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Friday, September 17, 2021

AUKUS Is Born, RAN To Procure Eight SSGNs

Following almost a year of extensive deliberations, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States on September 16, 2021 formally agreed to the creation of an enhanced trilateral security partnership, known as AUKUS, under which the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) will procure eight nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSGN), instead of 12 Shortfin Barracuda (Attack-class) conventionally-powered SSKs (at a cost of A$89 billion) from France’s Naval Group. Over the next 18 months, Australia, the UK and the US will intensely examine the full suite of requirements. Australia will establish a Nuclear-Powered Submarine Taskforce in the Department of Defence to lead this work.

It is highly likely that the RAN will select the UK’s Astute-class SSGN, whose prime contractor is BAE Systems. The UK’s Royal Navy has to date ordered seven such SSGNs, all built by BAE Systems Marine Barrow shipyard. The RAN’s SSGNs will be powered by Rolls-Royce PWR-2 pressurised water reactors (PWR) that use long-life cores, which means that refuelling will not be necessary for the service life of the SSGNs. The other main items of machinery on board will include two Alstom turbines and a single shaft with a Rolls-Royce pump-jet propulsor, comprising moving rotor-blades within a fixed duct. There will be two diesel alternators, one emergency drive motor and one auxiliary retractable propeller.

Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine will provide the digital, integrated controls and instrumentation system for steering, diving, depth control and platform management, Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems–Undersea Systems (NE&SS-US) will likely be tasked to integrate all of the vessel’s systems—sensors, countermeasures technology, and navigation and weapon controls. All these will be based on open system architecture (OSA) with Q-70 colour common display consoles. The weapons fire-control control suite will likely be provided by Raytheon with a derivative of the CCS Mk.2 combat management system and the AN/BYG-1 combat control system. Two mast-mounted Raytheon submarine high-data rate (sub-HDR) multi-band satellite communications systems will enable simultaneous communication at a super-high frequency (SHF) and extremely high frequency (EHF). The sonar suite will be supplied by THALES of France.

But it will be only by the middle of the next decade that the RAN will become the world’s seventh navy to own and operate nuclear-powered submarines. At the same time, the RAN will be required to put in place an extensive array of shore-based industrial and training infrastructure for supporting the SSGN fleet operations, which will be the most challenging tasking since Australia has no prior experience in operating any kind of nuclear power generation facility and hence lacks the human resources that are proficient in both pressurised water reactor (PWR) physics and PWR engineering.

It may be recalled that back in 2009, Canberra’s Defence White Paper had revealed that a class of 12 submarines would be built to replace the RAN’s existing eight Collins-class SSKs. The selected design was to be built at the government-owned ASC Pty Ltd’s shipyard in Adelaide, South Australia. But, if a company other than ASC was selected to build the SSKs, it would be granted access to the shipyard. Plans at that time called for the first SSK to be completed before 2025. However, there were significant delays in implementing the project and by late 2014, the RAN’s NSQR had still not been defined. In February 2015 a competitive evaluation process commenced between competing Japanese, French, and German designs.

On November 30, 2015, Naval Group along with THALES delivered its proposal for the Shortfin Barracuda Block-1A design to the Commonwealth of Australia’s Department of Defence. This was preceded by a binding Government-to-Government Agreement between Australia’s DoD and France’s Direction Generale de L’Armament for aspects of the deliverables. On April 26, 2016 Canberra announced that the Shortfin Barracuda had emerged as the winner of the competitive bidding process. Each such SSK would have displaced 4,500 tonnes (surfaced), measured 97 metres in length, had an 8.8-metre beamwdth, used pump-jet propulsion, had a range of 18,000 nautical miles, a top speed in excess of 20 Knots, an endurance of 80 days, and a crew of 60.

Construction on the first SSK-in-class (HMAS Attack) was then projected to start in 2023 and its delivery was scheduled for the early 2030s. The next units were to follow at a rate of one every two years. It was only last March that negotiations between the DoD and Naval Group for the amendments to the Strategic Partnering Agreement were concluded. The amendments formally ensured that Naval Group’s was committed to spend at least 60% of the contract value (estimated at US$40 billion) in Australia over the life of the SSK construction programme. However, no firm contract had been inked till to date.

It is believed that the decision to proceed with the AUKUS alliance was taken last June at the G-7 Summit at Cornwall, the UK. This followed the realisation that the project costs had escalated (from US$40 billion to US$65 billion), and as per the revised delivery schedules, the first SSK was expected by 2035, with the last entering service by 2050. On top of all this, the pump-jet propulsion system, when powered by diesel engines, would have caused the Shortfin Barracuda Block-1A to have sub-optimal underwater endurance (requiring frequent surfacing for battery-charging), since the Barracuda’s design was optimised for running on nuclear power generation. Nor was the SSGN version of the Barracuda a viable option for the RAN, snce the SSGN has yet to enter service with France’s navy and is thus not considered a fully-proven design. On the other hand, the Astute-class SSGN is presently in series-production and its first-of-class vessel has been in service since May 2014. And since such SSGNs are powered by life-long PWRs that do not require any refuelling, procurement of second-hand SSGNs or SSNs from either the UK or the US becomes a no-brainer option.

In terms of the areas of operation, the RAN’s primary focus will be to monitor and stalk China’s PLAN naval deployments in the south Pacific, as well as in the southern Indian Ocean stretching from Timor Leste all the way westwards to Australia’s Christmas Island, located to the southeast of Indonesia’s island of Sumatra. It must be noted that Australia is a member of military alliances/arrangements like the ANZUS (that includes New Zealand and the US), ANZMIS (including New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore), FPDA (including the UK, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore) and the ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence gathering/sharing alliance that also includes the US, Canada, the UK and New Zealand. It should therefore come as no surprise if a ‘Four Eyes’ intelligence gathering/sharing alliance emerges in future as a component of the QUAD for the Indo-Pacific region and its IOR sub-region, which could well start as a multi-domain naval intelligence-gathering-cum-sharing grid comprising a seabed-mounted underwater acoustic surveillance network, networked air operations involving P-8 LRMR/ASW platforms of Australia, India and the US, plus coordinated undersea patrols by the SSGNs and SSNs of the navies of Australia and India.

53 comments:

Raghu said...

Hi Prasun,


https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/france-says-biden-acted-like-trump-to-sink-australia-defence-deal-2543638?amp=1&akamai-rum=off

Interesting turn of events. Now that the deal with France is cancelled, Naval Groups revenue is likely to take a hit, as also Thales. What ramifications do you see in the prospective competition for Indian P75I. France would be more anxious to get this contract more than before as losing this contract too would be double blow for them.

Is it possible that they are likely to be more flexible in transfer of technology to Indian industries inorder to get this contract?

Regards,

Raghu

Raghu said...

Hi Prasun,

How does one reconcile the contradictory statements from the authorities of the US and India? What inference can we draw from this? Are both parties working on different agendas?

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-rejects-reports-on-over-the-horizon-strikes-by-us-in-afghanistan-2543573?amp=1&akamai-rum=off


https://m.tribuneindia.com/news/world/us-in-touch-to-use-india-as-staging-ground-for-strikes-in-afghanistan-antony-blinken-311085

Regards

Raghu

Raghu said...

Hi Prasun,

First the US, now the EU coming out against Pakistan? Are we seeing a pattern, a strategy, here to force the Pakistanis to conform to a particular line of action w.r.t. the Taliban which is in sync with west?

Regards,

Raghu

Kaustav said...

Prasunda

Excellent Update, It seems the Astute Class has no VL Tubes. An excellent SSN, best in class right from the time time it was launched for the British Navy.
Maybe, that is what has irritated PRC since the Australian Navy will still be operating the same number of subs - 08 that it used to operate, except instead of the Collins, it will be the more dangerous Astute class with more weapons & endurance making life difficult for the PLAN to have Sea Control & maybe impossible for the noisy PLAN submarines to operate unimpeded in the Indian Ocean or even South China Sea. Even Sea Denial will be a problem.

The French seem to be annoyed about the potential loss of the 90 Billion $ order for 12 SSKs, since Australia seems to need only the 8 SSNs & no more.

Thus it's evident that the best Attack Submarine is an SSN & not a SSK even as anectodes go. Can the Indian Navy cut a deal for some 12 or even 6 SSNs with the French, since that would suffice for the future what with the 6 modified Arihant class SSNs now under design & the 3 Arihant class SSGNs being inducted. It would make the life of the IN simpler doing away with the need to procure more SSKs at all. The 6 (or 9) Scorpenes being inducted should be the last conventional submarines India inducts. P75I project is best modified to be an 6 / 12 SSN deal like the Barracuda or versions thereof. The days of the SSK are over.

Kindly comment - Does India need more SSKs, if we can have SSNs, in their place?!

12 (or 18) SSNs would be more effective than 24 SSKs. Add to that 3 Arihant class SSGNs & in future even some SSBNs. With the SSK Scorpenes already being inducted on order, India should dump or modify the P75I to make it a SSN order & the French might be interested!

Anonymous said...

Excellent article, very educational.

Was our gov involved with any of these discussions? Afterall we are resident dominant naval power in the IOR.
How do the Astute class compare to our Nuclear powered subs?

Also thank you for your response in the previous thread.
In your response you said " 1) No one initiates a full-blown war over disputed territory."

I am concerned as China claims Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh. Does that mean that if they were to invade and take over we won't initiate a full blown war and damage their major industrial cities?

Dinish

just_curious said...

Prasun,

1- Nobody seems to know what the US is upto including themselves...why will they invest in new astute class subs when they can get hand me down los angeles class from US? anyways the plan is for
2-how true are the following
- 24 mirage to be bought similar to jag buys for spares
- 1500 hp & 600 hp engines tested by CVRDE
3- will Indian buy the S-500 in the near future
4 will the french now totally focus on p75I and offer the shortfin to us? or anything that we can gain out of this fiasco?

Millard Keyes said...

Strangely most Australians including the media are dead set against anything Nuclear for whatever reason. NZ, which barely has anything for its air force or navy and heavily reliant on Australia, strongly opposed such moves and even said no N power subs will be allowed in its waters! Not sure which world NZ lives in- they are run by extreme leftist ideology currently, doesn't want anything spent on defence and hopes China will be playing friendly friendly games.

arjun said...

Frenchies are mad no doubt on AUKUS, but they were never serious in collaborating with us on their PWRs. It's the same case for Brazil's SSN dreams, which most likely won't come to pass since there is no reactor engineering assistance.

If India can mate Russian-inspired reactors with French sub design that would be best. French submarines can be refueled in a few weeks as opposed to Russian sub's refueling, which requires the sub's hull to be cut and welded together again.

Otherwise, we need to work with the Russians for developing full life-cycle reactors like AUKUS submarines use. And India should eye Laika class SSGNs as replacement for Kilos and Shishumar.

Thirdly, in addition to AUKUS, you forgot to mention that the US is testing submarine carriers that can launch STOVL aircraft. It will be interesting to see if this gets productionized and deployed in the Indo-Pacific.

pm said...

Once I read it somewhere that the deal American struck with NZ was we don't announce if we are carrying nukes in the sub, hence you don't know if we do then assume that we are not carrying nukes and give us berthing facilities. Is this true?

Pratap said...

Prasun sir, Russia's deputy PM has said that India could be the first foreign customer for the S-500 ABM system. However he also said that any supply of the S-500 to India will take years because Russia's priority is to equip its own forces first. It's clear from his statement that India has expressed interest in the S-500 and perhaps early talks are already underway. Hopefully India will order it before China does. What is your take on this?

Technology, Photograpy and Travel said...

some news in regards to the Mirage 2000 for some gap filling is this true ?

VIKRAM GUHA said...

Thanks PrasunDa.

So why did you say that even North Korea has overtaken India in the arenas of LACMs & SS-BSMs? Is it because there technology is superior to that of India's?

Satya said...

Sir, this has really angered the French and rightly so. If Australia wanted nuclear submarines, they could have opted for the Suffren class. Why did they kicked out France and went to US and UK for help?

Kapil said...

Prasun da, this could prove very beneficial for us. Naval group will be financially hit because of losing out on such a massive deal. It's time for us to approach France to help us develop an Indian version of the Barracuda SSN, but with much greater firepower with 8 torpedo tubes instead of just 4 on the French version. Or we should sign a deal with Russia to build 6 fifth gen SSNs based on Russian Navy's future submarine project. Project 75 Alpha should be based on either of these two modern designs instead of the Soviet vintage Arihant of the 1980s.

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To RAGHU: As I have explained above with the new additions, a diesel-electric Shortfin Barracuda was a no-brainer from the outset, since the Barracuda was originally designed to be nuclear-powered & is thus bigger & heavier (using denser steel for diving more deeper than SSKs). And procuring Astute-class submarines makes perfect sense since the first such SSGN can easily be delivered off-the-shelf by BAE Systems by 2027. As for Project 75I, the Indian Navy is only engaging in wishful thinking. And that’s because no OEM will ever share with another OEM the design & engineering technologies reqd for submarine hull constructon & on top of that, the greater the local industrial content, the higher the cost escalations & time overruns. This was clearly demonstrated with the Scorpene licenced-production project, under which construction of INS Kalvari began on December 14, 2006 and launching took place on October 27, 2015 and the commissioning took place on December 14, 2017! Will any sane person dare repeat the same for Project 75I & later Project 76? And that too at a time when the parallel procurement of six SSNs is called for, plus the definitive S-5, S-6 & S-7 SSBNs? I therefore see no money forthcoming for either Project 75I SSKs or Project 76 SSKs.

The US Secretary of State had only mentioned over-the-horizon operations out of India, not over-the-horizon struke missions. Hence, the US now is only looking for aerial surveillance operations using both manned & unmanned platforms.

To KAUSTAV: As I have explained above, no firm & binding contract was ever signed between any industrial partner/OEM of either France or Australia. Only contractual negotiations were concluded & that too last March. And like I have explained above to RAGHU, switching from one submarine design to another is cost-prohibitive. Despite MDSL building two Class-209/Type-1500 SSKs, it still took MDSL 11 years to deliver a fully functional Scorpene SSK! So one can well imagine how long it take for any Indian shipbuilding OEM to deliver SSNs of a brand-new design. Hence, it is far cheaper & technologically feasible to stick to the double-hulled SSGN design shared with India by Russia’s RUBIN Central Marine Design Bureau. However, the PWR’s heat generation output can be increased by increasing the enrichment of the fissile core & the consequent PWR density.

Paki Arseholes in Dushanbe:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E_fXfkGXEAYNNef?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E_fXfAeXsAAbKka?format=jpg&name=medium

Our Desi Arseholes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbPTQQcPV2A

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To ANUP: 1) Not misleading, but true since they will be cannibalised for spares. What is misleading are rumours being spread by internet fanboys about HAL making such Mirage-2000s airworthy, since HAL too will have to approach French OEMs for fast-movng rotables & consumables, which in any case are no longer in production. 2) Nol, that too is correct, since the Adour Mk.871 now powering the Hawk Mk.132 AJTs may well be modified (by incorporating afterburners) by R-R for powering the Jaguar IS.

To DINISH: Whyshould India have anything to do with AUKUS? And how can you conclude that if China attacks India in Arunachal Pradesh, then it will be able to capture that entire state?

To JUST_CURIOUS: 1) There are no hand-me-down SSNs, since they all run on lifelong PWRs that do not require any refuelling. Consequently, the only available option is to procure brand-new SSGNs. 3) No such domestically developed engines were tested by CVRDE. 4) As I have explained above, Shortfin Barracuda will be a sub-optimal solution when using either diesel engines or AIP. The pump-jets consume far too much power & this then drastically reduces the SSK’s underwater/submerged endurance.

To ARJUN: Brazil has developed its own PWR & does not require any assistance for either reactor physics or reactor engineering. As I have explained above to both RAGHU & KAUSTAV, opting for a brand-new SSN hull design is a total no-brainer as it is UNAFFORDABLE.

To PM: Not true, since New Zealand wanted explicit declarations. And since the US & UK were not willing to give such declarations, New Zealand does not permit any nuclear-powered warships of any type to enter its territorial waters.

To TECHNOLOGY, PHOTOGRAPHY & TRAVEL: No gap-filling of any kind. Only cannbalisation for spares. Thjat’s why they are coming so cheap, i.e. they are not in airworthy/serviceable condition. Nor can they be made airworthy because the OEMs of the sub-systems & components are no longer producing them.

To SATYA: The Suffren-class of SSGNs have yet to prove themselves in service. On the ither hand, the Astute-class has been in service since May 2014.

French SSN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y4-IRrsqcQ

To KAPIL: Total wishful thinking on your part. How can Naval Group suffer financial losses when no firm & binding contract was ever signed between France & Australia? Nor will anyone part with their latest SSN/SSGN designs for as long as India does not become a signatory to the NPT as a declared nuclear weapons state. And for that to happen, India will need to become a permanent member of the UNSC.

To VIKRAM GUHA: Simply because of the sheer variety of missiles that it has developed over the previous decade, thanks to massive industrial espionage.

DPRK’s TL-BSM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tepi2AdcvVU

SLBM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADZHERopL8M

SS-BSM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6fj7pBh83A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bdMKge_wpQ

Kaustav said...

Prasunda

Thanks, since with all your replies to me & others, it's evident that both options of building more SSKs or opting for different French design SSNs are neither feasible nor available off the shelf. Why doesn't India then dump the P75I & other follow-on SSK programs? Instead, completing the Scorpene program with 6 (or 9) Kalvari class SSKs should be enough. The IN should just go for 6 more Arihant derived SSNs to replace the Kilo & HDW SSKs progressively, if possible with improvements in reactors, fuel & even design, etc. With S2 & soon S3, S4 Arihant SSGNs (even S5, S6, S7 SSBNs?) available, should suffice for the IN. The Scorpenes too can be replaced by SSNs in future decades by which time entirely new weapon or technology paradigms will be available. The age of SSKs is over.

Kaustav said...

Prasunda

The NoKo missile designs seem practical & mature unlike the Indian DRDO designs including the Pralay TL-BSM or specially AAD derived Prahaar/Pranaash(?) SS-BSM. The Pralay isn't yet displayed though it looks like a PAD/solid fuel Prithvi development. As for SLBMs (K15, K5, K6), one is yet to see them on display. Ofcourse the Agni-V/Agni-P designs show possibilities. India is decades behind the US/Russia, Israel but it even lags years behind NoKo, PRC & Pakistan in execution. The same with the space program. Is India slow?

Kaustav said...

Prasunda,

An addendum - 6 or more Arihant derived SSNs, minus VL plugs, in addition to similar proposed / ordered 6 SSNs albeit with your suggested improvements in fuel, reactors, materials, etc.

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To KAUSTAV: AUKUS Announcements:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WYuGu5QNDA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyhgOdSJ-BE

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/is-aukus-pact-a-signal-to-india-to-go-for-nuclear-attack-submarines-101631944254552.html

just_curious said...

prasun,

1- since you mention that even N korea is ahead of us in rocket/artillery force, is it time to spawn more variants of pinaka like the 370 mm variant & 600 mm variant ?
2- Are you suggesting that india opt for the 636.3 version of kilo class subs? or should india stop @6 conventional subs and focus only on nuke ones? what about an extended version of scorpene class with some elements of barracuda or SMX concept
3- How did china massive industrial espionage at such a global scale and that too happening simultaneously across diff sectors go unnoticed or worse ignored .. what was the thinking behind this?
4- is astute class a variant of virgina class sub or a completely new design?
5- Argentina buying JF 17 .. whatever one might say abt the capabilities of the aircraft. it is surely getting exported ..why wasn't the Mk1 variant offered? is it the cobham nose cone that prevents india from offering the tejas? it could have been offered with the locally made kelvar one as on the prototypes.. Arg isn't going to war with anyone anytime soon...
6- How did brazil develop reactor on its own whereas we are the ones who have a nuke reactor since 50's (tarapur) and yet depend on ruskies . Brazil surely have some serious tech talent what with embarer- that too having a complete aircraft building ecosystem on it own .. shouldnt india buy a small stake in it ?
7- So wheels on the jag reengining have finally started rolling .. what is the expected output of the modified 871 with after burners & by when will this actually materialize
8- starting trump & now with biden .. given their policy decisions will the EU move away from US? what implications will it have for India? will French /EU woo india a bit more?

just_curious said...

prasun,
8- recent rocket attackes on afg power stn , who is behind it & why?
9- Anas haqqani making anti india stmt on expected lines...

Arun said...

Good afternoon sir.Your thoughts? https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/09/17/india-seen-as-prospective-buyer-of-russian-missile-system-that-can-hit-satellites.html

Regards,
Arun.

bhoutik said...

https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2021/09/17/exodus-american-tech-helped-india-spy-on-china/?sh=7c1f41d57009

*why did russia allow kaspersky to reveal what is claimed here as Indian op.?

*following this proliferation of nuke propulsion, which other countries do you predict will go for similar propulsion?

Anonymous said...

Prasunda,

1) How can it every be claimed that Pakistan is ahead of India in BM technology when Pak has not demonstrated any BMs that are canisterized, nor has it demonstrated any BMs with any composite motor casings ?

2) Since the Agni-P looks like a mature design, all composite stages/canisterized from the vert first flight test, it is not likely to be operationalized after no more than 3 or 4 tests ?

Satyaki

pm said...

https://youtu.be/YU7-hpErGDU

Sir why doesn't India go for this?

Manish 2 said...

Prasunda,
Whats happening in Punjab ? Suddenly, with Capt. Amarinder's resignation a lot of hue and cry has been made of the drones coming in from Punjab ?
Drones have been a problem for some time now, but why have they be given such limelight now ?

Just how serious is this drone issue ? And, why is India sleeping on it ? Is the GoI preparing grounds to batter Pak, making these drone operations an issue?

Furthermore, why has Pak so much power to foment trouble inside India ? Despite being a piss poor, beggar, illiterate country full of islamic radicals Pak somehow seems to put India on the backfoot.
Does India retaliate in any way in kind to these drone ops ? somewhere in FATA, KPK, Balochistan...even if this is done via proxies in NDS, Iranian intelligence ? R&AW Must have deep penetrations within Pak, and even out NTRO, and other ELINT, COMINT, SIGINT assets must be much more sophisticated than what is possesed by Pak. Is it possible for a nincompoop like Sidhu to evade everybody and be in bed with Banjwas and Niazis ? We surely cannot be this naive.

Sorry for this unorganised comment, but was a bit worried seeing what has transpired in Punjab, and what damage could be done in the near future.
Please elaborate your thought process here, and address all concerns. BIG REQUEST.

Sanjay said...

Mr Prasun

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/sep/17/australia-considered-buying-nuclear-submarines-from-france-before-ditching-deal-peter-dutton-says

Australia did look at French Nuke subs but as you mentioned the French Suffren class has yet to prove itself.
The first sub was commissioned only last year. The Suffren class requires refueling after 10 years but the Astute class doesn't require it.

Also if we compare the two Astute class is bigger and better than Suffren class.

Thank you

Sanjay

Just_curious said...

Prasun,
10-will the US n sub sale to aus trigger similar deals by china to Pakis n turks? That Scenario will be a very dangerous one

Just_curious said...

Prasun.
11- can you share more details abt the newly developed drdo aspj pod. Why develop a pod mounted one and not internally carried one or something like spectra which is hosted on the tail fin..btw how will it compare to Rafael skyshield?? Skyshield was on offer for Tejas..will Tejas carry a towed decoy ? Ideally it should n oneof its pylons
12- is the gsh 23 testing completed on Tejas?.also for mk2, will it be a pod mounted gun?

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To JUST_CURIOUS: 1) The writing on the wall since 1991 has been that Rocket Artillery is the Way Forward. Hence, both MBRLs & SS-BSMs are the way forward, but India’s progress has been sluggish, especially WRT developing 300mm MBRLs & solid-fuelled SS-BSM replacements for SS-150 Prithvi liquid-fuelled BSMs. 2) Not at all. Instead, build only another 3 Scorpene SSKs fitted with MAREEM AIP module & then switch over to SSNs. 3) It started early in the 1990s. 4) Totally new design. 5) It is junk, as Argentina will discover later. 6) Brazil has developed a PWR whereas India since the 1960s has opted for PHWR. India too had private-sector HAL, which after being converted into a DPSU in the 1950s caused its downfall. 7) Within a year. Same afterburners of Adour Mk.811 will be integrated with Adour Mk.871 turbofan. 8) EU can’t molve away from the US due to NATO’s existence. The US helped the UK out for the pro-BREXIT era by helping secure the Australian SSGN contract. 8) Perhaps rival Taliban factions. 10) That’s a possibility, but the PLAN’s SSNs are technologically inferior to their Western & Russian counterparts. 11) Because those ASPJ pods are meant for those existing combat aircraft that don’t have internal volume to accommodate such jammers internally. Only deep strike interdictors are reqd to carry towed decoys. 12) Not yet. The MWF will carry internal GSH-23 cannon. RAFAEL’s Skyshield EW pod is more an escort jammer & less an ASPJ pod. EL/L-8222 is a dedicated ASPJ pod.

To ARUN: I had already explained this earlier, i.e. SAMs developed for S-500 BMD system can also be adapted for use by S-400.

To BHOUTIK: Perhaps it was a joint India-US espionage operation. Canada is likely to follow suit. In fact, there was a lot of talk in the 1980s about Canada opting for British SSNs.

QUAD Roadmap: https://perthusasia.edu.au/getattachment/cab751b2-3379-4c67-91ef-11c741f71f63/PU-221-IPIS-V16-WEB.pdf.aspx?lang=en-AU

CAPS-SIDM Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy_WaXvqF80
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yaiAeQ0bGY

Afghanistan’S Copper Mine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK5VltDYvRY&t=36s

DSEI-2021 Expo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wAoo5yG6mM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVyWmhJJk-k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAFGvd4PnSA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhmeiPyKNyk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZxLg8v8bUY

To SATYAKI: 1) Who’s making such claims? 2) Yes, in fact it incorporates a lot of sub-systems originally developed for the K-4 SLBM.

To PM: It was only an experimental aircraft that was not meant for operational use.

To MANISH 2: What do you meant by “how serious”? Any intelligently controlled aerial platform found violating Indian airspace is by definition a hostile platform & hence any such violation should automatically be considered as an act of war against India. And strangely, there has not been any kinetic retaliation by India.

Dinish said...

I am sorry for asking such a dumb question "How do the Astute class compare to our Nuclear powered subs?" because just realised I am comparing my dick with the late John Holmes'! LOLLZZZ

Pratap said...

Sir, we were expecting order for additional Rafales but instead the govt is ordering second hand Mirage 2000s and looking forward to lease mine counter vessels, aerial refuellers and other military hardware. Are we in such a dire economic situation that we can't even provide funds to buy brand new military hardware for our defence forces?

Sanjay said...

Mr. Prasun looks like the Aussies took this joke seriously and went with Nuke powered subs.

https://youtu.be/MTCqXlDjx18

Manish 2 said...

Prasunda,
I am trying to understand if it is at all possible for people like sidhu and kejri to be openly in bed with khalistani elements, collect money from them..without the centre knowing, and acting against them ?? There must be something to be gained by suspending carrots, such as these 2 idiots, infront of khalistani elements in the west, and gain something in return ? Do you think R&AW, NTRO could be completely oblivious to such traitors, or do the agencies try to use these people to penetrate khalistani elements ? I can't fathom that the entire Indian establishment could be sleeping on this khalistani issue, or Punjab, or drone ops in general.
Please answer.

Thank you

Karthik Barman said...

1) Does IA have any depleted uranium APFSDS?
2) What is the most penetrating APFSDS in service or development? Is it 3BM44M Lekalo?
3) Algeria bought Su-34 and BMPT-72, largely copying Russian doctrine. IAF doesn't want Russian doctrine, but IA has not made any decision yet. Is IA IBG concept going to follow the artillery-heavy plus tank caracole doctrine of modern Russian ground forces.
4) What is the logic behind IA's frontline and rear troop's different guns. Especially when the rear AK-203 costs almost as much as the frontline SIG-712i. The AK-203 isn't much better than Trichy Assault Rifle, especially in accuracy. Secondly, the CQB requirement is redundant when AKs are CQB rifles.
5) Why not use IAC-1 as a base to build an ASW carrier? India doesn't need significant amphibious landing capability but could always improve ASW forces. For humanitarian disaster, half of the ASW carrier's hangar can be converted into medical supplies or sick bay.
6) Can Garud take hostile airports or do CASEVAC? Or are they glorified security guards?
7) Which aircraft have or will have Python AAM?
8) Which aircraft have or will have Derby AAM?
9) In light of the unstable geopolitical situation, should India increase her nuclear stockpile?
10) How far away is Pak from canisterized TBMs and MRBMs?

Raghu said...

Hi Prasun

The French manoeuvres are interesting, since they lost the Australian submarine contract.

How do you see the following working out, is France truly sidelined in the Info Pacific by the AUKUS initiative or is it just posturing for some concessions from the newly formed alliance? I just cannot see France breaking away from the western alliance and NATO consensus although the French President has tried to follow.an independent line with respect to security affairs.


https://www.outlookindia.com/website/amp/india-news-india-france-decide-to-deepen-their-strategic-partnership/395042

Regards

Raghu

Satya said...

Prasun sir,

1) Isn't there now a real possibility of France to collaborate with India for the development of IN SSNs? I know you have dismissed it but wouldn't it be a win win for both sides? Besides getting a lot of cash, the French will also get an opportunity to remind the AUKUS that it is a major player in Indo-Pacific. While India will get world class submarines in a time bound manner. Though I would still prefer a partnership with Russia to build 6 mini Yasen class SSNs minus the VLS cells. The govt must explore one of these options. Both these countries have supplied critical technologies to India in the past.

2) Did the IA made the right decision by opting for AK-203 instead of the AK-15? The Russians have gone with the AK-15 which looks more modern than the AK-203. And what's the reason behind continuous delay in getting this deal done?

3) What is the status of the SPADS-GM deal? The Russians objected against the selection of South Korean Boho. Then there were some reports that an indigenous system will be developed. Any latest updates?

4) When will the trials of Tata Kestrel conclude and orders placed?

5) Is there any foreign help involved in the development of XRSAM? From what we know it appears to be the Indian equivalent of Israel's David Sling.

6) In a thread dealing with S-400 you had claimed that India will only buy the 380 km version missile and later the new 77N6-N and 77N6-N1 and also the Israeli EL/M-2090U radar. After the statement of Russia's deputy PM regarding S-500 it's clear the India will indeed receive those missiles sometime in the future as part of the S-400 deal, but what about the Israeli radars? Have we placed orders for that?

Anonymous said...

Now that Helina is approved for Rudra,
1. How long will AON/RFP --> Order take ? Why cannot MoD place order directly? Without AON, development could not have started .
2. How long will it take to integrate and approve for LCH ?

Regards
Venky

hoods007 said...

Hi Prasun

There was some diagrams of AD-1 and AD-2 missile from some DRDO ppt floating around on the internet. according to this ppt AD-1 is supposed to be equipped with an IIR seeker and AD-2 is supposed to be equipped with a KA band RF seeker with 200 km range. is XR-SAM with Ka seeker and AD-2 missile the same project? if not does developing two types of what are essentially inter atmospheric long range AAD missile with same types of seeker makes sense? even the US navy only uses two types : SM3+ variants and SM6 ( IIR seeker) missile. the us army uses Patriot ( Ka seeker) + THAAD( IIR seeker). what am i missing here?

pm said...

Sir cants the stub wings on LCH be integrated with dhrub mk4 wsi

pm said...

Sir please shade some light on high altitude pseudo satellite programme of India

Raj Gupta said...

Mr.Prasun

https://asianreviewofbooks.com/content/2034-a-novel-of-the-next-world-war-by-elliot-ackerman-and-james-stavridis/

I don't know why the authors of this work of fiction made India the "hero".
Indian aircraft shoot down American planes going to nuke Chinese cities to stop the War.

Americans would most likely use stealth fighters or Bombers for nuke strikes then how come 4th generation Fighters manage to shoot them.
Even in the next fifteen years we could at best have a dozen or so AMCA of everything goes according to plan.

Thanks

Raj Gupta said...

Methinks Satya, Karthik Barman and just curious are one and the same! Wouldn't even be surprised if they were Subir in the past because some names seem popping up then disappearing yet the common thread is a number of questions like 1) 2) 3) or a) b) and so forth. I am not condemning or making fun - just curious (pardon the pun) as to why would someone need to assume multi identity to ask questions which is perfectly OK to ask? Scared that Prasun Babu might get upset or something? If he were to be angered he would say so anyway....or am I totally wrong they ARE different people following the same style of writing?

Millard Keyes said...

Latest from Rosoberonexport: suitable Pak border tool?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emrgPoebsqQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdrtCdMkzB8

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To DINISH: Indas’s SSGNs are of gen-3 design while the Astute-class SSGN is a Gen-4 design.

To MANISH 2: It is impossible to know today whether the residents of Punjab today were at one time Khalistani supporters because back in the 1980s & 1990s many of them used the issue of Khalistan to settle their blood/property disputes, i.e. 70 of the violence that had taken place at that time had nothing to do with Khalistan, but were directly linkes to community-based disputes regarding land rights/property titles.

To KARTHIK BARMAN: 1) No. 2) Yes. 4) Cost-saving measure. 5) Why build ASW carrier when ASW vessels are being procured? In addition, autonomous vessels equipped with sonar can do a far better job. 6) No, but they can do CASEVAC. 7 & 8) Tejas Mk.1. 9) No. 10) Very far away.

To RAGHU: France NEVER lost any such contract, simply because no such contract had been inked & no money changed hands. That’s why the French are portraying it as a breach of TRUST, and not a breach of contract.

To SATYA: 1) France did collaborate with India for the SSGN project & will collaborate for the SSN project as well. In fact, the IN’s SSNs will have the very same THALES-made sonar suite as the Astute-class. Russia will not part with any other of its SSGN designs with anyone. 2) Yes. 3) It has been shelved. 4) By the year’s end. 5) XR-SAM is an AEW & CS-killer weapon. It is a wholly indigenous R & D effort. 6) Not yet.

To VENKY: No need for any AON. Only a restricted RFP will be issued & production will begin within 18 months. 2) Integration work is already 90% complete due to the Rudra-related integration work, i.e. both Rudra & LCH use the same fire-control system.

To HOODS007: Those are all delusions of internet fanboys. Both AD-1 & AD-2 will use IIR seekers. The PDV & XR-SAM will use Ka-band active RF seekers.

To PM: The different stub-wings are for different airframes, just like the stub-wings of Mi-25/Mi-35P cannot go on Mi-17s.

To RAJ GUPTA: What is far more revealing is this book:

https://www.amazon.in/Red-Roulette-Insiders-Corruption-Vengeance-ebook/dp/B08VJP821L

Prasun K. Sengupta said...

To MILLARD: RE: https://theprint.in/opinion/gen-rawats-clash-of-civilisation-row-shows-military-should-be-seen-but-not-heard-in-press/736680/

This faux pas can only described as being the end-result of a faulty education system that discourages the application of CRITICAL THINKING. For, no one explained to Gen Bipin Rawat during his school-going days the differences between Kingdons, Empires & Civilisations & nor did he develop all these years the critical thinking required for understanding the differences & hence he today has become the laughing stock for ‘ASSUMING’ that present-day civilisations exist!

While kingdoms & empires clash for dominance & hegemony, a civilisation on the other hand is defined as a state of existence where an empire or even a kingdom is at peace both internally & externally, i.e. there is no internal upheavel/turmoil or external threat & hence the kingdom can then reduce its expenditure on the maintenance of national security & then use that surplus money for improving its material existence by spending on education, agriculture & related matters (like building dams & canals) fine arts, architectural structures & transportation facilities.

buddha said...

Sir what is cooking in Afganistan
Where Huqqani group reportedly have killer and capture Taliban Religious leader and Deputy prime minister..
Is a great Chaos is yet to surface soon..

Anonymous said...

Very recently there have beens reports in the press that PLAF is building upto 10 new air bases, that will affect the LAC. If this is true, could they really affect the air-balance in their favour? Will this mean that we will have to increase our defence budget?

Dinish

Raj Gupta said...

Hey dumb why are you using my name?

Raj Gupta

just_curious said...

Prasun,

1- Can india either on its own or in partnership with israel/france/bae-UK develop EO -DAS like the one on F-35. Also since rafael is a multi spectral optical sensor can it be used as a IRSt as well? that should work well on tejas if it does.
2- if gsh 23 has not been tested yet .. will it become a show stopper? also is a gun mandatory in current times?

Karnflakes said...

I've been following some expats who lived in china and the links you post from China observer etc .. there is this bizzare return to totalitarianism ..like the CCP wants to regin in the businessmen and free flowing capitalism .. in our own case expecting to run an economy by decree has not worked . Do you think this common prosperity policy will do as it says ...
On a side note do you think with china re embracing mao era idealogical communism would the CCP try to export it like it used to .. I see tankies praising the wealth redistribution and hoping the same happens in the US etc.

Samar said...

Dear PrasunDa,

Kindly inform us of any future sales prospects for Garuda 105, ULH, and other artillery guns from Bharat forge to IA.

Thanks