re: Stealthy LCA Mk3, AMCA on the cards
Excellent.
Three important things here that immediately come to mind & I base this in part on all the other data that has come out over the years.
This is an excellent view of how DRDO has moved up the ladder & is looking towards the cutting edge, as versus just waiting for service requirements and then responding. That means that technology development has to happen in a vacuum, waiting for the right program - and if that program is not launched, it is wasted. To get out of this, the DRDO with close cooperation of visionary leaders like Sundarji of the Army, and several others, launched programs like the IGMDP etc. The challenge with all of these programs has been that they started from scratch & hence timelines suffered and the organization suffered vitriolic attacks for the delays, with no attempts made to look at the infrastructure related aspect of the equation at all.
Now, the first: AWACS. India started off small in radars and has rapidly moved up to the point that its current in development systems are all AESAs, bar a few for Naval and UAV purposes which require light weight and low power- which mean MSAs. Thanks to multiple programs underway, India has achieved a fair degree of competence at LRDE and BEL, with hardware and software capabilities both established. Keeping in mind the future scenario with low viz platforms available to both near term challengers like the J-20, it makes perfect sense to invest in developing a long range airborne radar system with bistatic capabilities.
This is the perfect solution for both aircraft and cruise missiles, plus UAVs, and will round off Indian independence in this crucial arena. It will also be substantially more capable than the Phalcon and explains why the IAF has so far asked for only 5 of the type and 3-8 of the smaller EMB-145 version developed by DRDO.
Next: The LCA MK3 is brilliant news. Several years back, this same topic came up for discussion and the perception clearly was that the IAF was waiting for the LCA to mature further before asking ADA to look at further development. Clearly, that benchmark has been crossed. With MK2 completed around 2016-18, we can look at adding more strength to the IAF with an inexpensive single seat platform that can give the IAF additional numbers (to reach its ideal 45 sq force).
The work done on RCS reduction now is also heartening. What this means is that unlike as in the LCA where the technology had to be developed along with the program, and any delays in the former meant delays in the latter, in this case, many of the core technologies will be available by the time the AMCA is launched formally.
The reference to the Kaveri means that efforts are underway to ensure the program - with Safrans help - continues. Basically two designs - one with the M88 tech for fighters, but uprated to 90 Kn level. And the second, a derivative of the already developed Kaveri for lighter platforms including UAVs and UCAVs.
The UAV references are also very interesting. The key thing is to have the right technology. Take datalinks for instance. With a start made from the Nishant program, now DEAL has much higher grade C Band datalinks that can transmit many MBPS of data from high data generating payloads like SAR etc.
Third - the open reference to cooperation also means that while India will have the baseline technology, its open to cooperating with selected nations for last mile connectivity. Dealing with these problems upfront both means better project management experience (having learnt from problems with programs such as the Arjun, where local industry could not develop an engine and we looked outside once the Army upgraded its GSQR) and also funding is earmarked upfront, leading to better cost and time estimations.
For programs such as UAVs - a critical thing is the right kind of payload. India is working on its own SAR packages (it already has ELINT) but cooperating with others for lightweight high performance payloads, codeveloping advanced mission planning & flight control software or just using experienced partners (such as IAI) for auditing, while building on the experiences of our own Nishant, Rustom etc programs means that programs can be managed more effectively.
Its also interesting to see the mention of space programs. These are vital because as the sensor grid expands, it will move into space. Right now the armed forces are firmly terrestrial with limited space assets, but over the coming decades, once they become familiar with network centricity, their requirements for more bandwidth (to communicate) and greater visibility (for optimal decision making) will continue to increase. These mean more satellites and launch on requirement. That means cost effective access to space is a priority, and that they are already working on this today, is a positive.
In all, very encouraging news - because all these activities will feed into multiple programs across the board.
