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A quick roundup of major weapon systems currently being acquired or developed by India
India's regional power ambitions are dependent on its ability to develop and produce, or procure, major weapon systems for use by its armed forces. Its recent economic resurgence has allowed the country to embark on major new defense projects, and infuse life into projects that were floundering because the country's ambitions had gotten ahead of its industrial and R&D infrastructure.
This document aims at providing a quick roundup of the major weapon systems being procured by India. I hope to start detailed knols on each of the projects in the days ahead.
The projects listed here include Indigenous R&D projects as well as outright purchases.
This is a work in progress document, and because of its nature will always remain so.
I intend to update it as frequently as new developments take place so that you can be sure of getting the latest status and news on the projects listed here.
Contents
* Indigenous Projects
* Aerostat System
* Agni-II
* Agni-II+
* Agni-III
* Agni-V
* Akash Missile
* Astra air-to-air missile
* Barak 2 Missiles (MR-SAM and LR-SAM)
* Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System
* Brahmos Missile
* Introduction
* Brahmos 2
* UCAV
* Dhruv - Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)
* EMB-145 AEW&CS project
* Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) / PAK-FA
* Indian Aircraft Carrier (IAC) Project 71 INS Vikrant
* INS Arihant - Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)
* Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) 'Sitara' HJT-36
* Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)
* Maitri SR-SAM
* Medium Combat Aircraft
* Military Aerostats
* Nag Missile
* Nirbhay Cruise Missile
* Project Update
* Project 15A
* Project 15B
* Project 17
* At a Glance
* Project 17A
* Sagarika
* Shaurya
* LCA Tejas
* Tejas Mk2
* Unmanned Helicopter
* New Weapon System Purchases
* Active Protection System for T-90 tanks
* Advanced Hawkeye E-2D
* Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT)
* INS Chakra (Akula 2 / Nerpa) nuclear submarine
* Attack Helicopters for IAF
* AWACS
* Barak Missiles
* Basic Trainers
* Boeing C-17 Globemaster
* Boeing P-8I Poseidon Maritime Multimission Aircraft (MMA)
* C-130J Super Hercules Special Ops Aircraft
* EL/M-2083 Aerostat radars
* HAROP Loitering Munition (LM) System
* Heron II UAV
* INS Vikramaditya
* Hawk AJT
* Heavy Lift Helicopters
* News
* Kamov Ka-31 Surveillance Helicopters for Navy
* Krivak IV Missile Frigates (Project 11356)
* Light Tanks for High Altitude Operations
* Light Utility Helicopters
* Light Utility Helicopters for Navy
* Role
* Qualitative Requirements
* Vendors
* M777 Towed Howitzer for Indian Army
* Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA)
* Medium Range Loitering Missile System
* Mi-17I from Russia
* Additional Order
* Micro-UAV Systems for Indian Army
* Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) Aircraft
* News
* Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) program
* Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT)
* Multi Role Transport Aircraft (MTA)
* Project 75
* Project 75 Scorpene Submarine Acquisition
* Project 75A
* QR-SAM systems for Indian Army
* SpyDer MR-SAM
* Su-30 MKI
* T-90S Bheeshma Main Battle Tank
* Upgrades
* Antonov An-32 Upgrade
* MiG-29 Upgrade - MiG-29 (UPG)
* Service Life Extension
* Improved Combat Capabilities
* Upgrade Timeline
* MiG-29 (UPG) Test Flight
* Deployment
* MiG-29 Engine Upgrade
* Indian Navy Kilo Class Submarine Upgrade
* Su-30 MKI Modernization
* Mirage 2000 Upgrade
Indigenous Projects
Aerostat System
DRDO has developed a state-of-the-art medium size helium filled Aerostat that is capable of carrying electro-optic and COMINT payloads for surveillance. ELINT and RADAR payloads are also being developed for the system indigenously.
For additional details on the project please see the knol Aerostat System.
Agni-II
is a two-stage solid propellant ballistic missile with a launch weight of 17 tons, a diameter of 1m and length of 20 m. It can hit targets between 1,550 and 1,860 miles away with a 2,200-pound payload.
Developed by Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the missile is part of the Agni series which includes Agni-I (700 km range) and Agni-III (3,500 km range).
For details on analysis please see the Agni-II Ballistic Missile knol
Agni-II+
Agni-II+ is a two stage, solid propellant, rail and road mobile with a range of 2,750 and 3,000 km, against the 2,500 km range of teh Agni-II.
Though the missile was developed from Agni-II, DRDO describes it as a completely new missile.
Details of the missile maybe viewed at the Agni-II+ / Agni-II Plus knol.
Agni-III
Agni-III, is a 3,500 km range missile that is 16.7-meter tall missile and has a 50 ton lift-off weight. It is reportedly capable of carrying a 1.5 ton thermonuclear warhead with a yield of 200-250 KT.
Details of the Agni-III project maybe viewed at my knol Agni-III IRBM.
Agni-V
The Indian Government sanctioned Rs2,500 crore to develop the 5,000 km range Agni V missile in 2008. The missile is expected to be ready for testing in the 2010-11 time frame. (The Agni V is also referred to as Agni III+).
The Agni-V, a road mobile canisterized missile capable of carrying multiple independently targeted warheads, is a critical component of India's nuclear deterrent.
Details of missile and the current status of the project maybe viewed at my knol Agni-V.
Akash SAM
The Akash is a command guided missile system that has been under development by DRDL for 25 years, and has already cost the exchequer Rs. 516.86 crore, the highest for any of India's missile systems.
The 720 kg, 5.78 m long missile has a diameter of 35 cm and a length of 5.78 meters. With a top speed of Mach 2.5, the missile can engage targets as far as 25 km away flying at heights ranging from 20m to 18kms.
Details of the project and its current development status maybe viewed at my knol Akash Missile
Astra air-to-air missile
Astra is an active radar homing, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile being developed by Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
The 154kg (340lb) Astra uses active radar homing and is reportedly capable of engaging targets at 80km in the head on mode and 20km while astern.
The missile has a cruise speed of up to Mach 2.2 carrying a 20kg fragmentation warhead. It has a length of 3570 mm and a diameter of 178 mm.
For more details on the project please see my knol Astra air-to-air missile.
Barak 2 Missiles (MR-SAM and LR-SAM)
India and Israel are jointly developing two Air Defense Missile systems: The LR-SAM system will be deployed on IN Ships while MR-SAM will replace IAF SAM-3 Pechora missile.
For more details and current status of the projects please see the knol Barak 2 Missiles (MR-SAM and LR-SAM)
Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System
Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is developing a Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system to be deployed by 2015.
The system will be based on radar technology for tracking and fire control which the DRDO developed jointly with Israel and France.
Details of the project and its current status maybe viewed at my knol Indian DRDO's Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System
Brahmos Missile
Introduction
BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land. It is a joint venture between India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroeyenia who have together formed the BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited.
The Brahmos is based on the SS-NX-26 (Yakhont) missile, which was under development when the Cold War ended in 1991 after which the project ran aground because of lack of funds. India invested $240 million to complete two decades of the missile's development and contributed its inertial navigation system.
DRDO claims that the missile was jointly developed by India and Russia. However, 80 % of its components, including the liquid ramjet engine and the radar seeker, are imported in knock-down condition to be reassembled by the Russians.
You can read details of the missile and the current status of the project at the Brahmos Missile knol.
Brahmos 2
Preliminary work has also begun on the development of a hypersonic Brahmos 2 missile capable of flying at a speed between 5 and 7 Mach using a scram jet engine.
An agreement to develop the new missile was reached during a visit by Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov to India in 2008.
Details of the project maybe viewed at my knol Brahmos-2
Speaking to the press at Tiruchy on Saturday, February 14, 2009, Dr A Sivathanu Pillai, CEO & MD of Brahmos Aerospace said the missile will be ready within the next five years.
UCAV
Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bangalore, is developing a UCAV, which besides ISR will be able to attack ground targets like the US Predator.
The existence of the project was announced by V.K. Saraswat, scientific advisor to Defence Minister A.K. Antony, on November 24, after he inaugurated the fifth national conference on 'NextGen IT for Indian Defence'.
Details of the project maybe viewed at my knol Indian UCAV
Dhruv - Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)
The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) program was first announced in November 1984. The helicopter was designed with assistance from Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm. The first prototype flew in August 1992.
For more details on the project, please see the knol Dhruv - Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
EMB-145 AEW&CS project
Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), is coordinating the Rs.1,800-crore effort to develop an indigenous airborne early warning and control system (AEW&CS) to augment the three Phalcon AWACs being procured by the IAF.
The AEW&CS will comprise of an indigenous radar and control system mounted on a Brazilian Embraer EMB-145 regional jet. Under a $210 million deal signed with Brazilian aviation company Embraer in summer 2008, Embraer will supply India 3 EMB-145s with the system mounted on them.
Details of the project may be viewed at the knol EMB-145 AEW&CS Project
Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) / PAK-FA
The FGFA is being developed by Sukhoi, which is part of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), under an intergovernmental agreement signed in October 2007.
Russia and India will simultaneously develop two versions of the combat aircraft - a two-seat version to meet the requirements of India's air superiority policy, and a single-seat version for the Russian Air Force.
For details of the project see the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) / PAK-FA / T-50 knol.
Indian Aircraft Carrier (IAC) Project 71 INS Vikrant
India will construct two 40,000 ton aircraft carriers at Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) under the Rs 3,260 crore Project 71. The first ship of the class will be named INS Vikrant
For details of the project please see the Indian Aircraft Carrier (IAC) Project 71 knol.
INS Arihant - Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)
India's first indigenous nuclear powered submarine was launched by Gursharan Kaur, wife of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on July 26, at Eastern Naval Command headquarters in Visakhapatnam.
INS Arihant, Destroyer of Enemies, was designed and developed under the ATV project which was given a go ahead in 1984 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The ATV project became a serious endeavor in 1985 after Mazagaon docks began construction of two German HDW 209 class submarines in 1984.
For details on the project see Advanced Technology Vessel INS Arihant knol.
Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) 'Sitara' HJT-36
The IJT program was sanctioned by the government in 1999 with an initial budget of Rs.180 crore as a replacement for the HJT-16 Kiran.
For more information, please see the knol Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) 'Sitara' HJT-36.
Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)
The HAL developed 5.5-ton twin engine LCH is a derivative of Dhruv ALH with tandem seating.
Like the Dhruv, LCH is powered by two Shakti engines jointly developed with France's Turbomeca.
The LCH will supplement the 22 attack helicopters that India is seeking as part of an international tender.
Details of the project maybe viewed at the knol Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)
Maitri SR-SAM
The Maitri short-range (15km,9.3mi) surface-to-air missile is a point defense system being co-developed by DRDO in collaboration with MBDA of France under a 2007 government-to-government agreement.
The missile will fill the gap created by the Indian government's decision to wind up development of the Trishul point defense missile system.
IAF sources tell AW&ST that a the formal go-ahead to the project will likely be accorded during French President Nicolas Sarkozy visits New Delhi later this year. (October 16, 2010)
Maitri will build on the work done by DRDO while developing the Trishul missile, using technology transfer from MBDA to fill the technological gaps that led to the failure of the Trishul project.
MBDA will provide the seeker, thrust vector control, terminal guidance system and composites for a modified propulsion system. DRDO will provide the software, command and control system and launchers.
The Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (ERDE), Bangalore, is developing two indigenous radars for the Maitri project. These would be new-generation variants of Central Acquisition Radar (3D-CAR), with the ability to track 150 targets simultaneously at a distance of 200 kilometers. The naval variant would be called the Revati and the air force version Rohini.
Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) will work as the system integrator and roll out the missile.
Two variants of the missile are planned
1. A ship-borne point and tactical air defense version for the Navy
2. A mobile wheeled and tracked system for use by the Air Force and Army.
A mockup of the Maitri missile was displayed at AeroIndia 2009.
Development of the missile is expected to be completed within three years of the project go-ahead, when initial testing will commence.
The IAF expects to start receiving the missile by late 2013.
Medium Combat Aircraft
Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA) wind tunnel model at Aero India 2009
The DRDO displayed a wind tunnel model of its Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA) twin engine fighter concept at Aero India 2009.
The 19-20 ton category fighter will feature stealth including an internal weapon bay.
For more details on the project, please see the knol Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Military Aerostats
The Hindu reported on November 1, that the DRDO is developing two types of military aerostats — the first to carry military payloads up to an altitude of 1,000 metres and the second up to a height of 5,000 metres.
The 1,000-metre aerostat was has already been demonstrated to both the Army and Air Force.
According to Dr. Prahlada, Chief Controller, R & D (Aerospace and Services Interaction), the aerostats will be used for surveillance, jamming of electronic systems, intelligence data gathering and communication relay.
Nag Missile
Design work on the missile started in 1988 with the first test having been carried out in November 1990. The missile is currently being inducted into the Indian Army in limited numbers.
Nag is anti-tank missile with a 4-km range and fire-and-forget capability. The missile uses a IR seeker and has a top attack capability to strike a tank where its armor is the weakest.
Details and current status of the project maybe viewed at the knol Nag Anti Tank Missile.
Nirbhay Cruise Missile
Nirbhay (Fearless) is an intermediate-range (1000km) subsonic land-attack cruise missile that is being developed by Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) in Hyderabad since 2007.
The missile is being designed to match the capabilities of the US Tomahawk and its Pakistan developed variant Babur.
The missile will be capable of carrying 24 types of warhead but it is not clear if it is nuclear capable.
"The need was felt for a subsonic cruise missile that will be capable of being launched from multiple platforms in land, air, and sea," says the ASL director.
Nirbhay is expected to supplement the 300-km-range supersonic BrahMos.
Project Update
On February 11, during Aero India 2011, Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief VK Saraswat said the Nirbhay was almost in place and it would be ready by early next year.
"Integration of the engine is under way," he said.
On April 11, 2010, DRDO Chief Dr V K Saraswat said, "[The] missile is getting into some shape."
He was in Bangalore to deliver the keynote address at a national convention on 'The Frontiers of Aeronautical Technologies', organised by the Aeronautical Society of India.
On February 2010, DRDO Chief says said that Nirbhay has not reached integration stage, but development is on.
"The development of the system is on. We have completed the propulsion system's design. But we have not integrated it.
Once we reach the integration stage, we will show it you," he told reporters.
Project 15A
Three warships under this Rs 11,000 crore project are being built by Mazagaon Docks Limited (MDL) for the Indian Navy.
A follow up of Project 15 Delhi Class destroyers (INS Delhi, INS Mysore and INS Mumbai), which were based on the Soviet Kashins with elements drawn from the Godavari and Sovremenny classes, these 6,800 tons destroyers will incorporate more stealth.
Details and current status of the project maybe viewed at my knol Project 15A Stealth Destroyers
Project 15B
The Indian Government approved the the construction of four 6,800-ton destroyers by Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai (MDL) in August 2010.
The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) had cleared the project in April 2009.
There was no competitive bidding for the project which is a "follow-on" to the currently underway Project 15A -, construction of three Kolkata class destroyers at MDL.
Project 15B warships will differ from their predecessors in the sensor and weapon suite that they carry.
They are expected to be equipped with the 1,000 km range Nirbhay cruise missile currently under development, and the long range Barak-8 based LR-SAM AD missile system being developed with Israeli assistance.
In addition, they are expected to be more stealthy.
Construction of Project 15B destroyers will start after MDL launches the last Project 15A destroyer.
The four ships are expected to be completed in the 2012-2014 time frame.
Project 17
At a Glance
Shivalik Class Frigates
Mazagaon Docks Limited (MDL) is building 3 Indian designed stealth frigates for the Indian Navy under this project.
P 17s are based on the Project 11356 (Talwar / Krivak IV class) ships being acquired from Russia, and were designed jointly by the Naval Design Bureau (NDB) and Russia's Severnoye Project Design Bureau (Severnoye Proyektno-Konstruktorskoye Bjuro - SPKB), the designers of the N11356 frigate.
The first ship of the class, INS Shivalik, was launched on April 19, 2003. The two follow on ships - INS Sahyadri and the INS Satpura are under construction at Mazagon docks. These are expected to be finished and delivered by 2010.
INS Shivalik and its sisters are 143 metres long and 16.9 metres wide (at beam). Their stealth character diminishes physical signatures - radar, infra red and sound - making it difficult for an enemy to detect and attack them. When fully armed they displace 4,900 tonnes.
Though much smaller than the Delhi class of destroyers, their weapons package is far more potent. These include the latest surface-to-surface vertical launched missiles, surface-to-air missiles and state of the art radar and communication equipment.
The ships cruise using two French-made Pielstick diesel engines. For bursts of speeds upto 30 knots they use two GE LM 25000 gas turbines.
They operate two large helicopters for surveillance and anti-submarine operations.
Project 17A
In June 2009, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared a Rs 45,000 crore project to build seven stealth frigates using advanced manufacturing process like modular shipbuilding. The ships will be manufactured in India by the Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai (MDL) and the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
More information on the project is available at Project 17A knol.
Sagarika
Sagarika is a submarine-launched ballistic missile with a range of approximately 700 km (435 miles).
India successfully tested the 'Sagarika' missile under the K-15 project on February 26, 2008, off the coast of Visakhapatnam from a pontoon simulating the conditions of a submarine.
India does not currently have a submarine capable of carrying the Sagarika and it's believed the missile will be integrated with the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV), a nuclear-powered submarine that India has been working on for more than 20 years.
For more information n the project please read the knol Sagarika K-15 SLBM
Shaurya
Shaurya is a surface-to-surface tactical missile with a range of 600-km and a payload of about one ton for use by the Army. It can carry both conventional as well as nuclear warheads.
The solid propellant, two-staged missile is little over 10 meters in length and about half-a-meter in width. It is easily transportable, user-friendly and is stored in a canister for longer shelf life.
For more on the missile see the Shaurya Missile knol.
LCA Tejas
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project was sanctioned in 1982 with a budget of Rs 560 crore to develop a state-of-the-art fighter aircraft to replace IAF's MiG-21 fighters.
Close to Rs 6,000 crore have since been spent since but the aircraft, rechristened as Tejas, still remains under development. It is currently being tested with a substitute engine (F404-GE-IN20) and makeshift avionics package.
Details of the project and its current status maybe viewed at my knol LCA Tejas
Tejas Mk2
LCA Tejas Mk2 is being developed for use by the IAF and the IN. It will be powered by the more powerful GE-F414-INS6 engine and feature other upgrades. Minor modifications are being made to the LCA Tejas Mk1 airframe to accommodate the slightly larger engine.
For more details, please see the knol Tejas Mk2.
Unmanned Helicopter
HAL is working with Israel to convert its Chetak helicopter into an unmanned air vehicle for an Indian armed forces requirement for eight aircraft.
The order size may eventually grow to 40 aircraft.
New Weapon System Purchases
Active Protection System for T-90 tanks
In April 2008, the Indian Army issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) worth $270 million to retrofit its 987 T-90 MBTs with an Active Protection System (APS).
The request was issued to Israel Military Industries (IMI), Rafael, BAE Systems, Raytheon, Rosoboronexport, Saab, and Germany's IBD Deisenroth Engineering
A contract would involve some 1500 systems.
Advanced Hawkeye E-2D
Northrop Grumman has proposed the sale of six Advanced Hawkeye E-2D aircraft to the Indian Navy after the Navy sent the company a request for information in 2008.
In August 2009, Northrop gave an 8 hour presentation on the latest version of the venerable Hawkeye to Indian Navy officials.
Northrop has already obtained export authorization for the sale of the aircraft to India.
Project details can be viewed at my knol Advanced Hawkeye E-2D.
Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT)
The IAF cancelled its plans to acquire an additional 40 Hawk 132 AJTs in February 2009 because of bottlenecks in the procurement of spares.
Instead, the service has floated a tender to procure a new trainer type to meet its additional requirement. Six companies have been invited to bid as follows
UK's BAe Hawk 128
Italy's Alenia for the M-346
Korea Aerospace Industries/Lockheed Martin T-50
Czech Aero Vodochody L-159
Russian Yakovlev YAK-130
Russian MiG AT Trainer
INS Chakra (Akula 2 / Nerpa) nuclear submarine
India is reported to have leased a Nerpa (Akula II) nuclear submarine from Russia under contract signed in 2004 by Russia's then-Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov during his visit to India. The price of a 10-year lease was fixed at $650 million.
The submarine is earmarked to be commissioned as INS Chakra.
For details of the project, please see INS Chakra knol.
Attack Helicopters for IAF
A request for proposals has been issued to seven companies for the supply of 22 attack helicopters for the Indian Air Force. The new helicopters will replace IAF's aging fleet of Mi-35 helicopters.
The contract, estimated to be worth $500 million, stipulates aircraft in the 2.5t-class.
The deal is expected to be finalized within two years and supply completed over the next three years.
For more details, please see my knol Attack Helicopters for IAF
AWACS
An IAF Phacon system mounted on a IL-76TD. Photo Credit: Beriev.com
In March 2004 India signed a $1.1 billion deal with Israel for the supply of three AWACS aircraft.
The system comprises of a Israeli Elta EL/M-2075 Phalcon Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar mounted on a IL-76.
Details of the project and its current status maybe viewed at the AWACS knol.
Barak Missiles
India inked a deal in January 2009 to purchase an additional 300 Barak missiles, at a cost of about $1.6 million each, for the Barak anti-aircraft missile/aircraft systems it has already bought.
The ship-borne Barak is a short range, vertically launched quick reaction missile designed to intercept and destroy approaching anti-ship missiles. The system is built to automatically launch Barak missiles from a Rafael-made vertical launch assembly when the radar detects an anti-ship supersonic missile at a height, and sea-skimming missile at a low altitude.
The Barak's fire control system made by Elbit can automatically lock onto two incoming missiles at the same time.
The Barak's defense is capable of intercepting targets not less than 500 metres away. Its Rafael-made warhead makes up a substantial 22 per cent of the missile's almost 100 kg weight, bestowing it with a wider kill envelope.
Each Barak system (missile container, radar, computers and installation) costs about $24 million.
The only weakness of the existing Barak missile system is its limited range of 10 km / 6 miles.
Basic Trainers
The IAF plans to procure 160 basic trainers to replace the HPT-32, IAF Chief PV Naik announced during a press conference on October 1, 2009. Half the number would be purchased outright with the other half being locally produced by HAL.
Boeing C-17 Globemaster
Boeing is reported to have briefed the IAF on the aircraft in October 2007.
In 2008 India sent Boeing a Request For Information to which the company responded. The aircraft gave impressive flying demonstrations at Aero India 2009 in Bangalore
In June 2009, the IAF projected a requirement for 10 aircraft to the government.
The Globemaster is more capable than Il-76 in terms of payload and range. It can carry 70 tons of cargo with a crew of 3, against the 45 tons carried by an IL-76 with a crew of 6.
No deal has yet been signed.
Boeing C-17 Globemaster procurement knol
Boeing P-8I Poseidon Maritime Multimission Aircraft (MMA)
India inked a $2.1 billion deal with Boeing for the supply of 8 customized P-8A Poseidon Maritime Multimission Aircraft (MMA), designated P-8I, for use by the Indian Navy.
It is the biggest ever defense deal between India and the US, surpassing the 2007 $962 million deal for the supply of six C-130J 'Super Hercules' aircraft for Indian special forces.
Please click on the link below for more details on this project
Boeing p-8i Poseidon Maritime Multimission Aircraft (MMA)
C-130J Super Hercules Special Ops Aircraft
India signed a deal with US DOD in 2008 to purchase six Lockheed Martin C-130Js for $596 million. The aircraft, to be used by Indian special forces, are currently under construction with the first plane set for delivery in January 2011.
Please click on the link below for more details on the project.
C-130J Super Hercules Transport Aircraft
EL/M-2083 Aerostat radars
The IAF currently operates two EL/M-2083 Aerostat radars acquired under a $145 million deal with Israel in 2004-2005.
The Indian Navy is set to acquire five EL/M-2083 radars from Israel to fill vital gaps in the coastal security and the IAF four more.
The tethered EL/M-2083 phased array radar is mounted on a blimp that can hover up to 13,000 feet. Developed and manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries' Elta Systems Group (IAI/Elta), the radar is a simpler version of the Green Pine radar, made by IAI and used by the Arrow missile defense system.
Data gathered by the radar is transmitted to a central air defense command & control center where it is used to maintain an extended comprehensive air situation picture.
Each system is reportedly capable of providing 3-D coverage in a radius of 500 km, which is roughly equivalent to the coverage that would be provided by 30 ground based radars.
According to IAI, the system is designed to detect hostile approaching aircraft from long ranges, especially those flying at low altitudes.
Pakistan is reported to be getting six L-88 Aerostat Systems from the US.
HAROP Loitering Munition (LM) System
The Indian Air Force will reportedly acquire 10 Harop loitering drones from Malat, the UAV division of Israel Aerospace Industries, under a $100 million deal.
The Harops will be inducted into service by 2011.
Details of the project maybe viewed at the knol HAROP Loitering Munition (LM) System.
Heron II UAV
Under a $220 million deal IAI sold 50 Heron II UAVs to India. In the past Israel has sold IAI-Malat built Searcher and Searcher II.
INS Vikramaditya
Under a contract signed in January 2004, Russia's Rosoboronexport was to deliver the 44,570-tonne aircraft carrier, Admiral Gorshkov, to India in 2008. The $1.5 billion contract earmarked $964 billion for the Gorshkov and $536 million for the complement of 16 MiG-29K fighter aircraft on board.
The Admiral Gorshkov was laid down in 1978 at the Nikolayev South shipyard in Ukraine, launched in 1982, and commissioned with the Soviet Navy in 1987 as Baku.
It was renamed after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
In 1994, following a boiler room explosion, the Admiral Gorshkov sat in dock for a year for repairs. After a brief return to service in 1995, she was finally withdrawn from service in 1996 and put up for sale.
The contract covers complete overhaul of the ship, which had remained docked at the Sevmash shipyard in northern Russia for the past 12 years, fitting a ski jump take off, and equipping it with modern weaponry, including MiG-29K Fulcrum aircraft and Ka-27 Helix-A and Ka-31 Helix-B anti-submarine helicopters.
After modernization, the carrier is expected to be seaworthy for 30 years.
More details of this project can be viewed at the INS Vikramaditya / Admiral Gorshkov knol
Hawk AJT
India signed a $1.75 billion contract for the delivery of 66 BAE Systems HAWK Mk132s under the AJT (Advanced Jet Trainer) program in March 2004, after two decades of negotiations.
Under the deal, twenty four aircraft were delivered directly from the UK, with 42 to be license-manufactured in India by HAL by March 2011 from semi and completely knocked down kits - progressively using indigenous components.
Details and current status of the project may be viewed at my knol at Hawk Mk.132 AJT.
Heavy Lift Helicopters
India invited bids for for 15 heavy-lift helicopters in May 2009. Along with the 22 Attack Helicopters being procured, the bid is valued at $2 billion.
Proposals for the combat helicopters have to be submitted by September 22 and those for the heavy-lift helicopters a day after.
Boeing is pitching its twin-rotor Chinook. Sikorsky Aircraft, a unit of United Technologies Corp. of the U.S., also plans to bid.
News
October 23
Boeing has entered its Chinook CH-47 as a contender to meet the requirement, according to Defpro.
Kamov Ka-31 Surveillance Helicopters for Navy
The Cabinet Committee on Security approved a deal worth Rs 950 crore for acquisition of five Russian Kamov-31 early-warning helicopters for the Indian Navy on August 4, 2009. A contract is expected to be finalized within a month.
The helicopters are equipped with the E-801M Oko (Eye) airborne electronic warfare radar mounted beneath the fuselage. A Ka-31 can simultaneously track up to 40 airborne and surface threats, with a 360 degree coverage, from 100 to 200 km away depending on the target's size.
Navy already has nine Ka-31 helicopters, inducted in 2003-2004, which operate from its solitary aircraft carrier INS Viraat and three Talwar-class "stealthy" guided-missile frigates as well as shore-based air stations.
Krivak IV Missile Frigates (Project 11356)
The Indian Navy currently opearates three Russian Krivak-class stealth frigates. They are INS Talwar (2002), Trishul (2003) and Tabar (Jul 2004).
India and Russia signed a $1.6 billion contract for the construction of an additional three Project 11356 Krivak IV-class guided missile frigates for the Indian Navy in July, 2006.
Details of the project maybe viewed at the knol Project 11356 Missile Frigates
Light Tanks for High Altitude Operations
The Indian Army wants to equip its 12 Mountain Divisions (10 existing and 2 under raising) with light armor for use at high altitude in mountainous terrain such as J&K, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
In October 2009, the MOD issued a RFP for 300 light tanks having protection against nuclear, chemical and biological warfare, following heightened border tensions with China.
The tanks are expected to weigh around 22 tonnes and be capable of operating at heights of over 3,000 metres in hilly terrain. They must be capable of engaging enemy Main Battle Tanks from a distance of more than 2 km using HE shells and guided missiles.
Light Utility Helicopters
India issued a request for proposals for 197 military Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) in July 2008, to replace its existing fleet of Chetak and Cheetah helicopters.
The procurement is valued at up to $750 million with a 30% offset clause.
Details of the project and its progress maybe viewed at the knol Light Utility and Observation Helicopters
Light Utility Helicopters for Navy
In April 2010, India issued a request for information (RFI) for the purchase 50 light utility helicopters to replace the Chetak helicopters currently in service with the Indian Navy.
Role
The helicopters are required for search and rescue, casualty evacuation, limited observation and surveillance and anti-submarine warfare tasks, as well as anti-piracy and anti-terrorism activities.
Qualitative Requirements
1. Twin-engine, dual seat cockpit controls but single pilot operation and advanced integrated avionics.
2. All-up weight of not more than 4,500kg (9,920lb)
3. Capable of carrying at least one lightweight torpedo or two depth charges
4. Provision for mounting 12.7mm machine guns and/or a rocket launcher on either side of the aircraft.
5. Must also be able to carry at least four passengers and come with rappelling equipment, rescue winches and be capable of carrying underslung loads.
Vendors
The RFI was sent to France's Eurocopter, Italy's AgustaWestland, the United States' Bell Helicopter and Russia's Kamov Co.
Vendors are required to deliver the helicopters ASAP
The requirement is in addition to the procurement of 384 light utility helicopters for the the IAF and Indian Army, initiate in 2009.
M777 Towed Howitzer for Indian Army
The government authorized the purchase of 145 ultra-light M777 towed howitzers from the US in January 2010.
The 155mm guns, with a range of up to 40 kms, will equip mountain artillery divisions deployed at high altitudes along the LAC and LOC.
For details of the project please see the knoll M777 Towed Howitzer for Indian Army.
Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA)
The Government of India issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the purchase of 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft on August 28, 2007.
The order is valued at approximately US$10 billion.
All the aircraft are required to be of the same type with one squadron (18 aircraft) being formed of aircraft supplied by the vendor, and the rest produced under license in India by HAL.
The RFP lays down that the first aircraft is supplied within 36 months of the contract being signed and the 18th within 48 months. The 19th aircraft, the first to be assembled in India, will come within 54 months. Thereafter, there will be an incremental increase with the last aircraft to be delivered by 2020.
For details and latest news on the project you can go to the knol below
Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for IAF
Medium Range Loitering Missile System
The Indian Army has projected a requirement for missiles that can loiter over a target for up to 30 minutes sending critical data over a link before striking.
A Global Request for Information (RFI) for Medium Range Loitering Missile System has been issued in March 2010.
The Defence Ministry has sought details from the vendors on the missile's cruising speed, the maximum range at which it can engage a target, its loitering time, the range of its data link, its accuracy, ability to attack from the top, and if it can abort after locking onto a target and be redesignated to a new target.
Mi-17I from Russia
Initial Order: 80
Additional Order: 59
Order Status: Deliveries to start from end of 2010
During Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's visit to India in December 2008, the two countries inked a deal for the supply of 80 Mi-17I medium lift helicopters at a cost of $1.2 billion. The two countries had earlier negotiated a price of $650 million, but early in 2008 Russia asked for a revision of the contract price.
IAF will get the helicopters between 2010 and 2014. The deal also envisages a $405 million "offset" obligation by Russia.
The new choppers, which have an 18,000 ft operational ceiling, will replace 50 Mi-8s currently in service with the IAF, some of which are over 35 years old, and boost IAF's capability to support high-altitude posts in Siachen and Ladakh sectors.
The helicopter will come with the circuitry and hard points to carry weapons.
At Aero India 2009 in Bangalore Rosoboronexport, Viktor Komardin, confirmed that the helicopters would be delivered as scheduled in 2010.
"We hope that the first helicopter will be delivered to India at the start of 2010," he said.
He previously said the first helicopter would be delivered to India before the end of 2009.
The remaining helicopters are expected to be delivered over a four year period.
Additional Order
The IAF is set to order an additional 59 Russian Mil Mi-17I helicopters, on top of the 80 ordered earlier, the IAF chief said on Thursday, August 19, 2010.
In September 2010, PTI reported that additional order had already been cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council and will be put up for Cabinet Committee on Security clearance soon.
Micro-UAV Systems for Indian Army
The Indian army is expected to release a Request for Proposal for 500 mini- and micro-UAV systems in the first quarter of 2011.
For additional details please see the knol Micro-UAV Systems for Indian Army
Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) Aircraft
A request for proposal (RFP) for supply of six Medium Range Maritime reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft was floated by India's Ministry of Defense in June 2008.
The new aircraft, which will replace the aging fleet of 12 Islander aircraft in service, are to be equipped with an Airborne Early Warning system. The Indian Coast Guard has an additional requirement for six MRMRs without an Airborne Early Warning system.
The MRMR is required to have a range of 500 nautical miles and an endurance of 6 hours.
Bids against the RFP were received from Boeing (P-8, a variant of P-8I), Russian Illyushin (IL-38 variant), French Dassault (Falcon 900MPA), EADS (Case C-295) and Israel's Elta System electronics (Gulfstream 550 mounted EL/W-2085). .
News
India has since cancelled the RFPs, Flight magazine reported in December 2009.
"The defense ministry and the navy had asked for the proposals, but they withdrew the tender a few months ago," an industry source close to the ministry told the magazine. "There is no indication of when a fresh tender will be issued, although it appears as though this procurement has gone down in the navy's list of priorities."
Following the Mumbai attacks, it was reported that India is attempting to speed up the procurement of MRMR.
"Bids were submitted by the contenders in November last year before the Mumbai attacks. But with an urgency to fill the gaps in security of coastal areas, the acquisition process for these aircraft will be hastened," Defence Ministry sources told media.
"Right now the bids submitted by the contenders are being evaluated by the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) of the Defence Ministry. By the end of this month, these companies are expected to submit their offset proposals to the Ministry," they said.
Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) program
India has invited request for information for 16 Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) to replace its fleet of aging Sea King helicopters. The program is valued at $ 1 billion.
The helicopters, to be equipped for inflight refuelling, are required to have anti-submarine and surface warfare capability as their primary mission. Capable of ferrying 15 soldiers, the 10 ton helicopters are expected to be armed with cruise missiles and lightweight torpedoes for advanced anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare capabilities
Also required is a secondary mission capability of anti-ship surveillance and targeting, search and resuce, medical evacuation and logistics missions from naval vessels.
A Request for Proposal is likely to be issued in mid 2009
Amongst those bidding are
Sikorsky: S-70B Seahawk as a commercial direct sale.
European NH Industries: NH90,
Lockheed: MH-60R as US government Foreign Military Sale
Rosoboronexport: Ka-226T
The final requirement could reach 60 helicopters.
Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT)
India's MOD issued a request for proposals (RFP) for delivery of six Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) in 2007. The RFP stipulates deliveries of the new tankers to begin three years after contract signature.
EADS subsidiary Airbus has offered the A330-200-in a three-hose configuration and Russia's United Aircraft (UAC) has offered a more advanced version of the Ilyushin Il-78 Midas tanker, 12 of which are in service with the IAF.
Details of the project maybe viewed at the knol Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT)
Multi Role Transport Aircraft (MTA)
The Multirole Medium Aircraft (MTA) project was initiated by Russia's Ilyushin in 1996. It is also referred to as Il-214 Ilyushin and "Indo-Russian Transport Aircraft (IRTA) or MRTA by its Indian partner HAL. Russia and India entered into negotiations for the co-development of the aircraft in 1999. An agreement was signed in June 2001 between Ilyushin, Irkut and HAL.
Click on the link below for more details
Multi Role Transport Aircraft
Project 75
The project was approved in 2002 and is aimed at acquiring national competence in submarine building. It envisages building 24 submarines over the next 30 years.
Project 75 Scorpene Submarine Acquisition
Six Scorpene submarines, to be built at Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL) shipyard under a transfer of technology agreement with France's DCNS, will be delivered to Indian Navy under Project 75.
The submarines are being acquired under a 2.4 billion eur contract signed in 2005 and will be commissioned in the Navy from 2013 through 2018.
The 1750 ton displacement Scorpene is 67 meters long and equipped with six 21 inch torpedo tubes that can launch 12 torpedoes or anti-ship missiles.
Additional details of the project and its current status maybe viewed at my knol Project 75 Scorpene Acquisition.
Project 75A
India will follow up its acquisition of six Scorpene submarines under Project 75 with an additional six AIP equipped subs under Project 75A.
India floated a request for information under the project in 2008, defining the scope of the order.
"They will also have high degree of stealth, land-attack capability and ability to incorporate futuristic technologies. Like the Scorpenes, they will be built in an Indian shipyard, public or private, with special emphasis on full transfer of technology," said a source.
Foreign vendors being considered for supplying the subs are Russia's Rosoboronexport, France's DCNS, Germany's HDW and Spain's Navantia.
The TOI reported on July 11, 2010 that the Defence Acquisitions Council (DAC), chaired by defence minister A K Antony, had decided that three of the six submarines will be constructed at Mazagon Docks (MDL) in Mumbai and one at Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, with the help of a foreign collaborator.
"The other two submarines will either be imported from the foreign vendor directly or constructed at a private shipyard in India. Fresh estimates show each of these six diesel-electric submarines will cost almost Rs 8,500 crore," a source said.
Additional details on the project maybe viewed at the knol Project 75A / 75I
QR-SAM systems for Indian Army
The MOD reportedly released a RFI on Friday, January 29, 2010 for procuring quick reaction surface-to-air missiles for the Army.
The RFI does not specify the number of missiles systems to be procured.
Details of the procurement maybe viewed at my knol QR-SAM for Indian Army
SpyDer MR-SAM
India is buying 18 low-level quick-reaction missile systems, SpyDer (Surface-to-air Python and Derby), from Israel for around Rs 1,800 crore. Deliveries will start in early 2011 and be completed by August 2012.
The Spyder-SR slant-launched SHORAD system and the Spyder-MR vertical-launched medium range system are designed to protect against attack aircraft, combat helicopters, bombers, UAVs and UCAVs and stand off weapons. Both systems use Rafael's Derby, air-to-air active radar, beyond visual range (BVR) missile and Python 5, air-to-air dual band imaging infrared (IIR) missile. The system is unique in that it is able combine the use of these two missiles in any given mission.
For more on this project please see the knol SpyDer ADS-SR Missile System for Indian Air Force
Su-30 MKI
India purchased 50 Su-30K aircraft from Sukhoi in Russia in 1996 and acquired a license to manufacture an additional 140 fighters at HAL.
In January 2009, India ordered an additional 40 Su-30MKIs from Russia.
For details and current status of the project please see the knol Su-30MKI
T-90S Bheeshma Main Battle Tank
A $795 million dollar transfer of technology agreement was inked on February 15, 2001, between the Government of India and the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "State Corporation 'Rosvoorouzhenic' of the Russian Federation."
Russia shipped 124 T-90 tanks to India off the shelf. Another 186 were supplied in semi-knocked-down condition for assembly in Avadi-based Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) near Chennai.
In a follow up TOT agreement signed in 2006, Russia agreed to transfer technology for the license production of 1,000 additional tanks in India through 2020.
However, Russia pussyfooted on the TOT part of the agreement and production never started, forcing India to resort to the outright purchase of an additional 330 tanks in November 2007 to cover a gap in its military capabilities.
According to the DRDO, each of the Indian-built tanks would cost up to 150 million rupees ($3 million).
News
A first batch of 10 indigenously built T-90 Bhisma tanks was handed over to the Army on Monday, August 24, by the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Chennai.
***
The first indigenous manufactured T-90 tank will roll out August 24, IANS reported in early August 2009 quoting an unnamed defense ministry official.
***
In July 2009, Indian Defense Minister AK Antony told parliament that the supply of T-90 Tanks through indigenous production of components will commence from 2009 to 2010.
Upgrades
Antonov An-32 Upgrade
In June 2009, India signed a $400 million agreement with Ukraine's Ukrspetsexport to upgrade its fleet of 105 AN-32 aircraft to extend its life and improve its avionics.
The upgrades will be done in Ukraine to begin with and then at Kanpur.
The first IAF An-32 is scheduled to arrive in Kyiv in December 2009 for a pilot modernization project at 410th Kyiv Civil Aviation Plant. If the IAF is satisfied, the remaining fleet will be upgraded.
Defense ministry officials said the upgrades will extend the life of the aircraft by another 10 to 15 years. The Antonov website additionally claims the upgrades will increase maximum takeoff weight and flight range. Max payload will go up from 6.7 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes and the cockpit noise will also be reduced.
AN-32, a twin-engine turboprop, was acquired from the erstwhile Soviet Union. They were made by Antonov, based in Ukraine.
Antonov Website
MiG-29 Upgrade - MiG-29 (UPG)
In March 2008 Russia's RAC-MiG signed a $850 million contract with the Indian Defense Ministry to modernize 62 MiG-29 fighters (54 fighters and 8 trainers).
Service Life Extension
The upgrade will allow the IAF to extend the life of the MiG-29 from the present 25 years (and 2,500 hours) to 40 years (3,500 hours).
Improved Combat Capabilities
The modernization will improve the aircraft's air-to-ground attack capability and give pilots better BVR capability.
The current N-109 radar will be replaced by the multifunction Phazatron Zhuk-M radar.
The aircraft will be fitted with an aerial refueling probe allowing for extended range and airborne tim.
Upgrade Timeline
Six aircraft are to be upgraded by RAC-MiG in Russia and the remaining at IAF's 11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) in Nasik using kits supplied by RAC-MiG.
The first upgraded MiG-29 was scheduled to fly into India in March 2010. Fourteen aircraft were scheduled to roll out of 11BRD between April 2010 and March 2011. The upgrade program is to be completed by 2013.
However MIG officials told The Hindu in end July 2009 that there will be a delay of at least eight months in the arrival of the first upgraded aircraft.
The Russians hold the IAF responsible for the delay saying it has not finalized the 'buyer furnished equipment.'
IAF was to provide RAC MiG the list of equipment and their actual physical dimensions that they want fitted on the upgraded MiG-29's. Many of these items are to be sourced or integrated by Indian companies.
MiG-29 (UPG) Test Flight
Russia's MiG corporation carried out the first test fight of a MiG-29 fighter modernized under the upgrade contract (MiG-29UPG) on February 4, 2010.
"The flight lasted for an hour and was flawless," MiG said in a statement.
Deployment
The first lot of the 62 upgraded Russian-built aircraft will be deployed at Adampur air base in the border state of Punjab, a Defence Ministry official said in October 2009.
Ref:
MiG-29 upgrade programme delayed
MiG-29 Engine Upgrade
A deal to upgrade IAF MiG-29s with the RD-33 Series 3 engines was finalized on January 24, 2007 between the engine manufacturer Klimov and HAL.
Under the $250 million contract singed by Russian Defense Minister Ivanov, Klimov was to establish a production line at HAL for 120 upgraded RD-33 engines. The deal involved complete transfer of technology.
The Series 3 engine features cooled blades of modern materials. At 1100 kg it is slightly heavier than the 1055 kg RD-33 engine, and produces a max thrust of 9,000 kg with afterburning, against 8,300 kgf of the RD-33.
It is built to western standards and reportedly has a 4,000 hour service life. The engine contains systems that reduce its infrared and optical visibility.
The RD-33 engine has a SFC of 2.1 kg/kgf/hr in afterburner, 0.77 military
Repair and maintenance is made easy through the use of an information and diagnostics system (IDS).
RD-33MK (Sea Wasp), an improved version of RD-33, powers the MiG-35, which is competing in the MMRCA flyoff currently underway. It also powers the MiG-29K being supplied to the Indian Navy.
A version of RD-33 can be fitted with Thrust Vector Control (TVN). However, TVN requires significant modification to the controls of an aircraft.
Incidentally, RD-93, which powers the JF-17 manufactured in Pakistan with assistance from China, is a version of the RD-33.
Ref:
Klimov
News
Rosoboronexport and HAL signed a deal at the MAKS-2009 on August 21 for delivery of 26 RD-33 series 3 engines to India, marking the start of the license manufacture / TOT program.
Indian Navy Kilo Class Submarine Upgrade
The Indian Navy (IN) is in the process of upgrading its 10 Kilo class submarines under a deal signed in 2001.
Each upgrade costs $80 million and involves a complete overhaul of the submarine and its hull structures; installation of an improved control system, sonar, electronic warfare system, and an integrated weapon control system.
Additional details and current status of the project may be viewed at my knol Indian Navy Kilo Class Submarine Upgrade
Su-30 MKI Modernization
In June, 2010, a deal to modernize the initial batch of Su-30s delivered to India by Russia was finalized.
The aircraft are due for major overhaul and Russia has proposed incorporation of the latest technologies during the major overhaul.
For more details on the project please see the knol Su-30MKI Acquisition
Mirage 2000 Upgrade
As of July 2010, MOD is about to sign an around $2 billion deal with France to modernise its 50 Mirage aircraft.
A quick roundup of major weapon systems currently being acquired or developed by India
India's regional power ambitions are dependent on its ability to develop and produce, or procure, major weapon systems for use by its armed forces. Its recent economic resurgence has allowed the country to embark on major new defense projects, and infuse life into projects that were floundering because the country's ambitions had gotten ahead of its industrial and R&D infrastructure.
This document aims at providing a quick roundup of the major weapon systems being procured by India. I hope to start detailed knols on each of the projects in the days ahead.
The projects listed here include Indigenous R&D projects as well as outright purchases.
This is a work in progress document, and because of its nature will always remain so.
I intend to update it as frequently as new developments take place so that you can be sure of getting the latest status and news on the projects listed here.
Contents
* Indigenous Projects
* Aerostat System
* Agni-II
* Agni-II+
* Agni-III
* Agni-V
* Akash Missile
* Astra air-to-air missile
* Barak 2 Missiles (MR-SAM and LR-SAM)
* Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System
* Brahmos Missile
* Introduction
* Brahmos 2
* UCAV
* Dhruv - Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)
* EMB-145 AEW&CS project
* Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) / PAK-FA
* Indian Aircraft Carrier (IAC) Project 71 INS Vikrant
* INS Arihant - Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)
* Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) 'Sitara' HJT-36
* Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)
* Maitri SR-SAM
* Medium Combat Aircraft
* Military Aerostats
* Nag Missile
* Nirbhay Cruise Missile
* Project Update
* Project 15A
* Project 15B
* Project 17
* At a Glance
* Project 17A
* Sagarika
* Shaurya
* LCA Tejas
* Tejas Mk2
* Unmanned Helicopter
* New Weapon System Purchases
* Active Protection System for T-90 tanks
* Advanced Hawkeye E-2D
* Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT)
* INS Chakra (Akula 2 / Nerpa) nuclear submarine
* Attack Helicopters for IAF
* AWACS
* Barak Missiles
* Basic Trainers
* Boeing C-17 Globemaster
* Boeing P-8I Poseidon Maritime Multimission Aircraft (MMA)
* C-130J Super Hercules Special Ops Aircraft
* EL/M-2083 Aerostat radars
* HAROP Loitering Munition (LM) System
* Heron II UAV
* INS Vikramaditya
* Hawk AJT
* Heavy Lift Helicopters
* News
* Kamov Ka-31 Surveillance Helicopters for Navy
* Krivak IV Missile Frigates (Project 11356)
* Light Tanks for High Altitude Operations
* Light Utility Helicopters
* Light Utility Helicopters for Navy
* Role
* Qualitative Requirements
* Vendors
* M777 Towed Howitzer for Indian Army
* Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA)
* Medium Range Loitering Missile System
* Mi-17I from Russia
* Additional Order
* Micro-UAV Systems for Indian Army
* Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) Aircraft
* News
* Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) program
* Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT)
* Multi Role Transport Aircraft (MTA)
* Project 75
* Project 75 Scorpene Submarine Acquisition
* Project 75A
* QR-SAM systems for Indian Army
* SpyDer MR-SAM
* Su-30 MKI
* T-90S Bheeshma Main Battle Tank
* Upgrades
* Antonov An-32 Upgrade
* MiG-29 Upgrade - MiG-29 (UPG)
* Service Life Extension
* Improved Combat Capabilities
* Upgrade Timeline
* MiG-29 (UPG) Test Flight
* Deployment
* MiG-29 Engine Upgrade
* Indian Navy Kilo Class Submarine Upgrade
* Su-30 MKI Modernization
* Mirage 2000 Upgrade
Indigenous Projects
Aerostat System
DRDO has developed a state-of-the-art medium size helium filled Aerostat that is capable of carrying electro-optic and COMINT payloads for surveillance. ELINT and RADAR payloads are also being developed for the system indigenously.
For additional details on the project please see the knol Aerostat System.
Agni-II
is a two-stage solid propellant ballistic missile with a launch weight of 17 tons, a diameter of 1m and length of 20 m. It can hit targets between 1,550 and 1,860 miles away with a 2,200-pound payload.
Developed by Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the missile is part of the Agni series which includes Agni-I (700 km range) and Agni-III (3,500 km range).
For details on analysis please see the Agni-II Ballistic Missile knol
Agni-II+
Agni-II+ is a two stage, solid propellant, rail and road mobile with a range of 2,750 and 3,000 km, against the 2,500 km range of teh Agni-II.
Though the missile was developed from Agni-II, DRDO describes it as a completely new missile.
Details of the missile maybe viewed at the Agni-II+ / Agni-II Plus knol.
Agni-III
Agni-III, is a 3,500 km range missile that is 16.7-meter tall missile and has a 50 ton lift-off weight. It is reportedly capable of carrying a 1.5 ton thermonuclear warhead with a yield of 200-250 KT.
Details of the Agni-III project maybe viewed at my knol Agni-III IRBM.
Agni-V
The Indian Government sanctioned Rs2,500 crore to develop the 5,000 km range Agni V missile in 2008. The missile is expected to be ready for testing in the 2010-11 time frame. (The Agni V is also referred to as Agni III+).
The Agni-V, a road mobile canisterized missile capable of carrying multiple independently targeted warheads, is a critical component of India's nuclear deterrent.
Details of missile and the current status of the project maybe viewed at my knol Agni-V.
Akash SAM
The Akash is a command guided missile system that has been under development by DRDL for 25 years, and has already cost the exchequer Rs. 516.86 crore, the highest for any of India's missile systems.
The 720 kg, 5.78 m long missile has a diameter of 35 cm and a length of 5.78 meters. With a top speed of Mach 2.5, the missile can engage targets as far as 25 km away flying at heights ranging from 20m to 18kms.
Details of the project and its current development status maybe viewed at my knol Akash Missile
Astra air-to-air missile
Astra is an active radar homing, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile being developed by Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
The 154kg (340lb) Astra uses active radar homing and is reportedly capable of engaging targets at 80km in the head on mode and 20km while astern.
The missile has a cruise speed of up to Mach 2.2 carrying a 20kg fragmentation warhead. It has a length of 3570 mm and a diameter of 178 mm.
For more details on the project please see my knol Astra air-to-air missile.
Barak 2 Missiles (MR-SAM and LR-SAM)
India and Israel are jointly developing two Air Defense Missile systems: The LR-SAM system will be deployed on IN Ships while MR-SAM will replace IAF SAM-3 Pechora missile.
For more details and current status of the projects please see the knol Barak 2 Missiles (MR-SAM and LR-SAM)
Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System
Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is developing a Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system to be deployed by 2015.
The system will be based on radar technology for tracking and fire control which the DRDO developed jointly with Israel and France.
Details of the project and its current status maybe viewed at my knol Indian DRDO's Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System
Brahmos Missile
Introduction
BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land. It is a joint venture between India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroeyenia who have together formed the BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited.
The Brahmos is based on the SS-NX-26 (Yakhont) missile, which was under development when the Cold War ended in 1991 after which the project ran aground because of lack of funds. India invested $240 million to complete two decades of the missile's development and contributed its inertial navigation system.
DRDO claims that the missile was jointly developed by India and Russia. However, 80 % of its components, including the liquid ramjet engine and the radar seeker, are imported in knock-down condition to be reassembled by the Russians.
You can read details of the missile and the current status of the project at the Brahmos Missile knol.
Brahmos 2
Preliminary work has also begun on the development of a hypersonic Brahmos 2 missile capable of flying at a speed between 5 and 7 Mach using a scram jet engine.
An agreement to develop the new missile was reached during a visit by Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov to India in 2008.
Details of the project maybe viewed at my knol Brahmos-2
Speaking to the press at Tiruchy on Saturday, February 14, 2009, Dr A Sivathanu Pillai, CEO & MD of Brahmos Aerospace said the missile will be ready within the next five years.
UCAV
Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bangalore, is developing a UCAV, which besides ISR will be able to attack ground targets like the US Predator.
The existence of the project was announced by V.K. Saraswat, scientific advisor to Defence Minister A.K. Antony, on November 24, after he inaugurated the fifth national conference on 'NextGen IT for Indian Defence'.
Details of the project maybe viewed at my knol Indian UCAV
Dhruv - Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)
The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) program was first announced in November 1984. The helicopter was designed with assistance from Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm. The first prototype flew in August 1992.
For more details on the project, please see the knol Dhruv - Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
EMB-145 AEW&CS project
Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), is coordinating the Rs.1,800-crore effort to develop an indigenous airborne early warning and control system (AEW&CS) to augment the three Phalcon AWACs being procured by the IAF.
The AEW&CS will comprise of an indigenous radar and control system mounted on a Brazilian Embraer EMB-145 regional jet. Under a $210 million deal signed with Brazilian aviation company Embraer in summer 2008, Embraer will supply India 3 EMB-145s with the system mounted on them.
Details of the project may be viewed at the knol EMB-145 AEW&CS Project
Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) / PAK-FA
The FGFA is being developed by Sukhoi, which is part of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), under an intergovernmental agreement signed in October 2007.
Russia and India will simultaneously develop two versions of the combat aircraft - a two-seat version to meet the requirements of India's air superiority policy, and a single-seat version for the Russian Air Force.
For details of the project see the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) / PAK-FA / T-50 knol.
Indian Aircraft Carrier (IAC) Project 71 INS Vikrant
India will construct two 40,000 ton aircraft carriers at Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) under the Rs 3,260 crore Project 71. The first ship of the class will be named INS Vikrant
For details of the project please see the Indian Aircraft Carrier (IAC) Project 71 knol.
INS Arihant - Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)
India's first indigenous nuclear powered submarine was launched by Gursharan Kaur, wife of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on July 26, at Eastern Naval Command headquarters in Visakhapatnam.
INS Arihant, Destroyer of Enemies, was designed and developed under the ATV project which was given a go ahead in 1984 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The ATV project became a serious endeavor in 1985 after Mazagaon docks began construction of two German HDW 209 class submarines in 1984.
For details on the project see Advanced Technology Vessel INS Arihant knol.
Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) 'Sitara' HJT-36
The IJT program was sanctioned by the government in 1999 with an initial budget of Rs.180 crore as a replacement for the HJT-16 Kiran.
For more information, please see the knol Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) 'Sitara' HJT-36.
Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)
The HAL developed 5.5-ton twin engine LCH is a derivative of Dhruv ALH with tandem seating.
Like the Dhruv, LCH is powered by two Shakti engines jointly developed with France's Turbomeca.
The LCH will supplement the 22 attack helicopters that India is seeking as part of an international tender.
Details of the project maybe viewed at the knol Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)
Maitri SR-SAM
The Maitri short-range (15km,9.3mi) surface-to-air missile is a point defense system being co-developed by DRDO in collaboration with MBDA of France under a 2007 government-to-government agreement.
The missile will fill the gap created by the Indian government's decision to wind up development of the Trishul point defense missile system.
IAF sources tell AW&ST that a the formal go-ahead to the project will likely be accorded during French President Nicolas Sarkozy visits New Delhi later this year. (October 16, 2010)
Maitri will build on the work done by DRDO while developing the Trishul missile, using technology transfer from MBDA to fill the technological gaps that led to the failure of the Trishul project.
MBDA will provide the seeker, thrust vector control, terminal guidance system and composites for a modified propulsion system. DRDO will provide the software, command and control system and launchers.
The Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (ERDE), Bangalore, is developing two indigenous radars for the Maitri project. These would be new-generation variants of Central Acquisition Radar (3D-CAR), with the ability to track 150 targets simultaneously at a distance of 200 kilometers. The naval variant would be called the Revati and the air force version Rohini.
Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) will work as the system integrator and roll out the missile.
Two variants of the missile are planned
1. A ship-borne point and tactical air defense version for the Navy
2. A mobile wheeled and tracked system for use by the Air Force and Army.
A mockup of the Maitri missile was displayed at AeroIndia 2009.
Development of the missile is expected to be completed within three years of the project go-ahead, when initial testing will commence.
The IAF expects to start receiving the missile by late 2013.
Medium Combat Aircraft
Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA) wind tunnel model at Aero India 2009
The DRDO displayed a wind tunnel model of its Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA) twin engine fighter concept at Aero India 2009.
The 19-20 ton category fighter will feature stealth including an internal weapon bay.
For more details on the project, please see the knol Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Military Aerostats
The Hindu reported on November 1, that the DRDO is developing two types of military aerostats — the first to carry military payloads up to an altitude of 1,000 metres and the second up to a height of 5,000 metres.
The 1,000-metre aerostat was has already been demonstrated to both the Army and Air Force.
According to Dr. Prahlada, Chief Controller, R & D (Aerospace and Services Interaction), the aerostats will be used for surveillance, jamming of electronic systems, intelligence data gathering and communication relay.
Nag Missile
Design work on the missile started in 1988 with the first test having been carried out in November 1990. The missile is currently being inducted into the Indian Army in limited numbers.
Nag is anti-tank missile with a 4-km range and fire-and-forget capability. The missile uses a IR seeker and has a top attack capability to strike a tank where its armor is the weakest.
Details and current status of the project maybe viewed at the knol Nag Anti Tank Missile.
Nirbhay Cruise Missile
Nirbhay (Fearless) is an intermediate-range (1000km) subsonic land-attack cruise missile that is being developed by Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) in Hyderabad since 2007.
The missile is being designed to match the capabilities of the US Tomahawk and its Pakistan developed variant Babur.
The missile will be capable of carrying 24 types of warhead but it is not clear if it is nuclear capable.
"The need was felt for a subsonic cruise missile that will be capable of being launched from multiple platforms in land, air, and sea," says the ASL director.
Nirbhay is expected to supplement the 300-km-range supersonic BrahMos.
Project Update
On February 11, during Aero India 2011, Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief VK Saraswat said the Nirbhay was almost in place and it would be ready by early next year.
"Integration of the engine is under way," he said.
On April 11, 2010, DRDO Chief Dr V K Saraswat said, "[The] missile is getting into some shape."
He was in Bangalore to deliver the keynote address at a national convention on 'The Frontiers of Aeronautical Technologies', organised by the Aeronautical Society of India.
On February 2010, DRDO Chief says said that Nirbhay has not reached integration stage, but development is on.
"The development of the system is on. We have completed the propulsion system's design. But we have not integrated it.
Once we reach the integration stage, we will show it you," he told reporters.
Project 15A
Three warships under this Rs 11,000 crore project are being built by Mazagaon Docks Limited (MDL) for the Indian Navy.
A follow up of Project 15 Delhi Class destroyers (INS Delhi, INS Mysore and INS Mumbai), which were based on the Soviet Kashins with elements drawn from the Godavari and Sovremenny classes, these 6,800 tons destroyers will incorporate more stealth.
Details and current status of the project maybe viewed at my knol Project 15A Stealth Destroyers
Project 15B
The Indian Government approved the the construction of four 6,800-ton destroyers by Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai (MDL) in August 2010.
The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) had cleared the project in April 2009.
There was no competitive bidding for the project which is a "follow-on" to the currently underway Project 15A -, construction of three Kolkata class destroyers at MDL.
Project 15B warships will differ from their predecessors in the sensor and weapon suite that they carry.
They are expected to be equipped with the 1,000 km range Nirbhay cruise missile currently under development, and the long range Barak-8 based LR-SAM AD missile system being developed with Israeli assistance.
In addition, they are expected to be more stealthy.
Construction of Project 15B destroyers will start after MDL launches the last Project 15A destroyer.
The four ships are expected to be completed in the 2012-2014 time frame.
Project 17
At a Glance
Shivalik Class Frigates
Mazagaon Docks Limited (MDL) is building 3 Indian designed stealth frigates for the Indian Navy under this project.
P 17s are based on the Project 11356 (Talwar / Krivak IV class) ships being acquired from Russia, and were designed jointly by the Naval Design Bureau (NDB) and Russia's Severnoye Project Design Bureau (Severnoye Proyektno-Konstruktorskoye Bjuro - SPKB), the designers of the N11356 frigate.
The first ship of the class, INS Shivalik, was launched on April 19, 2003. The two follow on ships - INS Sahyadri and the INS Satpura are under construction at Mazagon docks. These are expected to be finished and delivered by 2010.
INS Shivalik and its sisters are 143 metres long and 16.9 metres wide (at beam). Their stealth character diminishes physical signatures - radar, infra red and sound - making it difficult for an enemy to detect and attack them. When fully armed they displace 4,900 tonnes.
Though much smaller than the Delhi class of destroyers, their weapons package is far more potent. These include the latest surface-to-surface vertical launched missiles, surface-to-air missiles and state of the art radar and communication equipment.
The ships cruise using two French-made Pielstick diesel engines. For bursts of speeds upto 30 knots they use two GE LM 25000 gas turbines.
They operate two large helicopters for surveillance and anti-submarine operations.
Project 17A
In June 2009, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared a Rs 45,000 crore project to build seven stealth frigates using advanced manufacturing process like modular shipbuilding. The ships will be manufactured in India by the Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai (MDL) and the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
More information on the project is available at Project 17A knol.
Sagarika
Sagarika is a submarine-launched ballistic missile with a range of approximately 700 km (435 miles).
India successfully tested the 'Sagarika' missile under the K-15 project on February 26, 2008, off the coast of Visakhapatnam from a pontoon simulating the conditions of a submarine.
India does not currently have a submarine capable of carrying the Sagarika and it's believed the missile will be integrated with the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV), a nuclear-powered submarine that India has been working on for more than 20 years.
For more information n the project please read the knol Sagarika K-15 SLBM
Shaurya
Shaurya is a surface-to-surface tactical missile with a range of 600-km and a payload of about one ton for use by the Army. It can carry both conventional as well as nuclear warheads.
The solid propellant, two-staged missile is little over 10 meters in length and about half-a-meter in width. It is easily transportable, user-friendly and is stored in a canister for longer shelf life.
For more on the missile see the Shaurya Missile knol.
LCA Tejas
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project was sanctioned in 1982 with a budget of Rs 560 crore to develop a state-of-the-art fighter aircraft to replace IAF's MiG-21 fighters.
Close to Rs 6,000 crore have since been spent since but the aircraft, rechristened as Tejas, still remains under development. It is currently being tested with a substitute engine (F404-GE-IN20) and makeshift avionics package.
Details of the project and its current status maybe viewed at my knol LCA Tejas
Tejas Mk2
LCA Tejas Mk2 is being developed for use by the IAF and the IN. It will be powered by the more powerful GE-F414-INS6 engine and feature other upgrades. Minor modifications are being made to the LCA Tejas Mk1 airframe to accommodate the slightly larger engine.
For more details, please see the knol Tejas Mk2.
Unmanned Helicopter
HAL is working with Israel to convert its Chetak helicopter into an unmanned air vehicle for an Indian armed forces requirement for eight aircraft.
The order size may eventually grow to 40 aircraft.
New Weapon System Purchases
Active Protection System for T-90 tanks
In April 2008, the Indian Army issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) worth $270 million to retrofit its 987 T-90 MBTs with an Active Protection System (APS).
The request was issued to Israel Military Industries (IMI), Rafael, BAE Systems, Raytheon, Rosoboronexport, Saab, and Germany's IBD Deisenroth Engineering
A contract would involve some 1500 systems.
Advanced Hawkeye E-2D
Northrop Grumman has proposed the sale of six Advanced Hawkeye E-2D aircraft to the Indian Navy after the Navy sent the company a request for information in 2008.
In August 2009, Northrop gave an 8 hour presentation on the latest version of the venerable Hawkeye to Indian Navy officials.
Northrop has already obtained export authorization for the sale of the aircraft to India.
Project details can be viewed at my knol Advanced Hawkeye E-2D.
Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT)
The IAF cancelled its plans to acquire an additional 40 Hawk 132 AJTs in February 2009 because of bottlenecks in the procurement of spares.
Instead, the service has floated a tender to procure a new trainer type to meet its additional requirement. Six companies have been invited to bid as follows
UK's BAe Hawk 128
Italy's Alenia for the M-346
Korea Aerospace Industries/Lockheed Martin T-50
Czech Aero Vodochody L-159
Russian Yakovlev YAK-130
Russian MiG AT Trainer
INS Chakra (Akula 2 / Nerpa) nuclear submarine
India is reported to have leased a Nerpa (Akula II) nuclear submarine from Russia under contract signed in 2004 by Russia's then-Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov during his visit to India. The price of a 10-year lease was fixed at $650 million.
The submarine is earmarked to be commissioned as INS Chakra.
For details of the project, please see INS Chakra knol.
Attack Helicopters for IAF
A request for proposals has been issued to seven companies for the supply of 22 attack helicopters for the Indian Air Force. The new helicopters will replace IAF's aging fleet of Mi-35 helicopters.
The contract, estimated to be worth $500 million, stipulates aircraft in the 2.5t-class.
The deal is expected to be finalized within two years and supply completed over the next three years.
For more details, please see my knol Attack Helicopters for IAF
AWACS
An IAF Phacon system mounted on a IL-76TD. Photo Credit: Beriev.com
In March 2004 India signed a $1.1 billion deal with Israel for the supply of three AWACS aircraft.
The system comprises of a Israeli Elta EL/M-2075 Phalcon Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar mounted on a IL-76.
Details of the project and its current status maybe viewed at the AWACS knol.
Barak Missiles
India inked a deal in January 2009 to purchase an additional 300 Barak missiles, at a cost of about $1.6 million each, for the Barak anti-aircraft missile/aircraft systems it has already bought.
The ship-borne Barak is a short range, vertically launched quick reaction missile designed to intercept and destroy approaching anti-ship missiles. The system is built to automatically launch Barak missiles from a Rafael-made vertical launch assembly when the radar detects an anti-ship supersonic missile at a height, and sea-skimming missile at a low altitude.
The Barak's fire control system made by Elbit can automatically lock onto two incoming missiles at the same time.
The Barak's defense is capable of intercepting targets not less than 500 metres away. Its Rafael-made warhead makes up a substantial 22 per cent of the missile's almost 100 kg weight, bestowing it with a wider kill envelope.
Each Barak system (missile container, radar, computers and installation) costs about $24 million.
The only weakness of the existing Barak missile system is its limited range of 10 km / 6 miles.
Basic Trainers
The IAF plans to procure 160 basic trainers to replace the HPT-32, IAF Chief PV Naik announced during a press conference on October 1, 2009. Half the number would be purchased outright with the other half being locally produced by HAL.
Boeing C-17 Globemaster
Boeing is reported to have briefed the IAF on the aircraft in October 2007.
In 2008 India sent Boeing a Request For Information to which the company responded. The aircraft gave impressive flying demonstrations at Aero India 2009 in Bangalore
In June 2009, the IAF projected a requirement for 10 aircraft to the government.
The Globemaster is more capable than Il-76 in terms of payload and range. It can carry 70 tons of cargo with a crew of 3, against the 45 tons carried by an IL-76 with a crew of 6.
No deal has yet been signed.
Boeing C-17 Globemaster procurement knol
Boeing P-8I Poseidon Maritime Multimission Aircraft (MMA)
India inked a $2.1 billion deal with Boeing for the supply of 8 customized P-8A Poseidon Maritime Multimission Aircraft (MMA), designated P-8I, for use by the Indian Navy.
It is the biggest ever defense deal between India and the US, surpassing the 2007 $962 million deal for the supply of six C-130J 'Super Hercules' aircraft for Indian special forces.
Please click on the link below for more details on this project
Boeing p-8i Poseidon Maritime Multimission Aircraft (MMA)
C-130J Super Hercules Special Ops Aircraft
India signed a deal with US DOD in 2008 to purchase six Lockheed Martin C-130Js for $596 million. The aircraft, to be used by Indian special forces, are currently under construction with the first plane set for delivery in January 2011.
Please click on the link below for more details on the project.
C-130J Super Hercules Transport Aircraft
EL/M-2083 Aerostat radars
The IAF currently operates two EL/M-2083 Aerostat radars acquired under a $145 million deal with Israel in 2004-2005.
The Indian Navy is set to acquire five EL/M-2083 radars from Israel to fill vital gaps in the coastal security and the IAF four more.
The tethered EL/M-2083 phased array radar is mounted on a blimp that can hover up to 13,000 feet. Developed and manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries' Elta Systems Group (IAI/Elta), the radar is a simpler version of the Green Pine radar, made by IAI and used by the Arrow missile defense system.
Data gathered by the radar is transmitted to a central air defense command & control center where it is used to maintain an extended comprehensive air situation picture.
Each system is reportedly capable of providing 3-D coverage in a radius of 500 km, which is roughly equivalent to the coverage that would be provided by 30 ground based radars.
According to IAI, the system is designed to detect hostile approaching aircraft from long ranges, especially those flying at low altitudes.
Pakistan is reported to be getting six L-88 Aerostat Systems from the US.
HAROP Loitering Munition (LM) System
The Indian Air Force will reportedly acquire 10 Harop loitering drones from Malat, the UAV division of Israel Aerospace Industries, under a $100 million deal.
The Harops will be inducted into service by 2011.
Details of the project maybe viewed at the knol HAROP Loitering Munition (LM) System.
Heron II UAV
Under a $220 million deal IAI sold 50 Heron II UAVs to India. In the past Israel has sold IAI-Malat built Searcher and Searcher II.
INS Vikramaditya
Under a contract signed in January 2004, Russia's Rosoboronexport was to deliver the 44,570-tonne aircraft carrier, Admiral Gorshkov, to India in 2008. The $1.5 billion contract earmarked $964 billion for the Gorshkov and $536 million for the complement of 16 MiG-29K fighter aircraft on board.
The Admiral Gorshkov was laid down in 1978 at the Nikolayev South shipyard in Ukraine, launched in 1982, and commissioned with the Soviet Navy in 1987 as Baku.
It was renamed after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
In 1994, following a boiler room explosion, the Admiral Gorshkov sat in dock for a year for repairs. After a brief return to service in 1995, she was finally withdrawn from service in 1996 and put up for sale.
The contract covers complete overhaul of the ship, which had remained docked at the Sevmash shipyard in northern Russia for the past 12 years, fitting a ski jump take off, and equipping it with modern weaponry, including MiG-29K Fulcrum aircraft and Ka-27 Helix-A and Ka-31 Helix-B anti-submarine helicopters.
After modernization, the carrier is expected to be seaworthy for 30 years.
More details of this project can be viewed at the INS Vikramaditya / Admiral Gorshkov knol
Hawk AJT
India signed a $1.75 billion contract for the delivery of 66 BAE Systems HAWK Mk132s under the AJT (Advanced Jet Trainer) program in March 2004, after two decades of negotiations.
Under the deal, twenty four aircraft were delivered directly from the UK, with 42 to be license-manufactured in India by HAL by March 2011 from semi and completely knocked down kits - progressively using indigenous components.
Details and current status of the project may be viewed at my knol at Hawk Mk.132 AJT.
Heavy Lift Helicopters
India invited bids for for 15 heavy-lift helicopters in May 2009. Along with the 22 Attack Helicopters being procured, the bid is valued at $2 billion.
Proposals for the combat helicopters have to be submitted by September 22 and those for the heavy-lift helicopters a day after.
Boeing is pitching its twin-rotor Chinook. Sikorsky Aircraft, a unit of United Technologies Corp. of the U.S., also plans to bid.
News
October 23
Boeing has entered its Chinook CH-47 as a contender to meet the requirement, according to Defpro.
Kamov Ka-31 Surveillance Helicopters for Navy
The Cabinet Committee on Security approved a deal worth Rs 950 crore for acquisition of five Russian Kamov-31 early-warning helicopters for the Indian Navy on August 4, 2009. A contract is expected to be finalized within a month.
The helicopters are equipped with the E-801M Oko (Eye) airborne electronic warfare radar mounted beneath the fuselage. A Ka-31 can simultaneously track up to 40 airborne and surface threats, with a 360 degree coverage, from 100 to 200 km away depending on the target's size.
Navy already has nine Ka-31 helicopters, inducted in 2003-2004, which operate from its solitary aircraft carrier INS Viraat and three Talwar-class "stealthy" guided-missile frigates as well as shore-based air stations.
Krivak IV Missile Frigates (Project 11356)
The Indian Navy currently opearates three Russian Krivak-class stealth frigates. They are INS Talwar (2002), Trishul (2003) and Tabar (Jul 2004).
India and Russia signed a $1.6 billion contract for the construction of an additional three Project 11356 Krivak IV-class guided missile frigates for the Indian Navy in July, 2006.
Details of the project maybe viewed at the knol Project 11356 Missile Frigates
Light Tanks for High Altitude Operations
The Indian Army wants to equip its 12 Mountain Divisions (10 existing and 2 under raising) with light armor for use at high altitude in mountainous terrain such as J&K, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
In October 2009, the MOD issued a RFP for 300 light tanks having protection against nuclear, chemical and biological warfare, following heightened border tensions with China.
The tanks are expected to weigh around 22 tonnes and be capable of operating at heights of over 3,000 metres in hilly terrain. They must be capable of engaging enemy Main Battle Tanks from a distance of more than 2 km using HE shells and guided missiles.
Light Utility Helicopters
India issued a request for proposals for 197 military Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) in July 2008, to replace its existing fleet of Chetak and Cheetah helicopters.
The procurement is valued at up to $750 million with a 30% offset clause.
Details of the project and its progress maybe viewed at the knol Light Utility and Observation Helicopters
Light Utility Helicopters for Navy
In April 2010, India issued a request for information (RFI) for the purchase 50 light utility helicopters to replace the Chetak helicopters currently in service with the Indian Navy.
Role
The helicopters are required for search and rescue, casualty evacuation, limited observation and surveillance and anti-submarine warfare tasks, as well as anti-piracy and anti-terrorism activities.
Qualitative Requirements
1. Twin-engine, dual seat cockpit controls but single pilot operation and advanced integrated avionics.
2. All-up weight of not more than 4,500kg (9,920lb)
3. Capable of carrying at least one lightweight torpedo or two depth charges
4. Provision for mounting 12.7mm machine guns and/or a rocket launcher on either side of the aircraft.
5. Must also be able to carry at least four passengers and come with rappelling equipment, rescue winches and be capable of carrying underslung loads.
Vendors
The RFI was sent to France's Eurocopter, Italy's AgustaWestland, the United States' Bell Helicopter and Russia's Kamov Co.
Vendors are required to deliver the helicopters ASAP
The requirement is in addition to the procurement of 384 light utility helicopters for the the IAF and Indian Army, initiate in 2009.
M777 Towed Howitzer for Indian Army
The government authorized the purchase of 145 ultra-light M777 towed howitzers from the US in January 2010.
The 155mm guns, with a range of up to 40 kms, will equip mountain artillery divisions deployed at high altitudes along the LAC and LOC.
For details of the project please see the knoll M777 Towed Howitzer for Indian Army.
Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA)
The Government of India issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the purchase of 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft on August 28, 2007.
The order is valued at approximately US$10 billion.
All the aircraft are required to be of the same type with one squadron (18 aircraft) being formed of aircraft supplied by the vendor, and the rest produced under license in India by HAL.
The RFP lays down that the first aircraft is supplied within 36 months of the contract being signed and the 18th within 48 months. The 19th aircraft, the first to be assembled in India, will come within 54 months. Thereafter, there will be an incremental increase with the last aircraft to be delivered by 2020.
For details and latest news on the project you can go to the knol below
Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for IAF
Medium Range Loitering Missile System
The Indian Army has projected a requirement for missiles that can loiter over a target for up to 30 minutes sending critical data over a link before striking.
A Global Request for Information (RFI) for Medium Range Loitering Missile System has been issued in March 2010.
The Defence Ministry has sought details from the vendors on the missile's cruising speed, the maximum range at which it can engage a target, its loitering time, the range of its data link, its accuracy, ability to attack from the top, and if it can abort after locking onto a target and be redesignated to a new target.
Mi-17I from Russia
Initial Order: 80
Additional Order: 59
Order Status: Deliveries to start from end of 2010
During Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's visit to India in December 2008, the two countries inked a deal for the supply of 80 Mi-17I medium lift helicopters at a cost of $1.2 billion. The two countries had earlier negotiated a price of $650 million, but early in 2008 Russia asked for a revision of the contract price.
IAF will get the helicopters between 2010 and 2014. The deal also envisages a $405 million "offset" obligation by Russia.
The new choppers, which have an 18,000 ft operational ceiling, will replace 50 Mi-8s currently in service with the IAF, some of which are over 35 years old, and boost IAF's capability to support high-altitude posts in Siachen and Ladakh sectors.
The helicopter will come with the circuitry and hard points to carry weapons.
At Aero India 2009 in Bangalore Rosoboronexport, Viktor Komardin, confirmed that the helicopters would be delivered as scheduled in 2010.
"We hope that the first helicopter will be delivered to India at the start of 2010," he said.
He previously said the first helicopter would be delivered to India before the end of 2009.
The remaining helicopters are expected to be delivered over a four year period.
Additional Order
The IAF is set to order an additional 59 Russian Mil Mi-17I helicopters, on top of the 80 ordered earlier, the IAF chief said on Thursday, August 19, 2010.
In September 2010, PTI reported that additional order had already been cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council and will be put up for Cabinet Committee on Security clearance soon.
Micro-UAV Systems for Indian Army
The Indian army is expected to release a Request for Proposal for 500 mini- and micro-UAV systems in the first quarter of 2011.
For additional details please see the knol Micro-UAV Systems for Indian Army
Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) Aircraft
A request for proposal (RFP) for supply of six Medium Range Maritime reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft was floated by India's Ministry of Defense in June 2008.
The new aircraft, which will replace the aging fleet of 12 Islander aircraft in service, are to be equipped with an Airborne Early Warning system. The Indian Coast Guard has an additional requirement for six MRMRs without an Airborne Early Warning system.
The MRMR is required to have a range of 500 nautical miles and an endurance of 6 hours.
Bids against the RFP were received from Boeing (P-8, a variant of P-8I), Russian Illyushin (IL-38 variant), French Dassault (Falcon 900MPA), EADS (Case C-295) and Israel's Elta System electronics (Gulfstream 550 mounted EL/W-2085). .
News
India has since cancelled the RFPs, Flight magazine reported in December 2009.
"The defense ministry and the navy had asked for the proposals, but they withdrew the tender a few months ago," an industry source close to the ministry told the magazine. "There is no indication of when a fresh tender will be issued, although it appears as though this procurement has gone down in the navy's list of priorities."
Following the Mumbai attacks, it was reported that India is attempting to speed up the procurement of MRMR.
"Bids were submitted by the contenders in November last year before the Mumbai attacks. But with an urgency to fill the gaps in security of coastal areas, the acquisition process for these aircraft will be hastened," Defence Ministry sources told media.
"Right now the bids submitted by the contenders are being evaluated by the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) of the Defence Ministry. By the end of this month, these companies are expected to submit their offset proposals to the Ministry," they said.
Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) program
India has invited request for information for 16 Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) to replace its fleet of aging Sea King helicopters. The program is valued at $ 1 billion.
The helicopters, to be equipped for inflight refuelling, are required to have anti-submarine and surface warfare capability as their primary mission. Capable of ferrying 15 soldiers, the 10 ton helicopters are expected to be armed with cruise missiles and lightweight torpedoes for advanced anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare capabilities
Also required is a secondary mission capability of anti-ship surveillance and targeting, search and resuce, medical evacuation and logistics missions from naval vessels.
A Request for Proposal is likely to be issued in mid 2009
Amongst those bidding are
Sikorsky: S-70B Seahawk as a commercial direct sale.
European NH Industries: NH90,
Lockheed: MH-60R as US government Foreign Military Sale
Rosoboronexport: Ka-226T
The final requirement could reach 60 helicopters.
Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT)
India's MOD issued a request for proposals (RFP) for delivery of six Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) in 2007. The RFP stipulates deliveries of the new tankers to begin three years after contract signature.
EADS subsidiary Airbus has offered the A330-200-in a three-hose configuration and Russia's United Aircraft (UAC) has offered a more advanced version of the Ilyushin Il-78 Midas tanker, 12 of which are in service with the IAF.
Details of the project maybe viewed at the knol Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT)
Multi Role Transport Aircraft (MTA)
The Multirole Medium Aircraft (MTA) project was initiated by Russia's Ilyushin in 1996. It is also referred to as Il-214 Ilyushin and "Indo-Russian Transport Aircraft (IRTA) or MRTA by its Indian partner HAL. Russia and India entered into negotiations for the co-development of the aircraft in 1999. An agreement was signed in June 2001 between Ilyushin, Irkut and HAL.
Click on the link below for more details
Multi Role Transport Aircraft
Project 75
The project was approved in 2002 and is aimed at acquiring national competence in submarine building. It envisages building 24 submarines over the next 30 years.
Project 75 Scorpene Submarine Acquisition
Six Scorpene submarines, to be built at Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL) shipyard under a transfer of technology agreement with France's DCNS, will be delivered to Indian Navy under Project 75.
The submarines are being acquired under a 2.4 billion eur contract signed in 2005 and will be commissioned in the Navy from 2013 through 2018.
The 1750 ton displacement Scorpene is 67 meters long and equipped with six 21 inch torpedo tubes that can launch 12 torpedoes or anti-ship missiles.
Additional details of the project and its current status maybe viewed at my knol Project 75 Scorpene Acquisition.
Project 75A
India will follow up its acquisition of six Scorpene submarines under Project 75 with an additional six AIP equipped subs under Project 75A.
India floated a request for information under the project in 2008, defining the scope of the order.
"They will also have high degree of stealth, land-attack capability and ability to incorporate futuristic technologies. Like the Scorpenes, they will be built in an Indian shipyard, public or private, with special emphasis on full transfer of technology," said a source.
Foreign vendors being considered for supplying the subs are Russia's Rosoboronexport, France's DCNS, Germany's HDW and Spain's Navantia.
The TOI reported on July 11, 2010 that the Defence Acquisitions Council (DAC), chaired by defence minister A K Antony, had decided that three of the six submarines will be constructed at Mazagon Docks (MDL) in Mumbai and one at Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, with the help of a foreign collaborator.
"The other two submarines will either be imported from the foreign vendor directly or constructed at a private shipyard in India. Fresh estimates show each of these six diesel-electric submarines will cost almost Rs 8,500 crore," a source said.
Additional details on the project maybe viewed at the knol Project 75A / 75I
QR-SAM systems for Indian Army
The MOD reportedly released a RFI on Friday, January 29, 2010 for procuring quick reaction surface-to-air missiles for the Army.
The RFI does not specify the number of missiles systems to be procured.
Details of the procurement maybe viewed at my knol QR-SAM for Indian Army
SpyDer MR-SAM
India is buying 18 low-level quick-reaction missile systems, SpyDer (Surface-to-air Python and Derby), from Israel for around Rs 1,800 crore. Deliveries will start in early 2011 and be completed by August 2012.
The Spyder-SR slant-launched SHORAD system and the Spyder-MR vertical-launched medium range system are designed to protect against attack aircraft, combat helicopters, bombers, UAVs and UCAVs and stand off weapons. Both systems use Rafael's Derby, air-to-air active radar, beyond visual range (BVR) missile and Python 5, air-to-air dual band imaging infrared (IIR) missile. The system is unique in that it is able combine the use of these two missiles in any given mission.
For more on this project please see the knol SpyDer ADS-SR Missile System for Indian Air Force
Su-30 MKI
India purchased 50 Su-30K aircraft from Sukhoi in Russia in 1996 and acquired a license to manufacture an additional 140 fighters at HAL.
In January 2009, India ordered an additional 40 Su-30MKIs from Russia.
For details and current status of the project please see the knol Su-30MKI
T-90S Bheeshma Main Battle Tank
A $795 million dollar transfer of technology agreement was inked on February 15, 2001, between the Government of India and the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "State Corporation 'Rosvoorouzhenic' of the Russian Federation."
Russia shipped 124 T-90 tanks to India off the shelf. Another 186 were supplied in semi-knocked-down condition for assembly in Avadi-based Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) near Chennai.
In a follow up TOT agreement signed in 2006, Russia agreed to transfer technology for the license production of 1,000 additional tanks in India through 2020.
However, Russia pussyfooted on the TOT part of the agreement and production never started, forcing India to resort to the outright purchase of an additional 330 tanks in November 2007 to cover a gap in its military capabilities.
According to the DRDO, each of the Indian-built tanks would cost up to 150 million rupees ($3 million).
News
A first batch of 10 indigenously built T-90 Bhisma tanks was handed over to the Army on Monday, August 24, by the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Chennai.
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The first indigenous manufactured T-90 tank will roll out August 24, IANS reported in early August 2009 quoting an unnamed defense ministry official.
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In July 2009, Indian Defense Minister AK Antony told parliament that the supply of T-90 Tanks through indigenous production of components will commence from 2009 to 2010.
Upgrades
Antonov An-32 Upgrade
In June 2009, India signed a $400 million agreement with Ukraine's Ukrspetsexport to upgrade its fleet of 105 AN-32 aircraft to extend its life and improve its avionics.
The upgrades will be done in Ukraine to begin with and then at Kanpur.
The first IAF An-32 is scheduled to arrive in Kyiv in December 2009 for a pilot modernization project at 410th Kyiv Civil Aviation Plant. If the IAF is satisfied, the remaining fleet will be upgraded.
Defense ministry officials said the upgrades will extend the life of the aircraft by another 10 to 15 years. The Antonov website additionally claims the upgrades will increase maximum takeoff weight and flight range. Max payload will go up from 6.7 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes and the cockpit noise will also be reduced.
AN-32, a twin-engine turboprop, was acquired from the erstwhile Soviet Union. They were made by Antonov, based in Ukraine.
Antonov Website
MiG-29 Upgrade - MiG-29 (UPG)
In March 2008 Russia's RAC-MiG signed a $850 million contract with the Indian Defense Ministry to modernize 62 MiG-29 fighters (54 fighters and 8 trainers).
Service Life Extension
The upgrade will allow the IAF to extend the life of the MiG-29 from the present 25 years (and 2,500 hours) to 40 years (3,500 hours).
Improved Combat Capabilities
The modernization will improve the aircraft's air-to-ground attack capability and give pilots better BVR capability.
The current N-109 radar will be replaced by the multifunction Phazatron Zhuk-M radar.
The aircraft will be fitted with an aerial refueling probe allowing for extended range and airborne tim.
Upgrade Timeline
Six aircraft are to be upgraded by RAC-MiG in Russia and the remaining at IAF's 11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) in Nasik using kits supplied by RAC-MiG.
The first upgraded MiG-29 was scheduled to fly into India in March 2010. Fourteen aircraft were scheduled to roll out of 11BRD between April 2010 and March 2011. The upgrade program is to be completed by 2013.
However MIG officials told The Hindu in end July 2009 that there will be a delay of at least eight months in the arrival of the first upgraded aircraft.
The Russians hold the IAF responsible for the delay saying it has not finalized the 'buyer furnished equipment.'
IAF was to provide RAC MiG the list of equipment and their actual physical dimensions that they want fitted on the upgraded MiG-29's. Many of these items are to be sourced or integrated by Indian companies.
MiG-29 (UPG) Test Flight
Russia's MiG corporation carried out the first test fight of a MiG-29 fighter modernized under the upgrade contract (MiG-29UPG) on February 4, 2010.
"The flight lasted for an hour and was flawless," MiG said in a statement.
Deployment
The first lot of the 62 upgraded Russian-built aircraft will be deployed at Adampur air base in the border state of Punjab, a Defence Ministry official said in October 2009.
Ref:
MiG-29 upgrade programme delayed
MiG-29 Engine Upgrade
A deal to upgrade IAF MiG-29s with the RD-33 Series 3 engines was finalized on January 24, 2007 between the engine manufacturer Klimov and HAL.
Under the $250 million contract singed by Russian Defense Minister Ivanov, Klimov was to establish a production line at HAL for 120 upgraded RD-33 engines. The deal involved complete transfer of technology.
The Series 3 engine features cooled blades of modern materials. At 1100 kg it is slightly heavier than the 1055 kg RD-33 engine, and produces a max thrust of 9,000 kg with afterburning, against 8,300 kgf of the RD-33.
It is built to western standards and reportedly has a 4,000 hour service life. The engine contains systems that reduce its infrared and optical visibility.
The RD-33 engine has a SFC of 2.1 kg/kgf/hr in afterburner, 0.77 military
Repair and maintenance is made easy through the use of an information and diagnostics system (IDS).
RD-33MK (Sea Wasp), an improved version of RD-33, powers the MiG-35, which is competing in the MMRCA flyoff currently underway. It also powers the MiG-29K being supplied to the Indian Navy.
A version of RD-33 can be fitted with Thrust Vector Control (TVN). However, TVN requires significant modification to the controls of an aircraft.
Incidentally, RD-93, which powers the JF-17 manufactured in Pakistan with assistance from China, is a version of the RD-33.
Ref:
Klimov
News
Rosoboronexport and HAL signed a deal at the MAKS-2009 on August 21 for delivery of 26 RD-33 series 3 engines to India, marking the start of the license manufacture / TOT program.
Indian Navy Kilo Class Submarine Upgrade
The Indian Navy (IN) is in the process of upgrading its 10 Kilo class submarines under a deal signed in 2001.
Each upgrade costs $80 million and involves a complete overhaul of the submarine and its hull structures; installation of an improved control system, sonar, electronic warfare system, and an integrated weapon control system.
Additional details and current status of the project may be viewed at my knol Indian Navy Kilo Class Submarine Upgrade
Su-30 MKI Modernization
In June, 2010, a deal to modernize the initial batch of Su-30s delivered to India by Russia was finalized.
The aircraft are due for major overhaul and Russia has proposed incorporation of the latest technologies during the major overhaul.
For more details on the project please see the knol Su-30MKI Acquisition
Mirage 2000 Upgrade
As of July 2010, MOD is about to sign an around $2 billion deal with France to modernise its 50 Mirage aircraft.
