India Air-Force Indian Air Force

[Test7]

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of items and services to extend follow-on support for their fleet of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $90 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of India has requested to buy items and services to extend follow-on support for their fleet of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. These items include aircraft consumables spares and repair/return parts; ground support and equipment; Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD) fire extinguisher cartridges; flare cartridges; BBU-35/B cartridge impulse squibs; one spare AN/ALR-56M Advanced Radar Warning Receiver shipset; spare AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispenser System shipset; ten Lightweight Night Vision Binocular (F5032); ten AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggle (NVG)(F4949); GPS; Electronic Warfare; instruments and lab equipment support; Joint Mission Planning System; cryptographic device spares and loaders; software and software support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training and training equipment; U.S. and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support; and other related elements of program support. The estimated total case value is $90 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and improve the security of a major defensive partner, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region

The proposed sale ensures the previously procured aircraft operates effectively to serve the needs of Indian Air Force, Army and Navy transport requirements, local and international humanitarian assistance, and regional disaster relief. This sale of spares and services will enable the Indian Air Force to sustain a mission-ready status with respect to the C-130J transport. India will have no difficulty absorbing this additional sustainment support.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Lockheed-Martin Company, Marietta, Georgia. There are no known offsets proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives India.

India – C-130J Follow-on Support

WASHINGTON, September 30, 2020 – The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of items and services to extend follow-…

www.dsjournal.com

 

[Nilgiri]

Air India One - India's State Of The Art Aircraft To Ferry The Prime Minister To Land In Delhi Today

India's brand new modified Boeing 777 Aircraft - Air Force One which will be used to ferry the President, Prime Minster and the Vice-President, will arrive at New Delhi today (1 October) from the US

swarajyamag.com

India's brand new modified Boeing 777 Aircraft - Air Force One which will be used to ferry the President, Prime Minster and the Vice-President, will arrive at New Delhi today (1 October) from the US.

As per reports, the first of the two jets will land in New Delhi at around 3.00 PM.

The aircraft has been fitted with advance and secure communication system which allows mid-air audio and video communication without the risk of being hacked or taped.

The aircraft has also been equipped with Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) and Self-Protection Suites (SPS) missile defence systems. These defence systems are "capable of jamming enemy radar frequencies, diverting heat-seeking missiles and intercepting advanced intermediate range missile systems".

(more at link)

 

[Nilgiri]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1307892576041623552

 

[Nilgiri]

 

[Nilgiri]

BTW....Sulur is very close to where I was born

 

[Test7]

1/5

Rafale’s Vijay formation​

According to a report by ANI, the grandeur and might of the various types of aircraft in the Indian Air Force were on full display on the occasion of the 88th Air Force Day celebrations on Thursday. The newly inducted Rafale fighter jet displayed its ability to carry out sharp turns during the flypast at the IAF base in Ghaziabad on the occasion. The Rafale flew in the 'Vijay' formation, flanked by two Jaguars and Mirage 2000 each. It also carried out a minimum radius turn within an area smaller than a hockey field forming a figure of eight.

Rafale’s Vijay formation​

According to a report by ANI, the grandeur and might of the various types of aircraft in the Indian Air Force were on full display on the occasion of the 88th Air Force Day celebrations on Thursday. The newly inducted Rafale fighter jet displayed its ability to carry out sharp turns during the flypast at the IAF base in Ghaziabad on the occasion. The Rafale flew in the 'Vijay' formation, flanked by two Jaguars and Mirage 2000 each. It also carried out a minimum radius turn within an area smaller than a hockey field forming a figure of eight.

AFP

Load-bearing Chinooks​

Further, the IAF also showcased its heli-lift capability with two Chinooks carrying a container and a field artillery gun underslung over the parade venue. The tandem-rotor helicopter is one of the most reliable and efficient heavy-lift helicopters around the world. Chinook, with its operating ceiling of 20,000 feet, will redefine heli-lift operations in the country that includes operations like inter-valley transport of troops, airlifting artillery guns and heavy underslung loads for the Border Roads Organisation. It can also be used to deploy artillery guns at high altitude positions with the China border in the northeast.

Flares away​

The Eklavya formation, including Apache and Mi-35 attack helicopters, also fired flares as a part of the display of the prowess of the aerial wing of the defence force. Apart from this, fighter jets also carried out vertical charlie manoeuvre and formed the 'Trishul' as part of the IAF's anniversary day celebration.

AFP

National security paramount​

Earlier in the day, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria assured the nation that the Indian Air Force will evolve and be ever ready to safeguard India's sovereignty and interests in all circumstances. "I want to assure the nation that the Indian Air Force will evolve and be ever ready to safeguard our nation's sovereignty and interests in all circumstances," said Bhadauria at Hindon airbase. "As we enter the 89th year, the IAF is undergoing a transformational change. We are entering an era which will redefine where we employ aerospace power and conduct integrated multi-domain operations," he added.

Honouring the braves​

Three Indian Air Force officers who took part in the Balakot operation last year received gallantry medals. The officers who received the Yudh Seva Medal are Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal, Group Captain Hansel Sequera and Group Captain Hemant Kumar Vadsra. Yudh Seva Medal recognises distinguished service of a high order during war, conflict or hostilities. Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal is a Fighter Controller with the Indian Air Force. She was part of the team that guided Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman during the 2019 Balakot airstrike carried out by the IAF.

Full-dress rehearsal for IAF Day conducted at Hindon Air Force Station​

IAF personnel stand next to a Rafale fighter jet​

According to a report by PTI, the Indian Air Force conducted a full dress rehearsal on Tuesday, including a fly past by its aircraft, at its Hindon base in Ghaziabad for the 88th IAF Day on October 8.



AFP

Fighter jets galore​

The Tejas LCA, Jaguar, Mig-29, Mig-21 and Sukhoi-30 aircraft were part of the rehearsal, besides the newly inducted Rafale fighter jet, an IAF official said.

Aerial assets​

The official said IAF's helicopter fleet like Mi17V5, ALH Mark-4, Chinook, Mi-35 and Apache were also part of the fly past. He added that planes like C-17, C-130, Dornier and DC-3 Dakota were also part of the full rehearsal day.



PTI

Colonial origins​

The IAF was established on October 8, 1932, in undivided India which was under colonial rule. It was given the prefix "Royal" by King George VI for its contribution during the Second World War. The prefix was later dropped in 1950 when India became a republic.

Aerobatic stunts​

Suryakiran aerobatic team and Sarang aerobatic team were also part of the fly past.



AFP

IAF's 88th anniversary​

Indian Air Force (IAF) Paratroopers skydiving team Akash Ganga performs during the full dress rehearsal of Air Force Day Parade 2020 at Hindon Air Force base in Ghaziabad on Tuesday. The Indian Air Force will celebrate its 88th anniversary on October 8, 2020.



ANI

A paratrooper from skydiving team​

An Indian Air Force (IAF) paratrooper from the skydiving team Akash Ganga glides during a full dress rehearsal ahead of the Air Force Day parade at Hindon Air Force in Ghaziabad.

From Rafale, Chinook, and Apache, Indian Air Force goes all out on 88th Air Force Day - Rafale’s Vijay formation

Three Indian Air Force officers who took part in the Balakot operation last year received gallantry medals. The officers who received the Yudh Seva Medal are Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal, Group Captain Hansel Sequera and Group Captain Hemant Kumar Vadsra. Yudh Seva Medal recognises...

economictimes.indiatimes.com

 

[Test7]

India reportedly declined the opportunity to purchase a fleet of MQ-9 Reaper drones from the United States that would have cost the country more than $3 billion.

Officials told U.S. News & World Report that an agreement with India for the drones with the capability of long-range precision strikes fell through in spite of hopes from Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that one could be completed before the election on Tueday.

Pompeo and Esper were in New Delhi this week as part of the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, a meeting to elevate the U.S.-India relationship, which the Trump administration has prioritized during its first term.

Indian officials are looking to build out their defenses against regional foes such as China; violent clashes between the two have taken place this year along the contested Himalayan border. The Trump administration has heeded these concerns and pushed to arm the Indians in an effort to contain and deter China on the Asian continent, a top item of Trump's foreign policy doctrine.

The Trump administration has made significant inroads with Indian officials, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who joined Trump in Houston for a rally in front of 50,000 people in September 2019

It is unclear why the Indian government refused to purchase the drones. India's Ministry of External Affairs did not reply to an inquiry from the outlet.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1322131349386391553

 

[Test7]

French Air Force refuelling plane to accompany them.​

Three Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force are scheduled to arrive on November 4 flying non-stop from France, an official source said. With this, the IAF will have eight of the 36 Rafale jets in service.


Three Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force are scheduled to arrive on November 4 flying non-stop from France, an official source said. With this, the IAF will have eight of the 36 Rafale jets in service.

The Hindu Explains | How is India building up the squadron strength of its air force?

“Three Rafale jets will fly directly from Istres in France to Jamnagar, an eight-hour-plus non-stop flight,” the source said. They will be accompanied by French Air Force mid-air refuelling aircraft. “There will be three tankings in all,” the source said.

The first batch of five Rafale jets were formally inducted into the No.17 ‘Golden Arrows’ squadron of the IAF on September 10 at the Ambala Air Force station. They arrived in India in July with a stopover at the Al Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). During the first leg of the flight from the Merignac airbase at Bordeaux in France to the UAE, the jets were accompanied by the French Air Force mid-air refuellers. For the journey from the UAE, they were accompanied by IAF midair refuellers.

Also read: Rafale jets | The ‘game-changer’ fighters

The five jets, three single seat and two twin-seater trainers, were flown from France by IAF pilots led by Commanding Officer of No. 17 squadron Group Captain Harkirat Singh. The Indian Embassy in France had said in a statement that delivery of all 36 aircraft would be completed as per schedule by 2021-end. The second squadron would be based at Hasimara in West Bengal.

Last month, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria said the IAF would get three or four Rafales every two or three months till all 36 jets were delivered and that the first squadron would be fully ready by 2021-end and the second by 2023. “In the next three years, we will see the Rafale and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) MK1 squadrons operating with full strength, along with additional Su-30MKI and MiG 29 aircraft, that are being ordered in addition to the current fleets,” he said.

Also read: Looking beyond the Rafale

India has contracted 36 Rafale omni-role fighter jets from France in fly-away condition with 13 India Specific Enhancements (ISE) under a €7.87-billion Inter-Governmental Agreement signed in September 2016.

Three new Rafale jets to fly non-stop from France to India

French Air Force refuelling plane to accompany them.

www.thehindu.com

 

[Nilgiri]

 

[Gautam]

 

[Gautam]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1329741335595663361

 

[Nilgiri]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1329741335595663361

Looks like they just lengthened the empennage a bit to deal with the wake turbulence that messed up the stabiliser just enough (apparently) in the earlier model.

I see wing fences too...probably to reduce energy of this wake from cross-span flow.

Hope all goes well.

 

[Nilgiri]

 

[Test7]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1329741335595663361

Developed by HAL the aircraft will replace the ageing Kiran fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The flight testing of IJT (HJT-36 Sitara), designed and developed by HAL for the stage-II training of IAF pilots was put on hold after the aircraft had encountered problem in the spin test flights in the year 2016.

The company redesigned the aircraft by moving the vertical tail aft and extending the rudder surface with advice from U.S. aviation technology and Bihrle Applied Research Inc. testing firm. It resulted in significant airframe changes, first visible when the redesigned jet flew in April 2019. HAL said the changes were incorporated in two aircraft with the involvement and clearance from certification agencies after every stage.

Post modification, the jets underwent significant flight tests to assess the general handling with the new configuration of fin and rudder. They have now been incorporated with necessary safety devices such as Anti-Spin Parachute Systems. During the first flight, initially, the aircraft was taken through one turn spin to the left and right, to test the spin characteristics.

The spin testing of an aircraft is the most crucial phase of its flight testing. Accordingly, the testing will gradually progress to assess the behaviour of the aircraft till six turn spins to either side meets the targeted requirement.

The IJT has already been tested to its full envelope in terms of speed, altitude and load factor (‘g’ envelope). It has also been integrated with drop tanks and bombs.

IJT ware fitted with AL-55i Jet engines produced in-house at HAL Engine Division, Koraput. IJT incorporates the simplicity necessary for ease of conversion from Basic Piston Trainer and the sophistication required for quick conversion to the complexities of an Advanced Jet Trainer.

Defense World

View News at Defense World

www.defenseworld.net

 

[Nilgiri]

 

[Nilgiri]

Credit: IAF

 

[Vergennes]

India is considering a French proposal to acquire six Airbus 330 multi-role transport tanker aircraft on a government-to-government basis for expanding the Indian Air Force (IAF) strike capability through latest mid-air refuelers. IAF as of now operate seven Russian IL-76 M refuellers with Pakistan acquiring same four refuellers from Ukraine and China operating three same Russian refuellers along with vintage 10 others modified versions of Russian bombers.

According to South Block sources, while IAF wanted to get an Airbus 330 MRTT on wet lease from a British company, the French proposal involves selling 5–7-year-old six aircraft for the air force with a certification of another 30 years of platform life at a much-reduced rate. IAF has been eager to acquire MRTT since the past decade with the previous RFP expiring without any results.

According to a former Indian Air Force chief, the Airbus 330 MRTT platform has much larger wings of Airbus 340 as a result of which the aircraft can refuel two fighters mid-air at the same time through drogues (attached to wing pods) or a central refuelling boom system. The best part about the Airbus aircraft is that it can transport 260 personnel in cabin and fuel in the cargo hold due to highly efficient and high-powered engines. The MRTT can be turned into purely a tanker or transport or air ambulance or all three at the same time with a total crew of three.

Mid-air refuellers are a key to expanding the operational envelope of the IAF and Indian Navy carrier-based fighters by extending their range. According to the former IAF chief, a mid-air refueller can be used to extend the flight of a Su-30 MKI or Rafale flying from Port Blair all the way up to Sunda, Lombard and Malacca Straits for freedom of navigation missions.

“The French proposal is a win-win for IAF as the international market for aerial platforms is down due to Covid-19 pandemic. The aircraft does not guzzle fuel and has high power engines to operate from high altitude air bases in Ladakh like Leh, Thoise and Nyoma at the same time transport troops or conduct medical evacuation if required,” said a senior IAF official.

India considers French offer of six Airbus multi-role mid-air refuellers

According to a former Indian Air Force chief, the Airbus 330 MRTT platform has much larger wings of Airbus 340 as a result of which the aircraft can refuel two fighters mid-air at the same time through drogues (attached to wing pods) or a central refuelling boom system.

www.hindustantimes.com

 

[Madokafc]

You should take it, there is more worth for MRTT model compared to their competitor. The platform itself is a very mature platform with many private industry hold license to do MRO rating certified jobs for this particular type.

 

[Jackdaws]

Good option. Not that Russian engineering is bad, but I trust French engineering a bit more.

 

[crixus]

India is considering a French proposal to acquire six Airbus 330 multi-role transport tanker aircraft on a government-to-government basis for expanding the Indian Air Force (IAF) strike capability through latest mid-air refuelers. IAF as of now operate seven Russian IL-76 M refuellers with Pakistan acquiring same four refuellers from Ukraine and China operating three same Russian refuellers along with vintage 10 others modified versions of Russian bombers.

According to South Block sources, while IAF wanted to get an Airbus 330 MRTT on wet lease from a British company, the French proposal involves selling 5–7-year-old six aircraft for the air force with a certification of another 30 years of platform life at a much-reduced rate. IAF has been eager to acquire MRTT since the past decade with the previous RFP expiring without any results.

According to a former Indian Air Force chief, the Airbus 330 MRTT platform has much larger wings of Airbus 340 as a result of which the aircraft can refuel two fighters mid-air at the same time through drogues (attached to wing pods) or a central refuelling boom system. The best part about the Airbus aircraft is that it can transport 260 personnel in cabin and fuel in the cargo hold due to highly efficient and high-powered engines. The MRTT can be turned into purely a tanker or transport or air ambulance or all three at the same time with a total crew of three.

Mid-air refuellers are a key to expanding the operational envelope of the IAF and Indian Navy carrier-based fighters by extending their range. According to the former IAF chief, a mid-air refueller can be used to extend the flight of a Su-30 MKI or Rafale flying from Port Blair all the way up to Sunda, Lombard and Malacca Straits for freedom of navigation missions.

“The French proposal is a win-win for IAF as the international market for aerial platforms is down due to Covid-19 pandemic. The aircraft does not guzzle fuel and has high power engines to operate from high altitude air bases in Ladakh like Leh, Thoise and Nyoma at the same time transport troops or conduct medical evacuation if required,” said a senior IAF official.

India considers French offer of six Airbus multi-role mid-air refuellers

According to a former Indian Air Force chief, the Airbus 330 MRTT platform has much larger wings of Airbus 340 as a result of which the aircraft can refuel two fighters mid-air at the same time through drogues (attached to wing pods) or a central refuelling boom system.

www.hindustantimes.com

I think its the best available option, with China as prime adversary we need some non-Russian equip[ment and France is the most reliable west country for India