Indian Navy Developments & Discussions

Dessert Storm

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DRDO start Prototype work on VL-SRSAM (Astra BVRAAM) for Indian Navy

Fresh Tender documents issued by the DRDO for a 8 Cell A vertical launching system (VLS) for Vertically Launched -Short-range Surface Air to Missile ) A system based on Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile has confirmed that Prototype work on construction of an VL-SRSAM missile has begun. Previous tender documents had called for the interested parties to submit bids of VL-SRSAM missile integration Jig. Fresh documents show that VL-SRSAM based on the Astra Mk1 BVRAAM will be getting a first-stage Booster motor for the initial launch and for the first time a TVC (Thrust Vector Control) nozzle has also been sported. VL-SRSAM will be a next-generation, ship-based, all-weather, air defence weapon system that will provide complete protection against all known and projected air targets Over 25 km and the addition of a first-stage Booster motor will ensure a 40km+ Interception range now. idrw.org has been informed, that VL-SRSAM will be developed in two variants for Air Force and Indian Navy. The air force will get high mobility Truck-mounted canister based VL-SRSAM and the Navy will get Canister based VL-SRSAM for its frontline warships which will replace aging Israeli supplied Barak-1 Point Defence interceptor missiles which were procured after India ended its Tri-service Trishul SRSAM program in 2006 due to technical issues. Indian Navy in 2019 had issued a Request For Proposal ( RFP ) to replace its Israeli Barak-1 air defense systems on Kamorta class corvettes but no foreign missile was selected and still many of the latest Kamorta-class ships like INS Kavaratti, that joined the Navy fleet recently come without any Point Defence System Missiles (PDSM) like Barak-1 or VL-SRSAM which is one of the serious handicaps for the Anti-Submarine Warfare ship.
Indian NASAMS!!!
Why does the article mention only IAF and IN? Why not Indian Army too?
 

WolfPack86

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US Offers F-18 Fighters To Indian Navy

The United States of America (USA) on Wednesday has offered its F-18 naval fighter jets to the Indian Navy in a bid to fulfill India’s requirements of combat jets for its aircraft carriers. Few years ago, the Indian Navy had expressed interest in the acquisition of 57 naval fighter jets for its operation from the Navy’s aircraft carriers including the present INS Vikramaditya and the under-construction Indigenous Aircraft Carrier. “The American Government has offered to provide their naval fighter aircraft F-18 for the Indian Navy under a government proposal at the meeting between defence delegations of both countries during the 2+2 meetings,” government sources told ANI. As per reports, the Indian Navy was offered to buy their F-18 fighters along with the unmanned aircraft Sea Guardian as well as a number of other systems. At the moment, the Indian Navy has been assessing the F-18 and the Rafale naval fighters for its present and futuristic requirements as its present fighter is likely to be phased out by the end of this decade or the beginning of next. The aircraft offered by the American government is said to be the advanced version of the plane which was on offer to the Indian Air Force for its requirement of 126 Multirole Medium Combat Aircraft in which only Rafale and European Eurofighter had been able to meet the qualitative requirements and finally the French plane had been selected. Both Rafale and F-18 have been showcasing the simulated capability of their respective fighter aircraft to take off and land at the INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier to the Indian Navy. Furthermore, the Americans have also shared a lot of information regarding the deployment and activities of the Chinese military in the military standoff.
 

Trololo

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My 2 cents till 2030. Feel free to criticise.

Production and Acquisition goals:

1> No F-18s for IAF or IN. (And no F15s, F21s, Su-35s either.). Because no plane zoo, new equipment induction delays, training lead time etc. + We are already invested in Russian, French, and Indian combat aircrafts. No need to add to this any further.
2> STOBAR aircraft have significant payload reduction. Our carriers are also small and conventional. Doesn't make sense to buy expensive aircraft for them with that gap in performance. Exception being F-35B. Budget is also a factor. Keeping this in mind, a 3rd MiG 29K squadron will be best.
3> Upgrade the shit out of the MiG-29Ks with the Rafale as benchmark. Nothing stops us there. It'll be the best bang for buck naval aircraft for small STOBAR carriers. And the technologies to do so already reside domestically. For example, Uttam AESA radar, Panoramic cockpit, advanced EW suite, new A2A and A2G munitions, mission computers, etc.
4> This way 2 carriers will always have a squadron and the third one can be land based. Also don't forget the unsinkable carrier at Andaman, from which one can base Sukhois, MiG-29Ks, and IAF Rafale tuned for the maritime strike role.
5> The 2 carriers with IN and MiG 29Ks are enough for Pakistan and guarding the Malacca. And perhaps a little beyond that too.
6> Increase the defence budget with whatever means necessary. Also generate funds by better use of defence land and other assets.
7> Chuck P-75I and instead build 10 more Kalvari class with AIP. Split the work between MDL and 2 other shipyards and kick them repeatedly to ensure timelines are met.
8> Step on the gas for the Arihant class to have 4 boomers with at least 2 of them housing 8000km range SLBMs.
9> Work on getting at least 2 Indian SSNs out. (tough call)
10> Buy out the Chakra from Russia and lease a second one asap.
11> Increase armament carrying capability on existing surface craft during their refits. I feel they are not well utilised.
12> Operationalise Nirbhay and Brahmos 2 on as many naval assets as possible, including land batteries in Andaman and Lakshadweep.
13> Roll out the advanced Talwar class (in progress)
14> Acquire the NUH and NMRH quickly and in large numbers
15> More frequent exercises with IAF and IA.
16> More P8Is (in progress)
17> More dedicated naval satellites and improved net centric capabilities (in progress)
18> Acquire V22s for special ops, COD, etc.
19> Acquire minesweepers on war footing.
================================================

Other goals:

1> Design the INS Vishal to be compatible with Rafale, TEDBFs, and possibly a 5th gen aircraft of AMCA-ish dimensions.
2> Order 2 Vishals together in different yards.
3> PPP model for design and production of TEDBF with strict timelines.
4> Rafales to be backup. Good number of IN pilots to become Rafale and CATOBAR qualified. Again, no F-18.
5> Navy to be onboard from day 1 on naval IMRH program.
6> Project 18 class DDG design and armament to be finalised, and orders placed.
7> Work on nuclear reactor for aircraft carriers.
 

WolfPack86

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Indian Navy contract for 57 carrier-borne fighters shrinks in favor of Indigenous TEDBF Program

US aerospace major, Boeing, has again pitched its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet offer to the Indian Navy to win the contract for 57 aircraft carrier-borne fighters floated by the Indian Navy a few years back, but India’s nodal design agency for fighter jet development, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has been given go head by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to start work on New Twin Engined Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) which has been backed by Navy. As per revised carrier-borne fighter requirements now stands at just 20 jets from earlier 57 and going for a new type just for 20 jets might be difficult for Navy to get it approved by MoD and going for more than 20 Mig-29K is also highly unlikely since Navy is not impressed by 45 odd Russian Mig-29K carrier-borne fighter jets which Navy plans to retire from 2034 onwards. idrw.org has been told, Navy has committed to procure at least 80-100 TEDBF before the program was cleared by MoD, while the Indian Air Force (IAF) is backing the single-Engine Tejas Mk2 program but might eventually go for 50 odd ORCA that is Airforce variant once TEDBF Program achieves key milestone by 2030. TEDBF will have a Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of just under 24 tons and as per ADA for Naval Version and 23.5 tons for the Air force version. TEDBF will accumulate technologies that have been already developed for the Tejas Mk2 and Tejas Mk1A program in addition to the expertise gained from the LCA-Navy program which has demonstrated carrier-borne fighter operations. idrw.org has been told the rudimentary design of TEDBF showcased to the public in 2019 will see some major design changes when the final design is frozen by end of 2021 and some of the pre-frozen scale models of the fighter jet might be seen at the upcoming Aero India 2021. ADA has promised that the first flight of the first TEDBF Prototype will be achieved by 2026 and by 2029 it will have completed its Carrier trials and will be ready to enter limited production by 2029-30 and full scale by 2034. To keep TEDBF technologically advance in the 5th generation fighter era, TEDBF will be getting many of the technologies which have been developed for India’s proposed 5.5th Generation AMCA fighter jet program that includes Diverter less supersonic inlet (DSI) to deflect Radar signals ,AI-based Automated Takeoff and Landing from an aircraft carrier and a UTTAM AESA Fire control Radar fine tuned for Naval Operations over the Sea and futuristic military systems like directed energy weapons.
 

Vishalreddy3

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My 2 cents till 2030. Feel free to criticise.

Production and Acquisition goals:

1> No F-18s for IAF or IN. (And no F15s, F21s, Su-35s either.). Because no plane zoo, new equipment induction delays, training lead time etc. + We are already invested in Russian, French, and Indian combat aircrafts. No need to add to this any further.
2> STOBAR aircraft have significant payload reduction. Our carriers are also small and conventional. Doesn't make sense to buy expensive aircraft for them with that gap in performance. Exception being F-35B. Budget is also a factor. Keeping this in mind, a 3rd MiG 29K squadron will be best.
3> Upgrade the shit out of the MiG-29Ks with the Rafale as benchmark. Nothing stops us there. It'll be the best bang for buck naval aircraft for small STOBAR carriers. And the technologies to do so already reside domestically. For example, Uttam AESA radar, Panoramic cockpit, advanced EW suite, new A2A and A2G munitions, mission computers, etc.
4> This way 2 carriers will always have a squadron and the third one can be land based. Also don't forget the unsinkable carrier at Andaman, from which one can base Sukhois, MiG-29Ks, and IAF Rafale tuned for the maritime strike role.
5> The 2 carriers with IN and MiG 29Ks are enough for Pakistan and guarding the Malacca. And perhaps a little beyond that too.
6> Increase the defence budget with whatever means necessary. Also generate funds by better use of defence land and other assets.
7> Chuck P-75I and instead build 10 more Kalvari class with AIP. Split the work between MDL and 2 other shipyards and kick them repeatedly to ensure timelines are met.
8> Step on the gas for the Arihant class to have 4 boomers with at least 2 of them housing 8000km range SLBMs.
9> Work on getting at least 2 Indian SSNs out. (tough call)
10> Buy out the Chakra from Russia and lease a second one asap.
11> Increase armament carrying capability on existing surface craft during their refits. I feel they are not well utilised.
12> Operationalise Nirbhay and Brahmos 2 on as many naval assets as possible, including land batteries in Andaman and Lakshadweep.
13> Roll out the advanced Talwar class (in progress)
14> Acquire the NUH and NMRH quickly and in large numbers
15> More frequent exercises with IAF and IA.
16> More P8Is (in progress)
17> More dedicated naval satellites and improved net centric capabilities (in progress)
18> Acquire V22s for special ops, COD, etc.
19> Acquire minesweepers on war footing.
================================================

Other goals:

1> Design the INS Vishal to be compatible with Rafale, TEDBFs, and possibly a 5th gen aircraft of AMCA-ish dimensions.
2> Order 2 Vishals together in different yards.
3> PPP model for design and production of TEDBF with strict timelines.
4> Rafales to be backup. Good number of IN pilots to become Rafale and CATOBAR qualified. Again, no F-18.
5> Navy to be onboard from day 1 on naval IMRH program.
6> Project 18 class DDG design and armament to be finalised, and orders placed.
7> Work on nuclear reactor for aircraft carriers.
Bro no F/A 18 for IN?? Why?? It's actually cheaper than Rafael M and carry better payload than it. Not to mention F/A 18 is a multirole aircraft which comes handy, which is way better than Mig 29 or any aircraft Russia has. I think F/A 18 deal should go through which is a better option overall!!
 

Trololo

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Bro no F/A 18 for IN?? Why?? It's actually cheaper than Rafael M and carry better payload than it. Not to mention F/A 18 is a multirole aircraft which comes handy, which is way better than Mig 29 or any aircraft Russia has. I think F/A 18 deal should go through which is a better option overall!!
Simple. 1> No plane zoo. 2> Frontline combat platform prone to sanctions. 3> Already deeply invested in Russian, French, and Indian combat aircraft. A US one means new logistics, weapons, training, maintenance manuals, infra, etc. 4> Significantly reduced capability because of our STOBAR carriers.
 

Vishalreddy3

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Simple. 1> No plane zoo. 2> Frontline combat platform prone to sanctions. 3> Already deeply invested in Russian, French, and Indian combat aircraft. A US one means new logistics, weapons, training, maintenance manuals, infra, etc. 4> Significantly reduced capability because of our STOBAR carriers.
Logistical constraints?? I think you're mixing IAF with IN, since IN already uses a lot of US made aircrafts and more importantly they operate very little aircrafts in the first place, and hence it can be easily maintained, since all the 57 aircrafts are under one aircraft carrier!! About STOBAR Boeing is presently testing its F/A 18 in a STOBAR facility for Indian standards alone.
 

Trololo

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Logistical constraints?? I think you're mixing IAF with IN, since IN already uses a lot of US made aircrafts and more importantly they operate very little aircrafts in the first place, and hence it can be easily maintained, since all the 57 aircrafts are under one aircraft carrier!! About STOBAR Boeing is presently testing its F/A 18 in a STOBAR facility for Indian standards alone.
If you recall, IN MiG-29Ks were sent to the China border recently with the IAF. There is also very close interaction between IN and IAF MiG 29 pilots too. + There are some common logistics, including the BRD at Ozar. These are major cost savers. IAC-1 cannot carry 57 jets. And remember that the new logistics, training, etc have costs that have to be borne by the MoD in the end, because the Navy's budget comes from there. There is also significant training and maintenance lead time as well. In this light the Rafale is a better alternative. Also the threat of sanctions on frontline platforms will be crippling. As far as very few aircrafts are concerned, wait and watch. Naval aviation in India is poised to grow big time!
 

Vishalreddy3

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If you recall, IN MiG-29Ks were sent to the China border recently with the IAF. There is also very close interaction between IN and IAF MiG 29 pilots too. + There are some common logistics, including the BRD at Ozar. These are major cost savers. IAC-1 cannot carry 57 jets. And remember that the new logistics, training, etc have costs that have to be borne by the MoD in the end, because the Navy's budget comes from there. There is also significant training and maintenance lead time as well. In this light the Rafale is a better alternative. Also the threat of sanctions on frontline platforms will be crippling. As far as very few aircrafts are concerned, wait and watch. Naval aviation in India is poised to grow big time!
If IN anyway going for a new aircraft other than the Russian, then the logistics and other maintenance significantly changes anyway!!! Might as well go for F/A 18 since as I said it's a bigger aircraft with better payload, and has better range and endurance and more importantly its actually cheaper compared to rafale M. Yes 57 aircrafts can't be carried by INS Vikrant, but we have Naval Bases for extra aircrafts which can operate for ground operations, just like Mig 29.
 

Trololo

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If IN anyway going for a new aircraft other than the Russian, then the logistics and other maintenance significantly changes anyway!!! Might as well go for F/A 18 since as I said it's a bigger aircraft with better payload, and has better range and endurance and more importantly its actually cheaper compared to rafale M. Yes 57 aircrafts can't be carried by INS Vikrant, but we have Naval Bases for extra aircrafts which can operate for ground operations, just like Mig 29.
The Rafale has greater range and payload than the SH(https://hushkit.net/2019/12/20/dass...18e-f-super-hornet-carrier-fighters-compared/). IN going for a new carrier has nothing to do with logistics of a new type. A new type has costs in it. An existing type amortises that cost for new inductions of the same type.
 

Vishalreddy3

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The Rafale has greater range and payload than the SH(https://hushkit.net/2019/12/20/dass...18e-f-super-hornet-carrier-fighters-compared/). IN going for a new carrier has nothing to do with logistics of a new type. A new type has costs in it. An existing type amortises that cost for new inductions of the same type.
Now, how is it possible that a smaller aircraft has better payload and range than a bigger aircraft?? F/A 18 is considerably bigger than rafale M and should technically have better options than the other.
Plus, I didn't mean going with a new carrier has different logistics, its just that our new carrier will have newer aircrafts altogether than using the existing aircrafts and hence there will be no logistical constraints.
 

Rassil Krishnan

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Short Documentary on improved Kilo Class Submarine
the women seems to be speaking some other language other than russian.i think she is visiting from some central asian or arab country to give documentary about the submarines to an arab programme which was then dubbed in english and russian and shown on rt.
 

Chinmoy

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Bro no F/A 18 for IN?? Why?? It's actually cheaper than Rafael M and carry better payload than it. Not to mention F/A 18 is a multirole aircraft which comes handy, which is way better than Mig 29 or any aircraft Russia has. I think F/A 18 deal should go through which is a better option overall!!
Where would you place those 18's?
 

Haldilal

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Where would you place those 18's?
Ya'll Nibbiars mein aaj tak chup tha. Let's your dreams fly. But the reality is IN cant afford this fancy aircraft at the moment. At most even the Helicopter programme is facing financial issues.
 

Chinmoy

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Ya'll Nibbiars mein aaj tak chup tha. Let's your dreams fly. But the reality is IN cant afford this fancy aircraft at the moment. At most even the Helicopter programme is facing financial issues.
Even if IN could afford it, point is, where they would deploy them?

On SBF??
 

Haldilal

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Even if IN could afford it, point is, where they would deploy them?

On SBF??
There is no point of the aircrafts are IN cant afford them. Better to fund Naval vessel that are in dire need in numbers not some fancy Firangi aircrafts.
 

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