INS Vikrant: News and Discussion

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 30 Mar 2023 19:20

I have never seen the French in this much glee, over an order of 26 Rafales. Just read the articles and you will see the hubris. The first article below provided links to other earlier articles, which I am also posting.

THE LIGHTS TURN “FLUORESCENT” GREEN FOR THE DASSAULT AVIATION RAFALE M IN INDIA
https://www.avionslegendaires.net/2023/ ... m-en-inde/
25 March 2023

BOEING INTENDS TO STOP THE F/A-18E/F SUPER HORNET ASSEMBLY LINE
https://www.avionslegendaires.net/2023/ ... er-hornet/
26 February 2023

A DECISIVE FIRST HALF OF 2023 FOR THE DASSAULT AVIATION RAFALE MARINE IN INDIA
https://www.avionslegendaires.net/2023/ ... e-en-inde/
06 Jan 2023

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 30 Mar 2023 21:18

^^^^ The above article (first one) states that NaMo is the chief guest at the 2023 Bastille Day (July 14th) parade in France.

A deal could be formally signed then. So we will have to wait to see if Rafale M really did win the MRCBF contest.

The earlier prediction of Macron coming to India in March 2023 turned out to be false.

drnayar · Post by **drnayar** » 30 Mar 2023 22:27

The anglo french rivalry is legendary no matter what the bohomie, the French are quite eager to sucker punch the americans post Aukus

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 03 Apr 2023 22:17

https://twitter.com/delhidefence/status ... 15778?s=20 ---> Another milestone checked by INS Vikrant - with the maiden night landing of helicopters on-board INS Vikrant on 28 March 2023 - by Kamov Ka-31 of INAS 339 (Falcons) flown by Test Pilot of Naval Flight Test Sqn from INS Hansa. Beginning of night operations for the aircraft carrier.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 08 Apr 2023 06:42

Why the Rafale M was supposedly chosen over the F-18SH.

https://twitter.com/indiatoday/status/1 ... BFomuaYzwg —> This is why India relies on the Rafale.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 10 Apr 2023 17:56

Drag & drop picture into new window for FULL size.

Six MiG-29Ks, two Sea King Mk42s, one Ka-31 AEW and one HAL Chetak.

https://twitter.com/VinodDX9/status/164 ... 63010?s=20 --->

JTull · Post by **JTull** » 10 Apr 2023 23:33

Nice pic! Those snags look well used.

Cyrano · Post by **Cyrano** » 11 Apr 2023 02:11

IAF has a stellar reputation world wide, very pro, very discreet and extremely demanding. Selection by IAF is an unparalleled stamp of validation. That's why so much glee.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 11 Apr 2023 03:30

Cyrano wrote:IAF has a stellar reputation world wide, very pro, very discreet and extremely demanding. Selection by IAF is an unparalleled stamp of validation. That's why so much glee.

Do you mean the IN?

Cyrano · Post by **Cyrano** » 11 Apr 2023 14:35

Sorry yes!

ArjunPandit · Post by **ArjunPandit** » 11 Apr 2023 20:39

Cyrano wrote:IAF has a stellar reputation world wide, very pro, very discreet and extremely demanding. Selection by IAF is an unparalleled stamp of validation. That's why so much glee.

+1, IAF also operates in a very diverse terrain. High himalayas to ocean to flatlands to fickle mid himalayas. Rafale selection in MMRCA 1.0 saw many sales events on the back of IAF selection.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 12 Apr 2023 19:11

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FtgnMukWYAE ... name=large ---> Wire Inspector - The man with the Midas Touch who makes sure the arresting wires are ready for every recovery...

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 13 Apr 2023 00:16

https://twitter.com/SirishChandran/stat ... 92192?s=20 ---> The mother of all exclusives. Aboard INS Vikrant. Our biggest story yet! What an honor & privilege to bring you the story of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, and our experience driving down the flight deck with Mahindra SUVs. Mag: http://evoindia.com/magazine

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 13 Apr 2023 00:16

https://twitter.com/SirishChandran/stat ... 13344?s=20 ---> Nothing compares to our two days on board INS Vikrant, talking to the crew, watching live air activity, and driving down the deck. Incredible!

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 19 Apr 2023 21:25

https://twitter.com/India_iDEX/status/1 ... 27809?s=20 ---> #iDEX congratulates @SwadeshiEmpresa on becoming 1st iDEX SPRINT case under #DISC7 on being accorded the AON for procurement of 50 Fire Fighting Bots worth Rs 225.6 crore for @indiannavy. Best wishes for successful RFP stage & beyond. Looking forward to seeing the innovation in action.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 23 May 2023 19:52

https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/1 ... 51590?s=20 ---> @IN_R11Vikrant successfully berthed for the #first time at the newly constructed Aircraft Carrier pier, at Karwar today. Built under @IndianNavy's Project Seabird, this is a landmark in enhancing ship-berthing capacity @IN_KTKNA Karwar Base.

Cain Marko · Post by **Cain Marko** » 15 Jun 2023 11:06

Latest news is that Indian Navy will get 26 F18s. Plus sea guardians. Plus 414s.
Source: Maj Gaurav Arya https://youtube.com/watchv=MdC1zFZu11M&feature=share9

Manish_P · Post by **Manish_P** » 15 Jun 2023 15:02

Cain Marko wrote:Latest news is that Indian Navy will get 26 F18s. Plus sea guardians. Plus 414s.
Source: Maj Gaurav Arya https://youtube.com/watchv=MdC1zFZu11M&feature=share9

GE414s were a given and the Sea Guardians were expected.

More P8Is would have been good though. Hope it will be them instead of the Rhinos.

Kersi · Post by **Kersi** » 15 Jun 2023 17:40

Manish_P wrote:
Cain Marko wrote:Latest news is that Indian Navy will get 26 F18s. Plus sea guardians. Plus 414s.
Source: Maj Gaurav Arya https://youtube.com/watchv=MdC1zFZu11M&feature=share9
GE414s were a given and the Sea Guardians were expected.

More P8Is would have been good though. Hope it will be them instead of the Rhinos.

NOT F 18 !!!

Maybe another dozen P 8s

And "plenty" of MQ-9

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 15 Jun 2023 17:42

Cain Marko wrote:Latest news is that Indian Navy will get 26 F18s. Plus sea guardians. Plus 414s.
Source: Maj Gaurav Arya https://youtube.com/watchv=MdC1zFZu11M&feature=share9

This is what one was dreading.

They have pushed the Rafales out of the reckoning and left us dependent on yet another type of aircraft in an already complicated inventory scenario

the noose is slowly tightening ...... and our options are narrowing and dependencies rising

the F18 are fast approaching their end of life phase leaving customers with little options left for growth

Manish_P · Post by **Manish_P** » 15 Jun 2023 18:21

^ let's wait for official news, sir. Don't know how reliable the good major is wrt the inside decisions of the GoI.

Agree on the logistics part but I feel we can still live with it. And we need the Americans - their engines in particular. As it is our current American (powered) fighter depends totally on it. Now 26 more will depend on it (if this comes to pass)

As regards to the growth part, the F35 is pretty much the next step but my guess is that we have at least a decade for that and the GoI (the current dispensation) will be wanting the navy to be fully committed to go down the atma nirbhar road with the TEDBF.

Of course all that depends on continuity of the policy, the same party continuing in power, successful development of that project and so on..

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 15 Jun 2023 22:02

Surprised with many senior posters who are replying to the post from Cain-ji about the F-18SH coming.

Please note the following;

Cain Marko wrote:Latest news is that Indian Navy will get 26 F18s. Plus sea guardians. Plus 414s.
Source: Maj Gaurav Arya https://youtube.com/watchv=MdC1zFZu11M&feature=share9

1) Above link DOES NOT work. In the absence of watching the video, why are folks taking takleef?

This is the correct link ----> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdC1zFZu11M

2) Major Gaurav Arya (retd) has never stated in the above video that the F-18SH is coming. He has stated that discussions on the F-18SH is occurring, among discussions over other platforms and technologies. Please note, that the F-18SH is still part of the active MRCBF contest. So obviously discussions will be happening with Boeing and GOTUS, just as similar discussions are occurring with Dassault and the Govt of France. How that can be translated into a reality that the F-18SH is coming, is something I would like to hear from Cain-ji.

3) The arresting gear on the Vikrant cannot handle the bring back weight of the F-18SH. By all means, they can change that arresting gear to accommodate the F-18SH, but there is no news that such a modification is being conducted on the Vikrant. The Rafale can however be accommodated without any serious modifications to the arresting gear.

4) The Meteor BVRAAM is one of the many Rafale's USPs. This missile has left a lasting impression on the IAF who is using it on their Rafales and even the Indian Navy who conducted trials of the Rafale M in January 2022 from the SBTF in Goa. The Meteor BVRAAM holds a clear advantage - due to its ramjet propulsion and large NEZ envelope - when compared to the AIM-120C7/8 AMRAAM. It is for this very reason, that Raytheon was seeking to get GOTUS clearance for the AIM-120D AMRAAM.

When news links or video links are posted, please take the time to visit the link and read/listen to what is being said. Then come to your own conclusions. A lot of silent lurkers look up to senior posters and what they post does leave a lasting impression.

Cain Marko · Post by **Cain Marko** » 16 Jun 2023 01:08

Rakesh wrote:Surprised with many senior posters who are replying to the post from Cain-ji about the F-18SH coming.

Please note the following;

Cain Marko wrote:Latest news is that Indian Navy will get 26 F18s. Plus sea guardians. Plus 414s.
Source: Maj Gaurav Arya https://youtube.com/watchv=MdC1zFZu11M&feature=share9
1) Above link DOES NOT work. In the absence of watching the video, why are folks taking takleef?

This is the correct link ----> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdC1zFZu11M

2) Major Gaurav Arya (retd) has never stated in the above video that the F-18SH is coming. He has stated that discussions on the F-18SH is occurring, among discussions over other platforms and technologies. Please note, that the F-18SH is still part of the active MRCBF contest. So obviously discussions will be happening with Boeing and GOTUS, just as similar discussions are occurring with Dassault and the Govt of France. How that can be translated into a reality that the F-18SH is coming, is something I would like to hear from Cain-ji..

When news links or video links are posted, please take the time to visit the link and read/listen to what is being said. Then come to your own conclusions. A lot of silent lurkers look up to senior posters and what they post does leave a lasting impression.

I saw the title of the video: "India to buy latest weapons from USA (with pics of the f18). Ajit Doval CLOSES deal" and jumped to the conclusion. Didn't realize the good major uses click bait. My Apologies.

Maybe they are really close to a deal of some sort...

nachiket · Post by **nachiket** » 16 Jun 2023 01:56

Rakesh wrote: 2) Major Gaurav Arya (retd) has never stated in the above video that the F-18SH is coming. He has stated that discussions on the F-18SH is occurring, among discussions over other platforms and technologies.

Hope it is just the usual chai-biskoot session which yields nothing. We can rely on our baboos for that much at least one hopes. Even if the Amerians excitedly shout "Buy our F-18's!!" and our guys channel their inner Humphrey Appleby to respond with "We will set up an interdepartmental committee with fairly broad terms of reference so that at the end of the day we'll be in the position to think through the various implications and arrive at a decision based on long-term considerations rather than rush prematurely into precipitate and possibly ill-conceived action which might well have unforeseen repercussions." - that still counts as a discussion no?

drnayar · Post by **drnayar** » 16 Jun 2023 02:01

nachiket wrote:
Rakesh wrote: 2) Major Gaurav Arya (retd) has never stated in the above video that the F-18SH is coming. He has stated that discussions on the F-18SH is occurring, among discussions over other platforms and technologies.
Hope it is just the usual chai-biskoot session which yields nothing. We can rely on our baboos for that much at least one hopes. Even if the Amerians excitedly shout "Buy our F-18's!!" and our guys channel their inner Humphrey Appleby to respond with "We will set up an interdepartmental committee with fairly broad terms of reference so that at the end of the day we'll be in the position to think through the various implications and arrive at a decision based on long-term considerations rather than rush prematurely into precipitate and possibly ill-conceived action which might well have unforeseen repercussions." - that still counts as a discussion no?

But can the IN wait till eternity for its carrier fighters ??.. Rafale M give them the capability and interoperability with the IAF.

nachiket · Post by **nachiket** » 16 Jun 2023 02:08

drnayar wrote: But can the IN wait till eternity for its carrier fighters ??.. Rafale M give them the capability and interoperability with the IAF.

I was talking about the F-18 not the Rafale. Buying Rafales would make sense for several reasons as long as there are no issues operating from our carrier.

Cain Marko · Post by **Cain Marko** » 16 Jun 2023 03:47

drnayar wrote:
nachiket wrote: Hope it is just the usual chai-biskoot session which yields nothing. We can rely on our baboos for that much at least one hopes. Even if the Amerians excitedly shout "Buy our F-18's!!" and our guys channel their inner Humphrey Appleby to respond with "We will set up an interdepartmental committee with fairly broad terms of reference so that at the end of the day we'll be in the position to think through the various implications and arrive at a decision based on long-term considerations rather than rush prematurely into precipitate and possibly ill-conceived action which might well have unforeseen repercussions." - that still counts as a discussion no?
But can the IN wait till eternity for its carrier fighters ??.. Rafale M give them the capability and interoperability with the IAF.

If it's speed that you need, the f18 is the way to go, if it is operable on vik class. The US probably has enough stock/reserves that it could literally lease some ASAP.

Manish_P · Post by **Manish_P** » 16 Jun 2023 07:22

^ but it is not.

Modifications are required to the aircraft as well as the carrier. Not to forget the infrastructure required to be setup for maintenance.

The first part is required for the Rafale, but the second part not so much..

For speed the MiG 29K would have been best, if it was not so fast and keen to go for frequent maintenance as well

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 17 Jun 2023 01:28

Cain Marko wrote:I saw the title of the video: "India to buy latest weapons from USA (with pics of the f18). Ajit Doval CLOSES deal" and jumped to the conclusion. Didn't realize the good major uses click bait. My Apologies.

No apologies necessary. All good.

Cain Marko wrote:Maybe they are really close to a deal of some sort...

Lets see what the two visits to the US and France bring about.

To date, I have yet to see any official statement from the Navy stating that the Rafale M is the winner of the MRCBF.

The only thing we have to go with is Admiral Hari Kumar's statement that both the F-18SH and Rafale M have cleared the MRCBF trials. There is a winner between the two, but till an official announcement is made...we are in speculation mode.

Cain Marko wrote: If it's speed that you need, the f18 is the way to go, if it is operable on vik class. The US probably has enough stock/reserves that it could literally lease some ASAP.

The Vikramaditya will only operate the MiG-29K. It is highly unlikely that the F-18SH or the Rafale M will work aboard the Vikramaditya. The Navy will soldier on with this vessel for another decade (till the retirement of the MiG-29K).

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 17 Jun 2023 01:29

nachiket wrote:
Rakesh wrote: 2) Major Gaurav Arya (retd) has never stated in the above video that the F-18SH is coming. He has stated that discussions on the F-18SH is occurring, among discussions over other platforms and technologies.
Hope it is just the usual chai-biskoot session which yields nothing. We can rely on our baboos for that much at least one hopes. Even if the Amerians excitedly shout "Buy our F-18's!!" and our guys channel their inner Humphrey Appleby to respond with "We will set up an interdepartmental committee with fairly broad terms of reference so that at the end of the day we'll be in the position to think through the various implications and arrive at a decision based on long-term considerations rather than rush prematurely into precipitate and possibly ill-conceived action which might well have unforeseen repercussions." - that still counts as a discussion no?

So True

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 18 Jun 2023 06:47

Indian Navy Flexes Twin Aircraft Carrier Groups
https://www.livefistdefence.com/indian- ... er-groups/
10 June 2023

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 26 Jun 2023 20:13

Rakesh wrote:Hope it is just the usual chai-biskoot session which yields nothing.

Too early to call, but NaMo's visit to the US did not result in a MRCBF contract for the F-18SH. So like you said, chai-biskoot session which yielded nothing. So now we are back at square one, waiting for an official press release from the MoD as to who the winner of the MRCBF contest is.

NaMo is the chief guest at the Bastille Day Parade next month in France. Will have to wait and see.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 02 Jul 2023 20:34

https://twitter.com/IN_R11Vikrant/statu ... 41857?s=20 ---> Incredible fire power in one frame...

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 18 Jul 2023 19:15

https://twitter.com/RAFIndia_/status/16 ... 82599?s=20 ---> It's Confirmed! Our first look at the MF-Star integration on INS Vikrant (R11) aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy. The EL/M-2248 is a state-of-the-art active electronically scanned array radar, designed to detect and track both airborne and surface targets at long ranges.

https://twitter.com/RAFIndia_/status/16 ... 94369?s=20 ---> The integration of the radar will pave the way for INS Vikrant to acquire further certifications, allowing it to carry out complex operations and missions with full efficiency in all-weather conditions.

Barath · Post by **Barath** » 19 Jul 2023 14:39

Rakesh wrote: ↑17 Jun 2023 01:28 To date, I have yet to see any official statement from the Navy stating that the Rafale M is the winner of the MRCBF.

Statement may have been valid at the time but since overtaken by events

There was no formal rfp/tender for it to win. The entire process was not as per DAPP. The first time it came into sync was when the DAC of the MoD gave the AoN for purchase of Rafale M. Before that there was no AoN for MRCBF

MoD clears proposal to purchase 26 Rafale Marine jets, 3 Scorpene subs
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/natio ... ubs-525375

Both France and the US had proposed a few loaner aircraft. However this would likely not be significant except for training, with the Mig29K being used till numbers rise (one paper suggested 12.). Also there are conflicting reports of the number of trainers/attrition reserve in that 26, so likely have to see

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 19 Jul 2023 17:47

Saar, I made that comment on June 15, long before any formal announcement was made by the MoD on Rafale M being the chosen winner of the MRCBF contest. Made a number of posts in that regard in the Indian Naval Aviation thread.

Kersi · Post by **Kersi** » 20 Jul 2023 20:40

Rakesh wrote: ↑18 Jul 2023 19:15
https://twitter.com/RAFIndia_/status/16 ... 94369?s=20 ---> The integration of the radar will pave the way for INS Vikrant to acquire further certifications, allowing it to carry out complex operations and missions with full efficiency in all-weather conditions.

Pardon my ignorance but can some humble soul highlight the radar ?

I see a rotating antenna radar ? Would it be RAN40L ?

nachiket · Post by **nachiket** » 26 Jul 2023 03:23

Kersi wrote: ↑20 Jul 2023 20:40 Pardon my ignorance but can some humble soul highlight the radar ?

I see a rotating antenna radar ? Would it be RAN40L ?

The radar visible is indeed the RAN-40L. The MFSTAR antennas are supposed to be housed in 2 structures one at the front and one at the back. The rear one appears to be removed in that picture and the front area is not visible.

Kersi · Post by **Kersi** » 26 Jul 2023 11:16

nachiket wrote: ↑26 Jul 2023 03:23
Kersi wrote: ↑20 Jul 2023 20:40 Pardon my ignorance but can some humble soul highlight the radar ?

I see a rotating antenna radar ? Would it be RAN40L ?
The radar visible is indeed the RAN-40L. The MFSTAR antennas are supposed to be housed in 2 structures one at the front and one at the back. The rear one appears to be removed in that picture and the front area is not visible.

There were some conflicting reports about installing RAN 40 in INS Vikrant

Where are the Barak launchers ? Control radar for Barak ?

nachiket · Post by **nachiket** » 26 Jul 2023 22:30

Kersi wrote: ↑26 Jul 2023 11:16 There were some conflicting reports about installing RAN 40 in INS Vikrant

Where are the Barak launchers ? Control radar for Barak ?

Barak launchers are supposed to be installed during the current refit along with the MF-STAR. Location is I believe in front of the superstructure and aircraft lift, sort of in the corner where the deck narrows. The control radar for it is the MF-STAR itself. what else do you need?