DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Tanks For Everything

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Tanks For Everything

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Asian Military Review
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 10, 2014:  Almost every country in the Asia-Pacific has embarked on military modernisation programmes which include overhauling their Main Battle Tank (MBT) fleets. This article will examine MBT procurement and upgrade programmes ongoing around the region.

by John Ross

Military analysts at IHS Jane’s note the increased defence spending of Asia-Pacific countries which has risen from 13.5 percent in 2012, to $24.5 billion in 2014, with that figure projected to rise to $40 billion by 2016. In Indonesia military spending increased by 82 percent from 2002 to 2012. Singapore, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), has become the fifth largest arms importer in the world allocating over 20 percent of its national budget to defence. Thailand’s defence expenditure is being driven by modernisation initiatives in addition to border disputes and security threats. The country aims to increase defence expenditure as a percentage of its gross domestic product from 1.5 percent in 2011 to 1.8 percent in 2016. A large amount of this increased spending throughout the Asia-Pacific will go towards enhancing MBT fleets.

India

The Indian Army plans to procure a total of 1657 Uralvagonzavod T-90 MBTs by 2020, which will include 1000 tanks produced indigenously under a full technology transfer agreement with Russia, with all parts made in India. A total of 59 armoured regiments are to be equipped with around 1600 tanks. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) which oversees procurement in India has cleared manufacture of 235 T-90 tanks at the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) located at Avadi in south-east India. For those T-90s already in operation with the Indian Army, the force will upgrade more than 600 of these MBTs with new optronics, navigation systems and fire control for a total of $250 million. The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) formally approved the army’s three-year-old proposal for the T-90 upgrade in February 2014. In keeping with the country’s overriding desire to move towards domestic defence provision self sufficiency, an Indian MoD source said that the tender for the upgrade will be sent only to domestic defence companies.

In addition to the T-90s, the Indian Army’s fleet of some 1900 Uralvagonzavod T-72M MBTs is being upgraded with new optronics and navigation equipment, the latter of which will outfit those T-72Ms configured to provide command and control. Upgraded T-72M tanks are entering service and the upgrade has afforded a life extension that will allow them to remain operational beyond 2025. As far as India’s domestic Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Arjun Mk.I MBTs are concerned, all 124 tanks have been delivered to the Indian Army. The force’s 43rd and 75th Armoured Regiments are fully operational with 45 tanks each. Trials of the Arjun Mk.I’s sibling, the Arjun Mk.II began in 2012. Series production is expected to begin in 2016. It offers improved protection, firepower and mobility over its predecessor, and it should eventually replace the Indian Army’s ageing Cold War-era T-55 and T-72M tanks in service with the Indian Army.

Compared to the Arjun Mk.I, the hull and turret of the Arjun Mk.II has been redesigned. It has improved protection and locally-developed explosive reactive armour modules have been added. Armour modules counter APFSDS (Armour-Piercing, Fin-Stabilised, Discarding Sabot) and HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) rounds, as well as Rocket Propelled Grenades. Ammunition is stored in the turret bustle which is equipped with blowout panels. The Arjun Mk.II is also fitted with advanced laser warning and countermeasures systems which confuse enemy sensors. Furthermore, this new MBT is armed with a fully-stabilised 120mm rifled gun which is loaded manually. A rifled gun of such calibre is only used on the British BAE Systems Challenger-2 MBT. This gun is more accurate at long range compared to smoothbore guns. India claims that during trials this new Indian tank outgunned both the T-72M and T-90 (see above). The Arjun Mk.II is also compatible with Israel Aerospace Industries’ LAHAT (Laser-Homing Anti-Tank) surface-to-surface missiles. These missiles are launched in the same manner as ordinary projectiles, and the tank can accommodate a total of 39 rounds, including the LAHAT missiles. The Arjun Mk.II is fitted with advanced optronics and has improved communication and navigation systems. Secondary armament consists of a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a roof-mounted remote-controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun.

Pakistan

Pakistan’s two main tanks are the Al-Zarrar and Al-Khalid MBTs, both of which are manufactured by the Government-owned Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) organisation. Although The Al-Khalid initially entered service in 2001, around 300 are in service but this is expected to rise to 600 with an improved version which will include a more powerful diesel engine, more ammunition storage and a better Fire Control System (FCS) together with new optronics (see Alex Calvo’s ‘Deterrence and Doctrine’ article in this issue). The Al-Khalid is a license-built version of the Kharkiv Morozov T-54 MBT. An Al-Khalid Mk.II is in development which will feature a new turret, modular armour and a new power pack. Recently HIT signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s Norinco for ongoing technology transfer, help with exports and profit sharing. HIT sees possible markets existing in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and possibly the Middle East.

Bangladesh and Indonesia

Bangladesh has ordered 44 Norinco MBT-2000 tanks and three recovery vehicles with deliveries having commenced in 2014. Indonesia, meanwhile, has committed to buying 93 Rheinmetall Leopard 2A4 MBTs and ten engineering and support vehicles. At least 61 of the Leopard 2A4 MBTs which Indonesia has purchased will receive elements of the Rheinmetall ‘Revolution’ modular upgrade package. These upgraded MBTs have been re-designated as the Leopard RI, to denote ‘Republic of Indonesia’. In 2012 the German government gave Rheinmetall the green light in 2012 to export 104 Leopard 2A6 tanks, 50 Marder 1A2 infantry fighting vehicles and ten other platforms, including armoured recovery vehicles, mobile bridges and military engineering vehicles to Indonesia. According to Indonesian officials, the initial agreement for 130 tanks was valued at $280 million, while Rheinmentall’s press release placed the figure at $293.7 million. The deal includes training, logistical support and an initial supply of practice and service ammunition. The deliveries are due to be concluded by 2016.

Malaysia and Singapore

Malaysia purchased 48 Polish Bumar Labedy PT91 Twardy MBTs in the early 2000s. These MBTs are in turn developed from the T-72M (see above). There appear to be no plans to replace these in the foreseeable future as Malaysia has other defence priorities. Like Indonesia (see above) Singapore purchased 66 ex-Heer (German Army) Leopard-2A4 MBTs plus 30 spare tanks, together with ten Bergepanzer-3 Buffel armoured recovery vehicles in 2007-2008. Most of the tanks were recently upgraded to the Leopard-2SG standard with advanced modular armour protection from IBD Deisenroth Engineering of Germany and Singapore’s ST Kinetics. They are fitted with IBD’s Evolution suite that boasts fourth-generation Advanced Modular Armour Protection (AMAP), which employs steel alloy, aluminium-titanium alloy, nano-metric steel, ceramic inserts and nano-ceramics. Steel slat armour is installed on the hull and turret rear and flanks while the hull bottom is reinforced against mines. The Evolution suite increases the tank’s weight from 55 tonnes to 60 tonnes.

Thailand

Thailand’s government signed a $240 million contract for the purchase of 49 Malyshev Factory T-84 Oplot MBTs from Ukraine in March 2011, the T-84 being chosen ahead of the Republic of Korea’s (RoK) Hyundai K1A1. Thai-Ukraine cooperation is at an all-time high following the earlier purchase of Kharkiv Morozov BTR-3E1 eight-wheel drive armoured personnel carriers. Thailand could possibly acquire up to 200 T-84s to allow retirement of its elderly Cadillac/General Motors M41A3 light tanks. It is anticipated that Thailand will eventually purchase up to 200 tanks with the first 50 being delivered in 2015.

Vietnam

Amongst all ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) armies, Vietnam has the largest MBT fleet and has been a long time user of Soviet-era T-54/55 series and Norinco Type 59 MBTs, with several units actually being Vietnam War veterans. Sources say that 600 to 850 T-54/55 tanks remain in Vietnamese service, with around 310 modernised using Israeli technology to take them to T-54/55M3 standards which involved the replacement of the original Soviet 100mm gun with a 105mm M68/L7 gun, along with the installation of explosive reactive armour, smoke grenade launchers, a new engine, a 60mm mortar and upgraded sensors. There were previous reports that Vietnam planned to purchase 150 T-72 main battle tanks from Poland, but the order did not materialise and the budget was instead used to purchase naval assets as the threat to its offshore interests from China are considered more strategically pressing.

China

China is a major producer of innovative tanks, the newest of which is the Norinco ZTZ-99. The ZTZ-99 (Type 99), 500 of which are in service with the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), features significant advances in technology and protection. It is equipped with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA), a laser warning system and a 125mm ZPT-98 main gun. The newest variant is the ZTZ-99A2 with improved ERA, a modified rear hull and turret, a new panoramic commander’s sight, a millimetre-wave radar, an upgraded FCS and a digital Battle Management System (BMS).

Another project is the Type 99KM which is equipped with a modular Active Protection System (APS), an active laser defence system and a larger-calibre gun able to fire next-generation kinetic ammunition. Norinco is developing and marketing the third-generation MBT-3000. This is an upgrade of the MBT-2000 (see above) and it could deploy with the PLA by the end of 2014. The MBT-3000 has a 125mm gun capable of firing missiles, and is powered by a turbo-diesel engine.

The mainstay of the RoK

Republic of Korea’s MBT fleet is around 1500 Hyundai K1 and K1A1 vehicles. General Dynamics has assisted Hyundai to upgrade the KIAI with the addition of a Battle Management System (BMS), global positioning system-based navigation, an identification friend or foe system and new optronics for the driver. The Republic of Korea Army (RoKA) has been testing this modernised K1A1.

Hyundai is also developing the 55-tonne K2 Black Panther for the RoKA. The service intends to order 397 K2s. It will feature a 120mm main gun coupled to an autoloader, a missile approach warning system, BMS and an indigenously-designed soft-kill APS. It also fires the innovative high-trajectory, fire-and-forget KSTAM (Korean Smart Top-Attack Munition) anti-tank round. The K2’s introduction was delayed until March 2014 because of mechanical problems with the locally developed Doosan DST engine and S&T Dynamics automatic transmission. As a result the first 100 production vehicles will use MTU-890 engines and RENK transmissions both imported from Germany.

The K2 Product Improvement programme (PIP) expected to commence in the future will have add features such as non-explosive reactive armour, an upgraded suspension and a hard-kill APS. An electrothermal-chemical gun may also replace the existing 120mm armament. Designers are attempting to integrate an unmanned ground vehicle into the K2’s architecture to give the MBT a remote scouting capability. The RoK intends to offer the K2 for export but this may prove difficult given the number of cheaper refurbished tanks available.

Japan

Japan is planning to downsize its fleet of MBTs, which consists mainly of Mitsubishi Type 90s to 400 examples. It is intended to replace the bulk of these, which are considered too heavy and unsuitable for Japan’s highly urbanised environment with the new Mitsubishi Type 10 MBTs. The high-tech Type 10 is lighter than its predecessor and builds on lessons learned from counter insurgency and asymmetric warfare in Iraq. It has a remote-controlled machine gun atop the turret, while the modular armour package can be adjusted to suit threat levels. In the turret is a 120mm smoothbore cannon that fires a new APFSDS round with greater penetration. Its engine is connected to an innovative continuously variable transmission that allows the vehicle to drive equally fast either forwards or backwards. Furthermore, a BMS connects tanks to each other and to higher echelons of command. Both the Japanese and the RoK MBTs discussed above feature hydropneumatic suspension, as the ability to kneel is extremely useful in rugged terrain since it gives the gun more elevation and depression. It is expected that 68 Type 10s will be in service with the Japan Ground Self Defence Force by 2015.

Taiwan

Taiwan has a need to replace its sizeable fleet of M41 and M48 MBTs and is negotiating with the US to purchase refurbished General Dynamics M1A1 Abrams MBTs which are becoming available as the US army downsizes its fleet. Sources within Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence recently said that Taiwan needs up to 200 new MBTs. Although no order has yet been made it is expected that Taipei will give governmental approval for the acquisition in the near future.

Summary


Many commentators forecasted the death of the MBT following the end of the Cold War and the experience of counter insurgency and asymmetric warfare in the Middle East and Central Asia since the turn of the century. However, throughout the Asia-Pacific region this is far from the case as the expansion of tank fleets continues apace fuelled by the availability of materiel as Western nations downsize their legacy Cold War tank fleets, along with continuing geopolitical rivalries in south Asia and Chinese expansion.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Asian Military Review
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India, Russia Sign Deal For Ammunition

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India, Russia Sign Deal For Ammunition

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 1, 2014: India has signed a deal worth over Rs 2,600 crore with Russia to procure 66,000 anti-tank shells to meet the shortfall of critical ammunition faced by its armoured fleet including the latest T-90 tanks.

The two sides signed the deal on March 27 for the supply of anti-tank shells to the Army and agreement in this regard was inked by Defence Ministry officials from India and Rosoboronexport officials from the Russia side, Defence Ministry told PTI here.

The Cabinet Committee on Security headed by the Prime Minister had recently cleared the proposal to acquire Mango 66,000 tank shells from Russia, they said.

Under the deal, Russia will also undertake transfer of technology on the production techniques of the specialised tank ammunition to the Ordnance Factory Board, which will produce it indigenously, they said.

Faced with shortage of weapon systems, the Defence Ministry has decided to form JVs with the Russian manufacturers to produce them in India like the rockets for the Smerch multi-barrel rocket launcher systems.

The severe shortage of tank ammunition was first highlighted by former Army Chief Gen V K Singh in a top secret letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in March this year which later found its way to the media.

Gen Singh had noted in his letter that only three to four days of this particular ammunition was left in the inventory of the armoured regiments.

Later on, the Army had also informed the Standing Committee on Defence about the shortage and how the situation had worsened by the recent blacklisting of its supplier Israeli Military Industry (IMI).

>>10 Facts you need to know about the T90S-Bhishma Tank
Courtesy : Defence News

India's many battle tanks are in certain cases superior or at par with many other by world standards. But the delay in launching the Arjun Main Battle Tank has been a matter of concern for the Indian Army. India's many battle tanks are in certain cases superior or at par with many other by world standards. But the delay in launching the Arjun Main Battle Tank has been a matter of concern for the Indian Army. Therefore the induction of the T-90S Bhishma Tanks acted as a boon for the Indian Army. Here I am going to share a few facts about the Indian Army's main tank which are worth reading. 1. T-90S Bhishma is originally derived from Russia. Bhishma is a dubbed name just for T-90S. Russian Ministry Of Defence found that it could no longer afford to manufacture two war tanks in parallel. The one being T-80U which was of better quality and another being T-72B which was cheaper. Therefore they started giving small orders along with improvised features in hope for improving exportation to other countries. Later to showcase the sole battle tank of Russia, the ministry launched the T-90S, an amalgam of T-80U and T-72B with far superior fire control system. 2. Initially India never built the T-90S tanks. In 2001 around 310 T-90S tanks were imported from Russia. Out of which 120 were delivered completely, 90 in semi knocked down kits and 100 in complete knocked down kits. 3. The sole purpose of purchasing T-90S was that it had features almost similar to the T-72 which were then used by Indian Army there by simplifying training and maintenance. 4. Coming to the new features of T-90S, it has a new engine, jamming system, laser warning receivers. These Tanks can be used for more than 3 decades with little or no mid-life improvement. The tank has a Fire Control System which includes day and night sighting system mounted at the commanders’ station which allows the detection of a target between the ranges of 700m to 1100m during night. 5. The tank includes one 125mm 2A46M smoothbore gun which is stabilized and has a thermal covering. The easy part is that the gun tube can be effortlessly replaced without dismantling the turret inside. 6. It is built in with both passive and active defenses and the shielding is done by traditional armor plating with explosive reactive armour. 7. It has an improvised mobility factor. The tank has a deep snorkel that can carry 5m of water with tools which can be deployed in 20 minutes to avoid 5m deep water obstacles. The motorized transmission also includes two planetary gear boxes and two final drives which improves its mobility. It can also carry 1600L of fuel in the fuel tank, which is defiant of armor plating. 8. After a series of imports from Russia, finally India got the licence to manufacture the T-90S. Russia supplied documents for the local manufacture of the tank in India. A T-90S Bhishma tank was thus manufactured by the Heavy Vehicles Factory at Avadi, Tamil Nadu on January 7, 2004. Following which 10 others were manufactured by the end of 2009. 9. On November 2012, The Tribune reported that the Army had placed an order of around 250 T-90S tanks which has improved electronic devices. 10. Overall 700 tanks were purchased from Russia till date out of which some were partially or completely built in Russia. But the current contract for manufacture of 347 T-90S Bhishma, which are to be built in India under licence, will lead India to the largest force of modernized tanks in South-Asia.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth  
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

DTN News: India's FMBT (Future Main Battle Tank) - Son Of Arjun Frightens Indians

DTN News: India's FMBT (Future Main Battle Tank) - Son Of Arjun Frightens Indians

Source: Strategy Page

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 20, 2010: India has begun working on its next generation battle tank. Called the FMBT (Future Main Battle Tank), this vehicle aims to build on the success of the last Indian designed tank, the Arjun. This worries many Indian taxpayers, and soldiers. That's because the government recently ordered another 124 Arjuns. That came about because recent competitive tests between the Indian designed Arjun and Russian T-90 tank resulted in an unexpected victory by the Arjun. The Indian Army was compelled (by pro-Arjun politicians) to conduct a field test between the domestically designed (and largely rejected) Arjun tank, and the Russian T-90 (now considered the army's primary tank). Fourteen of each tank were used, and the results were classified. But journalists had no trouble getting unofficial reports that the Arjun managed to best the T-90 in tests of mobility, endurance and gunnery. This was unusual because, until now, the Arjun was considered an expensive and embarrassing failure. Development of the Arjun began in the 1980s, and until four years ago, the army had received only five of them, for evaluation purposes. The evaluation did not go well. Originally, the Arjun was to have replaced thousands of Russian tanks, but after so many delays, the army only reluctantly accepted 128 Arjuns (equipping the 140th Armored Brigade). The new test reports resulted in renewed pressure on the army to buy more Arjuns. This pitted the Defense Ministry weapons development and procurement bureaucrats against the generals. The bureaucrats won this one. But the battle continues. That's because the recent tests assume that the Arjun has really fixed all the problems it was having with its electronics. In this case, it was the fire control system. But Arjun has also had problems with its engine, and that fact that its size and weight prevents it from being used with current tank transporters. Thus the FMBT is to be lighter (50 tons) and based on what works in the Arjun and other modern tanks. The FMBT is expected to replace older Russian tanks. Meanwhile, last year, an Indian factory delivered the first ten (of a thousand) T-90 tanks to the Indian Army. The Russian designed armored vehicles are being built in India under license. Many of the components are Indian made, and some of the electronics are imported from Western suppliers. The Indian-made T-90s cost about $3 million each. India has already bought 700 Russian made T-90 tanks, at a cost of $3.5 million each. The FMBT is expected to cost over $5 million each. The high price is due to a lot of high tech. This includes an active defense system to defeat anti-tank missiles, a much more powerful engine, lots of electronics and a hermetically sealed crew department to provide protection against chemical weapons and radiation. All this stuff is tricky to develop, just the sort of thing DRDO excels as screwing up. This is mostly the fault of the DRDO bureaucrats, who are not very good at using all the technical and manufacturing talent India has. Four years ago, India adopted the Russian T-90 as its new main battle tank. By 2020, India will have 2,000 upgraded T-72s, over 1,500 T-90s, and few hundred other tanks (including a few Arjuns). This will be the most powerful armored force in Eurasia, unless China moves ahead with upgrades to its tank force. The border between China and India is high in the Himalayan mountains, which is not good tank country. India's tank force is mainly for use against Pakistan. The T-90 is a highly evolved T-72. Originally, the T-90 was done as a fall-back design. The T-80 was supposed to be the successor to the T-72. But like the T-62 and T-64 before it, the T-80 didn't quite work out as planned. So the T-72, with a much improved turret and all manner of gadgets, was trotted out as the T-90. Weighting 47 tons, it's 23 feet long, 11 feet wide and 7.5 feet high. Same package, better contents. And with well trained crews, it can be deadly. The Arjun is a larger vehicle (59 tons, 34.9 feet long and 12.7 feet wide). The FMBT will probably be more similar in size to the T-90. Indian armor experts, both military and civilian, are hoping the FMBT is based more on the T-90 than the Arjun. But the most worrisome aspect of the FMBT project is DRDO (Defense R&D Organization), which also developed Arjun. It's feared that the DRDO wonks have not learned from the many errors made with the Arjun. Journalists are digging to find out how legitimate the field tests between the T-90 and Arjun were. It's feared the competition was fixed, something that is not unknown in Indian defense matters. While military procurement is political in all countries, India has had more than its share of problems here. The hope is that the FMBT will not be another DRDO disaster.

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com

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Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied herein, DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Unless otherwise indicated, opinions expressed herein are those of the author of the page and do not necessarily represent the corporate views of DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News.

DTN News: India rolls out locally-built Russian tanks

DTN News: India rolls out locally-built Russian tanks *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - August 25, 2009: India on Monday unveiled a first batch of 10 tanks built locally under licence from Russia and said it planned to manufacture 100 such units every year. India has already acquired nearly 700 T-90 tanks as part of a 2001 deal with Russia that also included local production of more units through a technology transfer pact. The T-90S entered service with the Russian Army in 1992. In February 2001, the Indian Army signed a contract for 310 T-90S tanks. 124 were completed in Russia and the rest are being delivered in 'knocked down / semi-knocked down' form for final assembly in India. The first of these was delivered in January 2004. The locally assembled tanks are christened 'Bhishma'. The tanks are fitted with the Shtora self-protection system and Catherine thermal imagers from Thales of France and Peleng of Belarus. "The T-90S Russian tank represents an increase in firepower, mobility and protection." In January 2005, it was announced that a further 91 T-90S tanks would be procured for the Russian Army, although this number was later reduced. Deliveries are underway. By November 2007, it has been estimated that the Russian Army has around 200 T-90 tanks. In August 2007, Thales was awarded a contract to supply 100 of these with the Catherine FC thermal imager. In March 2006, Algeria signed a contract for the supply of 180 T-90S tanks from Uralvagonzavod, to be delivered by 2011. In November 2006, India ordered a further 300 T-90 tanks, to be licence-built by heavy vehicle factory (HVF), Avadi. Production has been delayed due to technology transfer problems but is expected to begin by the end of 2008. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said each of the Indian-built tanks would cost up to 150 million rupees (three million dollars). “The tank has advanced protection system to protect crew and equipment from chemical, biological and radioactive nuclear attack,” a DRDO statement said after the rollout from a state-run facility in southern Chennai city. Junior Defence Minister Pallam Raju hailed the deliveries as an “important milestone”, the Press Trust of India reported. “The overall objective is to ensure self-sufficiency in defence preparedness to the maximum possible extent,” Raju added. Russia, which supplies 70 percent of India’s military hardware, has also helped its long-time ally to locally build a nuclear-powered submarine which was put on sea trials last month.

DTN News: Venezuela To Double Number Of Tanks, Boost Defenses ~ President Hugo Chavez

DTN News: Venezuela To Double Number Of Tanks, Boost Defenses ~ President Hugo Chavez

*Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti (NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - July 25, 2009: President Hugo Chavez says Venezuela will at least double the number of tanks in its military and continue strengthening its defense capability, the state-run ABN news agency reported. "We are going to buy more tanks to have an armored force at least twice the size of what we have today," Chavez said on national television on Thursday. "We need to strengthen our forces on land, at sea, and in the air and we are going to continue doing that," he added. The leftist president's announcement comes shortly after neighboring Colombia offered to accommodate more U.S. troops at its air and naval bases, which Chavez said was a serious threat to Venezuela's national security. The Venezuelan army currently has more than 80 outdated French-made AMX-30 main battle tanks and several dozen AMX-13C light tanks. Chavez, who has spent billions of dollars on weapons from Russia in recent years, confirmed that Caracas and Moscow were in talks to purchase Russian T-90 main battle tanks among other military equipment. Between 2005 and 2007 Russia signed 12 contracts worth more than $4.4 billion to supply arms to Venezuela, including fighter jets, helicopters and Kalashnikov assault rifles.

DTN News: Russia To Lease A Nuclear Submarine To India - Report

DTN News: Russia To Lease A Nuclear Submarine To India - Report

*Sources: DTN News / Defense Media

(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW- June 23, 2009: A Russian government official dismissed on Monday media rumors that Russia planned to lease several nuclear submarines to India, saying a contract envisioned only the transfer of the Nerpa vessel. India is reportedly paying two billion dollars for the completion of two Akula-II class submarines which were 40-60% completed. Three hundred Indian Navy personnel are being trained in Russia for the operation of these submarines. India has finalized a deal with Russia, in which at the end of the lease of these submarines, it has an option to buy them.The first submarine will be named INS Chakra. Whereas the Russian Navy's Akula-II submarine is equipped with 28 nuclear-capable cruise missiles with a striking range of 3,000 kilometers, the Indian version was reportedly expected to be armed with the 300 km range 3M-54 Klub nuclear-capable missiles. Missiles with ranges greater than 300 kilometers cannot be exported due to arms control restrictions, since Russia is a signatory to the MTCR treaty. "We will lease only one submarine. In my opinion, India needs the sub more for enhancing its prestige rather than for accomplishing specific goals," Vyacheslav Dzirkaln, deputy head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, said in an exclusive interview with RIA Novosti. India reportedly paid $650 million for a 10-year lease of the 12,000-ton K-152 Nerpa, an Akula II class nuclear-powered attack submarine. Indian media have reported that the construction of the vessel was partially financed by the government. On November 8, 2008, while the Nerpa was undergoing sea trials in the Sea of Japan, its on-board fire suppression system went off, releasing a deadly gas into the sleeping quarters. Three submariners and 17 shipyard workers were killed. There were 208 people, 81 of them submariners, on board the vessel at the time. According to Russian navy officials, the trials will resume in early July and the submarine will be delivered to India by the end of 2009. Akula II class vessels are considered the quietest and deadliest of all Russian nuclear-powered attack submarines.

DTN News: India Ban On Defence Firms Singapore Technologies (ST), Will Delay Artillery Upgrade: Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor

DTN News: India Ban On Defence Firms Singapore Technologies (ST), Will Delay Artillery Upgrade: Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor

*Source: Defense Media / Indian Express

(NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - June 15, 2009: Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor said today that the Defence Ministry’s ban on dealing with Singapore Technologies (ST), which is being investigated by the CBI in connection with the corruption charges against former Ordnance chief Sudipta Ghosh, will delay Indian plans to acquire light howitzers for the artillery. “Till the time the CBI is able to carry out detailed investigation,” said Kapoor, “there will be a delay. To that extent, it will affect the acquisition of ultra light howitzers.” He was speaking on the sidelines of a defence function in the capital. The 155 mm, 39-caliber Pegasus is typically towed, but it is also equipped with an independent Lombardini 9LD625-2 engine unit to provide short-range self-propelled capability of up to 12 km/h (7 mph). It can be lifted by the Republic of Singapore Air Force's CH-47SD "Chinook" helicopter, making it the world's first heli-portable 155 mm howitzer with a self-propelled capability. In addition, the Pegasus can also be transported by the C-130 Hercules tactical airlifter. The Pegasus has a burst rate of fire of three rounds in 24 seconds and a maximum rate of fire of four rounds per minute. It can deliver conventional munitions up to 19 km. Extended range munitions can be fired up to 30 km away. A semi-automatic loading system is provided to increase the rate of fire and reduce crew fatigue. The design of the Pegasus also incorporates several innovative elements. It is built with titanium alloy and aluminium alloy materials that are lightweight and yet able to withstand the recoil force of the 155 mm artillery system. Special recoil management design is also employed to reduce the recoil force to a third lower than conventional 155 mm howitzers.* Interestingly, the Singapore-based firm is the only vendor offering its “Pegasus” gun to the Army for its requirement of ultra-light howitzers needed for deployment in mountainous regions. With the only other contender, BAE systems, backing out of the contract, the ST gun was the only one available that met the Army’s requirements. ST was banned after its name figured along with six other firms in the CBI inquiry against former Director General of Ordnance Factory Board Sudipta Ghosh. The defence ministry has put all dealings with the seven firms on hold till the CBI completes its probe. This is the second major blow for the Army’s artillery modernization plans after South African giant Denel was blacklisted in 2005 for allegedly paying kickbacks in a deal for anti-material rifles for the Army. General Kapoor also said today that the much-awaited comparative trials between the indigenous Arjun tanks and the Russian origin T 90 mainstay tanks of the Army will take place in October. The trials are considered vital as the induction of larger numbers of the tank will be dependant on how reliable the Arjun is found by the Army. “The tanks have been just delivered to the Army. It would take three to four months before the regiment is fully operationalised. After that, we will carry out comparative trials between the Arjun tanks and the T-90s,” Kapoor said.

DTN News: Russian Navy To Commission Nerpa Submarine In Fall - Report

DTN News: Russian Navy To Commission Nerpa Submarine In Fall - Report

(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW - June 2, 2009: A nuclear attack submarine involved in a fatal accident during sea trials last year will be commissioned by the Russian Navy in the fall and then leased to the Indian Navy, a source said on Tuesday. The K-152 Nerpa is a 8,140-tonne (8,010-long-ton) Project 971 Shchuka-B (NATO: Akula II) type nuclear-powered attack submarine. Construction was started in 1993, but suspended due to lack of funding. K-152 Nerpa was launched in October 2008 and was planned to be leased to the Indian Navy in 2009 as the recommissioned INS Chakra. While K-152 Nerpa was undergoing sea trials in the Sea of Japan on 8 November 2008, an accident caused the deaths of some twenty sailors and injury to twenty-one others. A fire suppression system discharged gas in the bow of the sub, suffocating civilian specialists and navy crew members. The Nerpa nuclear-powered submarine was undergoing sea trials in the Sea of Japan on November 8 last year when its on-board fire safety system went off, releasing deadly gas into the sleeping quarters. Three submariners and 17 shipyard workers were killed. There were 208 people, 81 of them submariners, on board the vessel at the time. "Following new official state sea trials in the summer, the sub will be put in service with the Navy in the fall of this year," the Russian naval source said. He added that the Nerpa would be leased to the Indian Navy shortly after the commissioning, and said India had paid over $500 million for a 10-year lease of the 12,000-ton nuclear attack submarine. Indian media have reported that the construction of the vessel was partially financed by the country's government. The construction of the Akula II class Nerpa nuclear attack submarine started in 1991, but was suspended for over a decade due to a lack of funding. Akula II class vessels are considered the quietest and deadliest of all Russian nuclear-powered attack submarines. India is one of the main buyers of Russian weaponry, with contracts including the delivery of Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier with at least 16 MiG-29K Fulcrum-D carrier fighters, the Smerch MLRS, and licensed production of T-90 tanks in India. Russia signed in March last year a contract with the Indian Defense Ministry to upgrade around 70 MiG-29 fighters, in service since the 1980s, and agreed to develop a fifth-generation fighter together with India. Russia and India jointly developed the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, whose sea-based and land-based versions have been successfully tested and put into service with the Indian army and navy.

India: Arjun MBT Prepares For Potentially Decisive Trials

India: Arjun MBT Prepares For Potentially Decisive Trials

(NSI News Source Info) April 13, 2009: The Indian Army is readying the locally designed Arjun main battle tank (MBT) for combat manoeuvres in the western Rajasthan desert, due to start in May, in what is widely being interpreted as a showdown between the military and the tank's designer, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), over the system's future. The Indian Army has shown little interest in the Arjun, believing it will soon be obsolete. In July 2008, the Indian Army said it would cap Arjun's induction at 124 units, thus effectively putting an end to the Arjun MBT and its derivative Tank EX program. India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) plans to deliver the remainder of the 124 tanks to the Indian Army by 2009. The Arjun, which the DRDO has been developing for nearly 37 years and which the army has consistently rejected because of performance issues, will also be put through comparative trials with the proven Russian T-72M1 and T-90S MBTs, which constitute the backbone of the country's armoured formations. Two Arjun squadrons, or around 40-45 tanks, from the 43rd Armoured Regiment based at Suratgarh will conduct the trials, which are a prerequisite to the army formally clearing the Arjun for induction and determining its eventual operational role.

Russia Set To Build Fast Attack Boats For Libya

Russia Set To Build Fast Attack Boats For Libya

(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW - March 12, 2009: Russia will build Molniya class missile boats for Libya under a new contract, a source in the defense industry said on Wednesday. Russian media reported on Tuesday that Libya had signed with Russia a contract worth up to an estimated $200 million to buy three missile boats. Russia has tested and put into production a new missile vessel, "Molniya ", armed with four Moskit missiles. The Molniya is a follow-on to the successful Soviet Tarantul-class missile boats. The vessel can destroy surface ships, transport and landing facilities in a coastal zone and out at sea. With its comparatively inconsiderable displacement of 550 tons, "Molniya " is equipped with four "Moskit" supersonic anti-vessel missiles. The first launch of Russia's newest supersonic anti-ship missile, the Moskit SS-N-22 Sunburn, was conducted from an export Molniya fast missile boat at the Feodosia test range late in October 1999. The boat has a radar missile target designation complex. It's the latest achievement in radio-electronic systems of this purpose. With its high noise-proof features, it can observe 15 targets simultaneously and define target destinations of six. The complex can reach targets 500 kilometers off. Besides strike missile guns, the boat has anti-aircraft missile weapons and automatic artillery installations. It has 12 portable anti-aircraft missile complexes "Igla" meant to hit air targets in conditions of natural visibility. The on-board rapid-fire artillery guns are meant to destroy air, surface and coastal targets. They can also be used to liquidate floating mines. "Molniya" also has two launchers and combined-interference shells to protect targets from anti-boat weapons with different guidance systems. "The order was placed with the Vympel shipbuilding yard in Rybinsk [in central Russia]. It involves at least three units worth up to $200 million," the source said. Russian-Libyan military cooperation was unfrozen when then-President Vladimir Putin visited Tripoli last April, with relations further strengthened by Muammar Gaddafi's subsequent visit to Moscow. During Putin's visit, the two countries signed a deal to write off $4.6 billion of Libya's debt in exchange for a host of new deals, including $2 billion in arms agreements. Libya also showed interest in buying Russian-made Su-30MKI fighters, T-90 tanks, and Tor-M2E air defense systems. The Molniya class fast attack boats have a maximum speed of over 40 knots and are equipped with anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and a 76-mm gun. The boats' relatively small size and displacement enable them to blend in with coastal merchant and fishing traffic, making them difficult to locate and target. Russia earlier delivered two Molniya class boats to Vietnam and signed a licensed production agreement with Hanoi on 10 additional vessels.

The Market for Main Battle Tanks: China Leads With Type 98, For State-Of-The-Art Grade One German Leads With Leopard 2 - Annual Analysis By Forecast

The Market for Main Battle Tanks: China Leads With Type 98, For State-Of-The-Art Grade One German Leads With Leopard 2 - Annual Analysis By Forecast International

(NSI News Source Info) March 7, 2009: In its annual analysis "The Market for Tanks," the Forecast International Weapons Group projects that the international market will produce over 6,500 main battle tanks, worth in excess of $26.76 billion, through 2018. However, while increased modernization and retrofit remains transparent to FI's analysis of new-production tanks, this factor remains a significant component of the international market. The Leopard 2 is a German main battle tank developed by Krauss-Maffei in the early 1970s and first entering service in 1979. The Leopard 2 replaced the earlier Leopard 1 as the main battle tank of the German Army. Various versions have served in the armed forces of Germany and twelve other European countries, as well as several non-European nations. More than 3,480 Leopard 2s have been manufactured. The Leopard 2 first saw combat in Afghanistan with the Danish and Canadian ISAF forces.

The first export customer were The Netherlands which received 445 vehicles between July 1981 and July 1986. The Netherlands later resold 114 of these (and one turret) to Austria, 80 to Canada in 2007, another 52 tanks to Norway and finally 37 to Portugal. Sweden also acquired 280 Leopards, 160 2A4s from German stocks, designated Stridsvagn 121, and the rest Leopard 2(S) models (designated Stridsvagn 122) similar in configuration to the Leopard 2A5 variant. Spain first leased and later bought 108 2A4 models in the interim period before 219 license-built Leopard 2A6 models (Leopardo 2E) were ready to replace them. Switzerland bought 380 between 1987 and 1993. A number of countries also use versions of the tank, including Poland, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Turkey and Chile. Germany has fielded about 2125 Leopard 2s in various versions. The design was also tested by Britain in the 1980s, which ultimately decided on the Challenger 2. The Australian Army evaluated ex-German Leopard 2s as a replacement for its Leopard 1 tanks in 2003 but instead selected the M1A1 Abrams. Dean Lockwood, weapons systems analyst at Forecast International, notes that "in 2008, U.S. Department of Defense contract awards for the maintenance, RESET, and upgrade of the existing M1 Abrams inventories carried a total value in excess of $1.46 billion. That was equivalent to more than 46 percent of the total value of all new-production main battle tanks entering the international market in 2008 (nearly $3.17 billion). Last year, the Chinese Type 98 program maintained its position as the single largest new-production program. Yet, with a total value of $395.79 million (for 116 new-production tanks), the Type 98 program was worth only about 27.11 percent what the U.S. DoD spent on the M1 Abrams in 2008." The expense associated with the modernization and retrofit of high-end main battle tanks pales in comparison with the prospect of new tank procurement. Thus, FI expects new production of high-end tanks to remain relatively low, accounting for 14.9 percent of all production and 24.22 percent of the value of the market during the forecast period. In terms of sheer numbers, Forecast International expects Pakistan's Al Khalid, the Type 98 of the People's Republic of China, and the Russian Federation's T-90 (including India's licensed T-90S production program) to continue to dominate the market, representing 60.57 percent of all new tanks rolling out worldwide, and accounting for 52.28 percent of the value of the market, through 2018. In the international market for main battle tanks, the days of U.S. and European domination over new production are long gone. Nevertheless, the established U.S. and European players continue to make their presence felt. The 120mm Rh 120 smoothbore ordnance, the state-of-the-art Leopard 2, and the combat-proven M1 Abrams continue to set the standard for main battle tank design worldwide. Second only to the infantryman in terms of combat effectiveness, the "mailed fist" of heavy armor remains the arm of decision on the modern battlefield. Further, as Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-present) evolved from a war of movement into a security operation, the main battle tank has proven surprisingly adaptable. According to Lockwood, "In the congested streets of Iraqi cities, the Abrams serves as a significant force multiplier, fully up to meeting the challenges of an asymmetric warfare environment."

India's Army Ill-Equipped Despite Plans

India's Army Ill-Equipped Despite Plans

(NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI - February 16, 2009: In the wake of last November's Mumbai terror strikes, which revealed weaknesses in India's homeland defense capacity, India's inability to fight a full-fledged war is now being increasingly exposed.

Years of political neglect, corruption, red tape and indecisiveness have left the Indian Army (and to some degree the Navy and the Air Force) without the wherewithal to fight a protracted war against neighbor Pakistan, let alone more powerful China.

Problems with India's defense modernization program -- valued at more than $50 billion over the next five years and to include new fighter jets, nuclear submarines and war ships -- mean that improvements might be further off than anticipated.

Inadequacies in India's Russian-made main battle tank fleet, originally identified in a report by the Comptroller and Auditor (CAG) in 2006, continue. The report focused on India's deficiency vis-à-vis Pakistan, since Islamabad is the more immediate threat, but also because the deficit when compared to China is too glaring to be overcome in the foreseeable future.

The CAG report identified quality problems in tanks, upgrades and technology transfer issues with Russia, especially in the face of Pakistan's crack fleet of about 1,300 Chinese and Ukrainian-built tanks.

Last year, Army Chief Gen. Deepak Kapoor said that Russia has been delaying technology transfers on the T-90 tanks, which in turn has pushed back production in India. New Delhi had purchased 310 of these tanks in 2001 and signed a contract for another 347 in 2007.

In a further sign of urgency in the face of Indo-Pak tensions, the Army last week placed a fast-track order of 4,100 French-origin Milan-2T anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), as the indigenous Nag missile is yet to be operational. Like other military upgrade orders, the $123 million Milan ATGM purchase had been on hold for a while, but was pushed through urgently given the conflict scenario emerging after the Mumbai attacks.

Experts have also been highlighting India's inadequacies in missile capabilities when compared to Pakistan's Chinese and North Korean-backed program. India's test of a nuclear-capable BrahMos cruise missile failed last month. In the case of ballistic missiles, only the short-range (150-350 km) Prithvi are battle-ready. Though India has successfully tested longer range (700-2000 km) Agni missiles, they are yet to be fully operational and are still being inducted.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has spoken bluntly over the past few years about the state-owned Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) that oversees all defense production, expressing concern over escalating imports in the defense sector due to incessant delays in indigenous delivery of weapons systems. Among the severely delayed DRDO projects include the Tejas, a homemade light combat aircraft, and the Arjun, a main battle tank.

And while the bigger issues receive some attention, there are myriad smaller problems. In its performance audit of defense capital acquisitions in mid-2007, the CAG cited the Army for purchasing more thermal imagers than needed, at a cost of $2 million. CAG also said that four frontline warships acquired by the Navy are sitting ducks for enemy submarines, as they were inducted without Sonar capability. The Navy was also cited for procuring two maritime reconnaissance aircraft, refurbished at a cost of $55 million without essential avionics and weapon systems, leading to serious limitations in their operational role.

Observers say that although India has emerged as one of the biggest buyers of military hardware globally and defense deals are signed very easily and with much fanfare, there is a wide gap between planning and execution. Almost every defense contract passes through the usual cycle of taint, allegations, political brinkmanship and investigations. Despite the Indian government enacting an "Integrity Pact"" between buyer and seller to avoid kickbacks and corruption, it is well-known that middlemen and agents continue to play significant roles.

However, excessive scrutiny can sometimes amount to a politically driven witch-hunt that promotes indecision at a time when Indian armed forces are in dire need of modernization. For example, a $3-billion deal signed in October 2006, to procure six Franco-Spanish Scorpene submarines from Armaris and European defense firm MBDA is currently under suspicion. Allegations have arisen that New Delhi shielded Indian middlemen who took commissions from French defense giant Thales, which owns Armaris, to clinch the deal.

And in 2007, after considerable speculation, New Delhi scrapped a $600-million deal to buy 197 military helicopters from EADS subsidiary Eurocopter, saying irregularities in the bidding process were to blame.

Thus, despite the Defense Procurement Policy of 2006 designed to bring transparency and speedy clearance of contracts, the defense ministry has been unable to substantially increase the pace of expenditure. The Parliamentary committee on defense reported in 2008 that $4.3 billion in funds meant to modernize India's armed forces has remained unspent between 2003-7, as deals get scrapped or delayed due to controversy and kickback allegations.

Indeed, though the Pakistan economy lags India by quite a margin, the same can no longer be said when it comes to military purchases. Pakistan overtook India for the first time in 2006, signing arms deals worth $5.1 billion, as compared to $3.5 billion by India. India is by far the bigger buyer over the period 1999-2006, with agreements valued at $22.4 billion, compared to $10.9 billion for Pakistan. But clearly there is a problem in executing deals.

Rosoboronexport – A New Format Of Strategic Cooperation With India

Rosoboronexport – A New Format Of Strategic Cooperation With India

(NSI News Source Info) February 12, 2009: The 7th Biennial International Aerospace Exhibition, Aero India 2009, will be held at the Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bangalore, India, from 11 to 15 February 2009. Its organizer is India’s Ministry of Defense (Department of Defense Production). The present exhibition will be a significant event not only for the Asia Pacific region, but also for the world’s major manufacturers of combat and civilian aerospace equipment and air defense facilities. The air show is expected to be dominated by India’s tender to supply the national Air Force with 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA). In January 2004, the Indian Navy signed a contract for the delivery of 12 MiG-29K and 4 MiG-29KUB which will be operated from INS Vikramaditya. The first MiG-29KUB manufactured for the Navy took to the skies in May 2008. Delivery of the aircraft to India started in September 2008. In September 2008, the Indian Navy confirmed the purchase of an additional 30 MiG-29Ks and -KUBs for the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier. Nearly 600 foreign and domestic companies will be showcasing their products at Aero India 2009. This stems from a desire amongst major aircraft manufacturers to enter competition for large arms procurement orders under the Indian Air Force Modernization Program. In turn, many countries in the region show interest in modern combat planes and helicopters, weapons and avionics as well as in upgrading their national military arsenals. Certainly, the global financial crisis has somewhat affected the arms market. However, its impact on military-technical cooperation turned out not to be as severe as on the other sectors of the world economy. This primarily pertains to the countries not dependent on petrodollars. The specialists and guests will be able to see tens of various combat and civilian planes. Helicopters will be widely exhibited which is caused by the Indian Army’s plans to procure 500 light helicopters in the coming ten years to meet the needs of its airmobile units. The exhibitors will showcase a diverse lineup of training facilities, engines, avionics, missile and bombing armament. According to RF Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation’s decision, the Rostekhnologii State Corporation is the organizer of the Russian exposition. The federal state unitary enterprise Rosoboronexport, the sole state intermediary agency in the field of military-technical cooperation with foreign countries, will participate in Aero India 2009 under the aegis of the State Corporation. The unified Russian delegation is headed by Alexander Fomin, first deputy chairman of the RF Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation. Viktor Komardin, deputy director general of Rosoboronexport, will head the enterprise’s delegation. A 1000 sq. m exhibition area will accommodate stands of 20 Russian exhibitors displaying armaments, military equipment, and aerospace products as full-scale hardware, models, advertising leaflets and posters. The content and dimensions of the Russian stands, planned meetings and negotiations will be focused on further strengthening Russia’s military-technical cooperation with its long and reliable partners in MTC as well as on looking for new would-be purchasers of aircraft and armaments made by Russia independently or jointly with foreign partners in production.India, hosting this traditional air show, has been our most important strategic partner for over several decades. Moscow and Delhi currently implement the 2001-2010 Military-Technical Cooperation Program valued at US$ 18 billion. Most defense deliveries under the Program have been completed or are in the final phase. In December 2008, the Intergovernmental Commission for MTC defined a strategy for the bilateral relations in the period through 2020. Among the ongoing major projects are the delivery of Mi-17V-5 transport helicopters to the Indian AF, license production of Su-30MKI aircraft and T-90S tanks, and Il-38 maritime patrol aircraft modernization. In addition, the Russian defense industry fulfills Indian delivery orders for MiG-29K, MiG-29KUB fighters and Ka-31 helicopters. The trend seen in recent years is a growing Indian industry’s involvement in the development and production of Russian aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The bilateral cooperation is advancing to a qualitatively new level: from arms deliveries to in-depth joint R&D efforts, purchase of Russian technologies and licensed production of armaments and military equipment in India. Our MTC features a high level of cooperation and trust in carrying out joint R&Ds and production of armaments and military equipment. This meets Moscow and Delhi’s strategic and mutually beneficial interests. Much attention is paid now to the joint Multi-Role Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. The MTA is initially planned as a double-use transport. It has to meet the demanding requirements of the military and yet be commercially attractive. The technical and financial risks involved are shared between Russia and India. Once launched into production, the new aircraft will replace military transports operational with the two countries. Another contract signed by Rosoboronexport late last year calls for active joint development efforts on a fifth-generation fighter. It is planned that the future aircraft will use a new platform with up-to-date technical components, including stealth technologies. The fighter will combine super maneuverability and supersonic speed, long range and high counter-air defense capability. It will be fitted with a new-architecture multifunction avionics suite. In the engine area, Russia has transferred to India production documentation for such a high-tech product as the RD-33 Series 3 aircraft engine. Our country is developing the AL-55I turbojet intended to power the Indian HJT-36 trainer. Over the past 40-plus years the volume of Russian and Indian military-technical cooperation has exceeded US$ 35 billion. India accounts for around one third of Russia’s total arms exports. Moreover, aircraft products make up the bulk of the deliveries. Such a large-scale and growing pattern of the partnership relations helps further strengthen the traditional friendly ties between our nations and armed forces. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to India held early last December confirmed this once again. India has always strived to buy the newest weapons from Russia. That is why it now possesses the most up-to-date weapons and military equipment. The Russian defense industry and Rosoboronexport’s exhibit at Aero India 2009 will contribute to the expansion and strengthening of the cooperation. Russia’s MiG-35 fighter will surely draw strong interest among the guests and exhibitors. It was on display at the previous exhibition in Bangalore, but now the visitors and specialists will be able to see and assess the flight performance of the machine that has embodied the Indian AF’s best operating experience with previous MiG aircraft. It is this aircraft that will compete in the tender to supply 126 MMRCA fighters to the Indian AF. The Russian aircraft has perfect aerodynamic lines and has acquired incredible super maneuverability, owing to an exclusive thrust vector control technology. None of MiG-35’s rivals can boast such capability which gives it an undeniable edge in real air combat. Furthermore, heavy use of composites in the frame has made the aircraft less observable to enemy radars. The fighter’s double weapons load and 1.5-fold higher fuel capacity compared to its predecessor are also its irresistible benefits. The Zhuk-AE active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar is a unique component of the MiG-35, which was proposed for the tender by Rosoboronexport and Russian Aircraft Corporation (RSK) MiG. The radar can track up to 30 targets and attack simultaneously up to six most dangerous of them. Its target detection range of 140-160 km also wins admiration and can be further extended to 250-280 km when more receive/transmit modules are used. Along with its powerful precision-guided weapons, high-performance active self-defense system and superb performance characteristics, the lightweight MiG-35 has turned into a medium-sized aircraft – a superfighter of the 21st century. The participants and guests of the show will be able to be convinced once again of the advantages of the Su-30MK2 multi-role super maneuverable fighter intended to win air superiority and engage surface and ground targets with precision weapons. The fighter can effectively perform missions both independently and as part of a group in any weather. Visitors will also be able to get acquainted with the performance characteristics and capabilities of the Yakovlev Yak-130 combat trainer. Its aerodynamic layout and powerplant and system parameters allow flying in almost all flight conditions typical of current and future combat aircraft. The Russian delegation will also demonstrate the Mi-35M transport/attack helicopter. Its combat capabilities and flight performance have been markedly improved through installation of a day/night surveillance and targeting system, new engines and a new rotor system. It can operate 24 hours a day in hot climate and mountain conditions. The Mi-35M is the sole attack helicopter in the world capable of handling assault, airlift and medevac missions. The lineup of Russian helicopters includes also the Mi-26 heavy-lift military transport helicopter, the world’s biggest freighter. It can carry equipment and large-sized cargos weighing up to 20 tons inside the cabin and externally. In terms of load-carrying capacity, the Mi-26 is comparable to the US C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft. Rosoboronexport’s stand displays air defense weapons as well. The Tor-M1 and Buk-M2E SAM systems, able to effectively destroy enemy tactical and strategic planes, helicopters, cruise missiles and other targets, offer a great export potential. “India and Russia are the countries possessing high-tech capabilities and having a long history of mutually beneficial military-technical cooperation,” said Viktor Komardin, head of Rosoboronexport’s delegation. “We’ve taken part in all the seven air shows in Bangalore. We hope that during meetings and talks with our partners in MTC at the exhibition we’ll implement the accords reached during the recent visit by President Dmitry Medvedev to India as well as prepare new mutually beneficial agreements and establish promising contacts.

Rosoboronexport State Corporation

Tel.: (+7 495) 637-99-15

Fax: (+7 495) 202-45-94

E-mail: media @ post.rusarm.ru

Web-site : www.rusarm.ru

India: Army Falls For Arjun, Induction By Month-End

India: Army Falls For Arjun, Induction By Month-End

(NSI News Source Info) February 10, 2009: In what may be considered as a fillip for the country’s indigenous production of defence equipment, the first-ever fleet of Indian-made Arjun battle tanks would be inducted into the Army by February end. A total 45 tanks would form this armoured regiment and the first order of tanks is expected to arrive within next three weeks. In the first phase, 18-20 tanks would be handed over to the Indian Army by the heavy vehicle factory, Avadi, Tamil Nadu. Already, about 85 tanks are in various stages of production. The Indian Army ordered 124 Arjuns in 2000. The first five were delivered to the army in August 2004. The first 15 tanks have been activated. Of the remaining tanks, which are being manufactured in batches, 14 of these have been handed over to the Indian Army for winter trials. All 124 units will be delivered to the Army by the end of 2009. The planned production rate is currently pegged at thirty tanks per year, with the Army requesting fifty per year as the ideal. Notably, the induction is coming almost 36 years after India announced its programme to build own tanks, and the process was laced with glitches and delays. The tanks would be available at the Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACCS), Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, where training of personnel would be carried out. It would take a few months more before the Arjun is actually deployed in one of the armoured corps on field duties. It is likely that the deployment could be the Indo-Pak border where a majority of the 59 tank regiments of the Army are deployed. The induction is coming despite stiff opposition from within the armed forces, which tested the tank to the hilt and agreed only after various parameters were met. Defence Minister AK Antony stood his ground and made it clear that the 58-tonne Arjun would be inducted, as it was working fine. Well-placed sources in the government said the tanks earlier had to be handed over by January end, but the deadline was extended by a month. Sources in Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) confirmed that the tanks were ready for shipment and handing-over to the Army. Rather, the move implies that the induction would be carried out without waiting for the much-awaited comparative trials of the indigenous Arjun tanks with Russian-made T-90s, as had been desired by the DRDO.

India's Republic Day Parade On January 26, 2009 In New Delhi, India

India's Republic Day Parade On January 26, 2009 In New Delhi, India

(NSI News Source Info) January 27, 2009: T-90 Bheeshma tanks, missiles, helicopters, many various aircrafts and military products were paraded during the Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2009 in New Delhi, India. India celebrates its 60th Republic Day with its annual parade. The parade is an opportunity for India to display its military might, progress and cultural diversity.