Indian Air Force: News and Discussions - III

[nitesh]

PIB Press Release

Standard Presentation to 108 Squadron and 105 Helicopter unit by the President of India


The President of India, Smt Pratibha Devisingh Patil, presented the “Standards” to 108 Squadron and 105 Helicopter Unit, today in a magnificent ceremonial parade held at Air Force Station, Gorakhpur. At the occasion Shri T.V. Rajeshwar Rao, the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Air Chief Marshal F H Major, PVSM AVSM SC VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal PP Rajkumar, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command, Air Marshal K D Singh AOC-in-C South Western Air Command and a number of other senior Air Force officers and civil dignitaries were also present. The ceremony included a Ceremonial Parade, a fly past by various aircraft including MI-8, Chetak, Cheetah helicopters, MIG-21s, Mirage 2000 and SU-30 MKI in various formations, as well as mid-air refuelling demonstration by IL-78 and Jaguars, aerobatics by SU-30 MKI, sky diving by Akash Ganga Team and a photo exhibition and release of First Day Covers.

This rare honour has been bestowed upon 108 Squadron and 105 Helicopter Unit in recognition of the dedicated and meritorious service rendered by the Units.

108 Squadron was formed on 20 Nov 1959. Ever since its inception, the Squadron operated from various bases across the length and breadth of the country. The Squadron took part in War for liberation of Goa and Indo-Pak War of 1965 and 1971. For its exceptional performance, in the Kargil operations, the Squadron was awarded Battle Honours by the President of India. The Squadron has till now won one Maha Vir Chakra, one Kirti Chakra, five Vishisht Seva Medal, two Vayu Sena Medal and eight Mention-in-Despatches. Presently the unit is located in Gujarat.The Sqn motto ‘Shodhan Aur Aakraman’ means ‘Search and Strike’. It enshrines the glorious history, embodies the noble traditions and represents the ethos of the Squadron. The glorious past infuses pride and confidence among all its personnel. This Squadron called the ‘Hawkeyes’ are formidable and a potent threat to any adversary casting an evil eye on the Country.

105 Helicopter Unit since its raising on 23 Nov 1959 is the second oldest helicopter unit of the IAF. The unit has several accomplishments to its credit and has participated in Indo-Chinese Conflict of 1962, the Indo-Pak Conflict of 1965, the 1971 Indo-Pak War and has taken active part in ‘Op Pawan’ during 1987-88. 105 Helicopter Unit has also carried out many missions in the last about 50 years taking part in most of the disaster relief operations including the Tsunami Relief Operations. Till now the unit has had the distinction of receiving One Vir Chakra, three Shaurya Chakras, 13 Vayu Sena Medals and two Vishist Seva Medals. 105 HU is named as ‘The Daring Eagles’ because it remains ever prepared to take on all challenges.

To mark this glorious chapter in the annals of the history of the Indian Air Force, the President of India also released First Day Covers for both the Air Force Units.

Award of Presidential Standard is a great honour bestowed upon an Air Force unit by the President, which represents its glory in terms of the exceptional service rendered to the nation both during war and peace. The award of Standard Presentation not only serves as a source of inspiration and esprit-de-corps among the fighting forces but also a symbol of excellence.

 

[nitesh]

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index....=view&id=34071&sectionid=83&issueid=99&latn=2

Weapons of choice
Sandeep Unnithan
March 27, 2009

Delhi: Russia’s near-monopoly over the Indian arms market seems to be coming to an end, thanks to the armed forces policy of placing a premium on performance and not cost.

Soon after Boeing’s $1.8-billion contract for eight P-8I Poseidon long-range naval maritime patrol aircraft—costlier than rival Airbus—the IAF is set to acquire six Airbus tankers.

Senior Defence Ministry officials confirmed that a 1-billion euro contract for six Airbus A-330 multi-role tanker-transports is close to being finalised. This despite the makers of the Russian IL-78 tanker, six of which the IAF has in service, offering a lower bid.

The IAF chose Airbus for its larger fuel load and its dual transport capability. This decision has a bearing on the world’s largest defence contract—the IAF’s acquisition of 126 medium-range fighter aircraft worth over $10 billion where Russia’s MiG-35 is a low-cost option.

 

[Triton]

IAF's Suryakiran team enthrals Jaipur

JAIPUR: Shockwave, Phoenix, Yankee, Wedge, Tango were some of the mid air formations by the Indian Air force's Suryakiran Formation Aerobatic Team which left the people of the pink city spell bound here on Monday.

The team lead by its Commanding Officer Wing Commander Joy Thomas Kurien performed the formations by six Kiran MK II aircrafts in a duration of about 20 minutes.

The show was organised by the state tourism to mark the Rajasthan Day. The fleet took off this morning from Sanganer airport and formed the Indian Tricolour over the sports ground of the Rajasthan University.

Thousands of spectators were present at the sports ground to enjoy the dynamic manoeuvring with breath taking loops by the team while many others had glimpse of the enthralling performance from rooftops.

Three IAF commentators, including two lady officers, guided spectators about every loop and formation from the ground. Wing Commander V K Dubey, Vinay Pratap Singh, Arunaksha Nandy, Sumeet Malhotra, Anant Pujari were the team pilots

 

[nitesh]

one more step towards self reliance
http://www.samaylive.com/news/maiden-flight-of-indigenous-wankel-engine-of-uav-takes-off/616924.html

Maiden flight of indigenous Wankel engine of UAV takes off
Published by: Noor Khan
Published: Sun, 05 Apr 2009 at 19:53 IST

Bangalore, Apr 5 : The first ever indigenous Wankel Rotary engine, powering Nishant, the Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV), took off from a World War II abandoned runway near a village eight kilometres from Kolar in Karnataka.

The maiden flight of the indigenous Wankel engine of a UAV, which took off yesterday morning, climbed to an altitude of 1.8 km effortlessly before cruising for 35 minutes.

The air vehicle was recovered safely at the intended place at a dried-up lake after a total flight duration of 40 minutes, a defence press release said here today.

The event signifies achievements in many categories: It is the first time that a Wankel engine has been developed within the country and UAV flown with an indigenous engine.

The engine, a Wankel Rotary type, was a developmental project, which originated at the DRDO through VRDE, Ahmednagar, and was jointly designed and developed by NAL, a CSIR laboratory, VRDE, Ahmednagar, and ADE, Bangalore, it said.

The Wankel engine is the first of its kind that was totally designed and developed in the country. Very few countries in the world have the capability to develop and master this technology, the release said.

This indigenous engine is expected to replace the present imported engine for Nishant. (MORE)

 

[nitesh]

one more step towards self reliance
http://www.samaylive.com/news/maiden-flight-of-indigenous-wankel-engine-of-uav-takes-off/616924.html

Maiden flight of indigenous Wankel engine of UAV takes off
Published by: Noor Khan
Published: Sun, 05 Apr 2009 at 19:53 IST

Bangalore, Apr 5 : The first ever indigenous Wankel Rotary engine, powering Nishant, the Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV), took off from a World War II abandoned runway near a village eight kilometres from Kolar in Karnataka.

The maiden flight of the indigenous Wankel engine of a UAV, which took off yesterday morning, climbed to an altitude of 1.8 km effortlessly before cruising for 35 minutes.

The air vehicle was recovered safely at the intended place at a dried-up lake after a total flight duration of 40 minutes, a defence press release said here today.

The event signifies achievements in many categories: It is the first time that a Wankel engine has been developed within the country and UAV flown with an indigenous engine.

The engine, a Wankel Rotary type, was a developmental project, which originated at the DRDO through VRDE, Ahmednagar, and was jointly designed and developed by NAL, a CSIR laboratory, VRDE, Ahmednagar, and ADE, Bangalore, it said.

The Wankel engine is the first of its kind that was totally designed and developed in the country. Very few countries in the world have the capability to develop and master this technology, the release said.

This indigenous engine is expected to replace the present imported engine for Nishant. (MORE)

 

[nitesh]

one more step towards self reliance
http://www.samaylive.com/news/maiden-flight-of-indigenous-wankel-engine-of-uav-takes-off/616924.html

Maiden flight of indigenous Wankel engine of UAV takes off
Published by: Noor Khan
Published: Sun, 05 Apr 2009 at 19:53 IST

Bangalore, Apr 5 : The first ever indigenous Wankel Rotary engine, powering Nishant, the Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV), took off from a World War II abandoned runway near a village eight kilometres from Kolar in Karnataka.

The maiden flight of the indigenous Wankel engine of a UAV, which took off yesterday morning, climbed to an altitude of 1.8 km effortlessly before cruising for 35 minutes.

The air vehicle was recovered safely at the intended place at a dried-up lake after a total flight duration of 40 minutes, a defence press release said here today.

The event signifies achievements in many categories: It is the first time that a Wankel engine has been developed within the country and UAV flown with an indigenous engine.

The engine, a Wankel Rotary type, was a developmental project, which originated at the DRDO through VRDE, Ahmednagar, and was jointly designed and developed by NAL, a CSIR laboratory, VRDE, Ahmednagar, and ADE, Bangalore, it said.

The Wankel engine is the first of its kind that was totally designed and developed in the country. Very few countries in the world have the capability to develop and master this technology, the release said.

This indigenous engine is expected to replace the present imported engine for Nishant. (MORE)

 

[nitesh]

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com...opened-in-east-Ladakh/articleshow/4365705.cms

New IAF airfield to be reopened in east Ladakh
6 Apr 2009, 1536 hrs IST, PTI

NEW DELHI: After successfully reopening Daulat Beg Oldi and Fuk Che airfields in Ladakh last year, India is now working aggressively to operationalise the Neoma Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) this year for the Indian Air Force (IAF), close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Though these airfields are being revived to support troop movement in times of need, India would prefer these to be ready for future tourism requirements.

In due course, the airfield at Neoma will also be converted into a full fledged runway to cater to future tourist inflow.

"This new ALG is coming up at Neoma in east Ladakh, which will, in all probability, be converted into a full fledged runway, like any other runway to cater for the future tourism requirements also in the region," IAF's Western Air Command Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Air Marshal P K Barbora told reporters here on Monday.

Neoma is not as close to the LAC as Daulat Beg Oldi or Fuk Che are, but it will be close enough to support military operations too. The airfields were operated by the Indian armed forces during the 1962 Sino-Indian war, but closed a few years later.

"Not as close (to China) as DBO, Chushul or Fuk Che. But it is in a pretty comfortable place," Barbora said.

Work on Neoma airfield has already started and the IAF is preparing the ALG to operate fixed-wing aircraft.

Regarding the IAF's original plans to reopen the Chushul airfield in the Ladakh region, Barbora said the idea has been shelved for the moment, but it could be revived as and when the government wanted the ALG operationalised.

Giving reasons for the government decision, the Air Marshal said the IAF felt it was not required now because of the road connectivity that has come up there, and because of the amount of money and work that would go into preparing the airfield for operation.

"Whenever there is a requirement, we can and will prepare the Chushul airfield. Also, the amount of work that has to be fitted in to get it ready is not worth it. We already have done landing and take off at Daulat Beg Oldi and Fuk Che," he added.

When Neoma gets ready, it would be IAF's third ALG in Ladakh to be reopened nearer to the Chinese and Pakistani borders in the last one year in Jammu and Kashmir, with Daulat Beg Oldi and Fuk Che becoming operational in May and November respectively.

The IAF has been reopening airfields to strengthen its air maintenance operations and promotion of tourism in the region, which is the gateway to the highest battlefield, Siachen Glacier.

 

[nitesh]

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com...opened-in-east-Ladakh/articleshow/4365705.cms

New IAF airfield to be reopened in east Ladakh
6 Apr 2009, 1536 hrs IST, PTI

NEW DELHI: After successfully reopening Daulat Beg Oldi and Fuk Che airfields in Ladakh last year, India is now working aggressively to operationalise the Neoma Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) this year for the Indian Air Force (IAF), close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Though these airfields are being revived to support troop movement in times of need, India would prefer these to be ready for future tourism requirements.

In due course, the airfield at Neoma will also be converted into a full fledged runway to cater to future tourist inflow.

"This new ALG is coming up at Neoma in east Ladakh, which will, in all probability, be converted into a full fledged runway, like any other runway to cater for the future tourism requirements also in the region," IAF's Western Air Command Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Air Marshal P K Barbora told reporters here on Monday.

Neoma is not as close to the LAC as Daulat Beg Oldi or Fuk Che are, but it will be close enough to support military operations too. The airfields were operated by the Indian armed forces during the 1962 Sino-Indian war, but closed a few years later.

"Not as close (to China) as DBO, Chushul or Fuk Che. But it is in a pretty comfortable place," Barbora said.

Work on Neoma airfield has already started and the IAF is preparing the ALG to operate fixed-wing aircraft.

Regarding the IAF's original plans to reopen the Chushul airfield in the Ladakh region, Barbora said the idea has been shelved for the moment, but it could be revived as and when the government wanted the ALG operationalised.

Giving reasons for the government decision, the Air Marshal said the IAF felt it was not required now because of the road connectivity that has come up there, and because of the amount of money and work that would go into preparing the airfield for operation.

"Whenever there is a requirement, we can and will prepare the Chushul airfield. Also, the amount of work that has to be fitted in to get it ready is not worth it. We already have done landing and take off at Daulat Beg Oldi and Fuk Che," he added.

When Neoma gets ready, it would be IAF's third ALG in Ladakh to be reopened nearer to the Chinese and Pakistani borders in the last one year in Jammu and Kashmir, with Daulat Beg Oldi and Fuk Che becoming operational in May and November respectively.

The IAF has been reopening airfields to strengthen its air maintenance operations and promotion of tourism in the region, which is the gateway to the highest battlefield, Siachen Glacier.

 

[nitesh]

India's only five-star general turns 90 today

 

[chandrahass]

"Sukhoi" and "Mig" will remain major suppliers combat aircraft Indian Air Force

MOSCOW, 20 April. (ARMS-TASS). For nearest 10-15 years old India will retain the status of the largest foreign recipient of Russian battle aviation technology. Till 2015-2016 gg. This guarantee contracts on supply the indian AIR FORCE of fighters Su-30МКИ and MiГ-29К. Such forecast of development militari-technical cooperation between two countries will lend the experts of The center of the analysis of strategies and technologies (TSAST). In period till 2020 g., As to them this, India will purchase till 80-90 Su-30МКИ or their variants as direct buyings.

On the arms-TASS up to 2015 for licensing program in India on this capability will be made of 98 fighters Su-30MKI from the General Orders for 140 machines (42 machines will agreement has been made). In addition, 34 Su-30MKI will be placed in direct procurement. In general, this would amount to $132 million worth machines (without taking into account possible new contracts).

As regards MIG-29K, then, under the arms-TASS, in addition to 16 used machines, the Navy India, most likely, will become the second instalment in number 29 machines. In the long term Navy India are planning to restore the strength Park MIG-29K to 50 units.

Major ongoing programmes procurement India on fixed-wing aircraft for technology are the purchase and build heavy multifunctional fighter Su-30MKI and modernization fighter-bombers MIG-27мл and fighters MiG-29.

Analysts цаст believe in term it useful progress in India double option new Su-35 or use of its systems (including radar, engines 117с and so forth) to new modifications proposed India Su-30MKI. This is true of the programme possible deep modernization of aircraft.

The main ambition Air Force fighter India now is the acquisition on the draft mmrca (average multifunctional Fighter plane). It covers the purchase 126 aircraft provisional value of $10, 6 billion. 1. The tender involved six candidates, including, and the Russian MiG-35.

Future prospects Indian combat aircraft are related to, first and foremost with the formal accession India to the Russian draft a fifth-generation fighter aircraft, which is being developed in the company "Sukhoi".

On the цаст, in the Air Force aircraft fleet India at the end 2008. 90 was Su-30MKI, manufactured in 2002-2008, and also about 470 fighter "Mig" different modifications.

Source ARMS TASS : Please bear for translation errors

 

[nitesh]

chandrahass so this means are we going to buy 80-90 more MKI or variants apart from 230 committed? Navy looking after more Mig29k is good news so total are going to be 50. So seems like ADS will also be featuring MiG29k

 

[chandrahass]

chandrahass so this means are we going to buy 80-90 more MKI or variants apart from 230 committed? Navy looking after more Mig29k is good news so total are going to be 50. So seems like ADS will also be featuring MiG29k

No I guess what it is saying that toal of 230 MKI's with 140 from HAL and 90 from direct purchase

Yeah Fulucrum was to be the ultimate choice {infact the only one availble too}. consideringthe fact that ADS -1 cannot field Su 33 's like varayag and we already wouldbe having some experience to the bird . but as as you said 50 is gud number

The most intresting part is offering of Su 35 as a modification for MKI's it would be a kind of good if this is done between 2010 -14 . but beyond that it is not that kind of appalling with IAF would already having there MMRCA's and would be looking towards PAK FA

 

[nitesh]

No I guess what it is saying that toal of 230 MKI's with 140 from HAL and 90 from direct purchase

Yeah Fulucrum was to be the ultimate choice {infact the only one availble too}. consideringthe fact that ADS -1 cannot field Su 33 's like varayag and we already wouldbe having some experience to the bird . but as as you said 50 is gud number

The most intresting part is offering of Su 35 as a modification for MKI's it would be a kind of good if this is done between 2010 -14 . but beyond that it is not that kind of appalling with IAF would already having there MMRCA's and would be looking towards PAK FA

thanks for clarification but MKI's are going to stay for a long time so definitely there will be upgrades as right now MKI only have 2d TVC. IAF would like to go for 3D one also new engines will mean more thrust making the MKI capable of carrying more weapon payload or making it able to carry the AESA. All in all I feel MKI's are going to see some interesting upgrades.

 

[pyromaniac]

India to remain top buyer of Russian combat aircraft until 2015

MOSCOW: India will remain the main purchaser of Russian-made combat aircraft for the next 15 years under existing and prospective contracts, a respected Russian think tank has said.

In its report, The Forecast for Combat Aircraft Deliveries to India, the Center for Analysis and Technologies outlined the prospects for Russian-Indian cooperation in the sphere of combat aircraft until 2015.

The report predicts that India will buy up to 90 Su-30MKI fighters under existing contracts and may also purchase additional Su-30 or modernized MiG-29K aircraft.

Russia's MiG-35 Fulcrum is also participating in the current $10.6-billion tender to supply 126 multirole fighters to the Indian air force.

Russian experts believe that the MiG-35 has an excellent chance of winning the tender because the Russian aircraft has superb performance characteristics and Russia and India share a long-standing partnership in strategic and military-technical cooperation.

In addition, Russia signed in March last year a contract with the Indian Defense Ministry to upgrade around 70 MiG-29 fighters, in service since the 1980s, and agreed to develop a fifth-generation fighter together with India.

India desperately needs to upgrade its fighter fleet, which includes Su-30MKI and MiG-29 fighters, but mainly consists of semi obsolete Russian MiG-21 models.

http://www.defencetalk.com/india-to-remain-top-buyer-of-russian-combat-aircraft-until-2015-17986/

 

[nitesh]

pyro please check post no 70 similar news is already posted buddy kindly delete your post

 

[nitesh]

India to get Phalcon AWACS on May 18 - India - The Times of India

India to get Phalcon AWACS on May 18
23 Apr 2009, 1623 hrs IST, PTI


JERUSALEM: India will get its first 'eye in the sky', the Phalcon Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS), aircraft on May 18, which will provide the IAF means to track incoming missiles and look deep into the neighbouring countries without violating any air space.

The first Phalcon was inspected by top Indian Defence officials who came here to check the specially modified Russian IL-76 aircraft and set May 18 as the delivery date.

"The other two aircraft would be delivered by Mid or late 2010, if everything goes on schedule," Defence sources said here today.

The delivery of the aircraft bought at a whopping price of $1.1 billion is almost a year and a half behind schedule. As per the tripartite deal between India, Russia and Israel, the aircraft should have been delivered by the end of March this year.

India and Israel are reported to be in advanced negotiations for the purchase of three more Phalcon AWACS, which the IAF proposes to integrate with other air and ground assets.

All the six AWACS would be linked with the country's first military satellite proposed to be launched by mid next year.

 

[nitesh]

RIA Novosti - Russia - Russia launches military transport plane project with India

Russia launches military transport plane project with India
15:52 | 23/ 04/ 2009

MOSCOW, April 23 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian government allocated $64 million in 2009 to part finance a joint project with India to develop a new military transport plane, a defense industry official said on Thursday.

Russia and India signed an intergovernmental agreement on the joint development of a multi-role transport aircraft (MTA) in 2007. The cost of the $600-mln project is being equally shared by the two countries.

"The Russian government has signed a directive to launch the Russian-Indian project for the development of the MTA military transport plane, 2.156 billion rubles ($64 mln) has been allocated from the federal budget for this project in 2009," said Viktor Livanov, general director of the Ilyushin design bureau.

The transport plane, with a 20-ton cargo capacity, is expected to go in service with the Russian and Indian air forces in about eight years, the official said.

The Russian participants in the project include the Ilyushin design bureau and the Irkut Corporation, which is part of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), created in 2006. HAL state-owned aircraft manufacturing company is representing India in the project.

India is expected to procure 45 MTA planes, while Russia, which needs to replace its outdated fleet of An-12, An-26 and An-32 transport planes, is most likely to commission at least 100 aircraft.

 

[nitesh]

IAF's SU-30 MKI crashes, one pilot dead - India - The Times of India

 

[vijaytripoli]

are u sure its su-30mki ?
my god, its such a kickback to me!
chau

 

[nitesh]

Details emerging:
IAF Sukhoi fighter jet crashes; navigator killed

Hartley condolence to family