Indian Air Force News & Discussion - 23 March 2021

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 12 Sep 2023 20:40

https://x.com/superspyder_01/status/170 ... 34515?s=20 ---> Twitter thread on Vel light weight cruise missile.

JSR Dynamics ---> https://jsrdynamics.in/index.php/our-products/

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 13 Sep 2023 18:46

India scouts for 12 new VVIP Helicopters with modern safety features
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ne ... 615432.cms
12 Sept 2023

India is in search of new helicopters with modern safety features, including defense against missiles, to transport the country's top leadership. The country is looking for 12 helicopters to be used by the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister. Currently, the top leadership utilizes retrofitted Russian Mi 17V5 helicopters, which do not match the standards of other nations' leaders.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 20 Sep 2023 19:08

https://x.com/ANI/status/1704411168247554174?s=20 ---> Indian Air Force to post its officers as Additional Defence Attaches in Armenia, Spain and Ivory Coast. IAF to also post a Liaison Officer in the American Pacific Air Command: IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 28 Sep 2023 20:31

VIDEO: https://x.com/ANI/status/1707375230652657765?s=20 ---> Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: Air Marshal Vibhas Pande, IAF Maintenance Command chief* says, "The current conflict has affected the supply chain globally... 40 per cent of our inventory, as of date, with fighter aircraft and all aircraft put together, is from conflict zones. When I say conflict zone, it is not only from Russia but also from Ukraine... The supplies have been affected...The best part is that we have inherent capabilities...Over a period of time, HAL has indigenized a lot of equipment. So it has not actually affected us very badly because of indigenization. If we have any problems related to design or structural problems, we may have to wait for support from Russia or Ukraine to arrive here and provide us with the necessary assistance. But courtesy of our indigenization drive that started during the breakup of the USSR, it has sailed us through, and we are not being affected very badly..."

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 01 Oct 2023 12:42

https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/how-c ... 90492.html

How cheap and effective loitering munitions are relevant to India's defence strategy
By Air Marshall Anil Chopra. 1st October 2023

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 02 Oct 2023 18:42

https://x.com/manupubby/status/1708729431957881138?s=20 ---> Indigenisation key focus, Rs 70,000 crore cash outflow to Indian economy through purchases: Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. Air Chief tells ET reducing foreign dependence is focus area. Indian drone ecosystem will be game changer.

Air Force firmly on indigenisation track to boost domestic economy: IAF Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ne ... 092157.cms
02 Oct 2023

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 02 Oct 2023 18:44

https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1708435 ... 43198?s=20 ---> IAF MiG-29 getting upgraded further! Astra Microwave (India) & Rafael (Israel) in a JV Co Astra Rafael Comsys Pvt Ltd have received an order of 96 Cr for supply of SDR kits (BNET-AR comms system/BNET family of software defined radio SDRs) + testers for MiG-29s BNET family of software defined radios (SDR) provide a robust voice and data-link solution and support simultaneous data, voice and video services with multiple auto relays. First, in our Vayu Issue 4/2017 & later in Issue 5/2019 we reported that a JV between Astra Microwave and Rafael ADS Ltd of Israel, inaugurated their facility at Hardware Technology Park, Hyderabad on 27 August 2019. This is to design, develop & manufacture state-of-the-art Tactical Communication systems (BNET) for the Indian Armed Forces.

Prem Kumar · Post by **Prem Kumar** » 03 Oct 2023 11:50

https://www.firstpost.com/india/big-tic ... 95262.html

This is massive news coming from the IAF Chief! If it materializes, he is committing Rs 3 Lakh Crores ($37 Billion+) on Atmanirbhar programs. If he signs of on the big ticket items on this list (Mk1a 97 additional order, 156 LCH), he will be remembered as the Chief who really made a quantum change towards the emergence of our MIC ecosystem. Its a welcome change from the MRFA-chanting person we first saw a year ago.

The key items in IAF's plans are:

1) Tejas Mk1a: 97 additional (1.2 Lakh Crores for the entire Mk1a fleet)
2) LCH Prachand: 156 (45K Crores)
3) Su-30-MKI deep upgrade including Uttam, Astra etc (60K Crores)
4) Project Kusha: our own S-400 class SAM system - first time being officially mentioned (sanctioned a cool 21K Crores

)
5) ISTAR aircraft
6) Pralay induction
7) HTT-40 induction (6K Crores)
8 ) IMRH
9) CIWS for airbases (7.5K Crores) (nice. Not much news about it till now. Some good money being sanctioned, for protection against CMs etc)
10) C-295 (22K Crores)
11) MRSAM (14.5K Crores)
12) LUH to replace Cheetah/Chetak

And these don't even mention follow-on orders for Netra on Embraer, Airbus-AWACS, indigenous drones etc

srin · Post by **srin** » 03 Oct 2023 14:14

This is fantastic news. I hope that we get a lot of CIWS for counter-drone role

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 04 Oct 2023 03:01

End of an Era!

https://x.com/TheLegateIN/status/170910 ... 78493?s=20 ---> Sad News: IAF to stop all MiG-21 flight ops in 2025.

https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1709103 ... 04530?s=20 ---> IAF Chief: MiG-21 Bison drawdown under progress. IAF has 2 operational LCA Mk 1 squadrons. Delivery of LCA Mk1A to start from Feb 2024. As committed by HAL, LCA Mk1A deliveries to take place in timely manner. MiG-21 Bisons will take part in its last Air Force Fly Past on 08 Oct 2023.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 04 Oct 2023 10:41

IAF to induct Astra missiles by end-2023
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ ... 3.ece/amp/
02 Oct 2023

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 04 Oct 2023 10:44

srin wrote: ↑03 Oct 2023 14:14 This is fantastic news. I hope that we get a lot of CIWS for counter-drone role

The IA has a radio proximity fuze for the 23mm AA guns in anti-drone role. Highly cost effective.
CIWS is 30mm. Should be next too get the fuze.

Kersi · Post by **Kersi** » 04 Oct 2023 10:57

ramana wrote: ↑04 Oct 2023 10:44
srin wrote: ↑03 Oct 2023 14:14 This is fantastic news. I hope that we get a lot of CIWS for counter-drone role
The IA has a radio proximity fuze for the 23mm AA guns in anti-drone role. Highly cost effective.
CIWS is 30mm. Should be next too get the fuze.

Surprisingly we don't seem to be developing any 20/23/30 mm CIWS, to supplement and replace L 70

The same could also supplement n replave AK 630 on all the IN vessels.

Or am i missing something ?

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 04 Oct 2023 18:19

VIDEO: https://x.com/ANI/status/1709086539819720778?s=20 ---> Indian Air Force releases a video ahead of Air Force Day on 8th October.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 04 Oct 2023 18:58

https://x.com/Varun55484761/status/1709 ... 34257?s=20 ---> Great News. IAF will get three ISTAR aircraft under ₹6,000-crore project. ISTAR will use DRDO developed sensor technologies & systems. ISTAR platform to provide real time feedback on a battlefield situation signal intelligence &pinpointing enemy radar & air defence positions.

Also see this post ---> viewtopic.php?p=2603507#p2603507

Tanaji · Post by **Tanaji** » 04 Oct 2023 23:29

I think this is an important development:

https://theprint.in/defence/better-tact ... a/1789353/

IAF to deploy mountain radars

Haridas · Post by **Haridas** » 04 Oct 2023 23:35

ramana wrote: ↑04 Oct 2023 10:44 The IA has a radio proximity fuze for the 23mm AA guns in anti-drone role. Highly cost effective.
CIWS is 30mm. Should be next too get the fuze.

Cool !!

Its time IA thinks and acts on cost as a major factor in military force and adaptation.
New challenges demand innovative thought but more importantly innovative applications for weapons in battlefield and war front tactics.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 05 Oct 2023 17:46

IAF Plans To Induct Military Platforms Worth Rs 3 Lakh Crore: Air Chief
https://bharatshakti.in/iaf-plans-to-in ... air-chief/
04 Oct 2023

ISTAR Aircraft: Another Essential for India
https://capsindia.org/istar-aircraft-an ... for-india/
28 Nov 2022

srai · Post by **srai** » 05 Oct 2023 18:57

1st batch - 240 L&T Sudarshan ADGS … more to follow

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/co ... 6.ece/amp/

…
This has come out successfully from the trials and qualified; after the price bid we are L1. Contract is yet to happen... about 240 guns, if I'm not wrong, is for the Air Force. The army requires identical guns... They are buying in two phases. So the first phase is slightly larger. The second phase will be much larger.
…

3P ammo

srin · Post by **srin** » 05 Oct 2023 19:25

The 40mm Sudarshan ADGS has a measly 300 rounds per minute rate of fire. Well and good for slow drones and helicopters, but not sure about the faster cruise missiles. They could have atleast used a revolver cannon principle (multiple chambers) or a Gatling (multiple barrels) to increase rate of fire.

The 30mm AK-630 has 20x the rate of fire.

NRao · Post by **NRao** » 05 Oct 2023 21:00

Rajnath Singh directs IAF to destroy poppy plantations before harvest in Manipur

(Defunding the ISI)

Jay · Post by **Jay** » 05 Oct 2023 23:44

srin wrote: ↑05 Oct 2023 19:25 The 40mm Sudarshan ADGS has a measly 300 rounds per minute rate of fire. Well and good for slow drones and helicopters, but not sure about the faster cruise missiles. They could have atleast used a revolver cannon principle (multiple chambers) or a Gatling (multiple barrels) to increase rate of fire.

The 30mm AK-630 has 20x the rate of fire.

Even though Sudarshan and AK-630 are both termed as CIWS, I think they serve differing purposes and neither is a substitute for another.

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 06 Oct 2023 07:44

A cruise missile is a small enough target. That 2 to 3, 40 mm rounds will be enough to bring it down.

With guided gun. You don't need to put a wall in the air to stop small targets.

MeshaVishwas · Post by **MeshaVishwas** » 10 Oct 2023 16:59

Just came across the aircraft below while browsing on airliners(Credits on the image itself) and thought that it was a custom fit for the VayuSena.
Indranil said that the HS-748s have plenty of hours left on the frame anyways so instead of grounding them, maybe VayuSena can convert some of them into special mission roles with a modest Engine upgrade?

Japanese Air Force YS-11EB (with the RR Darts replaced with the GE T-64s)

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 10 Oct 2023 19:26

Why not just use the new build C295.

We don't know how many hours of flying hours are available for each HS 748 airframe.

MeshaVishwas · Post by **MeshaVishwas** » 10 Oct 2023 21:36

HAL, which had built the Avro fleet between 1960s and 1980s, points out that each Avro flies barely 350-hour a year, and the airframes have thousands of hours of service life remaining.

- Monsieur Shook Law
But as I went Googling around for anything new, I did find some very promising news:
Genesys Aerosystems Completes Autopilot Flight Test on HAL Avro

Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Inc. company, announced that it has completed flight testing of its S-TEC 5000R Autopilot on the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) Avro HS-748 aircraft.

This successful Part 25 aircraft autopilot integration represents another milestone for Genesys Aerosystems and its history of autopilot product leadership in the market. This was the first successful Part 25 autopilot integration in India in recent history. This success further validates the effectiveness and quality of Genesys’ avionics solutions offered to this market.

The Autopilot integration program is part of the avionics and engine upgrade and life-extension efforts for the HS-748 Avro aircraft fleet undertaken by HAL.

“Upgrading the Avro aircraft with our S-TEC 5000R is an exciting project for us” said Nick Bogner, director of business development for Genesys Aerosystems, “It demonstrates our capabilities across all aircraft types and also our ability to execute.”

About the S-TEC 5000R Autopilot
The S-TEC 5000R is an advanced digital, attitude based, autopilot designed for every phase of flight for high-performance jets and turboprop aircraft. The S-TEC 5000R has a separate flight guidance computer (FGC) and mode control panel (MCP) for maximum flexibility in location of avionics LRU’s within aircraft. The MCP consists of buttons to allow the pilot to control the selected autopilot mode. Setting values and displaying the autopilot mode is controlled by the Genesys EFIS display. The S-TEC 5000R digital autopilot is the ideal system to maximize the capabilities of your Genesys Avionics Suite™ or other electronic flight instrument system with Area Navigation. Pilots / operators of turboprop and jet aircraft will appreciate the advanced features that make every phase of flight easier, safer, and more reliable. Advanced capabilities help reduce pilot workload while significantly improving mission efficiency. From “wheels up to wheels down” the S-TEC 5000R integrates with your digital EFIS or FMS to deliver effortless command and control, and the precision that is absolutely essential in today’s crowded airspace. The S-TEC 5000R is RVSM compatible and provides advanced features such as Straight and Level Recovery, Genesys EFIS Integration, Envelope Protection/Alerting, Precision Approaches/Missed Approaches and other advanced features.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 11 Oct 2023 02:45

It’s The Beginning Of The End For India’s MiG-21 Bison
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/i ... ic-mig-21s
09 Oct 2023

The MiG-21s flew their last aerial display as the Indian Air Force plans to retire the type completely in 2025.

mody · Post by **mody** » 16 Oct 2023 18:22

A beautiful goodbye to the Mig-21.

My Magnificent Mate–The MiG 21
https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/my ... 1919&ei=64

"On reading this, a friend said, “Those who are not pilots and haven’t flown the MiG may not understand this.”

I said, “Those who have been young, foolish, and in love, will understand.”

Didn’t you?"

pravula · Post by **pravula** » 17 Oct 2023 10:22

Do we know what’s next for them? Drones? Gift to colleges? Gate guardians?

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 17 Oct 2023 18:48

pravula wrote: ↑17 Oct 2023 10:22 Do we know what’s next for them? Drones? Gift to colleges? Gate guardians?

Don't know about drones, but will be a combination of the last two.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 17 Oct 2023 18:49

VIDEO: https://x.com/timesofindia/status/17134 ... 23025?s=20 ---> Air Marshal SP Dharkar says, "...Flexibility of airpower and the ability of aircraft to be operated from any different location is what is unique to the Air Force...In the same manner, we have two Rafale squadrons...and if the requirement arises Air Headquarters would take that call and position the second Rafale second squadron here if that is what is going to provide us that requisite amount of security as may be necessary at that given time."

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 18 Oct 2023 20:50

https://x.com/IAF_InnovAce/status/17128 ... 08425?s=20 ----> Connecting, Creating & Collaborating! @IAF_MCC is dedicated to building lasting partnerships with industry friends to boost progress, share knowledge & seize opportunities. Presenting next edition of Industry Outreach Event. AF Station Pune, 17-18 Oct 2023.

VIDEO: https://x.com/IAF_InnovAce/status/17139 ... 35987?s=20 ---> It's all Systems-Go for our Industry Outreach Event tomorrow at AF Stn Pune! A day of innovation, collaboration and camaraderie! Together with our industry partners, we look forward to evolving ingenious capabilities through indigenous technologies. Stay tuned for more updates!

Kersi · Post by **Kersi** » 19 Oct 2023 11:36

pravula wrote: ↑17 Oct 2023 10:22 Do we know what’s next for them? Drones? Gift to colleges? Gate guardians?

It would be nice if the MiG 21 were installed at various universities, colleges, parks, various public places etc. The engines should be removed and given to engineering colleges for study

vimal · Post by **vimal** » 19 Oct 2023 11:44

pravula wrote: ↑17 Oct 2023 10:22 Do we know what’s next for them? Drones? Gift to colleges? Gate guardians?

Keep them around for use as swarm attack crafts. Just need some basic navic based waypoints and loaded to gill with explosives.

JTull · Post by **JTull** » 19 Oct 2023 14:07

Kersi wrote: ↑19 Oct 2023 11:36
pravula wrote: ↑17 Oct 2023 10:22 Do we know what’s next for them? Drones? Gift to colleges? Gate guardians?
It would be nice if the MiG 21 were installed at various universities, colleges, parks, various public places etc. The engines should be removed and given to engineering colleges for study

I love the suggestion about giving old engines to engineering colleges.

LakshmanPST · Post by **LakshmanPST** » 29 Oct 2023 01:45

Back in 2021, I posted this projection of squadron numbers based on reported timelines back then---> viewtopic.php?p=2486471#p2486471

The following major developments/changes happened in the last 2 years:-
1) 21 MIG29 jets deal cancelled
2) New deal for 97 Tejas Mk1A jets
3) Tejas Mk2 timelines moved forward by 3-4 years, expected ready for production 2030
4) Jaguars to be retired by 2032
5) No movement on MRFA/ Additional Rafales
6) No news of 13th squadron of Su30. I'm assuming, it will never be raised. So, reduced Su30 squadrons to 12 Nos.

Based on above developments, the projected squadron numbers are as follows:-

Considerations:-
1) I'm assuming Production rate of 16 for Tejas Mk1A orders to avoid making it more complicated. Though it is projected to improve to 24 over the next couple of years. In case it improves, the orders will be completed 2 years earlier, by 2032 itself.
2) I have not changed AMCA timelines, as there is no official news report informing the change in timelines. But I assume the timelines will be shifted by atleast 5 years.
3) I have not considered MRFA/ Additional Rafales as there is no movement on the same.

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 30 Oct 2023 10:04

Lakshman,

Good work.

However, personally I suspect that the Mk1 numbers are going to increase further by atleast 50%. Along with numbers for the Mk2.

IAF has no choice but to increase the numbers.

Manish_P · Post by **Manish_P** » 30 Oct 2023 10:09

LakshmanPST wrote: ↑29 Oct 2023 01:45 Back in 2021, I posted this projection of squadron numbers based on reported timelines back then---> viewtopic.php?p=2486471#p2486471

...

Thank you very much for this spreadsheet!

Would love to see rows for the UAVs/UCAVs. In a decade or so they will constitute a good percentage of the IAF

ashishvikas · Post by **ashishvikas** » 30 Oct 2023 14:26

Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv to Replace Cheetah and Chetak: Expert

https://www.google.com/amp/s/sputniknew ... 09981.html

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 30 Oct 2023 19:02

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1718 ... 16801?s=20 ---> Approval in Principle was granted on 27 Oct 2023 for 6 Exploratory projects for Indian Air Force under Make-III procedure of DAP-2020, they are:

- Manufacture of CM II missile for Su-30 MK, 12 units for proto, 100 in production.

- Manufacture of MISTRAL WVR A2A for ALH (WSI) and LCH of IAF, 10 units for proto, 100 in production.

- Manufacture of HSLD Mk II for Jaguar and Su-30 MKI aircraft of IAF, 12 units for proto, 100 in production.

- Manufacture of R-73E missile for Bison, MiG-29 and Su-30 MKI aircraft of IAF, 10 units under proto, 250 in production (approx)

- Manufacture of R-27ET1 missile for MiG-29 and Su-30 MKI, 12 units under proto, 200 in production (approx).

- Manufacture of X-31P missile for Su-30 MKI aircraft, 10 under proto, 200 in production (approx).

*NOTE : Final figures for evey missile will be finalized after the completion of feasibility studies.

Image Source: https://x.com/TheLegateIN/status/171883 ... 37759?s=20