Indian Air Force (IAF): News

Deep upgraded Russian MiG-29 of Indian Air Force took to the air

Indian Light Combat Copter Goes Through Cold Tests






http://www.livefistdefence.com/2015/03/indian-light-combat-copter-goes-through.html

Cold weather trials of India's Light Combat Helicopter were carried out at Air Force Station, Leh early last month. “The trials covered engine starts with internal batteries after overnight cold soak at 3 km altitude and 4.1 km altitude”, HAL chairman T. Suvarna Raju has said in a statement. The engine starts were satisfactory in the temperature of minus 18 degree C at 4.1 km, the flights were also carried out to assess high altitude performance and low speed handling, the statement said.

The LCH prototype, TD2 was ferried from Bangalore to Leh and the flight trials were carried out involving customer pilots from Air Force and Army and with the participation of representatives from RCMA (H/c) and DGAQA (H/c).
“Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Technology Demonstrator TD-3 made its maiden flight in November last year and the TD-4 is likely to fly soon. The IOC is expected in the later part of this year and to achieve this we are concentrating on building more prototypes and increase the number of flights to reduce the lead-time for IOC”, Raju said.

Light Combat Helicopter clears critical hot weather trials
http://defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?id=w5dsX9YkGsY=

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Friday said that its home-grown Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) completed hot weather trials.

The one-week long trials were held at Jodhpur measuring a series of parameters. HAL Chairman T Suvarna Raju told OneIndia that the trials were crucial as the programme is inching towards Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) phase.

Interestingly, during the tests, expert pilots from the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army were present. Representatives of certification teams were also present.

“The test flights were carried out in the temperature range of 39 to 42 degree Celsius,” says Raju. HAL says the third technology demonstrator (TD-3) of LCH, 3 was ferried from Bengaluru to Jodhpur for the trials.


Following are some of the key features tested during the trials ::
* Temperature survey of engine bay
* Temperature survey of hydraulic system
* Assessment of performance of helicopter
* Verifying the handling qualities and loads at different AUWs (all up weights)
* Checking low-speed handling capabilities
* Capturing the height-velocity diagram establishment

As reported by OneIndia earlier, the LCH had completed cold weather flight testing at Leh in February this year. The chopper was HAL’s star attraction during Aero India 2015.

HAL claims that the chopper would receive its IOC by end of this year and subsequently enter series production. HAL has also set aside Rs 126 crore for the fourth sibling of LCH (TD-4) to propel the testing phase.


Some of the key LCH features ::
* A twin- engine with in the 5.8-ton class
* Powered by two Shakti engine
* Can carry out dedicated combat roles
* Best suited for air defence, anti-tank roles
* Perfect for combat search and rescue missions
* Loaded with advanced military technology features
* Narrow fuselage with tandem seating configuration
* Incorporates a number of stealth features
* Crashworthy landing gear
* Armour protection for better survivability

pics from aero india 2015
















HAL Rudra



and last but not the least ,the crocodile

George1 wrote:Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft to be upgraded with multi-function displays

India will extend the operation of the MiG-21 to 2020[/b]

What!!....so they blew all there MMRCA money on those few stupid Rafales and now they're upgrading there Mig-21s and France after getting the deal finally "allows" India to upgrade there Mirage fighters, WTF!!!!

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-undertaking-major-rejig-of-fighter-induction-to-meet-threats-from-Pak-China/articleshow/49212314.cms?from=mdr

NEW DELHI: With China "exponentially" ramping up its air combat operations in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), even as Pakistan expands and upgrades its F-16 fleet, India is going in for a major rejig of its fighter induction and serviceability plans to be ready for any individual or collusive threat in the years ahead.

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on Saturday said several plans were under way for induction and deployment of "potent assets" as well as infrastructure development along the borders, even though he admitted China was developing "tremendous" military capabilities at a very rapid clip.

As for Pakistan, on being asked if IAF could take out the terror camps across the border if required, ACM Raha said his force had the requisite "capability" but the "intent" or "decision" to undertake such surgical strikes "is a political one".

"We are not looking at one-front or two-front war. We just want capabilities to deter a war and project power in our area of strategic interest. We are looking at building our fighter combat squadrons to 42 by 2027," said ACM Raha.

Towards this, the IAF chief said he expected the contract for the direct acquisition of 36 French Rafale fighters - which was decided during the Modi-Hollande summit in April -- to be inked before the end of this year.






But IAF is down to just 35 fighter squadrons, which includes a mix of obsolete jets like MiG-21s and MiG-27s being progressively retired as well as new fighters like Sukhoi-30MKIs grappling with poor serviceability rates. Just two new squadrons of Rafales, expected to cost around $5 billion, will not make up the desperately-required numbers.

"As IAF chief, I would certainly want more...at least six MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft) squadrons, whether they are Rafales or some other alternative. But they have to be viable in terms of costs, transfer of technology and the Make in India policy. The government will decide in due course," said ACM Raha.

Concurrently, the stress now in on "improving" the indigenous Tejas Mark-I fighter and then jumping straight onto the development of the indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) or AMCA (advanced medium combat aircraft) by junking the development of a Tejas Mark-II.

As was first reported by TOI, with the preliminary design work for the twin-engine AMCA over, the aim is to fly its first prototype by 2023-2024. It will combine advanced stealth, super-cruise (capability to achieve supersonic cruise speeds without use of afterburners), super-maneuverability, data fusion and multi-sensor integration on a single fighter.

The thrust on AMCA, of course, also puts a big question mark on the future of the proposed joint project with Russia to co-develop and co-produce a FGFA modelled on its Sukhoi T-50 or PAK-FA.

Apart from long-term strategic and economic reasons behind the push for the indigenous AMCA, India is not happy with the technical, cost and delivery timeframes bedeviling the Russian FGFA. The PAK-FA, for instance, can still not super-cruise, which is critical for the capability to "look first and shoot first".

"But the "issues" in the Indo-Russian FGFA project are being "addressed at the highest levels" now. India is keeping all options open ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow in December, which range from an off-the-shelf purchase of 60-65 fighters to undertaking the joint production envisaged earlier.

Times of India wrote:The thrust on AMCA, of course, also puts a big question mark on the future of the proposed joint project with Russia to co-develop and co-produce a FGFA modelled on its Sukhoi T-50 or PAK-FA.

Apart from long-term strategic and economic reasons behind the push for the indigenous AMCA, India is not happy with the technical, cost and delivery timeframes bedeviling the Russian FGFA. The PAK-FA, for instance, can still not super-cruise, which is critical for the capability to "look first and shoot first".

"But the "issues" in the Indo-Russian FGFA project are being "addressed at the highest levels" now. India is keeping all options open ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow in December, which range from an off-the-shelf purchase of 60-65 fighters to undertaking the joint production envisaged earlier.

Why did the newspaper claimed that T-50 cannot supercruise ?

higurashihougi wrote:

Times of India wrote:The thrust on AMCA, of course, also puts a big question mark on the future of the proposed joint project with Russia to co-develop and co-produce a FGFA modelled on its Sukhoi T-50 or PAK-FA.

Apart from long-term strategic and economic reasons behind the push for the indigenous AMCA, India is not happy with the technical, cost and delivery timeframes bedeviling the Russian FGFA. The PAK-FA, for instance, can still not super-cruise, which is critical for the capability to "look first and shoot first".

"But the "issues" in the Indo-Russian FGFA project are being "addressed at the highest levels" now. India is keeping all options open ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow in December, which range from an off-the-shelf purchase of 60-65 fighters to undertaking the joint production envisaged earlier.

Why did the newspaper claimed that T-50 cannot supercruise ?

Lol i too was about to ask this here about the super cruise capability claims of Indian media regarding this newspaper

Hopefully off the shelf buy deal of this aircraft will be finalized in the coming dec. and rest can be negotiated later as per IAF specfications

Pinto wrote:

higurashihougi wrote:

Times of India wrote:The thrust on AMCA, of course, also puts a big question mark on the future of the proposed joint project with Russia to co-develop and co-produce a FGFA modelled on its Sukhoi T-50 or PAK-FA.

Apart from long-term strategic and economic reasons behind the push for the indigenous AMCA, India is not happy with the technical, cost and delivery timeframes bedeviling the Russian FGFA. The PAK-FA, for instance, can still not super-cruise, which is critical for the capability to "look first and shoot first".

"But the "issues" in the Indo-Russian FGFA project are being "addressed at the highest levels" now. India is keeping all options open ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow in December, which range from an off-the-shelf purchase of 60-65 fighters to undertaking the joint production envisaged earlier.

Why did the newspaper claimed that T-50 cannot supercruise ?

Lol i too was about to ask this here about the super cruise capability claims of Indian media regarding this newspaper

Hopefully off the shelf buy deal of this aircraft will be finalized in the coming dec. and rest can be negotiated later as per IAF specfications

Indian newspaper claims are as credible as Kyiv post in regards to russia. Both paid by the west.

[quote="Werewolf"]

Pinto wrote:

higurashihougi wrote:

Times of India wrote:

[b]Why did the newspaper claimed that T-50 cannot supercruise ?

Lol i too was about to ask this here about the super cruise capability claims of Indian media regarding this newspaper

Hopefully off the shelf buy deal of this aircraft will be finalized in the coming dec. and rest can be negotiated later as per IAF specfications

Indian newspaper claims are as credible as Kyiv post in regards to russia. Both paid by the west.

well i feel Indian media has been sold out to west/US lobby and is not giving factual news about the latest Indian- Russian deals

India Refuses Purchase of 44 Rafale Fighters, Opts for Homebuilt Aircraft

The Indian government prefers to purchase domestic made Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) instead of an additional 44 French-built Rafale fighter jets.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik) — The Indian government has rejected a proposal by the country's air force to purchase an additional 44 French-built Rafale fighter jets, opting instead for the cheaper and locally developed Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA), local media reported Wednesday, citing an Indian Defense Ministry source.

"The IAF (Air Force) needs to have a minimum number of aircraft at all times. The LCA is our best option at this stage, given our resource constraints," the source said as quoted by The Times of India, adding that a Rafale deal would be an unnecessary expense.

In April, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande agreed on the purchase of 36 Rafale fighters for the the Indian Air Force, to be designed and built by the French company Dassault Aviation.

According to the newspaper, the country's air force operates 35 fighter squadrons but requires 10 more. By 2022, due to the age of the country's Soviet-made MiG-21s, the number of squadrons will be reduced to 25.

India has been developing a domestic Tejas fighter for 32 years, following government approval in 1983. The aircraft had been set to enter service in 1994 when India canceled a proprietary engine for the Tejas, asking GE Aviation for assistance. A single Tejas aircraft has been produced to date, and that still pending final flight approval, which has been postponed until early 2016.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/asia/20151007/1028140533/india-rafale-purchase-tejas.html#ixzz3nsHJ0vxZ

This is good for India.

To be brutally honest I don't know why this was not the first option years ago... 10 billion dollars spent on improving the Tegas design and producing several hundred of them as a direct replacement of the older light aircraft in the Indian air force would have been very beneficial.

together with upgrades of the M2K and MiG-29, the Indian Flankers and the FFGA they would be set.

Even if Tegas in its first models are only average they should be rather better than the aircraft they are replacing and if problems are simple like it needs a new engine then invest money and develop a new engine or adapt an existing engine to suit.

For the light end of the fighter range you want modern but not super, because super is expensive and you want light to be a numbers plane that is multirole... not expensive hangar queen.

I doubt there could be anything wrong with the Tegas that could not be corrected over time... and of course being small light and relatively cheap some problems shouldn't be fixed... the Tegas should not have 20 weapon stations for 15 tons of weapons and it should not need to have a combat radius of 5,000km.

Modern guided weapons means you don't need to carry 15 tons of weapons on one aircraft making any aircraft that capable just makes them bigger and heavier and more expensive... which is a problem for a small light fighter.

One thing they could do is a LIFT version of Tegas that is even smaller and lighter...

"Interest in India about the newest Russian fighter jet, the MiG-35, is growing, because the number of French Dassault Rafale fighter jets to be purchased has decreased, Sergey Korotkov, General Director of the Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG (RAC MiG) told RIA Novosti during an interview.

“Given the limited purchase of Rafale fighter jets, and the urgent need to upgrade the fighter jet fleet, interest in the MiG-35 has been objectively increasing. This issue is currently being discussed in professional circles of India,” said Korotkov. During a visit to France in April, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that an agreement had been signed, between India and France, for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets. Earlier, India had planned to buy 126 of these aircraft.



The tender to supply Rafale aircraft to India was won by the French in 2012, when their fighter jet was chosen over the Russian MiG-35, the European Eurofighter Typhoon, the Swedish SAAB JAS-39 Gripen, and the American F-16 and F/A-18E/F. However, the contract was never concluded. Some of the aircraft were to be delivered as a finished product, while the rest were to be made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India, using technologies from the Dassault Company. The reason differences arose during contract negotiations was the increased price for fighter jets demanded by the French, and the unwillingness of Dassault to give guarantees for aircraft that were supposed to be produced by HAL.

As Korotkov told RIA Novosti earlier this year, RAC MiG has “every opportunity to compete” and the corporation “retains hopes that a new tender competition will be announced”. The MiG-35 is a new combat aviation system, whose avionics include integrated fifth-generation information and targeting systems. This is a multi-functional aircraft that can be equipped with high-precision weapons to attack any target, and it can also perform certain functions that were previously assigned to reconnaissance aircraft."

You will excuse me for be abit skeptic on this one, but i guess sharing does not hurt. Even tho it would make sense since MiG29K/KuB are now in service and MiG29s are getting modernised i dont think that India will suddenly switch coat and go for MiG35s.

Source: http://in.rbth.com/economics/defence/2015/08/27/delhis-interest-in-mig-35-is-growing_392855

"The Indian Air Force has asked the Ministry of Defence to buy unknown numbers of S-400 Triumf air defense systems from Russia, but Russian diplomats here said Moscow is unlikely to agree until India clarifies its position on the joint Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program. A final agreement on development of the FGFA is still pending despite an initial agreement inked in 2010 because the Indian Air Force still has not finalized how many aircraft it would order, and because work-share issues between India and Russia on production of the FGFA are not settled. India will release its share of $10 billion toward development of the FGFA — which is based on the Russian T-50 platform and is in the prototype stage —only after final agreement is approved.

A Russian diplomat, however, said Moscow wants greater clarity on whether the ruling Narendra Modi government would proceed with joint development of the FGFA or limit its purchases of the aircraft. The diplomat, however, would not say if there would be a trade-off between the S-400 and the FGFA deal. The Indian Air Force made a request to MoD early this month to buy the S-400 system, a Defence Ministry source said, adding that the request will be on Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's wish list when he visits Moscow next month. India proposes to buy the S-400 through a government-to-government deal, the source added.



The Air Force wants the S-400 to fill holes in its fledgling air defense systems and provide capability to strike multiple targets, including ballistic missiles and stealth aircraft, said an Air Force official. The S-400 Triumf can intercept and destroy airborne targets at a distance of up to 400 kilometers and simultaneously engage up to six targets. "The intention to go ahead with the purchase of S-400 Triumf indicates that the homegrown capability to build an effective anti-missile missile system is not in sight in the near future," said defense analyst Nitin Mehta."

Source: http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/2015/10/24/russia-may-link-sale-s-400-india-fighter-development/74323986/

India to Upgrade Fleet of Russian-Made Ilyushin Aircraft

The Indian Defense Ministry on Thursday cleared a proposal to upgrade the country's fleet of Russian-made Ilyushin Il-76 transport planes and Il-78 aerial tankers, The Times of India said.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik) — The decision, adopted by the ministry's Defense Acquisitions Council (DAC), comes shortly before Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar departs on visit to Russia on Friday, the newspaper said.

According to the Times of India, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has 14 IL-76 transport aircraft, three Israeli Phalcon AWACS (airborne warning and control systems) mounted on IL-76s and six IL-78 mid-air refuellers.

"There are also three IL-76s deployed with the Aviation Research Centre, which are also operated by the IAF," the paper said.

According to the deal worth of 42.5 billion of rupees ($650 million at current exchange rates), the Indian Ilyushin aircraft would be equipped with new engines and avionics. The Indian side expects this contract would extend the service life of the aircraft for another 20 years.

Russia and India have for decades been close partners in military and technical cooperation. The countries collaborate in science and medicine, as well as infrastructure construction and nuclear energy.

In 2014, the total value of weapons and military hardware delivered by Russia to India reached $4.7 billion, according to Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation estimates.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/military/20151029/1029310703/ilyushin-russia-india.html#ixzz3pzkfO5tJ

The modernization of IL 76/78 is a welcome news and required too but the deal on the joint production of Medium transport aircraft is very crucial for India specially after the Ukraine issue the AN 32 of IAF are stuck for vital spares and AN 32 are back bone of IAF for lifting crucial supplies to border areas

The Indian Air Force (IAF) finds itself in a precarious position at a time when achieving air superiority is a necessity in deciding the outcome of a limited conflict or an all-out war. New Delhi’s late nod on Thursday to the purchase of five Russian S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems goes a long way in addressing those concerns.

For long, the IAF has relied on rigorous pilot training and force-multipliers such as Su-30 MKIs, MiG-29s and Mirage 2000s to offset the falling number of squadrons and the constant delay in the induction of the light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas to replace the obsolescent MiG-21s. But recent deals between Russia and China, and proposed deals between Russia and Pakistan, seem to have clouded the skies.

For long, the IAF has prided itself on being the operator of the most advanced Flanker series aircraft in this part of the world. The N-011 Bars PESA (Passive Electronically Scanned Array) on the Su-30 MKI is the most powerful radar in the South Asian skies. It has held up well in its training mode against a barrage of sophisticated jamming exercises.

But with Moscow and Beijing signing a deal last month over the supply of 24 SU-35 Flanker-Es, that radar advantage now seems negated. The Irbis-E on the SU-35 eclipses the N-011 Bars in power and detection range. The airframe of the Flanker-E also uses a lot more composites, making it more durable and its manufacturer pegs its radar cross-section — the measure of a target’s ability to reflect radar signals in the direction of the radar receiver — at a fraction of that of the Su-30 MKI. Also worrying are the fast-paced developments of the Chinese fifthgeneration combat platforms. Both the Chengdu J-20 and the Shenyang J-11 are slated to enter the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s service in 2018. A 2012 report by the USChina Economic and Security Review Commission suggested that the US underestimated the pace of development of the J-20 and several other

Chinese projects.

Pakistan’s talks with China about the supposed procurement of the Shenyang J-11s are reportedly in an advanced stage. In September, a senior Pakistani official confirmed to IHS Jane’s that Islamabad was also talking to Moscow about the procurement of Flanker-Es. This, coupled with the Chinese acquisition of the S-400 Triumf system, puts the IAF in a difficult position if hostilities break out. After the downing of the Russian bomber jet by Turkey near the Syria-Turkey border last month, asingle S-400 system deployment at Khmeimim Air Base has effectively turned Syria into a no-fly zone for the Turkish Air Force.

While India’s indigenous missile interception abilities are a secret, the Indo-Israeli Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) project is more than three years behind schedule. The IAF was quick to notice these fast-paced developments in the neighbourhood and has long been knocking at the ministry of defence’s door for purchase of the S-400 system. The ministry has finally agreed, and sources say that the announcement of the purchase of the five S-400s will be made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Moscow trip next week.

But there are also reports coming out from the Russian camp that Moscow may link this deal to New Delhi clarifying its position on the joint fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) development programme.
The final agreement on the development is still pending, although an initial agreement was inked in 2010. The IAF has not decided on the number of aircraft it wants. Work-share issues between India and Russia are also not settled. So, India risks further delay in acquiring a state-ofthe-art area surface-to-air missile (SAM) system that can plug crucial holes in the country’s anti-aircraft and anti-missile capability. The vaunted FGFA is also not expected to enter service any time before 2022.

In that connection, one can’t comprehend the government’s decision to cut down the number of Rafale platforms to just two squadrons (36 aircraft) from the targeted seven. It puts more pressure on the Flankers and the upgraded MiG-29s and Mirage 2000s. What’s worse, the Super Sukhoi upgrade that the IAF had hoped to be completed by 2015 has not even started. There are more than 200 SU-30MKIs to upgrade.

The IAF and the ministry are alive to the rapid changes in the air combat scenario in the neighbourhood. But the response has not been the ‘scrambling’ best. Also, in the case of indigenous projects, the military bureaucracy tussle sees goalposts shifting every now and then.
These problems need to be sorted out fast, as they compromise the country’s bid to emerge as a significant global player.

http://blogs.economictimes.indiatimes.com/et-commentary/iaf-finds-itself-in-precarious-position-at-a-time-when-achieving-air-superiority/

W DELHI: A frustrated IAF has asked the defence ministry to take a decision, one way or the other, on its long-pending case for the almost $2 billion acquisition of six Airbus-330 midair refuelling aircraft or tankers to boost the strategic reach of its fighters and bombers.
Stressing the critical operational necessity for fast induction of the tankers, the IAF wants the A-330 MRTT (multi-role tanker transport) deal to be inked as soon as possible, or conversely scrapped, to ensure that a new procurement case can begin afresh.




"The IAF believes the case is just going around in circles without any resolution. It is stuck in the CNC (contract negotiation committee) stage, with Airbus being asked to keep on extending the validity of its commercial bid," said a defence ministry source

With French President Francois Hollande arriving on a state visit to India on Sunday, there may now be some additional pressure on the NDA government to fast-track the A-330 MRTT deal since the Airbus group is headquartered at Toulouse in France.

The IAF had first taken up the case for acquisition of the additional tankers in 2006, after inducting six Ilyushin-78 midair refuelling aircraft in 2003-2004. The two-engine A-330 MRTT has twice been selected over the four-engine Russian IL-78 in technical and commercial evaluation over the last decade.

"But there are still some issues with the deal, including the life-cycle cost (LCC) methodology used in determining A-330 MRTT as L-1 (lowest bidder) over the IL-78 and pending CBI cases, which need to be clarified," said the source.

The first tender or RFP (request for proposal), issued in 2006, was scrapped in 2010 because the finance ministry expressed "reservations relating to the competitiveness of the bids and the reasonableness of the price'' of the A-330 MRTT.


In the second RFP floated in 2010, both A-330 MRTT and IL-78 cleared the extensive field trials. In the commercial evaluation thereafter, even though the IL-78 was cheaper off-the-shelf, the A-330 MRTT emerged the L-1 under the new LCC system put into practice in defence deals.

The LCC basically identifies the "total cost of ownership" of a particular equipment or aircraft over its entire operational life.

The MoD has also asked the CBI about the "current status" of a pending case against Airbus Industries in a matter connected to the civil aviation ministry. In between, there was also some delay due to change in the company's name from EADS Cassidian to Airbus group, which had to be resolved in tune with the MoD's convoluted procurement procedures.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Decide-fast-on-midair-refuellers-IAF-to-govt/articleshow/50711370.cms?

Indians are such a mess. Now ordering another type of tankers while already operating one version, why not wait another year or two and get Il-76MD-90A based tanker. Indians will soon have more mechanics than infantry in their armed forces if they keep ordering stuff from 17 countries. Also there is a good reason why strategic lifters have 4 engines, duh.

Militarov wrote:Indians are such a mess. Now ordering another type of tankers while already operating one version, why not wait another year or two and get Il-76MD-90A based tanker. Indians will soon have more mechanics than infantry in their armed forces if they keep ordering stuff from 17 countries. Also there is a good reason why strategic lifters have 4 engines, duh.

bro its going to be new tender again for sure as after 2010 rates have increased and no deal signed. Its going to be Russian IL 78 newer version for sure to have easy compatibility with older tankers of similar class. New IAC 2 too will be equipped qith MIG29K modified for sure as IAF needs to be given rod in there ass regularly by defense ministry. But i do feel Russians needs to be more active in lobbying in India instead of selling couple few helis to pakistan

The Indian Air Force is well underway of getting the best MiG-29s – NATO-name Fulcrum – one can find. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), together with the Russian Aircraft Corporation (RAC), are turning aging MiG-29Bs into modern multi-role fighters similar to the MiG-29SMTs the Russian Air Force boasts about.

Three of six MiG-29s that were sent to Russia are back in India for some time now, featuring all the upgrades of the program. They have become MiG-29UPGs, sporting the new Zhuk-M2E radar made by Phazotron-NIIR, the OLS-UEM infrared search-and-track system (IRST) similar to the Indian Navy MiG-29Ks, thermal / TV / laser imaging made by Moscow-based NPK SPP, multi-functional full-colour LCDs in the cockpit, increased fuel capacity and an in-flight refuelling system. Moreover the aircraft feature the more powerful RD-33 series 3 turbo-jet engines.


Full article at http://airheadsfly.com/2014/04/21/indian-air-force-mig-29s-best-on-the-block/

106 upgraded Tejas jets to replace MiGs

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/106-upgraded-tejas-jets-to-replace-migs/190424.html

The Ministry of Defence has decided to locally produce 106 upgraded Light Combat Aircraft “Tejas” jets to replace the ageing fleet of MiG fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
The “Tejas Mark 1-A” will have 43 improvements over the existing Tejas currently being test-flown by the IAF for various parameters and slated for final operation clearance in March. The existing project is running years behind schedule.
Sources told The Tribune that a decision has been taken to produce 106 “Tejas Mark 1-A” jets and the same has been conveyed to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), besides the manufacturer — Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a public sector undertaking owned by MoD.
The MoD has set a 2018 deadline for the first aircraft to be ready with a target to complete its production by 2022-2023. In September, new specifications were agreed upon and the IAF accepted 43 modifications that could be carried out without changing the existing design.
On the list of modifications are five major improvements, including an AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar, which the HAL will co-develop with Israel firm Elta; air-to-air refuelling facility; externally fitted self-protection jammer to prevent incoming enemy missiles from homing in using radar signature; and a new layout, involving 27 modifications, of internal systems to iron out maintenance issues.
but will use the same engine — General Electric’s 404. “The power of the engine is more than enough,” said a senior functionary. Fitting the newer and more powerful GE-414 engine would entail fresh design and airframe studies.
The HAL has been asked to produce 16 jets annually and a Rs 1,252-crore modernisation plan has been okayed to ramp up capacities from the present six-seven planes annually.
The decision will go a long way in keeping the IAF battle-ready. The upgraded jets will fill the void created by MiG-21s and MiG-27s that will be phased out by 2022.
There are 260 Soviet-era single-engine MiG-21 and MiG-27 jets in the IAF fleet. The air force needs 400 jets over the next 10 years.

Indian Army Gets Taste of Airbus A400M

The Indian Army is getting its first taste of the Airbus A400M multirole transport aircraft at Jaisalmer air force base, with the French Army contingent for Exercise Shakti 2016 arriving in one of type. The 56 personnel of 35th Infantry Regiment of 7th Armoured Brigade, led by Maj Thibaut De Lacoste Lareymondie are at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan for the exercise spanning from Jan 8-16.

While the exercise doesn’t involve an airborne component, SP’s can confirm that this is the first time an A400M has landed in India and is the first time Indian troops will get a comprehensive inside view of the new generation military transport aircraft currently deployed with France, and on order with a number of nations.

Airbus has also made it clear that it is in dialogue with the Indian government on the A400M as a possible procurement for the IAF or other agencies. The A400M has also been pitched as a special missions aircraft. The IAF, as is well known, is currently committed to the Avro-replacement programme being serviced by Tata & Airbus with the C295, along with the Multirole Transport Aircraft with Russia. Airbus believes the A400M would fit in with an elevated capability that the IAF could well require now and in the future.

http://idrw.org/indian-army-gets-taste-of-airbus-a400m/