Defence Teller

India and Japan Ink Mutual Military Logistics Agreement

2020-09-11T20:43:00.000+05:30

After years of negotiations, India and Japan have inked a landmark agreement that will allow their militaries to access each other’s bases for logistics support, a key development that comes in the backdrop of growing concerns over China’s military muscle flexing in the region.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during their meeting in summit

The acquisition and cross-servicing pact was signed by Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and Japanese Ambassador Suzuki Satoshi, a defence ministry spokesperson said on Thursday. The agreement provides for creation of an enabling framework for closer cooperation and interoperability, besides allowing militaries of the two countries to use each other’s bases and facilities for repair and replenishment of supplies, the official said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, who held a telephonic conversation earlier in the day, welcomed the signing of the “Agreement on Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services” between the Indian Armed Forces and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan. The two leaders concurred that the pact will further enhance the depth of defence cooperation between the two countries and contribute to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, according to a release from the external affairs ministry here.

Indian and Japanese administration and defence personnel signed the agreement Military Logistics

The signing of the agreement comes at a time India is locked in a bitter border row with China, and rising concerns among countries in the region over increasing Chinese assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

A statement by Japanese foreign ministry said the agreement will promote closer cooperation between the militaries of the two countries, and enable them to actively contribute to international peace and security. “It is expected that the agreement will facilitate the smooth and prompt provision of supplies and services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Indian Armed Forces,” it said. The defence ministry said the pact will enhance the interoperability between the armed forces, resulting in further expansion of bilateral defence engagement under the Indo-Japan special strategic and global partnership. “The agreement establishes the enabling framework for closer cooperation between the armed forces of India and Japan in reciprocal provision of supplies and services,” it said.

In June, India and Australia sealed a similar Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) while resolving to scale up their overall defence cooperation. India has already signed similar agreements with the US, France and Singapore. India has been signing MLSAs with countries primarily eyeing deeper maritime cooperation which is important considering China’s rapid military expansionism in the Indo-Pacific, Indian Ocean and South China Sea. The pacts signed with the US and France provide for accessing various crucial bases by Indian military in Djibouti, Guam and the Reunion Islands among others. India is also expanding overall strategic cooperation with Japan in the Indo-Pacific region under the framework of four nation coalition ‘Quad’. In November 2017, India, the US, Australia and Japan gave shape to the long-pending “Quad” to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence. The US has been pushing for a greater role for India in the Indo-Pacific which is seen by many countries as an effort to contain China’s growing clout in the region.

Japanese Navy sailors waving towards Indian Navy's counterpart

In June, the Indian Navy carried out a maritime exercise with the Japanese navy as part of efforts to bolster military cooperation. The Indian Navy has significantly expanded its deployment in the Indian Ocean Region, deploying a plethora of warships and submarines following the border row with China in eastern Ladakh. The maritime space around the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, is very critical for China’s supply chain through sea routes.

Pakistan to buy Multi-Role fighter jets and Missiles from China

2020-09-08T08:46:00.012+05:30

According to the Pakistan sources, Pakistan Air Force is now looking to buy J-10CE (export version) fighter jets from China. Pakistan has asked to China for 30 J-10CE fighters and modern air-to-air missiles for its air force.

Pakistan Air Force again shown interest to buy J-10CE jets from China

Pakistan had asked for the J-10 in 2009 but with purchase of China and Pakistan jointly developed JF-17 fighters, the plan to buy J-10 placed in the backburner.

China and Pakistan have again begun a high-level government talks for the possible sale and purchase process for the J-10CE jets, PL-10 and PL-15, short-range and long-range air-to-air missiles respectively. The J-10CE has the AESA radar, fire-control systems and Infrared technology.

The sources said that the purchase of Rafale fighters has created the panic in Pakistan side, aiming the balance with Indian forces they have reached out to China to buy 30 J-10CE jets, short-range PL-10 and long range PL-15 air-to-air missiles.

With the United States gradually getting close to India, China has become Pakistan’s only supplier of sophisticated weapons.

J-10C jet spotted carrying Chinese PL-10 short range and PL-15 long range Air to Air missiles

The Pakistan Air Force has not just worried about the Rafale but also with the Meteor air-to-air missile and the Mica missile that can be air-launched. The bigger worry is about the S-400 air defence system, which India has buy from Russia, has now considered to be the main threat for PAF fighters.

The PAF is dependent on its 124 JF-17 fighters, co-produced with China, it’s 70 F-16s and the Mirage 3A which has now become old with today’s combat scenario. If, or rather, when the J-10CE arrives with the missiles, it will be another Chinese made fighter in Pakistan air force after JF-17.

Scramjet powered Hypersonic Missile HSTDV test completed successfully: INDIA

2020-09-07T16:16:00.001+05:30

DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) has successfully demonstrated the hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology with the flight test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) at 11:03 hours from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler Island, off the coast of Odisha today.

India successfully test fired HSTDV hypersonic missile powered with scramjet engine (Source: DRDO)

Technical Feature of HSTDV

The hypersonic cruise vehicle was launched using a proven solid rocket motor, which took it to an altitude of 30,000m, where the aerodynamic heat shields were separated at hypersonic Mach number. The cruise vehicle separated from the launch vehicle and the air intake opened as planned.

The hypersonic combustion sustained and the cruise vehicle continued on its desired flight path at Mach-6 speed i.e., nearly 02 km/second for more than 20 seconds. The critical events like fuel injection and auto ignition of scramjet demonstrated technological maturity. The scramjet engine performed in a text book manner.

The parameters of launch and cruise vehicle, including scramjet engine was monitored by multiple tracking radars, electro-optical systems and Telemetry Stations. The scramjet engine worked at high dynamic pressure and at very high temperature.

HSTDV hypersonic missile powered with scramjet engine APJ Abdul Kalama Island (Source:DRDO)

Mission Observation

A Ship was also deployed in the Bay of Bengal to monitor the performance during the cruise phase of hypersonic vehicle. All the performance parameters have indicated a resounding success of the mission.

With this successful demonstration, many critical technologies such as aerodynamic configuration for hypersonic maneuvers, use of scramjet propulsion for ignition and sustained combustion at hypersonic flow, thermo-structural characterisation of high temperature materials, separation mechanism at hypersonic velocities etc. have proven.

Defence Minister (Raksha Mantri) Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on this landmark achievement towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also spoke to the scientists associated with the project and congratulated them on this great achievement. India is proud of them, he added.

HSTDV hypersonic missile powered with scramjet engine test fired successfully

Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy congratulated all the Scientists, Researchers and other personnel related with HSTDV mission for their resolute and unwavering efforts towards strengthening Nation’s defence capabilities. On this successful demonstration, the country enters into the hypersonic regime paving way for advanced hypersonic Vehicles.

South Korea and Indonesia start assembling first prototype KF-X fighter aircraft

2020-09-05T22:21:00.001+05:30

According to Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said on Thursday 03-09-2020, “Korea Aerospace Industries Co. (KAI) has commenced final assembly of a prototype jet at its assembly line in Sacheon, south of Seoul”.

Korean Aerospace Industries start first prototype assembly (Source: KAI)

Under the KF-X project worth 8.8 trillion Won (US$7.3 billion), South Korea start working in 2015 to develop a home-grown fighter aircraft to replace the Air Force's aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 jets, KAI announced today quoting a DAPA statement.

The greenlight for final assembly came following the design confirmation last year and the local development of certain crucial technologies such as Active Electronically Scanning Array (AESA) radar.

The prototype is expected to be ready in the first half of 2021 and agency is eyeing 2026 to the completion of development after ground and flight tests, KAI said in a statement posed on its website.

South Korean home grown fighter jet will have own AESA radar (Source: KAI)

KF-X Features

The aircraft is designed to be able to fly at a maximum speed of Mach 1.81 with its flying range reaching 2900kms.
The fighter will have 10 pods for missiles and fuel barrels.
It will be able to carry several types of air-to-air missiles, such as Germany's IRIS-T and European developer MBDA's active radar guided Meteor missiles.
Home grown Active Electronically Scanning Array (AESA) radar.

South Korean KF-X fighter jet prototype come by 2021 (Source: KAI)

Prototype Testing

“KAI will roll out the first KF-X prototype by April next year. After the first prototype, the remaining five prototypes will come out one after another within the same year. Test flights are scheduled in 2022,” a KAI official had said in July 2020.

Of the six prototypes, one will be delivered to Indonesia, co-developer of KF-X project. The KF-X is expected to be slotted one level below the F-35 jets in the South Korean Air Force. Starting with the test flights in 2022, the prototypes will then undergo four years of trials, and the development is expected to complete by mid-2026.

South Korean KF-X (Source: Republic of KAF)

The first batch of mass-produced KF-X aircraft are expected between 2026 and 2028. They will be equipped with limited air-to-ground weapons in addition to air-to-air weapons. The second batch, which will be series-produced from 2029, will be capable of performing full air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions.

The Last operating UAV of Series is now retired from Bulgarian Air Component

2020-09-04T22:47:00.010+05:30

As announced in June, the Belgian Air Component (Air Force) has retired its last Israeli-built B-Hunter UAVs from service. On 28 August 2020, a ceremony took place at Florennes Air Base to commemorate this event and to thank the 80 Sqn for the many years of dedication, Aviation 24 reports.

Belgian Air Component retired its last B-Hunter UAV from service (Pic Source: Belgian Air Component)

The ceremony, which included a water cannon salute as performed for aircraft held in the presence of Major General Frederik Vansina, Commander of the Belgian Air Component, about to become Vice-Chief of Staff in charge of Strategy (ACOS Strat) after replacing Major General Thierry Dupont.

The 80 Sqn was formerly an artillery observation unit (80 Battery), before being transferred into the Air Force.

The current B-Hunter has low availability and no longer meets the standards and requirements of current operational theatres. Its early decommissioning will allow personnel to optimally prepare for the planned deployment in 2023 of the General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft and to strengthen other weapon systems.

Belgian Air Component's new UAV MQ-9B SkyGuardian (Pic Source: GA)

China’s Ladakh move Xi JinPing attempt towards a looming food crisis

2020-09-03T17:48:00.000+05:30

President Xi Jinping launched ‘Operation Clean Plate’ to prepare China for a potential food crisis aroused due to the diplomatic muscle flexing pursued abroad to bolster his standing at home. However, Beijing’s aggressive manoeuvres in Ladakh, the South China Sea seen to prompt by a design to divert attention from domestic troubles come as cratered relations with its neighbours and soured relations with its important food suppliers the United States, Canada and Australia.

Xi JinPing turn food crisis of China with its Save Food Campaign

China’s ultra-nationalistic wolf warrior diplomacy and aggressive military posture by PLA in Ladakh is a throwback to 1962, when it used the border skirmish with India to mask the failed Great Leap Forward movement that killed millions of Chinese of hunger. Xi Jinping’s focus on crash diet last month immediately set off speculation that he may expects its food supply to get worse.

Back in May, Premier Li Keqiang promised to draw up a food security plan amid the coronavirus pandemic, assuring that China could ensure food for its people ‘through our own efforts’, reward higher yield of grains and promote the pig production. Agriculture minister Han Changfu had added that the African swine fever that led to kill 100 million pigs was a big threat increase in price of pork, a staple food for world’s biggest consumer.

However, Official statistics indicate food prices went up by 13% in July compared with a year ago and the price of pork by about 85 per cent. The Qingyi River an upper Yangtze tributary saw its worst flood in a century. Already, according to data from the China General Administration of Customs, China’s grain imports had risen by 22.7 per cent (to 74.51 million tonnes) in between January and July as compared to the same period last year.

India China Clash in Ladakh a provoked conspiracy to divert attention of food crisis in China

Wheat and Corn imports saw a 197% and 23% increase year-on-year with 910,000 tonnes and 880,000 tonnes. China’s state media denied any shortage of food instead claimed to have a record high of 142.8 million Ton this year “There is no need to worry”. According to news agency AFP, that China’s “food shortfall” will increase in coming years unless major agricultural reforms are undertaken.

China’s state media has linked Xi Jinping’s campaign to the global food crisis predicted by the United Nations, a warning that was repeated by the world body two months back when it asked governments to act swiftly to avoid disaster.

India’s next fighter jet will be available for production in half the time of Existing One!

2020-09-01T22:44:00.001+05:30

The next fighter jet of India is on the design table in the final freezing state. Yes! Tejas Mk2 will have half the development time then Tejas Mk1. From the first flight in 2001 till the formation of the first squadron in 2016, LCA-Tejas Mk1 Program remain in slow pace of development and 15 years from first flight to the first squadron due to long developmental and testing cycle for higher safety issue and lack of experience.

India's next fighter jet TEJAS MK-II may complete design phase by end of 2021

Prototype Development Phase

Tejas Mk2 program will skip Technology Demonstrator (TD) and Prototype vehicles (PV) stages and HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) to roll out start first Tejas Mk2 LSP aircraft in 12 month after final design freeze by 2021 and the first aircraft with Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) standard configuration slated to have its first flight by 2022 or 2023.

The adoption of computer simulations in a big way not only has helped ADA to perfect the design of the aircraft but it will also cut down on the required time to test basic flight characteristics of the aircraft.

HAL plans to outsource sub-assemblies of the aircraft like fuselage from Tier-2/3 suppliers. A fully equipped section of aircraft fuselage means that production line can hit 24 aircraft per annum mark from the first year itself instead of gradual increase in production rate as seen in Tejas Mk1 program.

ADA (Aeronautics Development Agency) and HAL plan to field 3 IOC Standard and 2 Full Operational Clearance (FOC) standard aircraft before the production by 2028-29.

Squadron Readiness

All LSPs will have all structures and panels of the aircraft and that will be interchangeable to Phase-out quality or spare issues, when aircraft enters production. Interchangeable panels and spares is must for the operational squadrons to ensure aircraft availability by 75% and above to meet IAF’s operational availability also to reduce downtime of the grounded aircraft.

The majority of the design work of the Tejas Mk2 has frozen and minor changes expected before the final freeze by end of this year. Tender documents issued to private sector companies by HAL show the final design of the wings for the Tejas Mk2 program. HAL to order cockpit simulators to train pilots shows that many of the groundwork has commenced before aircraft goes into assembling mode.

India will develop 5 Prototype before entering into Production of TEJAS MK-II (Pic Source: Unknown)

Features of TEJAS MK-II

Many of the major components like Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC), Avionics, Navigation equipment, EW and Onboard Oxygen generator are already developed, but concern remains on availability of UTTAM AESA fire Control Radar which is still going through fine-tuning and testings and many of modes out of total 18 modes yet to be realized.

Around 8 F-414INS6 engine ordered to General Electric (GE) have already arrived in India and Tejas Mk2 will accommodate the F-414INS6 engines without any problems or extensive redesign to the enlarged air intakes, and that it will perform to its designed potential as validated by computer simulations. GE team will be in India to monitor the integration work of engine with the first Tejas Mk2 till the Ground Engine Run before it is cleared for its first flight.

India's Next Gen Astra MK-II IR enable will have reduced Range

2020-08-31T19:51:00.000+05:30

A variant of the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air to Air missile (BVRAAM) under development will have a shorter ranger than existing with a passive imaging IR seeker might be ready for initial trials from 2022 onwards said informed sources close to idrw.org.

ASTRA MK-1 missile tested on Sukhoi platform

Astra IR with a dual waveband, passive imaging IR seeker will provide terminal guidance that will be powered by a smoke-less solid propellant with higher impulse motor for improved performance at Within visual combat at the reduced range.

Astra IR minimum and maximum operating ranges likely will be 500 m to 60 km due to seeker track limitation found in IR air to air missiles world over. Astra IR will be capable of operating in lock-on before launch and lock-on after launch modes and IR seeker will allow the missile to autonomously detect, track and lock-on the targets.

Astra IR can be adapted on all fighter types in IAF since it doesn’t require deep integration with the aircraft’s Mission Computers (MC). Astra IR is an interim Medium range Air to Air missile which has been designed to supplement Astra MK1 RF (active radar homing head ) till work begins on a much shorter range Next Generation Close Combat (NGCCM) Within Visual Range (WVR) Air to Air missile to be developed by DRDO for Indian air force jets.

Sukhoi Platform will be used to test ASTRA MK-II missile by 2022

DRDO also has two separate long-range Air to Air missile programs known as Astra Mk2 (With Dual-Pulse propulsion) and Astra Mk3 (With Air-breathing ramjet propulsion) and NGCCM will be developed post completion of this longer-range missiles first as IAF moves to equip most of the fighter jets in its fleet with MBDA’s ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile) Close combat Missiles.

Afghanistan and India! The reason that Germany declined to transfer AIP technology to Pakistan's submarine Project

2020-08-30T12:10:00.002+05:30

A top German security panel headed by the Chancellor Angela Merkel has turned down Pakistan’s request for supply of air independent propulsion (AIP) systems for its submarines that would allow them to stay underwater for weeks, people familiar with the matter said.

Pakistan wants to upgrade its Yuan Class Submarine with AIP technology

The decision taken by the German Federal Security Council headed by Chancellor Angela Merkel was conveyed to the Pakistan embassy on August 6, people cited above said on conditions of anonymity.

Pakistan had made the request for access to the air independent propulsion system that can recharge submarine batteries without having to surface for longer periods. Pakistan had proposed the upgrade for submarines in its inventory and the Yuan class submarines being manufactured under joint China-Pakistan project in China.

The AIP system would have enhanced the combat capabilities of its submarines by allowing the diesel engines to run without atmospheric air for a week or more.

Conventional submarines have to surface almost every second day to run their air-breathing diesel engines, running the risk of detection.

Possible Allegation of India

Pakistan watchers in Delhi said the primary reason for Germany to take a hard stance on Pakistan’s request was being attributed to its role in promoting terror, particularly Pakistan’s failure to cooperate in identifying the perpetrators of the truck bomb attack on the Germany Embassy in Kabul in May 2017.

Nearly 150 people were killed in the bombing that devastated a central area of Kabul near the embassy. The bombing, counted among the deadliest terror strikes in recent years, was linked to the Haqqani Network that is known in counter-terror circuits to be supported and directed by Pakistan deep state.

Afghanistan to Germany

The Afghan National Directorate of Security had then gone on record to blame the Haqqani network based in neighbouring Pakistan for the terror strike and accused Pakistan’s spy agency ISI of helping in planning the attack. German officials have noted that Islamabad hadn’t pursued the investigations at its end.

Turkish Aerospace Industry delivers new radar equipped drone to Turkish Naval Forces

2020-08-30T07:49:00.003+05:30

On August 24 2020, the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has supplied another ANKA a long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with an automatic identification system and synthetic aperture radar (SAR), to the Turkish Naval Forces.

Turkish Navy received new Anka-S drone from TAI (Pic Source: Turkish Navy)

Task

The ANKA that can be deploy in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas with its SAR and camera load for surface reconnaissance and surveillance missions, can gather intelligence from a distant range and above clouds with its new radar system.

Features

The ANKA-S System is developed for day and night reconnaissance, surveillance, fixed/mobile target detection, identification, tracking and real-time image intelligence tasks. It can also under all-weather conditions. The ANKA-S System has a payload of 200 kg and an altitude of 30,000 feet and is capable of 24 hours of flight time.

Turkish Fleet

The UAV's fleet of the Turkish Naval Forces includes 110 Bayraktar TB2 drones domestically-produced by Turkey’s leading aviation company Baykar Makina, 4 ANKA drones and 10 Israeli Heron-TP UAVs.

Germany, France and Dutch Navies hold Mine Countermeasures Drill

2020-08-29T20:33:00.002+05:30

On August 24 2020, the harbour protection exercise started at three different locations in the inner port of Ostend. This exercise is the first part of a diptych of Exercise SANDY COAST 2020, an international mine action exercise in Belgian waters.

Harbour protection exercise hold at Ostend Port, Belgium (Pic: Belgium Navy)

During the exercise, the Dutch, French and German "Very Shallow Water" (VSW) and "explosive ordnance disposal" (EOD) teams train in the procedures that are actually applied when they have to search for explosive devices. It goes without saying that fake explosive devices will be used during the exercise.

The two teams explore the bottom and the walls of the quay in search of explosive material (improvised explosive device and mines). They locate explosive devices using unmanned systems (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles abbreviated AUV) such as the Alister-9 and the Remus 100.

After analyzing the images from these AUVs, objects presumed to be explosive devices are identified with the help of divers. If the contact turns out to be an explosive (even if it is a real explosive), it will be rendered harmless.

Navy personnel unmanned research and rescue system repairing (Belgium Navy)

During the exercise, attention is also paid to suspicious objects in the vicinity of the exercise areas, which will then also be neutralized according to a planned procedure. During this exercise in the inner port of Ostend, the teams will keep the staff, which coordinates everything, informed of developments.

SACO 20 as a Binational exercise will primarily focus on MCM tactics, techniques and procedures, including experimental tactics (EXTACS) and VSW/EOD techniques and procedures. The 2020 edition will equally focus on harbour protection (HP) and shore-based VSW MCM.

US to sell Missiles to United Kingdom and Japan

2020-08-29T13:22:00.000+05:30

On Aug. 26, the U.S. State Department of Defense announced it has approved Foreign Military Sale of 395 AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles and Support System to the United Kingdom and 32 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Japan. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air to Air launched by F-35A Lightening II

The Government of Japan shown interest to 32 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and 1 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance section, spare parts and contractor engineering, technical and logistical support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support for an estimated cost of $63 million from the prime contractor “Raytheon Missile Systems”.

AIM 120-C has the operational range of about 100km with speed of Mach 4 running with Solid-fuel Rocket motor system. AIM missile has the biggest from around the world more 35 countries forces use the AIM missile's different variants.

The Government of the United Kingdom also shown interest to buy 395 AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles. Also included is technical assistance, publications, integration support, and other related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $46 million from the prime contractor “Lockheed Martin Corporation”.

AGM Hellfire Missile with Anti-Tank warhead being loaded on Apache

Hellfire missile-AGM can carry different types of warheads like High Explosive Anti-Tank, Tandem Anti-Armour Blast Fragmentation etc. Hellfire has a range of 500m to max range of 11km.

Ammonfuel: the Future Sea Transportation fuel

2020-08-28T22:48:00.000+05:30

According a report issued by Alfa Laval in August 2020, Alfa Laval, Hafnia, Haldor Topsoe, Vestas, and Siemens Gamesa are working on “Ammonfuel – an industrial view of ammonia as a marine fuel instead of regular fuels (carbohydrates)”.

Ammonfuel will drive the future shiping Industry without Carbon and Sulphur component

Objective

The ammonfuel report provides a comprehensive and up-to-date industrial overview of the applicability, scalability, cost and sustainability of ammonia as a marine fuel.

Concerns

The known and yet unknown environmental and climate regulations and requirements such as the MARPOL regulations and the IMO targets for greenhouse gas reductions. Ammonia has emerged as a sustainable marine fuel that can deliver compliance. However, some key concerns about ammonfuel are:

Key concerns

What is the future cost of green ammonia?
Will safety be an issue?
What is the global availability and scalability of ammonia as a marine fuel?
What are the risks faced – or eliminated – by choosing ammonia fuel for the next investment?

Conclusions

Cost: Conventional ammonia energy cost is similar to Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) energy cost. Future green ammonia is the most economic carbon neutral fuel.

Safety: Safe ammonia handling is industrially proven. Ship design will implement safety solutions for handling ammonia on board

Availability: Availability and scalability confirmed as global infrastructure has largely in place

Risk: Design for ammonia and VLSFO dual fuel operation leaves maximum flexibility to minimize fuel costs and meet future regulations and requirements.

Release of Carbon and Sulphur component from ship engine

Highlights

Ammonia availability and production scalability

120 ports already equipped with ammonia trading facilities worldwide. Annual ammonia production is 180 million tons. Conventional production over-capacity of 60 million tons/year ensures availability. Additional ammonia production to meet 30% marine fuel demand in 2050: 150 million tons/year

Demand for renewable energy to produce green ammonia

400 GW power needed to meet 30% of future marine fuel demand. In 2019 alone, 184 GW additional power production was installed.

Cost of energy from VLSFO or ammonia

12.5–15 $/GJ for VLSFO (primo 2020, price is volatile)

13.5 $/GJ for today’s conventional ammonia (stable since ultimo 2018)

13.5–15 $/GJ forecasted cost for green ammonia from solar and wind energy in 2040–2050

16–21.5 $/GJ for carbon neutral ammonia as dual fuel in 2025–2030

Safety and applicability

17.5 million tons ammonia safely traded and transported yearly by ship, truck, and train worldwide. Existing practices and know-how for a safe ammonia handling are established in the Marine and other industries and adaptable for ammonia as a fuel. Dual fuel ammonia engine forecasted availability from 2024

Environmental benefits

Ammonia is a carbon and sulfur free fuel
Green ammonia is produced entirely from renewable electricity, water, and air.
Unlike sustainable carbon-based fuels, the green ammonia feedstocks are unlimited
Ammonia can burn in an internal combustion engine with no SOX, CO2, or particulate emissions.
The installation of catalytic (SCR) technology eliminates N2O/NOX emissions to very low levels leaving an exhaust of nitrogen and water.
Ammonia is metabolized in the environment and does not build-up

Three Chinese Sailor has killed by friendly nation North Korea

2020-08-28T11:19:00.000+05:30

According to an article in Daily NK, the North Korean patrol boat open live rounds fire at a Chinese boat illegally fishing in North Korean waters killing multiple Chinese sailors.

“On August 11, a China-based source told Daily NK that North Korean patrol boat opened fire and killed three Chinese Fishermen and other injured in the incident. The source who requested anonymity for security reasons reveals that the Chinese boats were fishing illegally in coastal waters off the North Korean west coast, near Haeju and Ongjin County in South Hwanghae Province.

Chinese fishing shot by North Korean Patrol party during illegal fishing (Pic Source: Daily NK)

Chinese vessels usually work in groups, and on this occasion there were around 10 boats fishing together when one was followed by the North Korean patrol and fired upon. Three of the Chinese Fishermen on board were reportedly killed on the spot.

Recent Conflict Incidents

The source believed there is a high likelihood the shooting was retaliation for an incident in July when Chinese fishing vessels rammed a North Korean patrol boat in the Yalu River delta.

The Chinese vessel that received the barrage of shots was towed away by other ships in the fleet, and Chinese authorities have reportedly been trying to ensure news of the incident does not leak.

North Korean Patrol party who shot Chinese boat and killed three sailor and other injured

Tensions between Chinese fishing boats and North Korean patrols aside, a recent incident led Chinese authorities to temporarily ban their boats from fishing in the waters off Dandong, which sits right across the river from Sinuiju, according to the source.

“In June, an empty Chinese fishing boat was discovered in waters near Dandong, with bloodstained footprints and what appeared to be a piece of human ear,” the source said. “After the Chinese government conducted an investigation, they concluded that likely been committed by the North Korean coast guard”. Without any way to act on the evidence, however, the Chinese authorities appear to have put the case aside, he added.

Chinese boat recovered by North Korean forces

A source in North Pyongan Province familiar with this incident explained that such “untoward incidents” have been happening because North Korean soldiers have less income from bribes than before following the closure of the Sino-North Korean border.

“Military units have become even more brutal since they are barred from going out to sea to earn money because of COVID- 19,” the source said, adding, “The fact that they are willing to commit piracy and even murder has left Chinese people frightened”.

Indian AstroSat detected Ultravoilet Light and X-Rays from Edge of Universe

2020-08-25T22:33:00.000+05:30

ASTROSAT, Indias first multi- wavelength satellite observatory, has detected an extreme ultraviolet (UV) light from a galaxy which is 9.3 billion( Almost near the edge of the universe) light-years away from Earth, the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) said on Monday.

Indian AstrSat: Multi-wavelength Observatory Satellite detect Ultraviolet Light and Xrays

A release from the Pune-based Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics said a global team led by IUCAA scientists have achieved the major breakthrough. “Indias first multi-wavelength satellite, which has five unique X-ray and ultraviolet telescopes working in tandem, AstroSat, has detected extreme-UV light from a galaxy, called AUDFs01, 9.3 billion light-years away from Earth,”.

The discovery was made by an international team of astronomers led by Dr Kanak Saha, associate professor of astronomy at the IUCAA, and published on August 24 by ‘Nature Astronomy’, the release said. This team comprised scientists from India, France, Switzerland, USA, Japan and The Netherlands.

AstroSat Multi-wavelength Observatory Satellite detect Ultravoilet and X-Rays from the Edge of Universe

Saha and his team observed the galaxy, which is located in the Hubble Extreme Deep field, through AstroSat. These observations lasted for more than 28 hours in October 2016, the release stated.

But it took nearly two years since then to carefully analyse the data to ascertain that the emission is indeed from the galaxy. Since UV radiation is absorbed by Earths atmosphere, it has to be observed from space, it said.

Earlier, NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope (HST), a significantly larger than UVIT (UV imaging telescope), did not detect any UV emission (with energy greater than 13.6 eV) from this galaxy because it is too faint, it said.

NASA's Hubble telescope for study of Universal Energy and Waves

AstroSat/UVIT was able to achieve this unique feat because the background noise in the UVIT detector is much less than the ones on HST,” said the release quoting Saha. Saha said they knew it would be an uphill task to convince the international community that UVIT has recorded extreme-UV emission from this galaxy when more powerful HST has not.

Dr Somak Raychaudhury, Director of IUCAA, said, “This is a very important clue to how the dark ages of the universe ended and there was light in the universe. “We need to know when this started, but it has been very hard to find the earliest sources of light. I am very proud that my colleagues have made such an important discovery.”

Royal Navy of Britain's fastest constructed new Patrol Vessel HMS Tamar ready for deployment

2020-08-21T23:43:00.000+05:30

Britain is ready to put its newest warship on front-line duties. It is thought to be the fastest generation of a warship in peacetime, the Portsmouth-based ship is ready to deploy around the globe by August from lifeless hulk at the beginning of 2020.

HMS Tamar a River Class Offshore Patrol Vessel of Royal Navy of Britain is ready for Frontline mission

The fact that HMS Tamar has 61 crew member, all new to River-class Offshore patrol vessel and have come from frigates and destroyers, even aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.

The class is at the vanguard of the Royal Navy’s Forward Presence programme, stationing ships around the globe in regions key to UK interests and security as well as in-home waters.

HMS Tamar

River Class: HMS Tamar is a Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessel of the British Navy. Named after the River Tamar, she is the fourth Batch 2 River-class vessel to be built and was formally commissioned on 4 June 2020

HMS Tamar is the fastest constructed patrol vessel

Dimension: River-class ship is dimensionally 90.5m (296 ft 11 in) long hull, a top speed of 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph)

Displacement and Endurance: Tamar with displacement of 2,000 tonnes has of about range of 5500 miles (10200km) with endurance up to 35days.

Power Plant: River-class Tamar is powered by 2 × MAN 16V28/33D diesel engines developing 14,700kW/19,700HP has a Merlin capable flight deck for Helicopter.

Armaments: It is armed with one DS30B 30 mm cannon, two Miniguns and two General purpose machine guns. The class is also fitted with the Kelvin Hughes SharpEye integrated radar system for navigation, the Terma Scanter 4100 2D radar for air and surface surveillance, and a BAE CMS-1 Combat Management System.

New Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (HMCS) Harry DeWolf delivered under National Shipbuilding Strategy to Royal Canadian Navy

2020-08-21T08:33:00.001+05:30

According to information published by the Canadian MoD (Ministry of Defense) on July 31, 2020, the Royal Canadian Navy has taken delivery of the first new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS). Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Harry DeWolf, the first of a class of six, is named in honour of Vice-Admiral Harry DeWolf, a Canadian wartime naval hero. HMCS Harry DeWolf is the first ship built for the RCN under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

New Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS-430) build for Royal Canadian Navy under National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy

Specifically designed to patrol Canada’s offshore waters and northernmost regions, this new class of ship will be at the core of an enhanced Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Arctic presence, effectively complementing the capabilities of our other current and future warships through critical reconnaissance and surveillance activities.

In addition to highly versatile platforms that will enable the ship to support a variety of domestic and international missions. HMCS Harry DeWolf will remain docked at Jetty NJ at the CFB Halifax Dockyard while the RCN conducts its post-acceptance trials and training, including operations near Newfoundland and Labrador.

Commissioning and Deployment

The ship will undergo a formal commissioning ceremony in summer 2021, which will mark that it has officially entered into active naval service, followed by an Arctic deployment. Construction for the following three ships is ongoing, with construction of the fifth and sixth ships expected to begin in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

HMCS Harry DeWolf being welcomed in sea

HMCS Harry DeWolf (AOPV 430) is the lead ship of its class of offshore patrol vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy. The class was derived from the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship project as part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy and is primarily designed for the patrol and support of Canada's Arctic regions.

Features

Dimension: The Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessels are designed for use in the Arctic regions of Canada for patrol and support within Canada's exclusive economic zone. The vessel is 103.6 m (339 ft 11 in) long overall with a beam of 19.0 m.

Displacement: The ship has a displacement of 6,615 metric tons. The ship has an enclosed foredeck that protects machinery and work spaces from Arctic climates.

Power House: The vessel is powered by a diesel-electric system composed of four 3.6-megawatt (4,800 hp) generators and two diesel engines rated at 4.5 megawatts (6,000 hp) driving two shafts.

Speed: Harry DeWolf is capable of 17 knots (31 km/h; 20 mph) in open water and 3 knots (5.6 km/h; 3.5 mph) while icebreaking in new year ice of 1-meter (3 ft 3 in) thickness.

HMCS Harry DeWolf class AOPS-430 under trial by RCN

Endurance: The ship has a range of 6,800 nautical miles (12,600 km; 7,800 mi) and an endurance of 85. Harry DeWolf is equipped with fin stabilizers to decrease roll in open water but can be retracted during icebreaking.

Other: The ship is also equipped with a bow thruster to aid during maneuvers and docking procedures without requiring tugboat assistance.

Pakistan Released a long list of Defence Equipment and Ammunition buying from China

2020-08-20T12:52:00.000+05:30

Pakistan is on a shopping spree of military equipment in China which it is feared will help arm jihadis and facilitate their intrusion in India and Afghanistan. The long list of items includes 80,000 rounds of steel bullets. According to a report, signalling a possible use by terrorists infiltrating into Kashmir from Line of Control (LoC) India and along Durand Line Afghanistan border specially Pashtun Majority.

Pakistan has made a long list of ammunition to buy from its evergreen friend China

A bulk order of these bullets is alarming as it indicated how Pakistan may equip terrorists to cause maximum damage to the Indian security forces. Pakistan’s purchases of defence equipment from China to aid terrorists attempting to infiltrate into Kashmir shows the collusion between two countries against India, intelligence reports indicate.

The big arms purchases are happening in the wake of India-China standoff in Ladakh over the last three months. Despite military and diplomatic talks, the deadlock has not ended with both sides continuing with their military build-up at the Line of Actual Control.

list of items that Pakistan is buying from China

Steel bullets are potent enough to pierce through bulletproof jackets and have been used by terror groups against security forces in the last few years along both the borders. Reports also suggest that ALIT has offered Pakistan command and control options, including direct line-of-sight and satellite communications.

Pakistan's long list of defence equipment and ammunition buying from china

Pakistan has already procured 3,000-4,000 military combat ballistic bulletproof jackets from China. Pakistan is also procuring balloon radars, these helium-filled balloon looking airborne ground surveillance systems can go up to a height of 15,000 feet.

Procurement of medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Cai Hong-4 (CH-4). It can carry a wide range of payloads. Includes surveillance platforms, winter clothing and equipment for high-altitude areas, artillery guns and combat armed drones. Military observers believe that China wants to ensure that there is action at the Line of Control.

A report says a 10-member team of the Pakistan Army led by Brigadier Mohammad Zafar Iqbal visited China to review the procurement process. “The Pakistan Army team went to China for factory acceptance test of items procured from Aerospace Long-March International Trade Company (ALIT), China.”

Indian Start-Up developed Granade Launching UAV

2020-08-20T07:08:00.000+05:30

An Indian Start Up Vinveli Aerospace developed grenade launching UAV.

While most companies are focused on making UAVs with cameras for surveillance, this Made in India UAV called Vero is remotely piloted, equipped with two 38mm grenades that are capable of being remotely fired mid-air.

Indian Start-Up Vinveli Aerospace developed grenade launching UAV

Specification

The UAV has two cameras that allow for the operator to conduct surveillance and locate the target. It can function in below zero degree to positive forty degrees. The UAV is designed to be used in extreme and high-altitude conditions.

Fire Power

An advance version of this UAV is packed with even more firepower with capacity of firing lethal 40mm grenades. Another variant is capable of carrying several kilograms of High Explosive IEDs, transporting supplies such as ammunition, food, etc.

Features of UAV

1. 40MM High Explosive Grenade Launcher UAV
2. 10km Secure Control Link
3. Safe and Quick Remote Deployment
4. 40 min Flight time
5. Wind state 6 and Water resistant
6. 40MM HE, HEDP, HEAP, etc. Grenades

Vero firing the granade during a test somewhere

It can also be used to carry and deliver lifesaving medicines or first aid kits. Several special forces units are equipped with these UAVs for use in operations.

South Korea and Israel has developed new AESA Radar to find 1000? Targets Simultaneously!

2020-08-10T05:57:00.000+05:30

South Korea has unveiled an indigenous active electronically scanned-array (AESA) radar prototype for use by the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (RoKAF’s) next-generation multirole fighter aircraft, which is being developed under the Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) programme.

South Korea Unveiled new AESA Radar collaboration with ELTA Systems (Israel Aerospace Industries) for its new fighter jet KF-X

The radar, which has been under development since 2016 by South Korean company Hanwha Systems and the country’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD), was unveiled in a ceremony held on 7-August-2020, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

The radar will now undergo further ground performance and installation tests before being integrated with the first KF-X prototype for further testing, said South Korean officials, adding that Elta Systems – a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) – has collaborated on the programme and is assisting with the testing phase.

Very few details have emerged about the AESA radar, which officials have described as a “state-of-the-art system capable of detecting and tracking more than 1,000? targets simultaneously”. May be it become the first in the world to do so!

South Korean indigenous fighter jet programme KF-X will have new AESA Radar

The latest developments come after South Korean aerospace and defence company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) revealed in July that it plans to roll out the first KF-X prototype in April 2021. No further details were provided about the programme but Janes understands that the prototype is expected to conduct its first flight in 2022.

Russia will get first Attack Drone from Sukhoi: S-70

2020-08-09T17:24:00.000+05:30

The first Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik (“Hunter”) attack drone should be delivered to the Russian military in 2024 after the Ministry of Defense demanded to speed up the experimental work on the upcoming unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV). With the testing of the aircraft’s armament initially planned for 2024, the UCAV was supposed to enter service the following year.

Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik (Hunter) UCAV will be delivered to Defence forces by 2024

The deadline has now been reduced by a year. “We received an assignment from the Defense Ministry to speed up the experimental design work and maximally adjust the schedule in order to begin the deliveries already from 2024,” United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Head Yuri Slyusar said, as reported by TASS news agency. “That is why we are actively working with colleagues on this issue.”

Initially a MiG program, the S-70 was given to Sukhoi in 2011. The Okhotnik UAV is powered by an AL-31 turbojet engine and is equipped with electro-optical targeting, radio, and “other types of reconnaissance equipment,” according to the Defense Ministry. The demonstrator made its maiden flight on August 7, 2019. At the time the aircraft flew for 20 minutes and reached an altitude of 600 meters (1,970 feet).

Maiden flight demonstration of Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik UCAV takes place in August 2019.

The Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik (Hunter) is way bigger than its Western counterparts. With 20 meters in wingspan and a length of 14 meters, its mass is supposedly around 20 tons (against 4.9 for the Dassault nEUROn and 6.3 for the Northrop Grumman X-47B). It is expected to fly at a speed of 1,000 km/h, for a range of 6,000 km.

Its two internal bays should embark up to 2.8 tons of weapons. The S-70 is supposed to eventually operate in collaboration with the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet to extend the latter’s radar field. It should also be able to use its stealth abilities to designate long-range targets for its leader aircraft without being detected. In September 2019, the UCAV made its first sortie alongside the fighter jet.

China to induct home made Amphibious Aircraft AG600 Kunlong

2020-08-08T22:26:00.001+05:30

According to information published by the China Org. China has completed successfully sea-based test-flight of its AG600 Kunlong amphibious aircraft from the coast of Qingdao in Shandong province, flying for a total of 1 hour and 21 minutes.

China to induct its AG600 Amphibious Aircraft tested recently in sea and the delivery expected in 2022

The development of the AG600 was approved by the central government in June 2009. Researchers and engineers from hundreds of domestic institutes, enterprises, and universities took part in the AG600 program. Construction of the first prototype began in March 2014 and was completed in July 2016.

The AG600 Kunlong is a Chinese-made amphibious aircraft designed by the companies AVIC (Aviation Industry Corporation of China) and CAIGA (China Aviation Industry General Aircraft). On 24 December 2017, it made its maiden flight from Zhuhai Jinwan Airport. In May 2018, AVIC planned to have the Civil Aviation Administration of China type certification completed by 2021 and deliveries starting in 2022.

The AG600 amphibious aircraft has a single body flying boat fuselage, cantilevered high wings, four WJ-6 turboprops, and tricycle retractable landing gear. It can operate from 1,500 by 200 m stretches of water 2.5 m deep and should be able to conduct Sea State 3 operations with 2 m waves. It was developed for aerial firefighting, collecting 12 tons of water in 20 seconds and transporting up to 370 tons of water on a single tank of fuel (31 rotations), and search and rescue, retrieving up to 50 people at sea.

China's AG600 amphibious Aircraft during the sea test in Shandong

With a length of 37 meters and a wingspan of 38.8 meters, the AG600 is the world's largest amphibious aircraft. Powered by four Chinese-made WJ-6 turboprop engines, it has a maximum takeoff weight of 53.5 metric tons. It can fly at a maximum speed of 500 km/h, with a flight endurance of 12 hours

US's Northrop and Sierra working on new Radio Frequency Countermeasure Program for C-130 Cargo aircraft

2020-08-04T15:51:00.000+05:30

Northrop Grumman to provide key electronic warfare capabilities for AC/MC-130J aircraft. Northrop Grumman has been selected to provide the prime mission equipment for the Sierra Nevada Corporation-led AC/MC-130J Radio Frequency Countermeasure (RFCM) program.

Northrop Grumman Countermeasure System (Source: pic for representation)

Northrop Grumman’s RFCM system utilizes the latest in antenna, amplifier and electronics technology. This technology provides superior situational awareness and better enables aircraft survivability in operationally relevant environments.

“With the radio frequency threat growing, modern electromagnetic spectrum protection for AC/MC-130J operators worldwide is essential,” said Jim Conroy, vice president, navigation, targeting and survivability, Northrop Grumman. “Our product line approach to the RFCM program is mature and in use throughout our electronic warfare systems.”

Northrop Grumman Digital Radar Warning Receiver and Electronic Warfare Systems (Pic for representation)

The modular, open systems approach to the suite is designed to provide radar warning, threat identification and countermeasure capabilities today while allowing for the flexibility to adapt to future threats. The system is applicable to both U.S. and international customers and represents the latest upgrade to Northrop Grumman’s RFCM product line.

Northrop Grumman has deep expertise in electronic warfare systems for land, sea and air. Covering the full spectrum of operations from self-protection to electronic attack, the company’s systems are preparing warfighters for multi-domain operations. Among these systems are the F-16 electronic warfare suite, AN/APR-39 family of radar warning receivers and pod-based self-protection.

Scientists and Engineers started construction of world's largest Nuclear Fusion Reactor in France

2020-08-03T14:59:00.000+05:30

"Scientist and Engineers from around the world started construction of the world’s largest nuclear fusion project in city of southern France Saint-Paul-lez-Durance that is planned to be operational late 2025", The Guardian reports.

Fusion Reactor will built under ITER Project for commercial market

"The project called ITER, is an international collaborative effort between 35 countries with enormous ambitions that prove the feasibility of fusion energy with a gigantic magnetic device called a 'tokamak',” as per the project’s official website.

“Enabling the exclusive use of clean energy will be a miracle for our planet,” ITER Director General Bernard Bigot said during virtual celebration. Fusion power works by harnessing the energy released by two lighter atomic nuclei fusing to form a heavier nucleus, and releasing high energy turning it into electricity.

If proven to be economical, the machine generates more energy than has to be put in to kickstart the process. The technology could lay the groundwork for an entirely new way of generating nearly unlimited clean energy on a commercial scale.

Fusion Reactor build under ITER Project by different countries from the world

Fusion power would be far safer than conventional fission nuclear energy, since there’s no risk of a meltdown or leftover nuclear waste. But if the last six decades of fusion research, it remains an elusive way of generating net energy. The extremely hot plasma inside the fusion reactors is notoriously difficult to predict and control.

That’ll make ITER an extremely complex build. Its final reactor will weigh 23,000 tons, including 3,000 tons of superconducting magnets connected to each other by 200 kilometers of superconducting cables, all of which have to be kept Cryo-cooled down to -269 degrees Celsius, as The Guardian reports.

Fusion Reactor built in France under ITER Project may be operational by 2025

“Constructing the machine piece-by-piece will be like assembling a three-dimensional puzzle on an intricate timeline with the precision of a Swiss watch,” Bigot added. The team behind the ITER project is optimistic about the tests they’ll be able to carry out using the massive reactor.

By producing self-heating plasma, the team is expecting to generate ten times the heat than the input amount. In other words, the team wants to generate 500 megawatts from an input of just 50 megawatts. Temperatures would reach ten times the temperature of the center of the Sun, according to ITER.

Egypt will have new fighter jets from Russia!

2020-08-02T07:57:00.000+05:30

"Egypt is now going to receive its first Sukhoi Su-35 fighter aircraft from Russia" ,Middle East Monitor on July 28, 2020. Egypt and Russia has a weapon deal of $US2 billion for the purchase of about 25 Su-35s fighter aircraft.

"It was announced that Russia has started production of Su-35 fighter aircraft for Egypt Air Force" ,Russian Press Agency TASS has published in may 2020. "The Gagarin Aircraft Plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur has launched the production of Su-35.

Russian made fighter aircrafts- 4++ generation Su-35s, 5 generation Su-57, 4 generation MiG29 and 4++ generation Su-30

Russia’s Kommersant daily reported that Egypt had decided to purchase several Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets for about $2 billion. But deputy head of the Rosoboronexport Sergei Kornev denied the signing of any contract to supply Su-35s to Egypt.

The Sukhoi Su-35s carries a 30mm cannon, has 12 hardpoints and can detect targets at more than 400 kilometers, while its radar can track up to 30 targets simultaneously. The fighter has a maximum flying range of 3,500km without refueling. The world’s most powerful Fourth-Generation fighter’s standout features include new engines, avionics and radar.

Avionics and other equipment are integrated into a single cohesive system by an information processing and control system, which comprises two digital CPUs, interface and data conversion systems, and a head-up display (HUD) implementing the glass cockpit concept.

Su-35s fighter aircraft deal has signed in Egypt and Russia for possible 25 aircraft sell

The Su-35 has two MFI-35 large color multi-functional LCDs, a multi-functional panel with an integrated display processor, a wide-angle collimated head-up display superimposed over the windscreen and a control panel in the cockpit.

The state-of-the-art system enables Sukhoi Su-35S to detect quickly and track simultaneously up to 4 ground targets or up to 30 airborne targets, and engagement with up to eight airborne targets at the same time. Besides, the radar control system has the friend-or-foe identification capability for aerial and maritime objects, is capable of identifying the class and type of airborne targets and take aerial photos of the ground.

The Su-35 can fly at a maximum speed of 2,390 km/h at a maximum altitude of 18,000m. The Su-35 weighs around 18,400 kg and the maximum take-off weight is 34,500 kg.

The Su-35, NATO reporting name Flanker-E is a single-seat, twin-engine fighter aircraft designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and built by the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant. The first prototype made its maiden flight in June 1988 and the first Su-35 was delivered to the Russian Air Force in 2009. China's PLAAF and the Indonesian Air Force have also placed orders.