the PLAAF in the context of the face-off between the IA and the PLA along the LAC in Ladakh. The first article of the series was Rafale vs J-20.The threat posed by PLA reconnaissance and armed UAVs to Indian Army (IA) operations Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-22390552369077814112020-07-31T19:22:00.006+05:302020-08-02T18:29:15.203+05:30J-20 vs Rafale
Introduction
Comparing the J-20 and the Rafale, to use a cliche, is like comparing oranges and apples. The two fighters were conceived and developed for completely different roles. However, the adversarial deployment of the two fighters in the context of the simmering India - China border dispute has fanned nationalist fervor and clamor for a comparison to such an extent that comparing Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-31716045978224067062020-03-02T15:53:00.000+05:302020-03-02T15:54:46.892+05:30General Atomics Defender - A New Contour in Air Combat Evolution
GA-ASI Defender Concept
General Atomics ASI first tweeted the concept of its Defender drone (shown above) on February 28, 2020 saying that the drone would be capable of protecting USAF high value airborne assets (HVAA) in a contested environment.
Protecting its HVAA has become a high priority quest of the USAF with its adversaries - Russia and China - improving the range and end game Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-74706199750545961712019-11-20T15:26:00.000+05:302019-11-20T16:02:45.790+05:30There is room & time for Su-57 and AMCA in IAF Inventory
Speaking on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2019 in the UAE on November 18, 2019, Sergey Chemezov, head of Russia's Rostec, indicated that India and the UAE "have been considering and discussing buying the Su-57 "for a long time, though no decision has been delivered yet."
“The Russian side proposed to localize the production of individual components of the Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-66619540971086191122019-11-16T08:59:00.001+05:302019-11-16T09:01:26.472+05:30Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh's Visit to UEC-Klimov in St. Petersburg Explained
Shri Rajnath Singh at the Klimov Plant
Introduction
During his recent visit to Russia from November 5 to November 7, 2019, India's Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, visited Saint-Petersburg based UEC-Klimov (which is incorporated in United Engine Corporation of State Corporation Rostec).
Klimov is the largest developer and manufacturer of engines for Military and Civil aircraft in Russia.
Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-18876763169764962332019-01-20T14:19:00.001+05:302019-01-20T14:23:58.508+05:30Rafale - Nature of the India Specific Enhancements (ISEs)
Rafale at Aero India 2017
The Rafale contract envisages 13 India Specific enhancements (ISEs) valued at Euro 1.3 b. There is no official list of the ISEs in the public domain, however, based on media reports the ISEs include:
More powerful engine
Radar enhancements
Helmet mounted display
Towed decoy system
Radar warning receiver
Low band jammer
SATCOM
Radio altimeter (CFIT avoidance?)
Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-863481820904492902019-01-20T10:53:00.000+05:302019-01-20T10:53:20.661+05:30Is Russia Adding Formidable 6th Gen Capability to its Su-57 fighter?
via Twitter
Recently, the T-50-3 was observed in new pixelated camouflage pattern with an insignia on the tail depicting a Okhotnik UCAV radio linked to a T-50. (See above)
The T-50-3 featured three new protrusions on the fuselage - A under fuselage sensor slightly ahead of the cockpit, an over the fuselage antenna just behind the cockpit, and an antenna on the underside of the tail boom in Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-60747811108168383322017-10-24T09:23:00.001+05:302017-10-24T09:29:30.388+05:30Building a Case for the F-35 by Trashing the Su-57?
Twitter image posted by @BuddyPixy
A recent report in the ToI titled 'Fifth Generation Fighter deal. Can India cancel it?' suggests that the IAF has serious reservations about going ahead with the FGFA deal.
The report quotes unnamed serving IAF officers as saying that the RCS of the Su-57, on which the FGFA would be based, does not have an RCS comparable with the F-35, the Su-57 engine isVijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-65505585899357049772017-09-06T11:34:00.000+05:302017-09-06T11:42:27.889+05:30Dhruv Flight Safety Record
One IAF and one IA Dhruvs have been involved in accidents since March 18, 2016.
One IA ALH crashed in eastern Ladakh on September 5, 2017, afternoon shortly after take-off. According to ToI sources, the pilots reported "loss of the right rudder (which controls the tail rotor)" soon after getting airborne.
One IAF ALH based at Tezpur went missing on July 4, 2017,Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-61121504581536353112017-04-04T14:00:00.000+05:302017-04-04T14:06:56.638+05:30IAF Heron TP-XP: A Strategic Platform, Not Just an Armed Drone
Heron TP-XP at Aero India 2017
IAI (Israel Aircraft Industries) introduced the Heron TP-XP, a special export variant of Heron TP, at Aero India 2017 in Bengaluru, India. (The 'special' probably refers to a customized IAF variant.)
The Indian MSM's (Main Stream Media's) stress on the Heron TP-XP's attack capability is rather misleading. The acquisition has a strategic dimension Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-55096315739034720462017-03-05T09:42:00.000+05:302017-03-05T09:53:51.417+05:30Should ADA Push LCA Navy Mk.2 Against IN Wishes, or Focus on the AMCA?
LCA Navy Mk.1 at Aero India 2017
On December 2, 2017, the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba told the press that the Indian Navy is scouting for another carrier operations compatible fighter besides the MiG-29, since LCA Navy lacks the payload required to be effective when operating from a carrier.
“The present LCA Navy does not meet the carrier capability which is required by the Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915959377993221000.post-58151171680516082682016-12-21T18:03:00.001+05:302016-12-21T18:03:58.624+05:30HAL Mk-1A AESA Radar RFQ Details
Tejas LCA Mk-1 at Aero India 2015
On December 14, 2016 HAL (ARDC) released a Request For Quotation (RFQ) for Supply of AESA Radar for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk1A) Program.
The RFQ was limited to the following vendors
Elta Systems, israel
Saab, Sweden
Raytheon, USA
Thales, France
Rosoboronexport, Russia
ARDC wants an AESA Vijainder K Thakurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08354186592585940999noreply@blogger.com0