Sukhoi Su 30MKI
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gadeshi
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Su-30MKI has shot Paki aerostatic probe near the Paki border:
http://rusvesna.su/news/1453833550
http://rusvesna.su/news/1453833550
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Press release
On 26 Jan 16, Indian Air Force Radar had picked up an unidentified flying object moving easterly in Jaisalmer Area. An Indian Air Force fighter jet intercepted the object which was found to be balloon of about 3 meters diameter. Due to heightened security alert, the balloon was shot down as it would have been carrying unknown payload.
However, on analysis of the debris it was established that there was no dangerous payload.
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=135837
Press release
IAF Jet Targets ‘Balloon-Like’ Object in Rajasthan
On 26 Jan 16, Indian Air Force Radar had picked up an unidentified flying object moving easterly in Jaisalmer Area. An Indian Air Force fighter jet intercepted the object which was found to be balloon of about 3 meters diameter. Due to heightened security alert, the balloon was shot down as it would have been carrying unknown payload.
However, on analysis of the debris it was established that there was no dangerous payload.
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=135837
sorcerer
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The IAF’s Fleet Strength Is Depleting Fast, But Su-30MKI Is Flying To The Rescue
The IAF is retaining a combat edge – thanks to increased induction of Su-30MKI fighters and the proposed acquisition of Tejas.
The Indian Air Force’s quick fix solution for its fighter crunch is to crank up production of the Su-30 MKI – the backbone of its combat fleet. India had initially contracted with Russia for 272 Sukhois, but that number will in all probability cross 300 by 2019.
With multiple squadrons of older MiG-21 interceptors and MiG-27 ground attack jets being retired in quick succession, the IAF fighter fleet is set to decline to a low of 32 squadrons – or around 576 aircraft. That’s way below the 42 squadrons recommended back in the 1950s.
The scrapping of the 126-aircraft contract with France – plus the delay in the signing of the revised 36-aircraft deal – and the IAF’s lack of confidence in the locally built Tejas have also contributed to the service going in for additional Sukhois.
The faith in the Russian aircraft is justified. With the induction of large numbers of class leading Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters, the IAF has not only made a huge technological transition from a MiG-21 dominated fleet, its war fighting doctrine has also changed, focusing on long-range and strategic missions.
The IAF describes the Sukhoi as its “air dominance fighter” because it allows the service to perform a multiplicity of missions required to keep in step with India’s rising global stature. The Sukhoi’s versatility – owing to its extended range, speed, firepower and super-maneuverability – has given the IAF considerable leeway in deploying the aircraft in offensive missions.
In April 2013 the IAF held its largest-ever combat exercise involving as many as 400 combat aircraft plus 200 transport planes and helicopters. The exercise was aimed at testing the IAF’s capability for a two-front war against China and Pakistan, by deploying “swing forces” from the western theatre right across to the east.
As part of the war games, Sukhoi-30 MKIs flew 1800 km bombing missions from the northeast to the western front, with mid-air refueling. This is possible because the Sukhoi has a range of 4.5 hours on internal fuel, and IAF pilots are known to lead missions over 10 hours.
Quality vs Quantity
In the 1950s, the defence brass recommended 64 squadrons of fighters for the IAF. That was revised down to 42 in the 1960s. However, modern aircraft like the Sukhoi are versatile fighters that not only undertake strike and bombing missions but can also provide combat air patrol, creating a safe envelope for other jets to operate freely.
What it means is that compared with previous generation aircraft, today you need fewer warplanes to get the same job done. Better survivability and lower maintenance also contribute to more aircraft being available for missions.
Three hundred is an impressive number for such a high-end – and expensive weapons – platform. This shows a keen sense of judgement by the IAF, which realizes that 100 percent fleet utilization is impossible and having a large number of air superiority aircraft around is the key to getting the job done.
With such numbers at its disposal, the IAF is now able to build a network of bases around the country. Earlier, because of the short range of IAF fighter aircraft, most Indian air bases – such as Adampur, Jammu, Amritsar and Jodhpur – were close to the Pakistan border. But now Sukhois are also being stationed at places such as Thanjavur in the deep south, Chabua in the northeast and Pune in western India. Because of its long legs and speed, the Sukhois can move between the Pakistan and China fronts when required.
Missile Force-Multipliers
Another reason why India is not short of options in a future war is the induction in massive numbers of the BrahMos supersonic missile. This is really India’s Brahmastra or superweapon. The Indo-Russian BrahMos is a highly destructive missile and belongs to a class of missiles that are designed to cut small warships in half. Indian and Russian scientists have modified the cruise missile to strike targets on land.
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd is carrying out structural modifications on the Sukhois to enable them to carry the air launched variant of the BrahMos. If the contracting firms are able to reduce the mass and weight of the missile, the aircraft would be able to carry up to three of these missiles.
In previous wars the IAF largely avoided attacks on non-military infrastructure, preferring to target tanker farms and defence bases. The decision to equip the Sukhois with the BrahMos creates new synergies and signals a new intent. In the next war expect a lot of damage to enemy infrastructure – dams, power stations and industrial clusters are all likely to be targeted.
Because the BrahMos can strike targets deep inside enemy territory, it frees up fighter aircraft for other roles and different battlefield theatres. It also obviates the need to expose Indian pilots in potentially dangerous missions.
A supersonic BrahMos
launched from the Rajasthan border can strike an airbase in Sargodha or Karachi within seconds. Because of its high kinetic impact, it is the ideal weapon to be launched against, say, hardened aircraft pens or communication bunkers. Because the BrahMos hits without warning, it is like a sniper who creates an atmosphere of panic among enemy troops, impacting their morale.
India will also induct the slower, subsonic Nirbhay cruise missile which is intended for attacking targets that can be taken out without the destructive power of the BrahMos. These might include civilian targets.
In this backdrop of a transformed technological scenario, fewer fighter aircraft are needed to fight tomorrow’s wars. So cries of depleting fighter squadrons are a throwback to a bygone era.
After the Rafale Rigmarole
The IAF has done an oversell to the Indian public and the political leadership on the Rafale. The French fighter was a viable option a decade ago when India had the chance to lock in 126 aircraft for $10 billion, give or take. However, that’s ancient history. Today the costs have nearly quadrupled.
Still, if the government has made up its mind to indulge the IAF with a smaller 36-aircraft order for $9 billion, then why not. After all, India spent $8 billion on the shameful, scandalous Commonwealth Games, which made all Indians look grateful to be allowed to acknowledge the doddering British queen as the head of this anachronistic organisation.
At least the Rafale will bring some gains to India in terms of high technology and – perhaps optimistically – defence offsets. Plus, the IAF fleet will have four advanced fighter aircraft, including the Sukhoi, MiG-29 and Mirage 2000, thereby complicating Pakistan’s defence planning. It will almost certainly spur additional wasteful spending by Pakistan,
which is never a bad idea from India’s point of view.
Looking forward to Tejas
Tejas was one of the stars at the air show in Bahrain this month. That it performed without a hitch at a foreign air show is the aeronautical equivalent of human evolution from ape to homo sapien. It’s nothing less than a miracle.
Like Russia’s Sukhoi and MiG series and American F-series aircraft, the Tejas can also evolve into a potent fighter with backing from the IAF and the Indian Navy. By, say 2030, when the Sukhois retire, the Tejas should be able to take over their role. For that the government should get rid of the foreign import mafia that lives on defence commissions. (BrahMos director A. Sivathanu Pillai has written in his book ‘The Path Unexplored’ how he checkmated serving military generals who attempted to scuttle the missile.)
In the meantime, the 300 Sukhois – and the support cast of 59 MiG-29s, 48 Mirage 2000s and upgraded MiG-21s – are more than enough to defend the country and fight a prolonged war.
Source>>
The IAF is retaining a combat edge – thanks to increased induction of Su-30MKI fighters and the proposed acquisition of Tejas.
The Indian Air Force’s quick fix solution for its fighter crunch is to crank up production of the Su-30 MKI – the backbone of its combat fleet. India had initially contracted with Russia for 272 Sukhois, but that number will in all probability cross 300 by 2019.
With multiple squadrons of older MiG-21 interceptors and MiG-27 ground attack jets being retired in quick succession, the IAF fighter fleet is set to decline to a low of 32 squadrons – or around 576 aircraft. That’s way below the 42 squadrons recommended back in the 1950s.
The scrapping of the 126-aircraft contract with France – plus the delay in the signing of the revised 36-aircraft deal – and the IAF’s lack of confidence in the locally built Tejas have also contributed to the service going in for additional Sukhois.
The faith in the Russian aircraft is justified. With the induction of large numbers of class leading Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters, the IAF has not only made a huge technological transition from a MiG-21 dominated fleet, its war fighting doctrine has also changed, focusing on long-range and strategic missions.
The IAF describes the Sukhoi as its “air dominance fighter” because it allows the service to perform a multiplicity of missions required to keep in step with India’s rising global stature. The Sukhoi’s versatility – owing to its extended range, speed, firepower and super-maneuverability – has given the IAF considerable leeway in deploying the aircraft in offensive missions.
In April 2013 the IAF held its largest-ever combat exercise involving as many as 400 combat aircraft plus 200 transport planes and helicopters. The exercise was aimed at testing the IAF’s capability for a two-front war against China and Pakistan, by deploying “swing forces” from the western theatre right across to the east.
As part of the war games, Sukhoi-30 MKIs flew 1800 km bombing missions from the northeast to the western front, with mid-air refueling. This is possible because the Sukhoi has a range of 4.5 hours on internal fuel, and IAF pilots are known to lead missions over 10 hours.
Quality vs Quantity
In the 1950s, the defence brass recommended 64 squadrons of fighters for the IAF. That was revised down to 42 in the 1960s. However, modern aircraft like the Sukhoi are versatile fighters that not only undertake strike and bombing missions but can also provide combat air patrol, creating a safe envelope for other jets to operate freely.
What it means is that compared with previous generation aircraft, today you need fewer warplanes to get the same job done. Better survivability and lower maintenance also contribute to more aircraft being available for missions.
Three hundred is an impressive number for such a high-end – and expensive weapons – platform. This shows a keen sense of judgement by the IAF, which realizes that 100 percent fleet utilization is impossible and having a large number of air superiority aircraft around is the key to getting the job done.
With such numbers at its disposal, the IAF is now able to build a network of bases around the country. Earlier, because of the short range of IAF fighter aircraft, most Indian air bases – such as Adampur, Jammu, Amritsar and Jodhpur – were close to the Pakistan border. But now Sukhois are also being stationed at places such as Thanjavur in the deep south, Chabua in the northeast and Pune in western India. Because of its long legs and speed, the Sukhois can move between the Pakistan and China fronts when required.
Missile Force-Multipliers
Another reason why India is not short of options in a future war is the induction in massive numbers of the BrahMos supersonic missile. This is really India’s Brahmastra or superweapon. The Indo-Russian BrahMos is a highly destructive missile and belongs to a class of missiles that are designed to cut small warships in half. Indian and Russian scientists have modified the cruise missile to strike targets on land.
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd is carrying out structural modifications on the Sukhois to enable them to carry the air launched variant of the BrahMos. If the contracting firms are able to reduce the mass and weight of the missile, the aircraft would be able to carry up to three of these missiles.
In previous wars the IAF largely avoided attacks on non-military infrastructure, preferring to target tanker farms and defence bases. The decision to equip the Sukhois with the BrahMos creates new synergies and signals a new intent. In the next war expect a lot of damage to enemy infrastructure – dams, power stations and industrial clusters are all likely to be targeted.
Because the BrahMos can strike targets deep inside enemy territory, it frees up fighter aircraft for other roles and different battlefield theatres. It also obviates the need to expose Indian pilots in potentially dangerous missions.
A supersonic BrahMos
launched from the Rajasthan border can strike an airbase in Sargodha or Karachi within seconds. Because of its high kinetic impact, it is the ideal weapon to be launched against, say, hardened aircraft pens or communication bunkers. Because the BrahMos hits without warning, it is like a sniper who creates an atmosphere of panic among enemy troops, impacting their morale.India will also induct the slower, subsonic Nirbhay cruise missile which is intended for attacking targets that can be taken out without the destructive power of the BrahMos. These might include civilian targets.
In this backdrop of a transformed technological scenario, fewer fighter aircraft are needed to fight tomorrow’s wars. So cries of depleting fighter squadrons are a throwback to a bygone era.
After the Rafale Rigmarole
The IAF has done an oversell to the Indian public and the political leadership on the Rafale. The French fighter was a viable option a decade ago when India had the chance to lock in 126 aircraft for $10 billion, give or take. However, that’s ancient history. Today the costs have nearly quadrupled.
Still, if the government has made up its mind to indulge the IAF with a smaller 36-aircraft order for $9 billion, then why not. After all, India spent $8 billion on the shameful, scandalous Commonwealth Games, which made all Indians look grateful to be allowed to acknowledge the doddering British queen as the head of this anachronistic organisation.
At least the Rafale will bring some gains to India in terms of high technology and – perhaps optimistically – defence offsets. Plus, the IAF fleet will have four advanced fighter aircraft, including the Sukhoi, MiG-29 and Mirage 2000, thereby complicating Pakistan’s defence planning. It will almost certainly spur additional wasteful spending by Pakistan,
which is never a bad idea from India’s point of view.Looking forward to Tejas
Tejas was one of the stars at the air show in Bahrain this month. That it performed without a hitch at a foreign air show is the aeronautical equivalent of human evolution from ape to homo sapien. It’s nothing less than a miracle.
Like Russia’s Sukhoi and MiG series and American F-series aircraft, the Tejas can also evolve into a potent fighter with backing from the IAF and the Indian Navy. By, say 2030, when the Sukhois retire, the Tejas should be able to take over their role. For that the government should get rid of the foreign import mafia that lives on defence commissions. (BrahMos director A. Sivathanu Pillai has written in his book ‘The Path Unexplored’ how he checkmated serving military generals who attempted to scuttle the missile.)
In the meantime, the 300 Sukhois – and the support cast of 59 MiG-29s, 48 Mirage 2000s and upgraded MiG-21s – are more than enough to defend the country and fight a prolonged war.
Source>>
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http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2016/02/brahmos-to-be-test-fired-from-su-30mki.html?m=1
BrahMos to be Test-Fired from Su-30MKI in 2016; Heaviest-Ever Missile Flown on that Jet: Sudhir Mishra
"The launch of BrahMos from Su-30MKI comprises several phases. Structural modifications have been carried out in the aircraft to integrate BrahMos on to it," explained Mishra
NEW DELHI: India has always stood out for its prowess in developing missiles and with the upcoming test-launch of the BrahMos missile from Su-30MKI fighter jet, the country is all set to create history. "The day BrahMos is successfully test-fired from Su-30MKI, the whole aeronautics community would be saluting us for achieving a very, very difficult milestone in missile and aeronautical technology," says MD & CEO of BrahMos Aerospace Sudhir Kumar Mishra.
In an interview with Economictimes.com, Sudhir Mishra said, "BrahMos is a very heavy missile and such class of missiles has never been integrated with Su-30MKI." "The launch of BrahMos from Su-30MKI comprises several phases. Structural modifications have been carried out in the aircraft to integrate BrahMos on to it," explained Mishra.
Around three-to-four varieties of missile will be flown on Su-30MKI to testify the integration. Dummy and technology missile tests will be carried out along with a pure drop test of the missile. Finally, in the fourth stage, the actual test of the missile would be against land and ship targets. "We should be able to reach to that stage in the second part of 2016," says Mishra.
Mishra is confident that a single test (from Su-30 MI) against land and ship targets would be sufficient to testify the success of the integration.
Asked about the underwater version of the BrahMos missile, which the Indian Navy is yet to test from a submarine, Mishra said, "BrahMos has been successfully flight tested from a pontoon. As a system, pontoon behaves very similar to a submarine. It has been demonstrated that the missile can be launched from sub-water." "We are in touch with many submarine manufacturers in Russia (Rubin Design Bureau), Germany (HDW) and Spain (Navantia). These submarine manufacturers have confirmed that it is possible to integrate BrahMos with their submarines. BrahMos is one of the credible weapons in the inventory of Indian Navy, so we are very confident that the test will happen in the future," he added.
BRAHMOS for the Navy - Being test fired from INS Tarkash Guided Missile Frigate
BrahMos Aerospace is a join venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia. It was established in 1998, through an inter-governmental agreement. Both the Indian Army and Navy have inducted the supersonic cruise missile which has a range of 290-km. BrahMos flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach and carries a conventional warhead of up to 300 kg.
According to Mishra, BrahMos Mark II or Hypersonic BrahMos will be able to fly much faster than the existing one. "There are some problems in making a pure hypersonic engine. As of now, we are conducting research completely in the theoretical region. My estimate is that we will be standing at the door of hypersonic engine in about three to four years, and pure hypersonic in about seven to eight years," he said.
Source>>
BrahMos to be Test-Fired from Su-30MKI in 2016; Heaviest-Ever Missile Flown on that Jet: Sudhir Mishra
"The launch of BrahMos from Su-30MKI comprises several phases. Structural modifications have been carried out in the aircraft to integrate BrahMos on to it," explained Mishra
NEW DELHI: India has always stood out for its prowess in developing missiles and with the upcoming test-launch of the BrahMos missile from Su-30MKI fighter jet, the country is all set to create history. "The day BrahMos is successfully test-fired from Su-30MKI, the whole aeronautics community would be saluting us for achieving a very, very difficult milestone in missile and aeronautical technology," says MD & CEO of BrahMos Aerospace Sudhir Kumar Mishra.
In an interview with Economictimes.com, Sudhir Mishra said, "BrahMos is a very heavy missile and such class of missiles has never been integrated with Su-30MKI." "The launch of BrahMos from Su-30MKI comprises several phases. Structural modifications have been carried out in the aircraft to integrate BrahMos on to it," explained Mishra.
Around three-to-four varieties of missile will be flown on Su-30MKI to testify the integration. Dummy and technology missile tests will be carried out along with a pure drop test of the missile. Finally, in the fourth stage, the actual test of the missile would be against land and ship targets. "We should be able to reach to that stage in the second part of 2016," says Mishra.
Mishra is confident that a single test (from Su-30 MI) against land and ship targets would be sufficient to testify the success of the integration.
Asked about the underwater version of the BrahMos missile, which the Indian Navy is yet to test from a submarine, Mishra said, "BrahMos has been successfully flight tested from a pontoon. As a system, pontoon behaves very similar to a submarine. It has been demonstrated that the missile can be launched from sub-water." "We are in touch with many submarine manufacturers in Russia (Rubin Design Bureau), Germany (HDW) and Spain (Navantia). These submarine manufacturers have confirmed that it is possible to integrate BrahMos with their submarines. BrahMos is one of the credible weapons in the inventory of Indian Navy, so we are very confident that the test will happen in the future," he added.
BRAHMOS for the Navy - Being test fired from INS Tarkash Guided Missile Frigate
BrahMos Aerospace is a join venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia. It was established in 1998, through an inter-governmental agreement. Both the Indian Army and Navy have inducted the supersonic cruise missile which has a range of 290-km. BrahMos flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach and carries a conventional warhead of up to 300 kg.
According to Mishra, BrahMos Mark II or Hypersonic BrahMos will be able to fly much faster than the existing one. "There are some problems in making a pure hypersonic engine. As of now, we are conducting research completely in the theoretical region. My estimate is that we will be standing at the door of hypersonic engine in about three to four years, and pure hypersonic in about seven to eight years," he said.
Source>>
Prashant12
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Rebound To Russia: Amid Rafale Impasse, IAF To Buy 40 More Sukhois
By Arming India Correspondent
NEW DELHI, FEB. 10, 2016: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated the procurement of a fresh lot of 40 additional Su-30MKI air dominance fighters at an estimated $75 million apiece, reliable diplomatic sources disclosed to Arming India.
The procurement is being taken up as a follow-on order to the 222 Su-30MKI fighters already contracted to be made under transfer of technology at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)'s Nasik division.
Along with the initial 50 aircraft acquired in a flyaway condition from Russia in the late 1990s, the latest increment of 40 aircraft will take the total number of Su-30MKIs ordered for the IAF to 312.
This is a significant development running concurrently with the rapid headway in India-Russia talks on finalizing an agreement on an Indian commitment to the futuristic Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA). Arming India had on Feb. 3, 2016 exclusively reported a $3.7 billion deal-in-the-works for India's contribution to the development costs of the FGFA, and a further commitment to buy a minimum of 60 of these fighters.
The rebound to Russia takes places amidst a continuing impasse in Indo-French price negotiations for the import of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft for the IAF.
Observers also see these developments as a consequence of a determined rearguard action by Russia to protect its turf and reinforce its pre-eminence in the Indian defense aerospace market. Russia's traditional dominance in the Indian market has sought to have been challenged by the U.S., Israel and Europe in the last decade-and-a-half.
The reliance on the Sukhois extends the life of the Su-30MKI assembly line in Nasik by another decade. An estimated 175 of the 222 Su-30 MKIs contracted to be assembled in India are reported to have already been rolled out. The roll-out rate is between 10 and 12 aircraft a year. Post the Sukhois, the Russian complex at HAL will be kept alive with the licensed manufacture of the FGFA.
Interestingly, India and Russia are set to sign a deal for faster delivery of Sukhoi spares for the IAF. The Economic Times had reported in early December 2015, quoting Sukhoi Managing Director Valery V. Chishchevoy, that an Indian delegation was to deliberate on the spares supply deal later that month and the contract for the same would be signed at the earliest.
The Sukhoi resurgence and the FGFA inroads will directly impact on the market for the Rafale in India, keen observers of defense trade reckon. Although the initial negotiations are for only 36 Rafale jets for the IAF, France is already pursuing a detailed roadmap to notch up sales even beyond the original Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) number of 126 and also pitch the Rafale for the Indian Navy, sources inform Arming India. The Russian jets, clearly, stand in the way of these plans.
What is hard for a resource-strapped Indian defense establishment to ignore is that the Rafale is, reportedly, two-and-a-half times more expensive than the Rafale. The cost of 40 follow-on Sukhois to the Indian exchequer is about $3 billion, as against the reported $7 billion to $8 billion for the 36 Rafales.
However, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha has made it clear on more than a couple of occasions that Sukhois aren't a replacement for the MMRCA, under which Rafale is the chosen one.
http://armingindia.com/Rebound To Russia Amid Rafale Impasse, IAF To Buy 40 More Sukhois.htm
Gessler
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The MKI numbers in IAF will eventually reach 342 or 348.Rebound To Russia: Amid Rafale Impasse, IAF To Buy 40 More Sukhois
By Arming India Correspondent
NEW DELHI, FEB. 10, 2016: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated the procurement of a fresh lot of 40 additional Su-30MKI air dominance fighters at an estimated $75 million apiece, reliable diplomatic sources disclosed to Arming India.
The procurement is being taken up as a follow-on order to the 222 Su-30MKI fighters already contracted to be made under transfer of technology at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)'s Nasik division.
Along with the initial 50 aircraft acquired in a flyaway condition from Russia in the late 1990s, the latest increment of 40 aircraft will take the total number of Su-30MKIs ordered for the IAF to 312.
This is a significant development running concurrently with the rapid headway in India-Russia talks on finalizing an agreement on an Indian commitment to the futuristic Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA). Arming India had on Feb. 3, 2016 exclusively reported a $3.7 billion deal-in-the-works for India's contribution to the development costs of the FGFA, and a further commitment to buy a minimum of 60 of these fighters.
The rebound to Russia takes places amidst a continuing impasse in Indo-French price negotiations for the import of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft for the IAF.
Observers also see these developments as a consequence of a determined rearguard action by Russia to protect its turf and reinforce its pre-eminence in the Indian defense aerospace market. Russia's traditional dominance in the Indian market has sought to have been challenged by the U.S., Israel and Europe in the last decade-and-a-half.
The reliance on the Sukhois extends the life of the Su-30MKI assembly line in Nasik by another decade. An estimated 175 of the 222 Su-30 MKIs contracted to be assembled in India are reported to have already been rolled out. The roll-out rate is between 10 and 12 aircraft a year. Post the Sukhois, the Russian complex at HAL will be kept alive with the licensed manufacture of the FGFA.
Interestingly, India and Russia are set to sign a deal for faster delivery of Sukhoi spares for the IAF. The Economic Times had reported in early December 2015, quoting Sukhoi Managing Director Valery V. Chishchevoy, that an Indian delegation was to deliberate on the spares supply deal later that month and the contract for the same would be signed at the earliest.
The Sukhoi resurgence and the FGFA inroads will directly impact on the market for the Rafale in India, keen observers of defense trade reckon. Although the initial negotiations are for only 36 Rafale jets for the IAF, France is already pursuing a detailed roadmap to notch up sales even beyond the original Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) number of 126 and also pitch the Rafale for the Indian Navy, sources inform Arming India. The Russian jets, clearly, stand in the way of these plans.
What is hard for a resource-strapped Indian defense establishment to ignore is that the Rafale is, reportedly, two-and-a-half times more expensive than the Rafale. The cost of 40 follow-on Sukhois to the Indian exchequer is about $3 billion, as against the reported $7 billion to $8 billion for the 36 Rafales.
However, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha has made it clear on more than a couple of occasions that Sukhois aren't a replacement for the MMRCA, under which Rafale is the chosen one.
http://armingindia.com/Rebound To Russia Amid Rafale Impasse, IAF To Buy 40 More Sukhois.htm
Rafale requirement will eventually go to the 189 mark for Air Force alone.
Compersion
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why only 312 - why not 650+ (sure money and cost but we need to think our role is larger to only self-defense of india but now more to region and global) i suppose tejas and our other local beauties will come more into picture and numbers.
also why not take some Indian walas and make juggard improvement to the SU30MKI plane and redesign.
you know a bit like we put the brahmos on its belly but can be more adventurous.
also why not take some Indian walas and make juggard improvement to the SU30MKI plane and redesign.
you know a bit like we put the brahmos on its belly but can be more adventurous.
The Sukhoi Flanker has yet again emerged as the unchallenged wolf of the skies. During the 10-day Indradhanush exercise held in July in Lincolnshire, UK, Indian Air Force pilots flying the Su-30MKI humiliated the top aces of the RAF, blanking their latest Eurofighter Typhoon jets 12-0.
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All Sukhois will be Super MKIs in next 4-5 years!
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We already know it isn't unchallenged. But its a very capable fighter and good for many operations.
Moreover, India is developing own jets.
Bahamut
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The major factor was the training of pilot ,they are able to use the plane in closer to it potential ,IAF has give good training to it pilot .Let hope it continue. What about adding new Israeli missile to Su 30 mki ,it will make it more effective.
smestarz
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After trolling IDF as mod you are here trolling? WOW... you need to wake up from your fantasies... if India ever buys that nos of Su-30 abd Rafale,,, we shall be sitting next to Greece with a begging bowl.. There is a term called BUDGET.. and we have a limit on that..
Gessler
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...and what actual trolls like you don't ever realize is that the budget is presented every year. Seriously, there are people out there who think that whatever amount is to be spent on Rafale deal will be transferred in one sitting, in one year. Utter fools.
Btw, the numbers I gave are already given requirements. It will stated a long time ago during MMRCA negotiations that Rafale numbers will be 126+63, which means IAF has a requirement for roughly 200 jets of this type. Plus it has come down from the very top (IAF Chief's mouth) that Sukhoi or any other plane cannot be an alternative or replacement for MMRCA.
So quite clearly, the requirement for ~200 (or 189 to be precise) MMRCA still very much stands. Rafale Make-in-India program will see the production of over 200 jets, including Rafale-M preliminary procurement.
When Su-30MKI orders were firm at 272 and no-one said we will buy more, it was Prasun K. Sengupta who gave hints toward a total requirement for MKI numbers to be around 350. In due course of time, these numbers will be achieved, already a number of 300+ is almost confirmed. And the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) order isn't part of it as yet.
That said, over $6.5 billions is still left unspent from last defence budget. Each year such unspent amount is in billions.
Our economy is growing at around 7.5% and defence spending will keep growing as well.
Anyway I don't need to give proofs for what is yet to happen. You will see the events yourself as they unfold. All you have to do is wait & see.
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It is DFI; IDF is a different forum.
Which idiot told you that?
India barely spends 1.7% on defence.
Even then, buying these toys is easy just after short increase of 3-4 billion which is a pinch of salt for India.
India is a giant economy. Not tiny like Greece. Plus we have to power to pay money.
Case is different that we are saving money because we have currently no war verging on head.
smestarz
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Is it? I barely noticed it lol
Maybe you should read clearly what I wrote before opening your trap.
IDF happens to be the biggest defence troll forum where the main trolls are the mods, They dont really understand whats happening but lee[ trolling, like the chap trolled here 189 Rafales. etc etc etc
I know what India spends on defence and what is not spent annually by the forces, also you might be awre that what is unused is NOT CARRIED FORWARD. Also maybe if you look around the world economy is slowing down, and rightly so. And when the economies with whom we trade are slowing and their buying capability reduces, it in a way will effect and slow our economy specially the export economy. And in such a scenario, how does it make sense to import non-critical defence equipment?
Rafale as of now is no critical, and considering the Rupee vs dollar, or Euro we are going to lose in much bigger way. On other hand, developing and using Tejas will be much lower and also adds to the so called NUMBERS OF SQUADRONS required by IAF also it makes IAF a dynamic and much slimmer force to use, operate and to maitain. Buying planes like Rafales in big nos is going to break us. Mainly because they cost very high. On other hand the total cost of buying using and maintaining a more capable Su-30 MKI will turn out much lower, except that IAF top brass really does not know how and when to order spares (this is being simplified by Defence minister and that in turn improves the availability)
There have been some comparisons of Rafale with Su-34 fullback, Full back can carry more heavier load and at longer ranges. It is somewhat between Su-30 and Tupolev blackjack in size and ability to carry loads. Also its a plane that has all the good characteristics of Su-30 MKI in terms of A2A capability, and yes its priced similar to Su-30 MKI. so there are already alternatives to Rafale, except for some reason that IAF is stuck on term "medium" as if India plans to enter the rafale for the next boxing tournament in the aviation Olympics,
smestarz
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It was an exercise and rather the idea is to not beat each other, but to test skills and based on these exercises develop better tactics.As a matter of fact, I feel that Pathankot came at good time for India. Imagine that attack coming during a war with Pakistan, we would have been caught with pants down when less than a dozen Enemy combatants come through smuggling route (supported by the local police in crossing the border and directed near the base ????) and then hold an important air base UNDER SEIGE. Thus crippling one of the most important asset that was to be used in action against enemy. Imagine such scenario happiening in many bases of IAF in western sector, we would have lost the war in a week
