S -70B Sea Hawk Helicopter

WolfPack86

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INDIA SET TO CLEAR $2 BILLION DEAL FOR U.S. ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE CHOPPERS

While the navy needs at least 100 such multi-role helicopters, the government has decided to go for the outright purchase of 24 anti-submarine warfare helicopters from US

Ahead of the crucial two-plus-two dialogue in Washington, the Narendra Modi government is expected to approve a $2-billion deal for the purchase of anti-submarine warfare helicopters for the Indian Navy from the US through the government to government (G2G) route, according to South Block officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Bilateral negotiations on the Communications, Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) have moved forward and the military communication agreement could be initialed later this year after basic Indian concerns have been addressed by the Pentagon, these officials added.

The foreign and defence ministers of India will meet their US counterparts in Washington on July 6.

South Block officials said the Defence Acquisition Council is scheduled to meet on June 30 to give a final approval to the purchase of US Sikorsky S-70B multi-role helicopters.

While the navy needs at least 100 such multi-role helicopters, the government has decided to go for the outright purchase of 24 anti-submarine warfare helicopters from US.

There is also the possibility of India placing a follow-up order for 12 more Boeing P 8I maritime surveillance aircraft at a later stage for the Indian Navy in a bid to boost its reconnaissance capabilities on high seas, the officials added.

Although preparations for the two plus two dialogue have begun in the earnest in Delhi, the COMCASA agreement will have to wait for later this year after the Indian side conveyed some concerns on the foundational agreement related to military operations. While both sides have broadly agreed to the text of the key foundational agreement, visiting senior Pentagon official Joseph Felter was briefed about India’s concerns and the way forward. The meetings on COMCASA took place on June 19-20.

Senior government officials did not rule out the possibility of US Defence Secretary James Mattis visiting India later this year to sign the COMCASA agreement.
http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2018/06/india-set-to-clear-2-billion-deal-for.html
 

WolfPack86

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DAC to clear procurement of 24 MH-60R MRH worth over $2 billion.

The Indian navy has an immediate need of 61 MRH to be used for surveillance missions, ASW/ASuW and SAR.

The Navy is also set to order 123 Naval Multi-role Helicopters (NMRH) and 111 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH). These helicopters, meant to replace the navy’s ageing fleet of single-engined Chetak and twin-engined Seaking helicopters are being processed through the MoD’s Strategic Partnership Model.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/TejasMrca/photos/?ref=page_internal
 

WolfPack86

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Just in: MoD approves platform-specific guidelines for @IndianNavy’s procurement of 111 naval utility helicopters (NUH) under the Strategic Partnership model. (Hopefully this means faster execution).
 

WolfPack86

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MoD approves platform-specific guidelines for Indian Navy’s procurement of 111 naval utility helicopters (NUH) under the Strategic Partnership model.

The defence ministry on Monday cleared “platform-specific” guidelines for the purchase of 111 naval utility helicopters under the ‘strategic partnership’ model to replace the Navy’s outdated fleet of French-designed Chetak choppers.

The government’s defence acquisition council (DAC), which defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman heads, discussed and approved implementation guidelines for key projects under the model to boost the indigenous defence sector and ensure timely delivery of military equipment, a ministry press release said.

The US, European and Russian rivals are expected to compete for the Rs 21,738-crore NUH programme by stitching up alliances with Indian firms under the government’s ‘strategic partnership’ model.

It would work as a template for cooperation between Indian and foreign firms to build high-tech weapons in the country.

The model is expected to give a push to several big-ticket projects, including those for building next-generation submarines, fighter planes and helicopters in the country. “All procurements under the strategic partnership would be executed by specially constituted Empowered Project Committees to provide focused attention and ensure timely execution,” the press release said.

It added that the model sought to revitalise the defence industrial ecosystem and build indigenous capabilities in the private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex systems to meet the military’s future needs.

As part of the NUH project, 16 choppers would be bought in a flyaway condition from a foreign military contractor, and the remaining 95 will be built in the country in partnership with an Indian firm. Even under the Make in India plan, the country’s arms procurement rules allow for the direct purchase of weapons and systems from the foreign vendor in keeping with the ‘strategic partnership’ policy.

It stipulates that “a minimum number of platforms, not exceeding 10-15% of the units being procured, may be manufactured on the premises of the original equipment manufacturer”.

The navy uses such choppers for several purposes, including search and rescue operations, medical evacuation, communication duties, anti-piracy and anti-terrorism operations, humanitarian assistance, surveillance and targeting.

The twin-engine helicopter will have wheeled landing gear and blade-fold capability. India wants the choppers built in the country to have 40% indigenous content.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/TejasMrca/photos/?ref=page_internal
 

WolfPack86

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Great news, as reported accurately by ET on May 22, we are going in for the Romeos and not the Bravos in this govt-govt deal.
 

Jackd

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I am shaking with excitement on hearing that a slew of deals have been cleared for the navy. Best thing to wake up to. Navy sorely needed these platforms.
 

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Jackd

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24 mh-60r are a stop gap measure and navy is likely to float a tender for NMRH by next year or next to next year.
Btw, Vertically launched short range missile systems have also been cleared for the navy.
 

abingdonboy

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24 mh-60r are a stop gap measure and navy is likely to float a tender for NMRH by next year or next to next year.
Btw, Vertically launched short range missile systems have also been cleared for the navy.
Makes no sense, NMRH RFP in 2019/20 would mean first helos in 2026/7.

Best to order 40+ MH60R as interim order then fully commit to IMRH tombe ready for service by 2025/6.

The cost savings of this would be immense as it will be a true tri-service product like ALH
 

Jackd

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Let's be honest, there is no way in hell that we would see IMRH in service by 2025-26.
 

Jackd

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Besides, IMRH is an unsolicited proposal from HAL and not from the users. So, we will see whether it will fit into the operational requirement of the forces.
 
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