Russian Weapons & Military Technology

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 14 Dec 2015 09:06

Russia Received 243 Aircraft, 90 Missile Defense Systems In 2015
Source : Our Bureau ~ Dated : Friday, December 11, 2015
http://www.defenseworld.net/news/14828/ ... ms_In_2015

http://www.defenseworld.net/news/14826/ ... e_Minister

7 Warships, 2 Submarines To Enter Service In 2016: Russian Defense Minister
Source : Our Bureau ~ Dated : Friday, December 11, 2015

Two multi-purpose submarines and seven warships will be entering service of the Russian Navy in 2016.

"Two multipurpose submarines and seven warships will join the Navy,” Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu was quoted as saying by Tass news agency on Friday.

In 2014 the Russian Navy got six warships and one submarine and is supposed to receive two multipurpose submarines and five warships in 2015.

Russia will also receive two Tupolev Tu-160 modernised strategic bombers and seven Tu-95MS bombers in 2016.

According to him, the ministry’s plans for the next year include "putting on combat duty five missile regiments equipped with modern missile systems, putting into service with the strategic aviation forces two modernised Tu-160 and seven Tu-95MS bombers.
Lockheed Martin > Naval Equipment > Submarines > Surface Ships - Combat > RUSSIAN FEDERATION
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PS:Tata's to manufacture Sukhoi Superjet components.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 14 Dec 2015 10:07

http://rbth.com/news/2015/12/12/russian ... ile_550257

Russian nuclear submarine successfully launches Sineva ballistic missile
December 12, 2015 Interfax
Sineva ballistic missile successfully launched from nuclear missile cruiser in Barents sea - Defense Ministry

A Sineva intercontinental ballistic missile has been successfully launched from the Verkhoturye strategic nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine deployed in the Barents Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Saturday.

"The crew of the Northern Fleet's Verkhoturye nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine led by Cap. 1st Rank Dmitry Zelikov successfully fired a Sineva intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from an assigned area in the Barents Sea upon the Kura range in Kamchatka on December 12," it said.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 15 Dec 2015 09:55

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldne ... Syria.html

Russia sends warning to West with show of strength in Syria
From submarine-launched cruise missiles to advanced warplanes, Vladimir Putin is using his intervention in Syria to showcase Russia's military might

Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting of Russia's military and security chiefs. Photo: EPA/ALEXEY DRUZHININ / SPUTNIK / KREMLIN POOL
By David Blair, Chief Foreign Correspondent

8:00AM GMT 13 Dec 2015

Until last Tuesday, America and Britain were the only countries with a proven ability to fire cruise missiles at land targets from submarines.

Then a salvo of missiles burst through the placid surface of the Mediterranean and soared into a cloudless sky, demonstrating that Russia had become the third member of this elite club.

The cruise missiles launched from a Kilo-class submarine provided visible proof of how President Vladimir Putin is using his intervention in Syria as a showcase for Russian military prowess.

Advanced warplanes – never previously used in combat – are being dispatched into Syrian skies, the best tanks in the Russian army are fighting on the ground, and flights of cruise missiles are soaring overhead.

Yet the Syrian rebels on the receiving end have no air defences and precious little advanced weaponry. There is no obvious military reason for why Russia would employ the heaviest sledgehammers in its arsenal to crack some relatively small nuts.

A Russian bomber drops bombs on a targetA Russian bomber drops bombs on a target Photo: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP

Experts believe that Mr Putin’s real goal is to seize the attention of America and Nato. Having increased Russian military spending by at least 50 per cent since 2005, Mr Putin wants to prove that his armed forces have matched some of the West’s most formidable military assets.

The cruise missiles emerging from the Mediterranean were probably the most important element of this display.

For the last 20 years, the United States Navy has been able to fire Tomahawk land-attack missiles from its Los Angeles class submarines. The Royal Navy has done the same from its Trafalgar class submarines, now being replaced by the Astute class.

Given that cruise missiles have a range of at least 1,000 miles, this allows both navies to strike targets almost anywhere in the world, using an undetectable launch-pad hidden in the depths of the ocean. As such, the submarine-launched cruise missile represents a pinnacle of naval might.

Cruise missiles launch from a board of Russian Rostov-on-Don submarine at eastern Mediterranean Sea in a direction of SyriaCruise missiles emerge from the Mediterranean after being fired from a Russian Kilo class submarine Photo: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP

The Anglo-American duopoly was being challenged by France, which will acquire the ability to fire cruise missiles when its Barracuda class submarines enter service in 2017. China is also developing a version of this weapon.

But it turns out that Russia got there first. The Kremlin was quick to release video footage of the missiles bursting out of the sea in the direction of Syria. "As a result of the successful launches by the aviation and submarine fleet, all targets were destroyed,” announced Sergei Shoigu, the Russian defence minister.

"“If I was a Russian staff officer, I’d be saying ‘this does have a deterrent effect – Nato is going to sit up and take notice of this'"
Brigadier Ben Barry

Whether cruise missiles are the “most cost effective way” of destroying defenceless targets in Syria is open to question, said Brigadier Ben Barry, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

But cost and efficiency may not be part of the calculation. “If I was a Russian staff officer, I’d be saying ‘this does have a deterrent effect – Nato is going to sit up and take notice of this’,” said Brig Barry.

Earlier, Russia had launched cruise missiles from four warships in the Caspian – the first time that its navy had fired these weapons from surface vessels.

An aerial image shows cruise missile strike on a local ISIS headquarters in SyriaAn aerial image shows cruise missile strike on a local ISIS headquarters in Syria Photo: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP

“There is an element of demonstrating capability in order to gain strategic leverage more widely,” said Brig Barry. “If they want to deter what they consider to be adventurism from an irresponsible Nato, then it helps to show they’ve got the capability to fire cruise missiles from both surface warships and submarines.”

Ordinary Russians, who are enduring the pain of economic crisis even as military spending rises, are also part of the intended audience. “This helps to justify to the Russian public the sort of resources that have been put into military modernisation,” added Brig Barry.

Other fruits of Mr Putin's military modernisation programme have been placed on display since his expedition to Syria began on Sept 30. The Russian air force has taken delivery of 46 new Su-34 Fullback strike aircraft. These advanced warplanes are now being sent into action to destroy targets in Syria, no doubt allowing Russian experts to evaluate their performance.

Earlier this month, it emerged that the T90 main battle tank – the Russian army’s most advanced model – was being deployed on the front line in Syria. The older T72 had proved vulnerable to anti-tank missiles used by the rebels.

But the T90 is protected by the “Shtora” jammer, a defence system which disrupts the guidance mechanism of any incoming missiles. This protective shield will now receive its first test in combat.

In the air, Russia has sent its most formidable strategic bomber – the Tu-160 Blackjack – to strike targets in Syria. This swing-wing supersonic aircraft was first designed as Russia’s answer to the American Rockwell B1 Lancer. Its original task was to penetrate heavily defended airspace and deliver nuclear weapons.

A Russian Su-34 bomber drops bombs on a targetA Russian Su-34 bomber drops bombs on a target Photo: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP

There is no obvious military reason for dispatching such a leviathan to punish rebels in Syria – unless, of course, the goal is to impress a wider audience.

But there is another, less obvious lesson from Mr Putin’s brazen display. If there is a weapon that has not appeared in Syria, that is probably because it does not actually work at all.

For years, Western observers have doubted the operational capability of the only aircraft carrier in the Russian fleet, Admiral Kuznetsov. With its Mediterranean coastline, Syria is the kind of the country that would be vulnerable to air strikes launched from carriers.

But, so far, Admiral Kuznetsov has been conspicuously absent from the campaign. Mr Putin is taking the opportunity to show the West all the firepower at his command. But he is also revealing what he does not possess.

Lilo · Post by **Lilo** » 15 Dec 2015 13:07

Bangladesh receives five Mi-171Sh helicopters
Russian Helicopters announced on 11 December that it had delivered five Mi-171Sh transport helicopters to Bangladesh

The helicopters are equipped with additional fuel tanks, external slings, spotlights, and avionics that allow them to operate at night and in any weather conditions.

They are also equipped with armour and protection systems so they can operate in areas of terrorist activity.

Russian Helicopters said Bangladesh received the helicopters in exchange for buying Russian goods under a deal concluded in late 2013.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 15 Dec 2015 18:54

Russia's rapid ongoing SSBN production .
http://sputniknews.com/military/2015121 ... syria.html

2015 December 14 15:00
Keel laying ceremony of Borei-A-class nuclear submarine Emperor Alexander III to take place in Severodvinsk on December 18

Keel laying ceremony of Borei-A-class nuclear submarine Emperor Alexander III is will take place in Severodvinsk on December 18, says press center of RF Defence Ministry. The submarine will be built for the Russian Navy.

The representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defence, the Northern Fleet Command and the Belomorskaya naval base as well as the administration representatives of the Arkhangelsk Region and Severodvinsk are to participate in the ceremony.

Three Borei-A-class nuclear missile submarines Knyaz Vladimir, Knyaz Oleg and Generalissimus Suvorov are already being constructed at the “Sevmash” shipyard.

Knyaz Vladimir is the flagship of the Borei-A-class atomic submarines, date keel laid - June 30, 2012, currently under construction. Knyaz Oleg - first serial Borei-A class nuclear submarine, date keel laid - June 27, 2014, also is being built. Generalissimus Suvorov-second serial Borei-A-class submarine, date keel laid - December 26, 2014.

According to the Deputy Commander in Chief of the Russian Navy Vice Admiral Viktor Bursuk, the most advanced technologies and the latest innovations in the sphere of shipbuilding are employed in the process of Borei-A-class (which is evolution of Borei-class series) missile submarine construction.

Borei-class submarines are designed by JSC Rubin Central Design Bureau (Saint-Petersburg). The Borei-class submarines are constructed strictly in accordance with the requirements of the Russian Navy Main Command.

Vice Admiral Viktor Bursuk stated that the Borei and Borei-A classes of fourth generation nuclear missile submarines, equipped with Bulava system ballistic missiles, were presumed to become the basis of the Russian Naval Strategic Nuclear Forces for the nearest decades.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 19 Dec 2015 18:58

good video on current russian missiles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCNU3XImTOs

rsingh · Post by **rsingh** » 19 Dec 2015 22:59

Talks about Bastion (Brahamos). It can not sink an AC but it can render it unusable.

shiv · Post by **shiv** » 20 Dec 2015 06:38

Here is an old Mi 35 and Mi 26 promotional video I found in my archives
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWAqHl0Omgc

enjoy..

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 20 Dec 2015 17:24

First Borei-A-Class Nuclear Submarine to Enter Russian Navy Service in 2018
13:06 18.12.2015
Rubin shipbuilder general director stated that first Borei-A-class nuclear submarine cruiser will enter into the Russian Navy’s service in 2018.

The Alexander Nevsky nuclear submarine crew at a welcome ceremony for the navy's new Borei-class project 955 vessel at the Kamchatka's Vilyuchinsk permanent base

© Sputnik/ Ildus Gilyazutdinov

Russia Modernizing Fourth-Generation Borei-Class Nuclear Subs
SEVERODVINSK (Sputnik) – The first Borei-A-class nuclear submarine cruiser will enter into the Russian Navy’s service in 2018, Rubin shipbuilder General Director Igor Vilnit said Friday.

“The first cruiser from the Borei-A project we plan to hand over to the Navy in two years, in 2018,” Vilnit said during a ceremony on the beginning of the construction of the Imperator Alexander III nuclear submarine in Severodvinsk.

Navy Deputy Commander Vice Adm. Viktor Bursuk said during the ceremony that Borei-A-class submarines would significantly strengthen both the Russian Navy on the whole, and its Pacific Fleet in particular.

Bursuk added that, judging by the pace at which the Borei was being manufactured, it was possible to predict that a total of eight Borei-class nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines would be put into the service of the Russian Navy by 2020, as previously planned.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/russia/20151218/ ... z3urhWNZZk

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 20 Dec 2015 17:47

US Intel Report Expresses Admiration of Russia's Newest Naval Warfare Tech

12:25 18.12.
The US press has poured over a US intelligence report about the development of the Russian naval fleet and picked out the highlights.

The Alexander Nevsky nuclear submarine crew at a welcome ceremony for the navy's new Borei-class project 955 vessel at the Kamchatka's Vilyuchinsk permanent base
© Sputnik/ Ildus Gilyazutdinov

Russia Modernizing Fourth-Generation Borei-Class Nuclear Subs
The US Navy's Office of Naval Intelligence has published a report which details how Russia will develop its navy within the next 10 to 15 years, the US magazine The National Interest reported on Thursday.

National Interest defense editor Dave Majumdar identified the development of the new 'Leader' nuclear-powered destroyer, a new class of nuclear attack submarines, a non-nuclear submarine, investment in railgun and laser technology and personnel reforms as the key new revelations of the US report.

Russia plans to develop a high-energy laser weapon with anti-satellite and cruise missile defense capability, the US Navy report writes, and is working on the weaponization of its laser energy systems.

Massive attack on ISIS infrastructure in Syria
© Ministry of defence of the Russian Federation

Why US Navy Lags Behind Russian, Chinese Fleets
"Low-energy devices are already being completed for use in electro-optic countermeasures."

"Russia maintains a mid-term high-energy system of chemical and gas lasers and solid-state lasers as medium-energy systems."

However, the report writes that Russia faces a challenge in weaponizing lasers, which involves "combining the beam into a solid state, which is dependent on its quality as well as atmospheric compensation. These systems require a high quality of manufacturing using mirrors, lenses, and exotic laser materials like diodes and non-linear optical crystals."

In addition to lasers, "electro-dynamic gun systems are being developed that use electrical energy for 2,000+ m/s muzzle velocity. The near- and mid-term combustion-based technologies are a transitional step to the creation of a railgun."

Mock Leader class destroyer on «Army 2015»
© Photo: Wikipedia/Artem Tkachenko

Mock Leader class destroyer on «Army 2015»
In October last year, sources revealed the Russian navy plans to order 12 Leader destroyers: six for the Northern Fleet and six for the Pacific Fleet. The lead ship is expected to be ready in 2023-25. It is not yet clear how many of the destroyers will be nuclear or gas turbine powered.

The project comprises part of Russia's naval development program until 2050, and the ships are expected to replace Sovremennyy class or Udaloy class destroyers.

In January 2013, the Yuriy Dolgorukiy, the first unit of Dolgorukiy class nuclear-powered ballistic submarines, entered into service with the Russian Fleet, followed by the Aleksandr Nevskiy in December 2013. Three more units are either under construction or in testing, and eight more units are to be delivered by 2020.

The Alexander Nevsky nuclear submarine crew at a welcome ceremony for the navy's new Borei-class project 955 vessel at the Kamchatka's Vilyuchinsk permanent base
© Sputnik/ Ildus Gilyazutdinov

The Alexander Nevsky nuclear submarine crew at a welcome ceremony for the navy's new Borei-class project 955 vessel at the Kamchatka's Vilyuchinsk permanent base
In general, the shipbuilding and modernization program is focused on quality over quantity, giving it a navy "projected to be more capable on a unit-by unit basis than at present but not significantly larger in overall order of battle numbers," US intelligence notes.

The National Interest also drew attention to work on a future non-nuclear submarine that uses air-independent propulsion (AIP), which is being developed under the name 'Kalina.' The research phase of Kalina's development at the Rubin Design Bureau was finished in December 2014, and the first unit is expected to be ready soon after 2020.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/russia/20151218/ ... z3urnDxThb

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 23 Dec 2015 17:04

It would be most interesting to see the features of this new missile corvette,as the In needs large numbers of similar sized ones for the multifarious ops it will undertake in the coming years in the IOR.
http://in.rbth.com/news/2015/12/23/russ ... -24_554057

Russia to start building two new generation small missile ships Dec 24
23 December 2015 TASS

The ships will be codenamed Uragan and Taifun and will enter service in the Navy in 2017 and 2018.

The Pella shipyard in St. Petersburg in northwest Russia will lay down two new Project 22800 small missile ships for the Russian Navy on December 24, Navy Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Armament, Vice-Admiral Viktor Bursuk said on Wednesday.

"The ships will be codenamed Uragan and Taifun and will enter service in the Navy in 2017 and 2018 after their construction and trials are over," he said.

In the near term, various Russian shipyards will build over a dozen ships of this new Project developed by the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau, he said.

According to the admiral, the ships have a displacement of about 800 tons and are capable of developing a speed of over 30 knots and accomplishing missions at a distance of around 3,000 nautical miles from their bases.

The ships will be armed with a set of high-precision missile weapons and modern artillery systems and will also receive domestic engines.

"These ships’ advantages include their high maneuverability, increased sea-going performance, and also the architecture of superstructures and the hull based on the stealth technology," the admiral said.

The Russian Navy’s plans to order ocean-class small corvettes were announced in spring by Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov. In summer, Navy Commander-in-Chief Viktor Chirkov said the first new Project ship would be laid down by the end of the year and the Navy would get a total of 18 such corvettes.

According to Chirkov, the armament of the new Project ships will match the weapons suite of Buyan-M-class missile ships armed with Kalibr missile systems. At the same time, the new corvettes will differ "by ocean-and sea-going characteristics," he said.

NRao · Post by **NRao** » 26 Dec 2015 08:36

Interesting.

Russia Rearms for a New Era

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 26 Dec 2015 11:13

We are so used to ;looking at "flat maps",not spherical projections,that we perhaps do not realise why Russia's northern fleet is so important to it and the recent priority given to dominating the Arctic Sea,etc.

Zynda · Post by **Zynda** » 26 Dec 2015 12:50

Found this nice (hopefully accurate) illustration of various EW suite on the MiG-35.

Source: http://weaponsandwarfare.com/2015/09/26/mig-35/

vishvak · Post by **vishvak** » 27 Dec 2015 08:53

PAK-FA pic posted 16 nov, info about characteristics, features, RADARs, armaments.
viewtopic.php?p=1935174#p1935174

Zynda · Post by **Zynda** » 27 Dec 2015 11:33

If we are buying a QRSAM from outside and if its Russian Tor, why aren't we negotiating the newer Tor-2 systems?

Anyways, here is a clip of Tor-2 firing on the move.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 30 Dec 2015 17:43

New MIG-41 Mach 4+ interceptor in the works.
http://in.rbth.com/economics/defence/20 ... aft_556283

Russia developing new interceptor aircraft
30 December 2015 Vadim Matveev, specially for RIR

The MiG Russian Aircraft Corporation is working on a new aircraft to replace the Mikoyan Mig-31 with its various modifications. The state-of-the-art interceptor aircraft, provisionally assigned the designation MiG-41, will perform air defence operations and be capable of near-hypersonic speeds. It is likely to enter service after 2020.

The MiG-31 remains the cornerstone of Russia's air defences. Source:Marina Lystseva / TASS

MiG General Director Sergey Korotkov told journalists in late December 2015 that 'a new aircraft system that will replace the legendary interceptor will be built based on modern principles of military aircraft engineering and out of modern materials.' The new aircraft's exterior is now being developed.

Work on the new interceptor began in early 2014. At the time, Aleksandr Tarnayev, State Duma Deputy and Defence Committee Member said a document had been signed to start research work on the MiG-41 project.

Almost no details about the aircraft have been released. According to Viktor Bondarev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, the new interceptor should be ready by 2020.

Test pilot Anatoly Kvochur believes that the new aircraft will embody all the advantages of its predecessor, the MiG-31, but will be significantly faster, capable of reaching Mach 4+. 'This upgrade should have happened 20 years ago. That, however, did not happen then, so the requirements now are higher. These consist, among other things, of [increasing] the interceptor's speed to Mach 4-4.3 [roughly 4,248 kph – ed.],' said the pilot in an interview with RIA Novosti news agency.

The work on the supersonic MiG-41 interceptor is making use of the MiG-301 and MiG-321 projects begun in the 1990s. Because the new aircraft is competing with a project by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, which has taken the initiative of building an inexpensive interceptor 'operating' at speeds of 2,500-2,700 kmph, the industry and the military will have to come to an agreement on the viability of developing either project.

The simultaneous development of the new Sukhoi and MiG aircraft recalls a similar situation in the 1970s involving the Tupolev Tu-22M and Sukhoi T-4, of which the latter never went into production because of its high cost and difficulty in maintenance.

The MiG-31 remains the cornerstone of Russia's air defences. Today some of the fighter-interceptors are undergoing a planned upgrade aimed at enhancing the aircraft's combat capabilities. The upgraded Mig-31 aircraft (which will be assigned the designation MiG-31BM) will have new avionics and weaponry. This will make the MiG-31BM 2.6 times as effective as the MiG-31.

The first three upgraded MiG-31BM aircraft were delivered in December 2015 to an aviation regiment based at Tsentralnaya Uglovaya Military Aerodrome near Vladivostok. The regiment's entire fleet of Sukhoi Su-27 SM and MiG-31 aircraft is to be replaced with more modern aircraft during 2016. The MiG-31BM will continue to be used by the Russian Air Force until 2028, when it is due to be completely replaced by the MiG-41.

PS:Tx Zynda for that excellent illustrative pic of the MIG-35s features,v.impressive.
PPS:Long report.Indo-Ru def cooperation.
http://in.rbth.com/economics/defence/20 ... ion_555329

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 31 Dec 2015 15:19

Document: Office of Naval Intelligence Report on Russian Navy

http://news.usni.org/2015/12/18/documen ... ssian-navy

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 31 Dec 2015 15:26

Technology SITREP: How Russian engineering made the current operation in Syria possible

http://thesaker.is/technology-sitrep-ho ... -possible/

Prem · Post by **Prem** » 31 Dec 2015 23:41

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-navy-j ... 52364.html
The US Navy just issued an eerie report outlining Russia's naval capabilities

MiG-29K

The operational life span of the Su-33 fighter,currently operating aboard Admiral Kuznetsov
is coming to an end in 2015 and the Russian Navy has chosen the MiG-29K as a replacement because of lower costs. The MiG-29K was originally ordered by the Indian Navy for theINS Vikramaditya and the job of developing and fielding the aircraft was financed by the Indian government. Billed as a 4++ generation fighter, the aircraft features advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground radar capability along withdigital touch displays and HOTAS in the cockpit.The avionics used by the MiG-29K allow for the incorporation of advanced PGM munitions.The aircraft is substantially strengthened tosurvive the carrier environment. It also features a four-channel y-by-wire system, allowing for precise control when coming aboard the aircraft carrier. Additionally, the operators will enjoy the added feature of folding wings to aidin the movement of the aircraft in the carrier environment. The Russian Navy expects toacquire 24 fighters at a total cost of 1 billion dollars.

NRao · Post by **NRao** » 01 Jan 2016 00:50

There was a vid on a walk around the 29K. In that, IIRC, he mentioned the 29K was the only digital plane in India. ?????

For sure it is an advanced piece of hardware that India paid for. And supported MiG itself.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 01 Jan 2016 01:27

LOL@ the marketing talk.. Phazatron never managed to get the A2G modes working on Kopyo itself and suddenly MiG-29K is 4+++++++ or wutever.

brar_w · Post by **brar_w** » 01 Jan 2016 09:23

Its marketing with a bit of fear/hype (we must buy xyz because so and so fighter is so capable) mixed in. Most of the features here were standard on other 4th and 4.5 generation aircraft and have been for a long time. An active/passive EW suite, AESA radar, and air to air and air-ground capability may have been very impressive a decade ago but is industry standard in 2015 and has been for a while. Multi-Role fighters have also been deploying a fairly large and extensive list of PGM's for a long long time.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 01 Jan 2016 09:40

Russian Combat Robots - 1

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 01 Jan 2016 09:44

Frigate Adm Gorshkov Trial Video

Guddu · Post by **Guddu** » 01 Jan 2016 20:58

I loved this menacing picture, from the previous links

John · Post by **John** » 01 Jan 2016 21:44

Austin wrote:Frigate Adm Gorshkov Trial Video

Interesting the redut missile seems to be hot launched? It looks the vent for the exhaust is incorporated within the each cell.

Viv S · Post by **Viv S** » 01 Jan 2016 21:58

brar_w wrote:Its marketing with a bit of fear/hype (we must buy xyz because so and so fighter is so capable) mixed in. Most of the features here were standard on other 4th and 4.5 generation aircraft and have been for a long time. An active/passive EW suite, AESA radar, and air to air and air-ground capability may have been very impressive a decade ago but is industry standard in 2015 and has been for a while. Multi-Role fighters have also been deploying a fairly large and extensive list of PGM's for a long long time.

PESA radar - Zhuk ME. The Zhuk AE is supposedly available but isn't operational on any in-service fighter.

brar_w · Post by **brar_w** » 01 Jan 2016 23:22

I was speaking more of a combined Mig-29+ and Mig-35 offerings (high and low capability within the fulcrum stable) between the news story and the graphic posted. Egypt is said to be interested in the Mig-35, but i doubt it will gather any sort of momentum until first few units are inducted by the Russians themselves. Its quite a big leap of faith with brand new sub-systems that no one else is expected to operate particularly an AESA, that even the Flanker family has yet to deliver at a mass scale for any sub-variant. Not that it won't happen or can't be done..certainly there are many possible customers that could one day operate a Mig-35 or another equally capable variant however, neither of the sub-systems offered are anything that will be out of the ordinary with advanced 4th generation aircraft in 2015 let alone in 2018-2020 when such a fighter may hypothetically see operational deployment.

Viv S · Post by **Viv S** » 02 Jan 2016 00:18

brar_w wrote:Not that it won't happen or can't be done..certainly there are many possible customers that could one day operate a Mig-35 or another equally capable variant however, neither of the sub-systems offered are anything that will be out of the ordinary with advanced 4th generation aircraft in 2015 let alone in 2018-2020 when such a fighter may hypothetically see operational deployment.

Yeah, far from being a 4.5++ fighters (implying its just a step down from a 5th gen fighter), its not really equivalent to the EF, Rafale or to lesser extent the SH, which with higher-end EW systems and RCS refinements much better fit the '4.5++ gen' description.

brar_w · Post by **brar_w** » 02 Jan 2016 00:58

Even the older (compared to the rafale and Typhoon) F-16 and F-18 have had these systems and a far wider array of PGMs integrated for a long time now. The F-16 has had multiple Integrated EW suites on offer depending upon the capability for around 10-15 years now. It has had one AESA operational for a little over a decade, and 2 more on offer, one of which is currently being integrated with the other to also be integrated shortly. Both it and the F-18 have AESA radar options, various EW options, targeting pods (even integrated IR solutions) and both have a much wider list of PGM' to choose from. While the Mig-35 begins to incorporate some of this and is on offer it isn't operational yet, while other competing aircraft have evolved over their lives and have equal to or superior multi-role capability operational for a long time. The Rhino in the USN's colors is a cheap workhorse of a strike fighter, but still includes a powerful AESA and a very vast PGM inventory. The Mig35 on the other hand is at the top of the table as far as offering within the Mig-35 portfolio, something like a Adv. Super Hornet class aircraft for customers willing to pay a premium over the baseline for added capability.

Come to think of it, the Mig-35 is likely to be beaten by the LCA in terms of fielding proven advanced capability in large numbers particularly when it comes to an AESA, Integrated EW suite and modern PGM and BVR weapons capability.

kuldipchager · Post by **kuldipchager** » 02 Jan 2016 01:23

I have said before Mig 35 /Mig 29 K are develop by indian fund. If we have Mig 29K and we are satisfied. then we have to go for Mig 35 rather then Rafael French fighter. Main part is we can upgraded with victer thrust OVT,other things

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 02 Jan 2016 09:40

New Su-34 with wingtip L-175 Khibiny jammer pod

http://vedomosti.sfo.ru/files/flib/1451325600/27720.jpg

Su-34 with Universal Reconnaissance Container, "Sich"

http://savepic.net/7571962.jpg
http://russianplanes.net/images/to164000/163445.jpg

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 02 Jan 2016 15:29

MIG-29/35 and F-16/18 aircraft offer value for money today,as 4th-gen aircraft with upgrades have made them cost-effective alternatives to ultra-expensive 4++ Rafales,EF's etc.,not to mention $100m+ 5th-gen fighters.Equipped with PGMs and smart kits for "dumb" bombs,these hugely upgraded aircraft will still be relevant 15-20 yrs from now. The USMC plan to use their venerable subsonic Harriers until 2027 and we've been using MIG-21s for 60 yrs!

At around $30-35M a pop,Fulcrums are a steal,especially when one wants a min. number of aircraft in the inventory. Secondly,in the Indian context,they are twin-engine,where bird strikes have made merry with crashes in the past for the IAF. The US is also propping up numbers with more orders of F-18s etc. until the F-35 arrives in large number. To say that RU aircraft aren't as good as Western ones is quite amusing.The Russians have given a very potent demo of their air capabilities in the Syrian conflict,showing their comparative success in a few weeks ,far more than what the US/NATO did in a few years! They've been using in Syria Soviet era vintage aircraft like SU-24s,TU-22 backfires,TU-142 Bears,etc,apart from Flankers,Fulcrums and Blackjacks.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 02 Jan 2016 16:22

Amazing steal at 50% serviceability indeed.

Yagnasri · Post by **Yagnasri** » 02 Jan 2016 16:29

I am sure IAF is not disputing the capabilities of Mig29 or 35. They seems to have serious concerns on the spare parts and servicing of the ACs from Russia.

Gyan · Post by **Gyan** » 02 Jan 2016 17:51

What is the yardstick of comparison? What is the availibility of Mirage 2000 fleet?

brar_w · Post by **brar_w** » 02 Jan 2016 17:53

To say that RU aircraft aren't as good as Western ones is quite amusing.The Russians have given a very potent demo of their air capabilities in the Syrian conflict,showing their comparative success in a few weeks ,far more than what the US/NATO did in a few years!

Could you point to where the aircraft have showcased any capability that their western counterparts did not have many many years ago? Aircraft aside, your general stuff about launching cruise missiles also does not apply. The BGM-109 has been used in the original gulf war in the early 1990's ( 288 launched from both submarines, and surface ships), and was available in large numbers in the mid 1980's. PGM's have been extensively used for years as well. The only thing that is slightly different in the Russian jets is the apparent lack of (from what I can see) the R-77 missile in Syria, while they continue to fly with a SARH R-27/AA-10 weapon which is different from the way western fighters have been kitted for decades. Even the cheaper multi-role strike fighters with NATO (F-16) were carrying (and killing Migs with) an active BVR weapon 23 years or so ago in the Gulf War.

Also be weary of the $30-$35 million cost. What you get for that money is not a Mig-35. Even the Mig-35 essentially provides the level of capability higher end F-16's, raffle's etc have been providing for some year, yet no one is operating the -35 now, and anyone considering that will have to make a leap of faith investment in systems and subsystems that are unlikely to be mass produced. Then comes the Super Hornet issue where potential customers (much like the IAF in MMRCA) want significant capability, and no one really wants a vanilla version anymore. This has forced Boeing to offer either the Block II, or an advanced F-18E/F which will come at around $70 or so million, with a 20% premium claimed for the advanced hornet variant. This is awfully close to the expected full rate price of the F-35 leaving a fairly simple decision to be made for potential customers that do not have any political concerns about picking a US fighter.

Your claims on the USMC and USN are also false [ See : http://okinawa.stripes.com/base-info/us ... fe-hornets] . The USMC is now accelerating the Harrier retirement (to 2024-2025 iirc) and they would do it even faster if they could but the rate is limited by their ability to fit only a finite amount of F-35B's in the USN's budget each year. Similarly, the USN is not buying more F-18's compared to the original requirement. Their ultimate F-18E/F purchase will be closer to their original F-18E/F expected order (when the program was launched) yet still below it. They are getting a few extra jets every year to realign their fleet strength with the actual reality where they are putting more mileage on the jets every year (due to combat usage). The oldest super hornet is on its last few hundred hours of service life, and all these extra rhino's do is maintain super-hornet fleet strengths as sequestration has prohibited the USN from building depot capacity. Any air-force or Navy that operates aircrafts constantly monitors its utilization and the type of wear and tear being put on its jets. It so happens that most restrictions are lifted in actual combat, and the USN has been flying combat missions pretty much since the first F-18E/F rolled out, completely disrupting their fleet strength models that generally have a far smaller combat utilization factor. Also, the USN is only buying a very small number of F-18E/Fs. Large scale F-18E/F procurement ended a few years ago and the last few batches have been purely Growlers. Only in the 2016 budget did the Congress add more Rhino's in but the number was small and in part due to their need to keep the line going till Kuwait firms its orders and in the event Canada decides to purchase the aircraft.

Yagnasri wrote:I am sure IAF is not disputing the capabilities of Mig29 or 35. They seems to have serious concerns on the spare parts and servicing of the ACs from Russia.

The IAF rejected the Mig-35, and as things stood with the MMRCA, the Mig-29 would not have qualified. As I said, the IAF wanted an AESA radar, integrated EW suite and high end avionics systems. From a risk perspective the US fighters had these systems operational, the French (and to a lesser extent the Typhoon gang) were well on their way to beginning their fleet upgrades with these systems (AESA radar and upgraded Spectra) while in the case of the Mig-35 the IAF would have to carry the entire weight of the aircraft on its shoulders since there was not a single firm order for any of these sub-systems with both the IN, and the RuAF not acquiring these systems. Moreover, Russians stuck with PESA for their new build Mig-29's and Su-35 fighters with an AESA not entering large scale production till the PAKFA project matured (that was completely uncertain back then, and some would argue it still is today as to date of operational deployment). Based on overall capability the rafale and typhoon were chosen since they were better performers. As far as serviceability and parts issue, they seem to be chronic issues with the way Russian firms do business at the moment. They will improve over time but after much has been invested both financially and politically to make it so. In a competitive environment, where the IAF now has access to pretty much anything in the world, they can be more picky and choose an OEM that offers better service and closer to commercial logistics and supply chain practices. Even with the improved rates it would have still meant that the IAF would have lived through these pains for a long period of time. Then there is the issue of the MMRCA being a way to diversify away from Russian kit which many attributed to the program.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 02 Jan 2016 17:56

Gyan wrote:What is the yardstick of comparison? What is the availibility of Mirage 2000 fleet?

Check serviceability %s posted by me about USAF etc some time back. Mirage 2000 serviceability has been ~80% per reports, which dropped over last years of UPA rule due to delay in signing service contracts.

brar_w · Post by **brar_w** » 02 Jan 2016 18:05

^ Here is the F-series for the USAF (MCR's). These numbers have improved but are despite sequestration where each unit is operating at around 84% of the pre-sequester strength. The only surprise (to me at least) was the C-17 MA rate of 87% despite significantly greater utilization recently.

F-15C 73.1%
F-15D 74.1%
F-15E 79.3%
F-16C 74.5%
F-16D 71.0%
F-22A 69.1%