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Indian Air Force: News & Discussions
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Exercise 'Indradhanush': IAF Contingent Leaves for UK
NEW DELHI: A 190-member Indian Air Force contingent, backed by Su-30 fighters, IL-78 tankers, C-17 strategic and C-130J tactical airlift aircraft, left for the UK today to take part in the fourth edition of ten-day long bilateral exercise 'Indradhanush'. The aim of the exercise, beginning July 21, is to enhance mutual operational understanding between the two Air Forces. The IAF aims to demonstrate its ability to project air power in transcontinental deployment of a task force comprising Su-30 MKI fighters, IL-78 tankers, C-17 strategic and C-130J tactical airlift aircraft in air operations. In UK, the exercise will be conducted from three airbases. Su-30 MKI will be operating with the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) at Coningsby, the Transport aircraft will be hosted at Brize Norton and GARUD Special Forces will be hosted at Honington. During the exercise, the Su-30MKI and Typhoon aircraft, one of the contenders of India's multi-billion medium multi- role combat aircraft, will be operating in mixed formations under various near- realistic scenarios. The IL-78 and C-130J will also be inducted in missions along with fighter aircraft. The GARUDS and their RAF counterparts will be carrying out paradrops and other various tasks in the training area, an official statement said. The exercise will provide ample opportunity for exchange of ideas relating to concept of operations in a dynamic warfare environment, it added.
Exercise 'Indradhanush': IAF Contingent Leaves for UK
NEW DELHI: A 190-member Indian Air Force contingent, backed by Su-30 fighters, IL-78 tankers, C-17 strategic and C-130J tactical airlift aircraft, left for the UK today to take part in the fourth edition of ten-day long bilateral exercise 'Indradhanush'. The aim of the exercise, beginning July 21, is to enhance mutual operational understanding between the two Air Forces. The IAF aims to demonstrate its ability to project air power in transcontinental deployment of a task force comprising Su-30 MKI fighters, IL-78 tankers, C-17 strategic and C-130J tactical airlift aircraft in air operations. In UK, the exercise will be conducted from three airbases. Su-30 MKI will be operating with the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) at Coningsby, the Transport aircraft will be hosted at Brize Norton and GARUD Special Forces will be hosted at Honington. During the exercise, the Su-30MKI and Typhoon aircraft, one of the contenders of India's multi-billion medium multi- role combat aircraft, will be operating in mixed formations under various near- realistic scenarios. The IL-78 and C-130J will also be inducted in missions along with fighter aircraft. The GARUDS and their RAF counterparts will be carrying out paradrops and other various tasks in the training area, an official statement said. The exercise will provide ample opportunity for exchange of ideas relating to concept of operations in a dynamic warfare environment, it added.
Exercise 'Indradhanush': IAF Contingent Leaves for UK
Immanuel
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Didn,'t know we had a SDB equivalent small guided bomb under dev. but I think SDB is the fast option. SDB can be used against fixed, moving and hardened targets. It has a long range and s available now. Not sure when the domestic equal will be available. Besides the need for the IN &IAF inventory runs into thousands, its not an issues if around 5000 SDB are ordered along with another 2000 CBU-105SFW with make in India.
tejas warrior
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Manohar Parrikar is not in hurry. Rafale will come only on good price.
Saurav Jha reports - domestic development. Thus not necessarily an SDB. Rather a substitute PGM. There is nothing in SDB that cannot be done in India and Indian requirements are different. Americans merely have to drop their bombs on fake ISIS or on real Taliban. Video gaming war is not an option for India. China is not a Taliban nor is Pakistani challenge a fake challenge like that of ISIS.
At current prices the 5000 SDB and 2000 CBU-105 would work out to more than 2 billion USD. The collective average flight hours available even on the reduced count of 25 squads would like 16 lac hours.
What will the IAF do after they have dropped say 8 SDB in one 1 hour flight and 5000 in 625 hours? Tweedle dee and Tweedle dum!
What if we need IAF more for ensuring presence in the skies instead of enacting a Captain America episode? Like a multi year long drawn out war. Is SDB a solution to PGM requirements or is it a problem for fighting out a long war by improvising the real pilots of IAF?
What if our armed forces in the ground and in the seas, need bigger blasts instead of these piddly little ones? Like in area coverage and hardened targets, cave complexes, runways, expressways, submarine pens. And doing that repeatedly.
Ultimately what is the harm in having Indian solutions to IAFs problems? What is so special about SDBs that Indian substitutes will not be acceptable? What is the extra science in SDB that cannot be done otherwise?
Notes:
1) SDB - 1435 million USD = 287000*5000/1000000
2) CBU-105 - 720 million USD = 360000*2000/1000000
3) 16,00,000 hours = 25 squads * 16 per squad * 4000 average hours available accounting for mid life upgrades. Actual squad count by the end of Modi's 10 year would easily be upwards of 36 squads.
Last edited:
Chendu and HAL together on that venture 
..............................
Modi and team were quite categorical in that the Rafales will come at better than Anthony's CNC prices. IIRC they even mentioned that the Rafale would come at RFP level expectations. This was apparently sought to be achieved by direct imports, though there was a Paris-meet announcement of investments in Make-in-India too.
Now seems like set offs are being asked for and the French are jacking up the prices.
Since the whole idea of a Rafale was an emergency purchase, I guess a purchase of 36 in direct imports, without off-sets etc. is the best option. Save money for more realistic needs and armament on these Rafales. IAF ususally treats its western equipment with twice the usual care so 36 should go a long long distance.
Bharat Karnad has a great suggestion for meeting-iafs-demand-for-foreign-aircraft-cheaply, which seems like a good idea:
http://bharatkarnad.com/2015/07/12/meeting-iafs-demand-for-foreign-aircraft-cheaply/
..............................
Modi and team were quite categorical in that the Rafales will come at better than Anthony's CNC prices. IIRC they even mentioned that the Rafale would come at RFP level expectations. This was apparently sought to be achieved by direct imports, though there was a Paris-meet announcement of investments in Make-in-India too.
Now seems like set offs are being asked for and the French are jacking up the prices.
Since the whole idea of a Rafale was an emergency purchase, I guess a purchase of 36 in direct imports, without off-sets etc. is the best option. Save money for more realistic needs and armament on these Rafales. IAF ususally treats its western equipment with twice the usual care so 36 should go a long long distance.
Bharat Karnad has a great suggestion for meeting-iafs-demand-for-foreign-aircraft-cheaply, which seems like a good idea:
http://bharatkarnad.com/2015/07/12/meeting-iafs-demand-for-foreign-aircraft-cheaply/
Zebra
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If this is real then best luck PM Modi for next election, in advance.Found this poster from the BRICS summit meeting
does anyone know more about this project,
if its real
Nice little poster of a Ilyushin wet dream.Found this poster from the BRICS summit meeting
does anyone know more about this project,
if its real
- Chinese are making their own "next gen" Y-20.
- SA and Brazil do not need nor can afford large transport program.
- Looking at the condition of MTA, I would say India is probably out too.
Now I remember. Airstrike on the Iranian air base.
It's a picture off of Battlefield 3 lol
IAF has been busy lately.
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Summary of IAF Upgrade plans, Maybe useful for further discussions:
http://www.forceindia.net/newsyoucanuse_IAFs_procurements.aspx
12th plan mentioned is 2012-2017.
http://www.forceindia.net/newsyoucanuse_IAFs_procurements.aspx
12th plan mentioned is 2012-2017.
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Indian Air Force seeks highly mobile VSHORADS platform
Do note this RFI is for vehicles only.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has invited responses by 7 August from local manufacturers to its request for information (RfI) for high-mobility vehicles (HMVs), on which to mount very short-range air defence systems (VSHORADS).
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has invited responses by 7 August from local manufacturers to its request for information (RfI) for high-mobility vehicles (HMVs), on which to mount very short-range air defence systems (VSHORADS).
Issued on 17 July, the RfI requires Indian companies to form joint ventures (JVs) with foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and licence-produce the HMVs under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP).
It requires an HMV capable of carrying a 1,000 kg load, mounting a multi-launcher at its rear able to engage multiple aerial targets.
“The launchers would need to facilitate the firing of the missiles over 360 degrees in azimuth and up to 80 degrees in elevation,” the RFI stated.
Do note this RFI is for vehicles only.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has invited responses by 7 August from local manufacturers to its request for information (RfI) for high-mobility vehicles (HMVs), on which to mount very short-range air defence systems (VSHORADS).
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has invited responses by 7 August from local manufacturers to its request for information (RfI) for high-mobility vehicles (HMVs), on which to mount very short-range air defence systems (VSHORADS).
Issued on 17 July, the RfI requires Indian companies to form joint ventures (JVs) with foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and licence-produce the HMVs under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP).
It requires an HMV capable of carrying a 1,000 kg load, mounting a multi-launcher at its rear able to engage multiple aerial targets.
“The launchers would need to facilitate the firing of the missiles over 360 degrees in azimuth and up to 80 degrees in elevation,” the RFI stated.
thethinker
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Indian Air Force Sukhois Dominate UK Fighter Jets in Combat Exercises
New Delhi: In some of the most intense international air combat exercises ever featuring the Indian Air Force, IAF pilots flying Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighters had a resounding 12-0 scoreline in their favour against Royal Air Force Typhoon jets in Within Visual Range (WVR) dogfighting operations.
In subsequent Large Force Exercises (LFE) which featured combined Eurofighter Typhoon and Su-30 formations, the IAF jets were somewhat less successful but consistently held an edge over the Typhoon.
In an exclusive interview, Group Captain Ashu Srivastav, the Contingent Commander in the exercises, told NDTV that the performance of his pilots was "exceptional." According to Group Captain Srivastav, who happens to be the IAF's most experienced Su-30 pilot, his pilots showed "flexibility and adaptability to a new environment and operating conditions and on this benchmark, I would rate them exceptional."
The 10-day exercises which commenced on July 21 was the fourth edition of the Indo-UK Bilateral exercise called 'Indradhanush'. IAF aircraft and personnel were based out of three Royal Air Force bases: four IAF Su-30 fighters operated out of RAF Coningsby, C-17 and C-130J Hercules transports were positioned at Brize Norton and Garud Commandos of the IAF operated alongside British forces at RAF Honington.
The IAF also deployed an Ilyushin IL-78 air to air refuelling tanker at Brize Norton.
The IAF fleet departed India on July 15, with the fighters refuelling twice mid-air ahead of their first pit-stop at Taif in Saudi Arabia (near Jeddah). The formation then proceeded to Athens on July 16, refuelling once before their arrival. After another halt for one night, IAF aircraft flew onto the UK again refuelling once mid-air.
For the Royal Air Force, the chance to train against the Russian-designed Su-30, arguably the finest fourth generation fighter aircraft in the world, is rare. India is the largest international operator of the super-maneuverable fighter and was equally keen to pit the skills of its Top Guns against the RAF's new Eurofighter Typhoon, the mainstay of the RAF's fighter fleet.
The first week of the exercises pitted the Su-30, which NATO calls the Flanker, in a series of aerial dogfight scenarios. First, there were 1 v 1 encounters, where a single jet of each type engaged each other in Within Visual Range (WVR) combat, firing simulated missiles to a range of two miles. The exercises progressed to 2 v 2 engagements with two Eurofighters taking on two Su-30s and 2 v 1 exercises where two Sukhois took on a single Typhoon and vice versa. Notably, in the exercise where a lone Su-30 was engaged by two Typhoons, the IAF jet emerged the victor 'shooting' down both 'enemy' jets.
In all dog fighting exercises, IAF Sukhois were able to turn sharply into the extremely agile Typhoons using their thrust-vectored engines to keep the RAF jets locked in their sights. The Su-30's advanced Infrared Search and Track System (IRST), a passive sensor, which cannot be tracked, proved to be a distinct advantage for the IAF's pilots in close-combat maneuvering. Both the IAF and RAF used the full capabilities of their onboard radars, albeit in training mode, which meant that actual radar frequencies used in combat conditions were never exposed for confidentiality reasons. However, the detection ranges of the radars of both aircraft were not curtailed per se. This was air combat as close to the real thing as possible.
The pilots themselves ranged from young Flight Lieutenants to senior Group Captains from either side drawn directly from Typhoon squadrons and the IAF's 2 Squadron, The Winged Arrows, based in Kalaikunda. The idea was for both sides to expose their operational pilots to a modern frontline platform of the same class. Accordingly, the IAF did not deploy any senior pilots serving with its Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE).
By the time the exercises shifted to Large Force Engagements (LFE) in the second week, IAF pilots were comfortable operating in British conditions. The Large Force Engagements saw mixed formation scenarios where the IAF operated its jets alongside RAF Typhoons in air battles against fellow Su-30s flying together with other Typhoons.
The Large Force Engagements saw 4 v 4 engagements at beyond visual range and graduated to a massive 8 v 8 engagement featuring 16 aircraft in the skies near Coningsby. IAF pilots shared tactical information with RAF pilots in their formations using radio communications since the IAF's data-link system (which shares critical sensor data with friendly aircraft) was not compatible with the Link 16 system in use with NATO aircraft like the Typhoon.
Asked about the performance of IAF pilots in these Large Force Engagements, Group Captain Srivastav told NDTV his pilots performed "fairly well" though "quantifying [the results] is difficult". It was not unexpected for the IAF to "lose" one or two jets (over all the Large Force Engagements put together) given that the movement of each formation was directed by fighter controllers coordinating an overall air battle. Both sides agreed to simulate their Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missiles at 25 miles for offensive missions and 22 miles for defensive scenarios.
IAF C-130 and Il-78 jets also participated in the Large Force engagements where they were "defended" by the fighter formations they were flying with against 'enemy' attacks.
The IAF also encountered no serviceability issues with any of its participating jets. All Su-30s were available for the daily exercises which took place over two blocks, one in the morning, the other in the afternoon for a total of eight sorties daily.
Praising the support the IAF received from the RAF, Group Captain Srivastav told NDTV, "The hosts were very good. They were ready to extend exceptional support."
The sense of camaraderie extended to C-17 transport pilots of both sides. According to Group Captain Srivastav, "There was good interaction between young pilots. The C-17 Squadron of the RAF wanted some help in Kathmandu [following the Nepal earthquake]. We helped them then, this was more than reciprocated." RAF pilots showcased their assault landing and combat off-loading experiences with IAF pilots observing from the cockpit of the big jet. IAF pilots shared their experiences of operating the C-17 at high altitudes.
Over the last decade, the Indian Air Force has been very keen to develop its Garud Commando Force meant to protect its assets such as air bases and also be deployed behind enemy lines if required. Operating alongside British forces in the UK, the IAF Garud commandos participated in a 96-hour camp in a training area close to Honington. This involved reconnaissance and surveillance missions and a combat free fall para-jump with British forces.
Back in India now, the IAF, like the Royal Air Force, is keen to point out that the exercises were a learning and training opportunity, and should not be seen as a battle between the IAF and the RAF, who are close allies and partners. According to Group Captain Srivastav, "It was all about learning from each others experiences and to fine tune our own procedures."
At the end of the day, though, for the IAF, these exercises were about gauging the skill levels of its own pilots and the aircraft they operate. For the IAF, these exercises came as positive news on where they stand against some of the best of the West.
New Delhi: In some of the most intense international air combat exercises ever featuring the Indian Air Force, IAF pilots flying Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighters had a resounding 12-0 scoreline in their favour against Royal Air Force Typhoon jets in Within Visual Range (WVR) dogfighting operations.
In subsequent Large Force Exercises (LFE) which featured combined Eurofighter Typhoon and Su-30 formations, the IAF jets were somewhat less successful but consistently held an edge over the Typhoon.
In an exclusive interview, Group Captain Ashu Srivastav, the Contingent Commander in the exercises, told NDTV that the performance of his pilots was "exceptional." According to Group Captain Srivastav, who happens to be the IAF's most experienced Su-30 pilot, his pilots showed "flexibility and adaptability to a new environment and operating conditions and on this benchmark, I would rate them exceptional."
The 10-day exercises which commenced on July 21 was the fourth edition of the Indo-UK Bilateral exercise called 'Indradhanush'. IAF aircraft and personnel were based out of three Royal Air Force bases: four IAF Su-30 fighters operated out of RAF Coningsby, C-17 and C-130J Hercules transports were positioned at Brize Norton and Garud Commandos of the IAF operated alongside British forces at RAF Honington.
The IAF also deployed an Ilyushin IL-78 air to air refuelling tanker at Brize Norton.
The IAF fleet departed India on July 15, with the fighters refuelling twice mid-air ahead of their first pit-stop at Taif in Saudi Arabia (near Jeddah). The formation then proceeded to Athens on July 16, refuelling once before their arrival. After another halt for one night, IAF aircraft flew onto the UK again refuelling once mid-air.
For the Royal Air Force, the chance to train against the Russian-designed Su-30, arguably the finest fourth generation fighter aircraft in the world, is rare. India is the largest international operator of the super-maneuverable fighter and was equally keen to pit the skills of its Top Guns against the RAF's new Eurofighter Typhoon, the mainstay of the RAF's fighter fleet.
The first week of the exercises pitted the Su-30, which NATO calls the Flanker, in a series of aerial dogfight scenarios. First, there were 1 v 1 encounters, where a single jet of each type engaged each other in Within Visual Range (WVR) combat, firing simulated missiles to a range of two miles. The exercises progressed to 2 v 2 engagements with two Eurofighters taking on two Su-30s and 2 v 1 exercises where two Sukhois took on a single Typhoon and vice versa. Notably, in the exercise where a lone Su-30 was engaged by two Typhoons, the IAF jet emerged the victor 'shooting' down both 'enemy' jets.
In all dog fighting exercises, IAF Sukhois were able to turn sharply into the extremely agile Typhoons using their thrust-vectored engines to keep the RAF jets locked in their sights. The Su-30's advanced Infrared Search and Track System (IRST), a passive sensor, which cannot be tracked, proved to be a distinct advantage for the IAF's pilots in close-combat maneuvering. Both the IAF and RAF used the full capabilities of their onboard radars, albeit in training mode, which meant that actual radar frequencies used in combat conditions were never exposed for confidentiality reasons. However, the detection ranges of the radars of both aircraft were not curtailed per se. This was air combat as close to the real thing as possible.
The pilots themselves ranged from young Flight Lieutenants to senior Group Captains from either side drawn directly from Typhoon squadrons and the IAF's 2 Squadron, The Winged Arrows, based in Kalaikunda. The idea was for both sides to expose their operational pilots to a modern frontline platform of the same class. Accordingly, the IAF did not deploy any senior pilots serving with its Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE).
By the time the exercises shifted to Large Force Engagements (LFE) in the second week, IAF pilots were comfortable operating in British conditions. The Large Force Engagements saw mixed formation scenarios where the IAF operated its jets alongside RAF Typhoons in air battles against fellow Su-30s flying together with other Typhoons.
The Large Force Engagements saw 4 v 4 engagements at beyond visual range and graduated to a massive 8 v 8 engagement featuring 16 aircraft in the skies near Coningsby. IAF pilots shared tactical information with RAF pilots in their formations using radio communications since the IAF's data-link system (which shares critical sensor data with friendly aircraft) was not compatible with the Link 16 system in use with NATO aircraft like the Typhoon.
Asked about the performance of IAF pilots in these Large Force Engagements, Group Captain Srivastav told NDTV his pilots performed "fairly well" though "quantifying [the results] is difficult". It was not unexpected for the IAF to "lose" one or two jets (over all the Large Force Engagements put together) given that the movement of each formation was directed by fighter controllers coordinating an overall air battle. Both sides agreed to simulate their Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missiles at 25 miles for offensive missions and 22 miles for defensive scenarios.
IAF C-130 and Il-78 jets also participated in the Large Force engagements where they were "defended" by the fighter formations they were flying with against 'enemy' attacks.
The IAF also encountered no serviceability issues with any of its participating jets. All Su-30s were available for the daily exercises which took place over two blocks, one in the morning, the other in the afternoon for a total of eight sorties daily.
Praising the support the IAF received from the RAF, Group Captain Srivastav told NDTV, "The hosts were very good. They were ready to extend exceptional support."
The sense of camaraderie extended to C-17 transport pilots of both sides. According to Group Captain Srivastav, "There was good interaction between young pilots. The C-17 Squadron of the RAF wanted some help in Kathmandu [following the Nepal earthquake]. We helped them then, this was more than reciprocated." RAF pilots showcased their assault landing and combat off-loading experiences with IAF pilots observing from the cockpit of the big jet. IAF pilots shared their experiences of operating the C-17 at high altitudes.
Over the last decade, the Indian Air Force has been very keen to develop its Garud Commando Force meant to protect its assets such as air bases and also be deployed behind enemy lines if required. Operating alongside British forces in the UK, the IAF Garud commandos participated in a 96-hour camp in a training area close to Honington. This involved reconnaissance and surveillance missions and a combat free fall para-jump with British forces.
Back in India now, the IAF, like the Royal Air Force, is keen to point out that the exercises were a learning and training opportunity, and should not be seen as a battle between the IAF and the RAF, who are close allies and partners. According to Group Captain Srivastav, "It was all about learning from each others experiences and to fine tune our own procedures."
At the end of the day, though, for the IAF, these exercises were about gauging the skill levels of its own pilots and the aircraft they operate. For the IAF, these exercises came as positive news on where they stand against some of the best of the West.
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