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Friday, April 15, 2022

Mapping SS-BSM & Cruise Missile Storage Sites of India & Pakistan

 Indian Army SS-BSM Storage Sites

IA 333 Missile Group with SS-150 Prithvi at Secunderabad
IA 444 Missile Group with SS-150 Prithvi at Suratgarh
IA 555 Missile Group with SS-150 Prithvi at Stakna, Ladakh
IA 555 Missile Group with SS-150 Prithvi at Tangtse, Ladakh
IA 861 Missile Regiment BrahMos-1 Block-2 at Itarana
IA 881 Missile Regiment with BrahMos-1 Block-2 at Nasirabad
IA 1889 Missile Regiment BrahMos-1 Storage Facility at Misamari
IA SS-BSM & M-777 UFH Storage Area at Sigar, Arunachal Pradesh
IA SS-BSM Storage Area at Panagarh AFS
Indian Air Force SS-BSM Storage Sites
IAF BrahMos-1 Storage Facility at Baghdogra AFS
IAF BrahMos-1 Storage Facility at Chabua AFS
IAF BrahMos-1 Storage Facility at Halwara AFS
IAF BrahMos-1 Storage Facility at Jamnagar AFS
IAF BrahMos-1 Storage Facility at Naliya AFS
IAF BrahMos-A Storage Area at Thanjavur AFS
IAF Prithvi SS-250 Storage Facility at Sirsa AFS
IAF Prithvi SS-250 Storage Facility at Suratgarh AFS
     Pakistan Army BM & SS-BSM Storage Sites
PA SS-BSM & GLCM Storage Base at Masroor
PA SS-BSM & GLCM Storage Base north of Nawabshah
PA's BM Storage Area at Tarnawa
PA's BM Storage UGF at Jindar-1
PA's BM Storage UGF at Jindar-2
PA's Fatehjang BM Storage UGF-1
PA's Fatehjang BM Storage UGF-2
PA's Kirthar Mountains BM Storage UGF
PA's SS-BSM Storage & Launch Sites in Mangla

172 comments:

Anonymous said...

Prasunda,

1) If the Pralay and Nirbhay are being prioritized and Agni 5 put on the backburner, is India not left with only a handful of single warhead Agni-2 and Agni-4 for nuclear deterrence against China, at a tie when China is rapidly building up BMD assets ?

2) If yes to 1), does China not have a window of opportunity to attack India all out and force denuclearization/demilitarization (in conjunction with Pak) destroying all strategic production facilities before systems like the Agni-5 are deployed ?

3) Why is'nt GoI taking such strategic vulnerability seriously and trying to overcome this ASAP ?

Satyaki

AMIT BISWAS said...

Why India never plans for Under ground launch facilities for these tactical missiles

VIKRAM GUHA said...

PrasunDa,

Subho Noboborsho Priti O Subecha to you and all your loved ones.

-VIKRAM

asd said...

Dear Prasun,

Considering the prevailing scenario

1. Do you think that China will still try to needle w.r.t. Ladakh?

2. Will India really get back PoK and Gilgit Baltistan or it's just sound bytes to garner vote for BJP? Assuming that Pakistan's economics is collapsing, will India take the opportunity and be able to checkmate China at the same time?

Kaustav said...

Prasunda

This is the correct version of the Ukraine military operations. I know it doesn't fit into the Western version of Putin leading the war, but Russia has done as planned & announced.

Ukraine has just made the situation extremely difficult for itself & it's people with Xelensky to blame as West exploits it.
https://www.sott.net/article/466340-Retired-Swiss-Military-Intelligence-Officer-Is-it-Possible-to-Actually-Know-What-Has-Been-And-is-Going-on-in-Ukraine

sbm said...

Thanks for the very interesting information. I'm assuming each missile group has 16 launchers and some 200 Prithvi missiles are in store?
Would it be fair to say that the missile groups operating Agni 1, 2, 4 and 5 have some 16 launchers and 48 missiles as we know that 16 A-5 launchers and 48 missiles were ordered in 2015?
Thanks again

just_curious said...

Prasun,
1 mazgoan dock submarine lines going idle soon..will 3-4 additional scorpene/super scorpene be built finally killing P75I?
2 What is the extra large UUV tender by Mazgoan dock
3 now IN opts for LUH & ALH for 111 NUH.. wot changes will they have apart from rotor design changes.. will the LUH also need a folding boom? also read that IAF i plannin to order 48 more Rudras.
4 After seeing the russian hardware performance in the ukr war.. what would india still like to buy from them? I think 24 cell groshkov class frigates are still worth considering is the nuke sub tech/designs. what is your assessment of KA 52's
5 With Boris johnson planning to visit.. will there be a defence co-op pact & what can the brits offer?

just_curious said...

Prasun

https://idrw.org/indian-navy-working-with-hal-to-develop-50-uh-marine-choppers-for-warship-requirements/ -- is this the 60 ALH opportunity for HAL or something diff?

Anonymous said...

1.What happened to BSS, BMS, TAC3I , F-INSAS projects?

Kindly provide the current status of all 4 & by when will they be operational?

2. US Military is creating JADC2 so that it is able to conduct joint multi-domain ops by 2028. Is Indian Military also working on something similar? If yes, then by when will Indian military be capable of conducting Joint MDO.

3. If China launches an invasion against India, will Indian military be able to hold on its own?

Thanks.
Aman

Rajesh Mishra said...

Dear Sir, Why Russia has not won the war so far ?? Kindly reply.

TheHundred said...

Is there any truth to this news?

https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/india-today-insight/story/india-to-retire-first-kilo-class-submarine-this-year-1793193-2021-04-20

"The Sindhudhvaj was acquired from the Soviet Union in 1987. With its retirement, the navy’s submarine arm dips to 14 units. Seven of these submarines are in the Kilo class."

rad said...


HI prasun
given the missile track provided by pakistan the brahmos took a steep turn to the right and entered pak air space > I was given to understand it cant do that due to aero dynamic stress issues invlolved in a Mach 3 object > so afrer all it seems to be able to do that .? how?
is there any missile pak has got to bring down the brahmos?

how long will the larger m-17 equal desi heli will take to realize?

why again this criminal neglect of the scorpene work force talent?
I believe the only problem was installing a vertical launch system for the brahmos and nirbhay.
The brahmos on a su 30 can solve the problem and and the nirbahy is being developed to be tube launched on a submarine .Now why are these idiots harping on that? and elaying the project as pak has got that capability. Now how did pak integrate the babur missile into a western submarine FCS


DAshu said...

Am trying to understand what could be the implicit messages from this thread. Btw do you foresee when India will stop this nonsensical ever increasing import from CCP?

Dr KKR said...

"Dear Sir, Why Russia has not won the war so far ?? Kindly reply" - well this almost makes Prasun like the mirror in Snow White!
I guess the answer is exactly the same as why India has not won more than a paltry few medals in the olympics all these years despite over a billion people to choose from; or why India never qualified for the world cup soccer 75 years on or even why Russia never reached the world cup finals in any world cups LOLLZZZ

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To SATYAKI: Not quite, because the Agni-P’s deployment is also being expedited.

To AMIT BISWAS: Because no one else has done so, since everyone wants to capitalise on the land-mobile aspects of such SS-BSMs.

To VIKRAM GUHA: The very same to you & all your loved ones.

To ASD: 1) This question has been raised & answered several times in the past. 2) Over the past 2 decades I have not come across any exercise conducted by the IA’s XV & XVI Corps that seeks to prepare the IA for waging mountain warfare across multiple frontages. Neither have I come across any exercises conducted by the IAF involving SHBOs/vertical envelopment operations. So, unless such exercises are not conducted, we can rest assured that both the IA & IAF have no ready-made & well-rehearsed plans for undertaking complex offensive AirLand campaigns beyond the LoC. Meanwhile, this is what China is doing along the LAC:

https://twitter.com/kstanzinladakh/status/1515334525672296448?cxt=HHwWgMCo6Z6uxocqAAAA

To SBM: VMT. All the data about Missile Group stockplings, composition & weapons performance can be found here:

https://trishul-trident.blogspot.com/2018/10/from-prithvi-to-pralay.html

The Missile Groups don’t have any BMs. Instead, the Composite Regiments of the Artillery Divisions do, since the Regiment of Artillery is the custodian of such BMs while command-n-control over them is exercised by the Strategic Forces Command. As for numbers of TELs & BMs go, they are changing as new hardware options are developed & deployed.

To JUST_CURIOUS: 1) MDSL’s list of EoIs clearly reveal that it is trying to get its hands into every available pie. Here’s the list of EoIs:

https://mazagondock.in/Expression-Of-Interest.aspx

3) LUH does not require folding boom, only folding main rotor-blades. Most naval shipborne helicopters require folding booms. The Dhruv ALH too has it. But the segmented folding main rotor-blades are something that needs a lot of engineering work since no one else in the world has developed & deployed such a contraption & therefore very serious certification-related work is reqd. Here is the explanation on what HAL is offering:

https://kaypius.com/2020/05/28/hal-offers-new-solution-for-naval-alh-blade-folding/

5) There is nothing to indicate that Russia-origin weapons have performed poorly in the hands of either the Russians or Ukrainians.

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To ASHISH GAUTAM & ANUP: It is still premature to conclude that the IN will order such ‘desi’ helicopters in such numbers. That’s because the proposed segmented folding main rotor-blades are something that needs a lot of engineering work since no one else in the world has developed & deployed such a contraption & therefore very serious certification-related work is reqd. Here is the explanation on what HAL is offering:

https://kaypius.com/2020/05/28/hal-offers-new-solution-for-naval-alh-blade-folding/

To AMAN: 1) All of them have been shelved. Only BSS is operational.

To RAJESH MISHRA & Dr.KKR: LoLz! Simply because it is not a war & that’s why Russia has termed it a special military operation. And do go through these 2 weblinks:

https://www.sott.net/article/466340-Retired-Swiss-Military-Intelligence-Officer-Is-it-Possible-to-Actually-Know-What-Has-Been-And-is-Going-on-in-Ukraine

https://cimsec.org/an-anti-access-denial-strategy-for-ukraine/

You will also find the following quite interesting:

India's Historical Chronology Distortions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBP7Xaf5pZU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMN2wQtPMAg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JylogzbOQK8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjWhqDTUWUc

Who Was The Real Asoka the Great? Asoka Maurya? Or Samudragupta-2/Vikramaditya/Asokaaditya? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke_4nBgJhr8

Indraprastha’s History: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTyTgJXKbVQ

Mahabharata Geography: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wczGgJpv73g

To THE HUNDRED: Yes, it is true. But the IN also has 2 SSGNs (Arihant & Arighat).

To RAD: That’s why I had stated that the missile involved was not BrahMos-1. HAL’s proposed IMRH will take a decade to reach fruition. MDSL’s workforce of technicians will be involved in other projects like the Projecty 17A FFG & by 2025 will return to install the DRDO-developed & Larsen & Tpoubro-built AIP modules on the first 3 Scorpene SSKs.

To DASHU: The nonsense will continue unabated & will even increase in quantum. Instead of fighting the external adversaries, the fights will involve loudspeakers & their usages during various religious festivals. For those interested in air-defence issues, here is an excellent read:

https://project2049.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Stokes-and-Lee-Early-Warning-in-the-Taiwan-Strait-Project-2049.pdf

And this: https://johncliu.github.io/national-defense-handbook/en/Taiwan%20National%20Defense%20Handbook%20(English%20translation).pdf

The IAF CAS’ Laments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlhNDYHp-ac

Bleeding Pakistan Army Along Durand Line: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b05I5UDjrHE

rad said...


HI prasun
about the decision to make a desi spaag... as ruag has come out of the black list
we can mount a twin 35 mm oerlikon proximity fused gun on it and the radar can be the aesa radr that is on the zsu 23-4 modernised or the desi utamm.. what do you suggest?
Isit necessary to hae 2 radars ie one for surveilance and one for engagement ?

TaranjitS said...

Sir is it possible that till such time as when our own SSNs are available in sufficient numbers, we should perhaps look toward getting into some sort of agreement with either Russia or United States to provide their SSNs (manned and operated by their own Navy) for escorting our SSBNs and to defend from possible threats from Chinese SSNs?

Do you believe there is sufficient level of trust available between India and those countries to allow for such arrangements? Especially with US?

joydeep ghosh said...

@prasun da

this could be massive this says Iran supplies Bavvar 373 to Russia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSbr1shTcM
\
as we know never forgives its enemies and never forget its friends who help it makes Iran a stronger player in the middle east

thanks
Joydeep ghosh

Anonymous said...

Sirji,

Will Mi-17s be sufficient to undertake vertical envelopment operations at higher altitudes or will we need heavy lift helicopters ?

-Bhvk

joydeep ghosh said...

as we know Russia never forgives its enemies and never forget its friends who help it makes Iran a stronger player in the middle east

just_curious said...

Prasun,
1 Modi sarkar's overtures to Shabaaz , why do all desi govts have a dementia problem.. nothing has changed on ground if at all .. there is a steady increase in killings.. why is it so difficult to understand that no porki will ever stop their kashmir rants else they risk the collapse of pakistan itself.. even tokenism is stupidity as it simply shows that we are a confused lot..
2 your comment "That’s why I had stated that the missile involved was not BrahMos-1." which one was it possibly then?

just_curious said...

Prasun
3- Russian academy of sciences wants collaboration.. the chinese have backed out
4- Your thoughts --https://idrw.org/rolls-royce-backs-the-new-hawk-fighter-jet-trainer/

Ankit Kumar said...

The Nerpa(INS Chakra) has been returned 1 year earlier. We signed a 3 billion USD deal for another refurbished Akula SSN. Some said it would be Kashlot, but it's under disposal. Bratsk upon inspection was found to be unfit for renovation.

Any idea which SSN hull we will get? And what is the timeline? Also 3 billion for a used SSN for only 10 years, your thoughts ?

Soumya Ray said...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQxfzEDVUAIyVyV?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQxfvgpVgAEX9zU?format=jpg&name=large
These two pics were tweeted by ANI showing port side exit hole of Brahmos fired from INS Delhi on Apr’2022.
1. What are the tripod mounted conical structure in pic 2 and those pole mounted tetrahedral objects in pic 1?
2. What are the nets being used for?

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To SOUMYA RAY: https://dir.indiamart.com/impcat/radar-reflectors.html

Technology, Photograpy and Travel said...

DADA ,
Why Supreme Court poke its nose in all issues where its requirement is not there .. like the present Delhi riots ,

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To RAD: Not RUAG, but Rheinmetall. No need to have 2 separate radars. I will be enough, like the one on the ZSU-23-4 Upgraded Schilka. Meanwhile, the flight-paths of the alleged BarhMos-1 that went inside Pakistan roughlh tallies with the flight-paths of the BrahMos-1 & BrahMos-A fired recently, based on these 2 slides:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/uploads.fas.org/2022/04/04093735/Missile-Trajectory-Map-Provided-by-PAF.jpeg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FPgh7BEaIAcGiN9?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

Mapping the LoC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZPPTS7j4SY&t=2s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISV6crcWl9I

Ukraine War Updates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcfV2DxQKBw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW0klTCMLcA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDDbledoDIU

Foreign Military Hardware for Ukraine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAomzVkNDSQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVBZz0SSXLc

To TARANJIT S: I’m afraid that will be an unworkable & unimplementable solution.

To JOYDEEP GHOSH: Bavar-373 is a clone of a China-developed SAM. Why the hell would Russia accept such 2nd-class stuff?

To BHVK: At least 150 Mi-17V-5s & 40 CH-47F Chinooks along with 80 attack helicopters like AH-64E or LCH will be reqd to mount vertical envelopment operations first over Baltistan & then Gilgit.

To JUST_CURIOUS: 1) The overtures of both India & Pakistan clearly spelt out their maximalist standpoints & are therefore incapable of moving forward. 2) It probably was an IAF-owned Prithvi SS-250 that misfired from Suratgarh AFS.

https://aeralis.com/

This is a much better design than that of the Hawk since it features high-wings that afford far more clearance for carrying a wide variety of weapons.

To ANKIT KUMAR: There are at least 4 Project 971 SSGNs that are currently being refurbished at Severodivinsk.

To TECHNOLOGY, PHOTOGRAPHY & TRAVEL: It is elementary: because the state machinery has miserably failed in delivering governance. When 2 Shobha Yatras that had prior approvals from the Delhi Police were conducted in Jahangirpuri in a peaceful manner without any untoward incident, why did the problem start only with the 3rd Shobha Yatra for which no approvals were granted by Delhi Police? Therefore the 3rd Shobha Yatra should not have been conducted & there would have been no violence. What all this proves is that the 2020 Delhi riots & this year’s riots occurred under the watch of the present-day Union MHA & I therefore conclude that the present-day Union MHA Minister & his Minister of State are both totally inept & are unfit to hold their current offices.

But there is more to come. IB inputs have arrived about certain fringe ‘Hindu’ groups now spreading the word about ancient Buddhist Stupas & mounds that were built atop demolished ancient Hindu temples. So, it looks like we are headed back to the rampaging era & bloody meyhems of Asoka Maurya when the inhabitants of Kalinga & todays’s north Bengal were massacred by the tens of thousands.

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

PLAGF’s Swarm Drones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB8qCwM9KXQ

Are those drones dropping some kind of powder in fact practising some form of chemical warfare?

PCL-181 MGS of PLAGF: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yla0nRlI8KU

Arjun said...

1) Any takers in the IN for DSME-3000 with desi AIP and VLS fitments? Does Naval Group have a similar offering with VLS?
2) Where are the indigenous SSK designs that was envisaged way back in 1999? Does L&T have any plans wrt this? DSME-3000 seems similar to what the IN originally wanted by combining the best of Russian and Western influences.
3) Do you foresee any 'exclusive' offers that the Ruskies can offer as a carrot to Delhi in light of Western pressure to reduce dependence on Russia?
4) Can you explain the plans to field an equivalent to EA-18G or J-16D? DARE has been working on pods for Su30 but are we dependent on Ruskie input to complete this project?
5) MkII AFSPDS has worse characteristics than the imported 'Lekalo' AFSPDS. Why is this being productionized in this case given inferior performance?
6) Is there any potential pathway to take to liberate Tibet and Lhasa?
7) Why do you estimate that scaled Uttam will face more difficulties than Russia's hypothetical AESA-MMR for the Su-30's? I mean if Russia had an operational radar they would have fielded it themselves by now.
8) You had mentioned an air-launched version of Pralay is in development. Is this similar to Russia's Kinzhal? Is conventional or nuclear use planned?
9) Do you believe Ukraine could deploy prototype 'Neptune' missiles operationally? My gut reaction is that NATO SF smuggled in ASCM and covertly operated them.
10) One area where we fall behind Russia and China is building a credible missile and BSM stockpile due to low production rates. Can you please elaborate on how to change the dynamics here and what steps need to be taken?
11) Any news DRDO Safran turbofan engine?
12) What will the 100 million Raytheon facility be used for?

Manish 2 said...

prasunda,

Was the missile fired in March on pakistan a "misfire", or a delibrate fire to send a message across.

your comments on the topic have been a little unclear, and at time have alluded to both theories.
It can't be a misfire, if it was delibrately fired to send a message, to stop paki drones coming in.

please clarify.

Unknown said...

So it is clear that india has no chance against china.

rad said...

HI prasun
cant we just make another 6 of the scorpene with next gen weapon and sensors and incorporating the desi AIP rather than twiddling thumbs about the project 75 I ?France will be too happy. The AIp will be ready by the time these fools decide. will we have to open another production line as by the time the new ones are started the older ones will come back for AIP refit?
It seems given the russian imbroglio its safer to go western. the kilos were good at that time but as china other have it , makes no sense.
are the german u boats u212 etc much better as claimed than the scorpenes with added expense??
which do you think is the deadliest diesel sub in the west. How does sweden fare as there is a famous incident where a sub surfaced among a battle group.?

rad said...


hi prsun
what is this stupid 20 bill 114 fighter jet dooing the rounds as though we can afford it ? real?.

rad said...


HI prasun
how will the 3 small conventional display do justice to the elm -2052 aesa radar that has manay modes and can simultaneaoulsy display air to air and air to ground and nav data in the MK1A LCA?
Has the python 5 been fully integrated? or the MK1A is it going to labor along with old r-73?
Have the el-8222 WB jammers been orderd in strength? have they aesa antenna? For the moment it seems that it is wise to equip each fighter wiht a jammer rather than 1 for 2 fighters as inevitably they are going to get seperated in comat and the one without jammer is going to be shot down like ABINANDAN

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To ARJUN: 1) LoLz! India is slowly learning the hard way how to deal with South Korean OEMs. The first shock came when Kangnam Shipbuilding falsely claimed that its MCMV designs were indigenous, until Italy’s Intermarine officially intervened to prove that its IPRs were being violated by Kangnam. Now, it is DSME’s turn, since none of its SSK designs are indigenous & therefore cannot be exported since Germany’s Thyssenkrupp will object to its IPRs being violated. If the IN wants VLS cells on submarines, then they are already available on the Arihant & Arighat SSGNs. SSKs, especially those with stretched superstructures due to the need to house AIP modules, need 533mm torpedo-tubes capable of launching SLCMs. 2) They remain elusive, since all such remarks were such aspirational desires. 3) Work is already underway to co-develop Ka-band RF seekers for XR-SAM. 4) All that is reqd is for DARE to develop pod-housed low-band, mid-band & high-band jamming avionics. DARE is already developing them. 5) They will be used against second-line hostile MBTs like Type-69II, Typd-85AP & Type-88 MBTs. 6) No. 7) Simply because Russia is far more advanced in terms of possessing the kind & quantum of skilled human resources reqd for developing both hardware (especially microchips) & target recognition algorithms. The DRDO on the other hand has only taken baby-steps as dar as R & D on AESA-MMRs for MRCAs goes. 8) The missile can be armed with both nuclear & conventional warheads just like the Kinzhal. 9) Ukraine’s first Neptune coastal ASCM Battery had become operational last January. There are official news accounts of it. 10) Not true, because when it comes to India’s SS-BSM stockpiles, almost everyone focusses exclusively on BrahMos-1, while forgetting the Prithvi SS-150/SS-250 stockpiles. 11) None. 12) No idea. Maybe this will give some ideas:

https://www.rtx.com/our-company/global-partnerships/india

To MANISH 2: As I had stated earlier, any such ‘mis-fire’ is a technological IMPOSSIBILITY. This is crystal-clear. It can’t get anymore clearer than that.

To ANUP: Not only fake news, but stupid/idiotic news. As I had stated countless times before, no one in this world has or is licence-producing Gen-4 MRCAs. If India wants to prove the whole world wrong by undertaking such industrial activity, then by all means let her do so at her own peril, while I have the last laugh.

To RAD: 1) That will be the commonsensical thing to do, but only 6 additional AIP-equipped Scorpene SSKs are reqd if the IN intends to decommission its existing remaining Type 877EKM SSKs. In addition, these 6 SSKs can easily be fitted with the necessary fire-control systems that can be taken off the Type-877EKM SSKs so that these 6 AIP-fitted Scorpenes can fire the stockpile of 200 Novator 3M-14E submarine-launched subsonic land-attack cruise missiles, which are 300km-range variants of Russia’s Kalibre long-range subsonic cruise missiles. 2) It is not only fake news, but stupid/idiotic news. As I had stated countless times before, no one in this world has or is licence-producing Gen-4 MRCAs. If India wants to prove the whole world wrong by undertaking such industrial activity for 114 MRFAs, then by all means let her do so at her own peril, while I have the last laugh. 3) Large panoramic AMLCDs have been shown by SAMTEL-THALES as well as DARE at every Aero India expo since 2013. Yet, if the IAF wants 3 smaller AMLCDs on Tejas Mk.1As, then this only goes to further reveal the IAF’s intellectual bankruptsy! Even at DEFEXPO-2018 HAL had displayed a single panoramic AMLCD on an I-Hawk cockpit while at Aero India 2019 such a cockpit configuration was shown on the Jaguar-MAX cockpit. 4) AIM-132 ASRAAM will go on Tejas Mk.1A. Python-5 is only for the 40 Tejas Mk.1s.

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

Pakistan’s Latest N-Reactors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLHw0Mj1yjk

Pakistan’s Political, constitutional & Financial Crises Explained:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haN-uwbt5mw

Just_curious said...

Prasun,
1 what has Boris.J got to offer? Invite to join tempest program is doing rounds..which I think is far fetched unless RR is willing to share it's adaptive engine tech or have some Indian orgs contribute to it in a meaningful way.. we cud also contribute to composites & avionics..read Italy is now more interested in working with the Japs on a 6th gen jet(one more in the queue)..which again is somone hallucinating.. the 2 EU 6th PROGRAMS are themselves on thin ice screwed by none other than by their biggest NATI ally-US which has been doing brisk business selling f35s across EU albiet with some arm twisting..
2 china's "skip glide" missile YJ21, another carrier killing hypersonic glide weapon? What is China's maturity in hypersonics in gen and how far behind are we??
3 first Ro Khanna then Dajit Singh guy now that jihadi bitch Ilan Omar.. high time these nusiance value congressmen to be put in place? Can't we fund some congressmen to re-highlight the b**h's dealings
4 Swedish riots.. guess scandanavian sycophants deserve it afterall for trying to overdo the "we civilised good Samaritans preachers" .. who in the 80s 90s never left an opportunity to preach the world minus the west when it came to so called human rights issues but also the first among equals when it came to arming jihadis and war mongers...

rad said...


Hi prasun
Is there any particulare reason that the iaf chose the asraam instead of the python 5? i heard the mk2 version is more deadlier?
i suspect the next gen python is already in service with the israleis? any idea?
will russia low the FCS to be taken out and put in a western sub.
do we have the where withall to do that
Is the rudram weapon a counter to the c401 and the kinzhal? what will the homing sysytem be?

AMIT BISWAS said...

After this moskova sinking fiasco by Anti ship missile what would be IN top concern about fielding large warships against adversaries frontline

rad said...


hI Prasun
the netra 2 awacs platform seems to be the a319.. now as all the aerodynamaic problems will be tested and solved we can make use of the platform and make a host of dedicated paltforms for maritme, esm comjam radar jam etc. Its high time we did that as china has done that and we dont want to be handicapped.
will the netra 2 have double the range of the old one like the swedish counter part.?

why has the maritime radar been dropped?.

what was the reason th drop the a330 based rotodome awacs after much R&D?

A belly fairing should not be problem to have a desi JSTARS . will the algos developed for the uttam for SAR and MTI help in the jstars. I think its a matter of time when we crack the algos dedicated to such platforms .

what happened to the jstar type platform thatwere supposed to be procured?

joydeep ghosh said...

@prasun da

1. when you say intellectual bankruptcy! of IAF I feel its true, they let go of 67 Mirage 2000 from UAE and reportedly UAE has officially offered them to Morocco that never operated them and Egypt that operates only 18

2. when they have Tapas/rustom 2 drone what is the point of developing another armed 1 engine drone that too when work is already on Ghatak UCAV

3. Jaguar fleet is being systematically dumped

4. 56 HS 748 that still have lot of life in them can be modified to be used as firefighters, but no even that is not being tried

5 When the world will start work on 6th G fighter IAF will start flying AMCA

regarding the 5/6 gen fighters I have question that when they cant carry much payload, are extremely maintenance unfriendly and reportedly cant be used in multi mission/ multi role activities why go for such jets??

thanks
Joydeep ghosh

Satya said...

Prasun sir, what do make of UK's offer in fighter jet development? This is most probably about the offer to join BAE Tempest project. It could be a great replacement for Su-30 MKIs in 2040s. What do you think about the prospects?

Sumit sen said...

Dada how many netra 2 will be procured by IAF? It seems India will again confined to 5-6 Awacs only. Why this shortsightedness?

Kane1966 said...

Hello Prasunda, pranaams, so.of the 4 Akulas undergoing upgrade/refurnishment at Sevmash how many will.be leased by India. 2 or all 4? This mystery can only answered by you and i am saying this because very little reliable osin is available anywhere on this.

joydeep ghosh said...

@prasun da

a serious case of intellectual bankruptcy and total politicization of armedforces of #India, Defence PRO in Jammu deletes tweet showcasing the army’s tradition of holding an iftaar as part of an outreach to locals; after serious abusive trolling by Sudharshan TV chief

where are we heading ???

thanks
Joydeep ghosh

Anonymous said...

Sirji,

https://youtu.be/3grH0_VEj4k
Russians using UR-77 mine clearing vehicle for clearing out Ukrainian positions.

-Bhvk

Rohit Gill said...

How many Spider SAM battries are in service with IAF ? How many launchers are there in one battery ?

Sanjeev said...

What's happening with Next Generation Missile Vessels(NGMV). Last year Feb, it was reported that Cochin Shipyard had emerged as the lowest bidder. I haven't heard any updates beyond that.

3rd ~ EyE said...

Why does a few AMCA models show an unconventional cranked delta sort of elevator ? any advantages ? or just make shift configuration ?

Kaushik said...

Hello Sir,
1. What is the update on SSN project?
2. Is the SSN under construction?
3. Dropped pin
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vE72yNv63VCYabrP7
What is this structure?
4. Can the P75I be canceled and additional 6 SSN be ordered? Is it viable?

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To KAUSHIK: 3) That is the new final-assembly hall under construction where the six SSNs will be built, since construction of SSBNs will continue at the existing SBC.

I have been busy for the past few days with the project to convert the IN's existing 28 Sea King helicopters into airborne mine-countermeasures platforms. This is what will be installed:

https://www.raytheonmissilesanddefense.com/what-we-do/naval-warfare/sensors/airborne-mine-neutralization-system

https://idstch.com/military/air/us-navy-employs-airborne-laser-mine-detection-system-almds-and-the-airborne-mine-neutralization-system-amns-to-search-and-destroy-enemys-mines/

Spike NLOS ASMs for IAF Mi-17V-5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QDw-ZtVXQY

Russia’s Iskander-M SS-BSM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QwgGLVI4Y4

Ukraine War Updates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OezZiyXE2Ik
The US is supplying 96 M-777 UFHs along with 144,000 rounds of all types of 155mm ammunition.

Kaustav said...

Prasunda

Elon Musk seems to be the new age Warren Buffet in terms of power, connection, networking & conspiracy theories. Is he merely a genius taking advantage of the technology & information age we live in or is he propped up & supported by the American Technocrats or Deep state. He does have the normally held modern view that holding physical assets like an expensive house is an unnecessary waste in a age of technology where physical mobility is granted. It's impossible to believe SpaceX could have come about without active participation & funding by US Government agencies.

Your views on this Maverick?

Anonymous said...

Sir,

Fake news

https://twitter.com/DefenceDecode/status/1518941863352598528?t=bKIRgGV_joVIDIe9NepKYA&s=19

Regards
Anup

DAshu said...

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/jaishankar-cites-silence-on-challenges-to-rules-based-order-in-asia-to-push-back-against-pressure-to-oppose-russia-actions-in-ukraine-101650961842426-amp.html

Sir, wouldn't it be simple for him and GoI if he just points to or utters the words like - PoK and LAC every time "Rule Based World Order" question thrown at him ?

But his replies are really impressive these days.

Anonymous said...

Prasunda,

You pointed out that India's SS-BSM stockpiles are credible even now owing to reasonably large numbers of Prithvi missiles. Did'nt Ukraine have (on paper) 90 or so Tochka-U launchers ?

If so, how is it that very few Tochka-U have been used by Ukraine ? Were most of Ukraines SS-BSM holdings not actually operational ?

Ashwatthama

James said...

'Russia-Ukraine war, Oil Crisis & India's Position', Explains Peter Zeihan | India Economic Conclave
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD5GqMainjY

What's your take on the above? It predicts a dire future for Russia

Kapil said...

Prasun da, do you think with increasing isolation of Russia and it's future dependence on China could result in China getting it's hands on some red hot Russian military tech like Su-57, hypersonic missiles, S-500 and other systems? Russia may lack behind the West in many areas but it's a technological superpower in rocket and missile technology which could now be in the hands of China.

joydeep ghosh said...

@prasun da

1. seems the VLS for P75i has been finally junked for TTL missile this basically clears troad for 6 more Scorpene to be built under P75i

2. France is planning to sell 4-6 Rafale M to Indiabn Navy, I think its a good move it helps boost commonality makes Rafale front runner for MRFA also means the final nail in TEDBF coffin with all 40 jets for as Rafale M saves huge money that can be used for Gen 6 jet

thanks
Joydeep ghosh

Karthik Barman said...

1) Why not equip Rudra, LCH, and Apache with Spike NLOS?
2) Why is there no shoulder-launched MPATGM version, only tripod-launched?
3) What's difference between Spike NLOS and SANT?
4) Pls share info on MPDMS. Will it be comparable to Verba or latest Stinger?
5) How many Heron-TP does India have?
6) Why not buy a few Bayraktar TB2 and reverse engineer them?

Vin said...

Hi Prasun,
is the tech on the Scorpene subs already on the way to obsolescence ?
Why is the navy so afraid to order a few more even though it knows the next orders
may take even a decade to reach it
Or is there any other alternative like unmanned subs on the anvil

Thanks

just_curious said...

Prasun,

any possibility of these happening
https://idrw.org/drdo-to-have-another-go-at-12mw-kaveri-marine-gas-turbine-kmgt/
https://idrw.org/uk-offers-india-a-significant-workshare-pact-in-the-tempest-6th-gen-program/
In gen what outcomes/offers from both Uk & EU have a chance to materialize for india?

Vedant Bhatt said...

Namaste prasoon da

How is KALI being used and is it commissioned.....what exactly is this device.

Is it the right time for entrepreneurs and business men to get into the weapons industry in india

Will the west be never get punished for the deeds and the hypocrisy they show.....?? I was reading the link given by you about the Swedish intelligence officer on the Ukrainian war.
The westerners have destroyed hundreds of country and still they stand high will they ever pay for the blood they have spilled.
Would like to know your opinion about this

Anonymous said...

Sir,

This subsidy killing our country.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.economictimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/govt-approves-rs-60939-crore-subsidy-for-pk-fertilisers-for-april-september/amp_articleshow/91127459.cms

We may purchase 114 Rafael if fertilizer subsidy stop.

Kaustav said...

And end up like Sri Lanka if we don't - Catch 22

murthy said...

some clueless anonymous wrote
April 28, 2022 at 10:35 PM
We may purchase 114 Rafael if fertilizer subsidy stop.

ans:
as a farmer's son, I would like to bring an interesting point.

we don't want any fertiliser subsidy but our agricultural produce should be given market rates .
given 65% of the people in india depend on agriculture and allied fields 60k crore subsidy is peanuts.

say Govt wants rice/some agricultural produce to be at 50 rupees but in a free market we should get 100 rupees.

also the people want vegetables and rice and wheat always for less price but the same time they demand increase in salaries.

govt also not bothered about farmers but want to keep agri prices low by not allowing exports and encouraging imports which do not happen in other industries.

if you buy tomato for say 20 rupees per kilo, farmers are getting only 2 rupees per kilo at field level.

every indian citizen and every indian govt cheating farmers for the last 75 years by keeping the agri produce linked to subsidies and export controls. we get better rate through free market. we do not want fertiliser subsidy and all expenses should be passed to the buyer of farm product be it rice or tomato. in effect the common man is benefitting with subsidy not farmers.
also the govt is very cunning. it is imposing import tax on fertilisers such as potash coming from belarus.
another mind blowing fact is govt is not giving any single penny of this 65k crore, it is simply saying they are charging less import tax of 65k crore there by announcing that it is subsidy.

James said...

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Ukraine-war/Japan-drops-plan-to-send-Ukraine-refugees-aid-supplies-via-India

Why did India refuse permission to Japan?

just_curious said...

Prasun

IAC-II in 5 years says cochin shipyard .. should IN go for it .. it should come cheaper+ with hybrid propulsion system, flat deck, steam catapult + skills will be retained.. the brits have already offered knowledge sharing from their queen lizzy class

Ashish Gautam said...

Prasun sir, morning, hope u r doing good.
Sir,
1) DRDO tank AP system will provide Arjun tanks with 360° ATGM/rocket protection or not against top attacking jevelin type ATGMs which strike at 90° angle with supersonic speeds?
2) T-series tanks not gonna get equipped with DRDO APS na, as u only told once that they don't have sufficient space in them for it?
3) P-75i dead? French too pulled out, i remember u were saying since first day that it's no brainer, additional scorpene's with AIP installed would be best option. Seems like French may get govt-govt deal in upcoming Modi's visit to France, what u say sir?
4) How about order to buy new torpedoes for existing scorpene's? Are they relying on DRDO one?
5) sir since Mi17v5 doesn't have a radar like Apache, how is it gonna pickup target at long distances and use its spike missiles? U told once in reference to SANT missile that LCH will need a radar like longbow to use Sant missiles at their full capacity. Spike has 32km range na, to kaise krega sir?
6) when can we expect 2nd tranche of rafales? F3r standard or F4?
Thanks sir.

Karthik Barman said...

I am sure Kunal/Anonymous now Vedant Bhatt are one and the same because they all deliberately annoy Prasun with Prasoon.

rad said...


HI prasun
why is every one pulling out of the of the 75I project some thing should be wrong with idiotic conditions? now naval group is going to call the shots here after with higher costs as they know we cant afford to have a nother type of submarine
India trying to make the APS for tanks ? I think after the ukraine war it has been confirmed that modern battle tanks are vulneravble to AGM. how difficult is it ? to make an APS?

just_curious said...

Prasun,

France out of P75I??

The Sanatani Bhartiya said...

Prasun,
For your comments please!
https://silksworthpost.com/the-west-misled-the-public-on-russias-war-strategy-and-the-results-are-starting-to-show-in-donbass/

Hardik Thanki said...

Hi Prasunji,

Can India develop a working turbofan engine?

Is our material science evolved enough to produce high-end Tribune Blades, etc?

Thanks & Regards

Hardik Thanki

Chanakya Chatterjee said...

Another interesting fact ... You are right when you say that for a market price of 20 farmers get maybe 2 or 4 ...

But when the govt brings farm law changes, all farmers are misled by brokers (the people who make most money and do no value addition) and the govt has to rollback

Prranshu Yadav said...

Sir,
1. With respect to your reply to Satyaki, is Agni 5 being put on backburner under pressure from the west?
2. Do you think these missile launchers should be kept in underground facilities or inside mountains like China does? Because I think the hardened shelters in the images shared by you can easily be penetrated by long range missiles and PGMs of the adversary.

just_curious said...

Prasun,

-could you please more share details on the DARE developed Jammer POD which will be on MK1A. How diff will it be from EL\L 8222 jammer or will it complement it to turn the MK1A inrto a mini growler -
" BEL has started fabrication of Low band Jammer pod for LCA Tejas.
It is based on DARE design.
Will be light, compact and power efficent.
It will be capable of engaging threats transmitting across a 1GHz to 6GHz waveband."

- IJT 36-sitara-- can't it be converted into a drone carrying @2000+ ordinance?

just_curious said...

https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/newsindia/us-state-recognises-anniversary-of-the-declaration-of-sikh-independence-draws-fierce-backlash/ar-AAWNK4k?li=AAgfYGb--- USA needs to be put in its place.. someone needs to file a case against the connecticut state. Clearly some anti india forces are spending tons of money to mobilize anti india sentiments in the US.

সুমন্ত নাগ said...

@just_curious, here lies the problems:

http://www.pieterfriedrich.com/

https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/pak-fronts-target-indian-origin-us-politicians/ar-AAWNRcZ?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=16d92eca783443929e65b8c6735f43f3

সুমন্ত নাগ said...

Continued...

And this may have come up as a response of this:

https://www.disinfo.eu/publications/indian-chronicles-deep-dive-into-a-15-year-operation-targeting-the-eu-and-un-to-serve-indian-interests

asd said...

Dear Prasun,

What's happening? Now Amaricans are recognising Khalistan Independence Day. Is it because India didn't side with USA? Please explain once. What's the repercussions?

Raghu said...

Hi,

Sri Lankan woes

https://www.themorning.lk/sri-lankas-economic-sovereignty-could-it-become-an-indian-colony/

Regards,

just_curious said...

Prasun ,

- are there 2 IRST projects happening in parallel(1 for tejas Mk2 other for SU 30 MKI)+ EOTS for AMCA?

Anonymous said...

Sir,

Fake news?

https://www.theigmp.org/2022/05/indian-armed-forces-starts-process-to-procure-220-units-of-german-skyshield-ngadg.html?m=1

Regards
Anway D.

AKS said...

Sir,
As China is ramping up logistics, infrastructure, connectivity to its Garrisons, efforts to decrease reaction time to counter Indian Forces reaction to its land grab activities, strategy management, thereby being proactive in their efforts; whether we are taking remedial measures and learning from our past mistakes and be proactive in our response ( tit for tat)to any misadventure?

Regards
AKS

just_curious said...

Prasun,

-http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2022/05/with-snags-reported-defence-ministry.html -- if true, what was the IA thinking??
- Anything from the fr4encg for modi ?

Nikhil M said...

Prasun

What is this strange news about Indian army's Sig Sauer 716 being sub optimal & prone to jamming ?
Any truth in this ?

Regards
Nikhil

Chanakya Chatterjee said...

Hi Nikhil, pls read the news properly ... The sigs have only had issues when used with locally made ammo

Just another blame game to divert attention from the sub standard ammo, that has been made locally

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To JUST_CURIOUS: 1) The UK will be happy to get certain workshares in the AMCA programme, as well as for future IN warship construction projects that call for integrated electric propulsion. 2) The days of a marinised Kaveri are truly over, because of this development:

https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/bhel-ge-power-conversion-deal-to-make-propulsion-systems-for-navy-122042801436_1.html

3) Project 75I was doomed from the outset, as I had been stating since 2016, since no foreign OEM in this world will agree to ‘deep’ ToT. 4) EL/L-8222 ASPJ caters to the mid-band/high-band spectrum & hence DARE has developed a low-band jamming pod for Su-30MKI & Tejas. 5) Only 1 IRST sensor is being developed for Su-30MKI. However, it can also go on board the Tejas Mk.2 MWF.

Indigenisation of Major LRUs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruR1ZllR9VA

To JUST_CURIOUS & NIKHIL M: The “operational shortcomings” in the SIG716 rifles included “jamming” while firing locally produced 7.62mm rounds, which were not as efficient as imported ammunition, of which limited amounts had initially been acquired but had since been expended.

https://thewire.in/security/with-snags-reported-defence-ministry-decides-against-repeating-us-assault-rifle-order

Probably someone at IA HQ was over-eager to prove India’s ‘Vishwaguru’ status, not realising that his/her assumptions/surmises/suppositions would ultimately lead to disaster! Obviously the SIG716 cannot be blamed, but rather the usage of incompatible ‘desi’ 7.62mm rounds.

To RAD: 1) The AIM-132 ASRAAM is already on the upgraded Jaguar IS/DARIN-3 & hence it makes sense for the Tejas to have it as well. The Kalibre fire-control system can easily be integrated with any CMS of any submarine. RUDRAM is the anti-radiation missile. 2) Why mount a maritime search radar on a platform that will be used mainly over land? No one has ‘dropped’ the radome-encased four-aperture AESA search radar. Such radars will definitely be installed on larger airframes in future.

To AMIT BISWAS: Any warship can be sunk by a salvo of ASCMs. The Moskva wasn’t an exception.

To JOYDEEP GHOSH: 1) Back in 2007 itself the IAF had zeroed in on the Rafale, but the then UPA-1 govt did not want to make any such announcement for fear of jeapordising the 123 nuclear agreement with the US & hence the decision was taken to buy time by inviting US OEMs into the M-MRCA competition. 2) Tapas/Rustom-2 drone is long way away from entering service. In comparison, the Rustom-1 airframe is a proven solution (since it is US-designed). 3) For enhancing flight-safety, the IAF has decided to accelerate the decommissioning of combat aircraft platforms that do not have FBW flight-controls. 4) Yes, the HS-748s are still serviceable, but the cost of keeping them serviceable is increasing by the day. 5) Gen-5 combat platforms can carry external loads as well. 6) Where are we headed for? Elementary: PRALAYA. 6) Since the IAF has opted for the Rafale, it makes perfect sense for the IN too to opt for the Rafale.

To SATYA: The UK wants some workshare in AMCA project like developing & supplying sensor-fusion avionics, cockpit canopies, ejection seats, etc etc.

To SUMIT SEN: About 6 Netra-2s will be procured by the IAF, followed by at least four larger airframes equipped with the CABS-developed radome-encased four-aperture AESA search radar.

To KANE1966: Only a single Project 971 SSGN will be leased.

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To ANUP: So now the ADA is subtly admitting the developmental lapses, like failing to get inputs from the IAF’s ground crews during the Tejas’ design phase! While HAL starts work on determining the Tejas airframe’s total technical service life in 2022—something that should have begun back in 2005 itself! Without obtaining such critical data it is IMPOSSIBLE to offer such aircraft for export.

To ROHIT GILL: The answer is in the thread dealing with EX GAGAN SHAKTI 2018.

To SANJEEV: No contract has been inked WRT the IN’s NGMV reqmts.

To 3rd-EYE: The final design will become known only when the first AMCA Mk.1 prototype rolls out.

To KAUSTAV: LoLz! If you are aware of US ‘Black’ projects, then you will understand how the likes of Ellon Musk & Bigelow Aerospace emerge out of the blue from time to time.

To ASHWATTHAMA: Because the Tochkas of Ukraine require product support from Russia, which all ended back in 2014.

To JAMES & KAPIL: A distinct narrative crafted by the US has emerged, which was spelt out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXvtywX9OcQ

According to this narrative, Russia’s war against Ukraine will result in 1) Moscow becoming subservient to Beijing. 2) Russia’s economy will be destroyed in a gradual manner. 3) This then will make it impossible for India to rely on Russia for military hardware. 4) Hence, India should begin shunning Russia & start retiring from service all major Russia-supplied military hardware, especially like the Su-30MKIs.

Inference: the US wants to cash in on such a crisis by offering India the F-15EX (114 to begin with), but as I had earlier explained several times before, such aircraft are cost-prohibitive to manufacture under licence & there Boeing will get to have the cake & eat it as well, with India having no choice but to pay for them at commercial market rates. If not, then no US OEM will be bothered to invest in setting up semiconductor foundries in India since the US will be very suspicious about India-built microchips of US IPR being supplied to Russia. So, the noose for all intents & purposes is being tightened around India’s neck. But India cannot do without Russia because it is only Russia that has been helping India realise its strategic weapon developmental objectives. On the other hand, in all other high-tech areas, whether it is about HR development or industrial development, India remains totally dependent on the West. For instance, even for working as a taxi-driver, no Indian citizen will go to either Russia or China for seeking employment as a cab-driver. Thus, India has extremely hard choices to make in the times ahead.

To KARTHIK BARMAN: 1) Spike-NLOS with greater range is meant for those Mi-17V-5s that are earmarked for CSAR missions. 2) MPATGM will be shoulder-launched. 3) Spike-NLOS is IIR-guided, whereas SANT uses a W-band MMW seeker. 4) MPDMS is still 6 years away from entering the user-trials stage. 5) None. All talk about India procuring Heron-TP was FAKE NEWS. 6) Not worthwhile, since such UAVs even in Ukraine are flying only once every week.

To VIN: The IN has put the cart before the horse & hence Project 75I from the outset was doomed to fail.

To VEDANT BHATT: All work related to the development of high-power lasers in India is being conducted here:

https://www.rrcat.gov.in/organization/cat/aboutus.html

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To JAMES: Permission was not granted because such ‘aid’ was in reality military hardware.

To ASHISH GAUTAM: 1 & 2) It is not an APS, but just a four-antenna active phased-array radar that is to be developed. There isn’t enough space on the turrets of T-72/T-90S for mounting such antennae. 3) Project 75I was doomed from the outset, as I had been stating since 2016, since no foreign OEM in this world will agree to ‘deep’ ToT. 4) Of course HWTs will be imported. 5) Spike-NLOS is being procured for enabling the Mi-17V-5 to carry out CSAR missions.

To HARDIK THANKI: Yes. GTRE has already developed the MANIK STFE.

To PRRANSHU YADAV: Strategic weapons like ICBMs in recessed state are best stored inside hardened structures built inside mountain ranges, just like China & Pakistan have done.

To ASD: How can anyone celebrate independence day for a country that does not exist?

To ANWAY D: Of course it is FAKE NEWS. On one hand it says that the submission of bids from global OEMs has commenced & on the other hand it says that the Skyshield has already been selected!!!

To AKS: These 2 videos will answer most of your queries:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqk9s5piEYE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtvZ7rGL9Xw

However, this does not bode well:

Five Month Delay in Appointing New CDS is Bad for India:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXm2uGfWlwk&t=47s

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

IA RFI for Cannister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munitions (CALM) Systems for Mechanised Forces:
https://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/RFI/824/RFIMECH080422.pdf

IA RFI for 105mm/37-cal MGS: https://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/RFI/828/RFIDGArty290422.pdf

This is a bizarre RFI, since everyone knows that only Kalyani Group/Bharat Forge has developed such a MGS & hence the IA HQ should have taken suo moto notice of it & ought to have negotiated a contract under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), an initiative by Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence

To JOYDEEP GHOSH: As I had stated a few years ago, Indian DPSU shipyards had no chance of winning any contract from The Philippines:

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/04/iai-and-hhi-to-supply-philippine-navy-with-alpha-3d-radar-systems/

Ukraine War Hits Launch of Vande Bharat Trains:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90BYbDfJ5yk

Russia’s ORLAN UAS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sPKSMeonxg

Ukraine War History till April: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBZPE9o2gHU

Natuna Islands Dispute: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dVNl_e7k4o

FIBUA Challenges in Ukraine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT9scTuqxEA&t=3s

What behind the 'India Out' Campaign in the Maldives?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2n3jKr2X38

Anonymous said...

Prasunda,

1. What will India do given the increasing western pressure to cut ties with Russia ? Are'nt strategic weapon development goals sacrosanct ?

2. Wo'nt going with the west mean giving up the strategic deterrent/opening up amn opportunity for China and Pak to militarily force denuclearization ?

3. Also, wo'nt going with the west mean more freedom for separatists in J&K in the name of democracy ?

4. Is Agni 5 being put on the backburner due to western pressure ?

5. Does India too have hardened underground facilities in mountain ranges for storage of ICBMs just as China has ?

Satyaki

Anonymous said...

Yes, RFI for 105 mm gun is bizzare. Kalyani has invested so much. Who decides this ? Why should anyone invest in defence ?

Anonymous said...

Hi Prasun

With regard to he US pressure on India to cut ties with Russia or at least to reduce it to a minimum, what cards do we have to play against such strategies?

Is reduced involvement in QUAD or at the extreme, a workable boundary solution with China viable options?

Regards

Raghu

Raghu said...

Hi Prasun,

The pressure being heaped upon India by the west looks ominous. Regarding the choices before the government, isn't there any leverage we can utilise in terms of our involvement in Indo Pacific or QUAD to fend of the pressure?

Retiring the Sukhoi does not seem viable. It's just not the Sukhois alone, the Talwar class frigates, the nuclear submarine, the army equipment, even the nuclear reactors being supplied by Russia, all these cannot be replaced without a huge cost.

Wonder how the government will respond to this.

Regards

Soumya Ray said...

1. It not only revealed obvious flaws in the army’s QR formulations for the rifle, but also in the MoD’s overall acquisition procedures"......"the operational shortcomings in the SIG716 rifles included “jamming” while firing locally produced 7.62 mm rounds, which were not as efficient as imported ammunition" What/Who is faulty here - rifle or ammo or optics or money or institutions or do they've godforsaken fate?
2. We cannot import a rifle (Sig 716) without controversy. We cannot develop & manufacture (Ghatak) a rifle without controversy. We cannot licence make a rifle (Ak-203) without controversy. Why so?
3. What's the issue with 7.62×51mm ammunition? Is it production-related QA/QC? Aren't the ammunition being produced conform to NATO standards?
4. SIG76 rifles had reportedly necessitated local modifications like altering the grip to enable a firmer grasp by adding a ‘wooden handle’ under the 457.2 m long barrel. What's "WOODEN HANDLE" here? Did IA engage clearing alpine forests :) :)? Shouldn't the foregrip be made of polymer? Why so poor choice of words - "WOODEN".
5. The rifles lacked optical day, night, holographic and even basic LED-powered reflex red-dot sights as the MoD.......under IA advisement had, out of pecuniary considerations, decided against acquiring these critical auxiliary add-ons.......essential to precisely aligning targets in conflict zones at ranges varying between 100-700m. First, is IA really that cash-strapped? Second, are those holographic sight/ Red dot sight really effective in such long engagement ranges?
6. battery-operated sight.....provided users a ‘point of aim’...... illuminated red dot ...phenomenon often seen in action movies.....absence renders the user wholly or at least partially blind in skirmish areas. Blind, really Prasun ji or exaggeration ?
7. Is it a fake news

joydeep ghosh said...

@prasun da

1. looks like P75I has died forever and looks like France is offering 6 moire Scorpene under P75

2. DRDO is set to get a decommissioned Kilo where it will add AIP, LI Battery, and other tech, which one it will be is not question but will Russia allow that and will it force India to buy 3 black hole subs in return

3. Instead of 65k t IAC I feel 45k t IAC is a better idea after all Franch carrier is
43k t as it can be delivered using existing infrastructure

thANKS
Joydeep ghosh

just_curious said...

Prasun,

thanks for your insightful replies..
1-no P 75 .. what is the alternative?
2- to your reply to James & Kapil .. can't buying more Chinooks, P8i's, MH60R's, reapers & a few more used C17's from US reserves suffice? throw in a few apaches longbows as well + the MMTT deal with IAI is also for boeing based, if jet & Air akasa can be persuaded to buy boeings for their fleets & if India invests in future tech like tiltrotors(V-280) then uncle sam should not complain I guess.. n all of these are needed
3- how many Jags are being modified to DARIN 3 stds? last count was @60
4- on 105 mm MGS, maybe they want to avoid a political ruckus-- there was an OFB prototype as well -truck mounted 105mm
Gun : 33 cal 105mm barrel from OFB
Vehicle : TATA 4X4 truck
5- Will IA buy the kalyani 155/39 mm truck mounted gun as well?




4-

Raj Gupta said...

https://mobile.twitter.com/orbatnoob_3/status/1518954045116850176

Any comments?

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

IA RFI for Quadcopters: https://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/RFI/830/RFIDGInf05052022.pdf

To SATYAKI: 1) I don’t have the answer to that. 2) Probably. 3) No. 4) No. 5) Yes.

To RAGHU: France has been seeking a strategic military-industrial partnership with India since the early 1970s. However, due to financial reasons, India has thus far stuck to Russia. In future, however, this will definitely have to change since the West holds all the trump-cards as far as India’s future economic/industrial/technological growth-paths are concerned.

France had long ago (back in May 1998) proposed that India gets into a long-term (for at least 40 years duration) strategic military-industrial cooperation with France under which both conventional & nuclear weapons ought to be jointly developed & produced. Had this proposal been accepted, then the Project 75, Project 75I & Project 76 would have been consolidated into a single mammoth endeavour that would have made it worthwhile for France to engage in several critical ToTs. In fact, Project 76 would in that case have morphed into the SSN project by using a slightly wider beamwidth Scorpene hull.

As for the QUAD, the other 3 members have already given up on the idea of enhancing the military component with India to levels that will deter China. That was precisely the reason the AUKUS was devised & formed so that the US, Japan & Australia reap its military rewards. The AUKUS came into being AFTER India decided to undertake certain course-corrections based on Russia’s advice, i.e. Russia had promised India that if India placed greater emphasis on the Russia-India-China (RIC) grouping, then China will be persuaded to considerably reduce its aggressive stance against India. This is also the feeling that was alluded to by the Chinese speaker in this webinar:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtvZ7rGL9Xw

To SOUMYA RAY: Why are you so surprised? I can give you several such examples of such fuck-ups already committed before. For instance, 20 years ago when the IA wanted to procure 12 TPQ-37 Firefinder WLRs from RaytheonTHALES, someone from IA HQ insisted on procuring ‘desi’ tyres for the wheels & as a result the rims of the truck had to be redesigned & rebuilt, of course at far greater cost! Then there was the case of IAF HQ insisting on the Tejas being an LCA in the mid-1990s, when it was evident to everyone then that in future only two classes of MRCAs—H-MRCA & M-MRCA—would be mass-produced by foreign OEMs worldwide. Now we are saddled with an LCA that will be carrying underwing ASPJs & what-not when it should have from the outset been a M-MRCA like the Tejas Mk.2 MWF that the IAF now wants! Finally we have the sade case of the IN insisting on a proven & in-service AIP for Project 75I. Why then was the project to develop an indigenous MAREEM AIP sanctioned in the first place? Didn’t the IN know back in 2010 that the MAREEM would require a decommissioned SSK as a testbed for the AIP’s sea-trials?

To JOYDEEP GHOSH: 1) I have been saying that since December 2013. 2) That is FAKE NEWS, since the MAREEM AIP co-developed by DRDO & L & T has been engineered precisely for fitment into the single-hulled Scorpene’s hull. NAVAL FORCES had already stated that on-record 4 years ago. Nor will Russia’s Rubin Central Marine Design Bureau share the Type-877EKM SSK’s hull design with any Indian shipyard for the sake of qualifying a non-Russia AIP for retrofit. Thirdly, the MAREEM AIP module is meant for single-hulled Scorpenes, not double-hulled Type-877EKM SSKs. The ‘desi patrakaars’ should start applying sound common-sense before inventing FAKE NEWS.

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To JUST_CURIOUS: 1) For as long as the IN insists on opting for a proven & in-service AIP solution, then there is only one option (since Saab/Kockums has withdrawn from the competition): TKMS’ Type-218 SSK with the Siemens-developed fuel-cells. 2) No, because the US is asking India to make far greater sacrifices that involve adherence to the ‘Sabh pe Nirbhar’ concept. The US knows very well that if India wants to lessen the time (13) years to economically recover from the pandemic-caused 2-year lockdown, then India will have no other choice but to deepen economic & industrial ties with the West. Hence, throwing such small crumbs won’t do the job. 3) 64. 4) That was a 105mm LFG mounted on a TATA truck & was not armoured at all. There will be no political ruckus if deals are done in a transparent manner, as was the case when L & T was awarded the contract back in 1994 for building the three SSGNs. 5) That is the only available option. No one has developed anything similar.

To RAJ GUPTA: LoLz! That only exposes the 2 buffoons/nitwits. Here’s how: The following image shows the elevated pedestals associated with static SAM sites of China.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FP_MTAlXsAMd3Pj?format=jpg&name=large

No one else in the world builds such permanent SAM sites. As for the IAF, its SAM sites are located in an air base’s outer perimeter location & nowhere near to the runways, as shown by the following slides:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0HCJq6B1wZA/TI16xn8ZiNI/AAAAAAAAC2I/pjmPoqL47Ik/s1600/INDIASAMNET36D6.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0HCJq6B1wZA/TI16yIo4YuI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/s5ewzAJL3qA/s1600/INDIASAMNET36D6MAST.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0HCJq6B1wZA/TI1650vcH0I/AAAAAAAAC2w/_GdUfPdSs_4/s1600/INDIASAMNETOSA.jpg

https://defence.pk/pdf/media/sirinagar-sa-3-sam.14332/full?d=1460622998

So, this proves that the 2 buffoons/nitwits ASSUMED that all SAM sites worldwide have identical architectures & on that basis reached their idiotic conclusions.

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

Gen David Patraeus Exposes Russia's Battlefield Shortcomings:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG3kzAZzdwc&t=28s

How US is Sharing SIGINT/ELINT intel with Ukraine:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dV5b19L5Yg&t=2s

Anonymous said...

Prasunda,

VMT. In your reply to Raghu, you say that India has no choice but to close the strategic partnership with Russia in the future. Are you then saying that

1. France will fill in for Russia, so that India's progress to a credible minimum deterrent will continue ?

2. Will this shift to France mean even the MIRVed Agni P and the MIRVed variant of Agni 5 reach deployment only with a delay of several years ?

3. If so, leaving such a gap in the deterrent for some faster economic growth is simply not worthwhile. Hope India is not swayed by the west.

Satyaki

Hardik Thanki said...

Hi Parsunji,

Should India buy into Embraer Aerospace and tie-up with Boeing and bring civilian aviation to India?

If yes then how should India approach Brazil?

If now then what should India do instead?

Thanks & Regards

Hardik Thanki

DAshu said...

Russia-India-China (RIC) grouping - very very bad, this option should not be even considered at all after knowing ccp.As this option will certainly ask India to say good bye permanently to PoK including GB

QUAD giving up military component with India to levels that will deter China- man what India was thinking here ?

The US asking India to accept 'Sabh pe Nirbhar’ concept is painful suicide for sure. Again proved US cannot be trusted.

Like you have said India has extremely hard choices to make in the times ahead.
Is India capable enough for this complex maneuvering ?

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To SATYAKI: 1) Yes. 2 & 3) Not quite, because all reqd ToT from Russia has already been completed. Despite this, India-Russia collaboration in such areas will not come to an absolute end.

To HARDIK THANKI: Not necessary at all. Instead, Indian OEMs like HAL & others can easily team up with the likes of Dassault Aviation & Airbus Military to co-develop regional airliners ranging from 36-seaters to 90-seaters.

To DASHU: I agree, since it widely believed that Pakistan’s 2021 offer to accept the status quo WRT J & K UT & PoJK was largely due to pressures exerted by both China & Russia over Islamabad which both China & Russia hope can lead to: A) Legitimising the CPEC’s existence & permamency over sovereign Indian territory (i.e. Gilgit-Baltistan)—something that President Xi Jinping had asked for from India during the Mammalapuram Summit in October 2019. B) Russia would then have a free hand in laying down oil/gas pipelines starting from the Central Asian Republics & transiting Afghanistan & Pakistan & ending up in India.

India had to give up hopes of militarising QUAD due to the immediate military differentials existing between China & India. But this must not be mis-interpreted as India being inferior to China in terms of warfighting capability. Instead, what it means is that while India’s armed forces remain fully capable of inflicting heavy losses upon the PLA, this will be achieved at considerable financial expense & consequently, while China will not have to pay a heavy price due to its US$15 trillion economy, for India this will be a cost-prohibitive option, given its smaller US$3 trillion economy. As it is, the RBI has stated that India will take 13 years to recover from the pandemic-caused lockdowns of the past 2 years.

As for India’s ‘Sabh pe Nirbhar’ plight, this is because India missed out on the 3 decades of industrialisation since the early 1970s, thanks to long-term macro=-strategising & instead sticking only to 5-year term planning processes (consequently an over-arching & consensual national security strategy eludes India till this day). No use blaming anyone else. Unless India’s ‘netas’ decide to close ranks & agree upon a 20-year national security strategy that can be implemented without any political expediency-induced mid-course changes, India will continue to be a laggard in every sphere & step of the way.

Why A Strategic Partnership Model When There Are Simpler Ways To Achieve P75i?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VmVNjULGuM

IA Sniper Rifles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPksAZIPaxw

Northtech Expo in Udhampur: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCUWYM7U8UU

SIG-SAUER SG-716 SLR Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GOYWC6autM&t=68s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEIhp01sdgQ

Sarvatra Bridge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trcJxleWA-Y

Could China And India Go To War? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quVjCuWWu_Y

The above illustrates China’s recent patronising attitude towards India WRT India’s non-aligned foreign policy & how it is at odds with the QUAD.

Closed-Down Indian Embassy in Kabul: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om0kFuVI38k

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

Plundered Indian Treasures/Relics at British Museum:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShVI4xhn-18
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEsZleQdPmE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZpuGq55uos

Plundered Indian Treasures/Relics at Oxford's Ashmolean Museum:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1iioCESaZA

Plundered Tipu Sultan Collection in UK:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qaz0CO7qdeY

Anonymous said...

Sir,

Good point here. Also please check quote twitt from adm. Arun prakash

https://twitter.com/saptarshichand8/status/1522998699785584641?t=S6Y5mlVWVXVXpgxRjRkxEQ&s=19

Regards
Anway D.

Technology, Photograpy and Travel said...

Dada,

If the recovery for india would take 13 years , what would be the state of China with so much of under current against it ?

just_curious said...

Prasun,


1-US back to wooing pakis ? bliken invites bilawal..is US back to depending on pakis in S.asia?

Karnflakes said...

Prasun Da..
Would It not make more sense to buy F18s rather than f 15s from the americans ?
I think adding yet another aircraft to the IAFs inventory would be tooo much ..
I'm guessing this cause France seems real jumpy about rafale M, offering immediate delivery of their own navys aircraft + PM meeting Boeing CEO.

just_curious said...

2 - https://idrw.org/delimitation-commission-loses-an-opportunity-to-counter-pakistan/.. guess your assessment on india's stand on POJK is correct . its 2022 and we are still losing w/o a single bullet being fired...

Anonymous said...

Prasunda,

VMT.

1) When you say Russian ToT for BMs is largely completed, does it include the ToT for SLBMs as well ?

2) Given what you say at least about ToT for MIRVed land based BMs, and given that France is also likely to eventually fill in for continued progress towards the deterrent, and given what you say about China's edge over India militarily not being unlimited, would not the fear that China and Pak may someday be able to force India's denuclearization be an irrational one ?

Satyaki

buddha said...

Under the circumstances is it
likely that Su30MKI upgradation T90 farther upgradation and license production
And other joint operation including AK203 and brahmos production will get affected..
Where u see the attritional war will stop
This war has proven Russian military preparation is way legged behind..than western counterpart..Will this start end of Putin Era and Russia completely under sino influence..
But onething West is equally responsible for this war..
What will be future of Ukraine ..And how long Russia under the tremendous sanctioned continue to go ahead with the this attritional war when the population feel completely fucked by total western rejection..
Can we expect Cold war 2.0 with euroamerican block and sino russian block..
Will India go for Rafale for both navy and airforce or another fancy item will be added to the kitty..

Nikhil M said...

Hi Prasun
Thanks for answering my query. Now is it possible that Sig Suaer opens a manufacturing unit in India to locally produce match grade 7.62 × 51 mm rounds for SIG 716?
Else, it's a sorry state of affairs.

Anonymous said...

Namaste Dada,
how can I get a job at an indian think tank....I have no idea
I just want to work for the country.

ANY

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To AMWAY D: LoLz! In my view the ret’d Air Marshall has given a completely ill-informed & IDIOTIC opinion. For starters, he seems to be unaware of the sheer number of ISR assets deployed by NATO around the Black Sea:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FRhzy94aAAA9UbN?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1ARa-BGcHs&list=LL&index=2&t=120s

To TECHNOLOGY, PHOTOGRAPHY & TRAVEL: LoLz! You are disregarding 1 vital point: despite the lockdowns & internal upheavals, China continues to record trade surpluses in its favour, especially from India. And unlike India, even during the past 2 years of lockdowns, China’s economy registered positive growth-rates.

To KARNFLAKES: In my view, it will be ill-advisable for India to invest in US-origin combat platforms, since US national laws make it very easy to weaponise bilateral trade relations to be sanctioned. For instance, despite Pakistan attacking India back in 1965, the US sanctioned India along with Pakistan for 10 years! Hence, the middle path is still India’s best option, i.e. opting for additional Rafales for the IAF & Rafale Ms for the IN. Here’s another example: to date there are only 2 customers for MBDA’s AIM-132 ASRAAM—the RAF & IAF. Why? Because that SRAAM had until now used Raytheon’s IIR seeker & was thus subject to US export-control laws/sanctions. Only with the latest ASRAAM Mk.6 variant has it become possible to do away with all US-origin sensors/components on that SRAAM.

To SATYAKI: 1) BMs include both ICBMs & SLBMs. 2) Yes.

More from the ongoing NorthTech Expo in Udhampur:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYHFM1_aHQc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNCpouqa1o8

James said...

What exactly are the details of "Pakistan’s 2021 offer"? What was Indian Govt's response to it? What's your opinion on the offer made by Pakistan?

asd said...

Dear Prasun,
Can India ever recover from the shock of pandemic? As you told earlier India is caught off guard, due to Russia and EU relationship, what are the options left with India now? Can it be a 5 trillion dollar country before 2029? Will India get back PoK and Gilgit Baltistan or it is still a pipe dream?

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To JAMES: Here it is:

https://theprint.in/opinion/pakistans-peace-offer-came-with-fine-print-optimistic-indians-failed-to-read-it/634660/

To ASD: Only if India manages to advance at double-digit growth rates. However, stupidity needs to be avoided, like this:

https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-shelves-rs-35-000-cr-plan-to-upgrade-su-30-fighter-fleet-amid-russia-ukraine-war-11652006926134.html

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/make-in-india-russia-fighter-jet-india-russia-deal-1946896-2022-05-08

Although indigenisation is desirable, there are obvious technological & financial limits, as explained in this webinar:

ASSOCHAM Webinar: ‘‘Future of Make-I, Make-II, Strategic Partnership Model & iDEX Projects”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzNq5c9V9Vk&t=78s

NorthTech Expo in Udhampur: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=883cvGuO_98
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymn4K4UiM1w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C50Jhwpa4w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MGMzb4aeEA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XenW-hV1NVA

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-all-set-to-test-several-homemade-weapon-systems/articleshow/91394150.cms

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

https://www.stimson.org/2022/chinas-evolving-strategic-discourse-on-india/

To BUDDHA: Don’t worry, for such issues will get resolved in the near future. After all, countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Egypt, the UAE & Iraq all operate Russia-origin military hardware in sizeable quantities & none of them are panicking. But what worries me, for instance, is the total lack of armoured protection of TELs for BrahMos-1. It seems the IA is confident about such TELs not being targetted by hostile airpower. In sharp contrast, see the fully armoured TEL of the K-300P Bastion-P with P-800 Oniks Missile (Russian version of BrahMos-1):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwfsfYVGxME

And enjoy watching these:

UFOs in Puerto Rico: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reWjx7ECo08

UFOs in Brazil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp0V9ecf0FM

To NIKHIL M: Establishing a local production line for such a small quantity of ammo reqd for even 200,000 SLRs is totally not financially viable. Instead, SIG-SAUER can licence the state-owned Munitions India Ltd to produce such rounds, of course subject to strict QA-standards of the OEM.

To ANY: To start with, apply for a job by contacting the ‘think-tanks’ online. There are several other ways of working for the country without joining any think-tank.

just_curious said...

Prasun,

Universal Launchers for SU-30 MKI - is this being developed? any details you can share on it? also can they be used across the IAF jets?

asd said...

Dear Prasun,

1. How many years would India take to overtake or at least match China w.r.t. supply chain.
2. Is Modi government taking steps in right direction to make India manufacturing hub?
3. Earlier you once told that USA would revenge China for pandemic and causing mass lives destruction. Being a layman I haven't seen anything yet. Your view please.

Indrajit said...

Prasunda,

"There are several other ways of working for the country without joining any think-tank." - We will be hugely indebted to you if you elaborate.

Sidharth said...

Prasun da,

As you replied "Yes" or foreseen the predictable force denuclearization of India by combined China and Pakistan. What would be your suggestion to GOI or MOD on how to tackle this situation build-up if any.....

What a turnaround of the table until now we are foreseeing and discussing Pakistan's denuclearization but now the table turns toward India......

Apart from China and Pakistan, any other western powers would also want India to be denuclearised too.......

So Russia due to its future turmoil economy will further disintegrate Russian territory and China occupy Vladivostok again....., If the news is to be believed true that Ukraine just proved another Afghanistan to Russia......where does Russia lack to achieve its goal in Ukraine.....as you indicate in your reply the main goal of Russia was to demilitarised and denuclearized Ukraine has it been achieved.....

Is it not incorrect to say that Western powers (US and UK mainly) contrived the Russo-Ukraine war for some obivious goal of theirs.........

Kaustav said...

What Prasunda means getting skilled, trained, educated with proficiency. Thst would automatically lead to useful careers many of them of direct relevance to the economy and/or security of the country. When that gets combined with relevant experience, think tank appointments occur anyway & that's on the lower end of the scale

Kaustav said...

Prasunda

Sirjee, kindly do a post on the PRC proposed Global Security Initiative.

In light of your comments above & Govt of India's anxiety to avoid both a war or too long a heavily armed standoff as well as the desire to settle borders with PRC even at risk of pissing off the US in Asia Pacific; Can the PRC be prevented from starting a conflict to capture Indian territory for the next two decades with the current strategy of pandering to both West & Russia- China alliance?

Or is it better to go the whole hog & do an RMA with US & Western sourced expensive weapons & tactics which would put us firmly in the Western Alliance with commitments in the Indo-Pacific, not just Himalayas?!

PRC isn't to be trusted.

Anonymous said...

Prasunda,

If any conflict happens along the LAC, what would deter the PLA from using long range conventional firepower (DF-26/LACMs etc) to destroy DRDO/production facilities related to India's strategic programme ? Is the only way to deter such a situation to make it clear that any such action would cross India's nuclear threshold ?

Ashwatthama

Anonymous said...

Sir,

Welcome to 1980.
https://twitter.com/AdityaRajKaul/status/1523714942481801218?t=sQinHXb2ALKxAJjkuaoK3w&s=19

Regards
Anway

Kaustav said...

Prasunda

Russia getting pissed off at Musk about his Starlink program & his/SpaceX stated intent to increase the number of Starlink ISP satellites from 12000 to 42000 should be evidence enough of Musk, Deep State and surprise emergence

Meanwhile China ‘Deeply Alarmed’ By SpaceX’s Starlink Capabilities That Is Helping US Military Achieve Total Space Dominance

LoLz! If you are aware of US ‘Black’ projects, then you will understand how the likes of Ellon Musk & Bigelow Aerospace emerge out of the blue from time to time. https://eurasiantimes.com/china-deeply-alarmed-by-spacexs-starlink-capabilities-usa/

Raghu said...

Hi

The following perspective is worthy of consideration

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/vilches-europes-mad-ban-russian-oil

Regards

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

Ukraine’s Next Few Weeks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXa0JVgpVtE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRjPRwshecE

How Ukraine Unsettles China: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o55-tFmu4Y0

M-777 UFHs in Ukraine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v1vrxbk9EE

Switchblade Loitering Munition Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lWVopVYPCU

Austria's Military Academy's Televised Briefings on Ongoing Military Operations in Ukraine:

Russian BTG Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSDP-CmwcNM

Russia’s Donbass Campaign Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJiuc4KWmQo

BTGs Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n7jAXgxFRQ

Logistics Challenges: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvgp7WGCTgE

Ukraine Theatre of Operations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baW0m83O99c

Ukrainian Tactics Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNeXbNY3HYQ

PLAGF in Linzithang Plains East of Depsang Plains:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGja_sdRqD4

Xiaokang Model Village in Tingri County: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WllV_L5UbQ8

China’s Shanghai Mess: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYXR2YjVSgo

Karthik Barman said...

"In my view, it will be ill-advisable for India to invest in US-origin combat platforms"

Then with this logic India should not buy more Apaches. Instead, order more Rudra and LCH, and buy the IPRs for VK-2500, Mil Mi-28NM, and Mil Mi-38 to speed up indigenous IMRH development. I think Ruskies will sell them for a good price.

Arjun said...

We know that both the CCP and USA are duplicitous decision makers and neither should be trusted. However, both relationships need to be given the utmost dedication and analysis. This article is insightful into why the Americans are going gung ho against the Russians but not the Chinese. https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/perspectives/PE300/PE310/RAND_PE310.pdf
1) Why can't India ask China to invest in India economically? If the Chinese are committed to the RIC grouping, then the CCP should economically invest in it (geoeconomics 101). The muted Chinese support to Russia in Ukraine shows the true character of the Chinese, not what the idiotic CCP propaganda tries to present China as.
2) If the USA wants India to abandon Russian conventional arms, then why can't the West subsidize this transition? Pakistan has significant lobbying power in the US, while the Americans wish to maintain their relationship with Pakistan to put leverage on India, viz. Pakistan's only purpose as a state. In the case of Ukraine, significant aid only started flowing after it became clear that Ukraine was intent to antagonize Russia and ready to fight till the last Ukrainian. This would require a 180 policy reversal for us, and we would blindly depend on the West in such a situation. And secondly, we don't necessarily want to be America's expendable shield.
3) Seems like scaled Uttam on Su-30's will go through like I asked earlier. Furthermore, Israel has not sanctioned Russia's military wing, which suggests that we can use their avionics on Su-30 upgrade. https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/42893
4) What is Glidefire SSM that IN wants? How does it compare with ITCM?
5) What is the LRSGM that IAF issued an RFI for? Is it air-launched Pralay?

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To JUST_CURIOUS: Not universal launchers, but universal pylons below which various types of weapons ejector racks can be mounted.

To ASD: 1) It all depends on enacting various types of national legislations & formulating long-term national strategies. For example, land acquisition for mega-projects like north-south/east-west freight corridors. 2) Some baby-steps have been taken, but the overall process is extremely cumbersome & is top-heavy. For instance, in the US there are only 13 federal ministries running the entire country. 3) Then you need to read up about all the export-control regimes enacted against China thus far. Due to them, Huawei is already out of the smartphone business & several countries worldwide have rejected China’s 5-G cellular communications networks. In addition, the ‘One China’ policy has undergone drastic revision.

To INDRAJIT: What it means is elementary: even a street-sweeper employed by any municipal corporation in India is doing yeoman service for the country on a daily basis. Working for a think-tank doesn’t make anyone a greater contributor to the country’s glory.

To SIDHARTH: Such a situation arises only when most of the eggs are parked inside a single basket. Russia is an under-populated country with vast natural resources & hence there will never be any economic turmoil.

To KAUSTAV: Here are some insights into the proposed GSI:

https://theprint.in/diplomacy/chinas-global-security-initiative-what-it-is-what-xi-hopes-to-gain-what-it-means-for-india/949312/

Essentially, the GSI is all about securing regime survival & tools like the BRI. It is futile now to target the QUAD because the military component of QUAD has already been carved out in the form of AUKUS, with the latter now being the East Asian counterpart of NATO. So now, for all intents & purposes, an East Asian form of NATO now exists, which will be supplemented by bilateral military alliances the US has with Australia, Japan, Taiwan & South Korea. In other words, China is now militarily encircled by formidable alliances that Beijing will find it impossible to counter. At the same time, despite the ‘limitless’ alliance of China & Russia, it needs to be noted that Russia will never forsake India & Vietnam for China’s sake.

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To ASHWATTHAMA: As I had stated numerous times before, India too possesses BM & SS-BSMs for counter-strikes. In any case, BMs like DF-26 cannot be used for conventional fire-assaults.

To ANWAY: This is radically different from the 1980s era. The continuous unearthing of underground tunnels along the WB & RPG-22 LAWs being transported by hexacopter across the IB or WB & providing online training for their usage is nothing short of a declaration of war by the Western adversary, especially since this has happened after the PA’s COAS visited areas along the LoC THRICE over the past 14 days. What all this proves is that India’s punitive conventional deterrence posture against Pakistan seems to be repeatedly failing, not due to the lack of capability, but due to the inability of the executive branch of the Govt of India to implement various aspects of the posture.

RPG-22: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0fke0wd6aA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ypVcJ8Ia88

To KARTHIK BARMAN: Absolutely. Just like the LCH & Rudra were developed with Western/Scandinavian technical assistance, heavier variants of the LCH can easily be developed as well. No need to seek any off-the-shelf solutions from any country.

To ARJUN: 1) China has already invested in India. Aren’t China-origin smartphones being licence-built in India? Isn’t China continuing to purchase commodities & raw materials in increasing quantities from India? 2) Because US national interests dictate that such methodologies can work ONLY IF a formal alliance exists between the US & India, just as the US has struck alliances with several other countries. But in return, India will have to be satisfied as being the junior partner with no veto power & follow US leads, i.e. a glorified puppet. 3) LoLz! Leave alone ‘Uttam’, not even the carbon-carbon brakes for the Su-30MKI’s landing gear remain to be indigenised. If anyone reckons that India can develop AESA-MMRs for MRCAs in less than a decade when all Western OEMs took more than 2 decades to develop such avionics & Russia still struggling to develop one, then he/she is dwelling in cuckooland. Even ADA has no whims & fancies about Uttam's availability for Tejas-AF Mk.2 MWF (not even for Tejas Mk.1A) before 2026, as was revealed by the ADA's DG presentation at a recent airpower seminar hosted by CAPS. Do you therefore reckon that the IAF will have to wait for 2026 for the Super Su-30MKI upgrade to commence? Hence, better not to harbour any delusional over-expectations, especially of a technological nature. 4) It is the warship-launched variant of Pralay SS-BSM. ITCM is a long way off. Its NSQRs were ready back in 2004 itself—a year before the advent of Babur LACM. And yet a corresponding LACM from the ADE remains elusive, again a classic case of over-expectations. 5) Here is the RFI:

https://indianairforce.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/RFI-Long-Range-Satellite-Navigation-System-Guided-Missile.pdf

Minimum range of 220km & max desired range of 350km. It was expected that the BrahMos-NG (shown in air-launched version on a Tejas Mk.1 at the Aero India 2019 expo) would fulfil the LRSGM reqmt. But now, due to military-technical difficulties in the aftermath of Russia’s ‘special military operation’ against Ukraine, BrahMos-NG or even the BrahMos-2/Zircon is unlikely to become available as per prior delivery schedules & hence this latest IAF RFI. The ‘Sabh Pe Nirbhar’ posture therefore remains very much alive & is unlikely to be discontinued in the foreseeable future, kindly rest assured.

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

Sri Lanka in total meltdown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpIo1VpsmVk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qat5SqgqpA8

In case foreign embassies in Colombo need to evacuate their staff, how will it be done? Who will be the first overseas responder & in what form? Whose navy will be in a position t send LPHs & LHDs with transport helicopters to undertake such a mission? Will the Sri Lanka Army open fire against unarmed Sri Lankan citizens? But 2 things are for sure: 1) The Rajapaksa dynasty's political future has definitely ended. 2) Whether justified or not, the anger of Sri Lankan citizens against China & its BRI-related projects inside Sri Lanka will be long-standing & China will be the nett loser.

China's Looming Food Shortage & Dramatic Chang in US' One China Policy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nVIsVRBGZU

Anonymous said...

Prasunda,

VMT.

Are you saying that DF-26 only carries nuclear warheads ? What about the various articles (usually western authors) claiming that a large number of the DF-26 have conventional warheads ?

Ashwatthama

Sidharth said...

Prasun da,

Thank you for answering the question about Russia's economic turmoil.......but can you please also provide your views on possibility of India denuclearization by combined China and Pakistan.......

buddha said...

Is there any available alternative Brahmos NG or Brahmos 2 that Indian Airforce looking for in the recent RFI..
What will arm Indian Navy missile boat that are under construction..
Is Subsonic missile development decades behind from going to mass production..
Can air launched guided pinaka serve low cost mass produced ammunition for strike role..

buddha said...

Why appointment of CDS is being delayed..
In his article Cut The Fence the force magazine editor said that the galwan encounter had cost the former army chief Gen MM Naravane..the elevation to the post of CDS..

Millard Keyes said...

I have been an avid reader of this blog but it seems since the Ukraine crisis Prasun, you seem to have changed your stance. In the past blogs I always got the idea that you were India joining the American camp whilst not completely moving off the Russian camp. You described how the US always remained a secret ally helping India with covert support and intelligence and contradicted the popular belief that the Americans were trying to coerce India in 1971 by sending its fleet in the Bay of Bengal. Now you are saying it is not a safe ally as India will become a glorified puppet otherwise if followed the US lead. You are also against the world's best attack helo and planes of US origin lest the trade/defence allied policy neutralise India. But the VVIP planes are of US origin don't forget. India has the world's most potent maritime P8I planes. Besides in a new globalised world everyone is dependent on someone else especially a bureaucratic country like India who will never let private players thrive like those in the US and the West. The five year plan was a copy of the USSR as a pseudo Socialist model and look what that has led to. Is it not more pragmatic and prudent to go with the flow if that means progress, prosperity and more open doors? With China-Russia nexus this cat and mouse game will continue whereby the Chinese will continue to destabilise India through its proxy war via Pakistan and NEFA insurgents. In effect Russia is saying stick with us so we can rein in the Chinese but should China invade India I can't see the Russians ever standing between India and China other than doing what India is doing exactly - moral support and joint declarations to respect sovereign territory in international forums. For a lot of Indians who only grew up with the shadow of the USSR, they always see Russia as a friend - but in international relations, there ARE NO FRIENDS only national interest. So am I reading you right? This is not a criticism - an observation only.

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To ASHWATTHAMA: Yes, the warheads are conventional, but only for generating EMPs. I had explained this way back in late 2015.

To SIDHARTH: There is NO possibility, as I had stated on May 8, 2022 at 8:33 PM

To MILLARD KEYES: LoLz! I was NEVER in favour of India joining any specific camp, but rather in favour of increasing India’s comprehensive national power that will do away with the need for joining any camp. In order to fully understand what it means to be superpower, one needs to fully fully comprehend this: KINGSHIP KNOWS NO KINSHIP. What this means is the US remains a secret ally helping India with covert support and intelligence for as long as it suits US national interests. That’s exactly why the US also remained a secret ally helping China with covert support and intelligence after 1971 & till 1989 for the sake of hastening the USSR’s breakup. Today, all alliance partners of the US are ‘glorified puppets’ & distinctly junior partners. And that’s precisely why the US has never exported its F-22 Raptors to any other country. The US did supply state-of-the-art military hardware to India after 2002 but India remains unable to exploit the full capabilities of such hardware (like AH-64E Apache & P-8I) because several modes of operation of the on-board mission avionics cannot be used due to US preventive measures that do not allow the operationalisation of the operating algorithms. That’s why India to develop on her own non-cooperative target recognition (NCTR) avionics & related software for the IAF & IN. The P-8I’s Raytheon & Telephonics search radars have degraded ISAR operating modes when compared to the P-8A Poseidons operating by others.

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To BUDDHA: Let us analyse in detail what the RFI states by going through its operative elements. Here they are: The LRSGM is envisaged to be a Long range precise air-to-ground supersonic weapon that can enhance the standoff ranges of aircraft. The supersonic all weather day/night stand-off weapon is to be equipped with multipurpose warhead configurations (penetration & fragmentation) suitable for various types of targets, including command and control centres, air bases, logistics centres, bunkers, munitions’ storage and other key infrastructure facilities. The LRSGM is intended to be installed on fighter aircraft of IAF using standard suspension system. The anticipated delivery timelines for the First-off-Production-Model should not be later than 24 months from the date of award of contract. All the deliveries should be completed by not later than 48 months from date of award of contract.

Then the RFI gets a little confusing as the IAF wants both supersonic & hypersonic options & that too from registered Indian vendors. So, what all this means is that:

1) The IAF obviously wants LRSGMs that can avoid interception by terminal air-defences, thereby indicating that the IAF has learnt the lessons Israel’s IDF-AF learnt the hard way in Syria when several of its SPICE family of subsonic PGMs were successfully knocked out in the skies above Syria by Russia-supplied Pantsyrs.

2) The IAF wants already available solutions that are proven in combat & this then disqualifies both the BrahMos-NG & the 3M22 Zircon/BrahMos-2 because it is still in the developmental stage & won’t be available at least until 2026.

3) This then narrows down the shortlisted Indian vendors to only 2, i.e. ADANI Defence & Aerospace (representing Israel’s ELBIT Systems) & KALYANI-RAFAEL Advanced Systems (KRAS), a joint venture of Kalyani Group & Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

4) Thus, we can safely conclude that the shortlisted contenders will be these:

https://www.iai.co.il/drupal/sites/default/files/2020-07/Rampage%20Brochure.pdf

https://elbitsystems.com/media/rampage.pdf

https://www.rafael.co.il/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ROCKS.pdf

5) The designated IAF platforms to use the LRSGM will be the Tejas Mk.1, Tejas Mk.1A, Tejas-AF Mk.2 MWF, MiG-29UPG, Mirage-2000N, Rafale, Jaguar IS/DARIN-3 & Super Su-30MKI. If the IN wants them too, it can opt for it at a later date.

Finally, here’s a bonus for you:

UFOs in the Indian Ocean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVeyMqOUPRM

Kaustav said...

Prasunda

Sri Lanka in complete collapse. Burning fires. Chaos. Indian chattering classes might state that India might face similar situation.

The Govt in India & it's social security sections have also clamped down on expenditures & unnecessary benefits, fund withdrawals or subsidies. Those working in relevant domains know this by now. A massive liquidity or resource crunch & Prudential Financial Management Needed, whether it is so or not is debatable.

I believe it'sTIME TO BE CAUTIOUS. Their are missives being sent out through senior Govt functionaries asking people to avoid unnecessary fund withdrawals from social security schemes. The citizens of this republic should now tighten belts & not panic to avoid financial stress.

5th Gen Warfare by other means is very much a possibility

Sidharth said...

Prasun da,

The AK-203 rifle contract will be scrapped and the MOD/Indian Armed Force will approach SSS defence for the 7.62x39mm rifle

BrahMos-NG and BrahMos-2/Zircon will be procured in future and the current requirement of LRSGM is only interim

Millard Keyes said...

Thanks Prasun. In a round about way that was what I was referring to- there are no friends in international politics just national interests. Is it not true then that what is true for the US is also true for Russia? They will only help India as long as it suits their national interest. But then if one is smart, one would play one's cards right and go with the group that offers the best deal and even if India remains a glorified puppet at least it will get more shows LOL. The US will never share technology it shares with its allies and junior partners because India will always continue to be a suspect nation with links to Russia. My reckoning is that the US shares 50-60% technology with its close partners such as the UK, Canada and Australia; 20-25% with Japan and other Western nations and 5-10% with India. So even here the US will and no country ever will share everything with everyone. The trouble is, India has remained and continues to act like a chaprasi. In front of its home audience you hear rhetorical sound bytes from Home Minister, Defence Minister even the PM but as soon as the Big Brothers ask "what was that?" - these sound bytes turn to mere mumbles.

Bhargav Noonksookh said...

Ajay Shukla, OB (Order of Bandalbaz) is spreading what Western propaganda is spreading worldwide- much vaunted T-90M blown up by US Javelin. But wouldn't this also be the same if the Abrams or LeClerc or even Leopard tanks face anti-tank missiles? Because the US always fought inferior mechanised or ground forces with lesser accuracy or capability no one really got to see how effective these Western tanks were in surviving direct hits. Do you think though that Ukraine war has clearly pin pointed Russian weapons being inferior to the West?

KAUSHIK said...

Hello sir,
1. What is the update on mq 9b deal?
2. When will the deal for additional rafale be signed?
3. Can you explain the BNET SDR system? How many aircraft of IAF will have it?

Soumya Ray said...

Hello Prasun ji
Hope you & your loved ones are doing fine :)

1. What is the reason for sudden spate of shore-based, ship-based, air-launched & land-based tests of Brahmos? Is it just operational readiness or live-fire drills or developmental tests?
2. A long time ago (perhaps 4-5 years ago) you had mentioned that air-launched version of Brahmos with EMP would be used to target force multiplier platforms. Are these being pursued in that direction?
3. Why did the 'misfired missile' veered with nearly 90° turn towards Pakistan and not anywhere else within India – pre-programmed target or wind in upper atmosphere or malfunctioned onboard guidance? If it was accident why didn't IAF self-destruct it like it is done during test-flight failures? What’s your insight?
4. If it was flying @40000 ft ASL and being tracked, why wasn't it considered as threat of violation of Pak’s airspace sovereignty and intercepted by Pak's HQ-9? Can an AD system make that distinction of missile being inert? What’s your insight?
5. How does Democrats, Republican, US-DoD & US-State Dept view’s India’s ambivalence w.r.t. relations with Russia? Are they on same plane of thinking?
6. In the backdrop of attack on Punjab police Intel HQ, can the answer to Pakistan repeated violations of Indian airspace demonstrated through the regular drone intrusions carrying arms and contrabands thereupon be paid back through swarm drone intrusions (in 100s or 1000s) into their territory or deployment of kamikaze drone, rather than RF-based/laser-based counter drone systems - nip the evil? What’s the strategy here - both to bolster our defenses and deter enemy?

Rogue said...

Just taking care of yourself and your family itself is enough service to the country.

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To KAUSTAV: If one were to engage in ‘out-of-the-box’ strategizing, then India ought to impress upon the US & EU that the ongoing Sri Lankan economic/financial/political/administrative crisis can be resolved to a large extent ONLY IF the IMF steps in to insist on a time-bound economic reform process, but for this to be implemented, immediate relief must be provided & this can only take the form of India buying up as much crude oil & LNG from Russia at concessional rates as possible over the next 6 months so that India can assist Sri Lanka through affordable means. And if the US & the EU are not amenable to such an arrangement, then Russia & India should together share resources & capabilities aimed at stabilising Sri Lanka.

To SIDHARTH: The AK-203 licenced-production will proceed as planned.

To MILLARD KEYES: What Indian citizens have been led to believe (i.e. misled) is that ToT tantamount to sharing of IPRs related to design/engineering/production know-how & know-why. In reality, nothing is further from the truth, as proven now with the cancelled projects dealing with MCMVs from South Korea’s Kangnam Shipyard & most recently the Project-75i from which almost all foreign OEMs have withdrawn. Next in the chopping block is the 114-aircraft MRFA project. And that’s because if a third-generation platform like the Su-30MKI is 2.5 times more expensive to licence-build in India, then logically & common-sensically the licenced-production of a fourth-generation platform will be a 4.5 times more expensive effort. And yet, the IAF’s CAS continues to harbour indefensible & outrageous delusions about licence-building Gen-4 MRFAs, as evidenced by his interview that was aired yesterday:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg1kFLIeFZI

Another falsehood that is perpetuated mostly by nameless/faceless bloggers is that mix-n-match solutions (Jugaad) can be effortlessly implemented, for instance retrofitting the Su-30MKI with ‘Uttam’ AESA-MMR. Such delusional thought stems from an utter lack of respect for the laws of physics & electronic engineering. And that’s because the source-codes reqd for integrating the entire mission avionics suite (comprising the navigation-n-attack system, fire-control system & self-protection EW system) have not been shared by Russia with India. Nor can any fire-control avionics like a MMR (be it AESA or PESA) function in a standalone manner. And that’s precisely why even the PLAN & PLAAF have NEVER revealed any photos/images showing platforms like the J-11, J-15, J-124 & J-16 being equipped by any kind of China-developed MMRs.

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To BHARGAV NOONKSOOKH: There is no video evidence showing the turrets of Russian or Ukrainian MBTs (protected by ERA tiles) being separated due to ATGM/LAW strikes. Here is one example of a video of a turret separation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiybJ8UuHXA

In fact, turret separation from the hull of MBTs protected by ERA tiles is most likely the result of deliberate scuttling by their operators in order to prevent such MBTs from falling into the hands of the adversary for re-use.

As for ‘Bandalbaazi’, the blogging sites of both bandalbaazes contain advertisements from BOEING.

And here’s another example of ‘Paid News’:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg6KlV1OKo0

To KAUSHIK: All those questions were answered in the recent past as well as before.

To SOUMYA RAY: 1) They are meant to make up for lost product development times during the pandemic-related lockdowns. 2) Air-launched variant of BrahMos-NG & BrahMos-A fitted with EMP-generating warheads are works in progress. 3) Not 90-degree turn. It was much lesser than even 45 degrees. Any missile’s flight trajectory is fully dependent on the navigational cues provided by the on-board inertial navigation system (INS). Consequently, if the INS isn’t activated by anyone, then any missile will only go forward in the direction it is fired, i.e. go up if vertically-launched & go forward if launched by an airborne platform. 4) Obviously because the HQ-9 was nowhere near the areas over which the Indian missile flew. 5) No, they look at it favourably as it is against US national interests. 5) If the IAF had an inventory of 80 Rafales along with some 200 Pralay SS-BSMs, then such wilful violations of India’s sovereignty by Pakistan would never have taken place.

DAshu said...

Lol I was about to post that IAF chief's Bharat Shakti youtube link asking why we always end up getting these kind-of chiefs?

-Those nameless/faceless bloggers/micro bloggers like "Alpha Defense","Defense Decode" etc etc are very very good in giving hollow self assurance to gullible folks out there who are still clueless about the existence of this blog.

For fellow visitors here is one more entertainment "pm-modis-personal-equation-with-xi-resolved-many-crises-ajit-doval"

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To DASHU: https://thewire.in/government/cds-secretary-defence-production-appointments

IA RFI for 1,200 PMVs: https://www.mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/PMV%20(HA).pdf

Arjun said...

1) If we can't armtwist or bribe the Russians into opening up the Su-30MKI avionics architecture, then doesn't this imply that the Su-30MKI is a dead platform, given that it's doubtful the Russians have the finances to upgrade their own airforce's Sukhois? FGFA has already shown that half-completed Russian R&D turns into a financial black hole. Why invest in nuclear-strike and Growler-like EW capabilities for the Su-30MKI when the basic architecture is unsuitable to be extended? Instead, IAF should specify a EW variant for the MWF like the F-16CJ/DJ (and AMCA eventually). And see if we can equip Rafale with nuclear-capable Pralay after paying Dassault for the integration work. Su-30's without the Super Sukhoi upgrade are a legacy liability like the Vikramaditya is for the IN.
2) China managed to indigenize their Su-27-derived platform, while we're still begging for scraps. This is part of the larger reason why China is a superpower and India is a Brazil-tier regional power.
3) Why has the IAF proposal for a dedicated SIGINT and battlespace control aircraft not gone anywhere? Delusional incompetents in the MoD and IAF that want to waste their time on MRFA?
4) Can ITCM be expedited by procuring Kh-101 from Russia?
5) RAMPAGE is a quasi-ballistic missile like Pralay; why would the IAF want this? ROCKS is seemingly the better choice.
6) Will a G2G deal for Alexandrit-class minesweepers happen? Maybe the IN can lease some for evaluation?

Raghu said...

Hi Prasun,

An interesting insight, if true. I thought that the Russians had military grade signals from their GLONASS network for navigation purpose.

https://eurasiantimes.com/su-34-fighter-jet-shockingly-found-with-gps-taped-to-dashboard/?amp

Regards,

Prasun K. Sengupta said...


To ARJUN: 1) No it does not. Arm-twisting & bribing are methodologies that work well inside India, but not necessarily elsewhere, especially in Russia. One therefore cannot assess Russia’s mindset through Indian binoculars. After all, we are talking about a country that sacrificed tens of millions of lives to liberate its territory during WW-2 & is again making similar sacrifices to secure its national objectives, unlike India which, despite fighting 4 wars with Pakistan, has not been able to secure any decisive outcome WRT PoJK. The FGFA was a no-brainer from the outset because when the project took off, the Su-57’s prototype development had already been completed & there was nothing left to do for India. On top of that, Indian expectations of licence-building Gen-5 M-MRCA like the Su-57 were ludicrous & delusional—plain & simple. And whenever any weapon system developed by any party (like India) is reqd to be integrated with an MRCA developed by a foreign OEM, the sum demanded by the foreign OEM are prohibitively high & hence such projects never take off. 2) Totally wrong. China till this day is 100% dependent on Russia for spares for its imported Su-27SKs, Su-27UBKs, Su-30MKKs & Su-30MK2s & the same goes for the 200 J-11s, J-14s & J-16 that were licence-built since over the past 22 years. 3) Because the DRDO claimed 12 years ago that it could develop similar platforms. 4) No. In fact, the days of subsonic cruise missiles of all types are over after having entered service back in the 1980s. 5) Neither RAMPAGE nor PRALAY are quasi-ballistic missiles. They are like MBRL rockets that, unlike ballistic missiles, are powered by solid-fuel sustainer rockets all the way to their targets. 6) It is a possibility for the future, but the IN for the short-term wants airborne minesweepers like 28 modified AgustaWestland Sea King Mk.42Bs & SH-3s.

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

Left-Hand-Drive LSV of IA: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FSjcWdbVIAIjZFx?format=jpg&name=medium

BRO Successes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2uKRwxcTGc

Rajapaksas May Flee to Uganda, Africa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMDLrgH7fNU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWue0dQX2Ac

Xi Jinping Losing Grasp on Power: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3anPRiHTwI

Cambodia Wants Looted Relics/Treasures Back from UK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehQEetQHo_k

While India Does Not: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31KPdPviLXY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZpuGq55uos&t=174s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_jGPf764d0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IBmJjtiDzk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b40CXIYSsSM

How is Ukraine War Redefining Future Conflict?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTQ5ZGHV9Zs

https://tdf.drdo.gov.in/project/ongoing

buddha said...

How Russia will react with Finland and others willing to join Nato...
Combined help from Europe and The west have significantly improved Ukrainian fighting spirit..
How Putin survive where report coming possible effort to over throw him and the abysmal performance of Russian armed force where number of death and destruction of fighting machine is very high.
With almost 70days past..And very little gain what will be Russian end geopolitical strategic aim to end the war..

Can any deshi air launched quasi ballistic missile be prepared quickly from sagarika project.to meet recent IAF RFI...

Anonymous said...

Sir,

Fake news?

https://twitter.com/aadilbrar/status/1525448468135038977?t=HMdoIgF8WnleagJhzvJDzg&s=19

Regards
Anway D.

Kaustav said...

Prasunda

In the context of ITCM or Indian built subsonic cruise missiles, do they envisage supersonic speed in Terminal phase?

I expect the Short Range or atleast the Proposed Version of Medium range Naval Anti-Ship Missile NASM-SR will be supersonic since they are rocket powered & fired from airborne platforms. Are they supersonic or 0.8mach high subsonic speed? They seem to be like the Kongsberg NSM but atleast better than hellfires. I expect carrying them in larger numbers for flexible launch from either Ships or Aircraft could add teeth for more sustained engagement capabilities or to hit less well armoured merchant vessels or dual purpose intel ships of the variety PRC uses. Can you elaborate on the NASM-SR & it's proposed growth versions? They seem to be missiles worth deploying in numbers given their relatively low cost(?) though probably armed with smaller warheads (100kgs) They might be effective on Fast Attack Craft too & be an alternative to save launch of costlier Brahmos or other ASMs.

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To BUDDHA: Russia will retaliate by forward-deploying its conventional & nuclear warfighting assets closer to the Sweden & Finland. And again, as I had explained earlier, there’s no need for any air-launched quasi-ballistic missile. Instead any SS-BSM can be modified into an air-launched missile just like Russia has modified the Iskandar-M SS-BSM into the KINZHAL. In India’s case, a shorter variant of the Pralay can be developed into an air-launched precision-guided ASM, or either an existing Pinaka-2 rocket with nose-mounted GNSS sensor or the Prahar SS-BSM can be modified by extending its diameter & lengthening it, plus replacing its existing fibre-optic gyro with an on-board ring laser gyro-based inertial navigation system (the same as that on board the BrahMos-1 & Pralay). But will anyone think about such a modification? LoLz! Remains to be seen.

Primers on Russian Navy Warships:

Project 1155 Fregat Udaloy-class DDG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUQoyq1YiM4

Project 956 Sovremenny-class DDG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApglgK2HUUk

Project 1164 Slava-class Cruiser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sIFPtMU18s

Project 1144 Kirov-class Cruiser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGhX_fSv67o

Project 22350 FFG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12KXeNhmyZY

Project 21631 Buyan-M class Corvette: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwJDk1ml66k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED4_JGwtv8o

Novator 3M-54 Kalibr: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s93XchuFKu0

Bastion-P: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiCWgZcbmZw

Iskander-M SS-BSM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTJVIA-tesE

To KAUSTAV: No, the ITCM will be powered by only a STFE & hence even its terminal velocity will be subsonic. Mach 0.8 NASM-SR was elaborated upon at the DEFEXPO-2020 thread & here are its specifications:

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4uWw-zU-MZQ/Xj0vJgaMUyI/AAAAAAAASek/i9P01qoQm18jDy10tPyBWWRthkWp9pG5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC00740.jpg

NASM-LR can be developed for being launched by LRMR/ASW platforms & ADA’s projected TEDBF.

IAF CAS Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc-GrZz2hGI

Agalega Island’s Secrets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKb1nZ5YnCg&t=184s

Indo Pacific 2022 Expo in Sydney:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaA8pDTz7qc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmZMWSWUpnM

PLA Navy’s Type 09-V SSGN:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FShZZuGVgAAjiQZ?format=jpg&name=medium
https://twitter.com/louischeung_hk/status/1524566779132923904/photo/4

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Sri-Lanka-crisis/Sri-Lanka-meltdown-exposes-China-loan-policy-5-things-to-know?utm_campaign=GL_asia_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_source=NA_newsletter&utm_content=article_link&del_type=1&pub_date=20220513190000&seq_num=17&si=76961

Anonymous said...

Sir,
Which weapon?
https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1525768777228505094?t=wI6AsGuSPBYVU7NdPbRuAg&s=19

Please answer my previous question.

Regards
Anway D.

asd said...

Dear Prasun,

What did make you abandon your earlier blog "Trishul"? Apology for asking; but I have missed the reason.

Anonymous said...

Sir,

Good one.
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/induction-of-submarines-project-75-i-indian-navy-7919079/

Regards
Anup

Soumya Ray said...

Hello Prasun da
Greetings!

1. Has ADA contracted any foreign OEM to act as project consultant for MWF, AMCA & TEDBF?
2. Your answer of 80 Rafales along with some 200 Pralay SS-BSMs is still a distant vision, perhaps 2030. I was talking about tangible, more near term solution.
3. What is/are Russia's war objective(s), other than halting NATO's eastward expansion, since the sharpness of military leverage has been blunted and the war is no longer 'a special military operation' after all the reversals (geopolitical & military) and attritions?

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To ANWAY D: MBRL rounds dispensing phosphorous sub-munitions.

To ASD: Nothing out-of-the-ordinary, just wanted a new-look blog. BTW, here is a book that explores options over a 7-year period for regaining PoJK:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOng9H9Td-8

To ANUP: A typical hypocritical narrative that tries to cover up the IN’s intellectual shortcomings. The Federal German Navy's Type 205 SSK U-1 was converted by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft during 1987 to accommodate the fuel-cell propulsion system developed by HDW, IKL and Siemens. At the same time in Sweden, Kockums inserted a plug in the hull of an A14-class SSK to accommodate a Stirling Engine AIP module. After almost 7 years of shore-based R & D efforts, both types of AIP modules began extensive sea-trials & it was only by 2005 that such AIP modules began entering service with new-build operational SSKs in Germany, Sweden & Japan. Now, if similar timelines are to be applied to the IN, then the DRDO/L & T-developed MAREEM AIP module, which completed its shore-based developmental phase in late 2021, now awaits a 6-year sea-trials phase for which a single-hulled SSK is unavailable as a sea-going testbed. The testbed SSK will be available only when INS Kalvari goes for its first mid-life refit in December 2030. After the refit (including AIP module installation) is completed by 2032, it will be subjected to at least 4 years of sea-trials, i.e. the first IN SSK with the MAREEM AIP module will become operational only by 2036.

So, why all this delay? Elementary: the IN should have set aside the first single-hulled Class 209/Type 1500 SSK INS Shishumar as its sea-going AIP testbed so that the MAREEM’s sea-trials could have begun by 2023, instead of 2032. So, it is evident that IN HQ screwed up big-time in forward-planning & ever since the MAREEM’s R & D began in 2010, has been lying since 2013 (through the IN CNS’ annual Navy Day-eve press conferences) by claiming that the IN always planned to install the MAREEM on the latter 3 Scorpene SSKs, despite knowing fully well since 2010 the full developmental timelines of new-design AIP modules, based on global benchmarking data of similar developmental efforts involving other AIP designs worldwide. Consequently, what folks like Ret’d Admiral Arun Prakash are claiming today are all efforts aimed at covering up the IN HQ’s intellectual shortcomings.

To SOUMYA RAY: 1) What for? Why should a self-declared ‘Vishwaguru’ that claims to be blessed with all-knowing wisdom require any form of project consultant??? Therefore, this a WRONG question. What should be asked is whether the development of stealth-related technologies like nano-particle radar absorbent materials being limited only to the AMCA & TEDBF projects, or whether a tri-services approach has been undertaken under which the application of such materials on warships & armoured vehicles is also being considered & if all 3 armed services are jointly investing in such technologies, or whether each armed service is working all by itself on such matters. 2) The only near-term solution therefore is to cling to the ‘Sabh Pe Nirbhar’ process & import the reqd solutions. 3) The overall objective of Russia remains the same as during the Cold War, i.e. denying NATO a land invasion route towards Minsk & Moscow via the landmass astride the Carpathian mountain range. I had already explained all this before.

To RAGHU: Interesting & informative papers:

https://www.uscc.gov/hearings/chinas-activities-and-influence-south-and-central-asia?s=09

China-built military hardware sent to Russian troops in Ukraine

Baofeng radios:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FSN3XSyWYAMAyg7?format=jpg&name=large

Skorpion machine gun rucksacks/sleeves:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FRF_klxXIAADSHU?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FRF_my5XoAAtIY2?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FRF_r0lWUAEqR_-?format=jpg&name=large

Raghu said...

Hi Prasun,

There are some strange reports coming out of Ukraine. Firstly. The western armaments like Javelin provided are close to expiry date, with the batteries not working properly in quite a few of the systems.

Now there are reports that the the M777A2 howitzers delivered by the Americans to Ukraine are a simplified version of the gun, from which the digital fire control system (FCS) was removed, without which the howitzers are less accurate.

How true can this be? If true, why are they degrading the weapons before handing it over? Out of fear it might fall into Russian hands?

Even the equipment promised by Germany are mostly from old stocks and certainly not up to date ones

Regards,

Raghu

Anonymous said...

To Prasun

1. It is imperative for us to have a 20 year hiatus from any kind of unnecessary distracting geopolitical issues. We should prioritize our economic development with a razor sharp focus on industrialization and gaining middle income status. Two decades of near double digit growth rates would be a blessing in terms of GNP objectives.

2. The experience with East Asian and South East Asian countries show that industrialization is a simple process but not necessarily easy. Among others, it requires centralization, roll back of democratic processes- We need a multi decadal single party rule in India. BJP is in the best position to deliver this as the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, despite their leverage with the Western regime change catalysts do not seem to necessarily have the clout or the wherewithal to ensure decades of sustainable rule.

3. India is a continuing civilization. We should therefore, avoid taking a narrow 5, 10 year old view of things but think in terms of centuries. Long term, India and China are not ideological enemies. We are at worst rivals. Given we are an extremely spiritual civilization I don't foresee how the West (barring France and Russia) with its deeply embedded Judeo-Christian ideals can view India as a partner in the long term. Politics afterall is just the surface of religion and we are living under a clash of civilizations. The long term tech leadership of the West is also in question given how wokeism is swamping the Western academia. The importing of the best of talents from worldwide would dent the effects of wokeism but might only end up delaying the inevitable.

However, in the short run we should look at milking the West technologically and economically while ensuring there are no damages done to our sovereignty or wholesale absorption of woke madnesses that the US will strive to export to us.

Thanks,
Malla Rajiva

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To RAGHU: Clear evidence of stripped-down M-777 UFHs Supplied to Ukraine:

M-777 UFHs in Ukraine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArK5BMuAsIE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz8JimT9Itg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZbHV8lqPyU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPxYAv5tiU0

LINS & Ballistics Computers Removed.