DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India's Rafale Fighter Jet Deal in Final Lap, Awaits Government's Nod

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India's Rafale Fighter Jet Deal in Final Lap, Awaits Government's Nod

*Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday met French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius in New Delhi. Fabius arrived in Delhi on Sunday night for a two-day visit. He will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to make a pitch for speeding up the Rafale aircraft deal.
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Reuters
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 30, 2014: (New Delhi)  The Indian Air Force or IAF may lose its traditional conventional edge against Pakistan if the contract to buy 126 Rafale medium multi-role combat aircraft or MMRCA is not clinched immediately, senior IAF officials told Defence Minister Arun Jaitley at an extensive briefing recently. (Defence Minister Briefed on Indian Air Force's Operational Preparedness)

French aerospace major Dassault Aviation had won the contract to supply the fighter jets to the IAF in 2012. 

The Air Force, which ideally requires 44 squadrons but can manage with 39, currently only has 32 squadrons; 12 of them of the near-obsolete MiG-21s. 

Mr Jaitley had only one query: what is the cost of the contract? 

The IAF's answer -- Rs. 100,000 crore spread over 10 years -- immediately evoked a positive reaction from Mr Jaitley, sources in the Ministry of Defence told NDTV. (Dassault Hopes to Sign Rafale India Deal This Year)

The enthused IAF brass now says that if the government gives the final clearance, the massive, and in many ways the first-of-its-kind contract, may be clinched in the next six months. 

Three sub-sets of the complicated deal have been completed, say sources. The committees that were in charge of Offsets, Maintenance, Transfer of Technology have concluded their work; it took them over two years to prepare documents running into thousands of pages. These include details of work share between Dassault and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd or HAL, liabilities and costs to maintain and run the 126 jets. (A big step in India's Rafale jet deal with France)

Over 41 articles in the defence procurement procedure or DPP have been taken on board while arriving at the final documentation. HAL has been designated the lead domestic production agency. 18 of the 126 jets will be produced in France and the remaining 108 will be manufactured at the production unit in India. (Depleted fighter fleet is worrisome, says Air Chief)

But the committee responsible for costs and contract is yet to finalise its report. Once the deal officially receives clearance, this part of the contract may be ready for signing in less than two months, say sources. (France sees first Rafale jet deliveries to India by 2016)

Meanwhile, many of Rafale's competitors are lobbying hard against the contract and running down the fighter aircraft over various counts, including 'prohibitive' costs. 

But the IAF top brass is clear that the process to buy the MMRCA is irreversible, notwithstanding a view that the IAF must induct the HAL-made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas instead of buying the expensive Rafale. 

IAF officials point out that the Tejas is yet to receive final operational clearance despite the home-grown fighter aircraft being in the making for over 30 years. As per revised timelines, the first full Tejas squadron in the Initial Operational Clearance configuration will be in place only by 2016-2017. 

"We have been hand-holding the LCA for a long time and will continue to support it. But it is not a replacement for a medium, multirole fighter aircraft. Its reach is barely 200 km while we need an aircraft with a reach of at least 1000-km if we have to pose any challenge in the Tibet Autonomous Region, where India expects a major threat to its air combat power in case of a conflict with China," said a top IAF officer.

Meanwhile, the Rafale deal is likely to be on top of the agenda during French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius's two-day visit to India, which starts today.

The question now is whether prime minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Arun Jaitley will also treat the deal as a matter of top priority. 


*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Reuters
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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Su-30MKI Aircraft Displays Facing ‘Blanking Off’ Problems

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Su-30MKI Aircraft Displays Facing ‘Blanking Off’ Problems

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Indian Defence.com

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 13, 2014: Cockpit displays of some of the Su-30MKI “blanking off” affected the use of the aircraft, India has told Russia, which is the manufacturer and supplier of these fighter planes to IAF.

“Displays blanking off is a serious and critical issue affecting the exploitation of the aircraft and needs immediate resolution of the matter on priority,” state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) wrote to the Russian Irkut Corporation, which builds the aircraft.

In the letter dated 28 February, a top HAL functionary has stated that the head-up displays and other displays were “blanking off” during flight of the aircraft belonging to some particular batches of the Su-30MKI and the Russian side has already been informed about it.

HAL stated in the letter that the Russian side has not yet responded even after the first complaint in this regard was registered in March 2013 and the Russian adviser deployed in India was also informed about it.

The documents related to communication between Indian and Russian officials have come to light after hackers breached Russian defence firms’ networks and posted the material online.

Another leaked document suggested that the delay in setting up an MRO for the Su-30MKI aircraft was “adversely affecting” the already delayed process of overhauling the fighter jets.

The delay in setting up the facility and deployment of Russian specialists was “adversely affecting the progress of the already delayed Su-30MKI overhaul programme and our commitment to IAF and the defence ministry on plan for setting up overhaul facilities,” the official said in the letter.

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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India Considers Buying More Boeing Apaches Helicopters

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India Considers Buying More Boeing Apaches Helicopters

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 4, 2013: Boeing could snare yet another big order from India as the Indian Army has asked the Defence Ministry to acquire an unspecified number of AH-64D Apache attack helicopters, according to an MoD source.

Last year, the Indian Air Force purchased 22 Apaches for US $1.3 billion. Beyond the Indian Army request, a third order of helicopters could be in the offing for India’s planned Mountain Corps.

Boeing executives in New Delhi were unavailable for comment.

US companies have already won contracts worth more than $8 billion over the past four years, and most of the weapons and equipment supplied to India have come through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. India has bought 10 Boeing C-17 aircraft, 12 Boeing P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft and six Lockheed Martin C-130J transport planes.

The Indian Army wants its Apaches to be exclusive to the service and not associated with the Air Force’s 22 helicopters.

The MoD source added that, instead of inviting fresh bids, the MoD is considering a repeat order, which he said could be finalized by the end of the year. The size of the order is not known.

Meanwhile, an Indian Army official said the newly sanctioned Mountain Corps of roughly 30,000 troops, which could be deployed along the China border, would also be equipped with yet another purchase of attack helicopters.

The Cabinet Committee on Security, the highest decision-making body on weapon purchases and security, approved the additional troops this month.

The attack helicopters for the Mountain Corps would be in addition to the order being considered by the MoD for the Army. The Indian Army, however, must still decide when and how to procure the additional unspecified numbers of attack helicopters for the Mountain Corps, which is expected to be in operation in about 10 years, the Indian Army official said.

India has, meanwhile, developed an indigenous light combat helicopter. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will build 60 Rudra helicopters for the Army and Air Force.

The Rudra is powered by a new Shakti engine, jointly developed by Hindustan Aeronautics and French engine manufacturer Turbomeca. The new engine will allow the Rudra to fly above 20,000 feet.

The multi-mission AH-64D Apache Longbow is the next-generation version of original AH-64A Apache. With its fire-control radar, the aircraft is known as the AH-64D Apache Longbow. Without the radar, the combat-proven aircraft is called the AH-64D Apache.

AH-64A Apache
Between 1984 and 1997, Boeing produced 937 AH-64As for the U.S. Army, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The combat-proven AH-64A is still in service and includes the following features:
*Two high-performance turboshaft engines and maximum cruise speed of 284 kph
*Laser, infrared, and other systems (including target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensor) to locate, track, and attack targets
*A combination of laser-guided precision Hellfire missiles, 70mm rockets, and a 30mm automatic cannon with up to 1,200 high-explosive, dual-purpose ammunition rounds
AH-64D Apache and AH-64D Apache Longbow
The combat-proven AH-64D Apache and AH-64D Apache Longbow share the following history and characteristics:
*Testing in the late 1990s, delivery in 1997, in production for the U.S. Army and several international customers
*Selection by the U.S. Army, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Republic of Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom (as the AH Mk1)
*Ability to assimilate advancements in digital connectivity, sensors, weapon systems, advanced training devices, and maintenance support systems
AH-64D Apache Longbow Enhancements
The radar-equipped AH-64D Apache Longbow features numerous enhanced capabilities, including:
*Longer-range weapons accuracy and all-weather/night fighting
*Detection of objects (moving or stationary) without being detected
*Classification and threat-prioritization of up to 128 targets in less than a minute
*Integrated sensors, networking, and digital communications for situational awareness, management of the combat arena in real time, and digital transmission of images and target locations to joint operations battlefield commanders

The AH-64 Apache has been developed since its inception using incremental technology insertions at regular intervals to ensure that the world's most capable multi-role combat helicopter meets the needs of the warfighter today and in the future.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News - Top Best Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft Projects

DTN News - Top Best Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft Projects

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 1, 2013:  The classification of similar products - be it fighters, computer systems or naval frigates - in generations is a well established practice and is generally accepted as a quick shortcut to define the broad characteristics and time frames of a given product category. However, the inherent rigidities, inflexibilities and oversimplifications of such practices cannot be ignored, in the fighter aircraft sector, in particular.

As an example, the generation sequence and headings used by Lockheed Martin for fighters are generally shared by the defence community and can be summarised as follows:

A fifth-generation jet fighter is a fighter aircraft classification used in the United States and elsewhere encompassing the most advanced generation of fighter aircraft as of 2013. Fifth-generation aircraft are designed to incorporate numerous technological advances over the fourth generation jet fighter. The exact characteristics of fifth generation jet fighters are controversial and vague, with Lockheed Martin defining them as having all-aspect stealth even when armed, Low Probability of Intercept Radar (LPIR), high-performance air frames, advanced avionics features, and highly integrated computer systems capable of networking with other elements within the theatre of war for situational awareness. The only currently combat-ready fifth-generation fighter, the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 2005

10. Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) India 

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), formerly known as the Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA), is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter being developed by India.

9. KAI KF-X  South Korea

The Korea Aerospace Industries KF-X is a South Korean program to develop an advanced multirole fighter for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) and Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU), spearheaded by South Korea with Indonesia as the primary partner. It is South Korea's second fighter development program following the FA-50.

8. Mitsubishi ATD-X Shinshin Japan

The Mitsubishi ATD-X Shinshin is a prototype fifth-generation jet fighter that uses advanced stealth technology. It is being developed by the Japanese Ministry of Defense Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI) for research purposes. The main contractor of the project is Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Many consider this aircraft to be Japan's first domestically made stealth fighter. ATD-X is an acronym meaning "Advanced Technology Demonstrator – X". The aircraft's Japanese name is Shinshin. The aircraft's first flight is scheduled for 2014.

7. Mikoyan LMFS Russia

This Aircraft is also going to be introduced in 2020, it is a single engine stealth fighter and is based on the canceled MiG 1.44. Russian Air Force is going to use this aircraft and the project success rate is estimated as 80%.

 6.  J-XX China

 This will be introduced in 2020 and will be used by Chinese Air Force. It is proposed to have a single engine stealth fighter and will be based on J-10B, JF-17 or may be on a totally new design.

5. Sukhoi/HAL FGFA Russia/India

The Sukhoi/HAL Fifth Generati on Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) is a fifth-generation fighter being developed by India and Russia. It is a derivative project from the PAK FA (T-50 is the prototype) being developed for the Indian Air Force. FGFA was the earlier designation for the Indian version, while the combined project is now called the Perspective Multi-Role Fighter (PMF).

The completed PMF will include a total of 43 improvements over the T-50, including stealth, supercruise, advanced sensors, networking and combat avionics.

Two separate prototypes will be developed, one by Russia and a separate one by India. According to HAL chairman A.K. Baweja (speaking shortly after the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Committee meeting on 18 September 2008), both the Russian and Indian versions of the aircraft will be single-seater. The first aircraft will begin testing in India in 2014, with introduction into service expected by 2022.

4. F-35 Lightening II (JSF)  U.S., U.K, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Norway, Denmark,  Turkey, Israel, Singapore,  Japan


The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, fifth generation multirole fighters under development to perform ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions with stealth capability. The F-35 has three main models; the F-35A is a conventional takeoff and landing variant, the F-35B is a short take off and vertical-landing variant, and the F-35C is a carrier-based variant.

The F-35 is descended from the X-35, the product of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. JSF development is being principally funded by the United States. The partner nations are either NATO members or close U.S. allies. It is being designed and built by an aerospace industry team led by Lockheed Martin. The F-35 carried out its first flight on 15 December 2006.

The United States plans to buy a total of 2,443 aircraft to provide the bulk of its tactical airpower for the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy over the coming decades. The United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Norway, Denmark, and Turkey are part of the development program; Israel, Singapore and Japan may also equip their air services with the F-35.

3. Black Eagle J-20 China

The Chinese J-20 “Black Eagle” 5th generation fighter could be superior to the F-35 Lightning II, and even on a par with the F-22 Raptor with its range, radar-evading stealth capability, as well as with its firepower.

2. PAK-FA Russia

 The Sukhoi PAK FA is a twin-engine jet fighter being developed by Sukhoi for the Russian Air Force. The Sukhoi T-50 is the prototype for PAK FA. The PAK FA is one of only a handful of stealth jet programs globally.

The PAK FA, a fifth generation jet fighter, is intended to be the successor to the MiG-29 and Su-27 in the Russian inventory and serve as the basis of the Sukhoi/HAL FGFA being developed with India. The T-50 prototype performed its first flight 29 January 2010. By 31 August 2010, it had made 17 flights and by mid-November, 40 in total. The second T-50 was to start its flight test by the end of 2010, but this was delayed until March 2011.

The Russian Defence Ministry will purchase the first 10 evaluation example aircraft after 2012 and then 60 production standard aircraft after 2016. The first batch of fighters will be delivered with current technology engines. The PAK-FA is expected to have a service life of about 30–35 years.

1. F-22 Raptor USA

The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation supermaneuverable fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology. It was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but has additional capabilities that include ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence roles. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is the prime contractor and is responsible for the majority of the airframe, weapon systems and final assembly of the F-22. Program partner Boeing Defense, Space & Security provides the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.

The aircraft was variously designated F-22 and F/A-22 during the years prior to formally entering USAF service in December 2005 as the F-22A. Despite a protracted and costly development period, the United States Air Force considers the F-22 a critical component of U.S. tactical air power, and claims that the aircraft is unmatched by any known or projected fighter. Lockheed Martin claims that the Raptor's combination of stealth, speed, agility, precision and situational awareness, combined with air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities, makes it the best overall fighter in the world today. Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, former Chief of the Australian Defence Force, said in 2004 that the "F-22 will be the most outstanding fighter plane ever built."

The high cost of the aircraft, a lack of clear air-to-air combat missions because of delays in the Russian and Chinese fifth-generation fighter programs, a U.S. ban on Raptor exports, and the ongoing development of the planned cheaper and more versatile F-35 resulted in calls to end F-22 production. In April 2009, the U.S. Department of Defense proposed to cease placing new orders, subject to Congressional approval, for a final procurement tally of 187 operational aircraft. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 lacked funding for further F-22 production. The final F-22 rolled off the assembly line on 13 December 2011 during a ceremony at Dobbins Air Reserve Base.


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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: HAL To Make Multirole Aircraft With Russian Firm

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: HAL To Make Multirole Aircraft With Russian Firm

UAC-Transport Aircraft, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL) sign contract on designing of Multimodal Transport Aircraft

Press-release of JSC "UAC-Transport Aircraft"

Bangalore, May 28, 2012

Today, JSC “UAC-Transport Aircraft”, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL) have concluded a General contract at the HAL’s headquarters. The contract was signed by MTA Program Director Alexey Boykov, HAL Design Director Shri T Suvarna Raju and MTAL General Director N.C. Agarwal.

As of today, JSC “UAC-Transport Aircraft” has completed preparation of IT and PLM infrastructure necessary to start work of a joint group on preliminary design.

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources The Economic Times

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 31, 2012: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will manufacture a Multi-role Transport Aircraft (MTA) with a Russian partner primarily for the Indian and Russian air forces, the state-run defence behemoth said Tuesday.

"The twin-engine aircraft in 15-20 tonne class will be designed, co-developed and manufactured for cargo/troop transportation; para-drop/air drop of supplies, including low altitude parachute extraction system," HAL chairman R.K. Tyagi said in a statement here.

In its transport fleet, the IAF has about 100 AN-32, including some overhauled and upgraded versions.

To execute the $600-million defence project, the $2.6-billion HAL entered into a contract here Monday with United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia and the 50:50 joint venture they have set up - Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd.

Capable of short landings and takeoffs, the aircraft will have capacity to ferry about 80 troops, infantry fighting vehicles, artillery pieces and ammunition and can be deployed for battlefield medical evacuation.

With a glass cockpit for electronic instrument displays, fly by wire controls and full authority digital engine control, the aircraft will have 800kmph cruise speed and a range of 2,500km without refuelling.

HAL will design and develop the MTA at its aircraft research and development (ARDC) centre in this tech hub, while its transport aircraft division at Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh will manufacture prototypes and commence serial production after the certification process.

"Our objective is to achieve self-reliance in design, development and production of a MTA and manage the programme with international collaboration and global suppliers," Tyagi said.

The first test flight of the prototype will be in five years (2017) and regular production two years later (2019).

HAL will also share the development cost of systems and manufacture of components, sub-assemblies and composite structure.

The tripartite contract was based on the inter-government pact signed in September 2010 by the Indian and Russian governments for joint design, development and production of the aircraft on cost sharing basis by the joint venture partners.

The joint venture will also work with Russia's aerospace major Rosoboronexport to co-develop the aircraft.

"We will showcase our expertise in designing the aircraft and its systems, manufacturing and flight testing in collaboration with our Russian partners in Moscow and India," Tyagi said.

The Kanpur facility had manufactured transport aircraft such as Avros HS-748 and Dornier Do-228 in the past for the services.

In all, the company manufactured 89 Avros from 1964 to 1984 and 116 Dorniers from 1984 to March 2012.

Two Dorniers were exported to Mauritius, while one export order to Seychelles is under execution.

MULTIROLE TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT (MTA), MEDIUM CARGO CAPACITY

Design features

Performance

Scheme (3 view)

Cargo compartment scheme (in cross section)

Cargo compartment scheme (in axial section)

Developed by: JSC United Aircraft Corporation –Transport Aircraft, Russia, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India

Project stage: design

The Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA) is a joint international project of JSC United Aircraft Corporation –Transport Aircraft and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of India. It is being developed within the framework of the Russo-Indian intergovernmental agreement.

The research of the world market indicates a strong demand for transport aircraft with cargo capacity of up to 20 tonnes and a flight range up to 3,000 km. According to the regulatory documents the MTA is classified as medium cargo capacity military transport aircraft designed for strategic and tactical missions. The MTA provides for transportation of a wide range of cargoes up to 12,000 kg over a range of 4,700 km and up to 20,000 kg over a range of 2,000 km around-the-clock in any geographic areas and under any climate and meteorological conditions.

As a military transport aircraft MTA can perform the following tasks:

-Military personnel transportation (up to 140 people),

-Paratroopers deployment (up to 90 people),

-Transportation of cargo, equipment, all-purpose shipping containers and aircraft containers and pallets,

-Parachuting of cargo and equipment on the platforms,

-Low altitude free fall cargo drop.

The MTA is capable to airlift up to 80% of all existing weapons and military equipment. This capacity is mainly determined by three key features: the MTA’s design dimensions, its cargo department’s size and volume, and its power plant. The MTA’s size of the airtight cargo compartment’s cross section is identical to this of the heavy Il-76MD military transport aircraft. This allows employing all existing loading and unloading equipment, transportation and air dropping equipment and tools. The MTA’s pilots and technical personnel can manage transportation tasks and execute pre-flight procedures on their own (independently from the main base airport), these tasks require from 2 to 6 people.

The high thrust-to-weight ratio ensures the MTA’s operability from airfields in high mountains (on the altitude of up to 3,300 m above the sea-level) both from paved and unpaved runways (capable to sustain pressure up to 8 kg/cm2, that allows its operations on more than 90% of the Russian airfields). The MTA’s performance also is on par with current aircraft’s fuel efficiency level.

Considering high export potential of the aircraft, its design ultimately meets the requirements not only of both Russian and Indian Air Forces but of potential customers as well. It is expected that in 2015-2020 a number of developing countries can consider the new transport aircraft as an alternative not only for An-12 and C-130 Hercules but to a smaller An-26. The strong advantage of the MTA in comparison with its rivals is its relatively low price.

It is supposed that both parties will take part in the MTA program during all its stages. At present, the conceptual phase works have been completed. The joint detailed business plan of the project has been worked out and initialed. The parties established the Russo-Indian joint venture, Multirole Transport Aircraft Limited. It is expected that the Russian and Indian sides will finance the project on par. The first flight of the MTA is planned for 2016

Related News;

Russia, India Sign Multi-Role Transport Plane DealGlobalSecurity.org 15 hrs ago

...Air Force (45 planes), with the remaining 60 exported to third parties the report said. Their joint venture firm, Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL), also signed the venture deal. The tripartite contract is based on a Russian-Indian inter-government agreement...

Russia, India Sign Multi-Role Transport Plane DealRIA Novosti 30 May 2012, 16:18

...Force (45 aircraft), and with the remaining 60 exported to third parties, the report said, adding another Russian firm, Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL), will also join the Russian-Indian venture. The tripartite contract was based on a Russian-Indian...

Russia, India Sign Multi-Role Transport Plane DealRIA Novosti 30 May 2012, 15:18

...Force (45 aircraft), and with the remaining 60 exported to third parties, the report said, adding another Russian firm, Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL), will also join the Russian-Indian venture. The tripartite contract was based on a Russian-Indian...

HAL in pact for multirole transport aircraft Business Standard 30 May 2012, 00:05

...— Transport Aircraft (UAC-TA), the Russian partner and their JV-Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL) for the Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA) project. HAL and UAC-TA have proposed to design, develop and produce the multi-role transport aircraft in the...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India 

• HAL to develop multi-role transport aircraft
  January 19, 2008
• HAL, Edgewood approach FIPB for JV
  January 11, 2007
• HAL sees pink with fresh orders, global deals
  February 8, 2003

IN-DEPTH COVERAGE

• Joint Venture
• Hal

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources The Economic Times
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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Helicopter Makers Such As Boeing, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, Bell Helicopter Eye Indian Military Deals

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Helicopter Makers Such As Boeing, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, Bell Helicopter Eye Indian Military Deals
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Economic Times
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 5, 2012:  A raft of helicopter makers such as Boeing, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, Bell Helicopter, Eurocopter andAgustaWestland are hovering over the civil market in India. But they are also eyeing a bigger prize: military deals. The Indian armed forces are upgrading their ageing fleet and that means big orders and big money, running into billions of dollars, for these companies. 

According to Reuters, Indian Navy plans to induct 50 light helicopters. First off the block is an order for 16 multi role helicopters. Indian Army has a joint requirement for about 400 light helicopters along with the Air Force. Some companies are upbeat about the recent contact to buy war planes worth $15 billion that the government awarded to France's Dassault Rafale. 

Mick Maurer, president of Sikorsky Military Systems, says the procurement process in India is getting better. "It is more rigorous and more transparent. We believe that suits us very well." Maurer says in the long term, Sikorsky sees a 3:1 ratio vis-a-vis the military and commercial sales in terms of the size of the market. But he says both are very complementary markets. Many of the machines can be used for commercial and quasi-defence activities. 

If the civil copter market in India has come alive, it is thanks to the armed forces. Foreign companies in the defence market are bound by what is called offset obligations. India's defence procurement policy rules that foreign companies require that win contracts of 300 crore or more must procure equipment worth at least 30% of the deal amount from local suppliers to boost the homegrown arms industry. 

The Indian military has also become smarter, according to foreign company executives. "Sometimes manufacturers give a special price on aircraft, but raise the price on the support side. India has become aware of this and now looks at the total lifecycle costs in deals," says Maurer. 

The upshot is that companies like Sikorsky and Eurocopter have partnered Indian counterparts to set up base in India. Sikorsky has formed two joint ventures with the Tatas to make helicopter cabins and aircraft components. Eurocopter, which formed an Indian unit in 2010, has tieups with the Mahindras, the Tatas and governmentowned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. AgustaWestland, the helicopter unit of Finmeccanica SpA of Italy, has a joint venture with the Tatas called Indian Rotorcraft. 

All these companies plan to expand in India. Textron, the parent company of Bell Helicopter, has opened a new global technology centre in Bangalore with more than 400 engineers. Bell plans to expand the workforce there over the next year, says the company's India head, BS Singh Deo. An AgustaWestland spokesman says the company recently opened a new larger office in Delhi. Copter makers are also expanding the customer support network by establishing authorised service centres along with a posse of engineers and technicians. 

All this bodes well for the commercial market. The AgustaWestland spokesman says construction work is about to start on the Indian Rotorcraft's facility in Hyderabad , which will produce the company's eight-seat utility helicopter AW119. Sikorsky eventually plans to produce helicopters that are virtually "100% done here" . "We are already a local company," says Maurer. 

 
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