The Indian Ministry of
Defence’s (MoD) ‘Embargo List of Defence Weapons/Platforms’ that was released
on August 9, 2020, is one of the most bizarre types of documentation ever to
emerge from the MoD. After browsing through it, one does not know whether to laugh
or cry, or whether the drafters of such documentation are both beyond hope and
beyond despair. It is being claimed that the decision to impose an embargo on
101 imported items between 2020 and 2024, and the creation of a separate budget
for domestic capital procurement of nearly Rs.52,000 crore for the current
financial year will provide a major boost to the indigenous military-industrial
sector. It is also being claimed that this would open up new avenues for the
India’s home-grown military-industrial sector as contracts worth Rs.400,000
crore would be given to equipment manufacturers within the next seven years. Of
these, items worth almost Rs,130,000 crore each are likely for the Indian Army
and the Indian Air Force, while items worth almost Rs.140,000 crore are
expected by the Indian Navy. Incidentally, almost 260 schemes of such items
were imported by the three armed services at an approximate cost of Rs.3.5 lakh
crore between April 2015 and August 2020. But as they say, the devil always
lurks within the detail, and hence let us highlight the details for each of the
101 items:
1. 120mm FSAPDS Mk.2 Ammunition.
What about the 120mm HESH and
thermobaric projectiles, plus the cannon-launched guided-missile (CLGM?
2. 7.62 x 51 Sniper Rifle.
Will that be the OFB-developed
product, or will the requirement be met by competitive evaluations of offers
from various vendors that are offering not homegrown, but licence-built
solutions developed abroad?
3. Tracked Self Propelled (SP)
Gun (155mm x 52-cal).
Exactly what is the percentage
of indigenous material content of the Hanwha/Larsen & Toubro K-9 Vajra
155mm/52-cal tracked SPH?
4. Towed Artillery Gun (155mm x
52-cal).
Exactly what is the percentage
of indigenous material content of the ATAGS 155mm/52-cal towed howitzer that
has been designed by the DRDO?
5. Short-Range Surface-to-Air
Missile (Land variant).
If this is the QR-SAM, what then
is the percentage of indigenous material content? Will the complete weapon
system be produced entirely by Bharat Dynamics Ltd and Bharat Electronics Ltd?
6. Shipborne Cruise Missiles.
Will these comprise only
BrahMos-1 and BrahMos-NG missiles? What about those missiles that are to be
launched by shipborne NMRHs and NLUHs?
7. Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher
(MBRL) (Pinaka Variant).
What will be the import
content of the terminal guidance component of the 124mm rockets?
8. Simulators Presenting Smart
Ranges And Multi-Function Targets.
9. Battalion Support Weapons
Simulators.
10. Container-based Simulators
for Live-Fire Training.
11. Tailor-made Simulators for
Counter Insurgency (CI)/Counter Terrorism (CT) Training.
12. Force-on-Force Live Tactical
Simulators/Infantry Weapon.
13. Tank Simulators (driving, as
well as, crew gunnery).
All of the above have been procured
from local OEMs since the previous decade and none of them are being imported
anymore.
14. 155mm/39-cal Ultra-Light
Howitzer.
Which is the system being
referred to here? The M777 towed UFH, or the Mounted Gun System (MGS) variant?
15. Successor of Flycatcher & Upgraded
Super Fledermaus (USFM)/Air Defence Fire Control Radar (ADFCR).
The ADFCR is in any case an integral component of the
QR-SAM system.
16. Component-Level Repair
Facility for Tank T-90S.
Why was this not indigenised
even 19 years after the service-induction of the T-90S MBTs?
17. Shipborne Close-in Weapon
System.
The AK-630M CIWS has been licence-built
by OFB for the past 15 years, but its Vympel MR-123) fire-control radars and
control consoles (developed by the Tula-based KBP Instrument Design Bureau
continue to be imported from Russia’s JSC Tulamashzavod.
18. Bullet Proof Jackets.
19. Ballistic Helmets.
Are the Boron-based raw
materials used by these two items also being sourced locally? Or do they
continue being imported from China?
20. Guided-Missile Destroyers
(DDG).
Exactly what is the percentage
of import content in material terms on board each of the Project 15, Project
15A and Project 15B DDGs? Have their armaments suite and propulsion systems
been indigenised?
21. Multi-Purpose Vessel.
23. Next Generation Missile
Vessel.
24. Anti-Submarine Warfare
Shallow Water Craft.
25. Water Jet Fast Attack Craft.
26. Ammunition Barges.
27. 50-ton Bollard-Pull Tugs.
28. Survey Vessels.
29. Floating Dock.
30. Diving Support Vessels.
31. Pollution Control Vessels.
Why are guided-missile
frigates, new-generation corvettes, Landing Platform Docks (LPD) and GRP-hulled
minehunters (MCMV) missing from this list? Is it because they will be imported,
like the two Project 1135.6 Batch-3 FFGs from Russia’s Yantar Shipyard and
another two to be licence-built by Goa Shipyard Ltd? Has the MoD shelved the
procurement of NGCs, LPDs and MCMVs?
32. Anti-Submarine Rocket
Launchers.
These are the Larsen &
Toubro-built equivalents of the RBU-6000 launchers that have been in production
since the previous decade itself.
33. Shipborne Medium-Range Gun.
Both 76/62 SRGM and 127mm
naval guns continue to be imported from Italy’s OTOBreda and BAE Systems, and no
R & D work is underway anywhere in India for coming up with indigenous
solutions.
34. Torpedo Tube Launcher for
Lightweight Torpedoes.
In case the MoD is unaware,
Larsen & Toubro has already designed and developed 533mm (21-inch) tube-launchers
for heavyweight torpedoes (HWT) for both warships and submarines that are
already operational with the Indian Navy.
35. Magneto-Rheological Anti
Vibration Mounts.
36. All variants of Depth
Charges.
37. Shipborne Sonar System for
Large Ships.
38. Hull-Mounted Submarine Sonar.
These are the HUMSA and USHUS family of sonar suites. But
what about heli-borne low-frequency dunking sonars like the MIHIR LFDS? Has the
Indian Navy rejected it?
39. Short Range Maritime
Reconnaissance Aircraft.
These are the HAL-built Dornier Do-228 STOL turboprops.
40. Anti-Submarine Rocket.
What about the Varunastra autonomous 533mm HWT? Why is it
missing from the list?
41. Chaff Rockets.
42. Chaff Rocket Launcher.
This refers to the DRDO-developed and OFB-built Kavach.
43. Integrated Ship’s Bridge
System.
Which types of warships to
date have been equipped with integrated bridge systems and related marine navigation
radars and ECDIS digital navigation chart display systems? Presently, both of
the latter two are bei8ng imported.
44. Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
Mk.IA-Enhanced Indigenised Content.
Critical systems like its
F404-GE-IN20 turbofan, TARGO HMDS, EL/M-2052 AESA-MMR and EL/L-8222 ASPJ pod
will be fully imported from abroad.
45. Light Combat Helicopters.
The presently available weapons
suite of the LCH, comprising the THL-20 cannon from France’s NEXTER Systems,
and 70mm unguided rockets from THALES Belgium, are all imported. In addition, all
the resins that are co-cured into composites-based structures inside
autoclaves, continue to be i8mported by HAL for the ALH, LCH, LUH and the Tejas
family of L-MRCAs.
46. General Purpose Pre-Fragmentation Bombs between 250-500Kg.
These are all licence-built by
OFB and belong to Russia’s OFAB family of bombs.
47. Radar Warning Receiver (RWR)
for Transport Aircraft.
What about RWRs for combat aircraft and helicopters?
48. Ground-Based Mobile ELINT
System.
These were developed for the
Samyukta and Him Shakti projects of the Indian Army (under Project SAMISHTI) and Project HIMRAJ of the IAF.
49. Transport Aircraft (Light).
This refers to the Dornier Do-228 STOL transport, whose Honeywell
TPE331 turboshaft engines and Hartzell four-bladed propellers continue to be
imported. The glass cockpit cockpit avionics suite of the HAL-upgraded Do-228 comes
from US-based Genesys Aerosystems.
50. GSAT-6 Satellite Terminals.
51. Aerial Delivery Systems for
Transport Aircraft.
52. Digital Tropo-Scatter/LOS
Communication System.
53. Low-Level Transportable
Radar.
54. High-Power Radar (HPR).
What about medium-power radars
(MPR) like the Army ADTCR, which has been developed for as a successor to the existing Indian Doppler Radar (INDRA) and P-19 radars? Will their imports continue? If so, then what is the future of the
Arudhra & Ashwini S-band AESA MPRs?
55. CBRN Detection &
Monitoring System.
56. CBRN Decontamination &
Protection System.
57. Parachute Tactical Assault
(PTA) G2.
58. Dragunov Upgrade System.
59. PKMG Upgrade System.
60. Simulators for A Vehicles/B
Vehicles.
61. Simulators for Towed and
Self-Propelled Guns of Air Defence.
62. Simulators for Correction of
Fire by Observers.
63. Military trucks of 4 x 4 and
above variants: 12 x 12, 10 x 10, 8 x 8, 6 x 6.
All these were indigenised way
back in the previous decade itself and have already been service-inducted.
64. Fixed-Wing Mini-UAVs.
A joint venture between
India’s Cyient and Israel’s BlueBird Aero Systems is already providing SpyLite
mini-UAVs to the Indian Army, while the only mini-UAV to be supplied by an
Indian company is the Aquilon from TATA Advanced Systems Ltd. However, most of
the UAVs being proposed by TATA have been designed by a Slovenian OEM.
65. 500-Ton Self-Propelled Water
Barges.
66. Software Defined Radio (TAC)
for IN.
What about SDRs for the Indian
Air Force and Indian Army? The latter has already begun importing SDRs from
RAFAEL of Israel.
67. Next-Generation Maritime
Mobile Coastal Battery (Long-Range).
This will be the BrahMos-1.
68. Advance Landing Ground
Communication Terminals (ALGCT) for ALGs.
This is coming from Bharat Electronics Ltd.
69. Field Artillery Tractor
(FAT) 6 x 6 for Medium Guns.
This is coming from Ashok
Leyland. But are their engines and gearboxes imported?
70. Wheeled Armoured Fighting
Vehicle (AFV).
The DRDO-TATA-developed Kestrel
is still in the process of being refined to suit the terrain and weather
conditions of the North East and Ladakh, with work expected to be completed
only by 2024.
71. Light Machine Gun.
This is the 7.62 x 51 solution
developed by OFB with linked ammunition feed.
72. 125mm FSAPDS.
This refers to the Russian 3BM42 round licence-built by
OFB.
73. Assault Rifle 7.62 x 39.
This is the AK-203 SLR.
74. 30mm Ammunition for Infantry
Fighting Systems.
75. Mine Fragmentation.
76. Mine Anti-tank.
77. Mine Anti-Personnel Blast.
78. Multipurpose Grenade.
These have been under production by OFB for the past few
decades.
79. Inertial Navigation System
for Ship Application.
Which foreign OEM is supplying
the ring-laser gyros for the INS? Till to date, all RLG-INS requirements have
been met through imports, i.e. SAFRAN’s SIGMA-95N for all combat aircraft,
SIGMA-30 for the Pinaka-1/-2 MBRLs, SIGMA-40 for warships and submarines, and
TAMAM of Israel’s RLG-INS for the BrahMos-1/BrahMos-A and Nirbhay cruise
missiles.
80. Conventional Submarines.
Does this mean that the SSKs
to be acquired under Project 75I will be of as homegrown design? Or will the
design be imported and the SSKs be licence-built?
81. 40mm UBGL (Under Barrel
Grenade Launcher).
These have already been under
series-production by OFB since the previous decade.
82. Lightweight Rocket Launcher.
83. 155mm Artillery Ammunition.
These have already been under
series-production by OFB since the previous decade. But the OFB has yet to
produce 155mm cargo rounds.
84. EW Systems.
Only for warships (like the Shakti, Nayan and Tushar) and airborne platforms (Sarvadhari, Sarang, Sarakshi and Nikash) and the D-29 EW suite for
the IAF’s MiG-29UPGs. For all the rest, imports are still ongoing.
85. Material Handling Crane 2.5
to 7.5 Tons (Vehicle Mounted).
86. GRAD BM-21 Rocket.
87. 30MM HEI/HET.
88. Astra Mk.1 BVRAAM.
89. EW Suit for Mi-17V5.
90. Communication Satellite
GSAT-7C.
91. Satellite GSAT-7R.
For several critical components, imports continue.
92. Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA).
Its engines, propellers and glass cockpit avionics suite
will be of imported origin.
93. Expendable Aerial Targets.
Imports of Banshee family of aerial targets continue till
this day and will continue.
94. Small Jet Engines with
120kgf thrust.
While the GTRE-developed MANIK
turbofan has yet to see the light of day, the Kalyani Group has decided to enter
the fray and offer alternate solutions.
95 Light Low-Level Lightweight Radar
(LLLWR).
This refers to the Bharani and
Aslesha family of radars.
96. Close-in Weapon System (Land
based).
This refers to a foreign
design that will be licence-built in-country by the chosen winner of a
competitive evaluations process now underway.
97. 23mm ZU Ammunition.
98. 30mm VOG-17.
Such ammunition has been required
in large numbers since the mid-1980s, but for mysterious, they were never
licence-produced by the OFB.
99. Electronic Fuses for
Artillery Ammunition.
By nomination, BEL was
selected to licence-assemble such fuses that originated from REUTECH of South
Africa and RESHEF of Israel.
100. Bi-Modular Charge System
(BMCS).
HEMRL has already indigenised
such BMCS modules, but series-production in large numbers is still awaited from
OFB’s Nalanda-based factory.
101. Long-Range Land-Attack
Cruise Missile.
This variant of
the Nirbhay cruise missile still awaits the definitive turbofan.
Significantly, the list does not include items like the HAL-developed single-engined LUH, wire-guided version of the Varunastra HWT, night-vision devices, the DRDO-developed MPATGM, the Bharat Dynamics Ltd-developed AMOGHA-3 ATGM, the NAG and HELINA anti-armour guided-missiles, the Bharat-52 155mm/52-cal MGS, PG-HSLD, SAAW, NG-LGB, heavyweight MBT, MALE-UAV, the TAL lightweight torpedo, etc etc.
The most glaring omission,
however, is in the arena of habitat-/survivability-related hardware/gear
required for usage in high-altitude mountainous terrain and high-altitude
plateaux—which can only be developed India and nowhere else since India and
Pakistan are the only two countries whose armies are deployed in such areas.
Between 1984 and 2018, the MoD spent more than Rs.7,500 crore in procuring
special clothing and mountaineering equipment for soldiers posted in
high-altitude areas. Presently, High Altitude Visibility Clothing Extreme Cold
Climate (HAVC-ECC) accounts for the majority share, with 44% of the total share
of requirements that comprise bulletproof jackets, CBRN suits, and
fire-retardant apparel. Around 55 items are issued under the Super High
Altitude (SHA) clothing category and these in turn are divided into two
categories: Category-1 for personal use (20 items) and Category-2' for
general-purpose items (35 items). Of these, 22 are one-time issue items, such
as a down-jacket or sleeping bag, issued to an individual soldier and not
recycled thereafter. Of these, nine items are imported. The balance 33 are
unit-issued items, such as special tents and ice axes and of these, 11 items
are imported. Interestingly, these are mostly made in China, although they are
supplied by around a dozen foreign firms located in the US, Switzerland, Italy,
Finland, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Norway and the UK. The HAVC-ECC
equipment comprises 55 items like jacket and windcheater, waist coat, trousers,
glacier cap, rappelling gloves and glacier gloves, rucksack, special socks,
thermal insoles, snow goggles and High-Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPO) bag for
soldiers deployed in Siachen, Drass, Kargil, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
These in turn are divided into two categories--the first lot for those deployed
in the range of 9,000 feet to 12,000 feet, and the second category for those
guarding the border beyond the heights of 12,000 feet.
Typical characteristics of
high-altitude clothing are: Hydrophilic-Waterproof and moisture-resistant,
usage of breathable membrane made of Poly Utherane, Abrasion resistance, and
Maintenance of high integrity. The gear typically weighs 10kg. The material
used for such clothing is typically a hydrophilic polyurethane coating or PTFE
coating, or Gore-Tex coating or Sympatex coating. The hydrophilic properties
are obtained by coatings of laminates or micro-porous. The inner-jacket is
usually made of fleece, while the rest of the items is 100% polyester.
Specifications of such products include: jackets that are 2.4kg in
weight and made of fleece and polyester, having waterproof coatings and a
thermal vest; trousers usually 1.2kg in weight again made of 100%
polyester. However, most of the HAVC-ECC clothing being used by Indian Army do
not meet the above-mentioned characteristics and are rather cumbersome, since
the jackets and trousers in use are very bulky, thereby restricting the freedom
of movement of the troops making use of equipment like radio sets, and making
the carriage of personnel loads difficult. These bulky suits have to be worn to
withstand extreme cold, but they affect operations like long-range patrolling
in knee-deep snow, as soldiers get bogged down by the weight of their
equipment, including rucksacks carrying sleeping bags, rations and ammunition.
Moreover, soldiers have to remove the entire suit after returning to their
bases, thereby making the process cumbersome and time-consuming. Further, it
does not offer weather-proofing from rain and snow. The snow-boots being made
of rubber do not offer good grip in slush or snow. In addition there is the
lack of air-circulation in the feet.
India has been importing
HAVC-ECC clothing since the early 1980s in large numbers at high costs year
after year. Presently, about 50% of the requirements are met through imports.
As per official data, India spends around Rs.800 crore annually in imports of
Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) and mountaineering kits. Items
that are imported include woolen socks, rucksacks and sleeping bags. These
include 'outer shell parka” and the `fibre-pile pant' from Finland (Rs 14,174
each), Swiss down-jacket from Black Diamond Company (Rs.9,093), Italian MP Scarpa
boots (Rs.6,990) and French boot cramp-ons (Rs.6,990). Other basic gear like
ice-axes, shovels, boot cramp-ons, Stromeyer tents and the like are also being
imported. The Swiss gear helps troops in weather conditions where the
temperature falls below -50 degrees Celsius. The clothing provided is
three-layered ECWCS and costs Rs.35,000 each. The Indian Army bought around
42,000 suits for troops stationed in Siachen, Kargil, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim
and Ladakh in 2018. The annual requirement of HAVC-ECC clothing and
equipment is around 27,000 sets and is expected to increase to 38,229 sets.
Further, the Inhdian Army maintains a reserve for another year's requirement.
Thus, the average shortfall of items is about 10% every year, which is
replenished from the reserves.
A CAG report that covered the
period from 2015-16 to 2017-18, bought out facts that the troops deployed at
high-altitude areas are given old versions of face-masks, jackets and sleeping
bags. Citing an example, the CAG report mentioned that the stock level of
'Goggle All-Terrain' an ECC & E item used to protect soldiers from
visionary ailments at high altitudes was critically low. So much so that when
demand was raised for 750 snow-goggles for the issue to a unit of soldiers on
its arrival in a high-altitude area, they simply could not be provided for. As
of June 2016, June 2017 and June 2018, the total stock of ‘Goggles All-Terrain’
ranged from just 5.6% to 16.07% against the total authorisation, rendering the
stock critically low due to poor supply. To be noted is that it takes around
Rs.1 lakh to clothe a single soldier for the Siachen heights, the world’s
highest battlefield, which ranges from 16,000 feet to 22,000-feet. In the
personal kit, the soldiers have been provided with multi-layered extreme winter
clothing worth Rs.28,000 each along with a special sleeping bag that costs
around Rs.13,000. The down-jacket and the special gloves together costs around
Rs.14,000, while the multipurpose shoes cost around Rs.12,500. The equipment
provided to the troops includes an oxygen cylinder that costs around Rs.50,000
per piece.
The Indian Army first mooted
the idea of indigenous production of the high-altitude clothing and equipment
around 12 years ago. It is aiming at saving nearly Rs.300 crore annually by
indigenous production of these items which are, at present, sourced from
countries like the US, Australia, Canada and Switzerland. It is estimated that
by procuring India-produced clothing gear, the country will be able to save
around Rs.2.5 crore every six months. However, till date most of the items are
being imported and are facing requirement deficiencies even for basic
high-altitude clothing items of regular use where no high-end technology is
warranted. One of the major reasons for this state of affairs is that the OFB
is not able to meet the total requirements and also the products developed by
the DRDO are mostly sub-standard and of course, non-involvement of the private
sector. Though few private-sector entities like TATA Advanced Materials Ltd,
Shri Lakhsmi, Shiva Texyarn, National Textile Corporation, Sara Sae, Key Tent,
Sabre Safety Ltd and Cotsyn Defence have started production of such clothing,
these are still in the pilot phases of user-evaluations. Under the ‘Make in
India’ initiative, there is thus a strong need to to locally develop and
produce HAVC-ECC gear like snow goggles, ice axe, boots, thermal insoles,
avalanche victim detectors, rock pitons, and sleeping bags.
98 comments:
Prasunda,
Thanks for your detailed reply.
My 2 cents. Makes perfect sense for electoral prospects of BJP since this will help them kick start the defense corridor in Bundhelkhand which BJP will sell as its major achievement in UP assembly polls in 2022 and Lok Sabha polls in 2024.
List, it appears, is very crudely prepared. Shows MoD future planning in full glare. Again, our Chinese counterparts must be going ROFL over this.
Regards,
Dear Prasun da,
Absolutely Apt heading for the article. With your due permission, I would add the word 'ludicrous' also. I thought RM is going to announce measures regarding Chinese standoff but he ended up issuing what can otherwise be internal memo to defense secretaries as a major announcement. Making themselves laughing stock of the world.
Warm Regards,
Pawan Kumar
Hello Prasun,
Thanks for the efforts to decipher the list of "localization" of items for Indian defense.
I wonder who is fooling whom and for what purpose. The top brass of the current dispensation going full throttle in marketing; do you see any possibility at least with the reduced list of items (critical sub systems) manufactured in India where it makes sense, otherwise buy them in adequate quantity to stock them and do not create artificial scarcity and go in for emergency purchases. I understand, the intent is not to fully manufacture everything instead leverage the globalized supply chain for developing end products (where design, engineering and integration) in timely and cost effective manner. This is what is done in electronics industry and I am not certain the same can be done in defense sector. Your thoughts please.
Thanks, Ganesh
sir Hal built SDR is being used in MKI but why not in mk1a and mig29.
the gods must be crazy!!!
hi Prasun
do rafale have sat comms? will super su 30 MKI upgrade include Sat Comms integration and will MWF have sat comms?
prasun
there are photos of a "Technology Demonstration Vessel" being constructed at cochin ship yard being outfitted with what looks like dual panel long range multifunction radar. what is this ship for? it is just another version of the new radar instrumentation ship being outfitted in vizag?
What would be the ballpark depth of your 3 prongs + Karakorum incursion into enemy held land? Consider the feeder roads off H219.
Prasunda
आपके चरण किधर है प्रभु।
Right as usual. Worker, either India is being had by both PRC & US, or India had better hope the US gets India's chestnuts out of the fire https://tibet.net/cta-receives-almost-usd-1-million-in-direct-funding-from-the-u-s-government/?
Prasunda
Right again Interesting🧐 A Plant?!😜 As you said last year to kickstart electoral politics in J&K https://theprint.in/politics/ias-officer-turned-politician-shah-faesal-drops-jkpm-president-from-his-twitter-bio/478356/?
Sir, in the 155 mm ultra light howitzer category, I think the system being referred to is the MArG (Mountain Artillery Gun) developed by Kalyani, not the M777.
Sound logical outbrust from veterans against this policy👇
https://twitter.com/arunp2810/status/1292672800889569280?s=20
https://twitter.com/arunp2810/status/1292709927849349120?s=20
Indeed we will be laughing stock for the world
Hi,
This list is one in a saga of continuing headline management.
"Embargo on import of indigenous content" - only a generalist all knowing laughing stock ( IAS ) could do a school assignment as horrible as this.
It's a list of things already done or being done to show off the newest jargon - domestic capital budget.
But as they say, do what the boss likes.
Prasunda,
VMT. You said that Russia is stepping in by November to domesticate China and deescalate the situation. What if China initiates operations by September-October to break the standoff (and attempt to seize DBO)? My understanding is that we are well poised to foil any attempt by China for further territorial gains. Is this correct ?
Satyaki
Dear Prasun,
What's your prediction about the Sino India face off in Despang area. Is it going to end with small skirmish or during winter China will back off? Your view please.
PrasunDa,
Thanks for the detailed explanation.
(1) So what this bizarre negative list will do is surface combatants can be built in India but the radars, sensors, weapons will all be imported. Same can be said about aircraft, tanks etc. MoD has provided some clarification though
https://twitter.com/livefist/status/1292772080287535104?s=20
(2) This latest piece from a former Indian Army veteran says that India needs private armies like the US that can carry out specific tasks. Do you think this idea has any merit?
https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/the-indian-army-and-private-military-companies-the-way-forward/2050403/
Thank You
The purpose is served
Who is fooling who?
All the fools including me have accumulated here; discussing something beyond our comprehension. After fretting for over a day on making some sense of the 101 list, I gave up only to realize that there may be some other hidden motive that can only be revealed in times to come. THINK!
Prasunda,
Israeli (IWI) Negev NG 7 and Tavor 21 are also not on " Atmnonirbhar list " ! think they are being made by Punj Lloyd ? Your comment please.
Best regards,
To ANIONE, PAWAN KUMAR & GANESH: Will you be surprised if told that most of the IA’s winter-clothing stocks are made in China but are routed through European & North American distributors? Kindly browse through the additional text that I’ve uploaded above. This is one area where self-reliance has been of utmost importance since the 1980s, but successive Govts since then have paid lip-service to such reqmts.
To GANESH: To fulfil the gamut of reqmts, what is reqd is not a negative embargo list, but instead a military-industrial roadmap that has various stakeholders from various sectors of Indian industry. To give a simple example, fuel-cell batteries are the best solutions for operating comms gear & sensors like LORROS & LLTRs & these can only be provided by developers of batteries that are introduced to OEMs producing such comms gear & sensors, i.e. a symbiotic industrial relationship needs to be forged, instead of responding from individual silos.
To UNKNOWN: Because the BNET-AR from RAFAEL is going on them, as explained in the previous threads.
To RAD: No, not the Gods. People are! If folks really want a solution, then it can be done, as evidenced by this project:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5tOZkx1fIo&t=6s
To HOODS007: No, the Rafale does not have SATCOM. Nor will the Super Su-30MKI. The Technology Demonstration Vessel is just another missile-tracking vessel, with the first one now at HSL in Vizag.
To SANGOS: Not more than 18km.
To KAUSTAV: I can only guess that his apetite for politics has been fully satisfied by what has transpired so far. His best professional options now lie back with the civil service, that is, if he has the intellect to grasp this reality.
To PRRANSHU YADAV: Then the MoD should have used the term MGS.
To SATYAKI: Too late for that, since the IA’s mirror deployment has ensured that the PLAGF is unable to muster the quantitative superiority reqd for waging a decisive war campaign.
To ASD: As I had explained a few times before, Mother Nature will intervene this November & hence both sides will have to withdraw & de-induct their deployed forces. If not, then the weather will play havoc with both men & material.
To VIKRAM GUHA: 1) It is just a PR exercise conducted with NEOLITHIC efficiency & intellect. 2) Private armies have always existed in India under a feudal backdrop to settle political scores. Why else do staged encounters take place between such armies & the law-enforcement forces?
To JT: It is just a PR exercise conducted with NEOLITHIC efficiency & intellect. Just like the ‘Gharibi Hataao’ movement of the 1970s.
To PARTHASARATHI: They were to be made by Punj Lloyd ONLY IF orders for them were to be placed in large numbers. Not otherwise.
Prasunda,
VMT. In your reply to ASD about deinduction by November, do you also imply that both sides would have to do this in Pangong-Tso ? Dose'nt the PLA have permanent structures to reside in between Finger 4 and Finger 8?
Satyaki
Dear Prasun,
India has got 5 number of Rafale fighters. In case of urgency, can it be used against our advesary instantly?
To SATYAKI: No, all the permanent structures (buildings) are beyond Finger-8 & in the Sirijap area.
To ASD: Sure, but only the Scalp-EG air-launched LACM can be fired & that too from well inside Indian airspace. Because, as I had explained to RAD in the previous threads, the Rafale's aircrew are right now familiarising themselves with the terrain that they will be reqd to fly through during wartime (i.e. the Chokhang mountains of the Lahaul and Spiti valleys). Do go through the two links below:
http://trishul-trident.blogspot.com/2011/10/update-on-latest-iaf-mig-29-crash.html
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-rafales-practise-mountain-night-flying-for-ladakh-in-himachal-pradesh/story-4pQA6tKKXDsgHYLyaKdq1H.html
There was a DRDO project to make 125 mm smooth bore gun for Arjun and possibly T90/T72. What happened to it ?
regards
venky
Dear Prasun
In the previous thread u had said that Russia will bring India and China together for negotiations at RIC summit in November.
Does that mean that Russia could have been acting together with China in creating the current LAC situation and now they are both together in a position to force INdia to distance itself from the US.
Seems like Russia comes out having greater influence over India's future foreign policy and then can then work in conjunction with China to limit India's engagement with US and QUAD etc.
Or is that too much of a conspiracy theorist point of view??
Thanks
Mr. Prasun I read a Chinese social media article comparing our 14 Corps units with Tibet military district units why the hell they don't know that Chinese Xinjiang Military District units are deployed against our forces?
To VENKY: The DRDO never ventured into the 125mm cannon arena. It has stuck to 120mm, which was a great mistake made in the 1980s & efforts should then have been made to standardise the barrel bores, i.e. either 120mm or 125mm. When the global trend was toward smoothbore barrels, the DRDO went for rifled-bore solutions & as a a result the CLGM still cannot be fired from Arjun MBT's cannons. It is a mistake similar to that made by the IAF in the 1980s when, despite the global trend for doing for just M-MRCAs & H-MRCAs, the IAF created a 3rd category of MRCAs like the L-MRCA & everyone now knows how this made the LCA a sub-optimal design & as a result the MWF is now being developed as a M-MRCA.
Meanwhile, here is another hilarious statement:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1645092#.XzKQFaHMCX4.twitter
If 76/62 SRGMs can be procured from Italy's Leonardo Group & BHEL can licence-assemble them, why then can't Black Shark HWTs be procured from the same OEM for the IN's Scorpene SSKs? And how can a locally designed 125mm projectile have 30% imported content? And is the calculated 70% indigenous content in terms of financial value, or in terms of material content?
To KIDDO: No, it does not mean like that at all. Russia has genuine security concerns arising out of China's irrational belligerence since it is forcing India to divert her financial resources towards emergency weapons purchases, which in turn will only slow down India's procurement of additional VVER-1000 PWRs for the Kudankulam KNPP's Phase-2 & Phase-3 components. So, in a way, China's behaviour is hurting Russia's economy as well & that perhaps explains why Russia showed its displeasure toward China by delaying or suspending the delivery of S-400 LR-SAMs & related product-support to China.
Sir, it seems all your suggestions and advice fell into deaf ears.
Neither ease of doing business is improving nor this always bizarre defense preparedness.
Do you still think by next month pak will become a default state?
PrasunDa,
This article from today's ToI states that MoD has said that tender for P-75I should be issued by next month
https://m.timesofindia.com/india/rs-42k-crore-stealth-sub-plan-to-finally-kick-off/amp_articleshow/77474289.cms?__twitter_impression=true
You'll know far better but if this deal really goes through it will be a massive waste of taxpayer's money.
Regards,
Vikram
Prasun Da, what do think about
A.Oli mimicking (mocking) every step of PM Modi taking about Ram Janma bhumi by first declaring Birthplace of Lord Rama in Nepal, then shamelessly declaring a Bhumi puja on that 'claimed' birth place, does not this Clown have any thing better in the capacity of his chair, or is there a Chinese ploy ?
B. Why there is sudden silence over alleged deal between Pak and PRC on bio warfare ? Why is not India, US or any country paying in heed to it,
https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.economictimes.com/news/defence/china-pakistan-enter-secret-deal-to-expand-bio-warfare-tools-says-an-australian-investigative-journalist/amp_articleshow/77164486.cms
C. Why Government is not taking any counter measure by promoting Doordarshan to launch 24 X 7 Channel in the way of WION, by revamping Doordarshan, with a pull of foreign correspondence to target overseas diaspora with facts about Political decision like NRC, CAA, abrogation of Art. 35A, 370 etc., and Indian culture, and at the same time attacking Third class world power like Erdogan led Turkey, by highlighting oppression of rites by Erdogan, Kurdish problem, and exposing the bull shit and fake news spread by Al Jajira and TRT World ?
D. What is the importance of Intelligence sharing agreement by Pakistan and PRC ? Seems like Baloch insurgents are coming together by forming alliance within themselves and well as Sindhi outfits, may we see more bleeding in Pakistani Army, I suspect there might be any influential country behind it, I might be wrong though, but may it be uncle sam ?
E. What is preventing India to go full throttle against PRC , against it's suspected involvement in Terrorism in Kashmir Valley.
F. Likes of Shah Faisal should be 'educated' about not taking job of administrator in Public Service as granted.
Kindly share your views , Thanks in Advance.
Dear Prasun,
What's your view on arming the Israeli's heron drones with guided missile or LGB? Is it jugad or an appreciable effort?
Hello Prasun,
Couple of unrelated thoughts and questions
1) Is HTT-40 such an indigenous overwhelming product that the proven PC-7 is not repeat ordered. With most of the critical sub systems imported, I wonder who is fooling whom by calling it indigenous. At least appreciate the capabilities to build a functionality system is undertaken. Do you see any roadmap for design and development of those imported systems, starting with those where relevant knowledge base exists. I hope the integration flaws of HTT-32 is not repeated with HTT-40
2) Is existing inventory of PC-7 reaching end of its life
3) Can the existing fleet (if it has worthy life left) be armed and use like some air forces have done, instead of having two types of basic trainers
4) Thanks for the comments last week about the fortunes of Bengal directly connected to East India company opium trade with China. I bring in a different point of view, the knowledge base, skills of resources, the enterprising or mercantile skills of successful people were pissed upon; I am sad due to that now it has become Waste Bengal. This I believe, is solely due to wrong people being chosen to govern. Couple of years ago, read an article how Taiwan became the contract manufacturer electronic items/ chip fabricators with active encouragement of visionary citizens by their government. This alas does not happen in India. I for one will go to "Singabore" to establish and register my company and sell in India. There is no value for intellect. Your thoughts please
5) Of late the bogey of India cannot bear the fallout of a military conflict with China since it is economically and militarily stronger is being sold by presstitutes. In the same lines India should have eaten Pakistan for lunch long time ago. For this the bogey of India not being an aggressor is sold. Any thoughts on whether you see pointers indicating positive change in this regard by the current dispensation
6)The joke of emergency purchases, clearance of long pending contracts being marketed by the current dispensation indicates corruption; there was never honesty, timeliness and intellect to do the right thing by any of the stakeholders. Personally, emergency purchases mean loot and windfall profit for all stakeholders in the midst of crisis (even if it artificially created). Based on your commentaries I understand, independent India political dispensation does not give a damn about strategic thoughts and clarity of policy to achieve. Preaching and selling dreams has been the forte. Do you see any hope
Thanks, Ganesh
To ANUP: Subject to the HTT-40 being granted the certificate of airworthiness by CEMILAC. BTW ba Su-30MKI from Kalaikunda is expected to fire a BrahMos-A very soon. A 550km-long air-corridor from WB out to the Bay of Bengal has been notified through a NOTAM as a no-fly area.
To DASHU: Well, fortunately, India’s immediate neighbours too are not blessed with ‘all-knowing wisdom’ & that probably lessens to a certain extent the negative repercussions. As for Pakistan’s economic state & future geopolitical options, do watch these:
Options in LAC Middle Sector https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmW8vn2PvGg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5sgDMoCAVc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxQS2B3k5wg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9zqDilc87A
To VIKRAM GUHA: Since the RFP is being issued to only two shipyards—MDSL & L & T—it means the IN will select the winner from these two shipbuilders. In other words, for the first time in the history of the IN, the Navy does not get to choose the best SSK design, but the shipyrads get to do the choosing! Secondly, since MDSL is already building Scorpene SSKs, it is logical that it ought to recommend the SSK solution from France’s Naval Group. On the other hand, since L & T is prime contractor for the SSBNs of Russia-origin design, then it is logical that it will recommend the solution emanating from the St Petersburg-based Rubin central Marine Design Bureau (Russia). So where does that leave other OEMs like ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Germany), Navantia (Spain) and Daewoo (South Korea? This is the most bizarre competitive procurement exercise for SSKs that I have ever come across, where the end-user/operator has no say in the selection of the SSK design.
To SUMANTA NAG: A) They are all worthy of being dismissed without any comment, since any sane-headed individual will realise that such statements are only emanating from a demented person & hence there’s no need to react or respond. B) Because the investigations are still underway & some high-level defectors from China will probably spill the beans in the coming months about it. C) Like the ISPR presently is serialising a revisionist version of the J & K issue? D) There is no sharing at all. Only coordination of intelligence-based operations. Beijing did not even inform Islamabad about its deployments along the LAC. E) India is still adjusting to the fact that China has backstabbed India. Like I had stated many times before, India’s decision-makers tend to think more out of their hearts than their brains.
To ASD: LoLz! And over how many months or years will the Herons have to remain grounded for the modifuications to be carried out? Will that serve any immediate reqmts? Hence, this is nothing but rumour-mongering & Bandalbaazi. And if you want to know about the local living conditions in areas similar to those prevailing along the LAC, then do watch these that portray the PLA-BDR’s border outposts:
Wakhan Corridor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3rrdu7S8rA
Khunjerab Pass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F4PHCzJ92Q
North of Arunachal Pradesh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao2eDuDk13w
To GANESH: 1) No industry in the world will attempt indigenisation of such items when they are reqd in such small numbers. 2) They will be operating for another 20 years. 3) Not reqd nor is it desirable, since such lumbering aircraft cannot survive at all in hostile or contested airspaces. 4) I totally agree. 5) If China really wanted to attack & overwhelm India, it could easily have done so last May itself when it had the initiative. But that was not China’s plan because China knows only too well not to expose its flimsy warfihting platforms to actual combat conditions. 6) The day I see that the Secretary for Defence production & Supplies has been stripped of his position as a nominated Director in the Boardrooms of all DPSUs, and the day the Govt of India undertakes real divestments from all such DPSUs, only such a day will produce any meaningful ray of hope.
Hi Sir,
1)Pl. share your opinion on Rafale v/s J-20 & J-31.
2)Air Marshal Raghunath Nambiar(Retd.) in a recent interview said that Tejas MK2/ MWF will be better than Rafale..Any logic in that or pure Chest Thumping?
3)Pl.Share your views on this article: https://www.eastmojo.com/opinion/2020/07/17/air-war-over-aksai-chin-how-china-is-at-a-great-disadvantage
Regards!
AMAN
Dear Prasunda,
Thanks for your last reply.
More nautanki on its way.
https://www.livefistdefence.com/2020/07/this-month-hals-intermediate-jet-trainer-gets-final-shot.html
I still remember that engine overhaul is biggest cause somewhere after 300 hours it requires periodic overhauling while the standard remains more than 2000 hours for periodic overhaul. Also, DRDO is in its own league- designing IJTs when the world is developing AJTs. Why can't DRDO design a full fledged AJT?
https://www.livefistdefence.com/2020/07/boeings-india-plans-sharpen-around-f-15-super-hornet.html
I personally believe that for Boeing, India is a money bag. They very well knew while IAC-1 hangers are suited for Mig-29s, India already has 2 heavy MRCAs in it inventory. F-15 EX for India!!!!!!!!!!!!!. It appears that for Boeing, IAF is a joke.
As for Mr. Biden's VP's pick Kamala Harris, disaster is complete for Mr. Jaishankar. I simply have also sympathy for current FM seeing what intellectually bankrupt department he heads and how he is caving to the Chinese these days.
Regards,
Dear Prasunda,
Just to add to my previous post, these guys did it while DRDO just keeps their mouth running.
https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/south-korea-unveils-indigenous-aesa-radar-for-kf-x-fighter/139669.article
Regards,
To AMAN: 1) Both J-20 & FC-31 are still unproven platforms whereas the Rafale is a mature & combat-proven design. 2) From a technological standpoint, the MWF ought to be more advanced since newer microprocessor technologies are available today than they were when the Rafale first flew back in 1986. But it remains to be seen if the Rafale’s MRO life-cycle philosophy will be adopted for the MWF, meaning whether the MWF will require a dedicated depot-level MRO facility for mid-life & periodic upgrades, or whether it will, like the Rafale, be upgradable within the confines of its air base. 3) Yes, the PLAAF has a definite disadvantage against the IAF. This has been known for decades & was well-known as far back as 1961.
To ANIONE: That was another classic rwong decision taken by the IAF in the late 1990s. The IAF should then have asked HAL to design the AJT & seek collaboration with Rolls-Royce to develop an advanced version of the Adour turbofan for powering not only the AJT, but also for re-engining the Jaguar IS platforms.
As for the F-15EX, only those interesting milking Boeing for securing advertisements for their blog-pages will continue to give publicity to such delusional marketing stunts.
Here are video-clips of the recently-unveilled AESA-MMR from South Korea:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_7EJF5f40c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIyruR1AOVY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm4ubsHI0sA
And here’s one of the Uttam AESA-MMR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCiTZIJ_gqA
As I had explained several years ago, the LRDE ultimately had to charter an executive jet (bizjet) to conduct the initial rounds of flight-trials. In addition, unlike the LRDE, other developers of radars do not invest in developing such radars for only a single application. Instead, from the outset, X-band AESA-MMRs are developed as a family of radars that can be used by MRCAs, by ground-based air-defence systems, as well as on integrated masts of warships--something which the LRDE is not doing, thereby increasing the R & D costs.
And here's a beautiful explanation of the little-known facets of the civilisational links between India & Arabia:
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/ebrahim-alkazi-dead-theatre-india-saudi-arabia-relations-saud-bin-mohammed-al-sati-6550763/
"This is the most bizarre competitive procurement exercise for SSKs that I have ever come across, where the end-user/operator has no say in the selection of the SSK design." Why have you not heard of the arranged marriage where parents and in laws choose the groom and fits the bride into him? The Leaders of the nation are now assuming the father of the nation role hence these kinds of brazen dumb behaviour will only increase.
Prasun Da, regarding the response of repliessreplies of my query at C, won't be any way there to counter propaganda by TRT since they have exactly taken up the role of PTV ? BTW, is not it right time to revamp Doordarshan in way DW TV or BBC ?
If I am right you were on the opinion for creating a SSK derivative of Arihant design of Rubin design bureau. Also, its unfortunate to exclude IN from selection process. What would be the outcome, who will win, either DCNS or Rubin or we may see postponement of such process, and Govt. To sign G To G contact to either of this country,taking IN onboard.
Please share your views.
Dear Prasun,
1. As you explained here about the development of AESA radar, why didn't our plan makers don't think 360 degree about other applications of the same product being developed. Why is it so difficult to think even?
2. Further what did make the IAF just to think about a LCH which is tailor made to deal only with drones? They could have given a requirement for multi purpose platform. Nobody developed only attack helicopters to deal with drones. Do you agree with me?
3. Although you have rightly identified earlier about the engagement of LCH in LAC near Ladakh without self protection kit, is it to get it acquainted with the terrain of the area or something else? What's the use of the same? Why has not IAF commented yet about the deficiency of the platform till now? Is IAF happy with the platform or something is cooking?
Prasun,
interesting reads ....pls share your views
1- http://idrw.org/skyroot-indias-first-private-company-tests-upper-stage-rocket-engine/#more-232659.. if successful, can it be hoped that these guys will expand into jet engine space?
2- http://idrw.org/china-wants-nepal-ngo-to-audit-asks-why-are-gurkhas-joining-indian-army/.. is this true? Chinese meddling in nepal is now at its nadir
3-http://idrw.org/pakistan-gives-illegal-gold-uranium-mining-contracts-to-china-in-indias-gilgit-baltistan-territory/.... the pakis seem to think that its better to hand GB over to the chinese --sakshgam valley 2.0? Pakis(punjabi zamidars) were only interested in securing water resources & hence their kashmir cause..now there seems to be a realization that its gone out of their hands.. asked the chinese to do their bidding.. to hence the ladakh transgression . Can this be stopped by India along with bhasha dam..
4-Saudi-Paki rift.. my take it will come back to normalcy soon.. afetrall who else wud fill their begging bowl
5- there is news about some missile test planned in the bay of bengal.. is it the bramhos -er? if yes, which variant and is its range expected to be 550 kms?
Dada, 1) why MOD didn't gone forward with the follow on order for two more Phalcon Awacs or they could have gone for follow on order for Aew&cs Netra. The wait for DRDO Awacs on A330 platform is taking so long. These options above could have prove valuable for the interim. 2) Putin visiting India couple of months later, what are the deals we can expect?
AniOne, I am not too worried about Kamla Harris becoming Running Mate of Bidden, any body elected to the post of President of the USA is to prioritise the interest of the USA, any ego doesn't count in professional arena, that's well known by the Career Diplomat like EAM Jai Shankar as well as Harris, because staying as Opposition Senator and occupying the official chair of power are two completely different Ball Game. If courting India suits US interest, Harris or Bidden would exceed Donald Trump. In case of worst scenario, there would be lip service for Pak voters with no action at all in reality.
Prasunda,
When a Soryu class costs around USD 600 million per boat, why we are going to pay so much (almost a billion ) per boat ?
Secondly you have mentioned that Russia is not very proficient in AIP technology ! At that case who will supply AIP for Amur class ?
Best regards
Dear Sir,
Pls. share your views on this article:
https://theprint.in/opinion/what-plas-india-specialist-officer-said-in-1962-gives-us-a-clue-to-how-china-thinks/475890/
Regards!
SUDIPTO
Dear Sir,
Pls. share your views on this article:
https://theprint.in/opinion/close-combat-is-so-last-century-china-will-use-drones-pgms-high-end-tech-against-india/480533/
Regards!
SUDIPTO
Hi Prasunji,
I have noticed a difference in the helmets overn by Test pilots of the LCA and operational pilots of the LCA. Can you say why that is the case?
Thanks & Regards
Hardik Thanki
Hi Prasun,
A very good Day.
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/army-finalises-made-in-india-extreme-weather-gear-for-doklam-siachen-use-1899242#globalbar
Where is the material for these sourced form? Since, this is from 2018 and they were already sourcing the ECWCS since then.
What's this kichdi??👇
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1293922803419353088?s=20
How can anybody startup with chips and processor business and how much investment is needed for that?
JB
Dear Prasun,
Is it true that China is going to recruit Nepalese Gurkha in their army? Or is it just propaganda? Again India tapped the opportunity to recruit Nepalese Gurkha long back. Why didn't China think about it and try to recruit them before India. If Gurkhas join PLA, what would be its impact on IA?
I was checking your post from 2008,
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_44d3OT-xI3U/SnHUvatKVMI/AAAAAAAAA54/EkabQUoClac/s1600-h/ATV+CAD.jpg
Is it flank array sonar in drawings of ATV? Am I judging it right?
To SUMANTA NAG: 1) Not just TRT, but also Germany’s DW. 2) I was referring to the SSN variant of Arihant, not SSK variant. Logis demands that if the IN wants more SSKs, then instead of going for a new-design SSK, a more advanced derivative of the Scorpene SSK be subjected to production.
To ASD: 1) Because the 3 armed services are unable to agree on a list of common0user items—a task that is supposed to be fulfilled by the HQ IDS. 2) The IAF has always feared the loss of its helicopter assets (since the IA wants them all for its Aviation Corps). That’s why the IAF has always been against the transfer of any of its helicopters to either the IA or IN. Instead, it always wants to create new reqmts for helicopters & hence came up with the idea of an LCH used only for shooting down hostile UAVs. On the ither hand, the IAF till this day does not possess dedicated CSAR helicopters! 3) How can anyone expose an undefended helicopter to hostile terrain? Back in 1999 itself the IAF had learnt this lesson after losing MiG-21s, MiG-27Ms & Mi-17s to shoulder-fired MANPADS because such aircraft then no countermeasures dispenders. Even back in 1999 on the very first day of the IAF’s entry (May 26), the PA had fired a total of 38 MANPADS. So one can imagine what will be the firing rate today.
To JUST_CURIOUS: 1) No, because unlike a rocket engine that has to be used only once, any jet engine must be re-usable & have a far greater service-life. 2) Will Nepal allow the Gurkhas to serve as mercenaries in China, where the prime reqmt is to swear allegiance to the Communist Party of China? 3) This was known to everyone since 2014 itself when the SEZs were identified in Gilgit. 4) Not quite, because this time Pakistan wants to create an axis that includes China, Iran, Qatar & Turkey. And this will piss off the Saudis & Egyptians alike.
To SUMIT SEN: 1) Because the DRDO vetoed the procurement. 2) Only the ones for the AK-203s, plus the additional MiG-29UPGs & Su-30MKIs.
To PARTHASARATHI: That’s how much its costs to licence-built a new-design SSK. If a variant of the Scorpene SSK is to be built, then the costs will come down significantly.
To SUDIPTO: 2) LoLz! China does not as yet possess any standoff PGM like Hammer or Spice-2000. 1) This is the best answer:
We can defend what we have, however, the Chinese have no immediate need to dislodge us from there. If & when the opportunity arises, the Ladakh region offers a much more convenient link between Aksai Chin & Baltistan in PoK, thereby greatly facilitating their link to the Karakoram Highway.
Post-independence, we simply wished away a legacy issue needing resolution & were content with the prevailing status quo on the borders & sought refuge in managing the problem with diplomacy & goodwill. We gave up our consulates & garrisons in Tibet, accepted Tibet as part of China, tacitly supported Chinese stand on Taiwan & sidelined the Dalai Lama. The future therefore holds humiliation behind the façade of diplomacy.
It must also be accepted that notwithstanding our cartographic, supposed cultural links & academic arguments to back our claim, we, including the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir & British India, had no communication, administration or settled population in Aksai Chin. Even our pathetic attempts to ‘show the flag’ & set up military posts as part of the ‘forward policy’ before the border war of 1962 barely took us a few kilometres ahead of the present position with no infrastructure to support the deployment.
Perhaps not much has changed today. An unsettled, un-demarcated & contentious border has been ‘policed’ by the ITBP and the Union MHA rather than ‘defended’ by the military. Prior to 1962 it was the blind belief in the assessment of the Intelligence Bureau Chief that China would not resort to use of force, now it was assumed that the economic cooperation & personal equation of the leadership would ensure status quo.
Meaningful policy formulation comes about through institutions peopled with & injecting expert opinion & advice in the policy formulation process. Our security policy apparatus is totally devoid of any formal military representation right through the process of policy formulation. Nor are the diplomatic-intelligence inputs integrated right through the military planning & force structuring process. Seeking a one-off view or comments is no substitute for participative policy formulation. The civil & police bureaucracy, which handles our security policy formulation, is conditioned & oriented towards finding solutions to an issue, while the military is conditioned to handle & address an issue & problem. We have been content to manage our security issues rather than address them. That our intelligence structures & apparatus have repeatedly failed remains unaddressed. Needless to say, our politico-military objectives have never been clearly formulated. Individuals cannot replace institutions but our experience has been the opposite.
Safeguarding turf, vested interests & a misplaced sense of prerogative overrides institutional and national interests. Recommendations of all committees, study groups, reports of CAG and Standing Committee of Parliament for Defence have, except for some cherry-picking, died a natural death in the hands of the bureaucracy or lost in the maze of the government apparatus. Blaming the past leadership–political, bureaucratic & military—may serve some purpose if it leads to some meaningful & positive change.
And finally, our internal political discourse, far from addressing reality & reaching a consensus, only promotes obfuscation & mutual recrimination. The fact is that the situation has been brought about by the institutions, systems & individuals that the nation nurtures and throws up; the sum total of national character. It would be appropriate to say that it has been a national failing.
https://www.thecitizen.in//index.php/en/newsdetail/index/4/19167/dealing-with-the-dragon--harsh-reality-hard-options
To ANUP: That is vintage 2011 footage of the Mustral ATAM being fired.
To HARDIK THANKI: Because the TPs are not reqd to wear HMDS.
To BRAMHASTRA: Of course from China.
To AMIT BISWAS & VISHAKH: Yes, this is happening because Pakistan wants to create an axis that includes China, Iran, Qatar & Turkey. And this will piss off the UAE, plus the Saudis & Egyptians.
To UNKNOWN/JB: For that, one needs to have billions of US$ to invest.
To ASD: Pure hogwash & total baloney.
To ARPIT KANODIA: This is a more realistic illustration:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AXl5gEOPgr4/VJSWJFx4L0I/AAAAAAAAIt8/ozgS4BMiXg8/s1600/S-2%2BArihant%2BSSBN%2BCAD.jpg
Flank-array sonars are installed on single-hulled submarines. On double-hulled ones like the Arihant, the rearward-facing & sideways-facing sonar transducer arrays are fitted on the coning tower.
DG-ISPR Press Conference on 13-8-2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpaOqBGvSno
Analysis of Xi Jinping's Forthcoming Visit to Pakistan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32KsebaiWOs
Pak-Saudi Tensions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0hGjz5ZdNg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvOMBMlyBgk
China's Wenchang Spaceport on Hainan Island: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY7H8mJ0Zpk
Greece-Turkey Eastern Mediterranean Tensions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IMb9qsk_1U
Prasun
why are western subs single hulled whereas russian subs are doubled hulled. what are the pros and cons of each. do double hulled subs have greater life?for indian SSNs and SSBNs which type of hulls will be appropriate. what about pump jet propulsion? for SSBN pump jet is preferred because it produces less noise but at a cost of reduced top speed what about SSN? it seem wetern navies are going for pump jet even in their SSNs but russia is not
Prasun,
1 why did pakis commit a suicidal diplomacy to join a prospective alliance of qatar, turkey, iran & china when the west have qatar under their thumb, turkey is a nobody & china is just interested in itself and opt to oppose US-saudi led front.Will qatar dare to refuse american dikat and to what extent can china sustain the rest of the beggers when they themselves are facing economic bans
2 why is erdogan given a long rope by the west .. do they have so much dependence on turkey ? the west cannot just wish it away sooner or later it is going to be a clash between him& the saudis in a big way .. france is already against the turks in libya , so is russia - who like in syria are playing both sides depending on the region (against turks in libya but with them in europe)
3 no super sukhoi deal this year ? is it because of economics or are the tech still being developed/ finalized (ur earlier posts suggest that the tech is ready)
4 what can be expected in Afghanistan now that all the taliban prisioners are released as per the jirga decision. how imp was the jigra from the perspective of the Afghanistan's future.. except for the taliban all parties attended .. yet it did not get the coverage as it should have got
5 Iran's head Khomeini's twitter outreach & new turkey's supposedly attempt to lure indian muslim students are these attempts to brew trouble in india?
Prasun,
6 banglore riots.. a copy of delhi riots.elected representatives directly involved in both cases how serious is this issue?
8 OFB demands - two demands, seem sensible on the face of it, guess implementation is where the issue lies ... The first is to withdraw the proposed move to convert the departmentally-run ordnance factories into a corporation or public sector undertaking. The second one is to set up an expert committee for studying the requirement and methodology for improving the efficiency, performance, productivity and accountability of the top management, integration of various functions, independent research and development, and power to enter into transfer of technology for OFB within the government setup---
Erdogan announces that Turkey will break all diplomatic ties with #UAE for the deal they made with #Israel.
This is the boldest and the most unprecedented move by a Muslim country as a first sign of retaliation.
Turkey stepped up to the plate.
https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/rest-of-the-world-news/erdogan-threatens-to-suspend-diplomatic-ties-with-uae-after-israel-dea.html
Ron
My err.., Prasun Da, it seems memory betrayed me. So, I hope sometimes later after wasting some money and labour Government will have to read writing on the wall, and sign the Government to Government contract for more advanced version of Scorpion to built by MDL with RaGa once again crying foul, I am sceptical whether he would be able to spell correctly.
Also, it is quite disappointing to learn that even DW is bull shitting.
Thanks Prasun Da.
Prasun Da, in this report they are saying that Indian Navy wants to urgently procure 10 ship based drones.
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-navy-to-urgently-buy-10-ship-based-drones-11597409699622.html
Please let us know
1. Which drones are these?
2. Which foreign companies are likely to supply these drones?
Thanks
Dear Prasunda,
Happy 74th Independence Day of so called Modern India and very much thanks for your last reply to my queries.
1. https://theprint.in/defence/police-paramilitary-personnel-bag-more-chakra-gallantry-awards-than-the-military/481984/.
Our caving in to China continues and it is my personal believe that by not honouring the soldiers who lost their live in Galwan valley, we simply caved in to China again shamelessly and again I believe that Ministry of External Affairs is behind this by advising Govt. not to honour the victims as China will be angered. What a shame for us. What will govt. do if the conflict is not solved by 2021. Will they postpone again.
2. Here is the discussion on Gallantry awards among our veterans.
https://theprint.in/defence/police-paramilitary-personnel-bag-more-chakra-gallantry-awards-than-the-military/481984/
Now, after the ranting, some strategic queries:
3. Announcement of converting one Nicobar island into a transshipment port. Will this effectively counter Hambantota port and whether this was always the card which was readied by India or some foreign power advised us here since we are devoid of sound common sense.
4. Visit of General Bajwa to Saudi Arabia. Will FM Qureshi by crucified for the sake of Saudi-Pak relations and then it will be business as usual between them or Saudis are determined to make Pak eat humble pie.
You have already mentioned that Saudi's anger for Pak goes back to their nuclear betrayal when Saudis discovered to their horror that Pak has taken them for a ride and then they refused to participate in Yemen pacifying Iran. Saudi's list of anger against Pak runs deep.
Will this time Saudis will take some concrete steps against Pak? You yourself are keeping an eye on this.
5.China, Pak, Iran, Turkey, Qatar axis. Can China really have what it take to balance Pak and Iran.
And did Iran already forgot that 1st coronavirus testing lab and HCQ was shared by India with them when they needed the most.
Why is Iran supreme leader setting up twitter account in Hindi. Do he want to rant against India. Is this again some grand design against India which we fail to see since we are devoid of any common sense.
Regards,
AniOne
Dear Prasunda,
link related to 2nd query is actually this. Sorry for the typo
2. Here is the discussion on Gallantry awards among our veterans.
https://theprint.in/opinion/ashok-chakra-to-hemant-karkare-shows-why-india-must-overhaul-its-gallantry-award-system/226825/
To JUST_CURIOUS: Pakistan has a rather irrational perception of its geo-strategic location & believes that such a location serves as a vital entry-point to Central Asia. But on the other hand, its physical contiguity with Iran has caused its relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to go sour. This is nothing extraordinary, since back in 1990 too the then PA COAS Gen Mirza Aslam Baig had authorised Dr A Q ‘Bhopali’ Khan to share the designs of URENCO-origin gas centrifuges with Teheran after the US imposed financial & military sanctions on Pakistan. Here are some rational explanations:
REALITY: https://theprint.in/opinion/bajwa-going-to-saudis-but-imran-khan-dreams-of-neo-ottoman-world/481107/
DELUSION: https://nation.com.pk/10-May-2020/a-new-world-order
As for the Bengaluru riots, just allow the law to take its own course without any political interference & one will see such incidents never taking place again. The OFB needs to become a full-fledged publicly-listed corporate entity & anything less than that will continue to be disastrous.
To HOODS007: It was all explained here a long time ago:
http://trishul-trident.blogspot.com/2017/01/second-cm-2000-scorpene-ssk-of-indian.html
To SUJOY MAJUMDAR: The only credible contender is this:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/what-we-do/air/fire-scout/
Such VTOL-UAS platforms can go on board any existing IN-operated DDG & FFG. The Fire Scout can be acquired through the G-to-G FMS channel & no cumbersome & time-consuming tendering or release of RFPs are required.
To RAJESH MISHRA: Even Afghanistan is going to get away from Pakistan, especially if the Afghan Taliban comes to power, as explained here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQyv9uO_QdQ&t=29s
To ANIONE: 3) Creation of a Deep-Water Port in Great Nicobar island will lead to the eastern seaboard of India being bestowed such a port. On the other hand, the deep-water port now being built in Kerala (https://www.vizhinjamport.in/aboutproject.php) will serve the western seaboard. 4) Saudi Arabia has since last November suspected that Islamabad was working along with Turkey to forge close ties with Iran & this is what caused the faultlines to become full-blown now. If Riyadh now decides to replace the PA with the Bangladesh Army inside Saudi Arabia, then that will make Pakistan lose all leverage in the Middle East. 5) China’s days as a unified country are numbered & if it comes to staying deployed during winter-time along the LAC, then all the PLAGF now sitting there will be doomed forever since the PLAGF has never been exposed to such sustained deployments in sub-zero temperatures. As for India, ligic & common-sense demands that the IA then commence plans for liberating Skardu & the Deosai Plains next year during summertime.
How Israel's Nuclear WMD Were Developed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=si2a610p0jM
PLAGF Tactical Comms System: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdlziEn4hLg
Islam & Science: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCFWxyO-mcs
Pakistan & Turkey Brothers-in-Arms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zseu0E3Dl3A
To RAD: https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/acm-chotu-bhadauria-youngest-leaders-of-gen-sundarji-exercise-brasstacks/481088/
In case you are wondering which ASPJ pod he is referring to, it is the Ericsson U-95 Erijammer pod, which was procured in very small numbers in the mid-1980s only for the MiG-21Ms 7 MiG-X-band MMR-jammers 21bis of the IAF. These were the IAF's first in-service ASPJ pods & more could not be procured because the DRDO vetoed their procurement so as to obtain funds for the ADE to develop the Tempest & Tusker pods, none of which ever entered service.
Here is an image of the 230kg Erijammer: https://www.aef.se/Avionik/Bilder/U95-stor.jpg
hoodbhoy is a hasina hating paki. he's only sour because pakistan is drowning. he wants to promote science for the cause of islam & 'ummah'. i read 2 of his articles on bangladesh. in both, he tried to subtly hide his aspirational superiority in the language of a liberal speaking from a position of power - which is where he is currently not, nor ever was (speaking of pre-71). if a north korean says "oh! we really should not look down on these americans. they really are not inferior to us as we think" - what he is sadly attempting is to transfer the reality which he knows is his & attempting to project that onto the party that is threatening & has won, & to try & salvage his dignity by false equivalence. this childlike attempt bares too easily the unbridled insecurities that make a grown-up person even attempt something so laughably apparent.
hi prasun
ther are many pics that show the tempest and tusker pods as desi ew pod as well as having developed a lown=band jammer .
drdo buggers should be castrated for proming the moon and hampering the defence prepardenss of this counrty.
the tusler seems to be a bad copy of teh alq-131 jammers? in dimensions/ i believge they were used on the mig 27 ?
Is the desi pods dumped because they did not perform or was that thye could not match the el-8222 series jammers. why have we not gone for the bigger escort jammers ie 8251 series etc?? it will b e badly needed to counter the advanced air defence of china .
pse give more info on the el-8222 wb jammer , alpha seems to have displayed it .does it mean that theb pod can take care of all freq of fire control radars?
what is ur opinion of teh russian sap 518 wing tip jammer on the su-27 fighter of russia . are they sub optimal? china seems to have got them?
is the so calle unified ew suite going to be fitted on the MWF? is a collaboration with israel?
Dear Sir,
A/C to my reading of Kashmir issue, I am convinced that neither India will take any military action to capture PoK & GB and nor will Pakistan take any action to capture Indian UT of JnK.
It is not feasible too. Let's assume India attacks PoK or GB & captures the occupied BUT we will have to pay the price too: Many soldiers will be KIA + Cost of War + Risk of Nuclear Escalation, etc.. & secondly will China allow End Of CPEC? NO! They will support Pakistan to protect CPEC.....Even after all this if we capture the land, then also what we will get is a hostile population..Will all that be worth it?
Even Pakistan will not be able to capture UT of JnK.
Since, territorial changes are not going to happen & not viable too (Even GoI is not interested- Aggresive statements are for political benefits, nothing else):- Why don't India-Pakistan resolve the Kashmir Dispute by converting LoC into a peaceful IB, demilitirization of entire Kashmir(including PoK) & granting more autonomy to Kashmiris?
Kashmir issue is the major problem bw Ind-Pak, if this is resolved then we can expect a friendly & mutually benficial relationship...1000s of problems of India & Pakistan will be solved if both countries maintain a win-win relationship..
Pakistan is close to China only bcoz of two reasons:-
1)Military threat from India i,e. loss of PoK & GB.
2)Economic Issues.
If India-Pak relationship stabilizes both the issues of Pakistan can be solved..There will be no reason left for Pakistan to side with China giving rise to new world order with India & Pakistan as allies.
Indian Military will also benefit as it will have only one threat i.e. China.
We must remember that we can change friends, partners & allies but we cannot change our neighbours. Hence pragmatic & mutually acceptable resolution of Kashmir issue must happen..
It is not feasible for India to occupy tht land: Any attempt to do so will make us pay a heavy price & risk a collusive 2 Front War. Resolution of Kashmir Issue will permanently remove a collusive 2 Front war Threat...It will help us economically too in several ways.
Pl.share your views on this.
Best Wishes!
AMAN
Prasunda,
Looks like the NOTAM you mentioned about the Brahmos test is cancelled. With covid showing no signs of winding down, should'nt the Govt take a pragmatic decision to resume missile testing, satellite launches and other such strategic activity at normal levels by exempting personnel involved from all lockdowns (giving PPEs if need be to the relevant personnel)?
Satyaki
Parasun Da,
PAWS-2 Missile Approach Warning System on the IAF AH-64E Apache Guardian.IAF's Apaches and Chinooks use the PAWS in place of the AN/AAR-57 MAWS.
https://twitter.com/Parthu_Potluri/status/1289879436448260101
Bhoutik, he is probably indoctorined by ISPR, or brought into his knees by force, as well as Najam Sathi, because end of the day life is precious to be lost, especially when PA is running show.
Greatings Prasun,
I have been a regular reader of this blog for the past 5-6 years.
I commend you for doing a wonderful job and consistently bringing out facts and sharing your knowledge.
It is especially heartening to see you take questions from laypeople amd explain technicalities to novices.
Although the blog is great, i would request you to start a youtube channel where you could discuss Military and National security issues atleast once a month if not more.
It would be amazing to hear from you in your own voice and see you when you speak with passion on several issues.
I also wish to put a face to your writings.
This is a sincere request from a fan.
Thanks in advance.
-DrJJB
Prasun Da, here's a video of own troops in action somewhere at the LOC armed with Sig-716 G2 youtube.com/watch?v=CfxgEaQQfUO
But sir this looks like the Tred variant not G2 as reported in the media.
To AMAN: All I can say is that your assessments are fundamentally flawed due to foundational wishful thinking.
To DrJJB: VMT, but VBlogs, TV appearances, plus Facebook & Twitter accounts are not suitable for my tastes.
To SATYA: Here are the videos, showing them in the Haji Pir area, plus China-built quadcopters being used for LoC surveillance :
SIG-716 SLR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfxgEaQQfU0
Haji Pir: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oud5xURzoDA
China Quadcopter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsMrNLI7XlI
US Sanctions Killing Huawei: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6kEv6FH85s
PLAGF ZTZ-99A MBT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCvU-71WiBo
KJ-500 AEW & CS (it does not have glass cockpit): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqCVKNakl9o
To RAD: All info pertaining to India-developed EW suites can be found here:
http://trishul-trident.blogspot.com/2019/04/how-modernisation-of-iafs-fleet-of.html
All data on the EL/L-8222 ASPJ pod can be found here:
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUbTucVpXz4/WGlE2d9mRhI/AAAAAAAAMJ8/2lhEtjvNpvcnvW9xAoHvigXk-tggsVzJACLcB/s1600/ELL-8222%2BASPJ-1.jpg
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAPnKaVzVpY/WGlE_pqoSuI/AAAAAAAAMKA/4JVyuVoNrYUvbBXf4F0xVDdrWbAHoGfEQCLcB/s1600/ELL-8222%2BASPJ-2.jpg
Back in the early 1980s, the IAF’s reqmt was for both ASPJ pods & escort jamming pods (up to 100 & 20, respectively) for both MiG-21M/bis & Canberras & No.35 Sqn was selected as the pioneering EW Sqn. Both types of jammers were then X-band (high-band) jammers meant for use against X-band airborne multi-mode radars & ground-based fire-control radars of MR-SAMs & SHORADS. The mid-band jammers (for use against Ku-band seekers of BVRAAMs) & low-band jammers (against ground-based C-/D-/E-band airspace surveillance radars & AEW & CS platforms were not in vogue & only towards the early 1990s were such jammers developed. The ASPJ pods, however, could & can still provide hemispherical coverage for only 2 aircraft at a time, or 2 such pods are reqd for securing a 4-aircraft strike package. Hence, the reqmt then arose for a single, heavier escort jammer that could provide jamming coverage for 8 strike aircraft at the same time. Against the reqmt for 100 + 20 pods for MiG-21M/bis & Canberra, the DRDO forced the MoD to authorise the purchase of only four ASPJ pods for each aircraft-type, i.e. a total of only 8 pods were procured! From Italy’s Elettronica came the pods for Canberras, while Ericsson’s U-95 Erijammer was procured for MiG-21M/bis. The escort jamming pods were never procured because the ADE then under Dr K G Narayanan (who I happen to know) flatly refused to offer a wide-band noise-jamming solution. That’s because under the then DRDO secretary, Dr V S Arunachalam, the DRDO was authorised to have covert R & D contacts with Israeli OEMs like ELISRA since 1986, way before India formally established diplomatic ties with Israel in early 1992. Consequently, the ADE was then proposing solutions like SPS-65 from ELISRA that would be shipped to India in semi knocked-down condition, with the ADE designing & producing only the aerodynamic pod containing all the components of the SPS-65 & labelling it as a ‘desi’ solution. And since there was no AERO INDIA expo being organised at that time, many folks could not see all this happening, expect for folks like me who happened to attend air shows in Le Bourget, Farnborough & Singapore, where I could see with my own eyes the Project Directors of various DRDO labs openly hobnobbing & negotiating with technocrats from various Israeli OEMs. I even took photos of several such meetings.
Cont'd below...
Coming now to comprehensive EW suites, the one developed for Tejas M.1 has jamming transmitters for mid-band & high-band spectrum, as explained in this slide:
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--8_vjt96RfY/XK_mpERW24I/AAAAAAAARIA/FdJLHwwUBwMe_9tXgejrpqygKUj-LvrNQCLcBGAs/s1600/DARE-designed%2B%2526%2BBEL-built%2Binternal%2BUEWS%2Bsuite%2Bfor%2BTejas%2BMk1%2BMRCA.jpg
A similar solution has been adopted for the MiG-29UPG & Jaguar IS/DARIN-3. Low-band jammers are reqd for those aircraft that engage in escort jamming from higher altitudes, like Su-30MKI & hence the wingtip-mounted LBJ pods have been developed by DARE for the Super Su-30MKI upgrade package. And that’s because in the India-Pakistan scenario, the threat-levels from ground-based low-band airspace surveillance radars is almost nil, since combat aircraft from either country can take off & stay at low-level (not above 150 feet above surface) & yet are able to reach each other’s forward air bases within 20 minutes & as a result, the ground-based radars are at best able to detect such low-flying aircraft only out to a distance of 25km due to the Earth’s curvature.
And this is the MAIN REASON why LR-SAMs & MR-SAMs have very low utility & value in the India-Pakistan air warfare scenario & instead the SHORADS & E-SHORADS like QR-SAM & Akash-1 family of SAMs will be much more effective. The scenario can be reversed ONLY IF 8 AEW & CS platforms or up to 12 aerostat-mounted early-warning radars are deployed in large numbers & only then can the Barak-8 MR-SAM become effective. Hence, in the India-Pakistan scenario alone, the IAF requires 8 AEW & CS platforms in all to ensure 24/7 coverage in case aerostat-mounted radars are unavailable. And that also explains why the PAF has invested in 9 AEW & CS platforms. Nor are there any mountain ranges in either country straddling the IB for siting the radars at higher altitudes.
So, in conclusion, if a truly Gen-4 MWF requires 360-degree hemispheric protection, then its airframe will be reqd to house the following: 6 x RWRs + microprocessor LRU, 6 x laser warning receivers + microprocessor LRU, 6 x MAWS + microprocessor LRU, 4 apertures for high-band jamming + microprocessor LRU + transmitter LRU, 4 apertures for mid-band jamming + microprocessor LRU + transmitter LRU, plus 2 wingtip-mounted low-band jammer pods.
Dear Prasun,
You wrote
" So, in conclusion, if a truly Gen-4 MWF requires 360-degree hemispheric protection, then its airframe will be reqd to house the following: 6 x RWRs + microprocessor LRU, 6 x laser warning receivers + microprocessor LRU, 6 x MAWS + microprocessor LRU, 4 apertures for high-band jamming + microprocessor LRU + transmitter LRU, 4 apertures for mid-band jamming + microprocessor LRU + transmitter LRU, plus 2 wingtip-mounted low-band jammer pods."
So is our MWF being developed like this?
Without going into the other nonsense & bullshit that you are ladling out, as far as India is concerned POK includes G-B as part of the erstwhile princely state of J&K. What Paxtan thinks or imagines is of no consequence other than for military purposes😉
@prasun da
1. now that F16 orders have poured from Taiwan and Morroco LM wont PURSUE f16/f21 sale to India?
2. UAE Israel normalizing relation was matter of time expect other gulf states to follow with Palestinians being net loser ?
3. Calls have started that Karmapa Lama be allowed back to India especially Rumtek since the rival has married, but will India allow?
4. China days as unified nation are nubered?? how ?? who has balls to bell the dragon or break the dragon? hope xinjiang, tibet and Inner Mongolia break free??
thanks
Joydeep Ghosh
Prasunji,
1) The RBE2 AA aesa radar is the smallest aesa radar in active service in the world with only 838TRMs, while even much smaller aircraft like f-16 block 70, equipped with AN/APG 83 with 1020TRMs. How much of a handicap is this to the rafale considering even the upcoming radar for jf-17Block3 has 1100TRM and Chinese radar for J-16 has 1875TRMs?
2) Between SPECTRA on rafale and DASS on Typhoon which is better?
3) Is SPECTRA capable of aiding in targeting enemy aircraft like some claim?
4) Is SPECTRA capable of active Stealth and aid in reducing the radar signature of rafale?
5) What advantages does IR MAWS on rafale over active radar MAWS on Typhoon?
6) The current version of OSF on board all rafale F3Rs including India's lacks an IR sensor. How will we make up this defect? Some online have suggested that we can use the seeker of mica-ir as a stop gap FLIR. Will that be effective?
7) What targeting pods will go aboard the rafale? Will it be litening G4 or Talios?
8) Considering China has such good SAM systems, shouldnt India invest in electronic attack aircraft like growlers or prowlers? How effective are electronic warfare pods like Skyshield from rafael in comparison to dedicated electronic attack aircraft like a growler? Do we have any plans of buying such pods?
9) Although debatable, which aircraft is a better multirole aircraft between rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon and can you give a couple of reasons why?
10) Apart from meteor, mica, and scalp, what other missiles or bombs are we planning to equip the rafale with? Anti - armour? Anti radiation? Cluster munitions? AASM?
11) What kind of jammers are found on SPECTRA - low band, mid band or high band?
12) Does SPECTRA provide 360 degree spherical warning and countermeasure as is ideally expected from a comprehensive electronic warfare suite?
13) You mentioned back in 2017 that we have two Missile groups with agni missiles - 334 with agni 1 and 335 with agni 2 and that agni 3 was not a part of our deterrent. You also mentioned agni 4 had been inducted in limited numbers. Any change in this scenario?
14) Considering agni 5 is the only Missile capable of deterring or striking China, what is the status of its induction in our SFC. We first tested it in 2012. Its about bloody hell time its inducted.
Thanks.
Sir I have a few questions:
1)the new ssk procurement is just a stupid decision, instead they should have just gone for additional scorpenes with slightly upgraded features. This would have been much faster and cost much less dont you think.
2)was just seeing livefist interview with sss sss defence ceo. He raised some imp points and also if a homegrown co. is offering products that may be suitable shudnt the armed forces give them an honest opportunity. and if the ak203 is such a degraded product then why is the armed forces going for it. Also what is your opinion on their entire lineup of small arms.
3)shudnt the IAF give an honest look at the c295 aewac variant with the lrde radar. It'll help them shoring up there awacs no. in a timely and cost effective manner.
4) with the lrde's progress in flyable aesa radars, why dont they try making radars for ships and groundbased radars.
5) it took us almost 25-30yrs to create the LCA, thereby creating some sort of aircraft ecosystem in the country, the koreans are trying to create the kfx in like 10- 12yrs (2016 to 2028). wwere we just slow/lazy or are the koreans just that good.
6) is the drdo trying to make a HNS version of the arjun or trying to improve the arjun beyond the mk1a in any manner. Cuz now since rheinmetal has now introduced a 130mm gun for the new variants of the leopard,challenger and surely the abrams wont the Indian army start looking at that option for a future tank.
7) should the drdo try devloping an unmanned turret for mbt keeping the chassis of the arjun as a probable new variant of the arjun which might result in significant weight savings for the arjun platform with the 130mm gun.
8) like you mentioned in this post about the aerostats, what is the progress of the indigenous option. I understand the drdo was working on the same.
Sorry some of the questions might seem to be out there, but had these questions on my mind for a little while.
regards,
Shukant Chatrath
Few years ago IAF was against HTT 40 and now favours it...what has changed from then and till now...also what about the costs for operating two different format of trainers ..have they really pondered over it??
Prasun Da, in view of Turkish strategy of radicalising Indian Muslim community, through Charity Work, like Diya net foundation, the outreach of their academic institution should not be restricted ? or come under scanner ? https://www.google.com/amp/s/zeenews.india.com/world/turkish-universities-turning-into-epicenters-of-anti-india-activities-2301560.html/amp
Also, this type of Guy in future may work for their interest.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/theprint.in/india/aamir-khan-meets-turkeys-first-lady-in-istanbul-to-film-laal-singh-chaddha-there-from-oct/483065/%3famp
He was the first guy to raise the hype of 'Insecurity' in 2015.
Kindly share your views.
I guess patnitop is at at high altitude areas ..wont it help to increase the radar horizon??
To ASD: I can only hope so, since I have already passed on the necessary systems engineering inputs (from an aeronautical engineering standpoint) to both IAF HQ & ADA HQ.
To JOYDEEP GHOSH: 1) There won’t be any 114-unit MRFA competition & so the F-21, F-15EX & F/A-18 Super Hornet won’t ever enter IAF service, rest assured. 2) The Karmapa himself does not want to return to India & he is enjoying life at Wharton, New Jersey, the USA. 4) Who? Of course, the Gods of Yore will ensure the break-up of Mainland China.
To PRAMODW: 1) No radar manufacturing OEM has ever confirmed the number of TRMs present in any AESA-MMR to date & all the numbers floating around have emanated from delusional internet fan-boys. 2) Both are equally good. 3) Total bullshit. 4) No. 5) All MAWS sensors are passive. 6) Wrong. The thermal-imaging sensor is very clearly visible on every IAF Rafale. 7) Litening. 8) Escort jammers or platforms are reqd only when large-size strike packages are used. In the IAF’s case, the strike packages do not number four aircraft at a time & hence dedicated escort jamming platforms are not reqd. 9) The Rafale is better in almost all respects than the EF-2000 since the former’s developmental process had a headstart over that of the EF-2000. 10, 11 & 12) Already detailed all that in the thread dealing with Rafale MMRCA costings. 13) No change. 14) Even Agni-4 when launched from the North-East can reach China’s hinterland.
To SHUKANT CHATRATH: 2) As I had already explained, the products of that company are neither indigenous nor are they mature designs. 3) Not reqd at all. 4) Which of LRDE’s AESA radars are flying today & in what form? 5) The entire LCA developmental effort was deeply flawed in terms of conception & project-steering. To be blamed most is the IAF, which never understood the concept of MRCA back then as it was then heavily influenced by USSR-type of thought processes that preferred dedicated mission-specific platforms & had then thought of MRCAs as being just a ‘hybrid compromise’ and would neither be good as a strike platform nor be credible nas an air-defence combat platform. 6) HNS is being used for both the definitive Arjun Mk.1A & the Kestrel. The Arjun Mk.1A’s all-up weight needs to be reduced from the existing 67.5 tonnes to 52 tonnes in order to have an appreciable power-to-weight ratio. 7) It is a cost-prohibitive option that has been discarded by all MBT developers worldwide. 8) It has been a total failure & even the DRDO subsequently had to import aerostats from Russia.
1.Any speculation about the signing of second tranche of Rafale fighters? When will it happen?
2. Is IRST part of MWF?
3. Is our political leadership working towards getting back PoK during next summer? Else it will be fatal for India and India will be in back foot w.r.t. China.
4. Why is China blaming IA despite it is a known fact that their PLA started the nonsense of attacking our soldiers? And India as usual responded with some weak words.
Furthermore, thanks to your contribution for MWF, it is going to be a success. The people owe you a lot. We all are grateful to you.
To AMIT BISWAS: The IAF has had a long history of making judgemental errors, like procuring both the HJT-16 Kiran BJT from HAL & the TS-11 Iskra BJT from Poland. The decision to procure the HTT-40 follows that trend. In fact, when HAL had offered the HTT-35 back in the mid-1990s the IAF thern flatly refused it & also prevented HAL from developing a single-engined AJT by giving the excuse then (from the Plans Branch of the IAF HQ) that since the AJT was supposed to have a secondary ground-attack capability, the selected AJT had to be twin-engined for survivability. Patni Top is at a higher altitude but it is not an all-weather location & can be used for only six months in any given year.
To SUMANTA NAG: Turkey wants to revive the Caliphate in 2024 since it believes that the existence of the secular state as dictated by the 1923 Luazanne Treaty becomes invalid after 100 years (since international treaties have a 100-year life, unless renewed). Consequently, it is Turkey that is going to cause the greatest amount of upheavel within the Muslim-dominated countries, especially within the Arabian peninsula, since the Arabs too hate the colonial era of the Turkish Caliphates & hence do not want to be overshadowed again by any Turkish state. All that India must do is declare any Turkish award of degrees or diplomas to any Indian citizen as being invalid in India & the same needs to be done against all academic/educational institutions located in Pakistan & PoK.
To ASD: VMT. 1) Not this financial year. 2) Yes, as I had explained here:
http://trishul-trident.blogspot.com/2020/01/from-nlca-to-mrcbf-to-ted-bf.html
3) Not quite, since the war wastage reserves of the armed forces are still not fully stocked-up. 4) For domestic consumption purposes only.
hi prasun .
i posted a reply yesterday and it has not appered on your blog it has happened several times before . can you explain?
Prasun,
1- you mention arjun mk1a weight to be reduced to 52T.. sounds a bit drastic from 67.5T, is it 62T that is aimed for? and how close is drdo to achieving it?
2- while all the talk of light tanks has tapered down .. what next for the infra setup @L&T after K9?.. I think having a parallel line for @400 tanks based on k9 chasis should not be bad will bring up a pvt OEM to keep both CVRDE & HVF avadi on their toes.. it cud be used to make the BMPT terminator like m/c's to compliment the armoured divisions of IA. @1000 tanks (600 arjuns(1,1a,2)+ remaning k9 based ) 'indigenous tanks ' should make a good business case for make in india.. benefits both dpsu & pvt sec.. had read long time ago abt HVF lamenting a lack of sizeable orders for arjuns(a minimu of 500 was the number quoted by the then dpsu head ) in response to the allegations abt qlty issues, delays & cost overruns as prod lines cud not be optimised & streamlined.
3- was the hjt 36 supposed to conduct the spin tests this month? any updates on it?
4 can the bmp2's be upgunned with the new 57mm gun from russia to make them a potent m/c. A C17 can carry a couple of them . it may be useful in places like Maldives in situations like a coup attempt which had happend many years ago
5- Can India start a barter trade with Iran to circumbent the US sanctions & thus keep them close to us? or alternatively route transactions through the rs-rouble route?
6- will the central asian republics align with turkey given the turkic roots? there is already an org called the turkic council of which turkey is a leading member. what more can be done by India to work with them? a joint Indo-russian outreach - the north-south corridor is one such initiave .. can you pls share any updates on it.seems to be heading nowhere. Why can't sports & education be used to promote goodwill, they are good @few sports followed in India like wrestling. boxing,sootball, gymnastics while we can reserve some seats in good Indian universities for students from those countries ditto for syra & a few african countries. we cud earn forex too
7- how does the Israel-UAE reconciliation help India & also who will it affect afghanistan? Can India play a bridge to spread Israel more into sunni countries by way of promoting welfare options like drip irrigation in countries like afghanistan & other poor sub saharan states thus cementing itself on a moral high in west asia- OIC while having good relations with all parties?
8- No one has spoken or mentioned anything about the jigra meet that happend in afhganistan
9- Will the MoD engage with Rhienmattel, Fincanterri & STK given the ban lapses nxt year
Prasunda
A fascinating paper “Tibet: The International Mistake of the Century”.
The outcome of her research was that the Tibetan Appeal was still a pending matter in the UN …waiting to be reopened: “The UN and individual Member States, have been conducting their decisions based on the false assumption that Tibet is not a ‘State’, but ‘an internal affair’ of China. UN official records show this to be a mistake.” Tibet was then a State.
As a result, “the issue of Tibetan Statehood remains unconsidered by the United Nations".
Sir, you say that "China’s days as a unified country are numbered & if it comes to staying deployed during winter-time along the LAC, then all the PLAGF now sitting there will be doomed forever since the PLAGF has never been exposed to such sustained deployments in sub-zero temperatures".
Though India isn't ready yet either on LOC or LAC, in an unusual move, the Chinese Communist Party leader XiJinping is urging the country to stop wasting food, and maintain a sense of crisis over food security. Xi's speech signals that China could be facing an imminent food shortage. While PRC spy rings & hawala rackets get busted, It's actually quite old hat in context of tibetan refugees & been under investigation for long. The same with the USA asset, the Karmapa.
Dada, your Gods of yore notwithstanding, India's security naturally that liberating Xinjiang & Tibet from PRC & eliminating the Hans from these free nations will secure India's Northern & Eastern borders as well as free the Western LOC to liberate POK
http://claudearpi.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-mistake-of-century.html?
Hello sir, I have been silently reading comments n ur fantastic answers.
A nice thread sir as expected Babu's of MOD doing bizarre things time n again. Anyways I had an out of context question based on some old interaction sir, I remember once u gave link of a YouTube video telling about presence of 21 types of aliens on earth, request u to share it again as I wanted to see it once more.
2) do u blv in presence of extra terrestrial intelligent organization? If yes then ever seen any genuine pic of them? Aren't they super humans who looks like us but with better brains??
3) Alaska is known to be hot bed of Ufo activity, people saying they saw things taking off from water?? What's truth ABT it? Water is their fuel? Anti gravity spaceship?
4) 2020 can see declaration of aliens on earth? As the year has been full of surprises....
5) in ur opinion how can we travel faster then light??
To RAD: I can’t. Maybe Sundar Pichai can.
To JUST_CURIOUS: 1) It should be 62 tonnes. 2) The K-9’s hull is designed for a tracked self-propelled howitzer & hence cannot offer the same level of protection as a hull designed from the outset as that for a MBT. In short, light tanks don’t exist anymore anywhere. 3) Only HAL can tell anything about such a crazy money-guzzling project. 4) Any new turret will also impose weight penalties & hence the BMP-2 also needs a more powerful 500hp or even 500hp powerpack with new engine & new gearbox. 5) Not possible, since money has to exchange hands in the end & the US has imposed sanctions of the type that penalise any monetary exchange mechanism that is employed for use with Iran. 6) Possible, but not probable. But first Turkey must prove itself as a worthy partner in economic terms & right now Turkey is light-years away from becoming an economic power. 7) It does not affect India directly, but indirectly it further consolidates the growing Arab-led anti-Turkey alliance. 9) Yes.
To KAUSTAV: LoLz! My personal view is that the Tibetans cannot be trusted at all & history has proven their fickleness & shortsightedness. It is because of Tibet that India inherited a trunciated ladakh, since the Tibetans always enlisted the help of Mongolian & Han Chinese warlords for their repeated military campaigns against Ladakh, Sikkim, Nepal & Bhutan, all of which follow the Kagyu sect of Buddhism that is diametrically opposed to the Tibetan & Mongol Gelugpa sect of Buddhism. Hendce, I would rather wrest back those territories of Ladakh from Tibet, like ther areas north & east of Uttarkhand/Himachal Pradesh & stretching all the way to Kailash mansarovar.
China-Origin weapons seized in Punjab:
https://twitter.com/BSF_Punjab/status/1294986161673211904
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Efi3CivUwAAxQRM?format=jpg&name=medium
To ASHISH GAUTAM: One day I will scan & upload the pages that explain how the MoD’s bureaucracy works & how cadres from the Accounts & Audits service become Joint secretaries of MoD to wreck the procurement processes. Answers to all your other questions can be found here:
Alien Races: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzMX2CVIZSQ
ARV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl_F0XIpacM&t=22s
Prasunda,
what is your opinion on the following answer on quora.
Is any of it true ? if rafale a 5 gen aircraft. ?
I request you to please read the comments on the answers as well.
https://qr.ae/pN22E2
Thank you
Prasunda, precisely, Thanks. The same would do for Xinjiang which as a independent state might turn out to be a hotbed of Islamo-fascists. Bears thinking about, if PRC were to break up
Sir one odd question
Once you hinted that India does possess design and know how of Shishumar-class submarine
Can this design be developed into homegrown ssk fleet and can this design be transformed into SSN with home grown russian assisted Nuclear reactor
What happened to Indian small arms Ghatak assault rifle ..Will it see induction into arms forces
Can rocket pod of retired Mig 23 and 27 be mounted on BMP type vehicle to utilise those rocket pods into battle field suport assault vehicle .
With covid onslaught going on and poor and deplorable economic condition can India sustain long overhaul with china at those heights in Ladakh
What's the status of LUH development ...How long it will take to go into production .. Can it be armed
Will any decisions be taken to incorporate better understanding among border security forces of various type with army..Or can they be brought into one umbrella for better management and cooperation...
A report surfaces that Russians are going to integrate heavy long range super sonic missle with their su 30 variant Fighters ..Can these type of missile be part of super sukhoi upgrade program.
With much of Chinese war fighting equipment some day Bangladesh with hostile muslim population can behave like Nepal or Bangladesh...
Prasunda,
There are images of the J-20 in Hotan, Xinjiang. Can this aircraft tip the balance of air power in eastern Ladakh in favour of the PLAAF?
Satyaki
To MANISH: Pure hogwash.
To KAUSTAV: All the more reason for India to attain direct geographic contiguity with the CARs via the Wakhan Corridor.
To BUDDHA: No, because the Russia-design PWR is meant for double-hulled submarines, not single-hulled ones like the Class 209/Type 1500 SSK. Ghaatak is still undergoing refinements based on user-advice. LoLz! Why should rocket-pods firing rockets out to only 3km be reqd ehen guided-missiles with 6km-range are now available? Of course the LUH will be armed with 70mm rocket pods—the same as those on the Rudra & LCH.
To ROHIT GILL: Because they are android-humanoids, i.e. biological robots. Their original creators/masters have never shown themselves to date.
To SATYAKI: Photoshipped images by internet-fanboys.
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