Indian Air Force: News & Discussions

WolfPack86

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‘Boost to Indian Air Force’: Rudram missile to be inducted by 2022, say top officials

India’s first anti-radiation missile ‘Rudram’ will be ready for induction into service by 2022 and will boost the Indian Air Force’s capabilities to knock out enemy radars and surveillance systems, top officials familiar with the developments said on Friday. The indigenous missile, being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the IAF, was tested for the first time in the anti-radiation mode from a Sukhoi-30 fighter jet on October 9 against a target on Wheeler Island off the Odisha coast. “We plan to carry out six to seven more tests before declaring the weapon ready for induction by 2022. The missile’s passive homing head can detect, classify and engage targets over a wide band of frequencies as programmed,” the officials said. The missile will help the air force take out enemy air defence systems from large stand-off ranges. “With this, the country has established indigenous capability to develop long-range air-launched anti-radiation missiles for neutralising enemy radars, communication sites and other RF emitting targets,” the defence ministry announced on October 9 when the missile’s maiden test was conducted. While the Rudram is likely to be tested again from a Su-30 jet by the year-end, India is also developing a new air-launched missile capable of knocking out enemy tanks from a stand-off distance of more than 10 kilometres and a crucial test of the weapon will be conducted in two months, as reported by Hindustan Times on October 22. The indigenous missile – named stand-off anti-tank missile (SANT) — is expected to be mated to the IAF’s Russian-origin Mi-35 attack helicopters to arm them with the capability to destroy enemy armour from an improved stand-off range. The existing Russian-origin Shturm missile on the Mi-35 can target tanks at a range of 5 kilometres. The SANT, also being developed by the DRDO, will be launched from a Mi-35 helicopter gunship for the first time in December in what is being seen as a developmental milestone. The SANT missile was successfully tested from a ground launcher on October 19 off the coast of Odisha – the 13th test-firing of a missile by India in less than two months amid the border stand-off with China and deadlocked talks to reduce tensions along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC). The DRDO is also planning to test the ‘Nirbhay’ sub-sonic cruise missile again after a failed test on October 12 when the weapon was tested with an indigenous engine for the first time. “We are looking at increasing the indigenous content in the missile. Development trials of the missile with the Russian engine were completed last year. A high-powered panel is examining what went wrong with the October 12 launch. We will fix the snag and test the missile again soon,” the officials said. The key tests recently conducted by India include the supersonic missile-assisted release of torpedo (SMART) to target submarines at long ranges and a new version of the nuclear-capable hypersonic Shaurya missile with a range of 750 kilometres. India is also developing a new class of ultra-modern weapons that can travel six times faster than the speed of sound (Mach 6) and penetrate any missile defence. In early September, the DRDO carried out a successful flight test of the hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle (HSTDV) for the first time from a launch facility off the Odisha coast. Only the United States, Russia and China have developed technologies to field fast-manoeuvring hypersonic missiles that fly at lower altitudes and are extremely hard to track and intercept. India could develop hypersonic cruise missiles powered by air-breathing scramjet engines in about four years.
 

WolfPack86

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US experts unexpectedly praised the MiG-35 and recommended India to buy it
WASHINGTON, (BM) – A rather controversial article was published in the American Military Watch Magazine, in which the Russian 4++ fighter of the MiG-35 generation was not only praised, but also called the only combat aircraft that India should acquire in the near future, learned BulgarianMilitary.com.


Read more: Why India needs the Russian MiG-35 fighters equipped with AI and AESA radar?


In fact, the United States recognized the superiority of the Russian combat vehicle over the F-21, believing that if New Delhi really makes a deal with Russia to acquire MiG-35 fighters, then this will be the best choice in terms of quality and cost.


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“After the confrontation between the Indian and Chinese military in the Galvan valley in the Ladakh region of the Himalayas in June 2020, India needs to seriously think about buying the Russian MiG-35” the article said.


“China has not yet deployed the latest fifth-generation J-20 combat vehicles at the Indian borders. Beijing limited itself to the transfer of J-16 fighters to the border, which are the modernization of the Su-30MKK, previously delivered by Russia. They surpass the MiG-29UPG and Su-30MKI in their performance characteristics and operational qualities, so the Indians were in a difficult position. Now India feels an urgent need for a new generation of aircraft, and the MiG-35 is well suited for this role. The MiG-35 is a 4++ generation fighter that will allow us to close the technological gap with China,” continues the author of the article.


The Russian MiG-35 fighter is indeed a highly efficient combat vehicle, the acquisition of which India was thinking about, however, has not yet made a final decision.

Why India needs the Russian MiG-35 fighters equipped with AI and AESA radar?


The inability of the MiG-29 to deal with new Chinese aircraft put the Indian Air Force in a difficult position. In this regard, New Delhi was seriously considering the possibility of acquiring a 4 ++ generation MiG-35 jet from Russia, which, if purchased, could close the technological gap with China’s latest front-line aircraft.

MiG-35 is the newest in the inventory of Russia. The fighter entered service in June 2019, that is, it integrates a number of new technologies, including artificial intelligence and the first AESA radar on a Russian fighter.


“After the June confrontation in the Galvan river valley in the Ladakh region, the acquisition of the MiG-35 seems especially relevant, since the fighter is ideal for replacing the MiG-29 at front-line air bases near the Chinese borders,” the observer of the American publication believes.


The similarity of the fighter with the MiG-29 makes it well suited for short airfields and high-altitude operations, but it has a much broader situational awareness, which is important for monitoring potential threats.


The MiG-35 can use most of the same maintenance infrastructure as the MiG-29. In addition, pilot training will not be a difficult process.


In the long run, a fighter can also be less expensive since its operating costs are reported to be 80% lower than older aircraft due to very low maintenance requirements.


Russia proposed to provide India with support and a license for the production of MiG-35 domestically, as was done for the MiG-27 and Su-30, which could lead to a very large scale production and the acquisition of 150-200 fighters.

The combination of low maintenance costs of the MiG-35 and very advanced features makes it an ideal choice for large-scale acquisitions, especially considering how new the design is.


All this means that throughout its life cycle modernization will be important. The combat capabilities of the fighter noticeably differ from other new aircraft of medium and small weight categories, such as the F-35A, Rafale and J-10C.


Do not forget that the Indian Air Force wants to add ten new fighter squadrons to its fleet, so the MiG-35 might be the perfect choice.

“Unlike the MiG-29, the MiG-35 will not face technological flaws if it is forced to go face to face with the elite of the Chinese fleet in Ladakh, and this in itself can make it a very worthwhile investment, given the region’s vital importance for Indian security “the observer of the American publication is sure.


Thus, the conflict between Beijing and New Delhi, which showed the weakness of the Indian Air Force, will allow Russia to earn billions of dollars.


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However, India refuses to think about the MiG-35 as an opticion.


India intends to abandon the acquisition of a large batch of fighters for its Air Force, as reported a few months earlier, as we reported on May 19 this year, citing several sources from Russia and India.


According to the data that initially appeared, India planned to acquire the largest batch of military aircraft, and among the proposals under consideration were Russian MiG-35 fighters, American F-21s, French Rafale, etc.


The reasons for the refusal are not officially named, however, one of the possible reasons for this is an attempt to establish the release of their own combat aircraft.

“In the struggle for a seductive tender, in addition to Lockheed Martin, the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers joined: the American Boeing with F / A-18E / F, the French Dassault with Rafale, the European consortium Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug with Eurofighter Typhoon, the Swedish Saab with Gripen E and the Russian MiG-35 and Su-35. The Hindus intended to assemble fighter jets under license and manufacturers agreed. “The Indian Air Force is switching to LCA,” said General Bipin Ravat, chief of the Indian Defense Staff in an interview. He clarified that the Indian Air Force wants to buy an additional 83 Tejas units to the 40 fighters already ordered,” the Reporter reported.


The acquisition of its own combat aircraft actually allows India to meet the needs of the Air Force, however, experts consider this approach as extremely unproductive.

“The desire of India to establish the production of its own combat aircraft should be highly appreciated, however, the characteristics of these combat vehicles indicate the fact that they are hardly even up to the level of 4th generation fighters, although they are undeniably quite cheap,” some specialists notes.


It should be clarified that India may declare its intention to refuse the tender within the next 2-3 months.


But what features make the MiG-35 more than a good aircraft?


Technical characteristics of the new MiG-35 stand out against the background of most other fighters. Its superiority is associated with thoughtful design and improved engines.


According to the external characteristics of the MiG-35 is quite typical. Its length is 17.32 m and its height reaches 4.44 m. The wing is extended by 12 m in scope and 42 m² in area. The normal take-off weight for the fighter was marked at 19,200 kg, while the maximum is limited to 24,500 kg. External payload can weigh up to 6500 kg, it is located at eight points of the suspension.

The maximum speed at the ground is 1400 km / h, but when climbing to a great height the aircraft will be able to accelerate to 2100 km / h. The practical ceiling is limited to 17,500 m. The flight range of the MiG-35 reaches 3,500 km if suspended tanks are installed on it. With a standard combat load, it will fly up to 1000 km. Duration is limited to 2.2 hours. TTX may vary, depending on the modifications that will be released in the future.


Read more: US Journalist: Could Russian MiG-35 Fighter Kill an F-22 or F-35 in Combat?


The MiG-35 received a glider from the Mig-29, which is not inferior in technical specifications to any Western counterpart. Structurally, the aircraft remained a light fighter, but its hull became reinforced, which allows it to be conditionally classified as a heavy vehicle.


The decision to use more rigid materials is associated with the need to be able to use the MiG-35 on an aircraft-carrying cruiser. For this, some details were also changed so that the aircraft could land on a shortened runway of an aircraft carrier and then take off. Now 190 meters is enough for him. Such indicators for classic fighters are extremely rare. He can land not only on an aircraft carrier, but also on a damaged strip of the airfield. The latter is assisted by a reinforced chassis.


The design of the MiG-35 airframe makes the full use of stealth technologies impossible. Therefore, the inventors used special radio-absorbing elements in its coating in order to minimize the risk of aircraft detection by enemy radars.


It is fully adapted for use in severe weather conditions and can be placed outside hangars at air temperatures from -45 to + 50 ° C. Moreover, it is permissible to operate the aircraft at airfields located at elevations of up to 3.5 km above sea level.

MiG aircraft is equipped with a large number of special equipment that simplifies its operation and gives an advantage in the conduct of hostilities. Avionics with the MiG-29 before installation on the MiG-35 has been completely updated, and it was supplemented with some elements that are available only on fifth-generation fighters.


The aircraft uses improved radar “Beetle” (can be presented in two variations). Both of them are responsible for the possibility of fighting in bad weather conditions, the detection of the enemy and the creation of radio interference to enemy radar systems. The pilot can detect the presence of other fighters at a distance of up to 200 km. Special installations also allow high-resolution mapping of the area.

MiG-35 can detect and track up to 30 targets simultaneously. In this case, you can visit and strike at once on four ground targets or six aircraft. And when launching enemy air-to-air missiles, the airborne equipment will give a warning at a distance of up to 30 km, and when attacking from the ground, the radius increases to 50 km.


In front of the pilot are three color displays, an indicator on the windshield and a helmet-mounted target designation system. They help to get all the necessary information and to properly navigate in critical situations.


The aircraft is equipped with additional equipment for collecting flight information, including video recordings. They are transferred to the control center to improve performance and identify errors.


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The power plant of the fighter consists of two improved RD-33MK engines, whose power is 12% higher than the base version. Afterburner traction of each is 9000 kgf, and standard – 5400 kgf. Both are equipped with electronic systems and a smokeless combustion chamber. They have a high resource and good reliability, so they can work at least 4000 hours.


MiG-35 engines have a nozzle with a thrust vector that allows the pilot to use vertical take-off. To do this, it is enough to minimum accelerate and rise into the air, after which it will be possible to begin a sharp rise. In the event of a breakdown, the engines can be replaced in the field, spending no more than an hour.

High maneuverability indicators abroad have long been considered useless. New rocketry forces to fight at great distances, which is why aerobatics becomes irrelevant. Therefore, foreign aviation companies emphasize the creation of increased stealth, advanced radar systems and powerful missiles of various classes. All of this found their own counteraction forces, which made the close combat real again. Now the maneuverability of fighters has become one of the most important factors in the development of new aviation, and aerobatics skills are honed by all cadets.

In Russia, attention has always been given to maneuvering. Therefore, Russian aircraft can be considered the best by this criterion.


But the MiG-35 stands out even against their background, as it can demonstrate excellent aerobatics. This helps to evade enemy attacks, disrupt missile guidance, make opponents mistaken, avoid battle even under difficult conditions, and trick oneself out of shelling with a subsequent retaliatory attack.


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The aircraft received such an advantage thanks to engines with a deflected thrust vector and a well-thought-out design.


Weapon control on the MiG-35 is carried out using the HOTAS system, which increases the convenience of pointing and carrying out attacks. The aircraft is equipped with a large number of weapons. For close combat, the automatic gun GS-30-1 with an increased rate of fire is used. It uses 30 mm caliber cartridges. Ammunition includes 100 units. And the increased wing area, allowed to raise the number of hanging weapons from six to eight pieces.


The basic configuration involves the installation of medium-range missiles designed to destroy air targets. They have homing heads that allow you to follow the selected enemy machine. Melee missiles are sometimes used. Also, weapons can be replaced by unguided weapons or bombs weighing up to 500 kg

Some of the available missiles have television, laser and radar homing heads. The range of their launch is up to 300 km. Bombs can be free-fall, adjustable, or fall into the category of aviation mines.


The MiG-35 has a glass cabin. It has many equipment, including LCD monitors and wide-angle indicators. The basic version provides only one place, but the MiG-35D model is designed for two people.
 

Lancer

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Report: IAF is close to finalizing a plan to dry lease 6 air to air refuelling platforms.
I don't get it, why are we looking at buying all sorts of platforms, but when it comes to tankers we suddenly become poor and just want to lease?

Kind of odd. Regardless, glad we'll get tankers - one way or the other.
 

mist_consecutive

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I don't get it, why are we looking at buying all sorts of platforms, but when it comes to tankers we suddenly become poor and just want to lease?

Kind of odd. Regardless, glad we'll get tankers - one way or the other.
Don't think this is about cost but more about getting the platforms quickly. By leasing, we can get them as fast as 4-6 months as getting our personnel trained and transferring to our inventory.

Buying, if we order today, I believe will take at least 4-5 years to deliver the first aircraft.

So it seems we are getting KC-135 from USAF!
 

samsaptaka

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Nice, now how about 'dry leasing' some AWACS ?? We're desperately short !
 

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Noob Question: How Gripen is able to Supercruise? Can same be done with Tejas? Both have similar engine performance and Empty/Max TO weight.
 

Arihant Roy

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Indian airforce is testing out the recently acquired aam stocks from Russia.

A wvraam which I am certain is R-74M2 was test fired today from a Su-30MKI. The test was successful. So, we can be certain that IAF has integrated the newer versions of the in service missiles and operationalised them across the Su-30MKI fleet.

R-37M and newer R-77 variants like K-77M had also been procured in adequate nos after the start of the recent standoff as urgent emergency procurements from KTRV of Russia.

 

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Indian airforce is testing out the recently acquired aam stocks from Russia.

A wvraam which I am certain is R-74M2 was test fired today from a Su-30MKI. The test was successful. So, we can be certain that IAF has integrated the newer versions of the in service missiles and operationalised them across the Su-30MKI fleet.

R-37M and newer R-77 variants like K-77M had also been procured in adequate nos after the start of the recent standoff as urgent emergency procurements from KTRV of Russia.

What's the legitimacy of this claim? Is it based on assumption or some sources?
 

FalconSlayers

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Don't think this is about cost but more about getting the platforms quickly. By leasing, we can get them as fast as 4-6 months as getting our personnel trained and transferring to our inventory.

Buying, if we order today, I believe will take at least 4-5 years to deliver the first aircraft.

So it seems we are getting KC-135 from USAF!
Plus it saves the cost and it is better
 

WolfPack86

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IAF plans to contract Six Airbus A330-200 MRTT on Lease in 2021

Airbus Defence & Space Owned ” Air Tanker ” company which provides Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft for wet-, dry-, or “damp”-leasing to both civil and military operators will be having talks with the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2021 for contracting Six Airbus A330 MRTT in long term lease from the company. Earlier this year Government of India proposed leasing of military equipment in its revised draft of Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, which may enable the military to possess and operate costly platforms required for a limited period. According to Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, Leasing would be permitted in two subcategories i.e. Lease (Indian), where Lessor is an Indian entity and is the owner of the asset, and Lease (Global) that refers to lease of equipment from foreign or Indian Lessors. According to information provided to idrw.org, ” Air Tanker ” will maintain a core fleet of six tankers to be available full time for AAR Duties for IAF but also can maintain a surge fleet of 2-3 additional aircraft that can be provided in case of additional requirements by the operator. IAF is likely to opt for a ‘dry’ or ‘damp’ lease that allows aircraft to be flown on their individual military aircraft registers by their crews, while AirTanker could continue to provide an engineering service to ensure aircraft continue to be maintained in line with Civil Aviation Authority. IAF also will enter into a training partnership agreement with AirTanker that offers 250 courses covering A330-200 type rating like Pilot and Mission Systems Operator Air-to-Air Refuelling training, amongst others. Under Dry lease agreements, aircraft are usually acquired for a period of 2 – 7 years but at the maturity of the lease, the lessee has the option of purchasing the equipment.
 

Arihant Roy

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IAF has deployed Flat Face B aka P-19 decimetric band 2D search and acquisition radar in Leh .

It's a UHF band radar associated with S-125 Sam units. Mounted on a ZiL-131 .

An inherent advantage of the UHF band is the long wavelength which allows it to detect fighter sized LO and VLO targets . Rayleigh scattering phenomenon. IAF has deployed these UHF band radars to cater to the threat of J-20 which is periodically deployed at Hotan .

Only broad band all aspect large VLO acs like B-2 and the RQ-180 can escape from such low band long wavelength rf waves


Screenshot_20201108-115038.png


Screenshot_20201108-114909.png


The P-19 in IAF service is being digitised now and has undergone some minor upgrades .

Old is gold . And J-20 , we see you with our Rambhas and Flat faced veterans .
 

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