Indian Naval Aviation

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 02 Dec 2023 22:41

What an absolutely gorgeous photo. Only regret is that it is not in HD quality.

https://x.com/_devildog_rv_/status/1730 ... 13049?s=20 ---> Got the entire Indian Naval Air Arm fleet right there.

srin · Post by **srin** » 03 Dec 2023 19:26

Rakesh wrote: ↑02 Dec 2023 22:40 Indeed. The Admiral does say that some airframe assembly of the Rafale M will occur alongside Air Force Rafales.

A slip of the tongue?

Quite indiscreet. The good admiral isn't wrong - while everybody "knows" that the MRFA contest is going nowhere and it just makes sense to order more Rafales for IAF, yet it isn't an official position of Govt right now. I'm sure there will be a "clarification" that will be provided.

drnayar · Post by **drnayar** » 03 Dec 2023 20:29

Rakesh wrote: ↑02 Dec 2023 22:41 What an absolutely gorgeous photo. Only regret is that it is not in HD quality.

https://x.com/_devildog_rv_/status/1730 ... 13049?s=20 ---> Got the entire Indian Naval Air Arm fleet right there.

not really the entire fleet.. the P-8Is and Dorniers?

Shameek · Post by **Shameek** » 03 Dec 2023 21:13

^ The Dorniers are next to the Hawks. The P8I is missing.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 04 Dec 2023 05:06

Rakesh wrote: ↑01 Dec 2023 20:17 Listen carefully to what Admiral Hari Kumar says about the Rafale M.

Looking like a Rafale assembly line is going to be set up in India. But no assembly line will be set up for a mere 26 airframes.

VIDEO: https://x.com/BharatShaktiBSI/status/17 ... 38858?s=20 ---> Essentially, by 2026 or 2027, it will be us, says CNS Adm R Hari Kumar on acquiring 26 Rafale Marine aircraft. Watch the full interview, today at 6 pm.

Another confirmation from what Admiral Hari Kumar said about a Rafale MRO.

Securing the Skies
https://www.spsmai.com/experts-speak/?i ... -the-Skies
14 Nov 2023

The negotiations for the Rafale M deal include plans for integration of Indian-designed equipment and the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) Hub, aligning with India's 'Make In India' initiative for self-sufficiency in defence production.

Roop · Post by **Roop** » 04 Dec 2023 08:45

Rakesh wrote: ↑04 Dec 2023 05:06 Another confirmation from what Admiral Hari Kumar said about a Rafale MRO.

Securing the Skies
https://www.spsmai.com/experts-speak/?i ... -the-Skies
14 Nov 2023

The negotiations for the Rafale M deal include plans for integration of Indian-designed equipment and the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) Hub, aligning with India's 'Make In India' initiative for self-sufficiency in defence production.

Minor nitpick: MRO is Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (not "Operations").

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 04 Dec 2023 11:33

Roop wrote: ↑04 Dec 2023 08:45 Minor nitpick: MRO is Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (not "Operations").

Looks like a typo from the editorial team at the above website.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 04 Dec 2023 21:04

Dassault wishing Happy Navy Day to the Indian Navy

https://x.com/Dassault_OnAir/status/173 ... 94623?s=20 ----> Rafale for the Indian Navy: Ready to Embark. Celebrating Navy Day.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 05 Dec 2023 21:06

srin wrote: ↑03 Dec 2023 19:26
Rakesh wrote: ↑02 Dec 2023 22:40 Indeed. The Admiral does say that some airframe assembly of the Rafale M will occur alongside Air Force Rafales.

A slip of the tongue?
Quite indiscreet. The good admiral isn't wrong - while everybody "knows" that the MRFA contest is going nowhere and it just makes sense to order more Rafales for IAF, yet it isn't an official position of Govt right now. I'm sure there will be a "clarification" that will be provided.

Clarification will come in 2024.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 06 Dec 2023 20:23

On the occasion of Navy Day, some beautiful photographs have been released.

https://x.com/Rethik_D/status/1731949402896339382?s=20 ---> This Picture. Respect to Naval pilots.

https://x.com/singhshwetabh71/status/17 ... 82628?s=20 ---> P-8I Elephant Walk. And the Sea Guardian on the left.

https://x.com/singhshwetabh71/status/17 ... 64381?s=20 ---> Navy's Romeos

https://x.com/singhshwetabh71/status/17 ... 90458?s=20 --->

https://x.com/singhshwetabh71/status/17 ... 13736?s=20 ---> Navy's Sea Guardian

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 09 Dec 2023 02:11

https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1733051 ... 07265?s=20 ---> This is a nice surprise. HAL displays the new glass cockpit of Indian Navy's MiG-29K/KUB upgrade program. Enhancement of navigation guidance, A2G combat capability, smart MFDs etc. More details in the photos. Avionics Expo at New Delhi. Some great gems here!!

bala · Post by **bala** » 10 Dec 2023 10:56

// upgrades include mission computer, some routine maintenance parts, possible Uttam AESA radar, Indian munitions (Astra, Brahmos NG) integration, new cockpit.
// need to speed up TEDBF for the Navy.

HAL's Upgrade for the Indian Navy's Mig 29K | हिंदी में

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 11 Dec 2023 22:18

https://x.com/IN_HQENC/status/1734194956473155868?s=20 ---> Happy 43rd Anniversary to the Eagles, INAS 333. INS Dega's oldest Naval Air Squadron!

As a formidable Anti-Submarine platform, the squadron has displayed exemplary performance and given credence to their motto

"अदृश्यस्य विनाशम व्यम अन्वेष्याम I"

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 12 Dec 2023 08:11

https://x.com/Aditya_G_Social/status/17 ... 51010?s=20 ---> P-8I Neptune weapons bay simulator at INS Rajali.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 15 Dec 2023 20:06

https://x.com/NewsIADN/status/1735495015588339827?s=20 ---> 1 more MH-60R helicopter delivered to the Indian Navy. Lockheed Martin India also confirmed that the MH-60R of the Indian Navy is now being used for operational requirements. A total of 24 units were ordered.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 18 Dec 2023 04:12

https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1736277 ... 81063?s=20 ---> We interviewed Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy. Four part thread of great updates!

The IN has contracted for two Hermes 900 MALE RPAS; will be manufactured in India under ToT with Elbit Systems with 60% indigenous content. RPAs to be inducted by February 2024. Part 1 of 4.

https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1736278 ... 53765?s=20 ---> Admiral R Hari Kumar, CNS, Indian Navy:

Procurement of 24 MH-60R multirole helicopters under Foreign Military Sales: Delivery of five helicopters has been completed in 2023. The sixth delivery is planned in December 2023. The delivery schedule of balance aircraft is up to 2027. Part 2 of 4.

https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1736278 ... 23499?s=20 ---> Admiral R Hari Kumar, CNS, Indian Navy:

1. AoN for procurement of 15 MQ 9B HALE RPAS for Maritime Operations has been accorded.

2. The case for procurement of six additional P8I’s is presently under review by the MoD.

3. All contracted ALH MK III helicopters have been inducted in the Indian Navy.

Part 3 of 4.

https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1736279 ... 35842?s=20 ---> Tomorrow (Monday, December 18th) updates on the Naval Utility Helicopter and orders, status of upgrade of Ka-28/KV-28 MLU helicopters, HAL's DBMRH and Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF). Stay tuned!! Part 4 of 4

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 18 Dec 2023 04:14

https://x.com/IN_HQSNC/status/1735907294184169533?s=20 ---> Indian Navy successfully completed maiden in-country, pilot training of multi-role MH-60R at INS Garuda, Kochi. Rear Admiral Anshuman Chauhan, ACNS (AM) presented graduation parchments to the successful trainees. In-country training is a step towards Atmanirbharta on this versatile platform.

KSingh · Post by **KSingh** » 18 Dec 2023 14:27

https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1736655 ... 36355?s=20 ---> Our interview with Admiral R Hari Kumar, CNS:

"DAC has accorded AoN for 60 Utility Helicopters-Maritime from HAL. First prototype should be ready in October 2024, second prototype in April 2025. Deliveries scheduled to commence Jan 2027."

https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1736655 ... 21692?s=20 ---> DAC's AoN for 60 Utility Helicopters-Maritime (UH-M) under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category as a ‘Design & Development’ project from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on 29 March 2023. HAL is progressing with the Design & Development of the UH-M prototype.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 18 Dec 2023 19:57

Rakesh wrote: ↑18 Dec 2023 04:12https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1736279 ... 35842?s=20 ---> Tomorrow (Monday, December 18th) updates on the Naval Utility Helicopter and orders, status of upgrade of Ka-28/KV-28 MLU helicopters, HAL's DBMRH and Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF). Stay tuned!! Part 4 of 4

https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1736683 ... 83974?s=20 ---> 10 Indian Navy Ka-28s being upgraded to KV-28 standard. Will be IAI’s Skimmer ASW/ASuW Maritime Mission Suite. Skimmer package includes sensors, systems, sonar, sonobuoys, radar, ESM, datalink, communications, ops stations, weapons integration, etc.

https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1736683 ... 64849?s=20 ---> KV-28: Indian Navy has been operating the Kamov-28 helicopters for years & the helicopter is considered reliable + dependable. Once the task is completed, IAI’s Skimmer package will place the enhanced helicopters at the forefront of marine battle technology for years to come.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 19 Dec 2023 19:51

Rakesh wrote: ↑18 Dec 2023 04:12https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1736279 ... 35842?s=20 ---> Tomorrow (Monday, December 18th) updates on the Naval Utility Helicopter and orders, status of upgrade of Ka-28/KV-28 MLU helicopters, HAL's DBMRH and Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF). Stay tuned!! Part 4 of 4

viewtopic.php?p=2609835#p2609835

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 21 Dec 2023 19:51

ashishvikas wrote: ↑27 Oct 2023 22:38 India gives 'Letter of Request' to France for buying 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for Navy
https://aninews.in/news/national/genera ... 027220359/
27 Oct 2023

France has formally responded to the Letter of Request

France submits bid for Indian tender to buy 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets for aircraft carriers
https://aninews.in/news/world/us/france ... 220213525/
20 Dec 2023

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 21 Dec 2023 21:50

Rafale jets for Indian Navy: France sends in bid, contract likely to be inked only after 2024 polls
https://theprint.in/defence/rafale-jets ... s/1895584/
21 Dec 2023

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 23 Dec 2023 02:43

French Price Bids for Indian Navy: 26 Rafale-M and 3 Scorpene Submarines
https://www.financialexpress.com/busine ... s-3345250/
22 Dec 2023

Procurement Process for Rafale-M

Following the receipt of the bid, the process of getting 26 fighter jets for the Indian Navy has already started. However, there is no clarity if a costing committee will be set up. It has been reported previously that after taking into consideration all the relevant aspects, the terms of purchase as well as price will be negotiated between the Indian and French governments. The MoD has said previously that this will also include the “comparative procurement price of similar aircraft by other countries.”

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 01 Jan 2024 22:14

This is going to be a twitter thread. So will post in sequence, as and when Anantha tweets them.

@ashishvikas: If posting subsequent tweets, please remove the icons. Thanks.

https://x.com/writetake/status/1741818954971258971?s=20 ---> Thread on CABS / DRDO's MMMA (ICG) and MRMRA (IN):

* After LCA AF Mk2, now some focus on DRDO's Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) lab in Bengaluru. Govt sources confirm that the DAC clearance for three major projects of CABS are at a striking distance.

* The proposals for 6 Maritime Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMMA) for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and 9 Medium-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft (MRMRA) for Indian Navy are set to be cleared very soon. The go-ahead is also expected for 6 Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS Mk1A) for the Indian Air Force.

* Sources say that lessons from the Ukraine War made the Indian military minds to bolster up the air denial strategy that seeks to spot the enemy first.

* CABS has been pursuing the design and development of airborne surveillance systems covering a gamut of air-to-air, air-to-ground, maritime and passive surveillance to establish not air supremacy alone, but to propagate air denial capabilities as well, to detect the adversary first.

* The desi Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AEW&CS) that was delivered to IAF has proven its mettle during Balakot strike, by providing effective air defence operational capabilities. India became 5th in the world to achieve this feat in Feb 2017.

* The success of AEW&CS saw IN and ICG reinforcing their push for MRMRA and MMMA platforms respectively, based on the Airbus C-295 platform.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 01 Jan 2024 22:32

https://x.com/Kuntal__biswas/status/173 ... 34418?s=20 ---> Exclusive! Rampage ASM on MiG-29K. Note the launcher.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 01 Jan 2024 22:40

https://x.com/VivekSi85847001/status/17 ... 04562?s=20 ---> Submarine Hunters of Indian Navy.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 02 Jan 2024 19:21

Part 1 of this Twitter Thread ---> viewtopic.php?p=2610704#p2610704

https://x.com/writetake/status/1742037344545640602?s=20 ---> The participation of Indian industry is envisaged to be multifold in MMMA & MRMRA program. As a development-cum-production partner, the private industry will be engaged right from the beginning, keeping the Aatmanirbharta intact.

* The level of indigenisation in the maritime surveillance is enhanced due to the indigenous manufacturing of C-295 platform by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).

* While these projects took considerable time to reach the doors of DAC, scientists at CABS were focusing on proving some crucial technologies for these two platforms set be delivered in two separate configurations to suit their roles.

* Sources confirm that most of the critical systems were proven on a technology demonstration mode by CABS' scientists.

* Several DRDO labs are also supporting CABS in MMMA & MRMRA projects.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 03 Jan 2024 21:33

Indian Navy: Rafale Marine Deal Sees Progress As France Responds To India's Rs 50,000 Crore Tender
https://www.outlookindia.com/national/i ... ews-337874
21 Dec 2023

The decision to include Rafale in Indian Navy came as a Comptroller and Auditor General report in 2016 had underlined the shortcomings of the MiG-29K and stated, "The MiG-29K, which is a carrier-borne multi-role aircraft and the mainstay of integral fleet air defence, is riddled with problems."

"In the best case scenario, a MiG-29 jet will be fully fit for operations less than 50 percent of the time it is required to be deployed," it had said.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 01 Feb 2024 20:20

https://x.com/iamward0g/status/1752557643233984875?s=20 ---> Naval Aviation Calendar 2024.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 06 Feb 2024 19:56

https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1754111 ... 57942?s=20 ---> All three siblings of the Indian Navy posing for us. Photo of our visit to an Indian Naval base over a decade ago. In the picture (from left to right) is the Ka-28, the Ka-25 and the Ka-31 AEW.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 08 Feb 2024 20:07

Interesting details about Indian Naval Aviation from none other than the Navy Chief himself, Admiral Hari Kumar in the Jan 2024 edition of Vayu Aerospace. Interview starts from Page 37. Please click on link below....

https://www.vayuaerospace.in/Issue/2024 ... 151624.pdf

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 16 Feb 2024 19:06

https://x.com/ANI/status/1758408821599355126?s=20 ---> Defence Ministry has given approval for proposal to buy nine maritime surveillance aircraft for the Indian Navy and six maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard. The 15 maritime patrol planes would be built upon the Made in India C-295 transport aircraft and the worth of the projects is around Rs 29,000 crore: Defence sources.

Rupesh · Post by **Rupesh** » 16 Feb 2024 22:54

That's almost 2000 crores for each aircraft . Costlier than P8i.

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 17 Feb 2024 11:41

Probably the cost of "Making them in India"

Prem Kumar · Post by **Prem Kumar** » 17 Feb 2024 12:04

Rupesh wrote: ↑16 Feb 2024 22:54 That's almost 2000 crores for each aircraft . Costlier than P8i.

True.

Refuellers in the current AoN are 6 for 9000 Crores = 1500 Cr a plane
6 Netra Mk1a for 9000 Cr = 1500 Cr a plane
3 SIGINT/COMINT aircraft for 6300 Cr = 2100 Cr a plane - but these are Airbus 319s

So yes, the C-295 cost of 2000 Cr per pop seems out of whack. Especially because it comes on the back of the IAF order for 56 such aircraft at Rs 21395, which makes it Rs 382 Crore per aircraft! And given the volumes, the benefits of mass-production must kick in

Definitely, the MRMR aircraft has a plethora of sensors and some weapons as well. But will that make the cost 5X,compared to the baseline C-295?? Doesn't add up

P8I cost is 3200 Crores per aircraft by the way

Cybaru · Post by **Cybaru** » 17 Feb 2024 14:28

One would think he C295 would be 1/3rd the cost, given the platform is 1/3rd the price and has less space and power. Hoping they added like a ridiculous 10 year maintenance and that is why the number is out of whack. Hopefully people can ask what the breakout looks like and why it's so expensive.

srai · Post by **srai** » 17 Feb 2024 17:11

Price comparisons are not apple-to-apple. You have to know the details of what is included in the overall package deal. It’s not just “fly-away” cost that most people tend to associate when doing comparison.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 19 Feb 2024 03:20

Indian Navy, Coast Guard To Get 15 Maritime Patrol Aircraft Based On Airbus C-295
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... bus-c-295/
18 Feb 2024

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 20 Feb 2024 18:37

https://x.com/strategicfront/status/175 ... 25571?s=20 ---> This approval shows incredibly expensive estimates. 9 MRMR and 6 MMMA for $3.5 billion. That's ~ $230 million per aircraft. Keep in mind that MMMA won't even have an anti-submarine feature as it's for the Coast Guard. It makes it as expensive as an bigger and better Boeing P-8I.

https://x.com/kachra_seth123/status/175 ... 56507?s=20 ---> R&D forms a major chunk of that Rs.29,000 crore figure. Also, $230 million was the price for P8I back in 2008-09, today those things cost north of $400 million per aircraft.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 20 Feb 2024 19:42

The second batch of four P-8Is cost over a billion dollars (at 2016 $$). So more than $250 million per aircraft. Similarly priced to the first batch of eight P-8Is which cost $2.1 billion (at 2009 $$). Can new build P-8Is be acquired at that cost today?

India signs $1 billion deal to buy four Poseidon-8I aircraft
https://www.livemint.com/Politics/Y9uMg ... craft.html
28 July 2016

--------------------------------------------

https://x.com/AirbusDefence/status/1737 ... 31420?s=20 ---> The Spanish Ministry of Defence has ordered 16 Airbus C-295 aircraft, in Maritime Patrol (MPA) configuration & in Maritime Surveillance (MSA) configuration. The contract amounts to €1.695 billion.

Read More: https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/pres ... rveillance

Would the above be a better comparison? From just an airframe perspective perhaps it would be. So 16 airframes for €1.695 billion (US $1.8+ billion) for the Spanish Navy, compared to US $3.5 billion for 15 airframes for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. That is a US $1.7 billion difference. However, one needs to examine the equipment coming on board, the maintenance/logistics contract, the associated weaponry, etc. But even with that, would the difference amount to US $1.7 billion extra? I am genuinely asking.