Search found 139 matches

by astal
07 Oct 2023 04:59
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Russian-Ukrainian War: Combat Tactics & Strategy
Replies: 3952
Views: 1528758

Re: Russian-Ukrainian War: Combat Tactics & Strategy

Part 6 of my blog on the Ukraine war - This sums up a lot of what has happened and looks at what we might expect. https://rpdeans.blogspot.com/2023/10/ukraine-war-6-logistics-politics-and.html Deans, Thanks for all of the insightful posts in your blog. Given the polemics on both sides, it is very d...
by astal
29 Sep 2023 01:41
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Artillery Corps: News & Discussion
Replies: 3200
Views: 1670389

Re: Artillery Corps: News & Discussion

Good - a name & a face. He is the man responsible for the terrible mess our artillery is in. He has the nerve to talk about modernization Prem Kumar ji, There is a large group of people responsible for the mess we are in with respect to artillery. Since General Adosh Kumar is currently in charg...
by astal
25 Jul 2023 23:06
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Kaveri & Aero-Engine: News & Discussion
Replies: 6363
Views: 1977736

Re: Kaveri & Aero-Engine: News & Discussion

Why not use Sukhoi 30 MKI for both subsonic and supersonic testing?
by astal
08 Jun 2023 20:55
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Kaveri & Aero-Engine: News & Discussion
Replies: 6363
Views: 1977736

Re: Kaveri & Aero-Engine: News & Discussion

Yeah, we could even make something for export, even if we ourselves can't use it for our own defense. At least then we'd have some sustainable self-funding development. ... How come no one is willing to point a finger evidencing the real culprits who were solely and singularly responsible for the l...
by astal
08 Jun 2023 09:49
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Kaveri & Aero-Engine: News & Discussion
Replies: 6363
Views: 1977736

Re: Kaveri & Aero-Engine: News & Discussion

Per a Defence AV channel the F414 engine production in India would start with indigenization level of 60% in the 1st year and will top out at 75% at the end of the 10th year. so the screw drive /assembling demonstration can and will come to a halt at any time. It's our own fault -- we're unable to ...
by astal
21 Mar 2023 03:33
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: US military, technology, arms, tactics
Replies: 3140
Views: 849519

Re: US military, technology, arms, tactics

Here is a detailed article describing the E7A Wedgetail. Though it has been around for a while and is operated by Turkey, Australia, UK and S.Korea, the US is yet to get its version which would be the state of the art. https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/this-is-what-usafs-future-e-7-radar-jets-ar...
by astal
07 Feb 2023 04:19
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Naval Tejas Mk1: News & Discussion - 03 January 2020
Replies: 669
Views: 229831

Re: Naval Tejas Mk1: News & Discussion - 03 January 2020

What a moment! Many moons ago, I had mentioned on this board that an Indian fighter landing on an Indian carrier would warm the cockles of many a jingoes heart. Thank you to the pilots, scientists and engineers that have made this possible. Regarding purchase of additional NLCA aircraft in their cur...
by astal
03 Aug 2022 22:15
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 14901
Views: 2783402

Re: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

The 70 % number appears to be pulled out of someone’s Musharraf.
by astal
24 Nov 2021 10:47
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Tejas Mk2 Medium Weight Fighter: News & Discussion - 23 February 2019
Replies: 2685
Views: 1019214

Re: Tejas Mk2 Medium Weight Fighter: News & Discussion - 23 February 2019

From the same article above: The IAFs plan for the next two decades does not include even 1 squadron of LCA MK2. Trickle funding, late disbursement of funds, not even token orders. We should all collectively chill about what the current says regarding LCA MK2. Right now the goal of the current ACM ...
by astal
02 Nov 2021 07:25
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Tejas Mk2 Medium Weight Fighter: News & Discussion - 23 February 2019
Replies: 2685
Views: 1019214

Re: Tejas Mk2 Medium Weight Fighter: News & Discussion - 23 February 2019

Besides the fact that the current Air Chief Marshal will not be around when a contract will be signed for MWF, the window to acquire an MRFA is painfully short. If MWF is ready before the deal is inked, that will automatically eliminate the need for MRFA. We are about 5 years away from that time. Gi...
by astal
31 Oct 2021 22:39
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Tejas Mk2 Medium Weight Fighter: News & Discussion - 23 February 2019
Replies: 2685
Views: 1019214

Re: Tejas Mk2 Medium Weight Fighter: News & Discussion - 23 February 2019

Let’s look at this from a strategic choice perspective. If the IAF chief talks a lot about MWF/Tejas Mk2, vendors will lose interest in MRFA. MRFA is simply a higher priority for the ACM in the present scheme of things. Ideally for IAF MRFA contract should have happened a long time ago and cannot co...
by astal
27 Aug 2021 07:28
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Afghanistan News & Discussion - April 2016
Replies: 3095
Views: 765296

Re: Afghanistan News & Discussion - April 2016

I do not understand why a poorly planned and executed capitulation by the United States is being spun as a Taliban victory. It is tempting to think of this as a David vs Goliath story where a weak band of rag-tags defeats a much larger and richer power but that is a bogus narrative concocted by isla...
by astal
29 Apr 2021 02:22
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 14901
Views: 2783402

Re: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

Suraj, A heart felt thank you for your articles in Swarajya Magazine about Hindu Democracy and Christian Democracy. The section on why "Hindu Democracy" did not emerge as a powerful political force after Independence caught my attention. The Congress Party deliberately and cleverly prevent...
by astal
29 Apr 2021 01:15
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Islamism & Islamophobia Abroad - News & Analysis (9-8-2014)
Replies: 4145
Views: 836171

Re: Islamism & Islamophobia Abroad - News & Analysis (9-8-2014)

I highly recommend this article by in former Indian former muslim. It is well articulated and describes similarities between liberals and Islamists.

https://www.newsweek.com/i-left-islam-l ... on-1586128
by astal
04 Mar 2021 04:39
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft: News & Discussion - 30 August 2019
Replies: 846
Views: 398765

Re: Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft: News & Discussion - 30 August 2019

Vips, Pratyush and hemant_sai, The jet engine market is a classic oligopoly. It is extremely unlikely that Safran, Rolls Royce or even NPO Saturn will give away any useful IPR and create a new competitor in this lucrative market. They will help along the fringes and try to extract money or/and waste...
by astal
17 Feb 2021 00:29
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Tejas Mk2 Medium Weight Fighter: News & Discussion - 23 February 2019
Replies: 2685
Views: 1019214

Re: Tejas Mk2 Medium Weight Fighter: News & Discussion - 23 February 2019

The IAF is sure to buy more Tejas Mk2 and also invest in ORCA eventually. In the Tejas Discussions between Shri Kota Ji, AM P. Rajkumar and AM Matheshwaran, it is clear that many new technologies need to be developed for AMCA. There is also the matter of operating costs. Based on what we know about ...
by astal
27 Jan 2021 01:20
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Tejas Mk2 Medium Weight Fighter: News & Discussion - 23 February 2019
Replies: 2685
Views: 1019214

Re: Tejas Mk2 Medium Weight Fighter: News & Discussion - 23 February 2019

Indranil wrote: No canards will not affect the airflow into the engine. However there are quite a few changes:
..
Thanks, Indranil. I appreciate your answers.
by astal
27 Jan 2021 01:16
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF): News & Discussion
Replies: 769
Views: 333781

Re: Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF): News & Discussion

The IAF will consider operating costs of an LO fighters like AMCA, which will be much higher than 4.5 generation mud movers. Even if all the technological hurdles for AMCA are overcome on time, how many of them can IAF afford to buy and operate? It would make sense for IAF to have 10 squadrons of a ...
by astal
27 Jan 2021 00:42
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Tejas Mk2 Medium Weight Fighter: News & Discussion - 23 February 2019
Replies: 2685
Views: 1019214

Re: Tejas Mk2 Medium Weight Fighter: News & Discussion - 23 February 2019

Indranil and JayS and other aerodynamics gurus, I have a couple of questions with respect to addition of Canards in front of the air intakes and how that will impact intake air flow. Ever since Tejas MK2 pictures emerged and you came out with your seminal articles about 2 years ago it seems like the...
by astal
27 Jan 2021 00:26
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 14901
Views: 2783402

Re: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

There are several tactics and strategies to deal with these protests and the associated violence. In the short term, refuse to talk any further. All avenues for discussions are over. Every reasonable opportunity was provided. Do a media blitz in the rest of India with savvy Ministers and trusted lea...
by astal
07 May 2020 03:24
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: J&K Union Territory-2019
Replies: 4374
Views: 1344561

Re: J&K Union Territory-2019

Guys, how big of a hit is the taking out of Hizb commander is? Reason I ask is because some on DDM are claiming that was revenge for Handwara. I am not very convinced. I mean Handwara I thought was a TSPA/ISI coordinated LeT/Jaish attack? So where did this Hizbul terrorists come in? A few years ago...
by astal
06 Mar 2020 08:48
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Naval Tejas Mk1: News & Discussion - 03 January 2020
Replies: 669
Views: 229831

Re: Naval Tejas Mk1: News & Discussion - 03 January 2020

How about an annual $ 5000.00 or thereabouts BRF prize for outstanding contribution to Indian Defense Indigenization.
by astal
19 Feb 2020 04:29
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: MRCA (Many Rakshaks Choose Aircraft) Contest - Episode III
Replies: 2935
Views: 693903

Re: MRCA (Many Rakshaks Choose Aircraft) Contest - Episode III

MRCA 1 was an attempt to get advanced (Western) manufacturing technology and medium volume production of a fighter aircraft in India. After an epic tamasha, it was realized that India could not afford high tech western fighters in those numbers and the competition died a slow and painful death. When...
by astal
11 Nov 2019 00:38
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: 2019 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 6664
Views: 1319856

Re: 2019 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

Regarding the situation in Maharashtra, here are my 2 cents. BJP lost about 20 seats due to complacency of Hindu voters and BJP over confidence based on delivering development. Similar to what happened after the first full term of the Vajpayee BJP government in 2004. A slightly better turnout and Fa...
by astal
01 Nov 2019 02:43
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Project 75I - It Begins
Replies: 1806
Views: 520905

Re: Project 75I - It Begins

It is not the technology or design that is making the vendors nervous. It is only 49% ownership in the joint venture with 100% liability for any slippages that is the root cause.I think we need to negotiate with the French for 3 additional scorpenes (with installation of our indigenous AIP) as a st...
by astal
14 Oct 2019 03:39
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Project 75I - It Begins
Replies: 1806
Views: 520905

Re: Project 75I - It Begins

Eh, it is the same old thing concerning proper planning. We are desi and this is just the way we are. Look, we started off with the Type 209 just like South Korea. So like any properly planned roadmap, the Koreans learned from der Germans their skills and techniques in building U-boats. Type 209 be...
by astal
11 Sep 2019 22:56
Forum: Science, Economics & Technology Forum
Topic: Indian Economy News & Discussion - Nov 27 2017
Replies: 8413
Views: 2876655

Re: Indian Economy News & Discussion - Nov 27 2017

Questions for the Economic gurus here. 1 Is not 5% growth pretty good by global standards ? Heck isin't even 4% is decent? ... clip The fact you mention "global standards", you accept that there is another standard: that is an Indian standard. So, what is good for the global one may not b...
by astal
04 Mar 2019 01:23
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: MiG-21 Bison shoots down F-16 in Kashmir
Replies: 4234
Views: 1188755

Re: MiG-21 Bison shoots down F-16 in Kashmir

An aside question: Why did they call a Mach 2 elegant plane, called The Pencil in Poland, a BISON ? Who came up with that name? It is 90 percent of the bad press that this terrific plane gets from ungrateful Indians (I mean the public/media). Bison = son of bis. The Mig 21 Bison is upgrade of the M...
by astal
06 Oct 2018 05:14
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Kaveri & Aero-Engine: News & Discussion
Replies: 6363
Views: 1977736

Re: Kaveri & Aero-Engine: News & Discussion

Regarding the importance of sanctions.The desire to import is a sign of lack of patience, confidence and long term vision (if there is no explicit corruption). The foreign exporter/country has a strong interest in limiting and controlling the amount of technology provided and its application. This h...
by astal
03 Jul 2018 11:10
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Indian Navy News & Discussion - 03 July 2018
Replies: 3611
Views: 1214542

Re: Indian Navy News & Discussion - 03 July 2018

Admiral Nadkarni was a truly upright officer who brooked no nonsense. I have heard several anecdotes from officers who served with him. May he attain moksha. I also had the good fortune to meet him today in Chicago back in 1997.
by astal
29 Aug 2017 09:25
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: LCA: News & Discussions: 15 August 2017
Replies: 3500
Views: 981549

Re: LCA: News & Discussions: 15 August 2017

Pandyan,

If a two engine MCA is as capable as a Rafale in 20 years (at MLU), it should be good enough. That is a consistent standard. (My conjecture is that Rafale MLU will be as expensive or more expensive than a new MCA Mk 0.5)
by astal
11 Aug 2017 21:29
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Project 75I - It Begins
Replies: 1806
Views: 520905

Re: Project 75I- It Begins

Rakesh Saar, Actually the article talks about cost per tonnage. Weight in this case is highly correlated with capabilities. The size of the batteries increases silent operation time. The weapons load-out is also greater. I think that the message to the bean counters is that in the case of this tende...
by astal
03 Aug 2017 07:27
Forum: Military Issues Archive
Topic: 'Make in India' Single engined fighter
Replies: 5424
Views: 1173675

Re: 'Make in India' Single engined fighter

Last prices we know for Gripen are around $ 100 million. For the F 16 they hover around $ 80 million. This is just for off the shelf airplanes built in fully amortized plants in their home countries. India would have to pay for IP, weapons, modifications and testing. This is in addition to new plant...
by astal
09 Mar 2017 03:52
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: Indo-UK News and Discussion - April 2013
Replies: 3962
Views: 596763

Re: Indo-UK News and Discussion - April 2013

Best argument against "The British created/contributed/improved India" I have seen so far. Though we may not agree with Shashi Tharoor's politics. He is on a roll especially in the excerpt in the Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/08/india-britain-empire-railways-myths-gi...
by astal
14 Dec 2016 08:07
Forum: Science, Economics & Technology Forum
Topic: Currency Demonetisation and Future course of Indian Economy
Replies: 7884
Views: 1401842

Re: Currency Demonetisation and Future course of Indian Economy

Oh and abolition of zamindari was confiscation of legitimate assets. Here only money from tax evasion will be confiscated.
by astal
14 Dec 2016 08:06
Forum: Science, Economics & Technology Forum
Topic: Currency Demonetisation and Future course of Indian Economy
Replies: 7884
Views: 1401842

Re: Currency Demonetisation and Future course of Indian Economy

Regarding income redistribution. All taxation is income redistribution. The demonetization exercise has two goals. Reduce tax evasion and temporarily halt the menace of counterfeit money. There may be some redistribution of income from tax evading criminals to the state either due to non deposit or ...
by astal
29 Oct 2016 05:00
Forum: Military Issues Archive
Topic: 'Make in India' Single engined fighter
Replies: 5424
Views: 1173675

Re: Indian Single Engined Multi Role Fighter with Transfer of Manufacturing Technology

Indeed this is a very fast moving thread. Some thoughts on the single engine multi role fighter "documents" sent to several embassies. When ACM Raha said there is no plan B, Shri Modi and Shri Parrikar asked him to make a plan B, C, D, E and so on. In short the Air force is now tasked to p...
by astal
27 Feb 2016 10:33
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: IAF Rafale News and Discussions - 26 May 2015
Replies: 3972
Views: 602303

Re: IAF Rafale News and Discussions - 26 May 2015

The article linked by Austin looks like a complete hatchet job. The reason for the current set of problems is that Dassault wanted to do a repeat of the Scorpene con. They quoted a low price for the L1 tender and performed a bait and switch after winning the deal. We have all known for years that th...
by astal
15 Oct 2015 09:44
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: LCA Tejas: News and Discussions
Replies: 3979
Views: 500781

Re: LCA Tejas: News and Discussions

From technological pov, Mk.3 with stealthier features would be a natural progression given steathly AMCA is in the works. Technologies will be inherited both ways. But from user's perspective, I think the IAF is moving more towards medium-heavy fleet. It seems like some officers in the IAF have thi...
by astal
10 Jun 2015 10:12
Forum: Military History Archive
Topic: Brig. RayC RIP
Replies: 90
Views: 34174

Re: Brig. RayC RIP

I remember RayC as an admin on this forum. He held on to his principles against much opposition and fought like a true soldier. He is sorely missed. Through his stories and service his memory lives on!