smartindian
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MRCA News & Dicussions (IV)
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death.by.chocolate
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Look at the size of the Rafale's nose, how they'll ever fit a capable radar in that thing is beyond me. Removing OSF and IRST from the nose and pushing the radar further back will allow the designers to increase antenna diameter but still not enough room for a decent radar.
icecoolben
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I wish to give a case as to why MMRCA should be scrapped.
Shamsher [Jaguar]
Capable of delivering nuclear weapons, the Jaguars were first inducted into the IAF from Britain in 1979 and subsequently manufactured by HAL under licence. French and Israeli companies are also part of the upgradation programme. Advanced radars, navigation, weapon and electronic warfare systems and precision-guided munitions have been fitted with these deep penetration aircraft which are poised to augment the capabilities of the blue force.
By the mid 1970s, the IAF was clearly in need of urgent re-equipment decisions. First off the mark was selection of the Jaguar strike fighter, to meet the IAF's urgent Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft (DPSA) requirement, to replace the Canberra and Hunter still soldiering on in this exacting role.
After many years of evaluation and negotiation, the Anglo-French fighter was contracted for, an interim batch of ex-RAF Jaguars being accepted to re-equip No. 14 Squadron. IAF pilots and technicians received conversion training with the RAF and British Aerospace in Lossiemouth, Coltishall and Warton before ferrying the first Jaguars to India in July 1979. These were followed by a batch of U.K. built Jaguars to re-equip No. 5 Squadron even as simultaneously, HAL prepared for production of the aircraft, its powerplants, avionics and accessories in India.
The Indian Ministry of Defense approved in October 1978 acquisition of 150 Jaguars and concluded two agreements with the aircraft manufacturer in April 1979. While 40 Jaguars were imported in a fly away condition, the remaining 110 aircraft were to be licenced manufactured by the HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) during 1982-89 in a phased manner. The direct supply aircraft were equipped with first generation Marconi inertial navigation and attack system named NAVWASS, which had low reliability and was grossly outdated. The Ministry, immediately after induction, had to sanction development of a second generation display attack ranging inertial navigation system named DARIN for its integration on HAL built Jaguars. The Ministry also sanctioned an ambitious retromodification program to upgrade the NAVWASS equipped direct supply Jaguar aircraft.
By the mid-80s, the Jaguar was in service with Nos. 5, 14, 16 and 27 Squadrons while a flight of No.6 Squadron was equipped with the Maritime Jaguar carrying the new generation Sea Eagle anti-ship sea-skimming missile. The Jaguar strike fighter was equipped also with Magic air-to-air missiles on unique overwing pylons, featured advanced nay-attack systems and able to carry formidable warload till the far ends of the sub-continent.
The Ministry curtailed in 1982 the indigenous manufacture program from 110 to 76 aircraft on the grounds that the design philosophy of the Jaguar aircraft was of the sixties and the manufacturer of the aircraft had stopped production of the aircraft. However, the Ministry had to reverse its decision and it sanctioned procurement of 15 additional Jaguars from HAL in September 1988 after six years of curtailment of the indigenous manufacture program.
The Indian Air Force had some 35 Jaguars equipped with outdated first generation navigation and attack system called NAVWASS for about two decades. Their retromodification with third generation DARIN INGPS was sanctioned belatedly in November 1996 at a cost of Rs.158 crore for completion by 2000-01 was yet to take off and was not expected to be completed before 2006. The contracts for five sub-systems with foreign vendors for this program were at a stand still due to non-finalisation of mission computer by HAL as the imported sub-systems were to be designed around this computer. In the meantime, 14 aircraft had to be grounded for periods ranging from 2 to 26 months due to prolonged unserviceability.
Air HQ in March 1995 unequivocally stated that if a retromod program was not undertaken, it would necessitate phasing out of NAVWASS Jaguars from the Air Force inventory earlier than desired due to their poor operational reliability in the present configuration. Audit scrutiny disclosed that while the Jaguar squadrons were hard pressed for NAVWASS specific items which had depleted considerably, Air HQ had decided not to procure additional NAVWASS kits stating that an upgradation program was on the anvil. The action of the Air HQ, however, proved abortive as lack of cohesive planning and foresight on its part led to grounding of 14 aircraft at a Jaguar operating base for a period ranging from 2 to 26 months as of June 2000 primarily due to deficiency and prolonged unserviceability of the NAVWASS specific items.
The Ministry concluded contract for procurement of maritime radar for the Jaguar aircraft, in replacement of the existing outdated agave radars, after four years of projection of requirement by Air Force resulting in an extra expenditure of US$ 1.12 million, which was avoidable. The Jaguar maritime fleet had to operate with old agave radars whose maintenance was becoming more and more difficult. Three out of five maritime Jaguars were lying unserviceable since March-June 1999.
Apathy of Air HQ/ Ministry to speed up the acquisition of auto pilot system for Jaguar aircraft was operationally detrimental. The Air Force not only lost four Jaguar aircraft costing Rs.141.40 crore in serious flying accidents, three pilots also died in these accidents. The auto pilots are unlikely to be fitted on Jaguars at least till June 2002.
Integration and flight trials of the laser designator pods procured at a cost of Rs.95 crore has been delayed by 20 months. This would, apart from delaying the fleet modification of Jaguars, also impose operational limitations to the aircraft fleet. In the mean time, warranty of three pods valuing Rs.15.33 crore had expired. The Jaguars would not be able to undertake missions with laser designator pods in the absence of auto pilots, a mandatory requirement was not likely to be available before June 2002.
The CCS approved a proposal of the Air Force in May 1996 for procurement of 15 laser designator pods with thermal imagery for fitment on 10 Jaguars and 5 Mirage-2000 aircraft and modification of 30 Jaguar aircraft for carrying the pods at a total cost of Rs.125 crore. The Ministry concluded a contract with foreign firm 'D' in November 1996 for procurement of 15 laser designator pods with thermal imagery at a total cost of US $ 27.11 million, equivalent to Rs.95 ( 1 US $ = Rs.35) crore to be delivered between March 1998 and February 1999 in two phases. Flight trails and certification of laser designator pods on Jaguar aircraft was delayed by 20 months. However, there had been delay in delivery of pods due to delays in conclusion of flight tests and certification of pods on Jaguar and Mirage-2000 aircraft. The flight test and certification on Jaguar aircraft, which was planned to be conducted by March 1998, was completed by the ASTE (Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment), only in December 1999, after a delay of 20 months.
The plan of the Air Force to equip the Jaguar fleet with self protection jammer, a critical electronic warfare equipment, has been jeopardised even after an expenditure of Rs 184 crore. An initial delay of 24 months in mock-up installation not only forced the Ministry to re-schedule the delivery of jammers from July 1999 to July 2001, a realistic time frame for fleet modification is yet to emerge affecting thereby, the operational capabilities of the Air Force.
With a Jaguar crashing in Ambala in May 2002, the Indian Air Force has lost an average of one of these deep penetration strike aircraft each year in accidents since they were inducted in service in 1979. A total of 20 Jaguars had been lost as of 2002, with the three previous crashes taking place in and around Ambala, which is the base for some of the operational Jaguar squadrons. 1999 was the worst year for the Jaguars when four of these aircraft were lost in Gorakhpur, Pune and Patiala. As of June 2005, a total of 28 Jaguars had been lost in accidents.
The Jaguars were the first type of aircraft that had flown overseas. The Indian Air Force deployed them in an overseas exercise, Cope Thunder in Alaska, USA last year. Speaking on the occasion of the induction, Defence Minister said, "The nation must equip itself for electronic warfare". The Air Chief said that the upgradation of Jaguar was a noteworthy step towards self-reliance. HAL Chairman, Mr Ashok Baweja said Mig-27 and Sea Harrier would be upgraded next. Mr N Dharam Singh, Chief Minister of Karnataka also spoke on the occasion.
In 2004, the Indian Air Force signed a contract with Sextant to completely upgrade the Jaguar autopilot system. Sextant would supply a state-of-the-art modular, digital autopilot for the Jaguars, derived from autopilots already developed for the Mirage 2000-9 and the Nimrod 2000. Autopilot integration would be carried out in jointly with the Indian air force and HAL. The new autopilot would increase the aircraft's ground attack capabilities, as well as enhance flight safety.
Nine upgraded twin-seater Jaguar fighters were inducted into Indian Air Force (IAF) on 15 July 2005 at a ceremony held at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bangalore. Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee handed over the aircraft to Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi. The aircraft were upgraded by HAL.
The Jaguars of the Indian Air Force have always been a trusted war horse since the first Jaguar came to Ambala on July 27, 1979 and put in 25 years of yeoman service to the Indian Air Force. At the time of induction, Jaguar was considered to be the fastest aircraft and added a new dimension to air operations in the Indian sub-continent. Under an agreement with the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been entrusted with the upgradation of Jaguars that would extend their life by another 15 years, through the year 2020.
In January 2009 Honeywell announced its F125IN engine, a 9850lbf (43.8kN) thrust engine that will deliver high performance, improved pilot safety, lower maintenance and outstanding reliability. "This thrust class engine is built around Honeywell's proven expertise in the design and production of aircraft systems, which is evident in the F125IN engine, an outstanding propulsion system for military aircraft," said Vicki Panhuise, Honeywell Vice President, Military Aircraft. "The engine will transform the Indian Air Force Jaguar aircraft by improving mission performance, enhancing pilot safety, reducing pilot workload, and reducing maintenance events and costs." The F125IN powerplant, which is currently being considered for the Indian Air Force Jaguar re-engining program, is significantly lighter and much more powerful than the aircraft's current engine. It has an advanced dual full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system, modular construction, integrated engine health monitoring system and best in class thrust-to-weight ratio. In 2007 the F125IN was successfully demonstrated for the Indian Air Force in Bangalore. The engine is projected to save the Indian Air Force more than Rupees 7000 Crores ($1.5 billion) in life-cycle costs compared to other upgrade options being considered. The F125IN permits the Jaguar to perform missions never before possible with the current engine.
Had the IAF chosen to procede with HF-24 marut based airframe, atleast they could have avoided the pot bellies in MOD, towards upgrades to aircraft capabilities, just two cooks HAL and IAf would have easily overcome absolesence. But a third party Original Equipment Manufacturer compilicats things and Foreign exchange brings in MOD into the loop as well.
I'm quite sure MMRCA is going to go the same way, the IAF in its haste of not waiting for Tejas mk-2 till 2018, is going to plunge the country in this cycle again for another 50 years.
Shamsher [Jaguar]
Capable of delivering nuclear weapons, the Jaguars were first inducted into the IAF from Britain in 1979 and subsequently manufactured by HAL under licence. French and Israeli companies are also part of the upgradation programme. Advanced radars, navigation, weapon and electronic warfare systems and precision-guided munitions have been fitted with these deep penetration aircraft which are poised to augment the capabilities of the blue force.
By the mid 1970s, the IAF was clearly in need of urgent re-equipment decisions. First off the mark was selection of the Jaguar strike fighter, to meet the IAF's urgent Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft (DPSA) requirement, to replace the Canberra and Hunter still soldiering on in this exacting role.
After many years of evaluation and negotiation, the Anglo-French fighter was contracted for, an interim batch of ex-RAF Jaguars being accepted to re-equip No. 14 Squadron. IAF pilots and technicians received conversion training with the RAF and British Aerospace in Lossiemouth, Coltishall and Warton before ferrying the first Jaguars to India in July 1979. These were followed by a batch of U.K. built Jaguars to re-equip No. 5 Squadron even as simultaneously, HAL prepared for production of the aircraft, its powerplants, avionics and accessories in India.
The Indian Ministry of Defense approved in October 1978 acquisition of 150 Jaguars and concluded two agreements with the aircraft manufacturer in April 1979. While 40 Jaguars were imported in a fly away condition, the remaining 110 aircraft were to be licenced manufactured by the HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) during 1982-89 in a phased manner. The direct supply aircraft were equipped with first generation Marconi inertial navigation and attack system named NAVWASS, which had low reliability and was grossly outdated. The Ministry, immediately after induction, had to sanction development of a second generation display attack ranging inertial navigation system named DARIN for its integration on HAL built Jaguars. The Ministry also sanctioned an ambitious retromodification program to upgrade the NAVWASS equipped direct supply Jaguar aircraft.
By the mid-80s, the Jaguar was in service with Nos. 5, 14, 16 and 27 Squadrons while a flight of No.6 Squadron was equipped with the Maritime Jaguar carrying the new generation Sea Eagle anti-ship sea-skimming missile. The Jaguar strike fighter was equipped also with Magic air-to-air missiles on unique overwing pylons, featured advanced nay-attack systems and able to carry formidable warload till the far ends of the sub-continent.
The Ministry curtailed in 1982 the indigenous manufacture program from 110 to 76 aircraft on the grounds that the design philosophy of the Jaguar aircraft was of the sixties and the manufacturer of the aircraft had stopped production of the aircraft. However, the Ministry had to reverse its decision and it sanctioned procurement of 15 additional Jaguars from HAL in September 1988 after six years of curtailment of the indigenous manufacture program.
The Indian Air Force had some 35 Jaguars equipped with outdated first generation navigation and attack system called NAVWASS for about two decades. Their retromodification with third generation DARIN INGPS was sanctioned belatedly in November 1996 at a cost of Rs.158 crore for completion by 2000-01 was yet to take off and was not expected to be completed before 2006. The contracts for five sub-systems with foreign vendors for this program were at a stand still due to non-finalisation of mission computer by HAL as the imported sub-systems were to be designed around this computer. In the meantime, 14 aircraft had to be grounded for periods ranging from 2 to 26 months due to prolonged unserviceability.
Air HQ in March 1995 unequivocally stated that if a retromod program was not undertaken, it would necessitate phasing out of NAVWASS Jaguars from the Air Force inventory earlier than desired due to their poor operational reliability in the present configuration. Audit scrutiny disclosed that while the Jaguar squadrons were hard pressed for NAVWASS specific items which had depleted considerably, Air HQ had decided not to procure additional NAVWASS kits stating that an upgradation program was on the anvil. The action of the Air HQ, however, proved abortive as lack of cohesive planning and foresight on its part led to grounding of 14 aircraft at a Jaguar operating base for a period ranging from 2 to 26 months as of June 2000 primarily due to deficiency and prolonged unserviceability of the NAVWASS specific items.
The Ministry concluded contract for procurement of maritime radar for the Jaguar aircraft, in replacement of the existing outdated agave radars, after four years of projection of requirement by Air Force resulting in an extra expenditure of US$ 1.12 million, which was avoidable. The Jaguar maritime fleet had to operate with old agave radars whose maintenance was becoming more and more difficult. Three out of five maritime Jaguars were lying unserviceable since March-June 1999.
Apathy of Air HQ/ Ministry to speed up the acquisition of auto pilot system for Jaguar aircraft was operationally detrimental. The Air Force not only lost four Jaguar aircraft costing Rs.141.40 crore in serious flying accidents, three pilots also died in these accidents. The auto pilots are unlikely to be fitted on Jaguars at least till June 2002.
Integration and flight trials of the laser designator pods procured at a cost of Rs.95 crore has been delayed by 20 months. This would, apart from delaying the fleet modification of Jaguars, also impose operational limitations to the aircraft fleet. In the mean time, warranty of three pods valuing Rs.15.33 crore had expired. The Jaguars would not be able to undertake missions with laser designator pods in the absence of auto pilots, a mandatory requirement was not likely to be available before June 2002.
The CCS approved a proposal of the Air Force in May 1996 for procurement of 15 laser designator pods with thermal imagery for fitment on 10 Jaguars and 5 Mirage-2000 aircraft and modification of 30 Jaguar aircraft for carrying the pods at a total cost of Rs.125 crore. The Ministry concluded a contract with foreign firm 'D' in November 1996 for procurement of 15 laser designator pods with thermal imagery at a total cost of US $ 27.11 million, equivalent to Rs.95 ( 1 US $ = Rs.35) crore to be delivered between March 1998 and February 1999 in two phases. Flight trails and certification of laser designator pods on Jaguar aircraft was delayed by 20 months. However, there had been delay in delivery of pods due to delays in conclusion of flight tests and certification of pods on Jaguar and Mirage-2000 aircraft. The flight test and certification on Jaguar aircraft, which was planned to be conducted by March 1998, was completed by the ASTE (Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment), only in December 1999, after a delay of 20 months.
The plan of the Air Force to equip the Jaguar fleet with self protection jammer, a critical electronic warfare equipment, has been jeopardised even after an expenditure of Rs 184 crore. An initial delay of 24 months in mock-up installation not only forced the Ministry to re-schedule the delivery of jammers from July 1999 to July 2001, a realistic time frame for fleet modification is yet to emerge affecting thereby, the operational capabilities of the Air Force.
With a Jaguar crashing in Ambala in May 2002, the Indian Air Force has lost an average of one of these deep penetration strike aircraft each year in accidents since they were inducted in service in 1979. A total of 20 Jaguars had been lost as of 2002, with the three previous crashes taking place in and around Ambala, which is the base for some of the operational Jaguar squadrons. 1999 was the worst year for the Jaguars when four of these aircraft were lost in Gorakhpur, Pune and Patiala. As of June 2005, a total of 28 Jaguars had been lost in accidents.
The Jaguars were the first type of aircraft that had flown overseas. The Indian Air Force deployed them in an overseas exercise, Cope Thunder in Alaska, USA last year. Speaking on the occasion of the induction, Defence Minister said, "The nation must equip itself for electronic warfare". The Air Chief said that the upgradation of Jaguar was a noteworthy step towards self-reliance. HAL Chairman, Mr Ashok Baweja said Mig-27 and Sea Harrier would be upgraded next. Mr N Dharam Singh, Chief Minister of Karnataka also spoke on the occasion.
In 2004, the Indian Air Force signed a contract with Sextant to completely upgrade the Jaguar autopilot system. Sextant would supply a state-of-the-art modular, digital autopilot for the Jaguars, derived from autopilots already developed for the Mirage 2000-9 and the Nimrod 2000. Autopilot integration would be carried out in jointly with the Indian air force and HAL. The new autopilot would increase the aircraft's ground attack capabilities, as well as enhance flight safety.
Nine upgraded twin-seater Jaguar fighters were inducted into Indian Air Force (IAF) on 15 July 2005 at a ceremony held at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bangalore. Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee handed over the aircraft to Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi. The aircraft were upgraded by HAL.
The Jaguars of the Indian Air Force have always been a trusted war horse since the first Jaguar came to Ambala on July 27, 1979 and put in 25 years of yeoman service to the Indian Air Force. At the time of induction, Jaguar was considered to be the fastest aircraft and added a new dimension to air operations in the Indian sub-continent. Under an agreement with the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been entrusted with the upgradation of Jaguars that would extend their life by another 15 years, through the year 2020.
In January 2009 Honeywell announced its F125IN engine, a 9850lbf (43.8kN) thrust engine that will deliver high performance, improved pilot safety, lower maintenance and outstanding reliability. "This thrust class engine is built around Honeywell's proven expertise in the design and production of aircraft systems, which is evident in the F125IN engine, an outstanding propulsion system for military aircraft," said Vicki Panhuise, Honeywell Vice President, Military Aircraft. "The engine will transform the Indian Air Force Jaguar aircraft by improving mission performance, enhancing pilot safety, reducing pilot workload, and reducing maintenance events and costs." The F125IN powerplant, which is currently being considered for the Indian Air Force Jaguar re-engining program, is significantly lighter and much more powerful than the aircraft's current engine. It has an advanced dual full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system, modular construction, integrated engine health monitoring system and best in class thrust-to-weight ratio. In 2007 the F125IN was successfully demonstrated for the Indian Air Force in Bangalore. The engine is projected to save the Indian Air Force more than Rupees 7000 Crores ($1.5 billion) in life-cycle costs compared to other upgrade options being considered. The F125IN permits the Jaguar to perform missions never before possible with the current engine.
HTML:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/shamsher.htmI'm quite sure MMRCA is going to go the same way, the IAF in its haste of not waiting for Tejas mk-2 till 2018, is going to plunge the country in this cycle again for another 50 years.
neo29
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IAF fighter deal: British minister pitches for Typhoon
If US can be aggressive in cornering a major chunk of the lucrative Indian defence market, why should Europeans be behind? British secretary of state for defence Liam Fox is in town to push, among other things, the Eurofighter Typhoon for India's gigantic $10.4 billion project to acquire 126 fighters.
While Fox is slated to meet his Indian counterpart A K Antony on Tuesday, he did not miss the opportunity provided by a lecture on "UK defence and strategic review" on Monday to extol the virtues of Eurofighter Typhoon.
The Typhoon, he said, had performed excellently in the field trials held by IAF for its medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) project, under which 18 jets will be bought off-the-shelf, while 108 will be manufactured in India after transfer of technology.
Apart from the technical evaluation, which is now over, and commercial bids, India is sure to factor in its geo-political considerations while finally choosing the MMRCA winner among the six fighters in contention.
With the US hard-selling its F/A-18 `Super Hornet' and F-16 `Falcon', UK, Germany, Spain and Italy have come together to pitch for the Typhoon. The others in the race to grab the "mother of all defence deals" are the Gripen ( Sweden), Rafale (France) and MiG-35 ( Russia).
idrw.org
If US can be aggressive in cornering a major chunk of the lucrative Indian defence market, why should Europeans be behind? British secretary of state for defence Liam Fox is in town to push, among other things, the Eurofighter Typhoon for India's gigantic $10.4 billion project to acquire 126 fighters.
While Fox is slated to meet his Indian counterpart A K Antony on Tuesday, he did not miss the opportunity provided by a lecture on "UK defence and strategic review" on Monday to extol the virtues of Eurofighter Typhoon.
The Typhoon, he said, had performed excellently in the field trials held by IAF for its medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) project, under which 18 jets will be bought off-the-shelf, while 108 will be manufactured in India after transfer of technology.
Apart from the technical evaluation, which is now over, and commercial bids, India is sure to factor in its geo-political considerations while finally choosing the MMRCA winner among the six fighters in contention.
With the US hard-selling its F/A-18 `Super Hornet' and F-16 `Falcon', UK, Germany, Spain and Italy have come together to pitch for the Typhoon. The others in the race to grab the "mother of all defence deals" are the Gripen ( Sweden), Rafale (France) and MiG-35 ( Russia).
idrw.org
Patriot
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U.K. Strongly Supports Eurofighter Typhoon Campaign for Air Force MRCA Deal
2010-11-23 UK's Secretary of State for Defence Dr. Liam Fox visited the Eurofighter Typhoon Office in New Delhi today and met high-level company officials. Bernhard Gerwert, CEO of Cassidian Air Systems and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Eurofighter GmbH, briefed Dr. Liam Fox on the current status of the Eurofighter Typhoon campaign to win India's tender for 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA). The UK Secretary of State for Defence is currently in India on a two day official visit.
Bernhard Gerwert, CEO of Cassidian Air Systems, said: " We are grateful for the visit of the UK Secretary of State for Defence in our Delhi Office and his encouraging messages to further intensify our campaign activities. Our Governments in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain and Italy are strongly supporting the Eurofighter Typhoon campaign in India. Europe's leading aerospace and defence companies are ready to enhance their industrial cooperation with India's advanced defence industry for the benefit of all parties. Our goal is to integrate India into the global supply chain of the Eurofighter Typhoon by developing a strong and diverse supplier base in India which will also cater to this global programme." The consortium members will also provide India access to key technologies in a unique industrial partnership designed to further catalyze India's indigenous defence sector.
During a recent meeting of the Eurofighter Supervisory Board in New Delhi, senior representatives of EADS (Germany and Spain), BAE Systems (United Kingdom) and Finmeccanica (Italy) highlighted their combined commitment to develop a long-term strategic relationship with India and establish a new benchmark for Europe's defence and industrial cooperation with Indian defence and aerospace companies.
CASSIDIAN, an EADS Company, is a worldwide leader in global security solutions and systems, providing lead system integration and value-added products and services to civil and military customers around the globe: air systems (aircraft and unmanned aerial systems), land & naval and joint systems, intelligence and surveillance, cybersecurity, secure communications, test systems, missiles, services and support solutions. In 2009, CASSIDIAN – with around 28,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.4 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2009, EADS generated revenues of € 42.8 billion and employed a workforce of about 119,000.
http://www.india-defence.com/reports-4830
2010-11-23 UK's Secretary of State for Defence Dr. Liam Fox visited the Eurofighter Typhoon Office in New Delhi today and met high-level company officials. Bernhard Gerwert, CEO of Cassidian Air Systems and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Eurofighter GmbH, briefed Dr. Liam Fox on the current status of the Eurofighter Typhoon campaign to win India's tender for 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA). The UK Secretary of State for Defence is currently in India on a two day official visit.
Bernhard Gerwert, CEO of Cassidian Air Systems, said: " We are grateful for the visit of the UK Secretary of State for Defence in our Delhi Office and his encouraging messages to further intensify our campaign activities. Our Governments in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain and Italy are strongly supporting the Eurofighter Typhoon campaign in India. Europe's leading aerospace and defence companies are ready to enhance their industrial cooperation with India's advanced defence industry for the benefit of all parties. Our goal is to integrate India into the global supply chain of the Eurofighter Typhoon by developing a strong and diverse supplier base in India which will also cater to this global programme." The consortium members will also provide India access to key technologies in a unique industrial partnership designed to further catalyze India's indigenous defence sector.
During a recent meeting of the Eurofighter Supervisory Board in New Delhi, senior representatives of EADS (Germany and Spain), BAE Systems (United Kingdom) and Finmeccanica (Italy) highlighted their combined commitment to develop a long-term strategic relationship with India and establish a new benchmark for Europe's defence and industrial cooperation with Indian defence and aerospace companies.
CASSIDIAN, an EADS Company, is a worldwide leader in global security solutions and systems, providing lead system integration and value-added products and services to civil and military customers around the globe: air systems (aircraft and unmanned aerial systems), land & naval and joint systems, intelligence and surveillance, cybersecurity, secure communications, test systems, missiles, services and support solutions. In 2009, CASSIDIAN – with around 28,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.4 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2009, EADS generated revenues of € 42.8 billion and employed a workforce of about 119,000.
http://www.india-defence.com/reports-4830
Patriot
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Eurofighter: Key component of Europe's strategic alignment with Delhi
New Delhi: British defence secretary Liam Fox arrives in Delhi on Monday on a two-day visit that proposes to enlarge broad-based
cooperation in the defence sector as envisaged by the prime ministers of the two countries at their summit meet early in the year.
Secretary Fox's visit ''represents the next stage in taking this forward,'' a British High Commission statement said Saturday. Fox's visit, the first of a British defence secretary since 2005, has been described as "pivotal" as the focus on the Indian Air Force's $11 billion international tender for medium range multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) shifts from technical evaluation to the political dimensions of such an order.
The MMRCA tender is one of the largest such tenders in the contemporary arms market.
Amplifying this defence sources said the visit would kick off a series of high-profile military exchanges between the two countries, beginning next week, even as the Indian defence ministry moves towards a ''down select'' of combat aircraft competing for the MMRCA tender.
The ''down select'' of the two finalists, from the six aircraft competing in the international tender, is likely only around February next year, with a final decision slated for June-July 2011.
The competing aircraft are the American contenders, Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet and Lockheed Martin's F-16 Super Viper, the Russian MiG-35, the French Dassault Aviation's Rafale, Sweden's Saab Gripen and the European consortium EADS' Eurofighter Typhoon.
The Typhoon is being promoted in India by Germany and the UK.
The Typhoon has received a boost in the MMRCA race after being ranked amongst the top two contenders in the IAF's technical trials of all six bidding aircraft.
According to a Sunday Times report, Andrew Gallagher, chief executive of BAE Systems India, has said that the deal being offered to India would bring Delhi in as a full "fifth partner." This would include transfer of full technical sovereignty, access to computer source codes with the avowed aim of manufacturing the entire aircraft in Indian factories.
Desperate to cut down its own, committed orders for the Typhoon, the UK, in particular, would be interested in bagging an Indian order, as it would allow it to kill two birds with a stone.
One, it would allow the UK Royal Air Force to cut down the number of Typhoon fighters it has on order, and shift some of these onto the Indian 'slate'. This would allow it to divert scarce funds towards the purchase of costly Lockheed F-35 stealth fighters.
A large Indian order would also keep factories in badly hit recessionary economies of the UK and Germany humming.
Sourcing of parts from India would also help in reducing the overall costs of the Typhoon.
The induction of a major arms system also helps to bring an importing nation into a wider strategic embrace. As one of the dominant economies of the world a deeper engagement with India has already been recognised by the United Kingdom as one of its imperatives.
A British embassy statement said that together with Indian defence minister AK Antony, Fox '...will provide senior political leadership to the bilateral defence relationship. This will ensure that the defence aspects of the new UK-India enhanced partnership play their rightful, central role.''
Fox is providing the visit all due gravitas, lining up meets not just with counterpart Antony but also with other union ministers and senior national security officials.
He adds colour to his visit with a wreath-laying ceremony at India Gate, where he pays his respects for fallen servicemen.
In their joint statement on 29 July, prime ministers Manmohan Singh and David Cameron had welcomed 'the development of broad-based UK-Indian co-operation in the defence sector'.
http://www.domain-b.com/defence/general/20101123_strategic_alignment.html
New Delhi: British defence secretary Liam Fox arrives in Delhi on Monday on a two-day visit that proposes to enlarge broad-based
cooperation in the defence sector as envisaged by the prime ministers of the two countries at their summit meet early in the year.
Secretary Fox's visit ''represents the next stage in taking this forward,'' a British High Commission statement said Saturday. Fox's visit, the first of a British defence secretary since 2005, has been described as "pivotal" as the focus on the Indian Air Force's $11 billion international tender for medium range multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) shifts from technical evaluation to the political dimensions of such an order.
The MMRCA tender is one of the largest such tenders in the contemporary arms market.
Amplifying this defence sources said the visit would kick off a series of high-profile military exchanges between the two countries, beginning next week, even as the Indian defence ministry moves towards a ''down select'' of combat aircraft competing for the MMRCA tender.
The ''down select'' of the two finalists, from the six aircraft competing in the international tender, is likely only around February next year, with a final decision slated for June-July 2011.
The competing aircraft are the American contenders, Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet and Lockheed Martin's F-16 Super Viper, the Russian MiG-35, the French Dassault Aviation's Rafale, Sweden's Saab Gripen and the European consortium EADS' Eurofighter Typhoon.
The Typhoon is being promoted in India by Germany and the UK.
The Typhoon has received a boost in the MMRCA race after being ranked amongst the top two contenders in the IAF's technical trials of all six bidding aircraft.
According to a Sunday Times report, Andrew Gallagher, chief executive of BAE Systems India, has said that the deal being offered to India would bring Delhi in as a full "fifth partner." This would include transfer of full technical sovereignty, access to computer source codes with the avowed aim of manufacturing the entire aircraft in Indian factories.
Desperate to cut down its own, committed orders for the Typhoon, the UK, in particular, would be interested in bagging an Indian order, as it would allow it to kill two birds with a stone.
One, it would allow the UK Royal Air Force to cut down the number of Typhoon fighters it has on order, and shift some of these onto the Indian 'slate'. This would allow it to divert scarce funds towards the purchase of costly Lockheed F-35 stealth fighters.
A large Indian order would also keep factories in badly hit recessionary economies of the UK and Germany humming.
Sourcing of parts from India would also help in reducing the overall costs of the Typhoon.
The induction of a major arms system also helps to bring an importing nation into a wider strategic embrace. As one of the dominant economies of the world a deeper engagement with India has already been recognised by the United Kingdom as one of its imperatives.
A British embassy statement said that together with Indian defence minister AK Antony, Fox '...will provide senior political leadership to the bilateral defence relationship. This will ensure that the defence aspects of the new UK-India enhanced partnership play their rightful, central role.''
Fox is providing the visit all due gravitas, lining up meets not just with counterpart Antony but also with other union ministers and senior national security officials.
He adds colour to his visit with a wreath-laying ceremony at India Gate, where he pays his respects for fallen servicemen.
In their joint statement on 29 July, prime ministers Manmohan Singh and David Cameron had welcomed 'the development of broad-based UK-Indian co-operation in the defence sector'.
http://www.domain-b.com/defence/general/20101123_strategic_alignment.html
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As a newer platform, with future upgrade options, the Eurofighter is the best option for IAF MMRCA. However, looking at all the countries involved in the EF and all the delays in the project, there might be complications in ToT in the future.
The Rafael is a good fighter tested in combat, although a bit older platform than the EF. ToT may not be a big problem, although future ipgrade options maybe limited.
The F18 SH is a well-tested multi-role fighter, although it is used for naval/ marine use. It is NOT used by the USAF at all, since the USAF does not believe in the multi-role fighter too much. It is a platform that does have a lot of potential for IAF in the short term, but not much in the long term.
The Rafael is a good fighter tested in combat, although a bit older platform than the EF. ToT may not be a big problem, although future ipgrade options maybe limited.
The F18 SH is a well-tested multi-role fighter, although it is used for naval/ marine use. It is NOT used by the USAF at all, since the USAF does not believe in the multi-role fighter too much. It is a platform that does have a lot of potential for IAF in the short term, but not much in the long term.
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vikramrana_1812
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British Minister Pitches for Eurofighter Typhoon to India
If the US can be aggressive in cornering a major chunk of the lucrative Indian defence market, why should Europeans be behind? British secretary of state for defence Liam Fox is in town to push, among other things, the Eurofighter Typhoon for India's gigantic $10.4 billion project to acquire 126 fighters.
While Fox is slated to meet his Indian counterpart A K Antony on Tuesday, he did not miss the opportunity provided by a lecture on "UK defence and strategic review'' on Monday to extol the virtues of Eurofighter Typhoon.
The Typhoon, he said, had performed excellently in the field trials held by IAF for its medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) project, under which 18 jets will be bought off-the-shelf, while 108 will be manufactured in India after transfer of technology.
Apart from the technical evaluation, which is now over, and commercial bids, India is sure to factor in its geo-political considerations while finally choosing the MMRCA winner among the six fighters in contention.
With the US hard-selling its F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Falcon, UK, Germany, Spain and Italy have come together to pitch for the Typhoon. The others in the race to grab the "mother of all defence deals'' are the Gripen (Sweden), Rafale (France) and MiG-35 (Russia).
http://www.defencetalk.com/british-minister-pitches-for-eurofighter-typhoon-to-india-30308/
If the US can be aggressive in cornering a major chunk of the lucrative Indian defence market, why should Europeans be behind? British secretary of state for defence Liam Fox is in town to push, among other things, the Eurofighter Typhoon for India's gigantic $10.4 billion project to acquire 126 fighters.
While Fox is slated to meet his Indian counterpart A K Antony on Tuesday, he did not miss the opportunity provided by a lecture on "UK defence and strategic review'' on Monday to extol the virtues of Eurofighter Typhoon.
The Typhoon, he said, had performed excellently in the field trials held by IAF for its medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) project, under which 18 jets will be bought off-the-shelf, while 108 will be manufactured in India after transfer of technology.
Apart from the technical evaluation, which is now over, and commercial bids, India is sure to factor in its geo-political considerations while finally choosing the MMRCA winner among the six fighters in contention.
With the US hard-selling its F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Falcon, UK, Germany, Spain and Italy have come together to pitch for the Typhoon. The others in the race to grab the "mother of all defence deals'' are the Gripen (Sweden), Rafale (France) and MiG-35 (Russia).
http://www.defencetalk.com/british-minister-pitches-for-eurofighter-typhoon-to-india-30308/
Patriot
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IAF Shows reservation in operating American fighter Jets
BY: IDRW NEWS NETWORK
As per Source , IAF which has recently submitted another report on MMRCA aircraft's it has evaluated and has shown some reservation in operating American jets , Idrw.org could not confirm what was report about but it seems, like it was general feedback asked by MOD from the user IAF on its opinion.
Currently Two American jet makers , Boeing's F-18 SH and Lockheed Martins F-16 IN are in the lucrative IAf's MMRCA contract race to supply 126 fighter jets , While many defence experts in past have given F-16IN very slim chance of winning ,since India's rival air force has been operating them close to three decades now .
Defence expert Rakesh Sharma Believes that MMRCA aircraft which ever is selected with be based near Indo-China border and share the base with IAF's front line Sukhoi Su 30 MKI and in future with FGFA or AMCA , and since Americans are not keen in proving Deep TOT for AESA Radar which will come with the jets means that American air force and Vendor engineers in this base will be a common sight could be one of the possible reason about IAF's Reservation , he also added that IAF Fears that American jets might be bugged to keep check on their operational status .
Serving IAF officer based in Agra had reported to idrw.org that IAF fears American may finally deliver Heavily downgraded Aircraft since India refused to sign "CISMOA" agreement with US , IAF is already in process of receiving 6 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft's which according to him are heavily downgraded aircraft's and IAF is already in process of getting permission from OEM that is Lockheed Martin to put Indian and European communication Systems in the Aircraft ,even if the permission is granted whole upgrade will take place with close observation from Lockheed Martin officials which will then report to Vendor and US Government .
India Navy which has ordered P8I will be delivered without crucial electronics and down-rated avionics suite if India Fails to sign the CISMOA, Americans are already working to develop a downgraded Radar for the same aircraft .
US law mandates that certain sensitive American electronics can only be transferred abroad after the recipient country signs the CISMOA and/or the BECA.
If India refuses to sign CISMOA , it will mean American Jets will not be even close to aircraft's they had fielded in trials and will not be Hi-tech in terms of technology .
http://idrw.org/?p=1521
BY: IDRW NEWS NETWORK
As per Source , IAF which has recently submitted another report on MMRCA aircraft's it has evaluated and has shown some reservation in operating American jets , Idrw.org could not confirm what was report about but it seems, like it was general feedback asked by MOD from the user IAF on its opinion.
Currently Two American jet makers , Boeing's F-18 SH and Lockheed Martins F-16 IN are in the lucrative IAf's MMRCA contract race to supply 126 fighter jets , While many defence experts in past have given F-16IN very slim chance of winning ,since India's rival air force has been operating them close to three decades now .
Defence expert Rakesh Sharma Believes that MMRCA aircraft which ever is selected with be based near Indo-China border and share the base with IAF's front line Sukhoi Su 30 MKI and in future with FGFA or AMCA , and since Americans are not keen in proving Deep TOT for AESA Radar which will come with the jets means that American air force and Vendor engineers in this base will be a common sight could be one of the possible reason about IAF's Reservation , he also added that IAF Fears that American jets might be bugged to keep check on their operational status .
Serving IAF officer based in Agra had reported to idrw.org that IAF fears American may finally deliver Heavily downgraded Aircraft since India refused to sign "CISMOA" agreement with US , IAF is already in process of receiving 6 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft's which according to him are heavily downgraded aircraft's and IAF is already in process of getting permission from OEM that is Lockheed Martin to put Indian and European communication Systems in the Aircraft ,even if the permission is granted whole upgrade will take place with close observation from Lockheed Martin officials which will then report to Vendor and US Government .
India Navy which has ordered P8I will be delivered without crucial electronics and down-rated avionics suite if India Fails to sign the CISMOA, Americans are already working to develop a downgraded Radar for the same aircraft .
US law mandates that certain sensitive American electronics can only be transferred abroad after the recipient country signs the CISMOA and/or the BECA.
If India refuses to sign CISMOA , it will mean American Jets will not be even close to aircraft's they had fielded in trials and will not be Hi-tech in terms of technology .
http://idrw.org/?p=1521
thecoolone
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Nations vie for India's combat aircraft deal
BANGALORE: The $10-billion medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) deal is turning out to be the rallying point for visiting head of states, as almost all foreign dignitaries visiting India are campaigning vigoursly to win the bid which is touted as the "mother of all defence deals".
It began with US President Barack Obama's recent visit to India where the defence delegates accompanying him pitched hard for the two US contenders Boeing's F/A-18 and Lockheed Martin's F-16.
The US, which is considered to be the frontrunner following the recent defence deals between the two countries, is looking at sealing the pact at all costs as it can generate over 27,000 jobs.
Earlier this week, the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Defence, Liam Fox, underlined the country's support to the Eurofighter Typhoon campaign to win the tender for 126 MMRCA.
Along with the UK, other European nations such as Germany, Italy and Spain are also campaigning for the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Next in line is French President Nicholas Sarkozy, who will begin his four-day India visit on December 4 from Bangalore, the headquarters of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
The state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will build 108 of the 126 aircraft under licence with a transfer of technology.
President Nicholas Sarkozy will visit the space and defence organisations in the city and later call upon the government officials in New Delhi to pitch for the French Rafale.
Meanwhile, Russia, the other contending nation offering the MiG-35, is also not left behind as its President Dmitry Medvedev will be in India on a three-day visit starting on December 4.
http://expressbuzz.com/cities/bangalore/nations-vie-for-india's-combat-aircraft-deal/226146.html
BANGALORE: The $10-billion medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) deal is turning out to be the rallying point for visiting head of states, as almost all foreign dignitaries visiting India are campaigning vigoursly to win the bid which is touted as the "mother of all defence deals".
It began with US President Barack Obama's recent visit to India where the defence delegates accompanying him pitched hard for the two US contenders Boeing's F/A-18 and Lockheed Martin's F-16.
The US, which is considered to be the frontrunner following the recent defence deals between the two countries, is looking at sealing the pact at all costs as it can generate over 27,000 jobs.
Earlier this week, the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Defence, Liam Fox, underlined the country's support to the Eurofighter Typhoon campaign to win the tender for 126 MMRCA.
Along with the UK, other European nations such as Germany, Italy and Spain are also campaigning for the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Next in line is French President Nicholas Sarkozy, who will begin his four-day India visit on December 4 from Bangalore, the headquarters of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
The state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will build 108 of the 126 aircraft under licence with a transfer of technology.
President Nicholas Sarkozy will visit the space and defence organisations in the city and later call upon the government officials in New Delhi to pitch for the French Rafale.
Meanwhile, Russia, the other contending nation offering the MiG-35, is also not left behind as its President Dmitry Medvedev will be in India on a three-day visit starting on December 4.
http://expressbuzz.com/cities/bangalore/nations-vie-for-india's-combat-aircraft-deal/226146.html
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Crusader53
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vijay jagannathan
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I am sorry to say this but din't the ding dongs in the defence establishment did not know the simple fact that you and I know before pouring billions of dollars that we dont sign of the dotted line regarding american controls we will be given egg shells that fly? I mean this attitude of MoD is most vexing--- more vexing than US itself. Talk about hammering ones own foot.
vikramrana_1812
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PM heading to Berlin, Germany to pitch for Eurofighter
Nov 25 : Germany is set to sharpen its pitch for selling Eurofighter Typhoon combat jets to India when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh goes to Berlin next month, a day-long trip that will focus on expanding the strategic relationship between the two would-be non-permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Manmohan Singh is expected to fly to Berlin Dec 11 for a day-long visit after attending India's summit with the 27-nation European Union (EU) in Brussels.
This will be the second visit by Manmohan Singh to Berlin since he became the country's prime minister over six years ago.
Manmohan Singh and Merkel met recently at the G20 summit of major and emerging economies in Seoul. A bilateral visit by Manmohan Singh to Germany has been in the making for some time, but it was only last week it was decided to include a day-long visit to Berlin to the prime minister's itinerary that was earlier confined to a stand-alone visit to Brussels for the India-EU summit.
Manmohan Singh and Merkel, who enjoy a special chemistry, are expected to focus on expanding defence relationship and enlarging the scope of their strategic dialogue on key global issues like UN reforms, the international financial crisis, counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and climate change.
The UN reforms will be a key item on agenda, a senior official, who did not wish to be names, told IANS.
Significantly, the meeting between Manmohan Singh and Merkel will take place barely weeks before India and Germany join the UN Security Council as non-permanent members Jan 1, 2011. "This explains the focus on a dialogue over big-picture global issues," said the official.
Both countries are in favour of unity among G-4 countries (India, Brazil, Japan and Germany) to realise their collective quest for permanent seats on an expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a point that was made forcefully by German ambassador to India Thomas Matussek recently.
Germany, on its part, is set to make a renewed pitch for the Eurofighter project at a time when the contest for a USD 10.4 billion tender for supplying 126 fighter aircraft to India is intensifying by the day.
Germany will contend that the Eurofighter offer is unique as it involves technology transfer and is likely to stress that it is ready to forgo the End-User Monitoring Agreement (EUMA) that even India's close partners like the US insist on, an informed source disclosed.
Early this week, the German envoy outlined the attractions of the Eurofighter Typhoon at a speech at the Indian Council for World Affairs. "We are here for the long haul...We are even forgoing the End-User Monitoring Agreement (EUMA) and offering complete transfer of technology. We would like India to work closely with us in the future development of the aircraft," he had said.
Germany, which is leading the Eurofighter consortium of several leading defence giants in Europe including EADS and BAE Systems, is hoping that India takes a favorable decision on the Eurofighter by the time Merkel comes here in the summer next year, the source disclosed.
The Eurofighter Typhoon will be competing against the US F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16IN Super Viper, Sweden's Gripen, France's Rafale and Russia's MiG-35 to win the Indian Air Force's medium multi-role combat ircraft (MMRCA) project, touted as the mother of all defence deals.
Britain, Germany, Spain and Italy have come together to pitch for the Typhoon. British Defence Secretary Liam Fox extolled the Typhoon during his visit to India, saying it performed brilliantly in the field trials conducted by the IAF.
http://www.newkerala.com/news/world/fullnews-91996.html
Nov 25 : Germany is set to sharpen its pitch for selling Eurofighter Typhoon combat jets to India when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh goes to Berlin next month, a day-long trip that will focus on expanding the strategic relationship between the two would-be non-permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Manmohan Singh is expected to fly to Berlin Dec 11 for a day-long visit after attending India's summit with the 27-nation European Union (EU) in Brussels.
This will be the second visit by Manmohan Singh to Berlin since he became the country's prime minister over six years ago.
Manmohan Singh and Merkel met recently at the G20 summit of major and emerging economies in Seoul. A bilateral visit by Manmohan Singh to Germany has been in the making for some time, but it was only last week it was decided to include a day-long visit to Berlin to the prime minister's itinerary that was earlier confined to a stand-alone visit to Brussels for the India-EU summit.
Manmohan Singh and Merkel, who enjoy a special chemistry, are expected to focus on expanding defence relationship and enlarging the scope of their strategic dialogue on key global issues like UN reforms, the international financial crisis, counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and climate change.
The UN reforms will be a key item on agenda, a senior official, who did not wish to be names, told IANS.
Significantly, the meeting between Manmohan Singh and Merkel will take place barely weeks before India and Germany join the UN Security Council as non-permanent members Jan 1, 2011. "This explains the focus on a dialogue over big-picture global issues," said the official.
Both countries are in favour of unity among G-4 countries (India, Brazil, Japan and Germany) to realise their collective quest for permanent seats on an expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a point that was made forcefully by German ambassador to India Thomas Matussek recently.
Germany, on its part, is set to make a renewed pitch for the Eurofighter project at a time when the contest for a USD 10.4 billion tender for supplying 126 fighter aircraft to India is intensifying by the day.
Germany will contend that the Eurofighter offer is unique as it involves technology transfer and is likely to stress that it is ready to forgo the End-User Monitoring Agreement (EUMA) that even India's close partners like the US insist on, an informed source disclosed.
Early this week, the German envoy outlined the attractions of the Eurofighter Typhoon at a speech at the Indian Council for World Affairs. "We are here for the long haul...We are even forgoing the End-User Monitoring Agreement (EUMA) and offering complete transfer of technology. We would like India to work closely with us in the future development of the aircraft," he had said.
Germany, which is leading the Eurofighter consortium of several leading defence giants in Europe including EADS and BAE Systems, is hoping that India takes a favorable decision on the Eurofighter by the time Merkel comes here in the summer next year, the source disclosed.
The Eurofighter Typhoon will be competing against the US F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16IN Super Viper, Sweden's Gripen, France's Rafale and Russia's MiG-35 to win the Indian Air Force's medium multi-role combat ircraft (MMRCA) project, touted as the mother of all defence deals.
Britain, Germany, Spain and Italy have come together to pitch for the Typhoon. British Defence Secretary Liam Fox extolled the Typhoon during his visit to India, saying it performed brilliantly in the field trials conducted by the IAF.
http://www.newkerala.com/news/world/fullnews-91996.html
vikramrana_1812
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Market Commentary and Intraday News
UK Defense Secretary Meets Indian Counterpart
2 days ago
(RTTNews) - British Secretary of State for Defense Liam Fox met his Indian counterpart A.K. Antony in New Delhi on Tuesday to provide further impetus to defense relations between the two countries.
They discussed regional security, military cooperation and joint training drills as also the security situation in South Asia. Bilateral visits planned for the next six months also came up for discussion between Fox and Antony, Indian Defense Ministry officials said.
Fox, who is the first serving UK Secretary of State for Defense to visit India since 2005, also met other Cabinet Ministers and senior national security officials.
Eurofighter Typhoon, an European consortium EADS' fighter jet in which Britain is a partner, is currently competing with other nations in the $11 billion Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tenders that the Indian Air Force (IAF) had floated in 2007 and a decision on the deal is expected in another six months.
During a lecture on "UK defense and strategic review" on Monday, Fox extolled the virtues of Eurofighter Typhoon which, he said, had performed excellently in field trials held by the IAF.
During his visit to India in July last, British Prime Minister David Cameron and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh had welcomed "the development of broad-based UK-Indian co-operation in the defense sector" in their joint statement.
Fox's ongoing visit represented the next stage in taking this forward, a release by the British High Commission in India said on Tuesday.
The two countries share long-standing defense relations with the UK selling important military equipment including an aircraft carrier, Jaguar fighter jets, Sea Harrier naval fighter aircraft and Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers to India.
http://news.ino.com/headlines/?newsid=112420100267
UK Defense Secretary Meets Indian Counterpart
2 days ago
(RTTNews) - British Secretary of State for Defense Liam Fox met his Indian counterpart A.K. Antony in New Delhi on Tuesday to provide further impetus to defense relations between the two countries.
They discussed regional security, military cooperation and joint training drills as also the security situation in South Asia. Bilateral visits planned for the next six months also came up for discussion between Fox and Antony, Indian Defense Ministry officials said.
Fox, who is the first serving UK Secretary of State for Defense to visit India since 2005, also met other Cabinet Ministers and senior national security officials.
Eurofighter Typhoon, an European consortium EADS' fighter jet in which Britain is a partner, is currently competing with other nations in the $11 billion Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tenders that the Indian Air Force (IAF) had floated in 2007 and a decision on the deal is expected in another six months.
During a lecture on "UK defense and strategic review" on Monday, Fox extolled the virtues of Eurofighter Typhoon which, he said, had performed excellently in field trials held by the IAF.
During his visit to India in July last, British Prime Minister David Cameron and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh had welcomed "the development of broad-based UK-Indian co-operation in the defense sector" in their joint statement.
Fox's ongoing visit represented the next stage in taking this forward, a release by the British High Commission in India said on Tuesday.
The two countries share long-standing defense relations with the UK selling important military equipment including an aircraft carrier, Jaguar fighter jets, Sea Harrier naval fighter aircraft and Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers to India.
http://news.ino.com/headlines/?newsid=112420100267
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As I mentioned in my last post, USAF does not believe in multirole fighters "much" (much being the operative word here). The F-16 "fighting Falcon" was developed as a daytime dogfighter. It's design, airframe, weaponry etc all were directed for that purpose. It is only later that the F-16 became a "multi-role fighter" with generational modifications. The multi-role part was primarily developed since the F-14 tomcat was being phased out of the USAF and they still did not have a replacement for it. The F-18 conversely was developed as a multi-role naval fighter/ bomber from the beginning.
Quoting from wikipedia ...
I also know that naval fighters have operated from land-based air-forces since WW-II, however, I wanted to point out to the fact that USAF does not include the F-18 in it's doctrine anymore because it does not believe in dedicated multi-role fighters anymore. The F-16 serves it purpose although it was not designed to be a multi-role fighter. On the other hand, USN and US marines do believe in and depend upon multi-role fighters and use the F-18 SH extensively.
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I personally think India should go for the EF2000 for it's MMRCA and get the F-18 SH for the Indian navy. With the uncertainty around when LCA Tejas Mk2 Naval version will be available, the F-18 SH will be a valuable asset for IN.
Crusader53
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Well, then purchase the Super Hornet for both the IAF and Indian Navy. Combined with the fact that the LCA-MK2 will be equipped with the same GE F414. Its just more icing on the cake.....
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~RAFALE~
Apparently a Rafale crashed in the waters off Pakistan today, pilot ejected and was picked up by SAR units.
http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2...WW00149-pakistan-un-rafale-s-abime-en-mer.php
Maybe our resident frenchman could fill us in on it.
http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2...WW00149-pakistan-un-rafale-s-abime-en-mer.php
Maybe our resident frenchman could fill us in on it.
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I think we should discuss a bit about what roles the AF, the naval air-arm and any other air-arm (like Marine or Strategic command) has in modern warfare. Then we should discuss what roles IAF, IN-air has for Indian defence needs.
1. Air Forces are primarily used for Air Defence (Air-superiority and Interception), Ground Attack (Support of army and for strategic bombardment) and for transport of troops, equipment and supplies. Dedicated / specialized aircraft are more useful for these purposes.
2. Naval Air-arm pretty much does naval fleet defence (from land based or other carrier based air attack), naval surface/ submarine fleet assault and reconessaince/ early warning. Multi-role aircraft are more usable for these purposes.
I would like to hear about other peoples comments about this ...
1. Air Forces are primarily used for Air Defence (Air-superiority and Interception), Ground Attack (Support of army and for strategic bombardment) and for transport of troops, equipment and supplies. Dedicated / specialized aircraft are more useful for these purposes.
2. Naval Air-arm pretty much does naval fleet defence (from land based or other carrier based air attack), naval surface/ submarine fleet assault and reconessaince/ early warning. Multi-role aircraft are more usable for these purposes.
I would like to hear about other peoples comments about this ...
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