Indian Army to deploy 'Rudra' along Pakistan border

utubekhiladi

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New Delhi: In a move to tighten security along the border with Pakistan, the Indian Army will deploy Rudra version of Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) armed with sophisticated air-to-air and anti-tank missiles soon.

According to sources, the Army is all set to replace the ageing fleet of helicopters and in this series they will introduce weaponised 'Rudra' version of light weight 'Dhruv' helicopter.

Presently, Rudra is in final stage and is integrated with 20 mm turret guns, 70 mm rockets and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM).

If the sources are to be believed, the Army is planning to induct 114 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) along the mountainous terrains. The LCH has already been tested on March 29, 2011. Besides, the Army is in final stage to induce 197 light observation helicopters to its paddock, sources said.

Presently, Indian Army has 250 choppers to protect the country.

Army officials are of the opinion that the expansion of weaponised choppers will also help maintaining security along the Indo-China border, Anti-Tank Guided Missiles.


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New Delhi: The army will boost its aerial capabilities on the western front with the deployment of Rudra Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) armed with advance air-to-air and anti-tank missiles along the Pakistan border in the near future.

The induction of weaponised version of ALH, rechristened Rudra, with the integration of weapon system from 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rockets and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) is in final stages, army souces said.

An Indian Army chopper. Image courtesy PIB
Armed with an array of guns, rocket pods, air-to-air and anti-tank guided missiles, the choppers will provide the field commanders the ability to apply decisive combat power at critical times anywhere in the battle field, they said.

The 5.5 tonne class twin-engine chopper has a number of advanced features such as Automatic Flight Control System, Integrated Dynamic System, Full Authority Digital Electronic Control and can cruise at speeds of 250 km per hour.

Necessary changes have been made in the airframe of the chopper to give it agility and speed and to make it a suitable support weapon for the ground troops.

The chopper has been named Rudra, one of the names of Lord Shiva who is worshiped as the destroyer of enemies, to signify the helicopter's firepower and capabilities.

Meanwhile, army is all set to replace its ageing fleet of helicopters with induction of new versions of light and combat choppers.

The induction of 197 light observation helicopters is in the final stages. Meanwhile, army will induct 114 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) suited for deployment along the mountainous terrain, sources said.

LCH which is being designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) carried out its maiden flight in March last year.

The proposal of inducting tactical battle support helicopters, also known as Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) of 10-20 tone class is also in the pipeline, they said.

At present army has a fleet of over 250 helicopters. With the new inductions in the pipeline, as per the long term perspective plan, the army will be able to plan and conduct operations in the Tactical Battle Area (TBA) without any hindrance, the sources said.
 

Sikh_warrior

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Glad to hear the news.....time has come for india to flex its muscles!
 

Ray

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What is the aim?

Air Cavalry like the US in the offing?

 

Ray

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Sir you will have to tell us that... :)
I really don't know.

250 of such helicopter deployed on the frontiers makes no tactical sense unless they are in support of some doctrine/ plan.

One does not require so many helicopters merely to 'guard' borders or in the anti infiltration role.

We do not use airpower as a matter of principle in COIN.
 

W.G.Ewald

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We do not use airpower as a matter of principle in COIN.
Is UAV considered airpower in that context?
 

Ray

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I don't think UAVs are being used.

We also don't have UCAVs.

And even if we had them, UCAVs would not be used.
 

p2prada

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I really don't know.

250 of such helicopter deployed on the frontiers makes no tactical sense unless they are in support of some doctrine/ plan.

One does not require so many helicopters merely to 'guard' borders or in the anti infiltration role.

We do not use airpower as a matter of principle in COIN.
Sir I don't think we have ordered for 250 Rudra Helicopters. The report seems to indicate we presently have 250 Helicopters of different types in service.

I guess the final numbers for Rudra aren't out. But I could be wrong in this.
 

Ray

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Ewald,

This is what I could find

Apr 9, 2010

India sets sights on killer drones

NEW DELHI - Aside from the much discussed acquisition of big conventional weapons by India, a silent accretion has been the fleet of reconnaissance and "killer" unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), specifically aimed at neutralizing threats from Pakistan, and possibly China in future.

Official sources have told Asia Times Online that if everything goes as planned, within the next two years India should possess a fleet of at least 25-30 attack UAVs compared to fewer than five now with such capabilities. Until now, India has never admitted to using the destroyer UAVs.

Latest reports suggest that some surveillance UAVs may be deployed in Maoist-infested areas, following the deadly attack on Tuesday on paramilitary forces in Chhattisgarh that killed 75 security personnel.

The sources say that the moves to acquire attack UAVs gained momentum after the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008, with Indian defense commanders pressing for their procurement as they have been used by American in the Af-Pak region to very good effect.

Asia Times Online :: South Asia news, business and economy from India and Pakistan
 

p2prada

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We presently have the HAROP UAVs. They are kamikaze droids and can loiter over battlefields. They are meant to target radar installations.

Israel Exports Loitering Anti-Missile Drone

There is a much watch video in the link. Just a minute long.

We have a large number of Harpy combat drones too. IA has them and the numbers are unknown AFAIK.

IAF has already sent RFIs for UCAVs like the Predator drone.
 
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