Just a small correction. Gripen can be re-armed and refuelled in 10 min with a ground-crew of 6 people.
http://www.gripen.com/NR/rdonlyres/...A8C97CE11104/0/Gripen_Seeing_is_believing.pdf
MRCA News & Discussions (V)
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p2prada
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Anything that fits requirements. IAF has gone 27 years without any "low" segment inductions after Mirage-2000 and Mig-29.
The LCA and MRCA will be our "low" mix. Had it not been for LCA's late entry, the MRCA deal would never have happened. 200 MRCA + 123 LCA gives us 323 aircraft for low with the 272MKI for high end.
If we want a capable air force then yes. The MKIs are currently old. So, the quickest way for technological injection into IAF is from the MRCA. Indigenous tech matching European or American tech will take a very long time. Also, the offset clause will help our own industry in catching up to the west.
The offset clause is perhaps the only way for us to work on AMCA and any other future endeavours.
IAF mainly wants air superiority fighters with a secondary strike capability. Performance is a key parameter in all their aircraft.
MKI MLUs will give them composites, AESA, new EW equipment, datalinks, new avionics, perhaps new mission computer, navigation, SATCOM etc. So, we have funds for working on MKI as well as MRCA.
p2prada
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thecoolone
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Will Russia's MiG abandon the Indian race?
The Indian tender for 126 MMRCAs (medium multi-role combat aircraft) to replace its ageing MiG-21s was announced long ago, but only now is the real intrigue unfolding. Competition between two main rivals - the United States' F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Russia's MiG-35 has been stiff.
The intrigue heightened after Russia announced its MiG-35 would not be on display at an air show in Bangalore. Many experts took the absence of a "real live" MiG as a sign that Russia was pulling out of the race.
Leading entries compared
The Russian and U.S. fighters each have their own strengths. The Super Hornet's design maturity is indeed impressive. It has been in serial production for over 10 years and carries an active phased-array radar (APAR), which is also in serial production. The United States is also in a position to start manufacturing the aircraft for an Indian order at short notice.
The MiG-35's advantages include India's experience of MiG-29s and the fact that maintenance infrastructure for them is in place across the country, as well as Russia's readiness to share production technology with India.
The MiG-35's main shortcoming is its APAR: it is still in development and this is set to continue for a year or two. Also, despite its MiG-29 origins, the MiG-35 still needs refining before it can go into serial production.
Fundamentally, the only thing the MiG-35 shares with the previous MiG-29 family is its appearance. Its equipment and facilities have undergone a radical overhaul. The aircraft is now capable of using the very latest air-to-surface munitions, making it a multi-role fighter, unlike the MiG-29, which is considered an air-supremacy fighter.
The cockpit, in line with the current fashion, is equipped with multi-functional liquid-crystal display screens, while the HOTAS (hands on throttle-and-stick) system allows the pilot to manage all the weapons systems without taking their hands off the aircraft and engine controls.
Vectored-thrust engines make the plane much more maneuverable, increasing its chances of winning in close combat and avoiding long-range missile fire.
The fact that a two-seat version - the MiG-35D - is available, with the same kind of avionics as the single-seater, means that groups consisting of one- and two-seater aircraft can be formed, which are capable of carrying out highly complicated missions. In such formations the two-seaters become command planes, coordinating the moves of a flight or squadron.
Boeing meanwhile ...
Unlike Russia, which decided not to put its MiG-35 on display in Bangalore, the United States has stepped up its activity and unveiled the latest version of the F/A-18, or the Silent Hornet, upscaled with stealth technology.
These warplanes are kitted out with conformal fuel tanks, enhanced performance engines, spherical missile laser warning (SM/LW), enclosed weapons pads and next generation cockpits complete with internal infrared search and tracking systems.
The aircraft on display at the show is the first to be developed as part of the International Super Hornet Roadmap program, which Boeing announced at the Farnborough air show last year. The fighter is being touted as a new generation in the Super Hornet family, which will feature improved combat survivability, situational awareness and performance for customers.
Boeing's vice president Vivek Lall said that if India signs a contract with Boeing under the MMRCA tender it will be able to obtain this technology. "We are creating a platform which will be combat worthy for the next 30 or 40 years," he said.
This announcement is unprecedented for an American company - until now only the United States' closest allies have been granted full access to this kind of technology. All the others had to make do with what they were sold.
Tender results are expected to be announced this summer. They are particularly important for the MiG: should the MiG-35 fail to get an export order, Sukhoi aircraft will be left in a position of unassailable dominance on Russia's combat aviation market.
Despite the unquestioned potential of Sukhoi platforms and their proven quality, such a monopoly is unlikely to be helpful.
The views expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily represent those of RIA Novosti.
Source: http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20110215/162619430.html
The Indian tender for 126 MMRCAs (medium multi-role combat aircraft) to replace its ageing MiG-21s was announced long ago, but only now is the real intrigue unfolding. Competition between two main rivals - the United States' F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Russia's MiG-35 has been stiff.
The intrigue heightened after Russia announced its MiG-35 would not be on display at an air show in Bangalore. Many experts took the absence of a "real live" MiG as a sign that Russia was pulling out of the race.
Leading entries compared
The Russian and U.S. fighters each have their own strengths. The Super Hornet's design maturity is indeed impressive. It has been in serial production for over 10 years and carries an active phased-array radar (APAR), which is also in serial production. The United States is also in a position to start manufacturing the aircraft for an Indian order at short notice.
The MiG-35's advantages include India's experience of MiG-29s and the fact that maintenance infrastructure for them is in place across the country, as well as Russia's readiness to share production technology with India.
The MiG-35's main shortcoming is its APAR: it is still in development and this is set to continue for a year or two. Also, despite its MiG-29 origins, the MiG-35 still needs refining before it can go into serial production.
Fundamentally, the only thing the MiG-35 shares with the previous MiG-29 family is its appearance. Its equipment and facilities have undergone a radical overhaul. The aircraft is now capable of using the very latest air-to-surface munitions, making it a multi-role fighter, unlike the MiG-29, which is considered an air-supremacy fighter.
The cockpit, in line with the current fashion, is equipped with multi-functional liquid-crystal display screens, while the HOTAS (hands on throttle-and-stick) system allows the pilot to manage all the weapons systems without taking their hands off the aircraft and engine controls.
Vectored-thrust engines make the plane much more maneuverable, increasing its chances of winning in close combat and avoiding long-range missile fire.
The fact that a two-seat version - the MiG-35D - is available, with the same kind of avionics as the single-seater, means that groups consisting of one- and two-seater aircraft can be formed, which are capable of carrying out highly complicated missions. In such formations the two-seaters become command planes, coordinating the moves of a flight or squadron.
Boeing meanwhile ...
Unlike Russia, which decided not to put its MiG-35 on display in Bangalore, the United States has stepped up its activity and unveiled the latest version of the F/A-18, or the Silent Hornet, upscaled with stealth technology.
These warplanes are kitted out with conformal fuel tanks, enhanced performance engines, spherical missile laser warning (SM/LW), enclosed weapons pads and next generation cockpits complete with internal infrared search and tracking systems.
The aircraft on display at the show is the first to be developed as part of the International Super Hornet Roadmap program, which Boeing announced at the Farnborough air show last year. The fighter is being touted as a new generation in the Super Hornet family, which will feature improved combat survivability, situational awareness and performance for customers.
Boeing's vice president Vivek Lall said that if India signs a contract with Boeing under the MMRCA tender it will be able to obtain this technology. "We are creating a platform which will be combat worthy for the next 30 or 40 years," he said.
This announcement is unprecedented for an American company - until now only the United States' closest allies have been granted full access to this kind of technology. All the others had to make do with what they were sold.
Tender results are expected to be announced this summer. They are particularly important for the MiG: should the MiG-35 fail to get an export order, Sukhoi aircraft will be left in a position of unassailable dominance on Russia's combat aviation market.
Despite the unquestioned potential of Sukhoi platforms and their proven quality, such a monopoly is unlikely to be helpful.
The views expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily represent those of RIA Novosti.
Source: http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20110215/162619430.html
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Jet deal in September
The high-profile, but much delayed $11 billion Medium-range, Multi-Role Combat Aircraft ( MMRCA )) global tender for 126 fighters for the Indian Air Force should reach its conclusion by September this year, if commercial negotiations with the preferred manufacturer are concluded without any hitches, said PV Naik, Chief of Air Staff.
The news comes as big relief for the IAF, which has been looking to phase out its much-used, largely depleted MiG squadrons, which have formed its backbone since the early 60s. Naik's comments confirm those made by the minister of state for defence Pallam Raju to The Economic Times in January. Raju had said that a decision on the tender would be made before the end of 2011.
"We hope to start the contract negotiations in the next two to four weeks and the deal may be signed by September," Naik said. The offset proposals by all six contenders had been largely sorted out, he added.
Under the country's current offsets policy, foreign defence vendors have to plough back a minimum of 30% of all defence contracts worth 300 crore back into the country. This could be through manufacturing at 70% of the order value in India, or make an investment of similar value in the country. The offset obligation on the contract for 126 fighter jets has been set at 50% of the value of the deal, which translates to about $5 billion. However, the Air Chief also warned of further delays that could crimp the final stages of negotiations.
"Some dissatisfied vendor among those not chosen for cost negotiations may put a spoke in the wheel and derail the process by going to the central vigilance commissioner with complaints leading to a delay, though we want to quickly sign the contract," he pointed out.
Six companies have been shortlisted to bid for the fighter jet contract, including two of the world's largest defence contractors – US-based Lockheed Martin and Boeing — who are pitted against Russia's United Aircraft Corp, France's Dassault Aviation, the pan-European consortium Eurofighter and Sweden's Saab.
While Lockheed and Boeing have offered their F-16IN Super Viper and the F/A-18 Super Hornet respectively, the other fighter jets in contention include, Russia's MiG-35, the Saab Gripen, Dassault's Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Separately, Naik also confirmed that the longawaited Mirage-2000 upgrade negotiation with France was on the verge of being concluded. Talks have stalled, partly due to disputes regarding the contract size, which has been estimated at about $2 billion. "Adraft report for upgrading the Mirage-2000 aircraft has been submitted to the ministry of defence and is expected to be considered by the government for approval in this financial year through March. Air Marshal Naik said, adding, that the upgrades would increase the operational life of the Mirage by another 20 years.
The IAF has a fleet of 50 to 55 Mirage combat fighters, procured from France in 1984. They have been used with great success during the Kargil conflict. The upgraded fighters will have modern avionics and new electronic warfare equipment.
The Mirage-2000 upgrade deal was a major source of contention between the New Delhi and Paris, and was expected to be sorted out during French president Nicolas Sarkozy's visit to India last December, but no announcements were made to that effect.
Also, the re-engine programme for the country's 60-plus Jaguar deep penetration fighter fleet is on course. Replies from two main vendors — Honeywell and Rolls-Royce — are expected by the end of the current month. The IAF is looking to procure more than 200 engines for its fleet.
Deputy chief of air staff Air Marshal RK Sharma said that the recently-purchased cluster bombs from Textron will also be fitted onto the Jaguar fleet. However, a representative of Rolls-Royce refused to confirm whether the British company had responded to the RFP, but did say that the company was in "deep discussions" with the IAF and the government on the subject.
IAF has been looking to phase out its much-used, largely depleted MiG squadrons
Six companies have been shortlisted to bid for the fighter jet contract, including two of the world's largest defence contractors – US-based Lockheed Martin and Boeing.
Also in the fray are Russia's United Aircraft Corp, France's Dassault Aviation, the pan-European consortium Eurofighter and Sweden's Saab Lockheed and Boeing have offered their F-16IN Super Viper and the F/A-18 Super Hornet and the other fighter jets in contention include, Russia's MiG-35, the Saab Gripen, Dassault's Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
http://idrw.org/?p=2802
The high-profile, but much delayed $11 billion Medium-range, Multi-Role Combat Aircraft ( MMRCA )) global tender for 126 fighters for the Indian Air Force should reach its conclusion by September this year, if commercial negotiations with the preferred manufacturer are concluded without any hitches, said PV Naik, Chief of Air Staff.
The news comes as big relief for the IAF, which has been looking to phase out its much-used, largely depleted MiG squadrons, which have formed its backbone since the early 60s. Naik's comments confirm those made by the minister of state for defence Pallam Raju to The Economic Times in January. Raju had said that a decision on the tender would be made before the end of 2011.
"We hope to start the contract negotiations in the next two to four weeks and the deal may be signed by September," Naik said. The offset proposals by all six contenders had been largely sorted out, he added.
Under the country's current offsets policy, foreign defence vendors have to plough back a minimum of 30% of all defence contracts worth 300 crore back into the country. This could be through manufacturing at 70% of the order value in India, or make an investment of similar value in the country. The offset obligation on the contract for 126 fighter jets has been set at 50% of the value of the deal, which translates to about $5 billion. However, the Air Chief also warned of further delays that could crimp the final stages of negotiations.
"Some dissatisfied vendor among those not chosen for cost negotiations may put a spoke in the wheel and derail the process by going to the central vigilance commissioner with complaints leading to a delay, though we want to quickly sign the contract," he pointed out.
Six companies have been shortlisted to bid for the fighter jet contract, including two of the world's largest defence contractors – US-based Lockheed Martin and Boeing — who are pitted against Russia's United Aircraft Corp, France's Dassault Aviation, the pan-European consortium Eurofighter and Sweden's Saab.
While Lockheed and Boeing have offered their F-16IN Super Viper and the F/A-18 Super Hornet respectively, the other fighter jets in contention include, Russia's MiG-35, the Saab Gripen, Dassault's Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Separately, Naik also confirmed that the longawaited Mirage-2000 upgrade negotiation with France was on the verge of being concluded. Talks have stalled, partly due to disputes regarding the contract size, which has been estimated at about $2 billion. "Adraft report for upgrading the Mirage-2000 aircraft has been submitted to the ministry of defence and is expected to be considered by the government for approval in this financial year through March. Air Marshal Naik said, adding, that the upgrades would increase the operational life of the Mirage by another 20 years.
The IAF has a fleet of 50 to 55 Mirage combat fighters, procured from France in 1984. They have been used with great success during the Kargil conflict. The upgraded fighters will have modern avionics and new electronic warfare equipment.
The Mirage-2000 upgrade deal was a major source of contention between the New Delhi and Paris, and was expected to be sorted out during French president Nicolas Sarkozy's visit to India last December, but no announcements were made to that effect.
Also, the re-engine programme for the country's 60-plus Jaguar deep penetration fighter fleet is on course. Replies from two main vendors — Honeywell and Rolls-Royce — are expected by the end of the current month. The IAF is looking to procure more than 200 engines for its fleet.
Deputy chief of air staff Air Marshal RK Sharma said that the recently-purchased cluster bombs from Textron will also be fitted onto the Jaguar fleet. However, a representative of Rolls-Royce refused to confirm whether the British company had responded to the RFP, but did say that the company was in "deep discussions" with the IAF and the government on the subject.
IAF has been looking to phase out its much-used, largely depleted MiG squadrons
Six companies have been shortlisted to bid for the fighter jet contract, including two of the world's largest defence contractors – US-based Lockheed Martin and Boeing.
Also in the fray are Russia's United Aircraft Corp, France's Dassault Aviation, the pan-European consortium Eurofighter and Sweden's Saab Lockheed and Boeing have offered their F-16IN Super Viper and the F/A-18 Super Hornet and the other fighter jets in contention include, Russia's MiG-35, the Saab Gripen, Dassault's Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
http://idrw.org/?p=2802
black eagle
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- Nov 22, 2009
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Thales AESA RBE2 radar validated on Rafale
Thales has announced that the production model AESA RBE2 radar with active electronically scanned array antenna has been validated on the Rafale omnirole combat aircraft. Following a comprehensive programme of flight tests conducted between September and December 2010 with the AESA RBE2 on the Rafale, Dassault Aviation confirmed that all aspects of the radar's performance comply with the technical specifications of the 'Roadmap' contract, awarded by the French defence procurement agency (DGA).
The success of this test campaign is a further endorsement of Thales's European leadership in airborne radar.
This latest major milestone confirms the AESA RBE2 radar's high level of maturity. The AESA RBE2 with active array will give the Rafale a number of key advantages:
With the AESA RBE2's performance now validated, in line with the contract schedule, Thales will begin series production of equipment for installation on the aircraft under Tranche 4 of the Rafale programme. The Tranche 4 aircraft were ordered by the DGA in 2009 and will be delivered by Dassault Aviation to the French Air Force from 2013.
The Rafale will then become the only European combat aircraft to benefit from the operational advantages of AESA radar technology. The Rafale's undisputed superiority is recognised around the world and is a key differentiator in today's highly competitive markets.
http://www.thalesgroup.com/Press_Re...-_Thales_AESA_RBE2_radar_validated_on_Rafale/
Thales has announced that the production model AESA RBE2 radar with active electronically scanned array antenna has been validated on the Rafale omnirole combat aircraft. Following a comprehensive programme of flight tests conducted between September and December 2010 with the AESA RBE2 on the Rafale, Dassault Aviation confirmed that all aspects of the radar's performance comply with the technical specifications of the 'Roadmap' contract, awarded by the French defence procurement agency (DGA).
The success of this test campaign is a further endorsement of Thales's European leadership in airborne radar.
This latest major milestone confirms the AESA RBE2 radar's high level of maturity. The AESA RBE2 with active array will give the Rafale a number of key advantages:
- Extended range for compatibility with the latest generation long range missiles and ability to detect low-signature targets
- Higher module reliability for reduced cost of ownership (no maintenance required on the active array for 10 years)
- Extended waveform agility, making it possible to acquire submetric synthetic aperture (SAR) imagery while increasing the radar's resistance to jamming
With the AESA RBE2's performance now validated, in line with the contract schedule, Thales will begin series production of equipment for installation on the aircraft under Tranche 4 of the Rafale programme. The Tranche 4 aircraft were ordered by the DGA in 2009 and will be delivered by Dassault Aviation to the French Air Force from 2013.
The Rafale will then become the only European combat aircraft to benefit from the operational advantages of AESA radar technology. The Rafale's undisputed superiority is recognised around the world and is a key differentiator in today's highly competitive markets.
http://www.thalesgroup.com/Press_Re...-_Thales_AESA_RBE2_radar_validated_on_Rafale/
black eagle
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IAF set to soar again
Ashok K Mehta
India should buy the best planes. But Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may force US aircraft upon the Air Force.
Intense dogfights were witnessed last week at Aero India 2011 in Bangalore between eight countries representing six fighter aircraft for clinching India's biggest defence contract: The 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft worth $10 billion. The aircraft are Boeings F/A-18 Super Hornet, Lockheed Martins' F-16 IN Super Viper, MiG Corporation's MiG-35, Saab's Gripen NG, Dassault's Raphael and a four-nation European consortium's Eurofighter, Typhoon.
For the United States, which in the last five years has sold more defence equipment to India than it has in the last 50, bagging the deal has become both a prestige issue as well as a return for its critical investment in the India-US strategic partnership epitomised by the 123 civil nuclear agreement.
Lobbying for the contract is picking up as the sealed envelope containing the short list will be opened in the Ministry of Defence in April or May this year and the contract signed either in September 2011 or March 2012. The commercial bids by the six contestants are also sealed and kept with the Ministry of Defence.
From US President Barack Obama to Carnegie Endowment's Ashley Tellis, all are canvassing for the US fighter aircraft and hinting it is payback time for India: 126 after 123. In April, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be in New Delhi for the India-US strategic dialogue just when the envelope will be unsealed.
Last week US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Geoffrey Pyatt, at a policy forum in Singapore, spoke about Washington's preparedness to share with India now, the most advanced technology in the defence and economic domain. He said the US was talking to New Delhi a lot about the two strong American competitors for the 126 MMRCA deal.
Such a deal if it happened, he added, would revolutionise our military relationship. Also last week, Mr Andrew Shapiro, US Assistant Secretary of State, Political and Military Bureau at the State Department, was in New Delhi, pitching for military sales among other items of defence cooperation.
Indian defence analysts have told their American counterparts that despite certain glitches the Indo-Russian strategic partnership has endured. While Russia has leased a nuclear submarine to India for a second time, unpleasant memories of the US cutting critical supplies still linger. The political content of the India-US strategic partnership has to touch greater heights of mutual trust.
In 2005, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh noted that politics plays a big part in defence deals. Indians are only too familiar with the political inducements of the Swedish Government on late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1987 over the Bofors contract and the Russian cajolery of Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao in 1991 over the Sukhoi deal consummated without any evaluation.
Another dicey contract was the one on Mirage 2000 brokered in 1982 jointly by Mr Sanjay Gandhi and Defence Secretary KPA Menon, once again without any technical evaluation as the aircraft did not exist. They tried to scuttle the perfectly legitimate Jaguar contract of 1978 negotiated by the Morarji Desai-led Janata Party Government but the British authorities blocked the attempt. While mega cost defence acquisitions were driven by political considerations (and kickbacks) quality of equipment was not compromised.
Industrialist Ratan Tata flew the F-18 and actor Shahid Kapoor piloted the F-16. The single-engine F-16 was also flown by the Indian Air Force's most versatile and highly decorated fighter pilot Retd Air Marshal Jimmy Bhatia at Bangalore. None of their efforts will enhance the rating of these fighters in the IAF's technical, flight and staff evaluation chart. The F-16 is a non-flyer because the Pakistan Air Force has had it in its inventory for 30 years. The twin-engine F-18 seems to have also missed the mark. The Russian MiG 35, a souped up MiG 29 did not show up in Bangalore. The Gripen is a great aircraft but single-engine and a lightweight equivalent of an improved Tejas LCA.
That leaves the two high-priced European contenders, Rafael and Typhoon, neck-and-neck in the race. Rather late in the day, Lockheed Martin and US Under Secretary of State for Defence Ashton Carter have indicated willingness to include India in the F-35 Advanced Stealth Fighter Programme.
India and Russia are already engaged in jointly developing the fifth generation fighter aircraft. That practically closes the door for an American fighter joining the IAF inventory. Two years ago senior IAF officers were even recommending splitting the 126 MMRCA between US and Russia.
The sealed envelope with its performance rating of the six aircraft was handed over by the IAF to the Ministry of Defence in July 2010 but a parallel dogfight is on over the offset policy between those for and against it. The MMRCA procurement procedure has been complicated by an unviable offset policy and unrealistic FDI cap of 26 per cent.
The six companies competing for the MMRCA were asked to explain their offset strategy by end this month. Authoritative sources in the IAF are drawing a possible option: On the short list are the two twin-engine European fighters, Rafael and Typhoon, both excellent but very expensive aircraft at a flyaway cost upwards of $100 million apiece. This is distinct from the lifecycle cost which could increase by 25 per cent. A third contender, the American F-18, could sneak into the short list.
Next month, when the commercial bids are opened, L1 (lowest bidder) will be invited to negotiate the final cost with the Price Negotiating Committee.
Ashley Tellis's report, titled 'Dogfight — India's MMRCA Decision', highlights how the IAF has declined 29 fighter squadrons and only by 2017 will they be restored to the authorised 39.5 squadrons. He believes that cost, technology transfers and the facility to fit into the evolving IAF force structure will determine the choice. He says that while European aircraft are 'technically superb', US entrants with older designs are 'best buys'. The US offer should be compensated, he adds, by generous technology transfer and assured access to fifth generation aircraft.
Union Minister for Defence AK Antony has repeatedly and emotionally, said that merit not politics will decide the winning aircraft. Yet only the US has the will and capacity to help raise India's global power profile. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's political instinct may let the F-18 plus fly into the ultimate deal.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/318054/IAF-set-to-soar-again.html
Ashok K Mehta
India should buy the best planes. But Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may force US aircraft upon the Air Force.
Intense dogfights were witnessed last week at Aero India 2011 in Bangalore between eight countries representing six fighter aircraft for clinching India's biggest defence contract: The 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft worth $10 billion. The aircraft are Boeings F/A-18 Super Hornet, Lockheed Martins' F-16 IN Super Viper, MiG Corporation's MiG-35, Saab's Gripen NG, Dassault's Raphael and a four-nation European consortium's Eurofighter, Typhoon.
For the United States, which in the last five years has sold more defence equipment to India than it has in the last 50, bagging the deal has become both a prestige issue as well as a return for its critical investment in the India-US strategic partnership epitomised by the 123 civil nuclear agreement.
Lobbying for the contract is picking up as the sealed envelope containing the short list will be opened in the Ministry of Defence in April or May this year and the contract signed either in September 2011 or March 2012. The commercial bids by the six contestants are also sealed and kept with the Ministry of Defence.
From US President Barack Obama to Carnegie Endowment's Ashley Tellis, all are canvassing for the US fighter aircraft and hinting it is payback time for India: 126 after 123. In April, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be in New Delhi for the India-US strategic dialogue just when the envelope will be unsealed.
Last week US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Geoffrey Pyatt, at a policy forum in Singapore, spoke about Washington's preparedness to share with India now, the most advanced technology in the defence and economic domain. He said the US was talking to New Delhi a lot about the two strong American competitors for the 126 MMRCA deal.
Such a deal if it happened, he added, would revolutionise our military relationship. Also last week, Mr Andrew Shapiro, US Assistant Secretary of State, Political and Military Bureau at the State Department, was in New Delhi, pitching for military sales among other items of defence cooperation.
Indian defence analysts have told their American counterparts that despite certain glitches the Indo-Russian strategic partnership has endured. While Russia has leased a nuclear submarine to India for a second time, unpleasant memories of the US cutting critical supplies still linger. The political content of the India-US strategic partnership has to touch greater heights of mutual trust.
In 2005, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh noted that politics plays a big part in defence deals. Indians are only too familiar with the political inducements of the Swedish Government on late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1987 over the Bofors contract and the Russian cajolery of Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao in 1991 over the Sukhoi deal consummated without any evaluation.
Another dicey contract was the one on Mirage 2000 brokered in 1982 jointly by Mr Sanjay Gandhi and Defence Secretary KPA Menon, once again without any technical evaluation as the aircraft did not exist. They tried to scuttle the perfectly legitimate Jaguar contract of 1978 negotiated by the Morarji Desai-led Janata Party Government but the British authorities blocked the attempt. While mega cost defence acquisitions were driven by political considerations (and kickbacks) quality of equipment was not compromised.
Industrialist Ratan Tata flew the F-18 and actor Shahid Kapoor piloted the F-16. The single-engine F-16 was also flown by the Indian Air Force's most versatile and highly decorated fighter pilot Retd Air Marshal Jimmy Bhatia at Bangalore. None of their efforts will enhance the rating of these fighters in the IAF's technical, flight and staff evaluation chart. The F-16 is a non-flyer because the Pakistan Air Force has had it in its inventory for 30 years. The twin-engine F-18 seems to have also missed the mark. The Russian MiG 35, a souped up MiG 29 did not show up in Bangalore. The Gripen is a great aircraft but single-engine and a lightweight equivalent of an improved Tejas LCA.
That leaves the two high-priced European contenders, Rafael and Typhoon, neck-and-neck in the race. Rather late in the day, Lockheed Martin and US Under Secretary of State for Defence Ashton Carter have indicated willingness to include India in the F-35 Advanced Stealth Fighter Programme.
India and Russia are already engaged in jointly developing the fifth generation fighter aircraft. That practically closes the door for an American fighter joining the IAF inventory. Two years ago senior IAF officers were even recommending splitting the 126 MMRCA between US and Russia.
The sealed envelope with its performance rating of the six aircraft was handed over by the IAF to the Ministry of Defence in July 2010 but a parallel dogfight is on over the offset policy between those for and against it. The MMRCA procurement procedure has been complicated by an unviable offset policy and unrealistic FDI cap of 26 per cent.
The six companies competing for the MMRCA were asked to explain their offset strategy by end this month. Authoritative sources in the IAF are drawing a possible option: On the short list are the two twin-engine European fighters, Rafael and Typhoon, both excellent but very expensive aircraft at a flyaway cost upwards of $100 million apiece. This is distinct from the lifecycle cost which could increase by 25 per cent. A third contender, the American F-18, could sneak into the short list.
Next month, when the commercial bids are opened, L1 (lowest bidder) will be invited to negotiate the final cost with the Price Negotiating Committee.
Ashley Tellis's report, titled 'Dogfight — India's MMRCA Decision', highlights how the IAF has declined 29 fighter squadrons and only by 2017 will they be restored to the authorised 39.5 squadrons. He believes that cost, technology transfers and the facility to fit into the evolving IAF force structure will determine the choice. He says that while European aircraft are 'technically superb', US entrants with older designs are 'best buys'. The US offer should be compensated, he adds, by generous technology transfer and assured access to fifth generation aircraft.
Union Minister for Defence AK Antony has repeatedly and emotionally, said that merit not politics will decide the winning aircraft. Yet only the US has the will and capacity to help raise India's global power profile. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's political instinct may let the F-18 plus fly into the ultimate deal.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/318054/IAF-set-to-soar-again.html
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Presentation on Gripen flight-testing from a conference in India this January
http://aeroindialive.nic.in/show_ondemand.asp?id_episode=4&id_part=4
Starts around 1:20:00
h/t pngwerume @ Saaf Forum
http://aeroindialive.nic.in/show_ondemand.asp?id_episode=4&id_part=4
Starts around 1:20:00
h/t pngwerume @ Saaf Forum
thecoolone
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US doubts over India jet fighter partner
By James Lamont in New Delhi
Published: February 17 2011 19:50 | Last updated: February 17 2011 19:50
The US government has expressed doubt about the suitability of corporate partnership with an Indian state aerospace company as Boeing and Lockheed Martin bid to supply New Delhi with 126 strike fighters.
The US is pitching for what is one of the world's largest military contracts, worth $11bn. Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet and Lockheed's F-16 Super Viper are vying with the Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab's Gripen, Dassault's Rafale and Russia's MiG-35 in a competition expected to be decided this year.
Any winning bidder would have to work with Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, which has in the past worked closely with Russian, British and French defence companies and produced an estimated 3,600 aircraft and helicopters. HAL's turnover last year was $2.5bn.
"The potential for HAL to successfully partner with US firms on a truly advanced aircraft remains untested and suspect," Timothy Roemer, US ambassador to Delhi, wrote in a confidential cable released by WikiLeaks and seen by the FT.
After a visit to the company's plant in Bangalore in February 2010, he described India's aviation industry as "two to three decades behind the United States and other western nations" despite advances.
Mr Roemer was also struck by the lack of automation and safety precautions at the HAL plant, adding that US companies needed to "approach partnerships carefully to understand the management and technological experience of Indian firms".
The US embassy in New Delhi said it could not "confirm the authenticity" of the cable, adding that the US State Department did not comment on classified documents that may have been leaked.
Mr Roemer based part of his assessment on difficulties BAE Systems, the British defence company, had experienced with HAL over the assembly of Hawk training aircraft – a project that fell behind schedule.
"BAE technicians supervising work at HAL became aware that parts were being taken from the kits intended to assemble new aircraft and used instead as replacement parts for the aircraft already delivered," wrote the ambassador, a former Congressman from Indiana. "Lack of controls left BAE unsure of what parts were now missing from the kits."
BAE said: "All the spare parts ordered were and have been delivered to schedule".
Boeing said it enjoyed a "productive partnership" with HAL, building parts for the Boeing 777 airliner and the F/A-18 fighter jet. Orville Prins, Lockheed's vice-president, business development India, said Lockheed could "ensure HAL will be successful" as a partner to produce F-16s.
Ashok Nayak, the chairman of HAL, said he was unaware of Mr Roemer's assessment and declined to comment.
Source: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/97fee18c-3aca-11e0-9c1a-00144feabdc0.html
By James Lamont in New Delhi
Published: February 17 2011 19:50 | Last updated: February 17 2011 19:50
The US government has expressed doubt about the suitability of corporate partnership with an Indian state aerospace company as Boeing and Lockheed Martin bid to supply New Delhi with 126 strike fighters.
The US is pitching for what is one of the world's largest military contracts, worth $11bn. Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet and Lockheed's F-16 Super Viper are vying with the Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab's Gripen, Dassault's Rafale and Russia's MiG-35 in a competition expected to be decided this year.
Any winning bidder would have to work with Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, which has in the past worked closely with Russian, British and French defence companies and produced an estimated 3,600 aircraft and helicopters. HAL's turnover last year was $2.5bn.
"The potential for HAL to successfully partner with US firms on a truly advanced aircraft remains untested and suspect," Timothy Roemer, US ambassador to Delhi, wrote in a confidential cable released by WikiLeaks and seen by the FT.
After a visit to the company's plant in Bangalore in February 2010, he described India's aviation industry as "two to three decades behind the United States and other western nations" despite advances.
Mr Roemer was also struck by the lack of automation and safety precautions at the HAL plant, adding that US companies needed to "approach partnerships carefully to understand the management and technological experience of Indian firms".
The US embassy in New Delhi said it could not "confirm the authenticity" of the cable, adding that the US State Department did not comment on classified documents that may have been leaked.
Mr Roemer based part of his assessment on difficulties BAE Systems, the British defence company, had experienced with HAL over the assembly of Hawk training aircraft – a project that fell behind schedule.
"BAE technicians supervising work at HAL became aware that parts were being taken from the kits intended to assemble new aircraft and used instead as replacement parts for the aircraft already delivered," wrote the ambassador, a former Congressman from Indiana. "Lack of controls left BAE unsure of what parts were now missing from the kits."
BAE said: "All the spare parts ordered were and have been delivered to schedule".
Boeing said it enjoyed a "productive partnership" with HAL, building parts for the Boeing 777 airliner and the F/A-18 fighter jet. Orville Prins, Lockheed's vice-president, business development India, said Lockheed could "ensure HAL will be successful" as a partner to produce F-16s.
Ashok Nayak, the chairman of HAL, said he was unaware of Mr Roemer's assessment and declined to comment.
Source: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/97fee18c-3aca-11e0-9c1a-00144feabdc0.html
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Well - why am I not surprised about this? A government organization like HAL, not being ready for partnering with Boeing and LM is understandabale. I am in general surprised about why other partners have not complained about HAL before.
Automation? SAFETY PRECAUTIONS? at HAL? Mr Roemer must be joking. In India, Labor is cheap and "creating jobs" is a votebank policy. So, every government agency must hire as many untrained and trained labor as possible and then 50% more. Then let them unionize. Automation iis a strict No NO since that may reduce some of the useless labor and especially decrease overtime. As a result, the operating costs would be higher, there would be more chaos and quality will go down. It does not matter if the product is important for saving lives in hospitals or for national defense. A government agency is primarily responsible for "job creation", providing "democratic rights" and must not care about the quality of their services or their products. As for safety precautions - availability of cheap labor, untrained (and uneducated) laborforce, archaic rules and regulations and apathetic management (read Babudom) would make a joke out of any safety precautions - if there were any to begin with.
So, Mr Roemer - stop complaining and start deciding whether our money is green enough for you.
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US doubts over India jet fighter partner
The US government has expressed doubt about the suitability of corporate partnership with an Indian state aerospace company as Boeing and Lockheed Martin bid to supply New Delhi with 126 strike fighters.
The US is pitching for what is one of the world's largest military contracts, worth $11bn. Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet and Lockheed's F-16 Super Viper are vying with the Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab's Gripen, Dassault's Rafale and Russia's MiG-35 in a competition expected to be decided this year.
Any winning bidder would have to work with Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, which has in the past worked closely with Russian, British and French defence companies and produced an estimated 3,600 aircraft and helicopters. HAL's turnover last year was $2.5bn.
"The potential for HAL to successfully partner with US firms on a truly advanced aircraft remains untested and suspect," Timothy Roemer, US ambassador to Delhi, wrote in a confidential cable released by WikiLeaks and seen by the FT.
After a visit to the company's plant in Bangalore in February 2010, he described India's aviation industry as "two to three decades behind the United States and other western nations" despite advances.
Mr Roemer was also struck by the lack of automation and safety precautions at the HAL plant, adding that US companies needed to "approach partnerships carefully to understand the management and technological experience of Indian firms".
The US embassy in New Delhi said it could not "confirm the authenticity" of the cable, adding that the US State Department did not comment on classified documents that may have been leaked.
Mr Roemer based part of his assessment on difficulties BAE Systems, the British defence company, had experienced with HAL over the assembly of Hawk training aircraft – a project that fell behind schedule.
"BAE technicians supervising work at HAL became aware that parts were being taken from the kits intended to assemble new aircraft and used instead as replacement parts for the aircraft already delivered," wrote the ambassador, a former Congressman from Indiana. "Lack of controls left BAE unsure of what parts were now missing from the kits."
BAE said: "All the spare parts ordered were and have been delivered to schedule". "¬"ª "¬"ª
Boeing said it enjoyed a "productive partnership" with HAL, building parts for the Boeing 777 airliner and the F/A-18 fighter jet. Orville Prins, Lockheed's vice-president, business development India, said Lockheed could "ensure HAL will be successful" as a partner to produce F-16s.
Ashok Nayak, the chairman of HAL, said he was unaware of Mr Roemer's assessment and declined to comment.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/97fee18c-3aca-11e0-9c1a-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1EHx2Ky3F
The US government has expressed doubt about the suitability of corporate partnership with an Indian state aerospace company as Boeing and Lockheed Martin bid to supply New Delhi with 126 strike fighters.
The US is pitching for what is one of the world's largest military contracts, worth $11bn. Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet and Lockheed's F-16 Super Viper are vying with the Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab's Gripen, Dassault's Rafale and Russia's MiG-35 in a competition expected to be decided this year.
Any winning bidder would have to work with Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, which has in the past worked closely with Russian, British and French defence companies and produced an estimated 3,600 aircraft and helicopters. HAL's turnover last year was $2.5bn.
"The potential for HAL to successfully partner with US firms on a truly advanced aircraft remains untested and suspect," Timothy Roemer, US ambassador to Delhi, wrote in a confidential cable released by WikiLeaks and seen by the FT.
After a visit to the company's plant in Bangalore in February 2010, he described India's aviation industry as "two to three decades behind the United States and other western nations" despite advances.
Mr Roemer was also struck by the lack of automation and safety precautions at the HAL plant, adding that US companies needed to "approach partnerships carefully to understand the management and technological experience of Indian firms".
The US embassy in New Delhi said it could not "confirm the authenticity" of the cable, adding that the US State Department did not comment on classified documents that may have been leaked.
Mr Roemer based part of his assessment on difficulties BAE Systems, the British defence company, had experienced with HAL over the assembly of Hawk training aircraft – a project that fell behind schedule.
"BAE technicians supervising work at HAL became aware that parts were being taken from the kits intended to assemble new aircraft and used instead as replacement parts for the aircraft already delivered," wrote the ambassador, a former Congressman from Indiana. "Lack of controls left BAE unsure of what parts were now missing from the kits."
BAE said: "All the spare parts ordered were and have been delivered to schedule". "¬"ª "¬"ª
Boeing said it enjoyed a "productive partnership" with HAL, building parts for the Boeing 777 airliner and the F/A-18 fighter jet. Orville Prins, Lockheed's vice-president, business development India, said Lockheed could "ensure HAL will be successful" as a partner to produce F-16s.
Ashok Nayak, the chairman of HAL, said he was unaware of Mr Roemer's assessment and declined to comment.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/97fee18c-3aca-11e0-9c1a-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1EHx2Ky3F
black eagle
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HAL dismisses doubts about ability to work on advanced fighter programmes
Senior officials at the Bangalore based Defence Public Sector Unit (DPSU) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited have dismissed reported concerns about its ability to handle advanced fighter programmes in partnership with American firms
Sridhar K Chari
Bangalore: Senior officials at the Bangalore based Defence Public Sector Unit (DPSU) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited have dismissed reported concerns about its ability to handle advanced fighter programmes in partnership with American firms, citing its considerable experience with both the Russians and the British, on programmes like the Sukhoi-30 MKI and the Hawk 100 Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT).
The British newspaper The Financial Times (FT), reported on Friday that the US Ambassador to India, Timothy Roemer, in a confidential cable last year, had said that "the potential for HAL to successfully partner with US firms on a truly advanced aircraft remains untested and suspect." The cable, leaked by WikiLeaks, was seen by FT, the paper said.
After a visit to HAL in February last year, the ambassador had described India's aviation industry as "two to three decades behind the United States and other Western nations," in the cable.
American firms Boeing and Lockheed Martin are among those vying for the estimated $11 billion deal to supply 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for the Indian Air Force, offering the F-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Super Viper fighters respectively.
Competitors include a European consortium's Eurofighter Typhoon, the Russian Mig-35, the French Rafale from Dassault Aviation and the Swedish SAAB Gripen.
HAL's N.C. Agarwal, director Design and Development at HAL's design complex in Bangalore, said: "If the Americans really thought in this fashion, it is self-contradictory to find them in the fray for the MMRCA deal. There need be no doubt about HAL's ability to work with any partner. After all, the Sukhoi-30 licensed production programme (with the Russians) is for an aircraft as advanced or more in terms of its structure and aerodynamics, in comparison to the F-18 Hornet."
He acknowledged that India was indeed behind the US in pure technological terms. "But there is a lot of advanced work going on here even in avionics and other sub-systems. The world's companies are coming here because of the talent and the brain power. The systems in place are catching up," he said.
Ashok Baweja, former chairman of HAL, said: "What are they (the Americans) talking about? HAL has been making advanced aircraft for decades, starting with the Americans themselves in 1942." HAL can do what is necessary to take on the MMRCA work, he said.
Another senior HAL official at Bangalore, who requested anonymity, said: "These reported comments are quite surprising, considering the amount of work with the Americans that is in the pipeline. One need not read too much into it. There is also the fact that with so many vendors in the fray for the MMRCA, you'll find each one trying to pull the other down with all kinds of leaks," he said.
The Ambassador, in his cable, had not ruled out cooperation but said that "US companies need to approach partnerships carefully." He also cited problems in the production of the Hawk 100 with the British BAE Systems.
US firm General Electric is in partnership with the Aeronautical Development Agency to supply GE-404 engines for the LCA Tejas, and recently won a tender to supply more powerful GE-414 engines for the LCA Mk-II.
http://www.livemint.com/2011/02/18122346/HAL-dismisses-doubts-about-abi.html
Senior officials at the Bangalore based Defence Public Sector Unit (DPSU) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited have dismissed reported concerns about its ability to handle advanced fighter programmes in partnership with American firms
Sridhar K Chari
Bangalore: Senior officials at the Bangalore based Defence Public Sector Unit (DPSU) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited have dismissed reported concerns about its ability to handle advanced fighter programmes in partnership with American firms, citing its considerable experience with both the Russians and the British, on programmes like the Sukhoi-30 MKI and the Hawk 100 Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT).
The British newspaper The Financial Times (FT), reported on Friday that the US Ambassador to India, Timothy Roemer, in a confidential cable last year, had said that "the potential for HAL to successfully partner with US firms on a truly advanced aircraft remains untested and suspect." The cable, leaked by WikiLeaks, was seen by FT, the paper said.
After a visit to HAL in February last year, the ambassador had described India's aviation industry as "two to three decades behind the United States and other Western nations," in the cable.
American firms Boeing and Lockheed Martin are among those vying for the estimated $11 billion deal to supply 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for the Indian Air Force, offering the F-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Super Viper fighters respectively.
Competitors include a European consortium's Eurofighter Typhoon, the Russian Mig-35, the French Rafale from Dassault Aviation and the Swedish SAAB Gripen.
HAL's N.C. Agarwal, director Design and Development at HAL's design complex in Bangalore, said: "If the Americans really thought in this fashion, it is self-contradictory to find them in the fray for the MMRCA deal. There need be no doubt about HAL's ability to work with any partner. After all, the Sukhoi-30 licensed production programme (with the Russians) is for an aircraft as advanced or more in terms of its structure and aerodynamics, in comparison to the F-18 Hornet."
He acknowledged that India was indeed behind the US in pure technological terms. "But there is a lot of advanced work going on here even in avionics and other sub-systems. The world's companies are coming here because of the talent and the brain power. The systems in place are catching up," he said.
Ashok Baweja, former chairman of HAL, said: "What are they (the Americans) talking about? HAL has been making advanced aircraft for decades, starting with the Americans themselves in 1942." HAL can do what is necessary to take on the MMRCA work, he said.
Another senior HAL official at Bangalore, who requested anonymity, said: "These reported comments are quite surprising, considering the amount of work with the Americans that is in the pipeline. One need not read too much into it. There is also the fact that with so many vendors in the fray for the MMRCA, you'll find each one trying to pull the other down with all kinds of leaks," he said.
The Ambassador, in his cable, had not ruled out cooperation but said that "US companies need to approach partnerships carefully." He also cited problems in the production of the Hawk 100 with the British BAE Systems.
US firm General Electric is in partnership with the Aeronautical Development Agency to supply GE-404 engines for the LCA Tejas, and recently won a tender to supply more powerful GE-414 engines for the LCA Mk-II.
http://www.livemint.com/2011/02/18122346/HAL-dismisses-doubts-about-abi.html
vikramrana_1812
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Feb 11, 2011
India MRCA Contest Will Be Decided Soon
India said It would begin crucial contract negotiations in the next fortnight for an estimated $12 billion order for 126 fighter jets.
The announcement came a day after Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony said the long-delayed contract to modernise India's decades-old aircraft fleet would be handed out during the next fiscal year starting April 1.
"The contract negotiation committee will begin discussions in a week or two," Indian Airforce chief P.V. Naik told reporters on the sidelines of South Asia's biggest airshow in Bangalore, the hub of India's aviation industry.
Six global aeronautical companies, which are in a dogfight to grab the deal to sell the 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), each claimed at the airshow that their products were the world's best.
"The Indian airforce is very pleased with the performance of the F-16 and we are hopeful of being shortlisted," said Orville Prins of U.S-based Lockheed Martin which wants to sell its frontline fighter jet to India.
India, the biggest buyer of military hardware among emerging nations, issued the request for proposals to the six firms in 2007 and the long-awaited trials of the aircraft competing for the deal began a year later.
Industry sources say the F-16 and Seattle-based Boeing, which is offering its F-18 "Superhornet," have emerged as front-runners after the gruelling trials.
The contract includes the outright purchase of 18 combat aircraft by 2012 with another 108 to be built in India. India would also have an option to buy 64 more such jets.
The other companies bidding include France's Dassault Aviation, pan-European manufacturer Eurofighter Typhoon and Sweden's Saab.
Saab will have the "technological lead in five years," said Peter Nilsson, an executive from the Swedish firm.
India also announced Thursday it is set to agree a contract with Dassault for the upgrade of its fleet of Mirage fighter aircraft but would not disclose the value of the deal.
Russia, a longtime military supplier to India, pipped its Western rivals last December when it signed a mammoth agreement with New Delhi to co-produce some 250 stealth fighter jets worth $30 billion by 2017.
http://asian-defence.blogspot.com/2011/02/india-mrca-contest-will-be-decided-soon.html
India MRCA Contest Will Be Decided Soon
India said It would begin crucial contract negotiations in the next fortnight for an estimated $12 billion order for 126 fighter jets.The announcement came a day after Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony said the long-delayed contract to modernise India's decades-old aircraft fleet would be handed out during the next fiscal year starting April 1.
"The contract negotiation committee will begin discussions in a week or two," Indian Airforce chief P.V. Naik told reporters on the sidelines of South Asia's biggest airshow in Bangalore, the hub of India's aviation industry.
Six global aeronautical companies, which are in a dogfight to grab the deal to sell the 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), each claimed at the airshow that their products were the world's best.
"The Indian airforce is very pleased with the performance of the F-16 and we are hopeful of being shortlisted," said Orville Prins of U.S-based Lockheed Martin which wants to sell its frontline fighter jet to India.
India, the biggest buyer of military hardware among emerging nations, issued the request for proposals to the six firms in 2007 and the long-awaited trials of the aircraft competing for the deal began a year later.
Industry sources say the F-16 and Seattle-based Boeing, which is offering its F-18 "Superhornet," have emerged as front-runners after the gruelling trials.
The contract includes the outright purchase of 18 combat aircraft by 2012 with another 108 to be built in India. India would also have an option to buy 64 more such jets.
The other companies bidding include France's Dassault Aviation, pan-European manufacturer Eurofighter Typhoon and Sweden's Saab.
Saab will have the "technological lead in five years," said Peter Nilsson, an executive from the Swedish firm.
India also announced Thursday it is set to agree a contract with Dassault for the upgrade of its fleet of Mirage fighter aircraft but would not disclose the value of the deal.
Russia, a longtime military supplier to India, pipped its Western rivals last December when it signed a mammoth agreement with New Delhi to co-produce some 250 stealth fighter jets worth $30 billion by 2017.
http://asian-defence.blogspot.com/2011/02/india-mrca-contest-will-be-decided-soon.html
vikramrana_1812
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India to award USD 11 bn M-MRCA deal within next one month
India will pick up by next one month the vendor for its biggest-ever military fighter deal for purchasing 126 Medium-Multirole Combat Aircraft (M-MRCA) at a cost of USD 11 billion, the contract of which is expected to be finalised by September.
Addressing a press conference here, Air Chief Marshal P V Naik said all the problems related to the offsets proposals have been sorted out and if the bid losers "don''t put spokes in the wheel," the deal would be finalised in the given timeframe.
"We hope to start the contract negotiations in the next two to four weeks and the deal may be signed by September," he said.
The IAF had submitted its field evaluation trial report on July 30 last year and the Defence Ministry has been going through it to determine the aircraft meeting IAF''s requirement.
Six aircraft including Russian MiG-35, American F-16 and F/A-18, Swedish Gripen, European Eurofighter and French Rafale are in the race for the multi-billion dollar contract.
Naik said "unless dissatisfied vendors put spokes", which may involve getting clearances from the Central Vigilance Commission or legal proceedings, the deal would be finalised by September -- in the next fiscal.
The IAF is planning to induct these aircraft to augment its number and replace the Russian-origin MiG series aircraft, which are on their way out of the service.
Complementing the IAF team involved in the evaluation trials, Naik said the process was a "complicated" one as each aircraft had to be tested for 600 different parameters by the IAF.
Under the procurement process, the Defence Ministry negotiates with the company offering the lowest price for the equipment required by respective services.
Asked about the procurement of new cluster bombs from American firm Textron, he said that would be first put on the Jaguar deep penetration fighters by the IAF.
http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/cu...m-mrca-deal-within-next-one-month_521702.html
India will pick up by next one month the vendor for its biggest-ever military fighter deal for purchasing 126 Medium-Multirole Combat Aircraft (M-MRCA) at a cost of USD 11 billion, the contract of which is expected to be finalised by September.
Addressing a press conference here, Air Chief Marshal P V Naik said all the problems related to the offsets proposals have been sorted out and if the bid losers "don''t put spokes in the wheel," the deal would be finalised in the given timeframe.
"We hope to start the contract negotiations in the next two to four weeks and the deal may be signed by September," he said.
The IAF had submitted its field evaluation trial report on July 30 last year and the Defence Ministry has been going through it to determine the aircraft meeting IAF''s requirement.
Six aircraft including Russian MiG-35, American F-16 and F/A-18, Swedish Gripen, European Eurofighter and French Rafale are in the race for the multi-billion dollar contract.
Naik said "unless dissatisfied vendors put spokes", which may involve getting clearances from the Central Vigilance Commission or legal proceedings, the deal would be finalised by September -- in the next fiscal.
The IAF is planning to induct these aircraft to augment its number and replace the Russian-origin MiG series aircraft, which are on their way out of the service.
Complementing the IAF team involved in the evaluation trials, Naik said the process was a "complicated" one as each aircraft had to be tested for 600 different parameters by the IAF.
Under the procurement process, the Defence Ministry negotiates with the company offering the lowest price for the equipment required by respective services.
Asked about the procurement of new cluster bombs from American firm Textron, he said that would be first put on the Jaguar deep penetration fighters by the IAF.
http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/cu...m-mrca-deal-within-next-one-month_521702.html
vikramrana_1812
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Eurofighter Offers Technology Transfer; U.K. Rejects Naval Eurofighter Variant in Favor of F-35 JSF
2011-02-09 Here at Aero India 2011, Eurofighter has showcased a new naval variant of the Eurofighter Typhoon and has offered it to the Indian Navy. The Eurofighter has also been pitching hard for the Indian Air Force Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition and roped in the Defence Minister of United Kingdom Dr. Liam Fox to strongly push the deal.
In a press briefing at the Aero India media center, he spoke highly of the Eurofighter's bid for M-MRCA competition and termed the offering as the best bet on the table. Answering a question of the high price of the Erofighter Typhoon's compared to its competitors, the Minister acknowledged the high initial price but made an argument for lower life-cycle cost as the fighter jet serves for the decades in the Indian Air Force.
On being asked about the new naval variant of the Eurofighter Typhoon as a potential naval fighter for the Royal Navy, the Minister emphatically rejected the notion and reaffirmed his commitment to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme as a naval fighter for U.K.
A specific question on U.K.'s commitment of transfer of technology (ToT) and the commitment of the other Eurofighter nations (Spain, Germany and Italy) commitment to the same was handled by the Minister. He said all Eurofighter countries are in alignment with India on the issue of transfer of technology.
The Minister acknowledged defence spending cuts being made in the United Kingdom but strongly iterated that the United Kingdom would continue to remain a strong player in strategic affairs. A potential partnership between India and the United Kingdom for BAE Systems Type 26 frigates was talked about as a possibility going forward.
http://www.india-defence.com/reports-5006
2011-02-09 Here at Aero India 2011, Eurofighter has showcased a new naval variant of the Eurofighter Typhoon and has offered it to the Indian Navy. The Eurofighter has also been pitching hard for the Indian Air Force Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition and roped in the Defence Minister of United Kingdom Dr. Liam Fox to strongly push the deal.
In a press briefing at the Aero India media center, he spoke highly of the Eurofighter's bid for M-MRCA competition and termed the offering as the best bet on the table. Answering a question of the high price of the Erofighter Typhoon's compared to its competitors, the Minister acknowledged the high initial price but made an argument for lower life-cycle cost as the fighter jet serves for the decades in the Indian Air Force.
On being asked about the new naval variant of the Eurofighter Typhoon as a potential naval fighter for the Royal Navy, the Minister emphatically rejected the notion and reaffirmed his commitment to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme as a naval fighter for U.K.
A specific question on U.K.'s commitment of transfer of technology (ToT) and the commitment of the other Eurofighter nations (Spain, Germany and Italy) commitment to the same was handled by the Minister. He said all Eurofighter countries are in alignment with India on the issue of transfer of technology.
The Minister acknowledged defence spending cuts being made in the United Kingdom but strongly iterated that the United Kingdom would continue to remain a strong player in strategic affairs. A potential partnership between India and the United Kingdom for BAE Systems Type 26 frigates was talked about as a possibility going forward.
http://www.india-defence.com/reports-5006
youngindian
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- 77
HAL dismisses doubts about ability to work on advanced fighter programmes.
http://www.livemint.com/2011/02/18122346/HAL-dismisses-doubts-about-abi.html
http://www.livemint.com/2011/02/18122346/HAL-dismisses-doubts-about-abi.html
thakur_ritesh
Ambassador
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- Feb 19, 2009
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wow so earlier the date had been set at sometime between sep'11-march'12 and now it has become next fiscal!
you bet one allegation of corruption and the whole thing will go in jeopardy and the deal will be called off. i might be wrong but seriously i am not sure if we will eventually do this deal. what if some papers go missing, as such a file was found lying on road!
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