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BrahMos Fired From Indian Frigate Tarkarsh

2013-05-22T13:51:00.001+05:30

ARCHIVE PHOTO / REPRESENTATIVE

BRAHMOS Statement: The BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile was successfully test fired from the Indian Navy's newest guided missile frigate INS Tarkash off the coast of Goa today.The missile performed high-level "C" maneuvere at pre-determined flight path and successfully hit the target. The surface-to-surface missile, having a range of 290-km, was test launched from the Russian-built Project 1135.6 class warship at 1100 hrs on the 22 of May 2013.

The launch was carried out by Indian Navy as part of Acceptance Test Firing (ATF) of the ship. Indian Navy commissioned INS Tarkash on 9 November, 2012. The warship along with two other frigates of the class - INS Teg and INS Trikand have been built as part of a $1.6 billion contract signed between India and Russia in July, 2006. INS Teg was commissioned on 27 April, 2012 and the commissioning of INS Trikand is expected soon.The advanced warship has been fitted with an upgraded multi-role combat suite to make it one of the most potent platforms of the Indian Navy.

The weapons suite of INS Tarkash includes surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missile systems, 100 mm medium range gun, close-in weapon system, torpedo tubes and anti-submarine rockets. The BRAHMOS surface-to-surface missile system is capable of engaging targets at extended ranges at supersonic speed. All the three ships will be equipped with 8 vertical launched BRAHMOS missile system as the prime strike weapon. The new missile frigates are designed to accomplish a wide range of maritime missions, primarily hunting down and destroying large surface ships and submarines. The vertical launch configuration of BRAHMOS enhances the stealth capabilities of the ship as the missiles are under the deck and not exposed. The Universal Vertical Launcher (UVLM) being used in these ships has a unique design, developed and patented by BrahMos Aerospace. The same also ensures manoeuvering of the missile in any direction after launch, independent of ship movement, thereby providing the surprise attack concepts to the ships.

VIDEO: P-8I Lands At INS Rajali, Joins Indian Navy

2013-05-18T13:42:00.000+05:30

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FIRST PHOTOS: First Boeing P-8I Joins Indian Navy

2013-05-15T16:06:00.001+05:30

Navy Statement: Indian Naval Aviation received a major fillip with the arrival of the first of eight Boeing P-8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti Submarine Warfare aircraft at Naval Air Station Rajali, Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu today, 15 may 13. Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, AVSM, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command presided over the event that was attended by Commodore Puneet Bahl, Commanding Officer, INS Rajali, representatives from the Command and Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of defence (Navy) as well.

The P-8I aircraft, based on the Boeing 737-800(NG) airframe, is the Indian Naval variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing has developed for the US Navy. The aircraft is equipped with both foreign as well as indigenous sensors for Maritime Reconnaissance, Anti Submarine operations and for Electronic Intelligence missions. The aircraft is fully integrated with state of the art sensors and highly potent Anti Surface and Anti Submarine weapons.

These LRMR/ ASW aircraft have been procured under the contract signed in 2009. The IN is in process of acquiring an additional four P-8I aircraft under the option clause. The induction of the P-8I aircraft into the Indian Navy would greatly enhance India's maritime surveillance capability in the Indian Ocean Region.

First P-8I Lands At Home Base Arakkonam Today

2013-05-15T09:03:00.000+05:30

PHOTO / BOEING

Big day for the Indian Navy and Boeing! The first of eight P-8Is (Tail No. IN 321) will land shortly before noon today at the INS Rajali naval air station in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu (the 'ARK' on the aircraft's tail denotes the place). The second and third aircraft will be delivered in August and November this year, with the final five to arrive across 2014-15. The aircraft is the first that was delivered to the Indian Navy (in Seattle on December 20 last year) and is being flown by a full IN crew.

Had a chance to get up close with the 2nd aircraft in July last during a visit to Boeing's checkout facility in Seattle. And here's a quick refresher on the P-8I's onboard systems.

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VIDEO: INAS 303 Black Panthers MiG-29K Squadron Commissioning

2013-05-12T12:42:00.000+05:30

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Indian Navy MiG-29K Squadron Commissioned

2013-05-11T21:48:00.001+05:30

The Indian Navy's first MiG-29K fighter squadron, INAS 303 Black Panthers was commissioned today at the INS Hansa naval air station in Goa. Happy to say the squadron's name was first reported here on Livefist in 2009 before the first batch of aircraft were inducted. Excerpts from a press release today:

The MiG-29K is a true swing role aircraft which carries enough punch to undertake Air Dominance and Power Projection missions simultaneously, bestowing the Commander at sea, great flexibility. It takes Indian naval aviation from a defensive stature to one of dominance. The MiG 29K aircraft is a state of the art, all weather, carrier based, air dominance fighter specially built for the Indian Navy. The aircraft has a maximum speed over twice the speed of sound (about 2000 kmph), can pull up to 8 times the force of gravity, can climb to an altitude of over 65000 feet. Armed with an arsenal of some of the most sophisticated weapons in the world it is fully equipped to dominate by engaging targets in air, at sea or on land. Latest avionics, with data link capabilities coupled with its range of armament will enable true power projection. With its air- to- air refueling capability its ranges are also extended to perform true power projection and air space dominance roles.

INAS 303 is commanded by Capt AD Theophilus, an accomplished and experienced Sea Harrier pilot and a Qualified Flying Instructor.

It may be recalled that the MiG 29K supersonic air dominance fighters were inducted by Mr Antony on 19 Feb 2010. Sixteen of these potent aircraft were inducted to form the main combat power of the, soon to be inducted aircraft carrier, Vikramaditya. Since its induction, the aircraft have flown over 2500 hrs and have successfully concluded armament trials of the entire range of arsenal comprising air to surface missiles, air to air missiles, bombs, rockets and guns. After proving in trials the aircraft have also participated in important theatre level exercises with the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. Having successfully completed all tasks and trials assigned and established its combat potential, the MiG-29K squadron has now been commissioned into front line service to form the sword arm of the Indian Navy.

In the tradition of naming its fighter squadrons in the 300 series, the MiG- 29K squadron, is christened INAS 303 and is being popularly referred to as the 'Black Panthers'. The number 303 has been derived from the revolutionary .303 rifle cartridge, which in the mid-19th century replaced the traditional lever-action cartridges with pointed-tip bullets, giving it a ballistic advantage over its counterparts. This path breaking technology enabled the bullet to travel at much higher speeds, more accurately and inflict much more damage than its predecessors, thus creating a new standard on which the future guns of the world were built. Drawing similarity to the above mentioned attributes of the rifle the number 303 has been chosen to represent the MiG 29K squadron. Just like the rifle revolutionized the concepts of rifle firing, the induction of the Black Panther squadron marks the beginning of a new era of fighter flying in the Indian navy and hence the squadron is also referred to as "the game changers". The squadron's insignia depicts the rare Black Panther, rampant on sea waves, against an azure background.

Happy 60th, Indian Naval Aviation!

2013-05-11T01:12:00.001+05:30

Indian Navair Turns 60, First MiG-29K Squadron Today

2013-05-11T00:02:00.001+05:30

The Indian Navy's first MiG-29K squadron, INAS 303 'Black Panthers' will be commissioned into service today at INS Hansa, the Navy's premier aviation hub in Goa on India's West Coast. The day marks 60 years of Indian naval aviation.

From the Indian Navy's statement today: "Born as a fledgling aviation arm of a small Navy, Naval aviation quickly grew to become the centre piece of Indian Navy’s combat power. Envisioned by bold and wise leaders, an aircraft carrier capable Navy has grown from strength to strength with its aviation arm proving its prowess over the last sixty years. Marking time from the commissioning of the first Naval Air Station INS Garuda at Kochi on 11 May 1953, Naval Aviation completes sixty glorious years of service today. From a fledgling arm with a mere six amphibian aircraft, the arm has grown exponentially over the last sixty years to operate over 200 aircraft including fighters, Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles as well. A truly potent and capable naval aviation."

A big congratulations to officers and all ranks at INAS 303 and the Indian Navy's superb aviators. Shano Varuna!

Back!

2013-05-10T11:57:00.002+05:30

That's right, I was gone again. This time to cover the Karnataka elections. Back to Delhi today, and back to blogging tomorrow. I know, I know.

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Of India-China Border Meetings

2013-05-03T01:38:00.001+05:30

I've posted this picture from October 2006 before here on Livefist, but I always return to it at times like these. It feels absurd reporting on failed border meetings between the Indian Army and PLA. This border meeting I covered was notable for just how cheery it was, how little 'work' really got done, and how much officers and both sides preferred simply exchanging gifts and knocking back a few. This was Bum La in Arunachal Pradesh in a tent about a kilometre across the LAC in Tibet. Things were are pretty healthy there. Unlike in Ladakh.

The situation in Ladakh is grave. A platoon strength force of PLA soldiers has set up camp about 19-km inside Indian territory in the Depsang valley to the South-East of Daulat Beg Oldie, where India has one of its highest forward airfields. The position is supplied by trucks from two units across the LAC in Aksai China, a piece of Ladakh occupied by China for decades. The Indian Army has proposed a host of calibrated response options, but remains constrained by the government. India's Foreign Minister is scheduled to visit China on May 9, and will be followed later this month perhaps, by the Defence Minister. It is an unprecedented situation because this is the first time in a history of intrusions and counter-intrusions where a Chinese camp has refused to withdraw, and continues to be resupplied via a route back to its unit across the LAC.

An Army Searcher Mk.2 conducted two aerial sorties over the Chinese camp today to videograph activity. The video has been shared with the National Security Advisor, External Affairs Ministry and the Prime Minister's Office. Will be posting more on the stand-off in the days ahead.

Back Tomorrow

2013-04-29T00:00:00.000+05:30

Apologies for the lack of posts for the last couple of weeks. Been massively held up with the day job and everything that's going down in the country. Promise to hit the ground running tomorrow. Thanks to those of you who've been writing in asking me if 'everthing is ok'! It is. :)

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VIDEO: LCA Tejas At Iron Fist 2013

2013-04-20T18:04:00.003+05:30

Courtesy ADA

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MoD Tweaks Procurement Rules To Encourage Indian Industry

2013-04-20T15:02:00.001+05:30

Full text of press release: With the twin objective of infusing greater efficiency in the procurement process and strengthening the defence manufacturing base in the country, the Defence Acquisition Council, the apex decision making body of the MoD, took a series of decisions today, including amendments to Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP).

Defence Minister AK Antony, who chaired the Council meeting, said the only way forward for the country is rapid indigenization of defence products, with both the public and the private sectors playing pivotal roles in this endeavour. Antony said the government will make all efforts to create genuine level playing field for Indian manufacturing industries vis-à-vis Global Players.

Following are the highlights of the amendments to the DPP-2011:

1. Prioritisation of Various Categories for Capital Acquisitions under Defence Procurement Procedure: Preference for indigenous procurement in the Defence Production Policy 2011 has now been made a part of DPP through an amendment that provides for a preferred order of categorisation, with global cases being a choice of last resort. The order of preference, in decreasing order, shall be: (1) “Buy (Indian)”; (2) “Buy & Make (Indian)”; (3) “Make”; (4) “Buy & Make with ToT”; and (5) “Buy (Global)”. Any proposal to select a particular category must now state reasons for excluding the higher preferred category/ categories.

2. Release of Public Version of Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP): The DAC has approved the release of a public version of its 15-year perspective document (LTIPP), outlining the “Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap” (TPCR) against LTIPP 2012-2027. The TPCR will provide useful guidance to the Indian Defence Industry for boosting its infrastructural capabilities and directing its R&D and technology investments.

3. Maintenance ToT (MToT) no longer through Nomination: MToT has been hitherto reserved largely for OFB and DPSUs through the nomination process. A DPP amendment has been approved that does away with nomination by Department of Defence Production and facilitates selection of MToT partners by Indian bidders. This measure is expected to have a positive impact on private sector participation in maintenance, repairs and overhaul work.

4. Advance Consultations for “Make” Procedure: The DAC has approved an amendment mandating consultations to begin sufficiently in advance of actual procurement by Service Head Quarters (SHQs), so that capital acquisition plans can be translated into national defence R&D and production plans. In addition, a high-level Committee has also been constituted for simplification of “Make” procedures, with a view to unleash the full potential of this important category.

5. Simplification of “Buy & Make (Indian)” Procedure: The DAC has approved an amendment further simplifying this complex category. Its procedures have been brought on par with other categorisations, resulting in faster processing of cases under this category.

6. Clear Definition of Indigenous Content: Increased indigenisation is important for our Armed Forces, in order that they have access to reliable supply chains in times of urgent need. Indigenous content has now been defined in an unambiguous manner, providing requisite clarity and a common understanding.

7. Ensuring faster progress in “Make” and “Buy & Make (Indian)” cases: The Ministry has a limited number of acquisition cases under “Make” and “Buy & Make (Indian)” categories, with an estimated value of Rs. 1,20,000 crore. Instructions have been issued for speedier conclusion of these cases.

8. Defence Items List: Indian defence industry was opened up in May 2001 for 100% private sector participation subject to licensing. The Defence Items List has been finalised by the Ministry and sent to DIPP for notification, which will bring required clarity in the licensing process.

9. Licensing for Dual Use Items: The Ministry has categorically clarified to DIPP that dual-use items will not require licensing, thereby bringing added clarity to the licensing process.

10. Consultations on Security Guidelines for Indian Defence Industry: Draft Security Guidelines that will apply to all licensed defence industries have been circulated for consultations with various stakeholders. It is expected that a complete security framework for Indian private industries participating in defence cases will be in place in the near future.

11. Resolution of Tax-related Issues: Resolution of deemed exports status for certain defence projects and rationalisation of tax and duty structures impinging on the Indian defence industry has been taken up by the MoD with the Ministry of Finance.

12. Funds for MSMEs in the Defence Sector: The Defence Production Policy 2011 requires the setting-up of a fund to provide necessary resources for development of defence equipment. In order to ensure regular supply of funds to MSMEs involved in manufacturing of defence products, SIDBI has decided to earmark an amount of Rs. 500 crore for providing loans, and further, a fund of Rs. 50 crore for equity support out of “India Opportunities Fund” managed by its subsidiary, namely, SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd.

13. Efficiency and Transparency in Defence Procurement: A stipulation to freeze the SQRs before the “Acceptance of Necessity” (AoN) stage has been accorded, and the validity of AoN has also been reduced from two years to one year. These measures are expected to expedite the acquisition process and increase transparency.

14. Enhanced Delegation of Financial Powers: The financial powers of Service Chiefs/ DG Coast Guard have been enhanced from Rs. 50 crore to Rs. 150 crore for capital acquisition cases.

15. Powers to DAC: Approval for all deviations from the Defence Procurement Procedure will henceforth be sought from the Defence Acquisition Council instead of the Defence Minister.

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MiG Marks 50 Years With India

2013-04-15T22:57:00.001+05:30

Seen in this picture in Moscow are Indian Ambassador to Russia Ajai Malhotra, Air Attaché Air Commandore Vikram Singh, Naval Attaché Commodore Ajay Vinay Bhave, with senior RAC-MiG officials. India's tryst with Mikoyan-Gurevich began in 1962 with a first agreement for the supply of MiG-21 fighter jets. Deliveries of the first MiG-21F-13s began the following year. The first license built MiG-21 was delivered to the IAF by HAL in 1967. Lots on the MiG-21 coming up here on Livefist.

Indian Army For New SR-UAVs

2013-04-15T12:13:00.000+05:30

DRDO NISHANT UAV

The latest in the Indian Army's slew of requirements is this one for an unspecified number of short range unmanned aerial vehicles (SR-UAV). The Army currently operates a small fleet of IAI Searcher Mk.2 tactical UAVs and has been looking to augment that capability for a while now. A first lot of indigenously developed Nishant UAVs, in a final trial run, are expected to enter service with the Army this year.

The requirements put down in the new RFI mirror what the Army's Searcher Mk.2 can do. The Army is also in the process of acquiring mini UAVs for its special units and a loitering weapon.

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Indian Navy For 5 More Fleet Tankers

2013-04-15T11:35:00.001+05:30

INDIAN NAVY TANKER INS DEEPAK / ARCHIVE

The Indian Navy has announced interest in acquiring five new fleet support ships under the 'global buy'' category. The Navy has stipulated it requires ships with displacement of 40,000 tons in fully loaded condition, 200-metres long and a maximum beam of 25-metres. The Navy also requires its new ships to be capable of speeds "not less than 20 knots of maximum continuous speed, at ambient temperatures upto 40 deg C, in the fully laden condition upto Sea State 3 and while less than six months out of dock". With a projected complement of 190 sailors and 24 officers, the ship will need to handle one multi-role helicopter. Full requirements here.

The Indian Navy last commissioned two Fincantieri-built tankers INS Deepak and INS Shakti into its fleet.

The 5 Indian Army Personnel Killed In South Sudan

2013-04-10T11:24:00.001+05:30

Negotiations For Rafale On Track, No Back-up Plan: IAF

2013-04-08T18:08:00.001+05:30

Responding to a report The Pioneer today that it had lined up a purchase of additional Su-30MKIs in the event that negotiations for 126 Rafales failed to result in a contract, the Indian Air Force has issued a statement to say:

"Apropos a report in a certain section of the media indicating IAF will opt for Sukhoi-30 if Rafale deal falls flat as on 08 Apr 2013. The IAF strongly denies such report. The CNC (Contract negotiations committee) process for acquisition of 126 MMRCA is underway and there is no thought process for any procurement as a ‘back up’ as reported."

And so, it begins ;-)

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MMRCA Negotiations Stalled Over Dassault-HAL Tussle: Report

2013-04-05T09:54:00.002+05:30

Copyright / The Indian Express

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Light Copter Bid Stalled Further By Brigadier's 'Role'

2013-04-03T15:43:00.003+05:30

A decision on the all-but-officially scrapped bid for 197 light reconnaissance & surveillance helicopters (RSH) for the Army and Indian Air Force, will be officially held off until the government addresses a recommendation by the Indian Army that a serving Brigadier (who's name I reported in October last year) be probed for allegations that he was in touch with AgustaWestland and offered to manipulate RSH field trials in exchange for $5-million. The Brigadier's name found mention in documents found by Italian investigators at the residence of arms agent Ralph Guido Haschke's mother.

See also:

India's 197 Copter Deal Suspended, Indefinitely
R.I.P. India's 197 Copter Deal: Magazine Report

197 Copter Deal Needs To Be Examined: IAF Chief

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Finally, Tejas LSP-8 Takes Off

2013-03-31T19:22:00.001+05:30

HAL Statement: The last aircraft in the Limited Series Production program of LCA-Tejas (LSP-08) took off on its maiden flight here today from HAL airport. The performance of the aircraft was flawless, said Dr. R. K.Tyagi, Chairman, HAL. The aircraft was flown covering a flight envelope at supersonic speeds and at an angle of attack of 20 degrees which is the current maximum limit cleared by design. With this, the Initial Operation Clearance (IOC) for the aircraft can be expected soon. Air Cmde K.A. Muthana, VSM, Program Director (Flight Test) piloted the aircraft on its maiden flight.

The aircraft with a build standard akin to the Initial Operation Clearance standard underwent series of rigorous checks by the certifying and inspecting agencies during the last fortnight with a few taxi checks to assess the aircraft performance. The flight clearance by the certifying agencies was accorded today for the aircraft after ensuring that all the aircraft systems were functioning satisfactorily on ground. Till now aircraft normally undergo high speed taxi trials prior to the first flight. However, with the confidence gained by the flight crew and the certifying agencies during the build and ground checks a decision was taken to proceed with first flight without going through a separate high speed taxi trial.

Aircraft systems related to fuel, environment condition, electrical and avionics which had undergone series of modifications based on feedback from earlier aircraft functioned well.

PHOTOS: IAF Phalcon AWACS At Exercise Live Wire

2013-03-29T18:43:00.004+05:30

Indian Navy's 3rd P28 ASW Corvette 'Kiltan' Launched

2013-03-26T19:00:00.001+05:30

Photos / DPR Defence

FIRST PHOTOS: BrahMos Underwater Variant Maiden Launch

2013-03-20T18:33:00.001+05:30

Big day! The sub-surface launched BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was testfired today for the first time. Here's the official statement from the team:

VISAKHAPATNAM: The submarine-launched version of BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired at 1410 hrs on Wednesday(20th March 2013) from a submerged platform in Bay of Bengal off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

Creating history, the missile took off vertically from the submerged platform for its full range of 290 kms. Following a pre-defined trajectory, the missile emerged from underwater, took a turn towards the designated target meeting all mission objectives. All the telemetry and tracking stations, including Indian naval ships positioned throughout the flight path, confirmed the pin-point accuracy of the mission.

This is the first time that any supersonic cruise missile is launched vertically from a submerged platform. BRAHMOS vertically installed in a modular launcher in the pressure hall of the submarine will increase the ‘offensive power’ of the vessel without compromising on its ‘defensive power’ as the torpedo tubes can be fully utilised for defence. This new variant of the supersonic cruise missile will add more fire power to the Navy’s underwater weapon delivery capabilities.

When contacted by Journalists, Dr. Pillai, CEO & MD BrahMos said that “BRAHMOS missile is fully ready for fitment in P75 (I) of Indian Navy in vertical launch configuration which will make the platform one of the most powerful weapon platform in the World.”

PHOTOS / BrahMos Corp.

Sub-launched BrahMos Testfired For The 1st Time

2013-03-20T15:27:00.001+05:30

The submarine-launched variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully testfired today for the first time in the Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Visakhapatnam. The launch and test was successful, with the missile hitting its target 292 km away. Photos shortly.
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