Indian Navy matters [Archive]

buglerbilly

12-08-10, 05:58 AM

Indian Navy to get new helicopters

Published: Sunday, Aug 8, 2010, 0:30 IST

By Suman Sharma | Place: New Delhi | Agency: DNA

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared the purchase of 56 naval light utility helicopters, which will cost nearly Rs7,000 crore. These state-of the-art helicopters will replace the existing Chetaks in service.

The Indian Navy requires a twin-engine helicopter of modern airframe design and fully integrated advanced avionics to replace its aging fleet of Chetaks, which were inducted over 30 years ago.

With the DAC clearing the helicopter purchase deal, tenders will formally be floated within the next few months.

The likely contenders to get the RFP (request for proposal), or tenders, are the European consortium EADS for its Eurocopter, the Anglo-Italian Agusta Westland. Russia’s Rosoboronexport for Kamovs, and the American giants, Bell, and Sikorsky.

According to the RFP, the Navy wants choppers with twin controls for both pilots, but at the same time it should be capable of being operated by a single pilot also. The other requirements are the ability to carry out anti-submarine warfare operations with torpedoes and depth charges, besides being suitable for anti-piracy and anti-terrorism roles.

Being able to operate both during day and night, the helicopters will also have the capability to operate in adverse weather conditions, both from shore and off-shore, and from small decks and large decks like that of an aircraft carrier.

buglerbilly

19-08-10, 02:56 AM

India's Defense Minister Warns of Scorpene Delays

By VIVEK RAGHUVANSHI

Published: 18 Aug 2010 15:23

NEW DELHI - Delays in the delivery of French-designed Scorpene submarines being built in India will have an impact on the Indian Navy's planned underwater force level, Defence Minister A.K. Antony told parliament Aug. 18.

Antony warned the parliament last year that delays were expected "on account of some teething problems, absorption of technology and delays in augmentation of industrial infrastructure and procurement ... purchased materials" by Mazagon Docks, the Indian shipyard that is building the Scorpenes under license from France. "Delay in the scheduled delivery of submarines is likely to have an impact on the envisaged submarine force levels."

Under the $3.9 billion contract signed in 2005 between India and France for the licensed production of six Scorpenes, construction of the first, second and third submarines commenced in December 2006, December 2007 and August 2008, respectively. The contract calls for the first submarine to be delivered in December 2012 and one each year thereafter through 2017.

Meanwhile, the Indian government has sanctioned another $1 billion for the Scorpene project, increasing the total cost to more than $5 billion.

It is feared that the Indian Navy's submarine fleet could shrink to just five by 2014-15 if no replacements or additions are made, sources have said. The force could be left with only nine of its present 16 diesel-electric submarines - 10 Russian-made Kilo-class, four German-made HDWs and two virtually obsolete Foxtrots - by 2012.

The Indian Navy hopes to buy six more submarines from foreign builders at a cost of more than $11 billion, but since production wouldn't begin until the procurement program is completed in three to four years, it could be six to seven years until the Navy receives the sub, a senior service official said.

Antony said the government constantly reviews the security environment so it can judge what new equipment is needed to protect India's maritime interests.

Construction of the Scorpenes is underway at Mazagon Docks in Mumbai. Existing Navy subs also are being upgraded with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, Antony added.

tiddles

19-08-10, 09:02 AM

India's Defense Minister Warns of Scorpene Delays
The Indian Navy hopes to buy six more submarines from foreign builders at a cost of more than $11 billion, but since production wouldn't begin until the procurement program is completed in three to four years, it could be six to seven years until the Navy receives the sub, a senior service official said.

Well now,thee to four years for the procurement program to be completed,[not construction] this could be some kind of Indian World Record if it actually happens. I wish I had kept some kind of record of the number of Indian procurement programs that are currently on the go to see how many actually get completed within 10 years.
Tiddles

buglerbilly

19-08-10, 11:08 AM

It wouldn't be a world record, it would be a miracle!!!

tiddles

20-08-10, 02:21 AM

It wouldn't be a world record, it would be a miracle!!!
Absolutely right, more chance of Glenn Miller finally arriving safe in Paris than this happening.
Tiddles

buglerbilly

21-08-10, 05:13 AM

India Leases Russian Sub That Had Fatal Accident

By NABI ABDULLAEV

Published: 20 Aug 2010 14:49

MOSCOW - Russia has handed over a new nuclear-powered submarine to India under a 10-year lease, two years after a fire on the vessel during its first sea trials killed 20 Russian seamen and engineers, Russian news agencies reported Aug. 20, citing sources in the defense industry.

"All necessary documents were signed and the submarine led by the Indian crew departed toward one of the Indian naval bases," a source told the official RIA Novosti news agency.

Construction of the third-generation Project 971 Nerpa attack submarine (NATO codename Akula class) was started in 1993 at the Amur Shipbuilding Enterprise, Komsomolsk-on-Amur. But its sea trials began only in November 2008 because of poor funding of the construction. The submarine's fire-extinguishing system went off unexpectedly during the trials, and 20 people on board died of asphyxiation from freon gas.

After repairs, Nerpa was commissioned by the Russian Navy in December 2009.

This is only the second time that Russia has leased a nuclear submarine to a foreign country - again to India, its long-time strategic ally. In 1988, the Soviet Union leased to New Delhi a Project 670 submarine for three years.

Indian media have reported that the lease of the Nerpa cost $650 million. The Russian Defense Ministry would not comment on the issue.

With a crew of 73 and capable of reaching a speed of 30 knots, Nerpa is one of the world's quietest submarines. It can carry cruise missiles equipped with nuclear warheads, dive to 600 meters and operate at sea for up to 100 days.

Since 1984, two Russian shipyards - Komsomolsk-on-Amur-based Amur Shipbuilding Enterprise and Severodvinsk-based Sevmash - have built 15 such submarines, all of them still in service in the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet and Northern Fleet.

Meanwhile, St. Petersburg-based Admiralteiskiye Verfi shipyard announced Aug. 20 that it has begun building a Project 636.3 (NATO classification Kilo class) diesel-electric submarine for the Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet.

The shipyard's general director, Vladimir Alexandrov, told RIA Novosti Aug. 20 that work on the new submarine, called Novorossiisk, will be completed in 2013, and two more similar submarines to be built by the shipyard are expected to be delivered to the navy in 2014.

Admiralteiskiye Verfi said in a statement on its website Aug. 20 that Novorossiisk will be the first Project 636 submarine to be built for the Russian Navy. Previously, all such submarines built by the shipyard since 1983 were sold abroad.

A Project 636 submarine can reach a speed of up to 19 knots, dive to 300 meters and carry a crew of 52.

Admiralteiskiye Verfi, part of the state-controlled United Shipbuilding Corp., has built more than 300 submarines, including 41 nuclear ones.

Unicorn

22-08-10, 01:10 PM

Same old, same old.

Didn't the Charlie class they leased have a similar tale of woe attached?

I recall some suggestion that it had sunk in a mishap, been raised, refurbished and then leased to the IN.

Nothing surprises me any more in the relation between those two countries.

India reminds me of the loyal wife who is regularly abused by the drunken husband.

Unicorn

buglerbilly

22-08-10, 02:29 PM

India reminds me of the loyal wife who is regularly abused by the drunken husband.

Ass-fucked is the expression you were so resolutely trying to steer away from...............

Unicorn

23-08-10, 01:02 AM

Ass-fucked is the expression you were so resolutely trying to steer away from...............

I was attempting to maintain the decorum and tone of the thread, confident that you were there to add your 'unique' take on the situation :D

Unicorn

buglerbilly

23-08-10, 02:13 AM

Subtlety is, of course, my strong point...........:thumbsup

buglerbilly

01-09-10, 02:29 PM

Second Submarine Line for Mazagon Dock

(Source: Business Standard; published Aug. 31, 2010)

NEW DELHI ---With public sector shipyard Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL), Mumbai, years behind schedule in building six conventional Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is handing Mazagon Dock another lucrative order to build three more submarines.

Although private sector shipbuilders — especially L&T and Pipavav Shipyard Ltd (PSL) — argue that Mazagon Dock already has more than it can handle, MoD insists the public sector shipyard can execute this order.

The MoD’s Secretary of Defence Production, R K Singh, talking exclusively to Business Standard, has detailed Mazagon Dock’s road map for simultaneously executing the Scorpene order (Project 75, as it is termed) and the three additional submarines that are a part of the six-submarine Project 75I order.

Business Standard had reported yesterday that the MoD’s apex Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had ruled out India’s private sector from Project 75I. The first two submarines of Project 75I will be built abroad in the foreign collaborator’s shipyard. The other four submarines will be built in MoD-owned shipyards: recently acquired Hindustan Shipyard Ltd will build one, while MDL builds three.

R K Singh explains, “First, the Scorpene delay will be trimmed down to less than 18 months. The original plan was for the first Scorpene to be delivered in December 2012; and the other five submarines at one-year intervals till December 2017. While the first Scorpene will only be ready in August 2015, Mazagon Dock will deliver the others faster, at nine-month intervals, and finish the last Scorpene by May 2019.”

MoD sources say Mazagon Dock is being pushed towards an even more ambitious delivery schedule: Of one Scorpene every seven months. On August 11, Defence Minister A K Antony told Parliament that Project 75 would complete work by the second half of 2018.

But Project 75I, argues R K Singh, does not have to wait till then; it can begin as early as 2012. By that year, with all six Scorpene hulls fully built, the specialised hull workers and welders of Mazagon Dock could begin fabricating hulls for Project 75I.

Singh explains, “Two Scorpene hulls are already built and MDL is close to completing the third. By early 2012, all six Scorpene hulls will be ready. MDL’s hull fabrication shop — which cuts steel for the hull, rolls it, fabricates hull segments and then welds them together into a complete hull — will be sitting idle from 2012, and ready to be diverted to Project 75I.”

The Department of Defence Production also points out that Project 75I cannot begin for another five years. At least 12-24 months are needed for a Cabinet sanction for building the first two Project 75I submarines abroad. Selecting a foreign shipyard as collaborator for Project 75I will take another 24-36 months and then one year for price negotiations.

The six Project 75I submarines will be built on a new production line, on which work has already begun. During a visit to MDL in 2009, Business Standard was shown a 16-acre plot, adjoining MDL’s facilities in Mazagon, Mumbai, which the shipyard had acquired in the 1980s from Gujarat state PSU, Alcock Ashdown.

R K Singh confirmed, “We are going to execute Project 75I in a new yard, the Alcock Yard, on which MDL is building a second submarine production line.”

Private sector shipbuilder Larsen & Toubro finds the MoD’s decision to patronise Mazagon Dock inexplicable. L&T sources say the company was given to understand that they would participate in Project 75I as the second submarine line. Now, L&T’s experience and infrastructure would lie idle.

-ends-

buglerbilly

03-09-10, 03:29 AM

India OKs $6.5B Plan To Build Stealth Destroyers

By Vivek Raghuvanshi

Published: 2 Sep 2010 12:40

There are already significant concerns Mazagon Dockyards cannot meet CURRENT ship-building programmes yet they give them another FOUR major warships! Way to go India, a clusterfuck before you even start...........:shakehead

NEW DELHI - The Indian government has approved spending $6.5 billion to build four stealth destroyers for the Navy under Project-15B.

The Indian Defence Ministry cleared the project in late 2009, but the government only approved funding last month, a senior Defence Ministry official said.

The four destroyers will be built at the Indian Navy's Mumbai-based Mazagon Docks after construction is completed for three earlier stealth warships under Project 15-A. These are expected to be completed by 2012-2014.

The new destroyers will have greater stealth and advanced sensor and weapon packages, and will be fitted with a 1,000-kilometer-range nuclear capable cruise missile currently being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation with Israeli help, Navy sources said.

The new stealth destroyers also will be fitted with an extended-range surface-to-air missile system, which is being developed jointly between India and Israel.

There was no competitive bidding for the four 6,800-ton destroyers since Mazagon Dock is the only Indian shipyard large enough to build destroyers.

The Navy, which has been retiring old ships faster than building new ones, has given orders to various shipyards for the building of 39 warships. The Navy's current strength is about 140 vessels. Most of these warships are of Russian make and one Navy officials said the service is concerned that these ships are aging faster than new ones can be inducted.

Naval responsibilities have increased with India emerging as a major power throughout the Indian Ocean region.

In July, the Defence Ministry approved procurement of six conventional submarines worth more than $10 billion. Under the program, three of the subs will be built at Mazagon Docks, one will be built at state-owned Hindustan Shipyard in Visakhapatnam with the help of a foreign collaborator, and two will be purchased directly from an overseas vendor.

buglerbilly

03-09-10, 03:11 PM

Battle Rages in India over New Warship Construction

(Source: Forecast International; issued September 2, 2010)

NEW DELHI --- An increasingly three-way bitter battle is raging in the Indian Navy between supporters of aircraft carrier construction and those who favor submarine building. The latter group is further split between those submariners who wish to concentrate on nuclear submarine construction and those who wish to see additional production of diesel-electric submarines.

It is this three-way fight that has seriously delayed the second phase of India's Project 75 diesel-electric submarine program.

Project 75 envisioned building 24 conventional submarines in India. Six were to be built from Western technology and six with Russian collaboration; then Indian designers, having absorbed the best of both worlds, would build 12 submarines indigenously.

Project 75, to build six Scorpene submarines (the "Western" six), was contracted in 2005. The Indian MoD believes it is still four to six years away from Project 75I; i.e., beginning work on the second six submarines. In addition, the wisdom of building the second group of six boats using Russian technology has been questioned.

However, the Indian Navy carrier lobby, headed by the last two naval chiefs, has no interest in using the Navy’s limited budget for building submarines. So the lobby has exploited the division of opinion among submariners over whether to concentrate on nuclear-powered versus conventional submarines to push submarine building into the future.

The lobbyists have argued that India needs SSBNs to make the long-sought-after Indian nuclear triad a reality and provide a secure second strike capability. However, SSBNs are not a part of the fighting navy; they constitute a country’s nuclear deterrent, and fire their nuclear-tipped missiles on orders from the national leadership. The Navy therefore argues that the service should be funded from Indian government sources, not as part of the Indian Navy budget.

Supporters of nuclear submarine construction argue that SSNs are necessary to protect the SSBNs. They also point out that while diesel-electric submarines are quiet and hard to detect while submerged, they are easily picked up when they surface to charge their batteries. Furthermore, they move slowly underwater. These considerations allow a single nuclear submarine to do the job of multiple conventional submarines, which give their position away when they surface at regular intervals. Diesel-electric submarine supporters reply that India’s coastal waters are so shallow that SSNs, which typically weigh 4,000-5,000 tonnes, run the risk of scraping the bottom. Conventional submarines, which normally weigh around 1,500 tonnes, are needed for dominating the coastal areas.

This split in the submarine lobby has left the aviation supporters dominant in current Indian Navy policy decision-making. This factor may well see construction of India's indigenous aircraft carriers accelerating at the expense of the submarine fleet.

-ends-

buglerbilly

21-09-10, 11:09 AM

Ajai Shukla: Making warships happen

Indian money must build Indian capabilities, not pay for British shipbuilding industry to survive

Ajai Shukla / New Delhi September 21, 2010, 0:21 IST

This article is a microcosm that shows clearly why India struggles with major ship-building programmes. Unremitted arrogance allied to blatant disregard for previous (bad) experience with a number of yards yet "magically" they can do all this in India without help or assistance and IF they get any assistance then they'll still blithely ignore most of what they learn 'cos they know better!

What do I think of this article? Not a lot, its just more Neo-fascist BS of the first order, typical mouth that has run off with its brain...........:stfu2

Do I think the Brits have offered one of the CVF's? Nope, I don't think anyone has been offerd anything, not until the Review is complete........

I was taken aback last week to receive an invitation from BAE Systems, the world’s third-richest arms corporation, for a four-day media tour to the UK. What surprised me was not the invitation. The rate at which India is buying up foreign weaponry, global arms merchants, eager for publicity, would happily pay for our small defence journalist community to globetrot through the year. What was remarkable in the BAE invitation was the company’s proposal to fly us to Glasgow for the launch of a new Royal Navy destroyer and a tour of other warships. Why, I wondered, was British shipbuilding being showcased to India in the absence of a plan to buy a warship from the UK?

A few phone calls later I had my answer! A cash-strapped UK defence ministry, unable to pay for the two aircraft carriers on order with BAE Systems, had offered one of them to New Delhi. In the circumstances, a few news reports in India on “high-quality British shipbuilding” could only be useful.

Given that the Indian Navy already has four aircraft carriers in the pipeline — the lame but functional INS Viraat; the infamous Gorshkov (renamed INS Vikramaditya), being constructed in Russia; a third (so far unnamed) carrier being built in Cochin Shipyard; and another to follow that — Britain’s offer of yet another carrier might be considered wildly optimistic. But desperate times demand desperate measures and the UK is conducting its greatest strategic downsizing since the 1968 retreat from the Suez. David Cameron’s new government has initiated a strategic defence and security review (SDSR), which involves defence spending cuts of 20-30 per cent to bring down military expenditure to below 2 per cent of GDP.

Amongst the several multi-billion pound programmes that seem certain to be pared is the Carrier Vessels Future (CVF) programme: the £5 billion ($8 billion) construction, mainly in British shipyards, of two 65,000-tonne aircraft carriers called the HMS Queen Elizabeth and the HMS Prince of Wales. These were ordered before the global economic downturn; the Labour government thought they were essential for the Royal Navy to retain its centuries-old capability to project power across the globe. Even amidst today’s cost-cutting, current defence secretary Liam Fox had hoped to build both carriers, operating only one with the other kept in reserve. But just days ago, BAE boss Ian King revealed that the government had asked BAE Systems to evaluate the cost of cancelling the CVF programme entirely.

With £1.2 billion ($1.8 billion) already spent on the CVF, and 4,000 skilled workers busy fabricating the Queen Elizabeth, London knows that an outright cancellation would ruin Britain’s shipbuilding industry. And so, one of the aircraft carriers hopes to wash up on India’s shores.

The government of India must quickly decline the British offer. London could be forgiven for concluding from the fact that four Indian warships are on order from Russian shipyards, and the Indian Navy wants to build more abroad, that Indian shipyards cannot meet the country’s maritime security needs. The truth, however, is that India looks abroad for warships because of the MoD’s inability to streamline planning, sanctions and procedures, and to bring together the skills of the multiple agencies that contribute towards developing and building a warship.

Consider our production facilities. The MoD owns and controls four defence shipyards: Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai (MDL); Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata (GRSE); Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL); and the recently (and misguidedly) acquired Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, Visakhapatnam (HSL). Then there is Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), a central PSU, which is building an aircraft carrier for the MoD since none of the MoD shipyards has facilities large enough for this. And, very recently, there is the emergence of state-of-the-art private sector shipyards — L&T, Pipavav and ABG Shipyards — with global-quality facilities.

Also in the production loop is the Directorate General of Naval Design (DGND), which has achieved notable success in the conceptual design of the Indian Navy’s recent warships. Each shipyard, too, has its own design department, which translates the DGND’s conceptual design into engineering drawings of the thousands of components that make up a ship. Then there are Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratories, which produce high-technology systems like sonars, radars, torpedoes etc., many of which money cannot buy. The existence of these technology labs is a key attribute of a warship-building country.

Finally, there are the educational institutions that feed into, and off, these agencies: the departments of naval architecture in IITs and universities; research departments in colleges and universities that feed into DRDO laboratories and assist them by taking on research projects.

India has, in varying degrees, every component of this ecosystem. The MoD must bring them together, compensating for one component’s weaknesses by harnessing another’s strengths. Instead, South Block’s proclivity to view each entity individually creates the impression of a shortfall of capacity.

Consider how the MoD is processing India’s second submarine line, allowing two of the six submarines to be built abroad although massive capacities will lie unutilised in L&T and Pipavav (Business Standard has carried a four-article series on this from August 30 to September 2). Here is the MoD’s logic: Pipavav has the facilities but not the experience; L&T has the experience, but not the facilities; MDL has both, but it doesn’t have the capacity!

Astonishingly, South Block considers it preferable to buy submarines from a foreign shipyard, rather than bringing together Indian capabilities that could produce them far cheaper, create jobs and build capacities. The MoD must be stopped from building abroad. India needs a significant navy but it can only afford to build up quickly if the MoD brings together the warship-building eco-system. Indian money must build Indian capabilities, not pay for British shipbuilding industry to survive.

ajaishukla.blogspot.com

Deks

21-09-10, 04:12 PM

It is interesting though, as that as the specific scenario mentioned on here some time ago :)

buglerbilly

21-09-10, 04:29 PM

It's an obvious scenario, a bit too obvious.........I have a feeling they'll do almost anything to ensure the two CVF's are kept BUT I do expect the BAY Class LPD's (run by the civvie side) to be reduced to 2 x LPD's, the F35B's replaced by the F35C's, numbers cut by quarter at least, and TRIDENT replacement delayed and potentially replaced by a cruise missile firer. Most everything else will remain including MARS in its revitalised form.............all guess work until October tho.........lots of disinformation around......

buglerbilly

08-10-10, 05:30 AM

Indigenous Aircraft Carrier’s nucleus ready

Published: Thursday, Oct 7, 2010, 1:04 IST

By Suman Sharma | Place: New Delhi | Agency: DNA

The nucleus of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC), India’s first ship being built using the modular construction (block-building) method, is ready. The engine and diesel generator rooms and two of the 21 blocks of the 40,000-tonne vessel, designed by the navy’s directorate of naval design, have been completed.

The 260-metre-long and 60-metre-broad gas turbine ship will be powered by four American GE LM 2500 aviation engines which generate 80 MW, enough to attain speed in excess of 28 knots. The vessel, which is expected to be ready by 2013, will have six generators of three mega Watts each.

A source said the blocks being made separately will come up vertically till a certain length. After which a long flight deck, capable of operating Russian MiG-29K, Ka-31 and the indigenous naval light combat aircraft Tejas, will be laid on them.

The keel of the ship being manufactured by Cochin Shipyard was laid in February 2009 by the defence minister, after the government sanctioned its design and construction in January 2003. The vessel will have two take-off runways and a landing strip with three arrester wires. It will have the capacity to carry a maximum of 30 aircraft with sufficient hangars to house them.

IAC’s construction has been planned in two phases. The first phase covers work up to the first launch by the end of this year, while the second phase would cover all remaining work till its delivery for sea trials towards the end of 2013.

JimWH

08-10-10, 05:56 AM

Good on 'em for making progress, but I'd be amazed if they meet a 2013 deadline for sea trials. 20 months to complete 10% of the modules does not bode especially well for that.

buglerbilly

08-10-10, 06:05 AM

Good on 'em for making progress, but I'd be amazed if they meet a 2013 deadline for sea trials. 20 months to complete 10% of the modules does not bode especially well for that.

The original deadline was July 2012 so they are already late. Agree it doesn't look optimistic...........

buglerbilly

08-10-10, 03:02 PM

Rs 20,000-cr Boost for Navy's Sealift, Snooping Capabilities

(Source: Times of India; published Oct. 7, 2010)

NEW DELHI --- In a strong booster dose to India's maritime reconnaissance and strategic sea-lift capabilities, the defence ministry has cleared the acquisition of four long-range surveillance aircraft and four big amphibious assault warships for the Navy.

MoD sources say the two big naval projects, whose cumulative worth is Rs 20,600 crore, [approx. $4.6 billion—Ed.] were cleared by the defence acquisitions council, chaired by A K Antony, on Monday afternoon.

The four new aircraft will be the P-8I Poseidon long-range maritime patrol aircraft, which will add to the eight such planes already contracted from Boeing under the $2.1-billion deal inked in January 2009. It will take this biggest-ever Indo-US defence deal till date past the $3-billion mark, making it even bigger, as was first reported by TOI last month.

The entire project to acquire the four amphibious warfare ships, called Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) in naval lingo, will be worth around Rs 16,000 crore.

The LPD project will be executed under the "buy and make" category of the Defence Procurement Procedure, which basically involves licensed indigenous manufacture in collaboration with a foreign manufacturer.

"At least two of the LPDs will be constructed at Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) at Visakhapatnam, which was transferred from the shipping ministry to the defence ministry last year to meet national security requirements of building strategic vessels," said a source.

Both the P-8Is and the LPDs are crucial to the Navy's long-term strategic plans. The 12 P-8I aircraft, the first of which is slated for induction by early 2013, will help India plug the existing gaps in its surveillance of the entire Indian Ocean Region.

Armed with torpedoes, depth bombs and Harpoon missiles, apart from being packed with long-range radars and sensors, the P-8Is will also boost its anti-warship and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

The LPDs will significantly augment Navy's capacity to transport infantry battalions, with all their equipment, over long distances and land them on foreign shores. Apart from bolstering India's "blue-water capabilities", they can also be deployed for disaster relief operations to evacuate people or transport material.

The Navy learnt the worth of large LPDs with the 2007 induction of the second-hand 16,900-tonne USS Trenton, rechristened INS Jalashwa, acquired from the US along with its six on-board UH-3H helicopters and four landing craft for $92.5 million.

The 173-metre-long INS Jalashwa can be gauged from the fact it's the second-largest Indian warship after the 28,000-tonne aircraft carrier INS Viraat.

-ends-

buglerbilly

12-10-10, 03:01 PM

“Shakti” for Indian Navy Launched at Sestri Ponente (Genova)

(Source: Fincantieri; issued October 11, 2010)

Today at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Sestri Ponente (Genova) there was the launching of the second of two fleet tankers ordered by the Indian Navy, with delivery scheduled by the end of the next year. Present at the ceremony were Debabrata Saha, ambassador for the Republic of India in Italy and Alberto Maestrini, head of Fincantieri Naval Vessels Business Unit. First announced at Euronaval in 2008, the order is the first surface vessel India has ever made to a European company and followed a selection procedure with strong international competitors, especially from Russia and Korea.

At 175 metres long, 25 wide and 19 high, the fleet tanker is a supply and logistic support vessel with a displacement at full load of 27,500 tonnes and a propulsion system of two 10,000 kW diesel engines enabling her to reach a maximum speed of 20 knots. Notable features of the vessel are its propulsion system incorporating a shaft with adjustable pitch propellers and a flight deck for medium weight helicopters (up to 10 tons).
Maximum passenger capacity is 250 including crew and additional forces.

Equipped with double hatches the tanker can refuel four vessels at the same time.

In accordance with the new Marpol regulations of the International Maritime Organization regarding protection of the environment, the ship has been built with a double hull. This will afford greater protection to the fuel tanks, thereby avoiding the risk of pollution in case of collision or damage.

Cooperation with India started in 2004 when Fincantieri drew up two contracts with Cochin shipyard for the design of an engine (one of the most powerful non-nuclear propulsion systems in the world), technology transfer and provision of complementary services for the construction of the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC). Furthermore, in 2007 the company delivered the “Sagar Nidhi”, an oceanographic vessel for the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) of Madras, which is already operating off the Indian coast to the great satisfaction of the customer.

Fincantieri considers the East market and the development of cooperation with the high prestige Indian partner to be strategic, as witnessed by two events – the opening in recent years of a representative office in New Delhi and the company’s participation every year at the leading naval fair, “Defexpo”.

-ends-

buglerbilly

16-11-10, 04:24 PM

Indian MoD Announces More Competition in Naval Shipbuilding

Three Indian Navy frigates during a multi-national naval exercise.

Antony: “Depending heavily on foreign countries is not good for us”

09:53 GMT, November 16, 2010 defpro.com | India’s Defence Minister Shri A.K. Antony plans to give fresh impetus to the Indian shipbuilding sector by allowing privately held Indian shipyards to participate in naval procurement tenders and, thereby, create greater competition in a market which was previously reserved to so-called Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) or foreign manufacturers. According to Antony, 65 to 70 per cent of the Indian defence equipment is currently being imported. His plan is to “reverse this trend”.

However, to bring a change to the defence segment, which is still dominated by state-run defence manufacturers, a new government policy for procurement of new equipment is required. In a speech on Thursday, in which Antony announced this major shift, he said: “January 2011 onwards we hope to introduce the new Defence Production Policy as well as the Defence Procurement Policy. [...] We are going to take some more drastic steps to achieve our goal of speedy indigenisation.” According to Anthony, this policy change towards an equal public-private competition in government procurement programmes will initially be limited to the Navy and would then gradually be extended to procurement procedures of the Army and Air Force.

Antony stated that the government’s aim is to support a strong indigenous defence industrial base and emphasised: “a country like India cannot indefinitely depend on foreign suppliers for majority of our equipments.” The process of indigenisation as yet was focussed on strengthening PSUs in their efforts to develop and manufacture defence equipment. However, many national procurement programmes have been troubled by delays, increasing costs and technical problems.

As defpro.com reported earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) exchanged blows in a general dispute on the delays in procurement programmes (see http://goo.gl/5D0fO). After the DRDO was criticised for various delays in defence projects, the organisation’s chief, V K Saraswat, defended the DRDO’s performance and accused, in particular, the Armed Forces of preferring the procurement of existing, foreign solutions over indigenously developed and manufactured defence systems. “The services also must understand that while the temptation may be overwhelming to field proven, state-of-the-art imported systems, they (domestic industry) too have a role to play in the economic and industrial growth of the country. No foreign system can be customised to completely address our long term requirement,” he said in May.

In a written statement to members of the Parliament of India in early May, the Defence Minister laid out the delays and increases of costs of prominent defence programmes. These include the Tejas light combat aircraft (4 years delay), the development of a naval light combat aircraft (more than 4 years delay), the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (more than 15 years delay) as well as the engine for the light combat aircraft (14 years delay) (More details at http://goo.gl/s7xaz, “Delayed Projects of DRDO”). Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju also put his finger on this weak spot by pointing out the need of competitive and reliable PSU’s and Ordinance Factories (OFs), adding: “We should strive hard in ensuring adherence to delivery schedules so that our Defence PSUs and OFs will also emerge as reliable global players in the field of Defence Production.”

Ongoing huff between the Defence Ministry and the DRDO, OFs and PSUs may be a unique chance for privately held Indian defence companies to get their foot in the door and take advantage of a more competitive national market. It will furthermore open up opportunities for foreign investment in Indian companies, in particular in shipyards, and far-reaching industrial co-operation with international partners. This may also increase technological capabilities and knowhow of Indian companies and create additional jobs.

Antony clearly outlined the path for both PSUs and the private sector to begin as of next year: “There is no option, but to remain globally competitive and efficient and not rest on past laurels, or achievements. Both the Defence PSUs and the private sector must carve out respective niches for themselves, by developing their own fields of specialisation. These specialisations must complement each other’s efforts and thus generate an even more healthier and competitive environment.

In light of comprehensive plans to restructure the DRDO, in order to make the organisation more effective and to create a greater Armed Forces-DRDO-industry interface, the new policies must achieve a structural and political environment which allows the private sector to join research and development activities with interest to national security and to receive a transparent access to government procurement programmes. In his speech, Antony stressed the need for R&D and constant coordination between the DRDO and the Industry Partners. Thus, the mammoth political task of transforming the DRDO into a sustainable organisation for future Armed Forces requirements is being increased by the effort to converge the interests of the public and the private sector.

----
By Nicolas von Kospoth, Managing Editor

buglerbilly

25-11-10, 02:34 PM

Delay in Joint Defence Projects with Russia

(Source: Press Information Bureau India; issued November 24, 2010)

The induction of the aircraft carrier Gorshkov/Vikramaditya has been delayed due to requirement of additional works and change in the scope of trials.

The additional works will increase the service life of the aircraft carrier significantly. The delivery of the aircraft carrier has been rescheduled for December 2012.

The procurement of modern weapon systems is undertaken as per the approved requirements of the Armed Forces in terms of capabilities sought and time frame prescribed, from various indigenous as well as foreign sources, including Russia, in accordance with the Defence Procurement Procedure.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Shyamal Chakraborty in Rajya Sabha today.

-ends-

buglerbilly

05-12-10, 04:08 AM

Hiccups in Indigenous Aircraft Carrier project: Navy Chief

New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI)

Admitting ''hiccups'' in India's Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) project, Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma today said the 40,000-tonne warship could not be launched this year because of delays in supply of equipment, but it would be ready for sea trials by 2014.

"The IAC was to be launched this year and because of some indigenous equipment that could not be supplied on time the launch has been delayed. We are expecting it (launch) by the middle of next year, as things stand," he said at the annual press conference ahead of Navy Day on December 4.

"But at the same time, efforts are on to compress the time frames by ensuring that the amount of outfitting on the warship is much more than earlier envisaged, so we cut down on time. We expect to put it out at sea by 2014," he said.

The Navy Chief said since India was building an aircraft carrier for the first time, a lot of trial and error took place during construction."We should graduate to sea trial stage where one can say ...the target is 2014," he added.

On the Navy's future acquisition and capability enhancement programmes, Verma said there were 36 ships and submarines on order in various Indian shipyards and that these programmes were largely on track.

Among the major projects were the IAC in Kochi and the refurbishment of INS Vikramaditya (erstwhile Russian Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier), both of which were "progressing satisfactorily and going well."

"Vikramaditya's induction has been delayed due to increase in the scope of work, which consequently led to unavoidable upward revision in price. But, there has been progress in the past few months. All efforts are being made to ensure 'Vikramaditya' will be delivered to us by December 2012," he added.

Verma pointed out that India's first stealth frigate INS Shivalik had been commissioned and two more ships of this class would be commissioned soon."Other projects in pipeline are Kolkata class destroyers, four advanced anti-submarine Corvettes and six Scorpene class submarines, four modern fast patrol vessels and a sail training ship are at various stages of construction," he added.

In the Shivalik class, MDL will be delivering the second ship in the line to the Navy in a few months from now.He said orders for five Offshore Patrol Vessels and two cadet training ships had been placed at private shipyards.

"We had smaller ships being constructed, but in terms of size, this is a first as far as Indian Navy is concerned (to be built at a private yard) and we have told them to deliver on time and within costs," he noted.

buglerbilly

08-12-10, 02:35 PM

Indian Navy Sees Midget Submarines as Primary Threat

(Source: Forecast International; issued December 7, 2010)

Same submarine out of the water..........captured in June 1998...............

NEW DELHI --- The Indian Navy and Coast Guard believe that improvised mini-submarines constitute the nation's primary emerging threat. These may range from swimmer-delivery vehicles of the type employed for recreational scuba diving to remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles. These types of vehicles are already in service with the navies of Iran, Myanmar and Pakistan (all having procured them from North Korea).

As has been amply demonstrated by the navies of North Korea and Iran, these small vessels make good platforms for ambushes even at submerged depths of 150 feet, enough room for the midget submersible to maneuver. These submarines cannot travel too far on their own, and depend on support vessels to extend their range. However, in their shallow water element where sonar returns are cluttered, they can prove quiet and deadly. Their capabilities include the ability to lay mines or insert commandos on beaches.

As North Korea demonstrated with the sinking of the Cheonan, attacks from midget submersibles can also include torpedoes armed with 250-kilogram warheads.

The Indian Navy believes that two factors heighten the risk of an ambush by midget submarines against Indian warships. These are the complex sonar picture of shallow water where these small submersibles can operate, and the absence of a network of seabed-mounted sonar transducers dotting the Indian coastline. With the exception of Port Blair, none of the 200 non-major ports in India are equipped with any identification or surveillance systems, and there are currently no concrete ground rules for patrolling India’s inshore coastal areas and the numerous creeks and rivulets along the coastline.

In early 2009, the Indian Navy proposed that a Maritime Security Adviser (MSA) be appointed, along with a supporting Maritime Security Advisory Board (MSAB), to take stock of the growing oceanic influence on India’s foreign policy. The intention was for the MSAB to coordinate the operations of more than 14 government departments and agencies responsible for various elements of maritime affairs with several security agencies with jurisdictions along India’s coastline. This proposal has not been adopted.

N Korean semi-sumersible carrying two torpedoes........similar "rumoured" to be in-service with Bangladesh and Pakistan

-ends-

buglerbilly

09-12-10, 08:13 AM

Defence ministry talks deal with Russian firm to overcome MiG shortfall

Published: Thursday, Dec 9, 2010, 0:16 IST

By Suman Sharma | Place: New Delhi | Agency: DNA

The ministry of defence (MoD) is negotiating price for a draft supplement agreement (DSA) with Russia’s RAC-MiG Corporation to buy additional equipment to overcome the teething problems it is facing in keeping its MiG-29K fleet flying.

MiG-29K aircraft, which were inducted into Indian Navy in February 2010, have been suffering tyre bursts whenever emergency brakes are applied during landing. Emergency brakes are applied whenever there is hydraulic failure and DSA is expected to solve this problem.

A naval officer said, “Emergency application is jamming brakes and increasing the risk of tyre skidding, and eventually bursting.”
DSA will entail supply of ground support items and spares and ensure life-long serviceability.

MiG-29K have fly-by-wire controls with quadruple redundancy and are an all-weather carrier-based multi-role fighter aircraft based on INS Hansa off Goa.

The navy has six such aircraft which are undergoing flying-training at its Goa-based intensive flying training unit. All these are under warranty.

As per MoD’s first contract with RAC-MiG, 16 such aircraft are to join the navy. A second contract for an additional 29 MiG-29K was cleared by the cabinet earlier this year, making it a fleet of 45.

DSA will be life long and apply to all MiG-29K.

Earlier this month, a MiG-29K suffered hydraulic failure, forcing the pilot to apply emergency brakes while landing on INS Hansa, which resulted in a tyre burst. But a source said such failures have been happening ever since the aircraft were inducted into the navy.

Unicorn

02-02-11, 11:04 PM

Indian warship sunk during 'day at sea' for military families

The heavily armed Indian navy frigate was equipped to do battle with enemy battleships and submarines, but it went up in flames as soon as it was hit … not by a torpedo or enemy vessel, mind you, but by a merchant ship.

The sinking of the INS Vindhyagiri, a 3,000-ton warship, marked the worst-ever peacetime loss for the Indian navy, Indian Express reported, adding that it’s also pretty embarrassing.

The warship was returning from a “day at sea” for families of sailors and officers and was entering the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust off the coast of Mumbai on Sunday afternoon, the website said.

Video taken by a passenger aboard the INS Vindhyagiri caught the collision as it unfolded. Those aboard the navy ship can be seen scurrying nervously as the merchant vessel approaches the frigate.

The Cyprus-flagged MV Nordlake, which was leaving the harbor, narrowly missed another container vessel, the MV Sea Eagle, and as it turned to avoid the Sea Eagle, it slammed into the frigate.

The collision cracked the warship's hull near the waterline. Water rushed in, and a fire broke out in the engine room, the Indian Express reported.

The Mumbai Mirror reported that the Navy attempted to put out the blaze, but the added water served only to sink the ship faster.

The ship was towed into the harbor, but it sank Monday afternoon. Police said they planned to arrest the Nordlake’s captain, according to the Indian Express.

Vindhyagiri seen in better days

The last Indian Naval Ship sunk was lost in similar circumstances, the INS Prahar, a Pauk class missile corvette was lost.

On April 22, 2006 INS Prahar collided with a container ship MV Rajiv Gandhi, and sank off the coast of Goa. No one was injured in the accident. The commanding officer of the ship, Lieutenant Commander Yogesh Tripathi was found guilty of negligence by an Indian Navy court-martial, and dismissed from service.

buglerbilly

15-02-11, 01:43 AM

Indian Navy planning to induct four Landing Platform Docks

09:49 GMT, February 14, 2011

In order to add more teeth to its amphibious warfare capabilities, the Indian Navy is planning to induct four Landing Platform Docks (LPD) to join the fleet alongside INS Jalashwa.

"We are looking to add four more LPDs in our fleet to operate alongside INS Jalashwa, the only LPD currently in service," Navy officials told the news agency.

The procurement procedure has already begun with the release of the Request for Information (RFI) by the Defence Ministry, they said.

The four warships would be procured under the Buy and make (Indian) category of the Defence procurement procedure under which the Indian shipyards, both private and public, would be required to form a partnership with foreign shipyards for the contract.

The navy wants the ships to be produced within the country itself and has sought response only from Indian shipyards, having their own infrastructure and capability of building LPD class of ships, they said.

On the procurement of warships, officials said the LPDs provide the Navy strategic reach to operate far away from Indian shores and support amphibious warfare.

The Navy wants the ships to be 200 metres long and to be able to transport Main Battle tanks (MBTs), heavy trucks, Armoured Personnel Vehicles and other heavy machinery.

It should also be able to carry out operations of heavy-lift helicopters of the Navy, the officials said.

The four LPDs will also have a point missile defence system and a close-in weapon system to protect itself from enemy firing and aircraft.

In 2007, India had inducted the INS Jalashwa - a Sanskrit name for Hippopotamus, which is a replenishment and amphibious warfare ship with capacity to embark, transport and land a 1,000-men battalion along with equipment and tanks to support operations on enemy shores.

Being the second largest ship in the Navy inventory after aircraft carrier INS Viraat, Jalashwa is also capable of undertaking maritime surveillance, special operations, search and rescue, medical support as well as humanitarian aid.

Jalashwa was originally commissioned in the US Navy as USS Trenton and had served for 36 years when India bought it for USD 48.4 million in 2007.

It is based under the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. (DD India/ST)

buglerbilly

21-02-11, 12:40 PM

DATE:21/02/11

SOURCE:Flight International

Indian navy issues maritime patrol, amphibian requests

By Greg Waldron

The Indian navy has issued requests for information for a medium-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft and nine twin-engined multi-role amphibians.

The first requirement foresees an aircraft capable of maritime patrol, anti-surface warfare, electronic intelligence and search and rescue. It must have two engines and be capable of all-weather operations.

Boeing confirms that it has proposed a variant of its 737-based P-8I for the role, and an industry source says Sweden's Saab has also pitched the Saab 2000 maritime patrol aircraft.

In regard to performance, the selected aircraft must be able to patrol for at least 4h while 740km (400nm) from its base carrying a "full mission configuration" with a minimum of two anti-ship missiles. The aircraft must also be capable of being refuelled while airborne.

The RFI calls for a radar capable of 360° coverage that can detect and track "surface vessels, ships, submarine periscopes and low flying aircraft/missiles against sea clutter".

In 2009, India cancelled a request for proposals for six medium-range maritime patrol aircraft to replace its 12 Britten-Norman Group BN-2 Islanders, which the navy hopes to begin retiring from around 2013. One of the aircraft competing in the earlier tender was a maritime patrol variant of the Embraer EMB-145. The Indian air force will soon receive three EMB-145s for the airborne early warning and control role.

The amphibian RFI calls for an aircraft with twin or multiple engines, preferably turboprops, equipped with full authority digital engine control and a range of at least 800nm. The aircraft must also be capable of short take-offs and landings from both the ocean surface and runways.

Other roles the aircraft will perform are supplying spare parts to naval units at sea, visual and radar surveillance of coastal areas and islands, and rapid response missions for humanitarian assistance. A cargo door capable of handling an inflatable rescue dingy is also required.

Notably, the RFI outlines an extensive electronic warfare suite, including forward-looking infrared sensor, sideways looking airborne radar, radar warning receiver and missile approach warning system.

Possible contenders for the amphibian requirement could include the Bombardier 415 and Beriev Be-200.

India is in the process of upgrading its maritime patrol capabilities. It will receive its first of eight P-8Is before January 2013 to replace its Tupolev Tu-142 turboprops. It also recently commissioned its second unmanned air vehicle squadron, which will operate Israel Aerospace Industries-supplied Herons and Searcher IIs over the northern Arabian Sea.

India faces a challenging maritime environment in the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. Piracy is a problem in the Indian Ocean, while potential rival China has access to ports in countries such as Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

In May 2010, India's air force issued an RFI for amphibious aircraft for deployment in the Andaman and Nicobar islands

buglerbilly

05-03-11, 02:41 AM

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

INS Vikramaditya Starts Dock Trials in Severodvinsk

Posted by M Pyadushkin at 3/4/2011 12:24 PM CST

From March 1 Kiev-class Vikramaditya (ex-Russian Admiral Gorshkov) aircraft carrier started dock trials, reported the Severodvinsk-based Sevmash facility that is retrofitting the ship for the Indian Navy. According to Sevmash’s head of construction Dmitry Strelchenko, the most difficult and important part of the trials will be the testing of the main propulsion system.

In addition, the manufacturer will check the ship’s electronic warfare system, including the Indian-made ones, and the flight deck facilities. “The goal of the dock tests is to prepare the ship’s systems and equipment for the next important stage – factory sea trials that are scheduled for the end of 2011”, said Strelchenko.

INS Vikramaditya at Sevmash (credits Maxim Vorkunkov/Sevmash)

India agreed to take the 44,500-ton aircraft carrier for free in 2004, paying only $800 million for its modernization and another $700 million for 16 MiG-29K ship-based fighters. The refurbishment included removal of all the weaponry from the ship’s foredeck. It was extended and received a ski-jump to allow operation of MiG-29K STOBAR aircraft. Initially Vikramaditya was to be delivered to the Indian Navy in 2008, but the Russians side suggested a price increase due to underestimated cost and volume of the modernization work. The new price was finalized at $2.3 billion in March 2010 while the new delivery date was set for 2012.

Meanwhile the Indian Navy has already received 16 MiG-29K fighters to be based at Vikramaditya and in March 2010 converted into a firm order with the option for another 29 aircraft.

buglerbilly

15-04-11, 05:19 AM

Navy preparing for takeover of Vikramaditya

Special Correspondent, The Hindu

Friday, Apr 15, 2011

NEW DELHI: The Navy has started preparations to take charge of aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya (Admiral Gorshkov) from Russia, with the first batch of officers and sailors having commenced training there ahead of its induction next year.

The Navy has sent a 152-member crew for training on the 45,000-tonne aircraft carrier in St. Petersburg, Russia. The warship is to be delivered by December next.

The crew, which reached for training some three weeks ago, consists mainly of technical and warship personnel, Navy spokesman Commander P.V.S. Satish said here on Thursday.

The crew was imparted Russian language skills. The ship would have a crew of 1,400 members, all of them would be trained.

Earlier, the Navy began a shore-based test facility in Goa to train the naval aviators who would eventually fly the MiG29-K fighter aircraft that would be operated from INS Vikramaditya.

India paid $974 million for the aircraft carrier in 2004 and another $526 million for 16 MiG-29K fighter aircraft to be operated in a Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) configuration. While Russia has delivered the fighter jets to India, the Navy is planning to place an additional order for 29 MiG-29K.

Initially, the Navy sent some aviators to the U.S. and Russia to train them in STOBAR as the country did not have any facility.

Delay in delivery

The INS Vikramaditya project, sanctioned in January 2004 envisaged delivery of the warship in August 2008 but it got delayed over price with Russia demanding $2.9 billion to carry out repair and re-equipping for converting the cruiser into an aircraft carrier.

buglerbilly

16-04-11, 08:18 AM

Varyag reveals its FL-3000N CIWS

Posted in Uncategorized on April 16th, 2011

The FL-3000N close-in weapons system has been confirmed to be fitted on board the Varyag.

buglerbilly

01-05-11, 03:14 AM

Kochi, April 28, 2011

Second indigenous carrier a long way off: Navy Chief

Special Correspondent, The Hindu

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma addresses the media after presenting gallantry medals and honours to Navy personnel at an Investiture ceremony at the Southern Naval Command here on Thursday. Photo: H.Vibhu

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Kumar Verma, on Thursday said a second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) for the Navy “is a long way off.

This [aircraft carrier building] is an investment of very high proportions. We are doing conceptual studies and certainly it is not going to happen in a hurry. It requires huge investment and before that, the Navy has higher priory items to be tackled,” Admiral Verma said, in response to a query from the media, after presenting gallantry awards and honours to naval personnel at an investiture ceremony at the Southern Naval Command here.

“Currently, there are two carriers under construction. The future Navy is based on two carrier battle groups (CBG), one on either coast. And if you have to ensure two CBGs, there has to be a third one. But the stage at which it happens is obviously linked to funding and today, there are greater funding priorities over a third aircraft carrier for the Navy.”

On the new Cabinet Committee on Security-approved rules of engagement (ROE) of sea pirates, he said: “The ROE should be something in the minds of the commanding officer [of warships]. I don't think there is any need to talk of it publicly, as it would benefit the other side. The commanding officer, when he goes to sea today, is very clear in his mind how he should act under different circumstances.” Asked about Defence Minister's A.K. Antony's comment that pirates enjoyed support of other forces, he said: “As a nation, we need to factor in these matters in the worst-case scenario. To that extent, that possibility is always factored [in]. It is true that the pirate ships we have captured up till now had hostages who were forced into running the ship for the pirates…. But there could be a possibility [of pirates being used by inimical forces] and we don't rule it out. Whenever we have had access to pirates and hostages, the investigation is thorough and detailed and there is a lot of information that comes out which is useful in tackling this problem better.”

Combating piracy

Asked about the merit of the Navy deploying a chunk of its resources to combat piracy, the Admiral said: “Today, there is no outright situation of a conflict, as we understand it. The challenge that came to us two years ago —coastal security — continues to be a challenge for us. Similarly, piracy is a new challenge that has come to us. Yes, it does require a fair amount of resources, but the task of the Navy is to ensure that the nation's maritime interests are met, and if it requires me to use the resources, that has to be done.”

buglerbilly

25-05-11, 02:26 AM

Indian Navy Leaders Review Needs, Readiness

By VIVEK RAGHUVANSHI

Published: 24 May 2011 15:08

NEW DELHI - The Indian Navy's top commanders have begun their biannual review of the maritime force's requirements and related issues at their annual conference here May 24-27.

The Naval Commanders' Conference provides an opportunity for the chief of the Naval Staff to examine the service's operational readiness, assess the progress made in key projects, and initiate functional, organizational and administrative steps to further prepare for current and emerging challenges.

"Over the next four days, commanders of the Indian Navy will discuss issues of operational relevance and future plans of the Indian Navy," the Indian Defence Ministry said in its official statement.

"With the security situation being fluid, we need to maintain the organizational ability to deploy ships, submarines and aircraft at 'immediate' notice," Adm. Nirmal Verma, chief of the Navy, said at the conference.

The Navy's strength is declining, and it is feared that the service's 140-warship fleet could dwindle to only 120 by 2017. The Navy is retiring ships more quickly than acquiring them.

The Navy has already embarked upon a modernization program under which it will buy landing platform docks (LPDs) worth $3.5 billion and build stealthy destroyers for $6.5 billion. This year, the service will begin shopping worldwide for six conventional submarines, for which it is prepared to spend more than $10 billion.

Last year, the Navy bought four additional Boeing-built P-8I long-range maritime aircraft from the U.S. at a cost of more than $1 billion.

The LPD project will be executed under the "buy and make" category, under which a foreign shipyard will help build the four LPDs in India using transferred technology, as was done in the case of the French-designed Scorpene submarines being built by India's Mazagon Docks.

buglerbilly

31-05-11, 05:51 AM

Russia delivers another batch of naval fighters to India

MiG-29K
© RIA Novosti. Evgeny Pakhomov03:17 31/05/2011

Russia may deliver first upgraded MiG to India in 2011

Russia's MiG aircraft maker delivered a new batch of five MiG-29K/KUB carrier-based fighters to the Indian navy in May, the company said.

"A flight training simulator and other technical equipment has also been delivered," MiG said in a statement on Monday.

The two countries signed a contract stipulating the supply of 12 single-seat MiG-29Ks and four two-seat MiG-29KUBs to India in January 2004. The contract is part of a $1.5-billion deal to deliver the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier, currently being retrofitted in Russia for the Indian Navy.

India's first four MiG-29Ks and MiG-29KUBs officially entered service in February 2010.

In March 2010, Russia and India signed a $1.5-billion contract on the supplies of 29 additional MiG-29K Fulcrum-D carrier-based fighter jets to New Delhi. The start of the supplies is scheduled for 2012.

The contracts for the jets also stipulate pilot training and aircraft maintenance, including the delivery of flight simulators and interactive ground and sea-based training systems.

The Indian Navy has named its MiG-29K squadron the "Black Panthers." The fighters will be based at an airfield in the state of Goa on India's west coast until the Admiral Gorshkov joins the Navy under the name of INS Vikramaditya in early 2013.

The Vikramaditya is expected to carry up to 24 MiG-29K/KUB fighters. The future indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant being built by India may also carry these aircraft.

MOSCOW, May 31 (RIA Novosti)

buglerbilly

09-06-11, 02:39 PM

DCNS India Signs A Contract with A Local Partner Under the Scorpene Submarine Programme (P75)

(Source: DCNS; issued June 8, 2011)

PARIS --- The production by the shipyard Mazagon Dock Ltd. (MDL) of six SSK Scorpene submarines (P75) under the DCNS transfer of technology (ToT) is ongoing. Simultaneously, DCNS India is working at the selection and qualification of Indian companies as partners for local production of the Scorpenes’ equipment.

In adherence with the Indian authorities systematic pursue of local manufacturing of systems, DCNS is continuously striving to go beyond the contractual ToT with MDL so that vital equipment could be locally manufactured. The aim is to enhance local expertises with the Indian industries.

“We are in India to establish partnerships with the Indian industry to develop local capability and to perform genuine transfers of technologies. We are providing our Indian partners with know-how and technical assistance to manufacture equipments which will be installed onboard the Scorpene submarines. MDL, our main contractor, is also to sub-contract work to these local players. Together, we are qualifying the suitable companies which are meeting the rigorous specifications needed for the submarines” explains Bernard Buisson, Managing Director of DCNS India.

This first contract with Flash Forge for the manufacturing of mechanical equipment is the conclusion of a long and stringent process. This involved the identification, audits (of the manufacturing and quality processes) and qualification of potential partners. Selection of the winner was made through a competitive Request For Proposal (RFP) which took into account, among various others, the following critical parameters:

• Quality requirements: Every shortlisted local supplier had to demonstrate an experience and adherence to strict production and quality control policies. All equipment onboard a submarine contributes to the overall safety of the crews on board and of the ship on the whole.

• Delivery schedule: Every supplier had to show a track record of on-time deliveries as it is imperative to curtail any delay arising out of the procurement process.

• Long term vision: Given the relative small quantities of each material to be manufactured (the last four submarines will be fitted with indigenized equipment), each potential industrial partner needs to demonstrate a willingness to invest in the required specific infrastructure development.

The same comprehensive selection method is under way for other equipments and more contracts with Indian partners will be announced shortly.

The locally produced elements to be installed onboard the P75 Scorpene submarines represent thousands of articles. These are the equipments, systems and sub-systems that are fitted onboard (engines, pumps, valves, accommodation elements, AC and safety equipments, but also the combat and ship control systems…). They are part of the MPM (Mazagon Procured Materials), contracted in 2010.

DCNS India Private Limited was inaugurated in March 2009 in Mumbai. It is specialising in naval services. DCNS India’s main missions are to support the naval shipyards and industries (Naval Technical Advice Department), to develop local services with Indian talents (Design & Marine Engineering Department), to achieve localized production with large base industrial partners (Programme Department) and to extend sourcing opportunities for both local and international needs (Sourcing & Purchasing Department).

Established in 1991 in Visakhapatnam, India, Flash Forge Private Limited is an ISO 9001:2008 certified manufacturer of customised special material forgings used for severe service conditions in industries such as defence, aerospace, power, oil and gas, shipbuilding, petrochemicals and process plants.

DCNS is a world leader in naval defence and an innovative player in energy. The Group’s success as an advanced technology company with global reach is built on meeting customer needs by deploying exceptional know-how and unique industrial resources. DCNS designs, builds and supports submarines and surface combatants as well as associated systems and infrastructure. The Group proposes services for naval shipyards and bases. The Group employs 12,000 people and generates annual revenues of around EUR 2.4 billion.

-ends-

buglerbilly

17-06-11, 12:35 PM

DATE:17/06/11

SOURCE:Flight International

India issues RFI for multi-role naval helicopters

By Greg Waldron

India has issued a request for information for a naval multi-role helicopter (NMRH) to complement its existing fleet of Westland Sea King 42 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.

The RFI calls for helicopters with a maximum all-up weight of between 9t and 12.5t. The NMRH, which will be expected to serve for 30 years, should have the capacity for 10% weight growth throughout its service life without hurting performance.

The navy foresees three primary roles: ASW, anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and special operations. Secondary roles include electronic intelligence, search and rescue (SAR), external cargo carrying, casualty evacuation and combat SAR.

Candidate helicopters must be able to operate from ships as small as the navy's Godavari-class frigates. They also need to be able to fit in shipboard hangars with a length of 15.5m (50.8ft), a width of 5.5m and a height of 5.3m.

"The NMRH should be a contemporary design with modern, reliable and fuel-efficient engines and fully integrated advanced avionics/weapons suite employing the latest concepts for detection, identification, classification of surface and sub-surface targets along with the ability to detect air targets," the RFI said.

It also outlines performance requirements for two variants: one focused on ASW/ASuW and the other for special operations.

For the former variant, India seeks an aircraft that can autonomously locate and destroy submarines, compile an integrated picture of the situation above and below the surface, and operate in all weather conditions.

The special operations variant needs the capability to carry unguided rockets and guns.

Possible candidates for the requirement could include the Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky MH-60R and NH Industries' NH90. The deal will require a minimum 30% offset obligation under Indian laws.

JKM Mk2

17-06-11, 02:44 PM

buglerbilly

17-06-11, 03:19 PM

Maybe a stupid question, but why are the Indians stuffing around, paying an enormous amount, for a clapped out piece of Russian shit instead of going to their traditional supplier -the UK. for their carrier fleet? The HMS QE is to go directly into reserve, the Invincibles (admittedly old) will soon be surplus along with their 40 odd Harriers. I'm sure the UK would be more than happy to build them another QE class carrier at a price and time frame that would be much better than the Russians could offer (at least it would be an honest proposal). I do not understand their fixation with Russian equipment in this instance.

Cheers
JKM

They thought they'd got a cheap and good deal with the Russians including aircraft BUT what they got was a puppy, a recalcitrant puppy that always wants more, more Indian cash in this case..........in essence they got screwed, counter-bored and then told this was hurting the Russians more than it was them! Classic how to Screw-a-Bitch tactics.............

Also, remember logic and coherent thought are an anathema to Indian Defence Procurement!

buglerbilly

29-06-11, 10:29 AM

DATE:29/06/11

SOURCE:Flight International

Indian navy considering Northrop's MQ-4C BAMS

By Greg Waldron

Northrop Grumman is pitching its MQ-4C Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) unmanned aircraft system to the Indian navy.

Earlier this year the company responded to an Indian request for information for a high-altitude, long-endurance UAS issued in October 2010, said an industry source.

In US Navy service BAMS is planned to work closely with the Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. At a seminar about BAMS hosted by Northrop for members of the Indian military, possible co-operation between BAMS and the Indian navy's future P-8I aircraft was a point of discussion.

India's first of eight P-8Is recently entered final assembly at Boeing's Renton factory. The company has also proposed a variant of the 737-based P-8I for India's medium-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft requirement.

New Delhi is increasingly turning to unmanned systems to patrol its vast ocean frontiers, which include the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. In January the Indian navy stood up its second UAS squadron, which will operate Israel Aerospace Industries-supplied Herons and Searcher IIs over the northern Arabian Sea.

In March, Israeli sources told Flightglobal that India's navy has operational requirements for additional systems made by IAI, potentially including improved Heron or Heron TP systems carrying maritime sensor payloads. Evaluations using some systems have already been carried out.

Northrop plans to roll out the first MQ-4C in early 2012, with the first flight to occur around the middle of the same year.

One stumbling block in a potential BAMS sale to India could be the international Missile Technology Control Regime, although India is not a signatory.

buglerbilly

01-07-11, 06:05 PM

Russia to Deliver Sub to India By Year End: Report

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Published: 1 Jul 2011 11:33

MOSCOW - Russia will deliver a long-awaited nuclear submarine to India by the end of the year, the country's navy chief was quoted as saying by the state RIA Novosti news agency on July 1.

The date for the delivery of the Nerpa submarine in which 20 people died in an accident during sea trials in 2008 has been pushed back several times.

"We will definitely deliver the submarine to the customer by the end of the year," Russia's navy commander Vladimir Vysotsky was quoted as saying in Russia's second city of Saint Petersburg.

He added that an Indian crew was fully trained and ready to receive the vessel.

The Nerpa was undergoing trials in the Sea of Japan in November 2008 when its fire-fighting system went off by accident, filling the submarine with a toxic gas that killed 20 sailors and shipyard workers.

Russia supplies 70 percent of India's military hardware but New Delhi has been unhappy about delays to arms orders from Moscow and looked to other suppliers including Israel and the United States in recent years.

buglerbilly

06-07-11, 06:19 AM

Harbour trials of Admiral Gorshkov to begin in Aug in Russia

PTI | 07:07 PM,Jul 04,2011

New Delhi, Jul 4 (PTI) Set for induction into the Indian Navy next year, harbour trials of the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov are expected to begin by August end in Russia.These trials are aimed at testing the functioning of all the systems of the warship, senior Navy sources told PTI here.

The harbour trials will be followed up by sea trials which are expected to start by November where the major systems of the warship including its weapon firing capabilities would be put to test, they said.The sources said that the warship is expected to be delivered as per the original schedule of December 2012. The 45,000 tonne, 283-metre aircraft carrier, rechristened INS Vikramaditya by the Indian Navy, is undergoing refit and repairs at the Sevmash shipyard in Russia.

During his recent visit to Russia, Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar was taken to the Sevmash shipyard and shown the progress in work on the Gorshkov.The contract for the warship was signed between India and Russia in 2004 but the cost escalation and price revision by Russia for retrofitting the ship were cited as reasons for the delay.

After long negotiations, the two sides had settled on USD 2.3 billion as the price of the second hand warship.With only a lone aircraft carrier INS Virat being operated now, the Russian origin warship is key to India's plan of having one aircraft carrier each on both the seaboards.

Construction of another indigenous aircraft carrier is on in Kochi and is expected to be inducted into the navy by the end of 2014.

buglerbilly

01-08-11, 01:59 PM

Rear Admiral MT Moraes Appointed Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Submarines) : will Oversee Submarine Acquisitions

Three key appointments of the Indian Navy will see new incumbents on 29 July 2011. Rear Admiral MT Moraes will take over as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Submarines) at Delhi. On promotion, Rear Admiral Srikant will take over as Flag Officer Submarines (FOSM) based at Visakhapatnam and Rear Admiral G Ashok Kumar will take over as Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) at Kochi.

ACNS (SM) looks after perspective planning and acquisition of submarines for the Indian Navy. A role that assumes critical importance as the Indian Navy is pursuing vital submarine acquistion plans.

FOSM is the class authority on submarines and is responsible for defining standards, policies and procedures for operations and maintenance of submarines in the Indian Navy.

FOST is the authority responsible for operational sea training and work up of all surface ships.

PVS/AKR
(Release ID :73548)

buglerbilly

04-08-11, 02:57 AM

Russia delivers 11 MiG jets to India: official

(AFP) – 13 hours ago

MOSCOW — Russia has dispatched 11 MiG fighter jets to India to equip the aircraft carrier it will deliver next year, head of the MiG corporation Sergei Korotkov said Wednesday.

"We have already delivered 11. Five more will be delivered by the end of the year," he told reporters as quoted by the Interfax news agency.

Russia signed a contract in 2004 to supply 16 MiG-29K/KUB jets as part of its agreement to modernise the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov for the Indian Navy.

The refurbishment contract was initially valued at 974 million dollars and stipulated the delivery of the carrier in 2008.

But the price of modernising the ship, which will have the name Vikramaditya (All-Powerful) in the Indian Navy, later grew to $1.5 billion while deadlines extended by several years.

In March 2010, the countries inked an additional $1.5 billion deal for 29 more MiG fighter jets.

Russia has started work on the order, and the first jet was presented to an Indian representative in the assembly workshop, Korotkov said Wednesday.

Delivery of the second batch of jets as well as the carrier will start in 2012, according to the contract.

Russia has been a longtime military supplier to India and still provides about 70 percent of its military equipment, although India has looked to other countries like Israel and the United States as potential suppliers.

Copyright © 2011 AFP. All rights reserved

buglerbilly

04-08-11, 04:56 PM

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

That Other Asian Aircraft Carrier

Posted by Robert Wall at 8/4/2011 9:41 AM CDT

With all eyes on China and its official acknowledgement it is modifying the Ukrainian Varyag, India also is providing a progress update on its activities, the effort, in cooperation with Russia, to modify the Gorshkov into the Vikramadiya.

The program, agreed on in 2004, ran into difficulties over a disagreement between Moscow and New Delhi concerning the level of effort involved. After a prolonged dispute, the two sides last year agreed on a new roadmap and fielding timeframe: the end of 2012.

According to the Indian defense ministry, that timing seems to be holding. Defense ministry Shri AK Antony tells Parliament that the Russian side “has increased the manpower and material resources considerably for the project.” And, he adds, the current plan is still for the ship to be delivered in December 2012.

buglerbilly

05-08-11, 03:00 PM

Indigenous Aircraft Carrier

(Source: Press Information Bureau India; issued August 4, 2011)

"Funny" comment about the ADS being commissioned by December 2012, I get told in other circles that she's running 12-14 months late???

The Indian Navy (IN) has one aircraft carrier i.e. INS Viraat. To maintain effective presence in our area of interest, IN should be capable of deploying carrier task forces in two geographically separated locations.

The refit and modernisation works on board the Vikramaditya are progressing in an earnest manner. Consequent to signing of Supplementary Agreements in March, 2010, the Russian side has increased the manpower and material resources considerably for the project. A majority of the equipment/systems have been installed on board the ship. The delivery of ship is scheduled in December 2012.

Regarding the ‘Air Defence Ship’ being constructed at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), 75% of hull work has been completed and is expected to be launched in December 2011, after which further works will be undertaken prior to commissioning.

Augmentation of infrastructure at CSL is underway. With the infrastructure and experience, indigenous Aircraft Carrier-sized ships can be built at CSL. Additionally, Indian-manufactures warship quality steel is now available, which will reduce dependence on foreign countries.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shrimati Deepa Dasmunsi, Shri Mahabal Mishra and Shri Jose K. Mani in Lok Sabha today.

-ends-

buglerbilly

25-08-11, 02:05 PM

Delay in Delivery of Arms from Russia

(Source: Press Information Bureau India; issued August 24, 2011)

No big surprise and every reason why the revamp and provision of new Warships for the Russian Navy is just so much pie-in-the-sky when looking at the recent pronouncements of the Head of their Navy................

A contract was signed with Rosoboronexport, Russia in 2006 for acquisition of three Talwar Class follow-on ships and the delivery schedule for these three ships was April 2011, October 2011 and April 2012. Rosoboronexport has intimated that the delivery of the ships would be delayed as follows: 1st Ship - 12 months, 2nd Ship - 11 months and 3rd Ship - 14 months.

Two major cases of shipbuilding projects with Rosoboronexport, Russia namely, Gorshkov and Talwar Class follow-on ships have been delayed.

The induction of the Gorshkov/Vikramaditya was re-scheduled due to the necessity to carry out additional works such as renewal of almost all equipment/systems, hull structures, cabling, and application of long-life paint to afford greater protection to the ship's steel plating and formulation of a detailed scope of harbour/sea trials/aircrafts trials. The delivery date of the ship has been revised to December 2012.

The Russian side has brought out that the delays in the Talwar Class follow-on ships are primarily on account of non-availability of adequate skilled manpower at the shipyard to undertake concurrent construction of these vessels, and the delays in delivery of Russian origin equipment to the shipyard.

Issues relating to supply of defence equipment/platforms from Russia are taken up on a regular basis in various bilateral fora which include High Level Monitoring Committee (HLMC) meeting, Indo-Russian Inter-governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRJGCMTC) meetings and in the Project Review Meetings.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri D Raja in Rajya Sabha today.

-ends-

buglerbilly

02-09-11, 05:21 AM

China Accosts India Warship off Vietnam: Report

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Published: 1 Sep 2011 10:55

HANOI, Vietnam - A Chinese warship confronted an Indian naval vessel in waters off Vietnam and demanded its identity, the Financial Times said on Sept. 1, amid regional concern over Beijing's maritime assertiveness.

The London-based newspaper reported that five people familiar with the incident said it occurred in international waters shortly after India's amphibious assault ship INS Airavat completed a scheduled port call in Vietnam.

Delhi confirmed contact was made with its ship but rejected the suggestion of a "confrontation."

On July 22 after sailing 45 nautical miles off Nha Trang, the INS Airavat was called on an open radio channel by someone identifying himself as the "Chinese Navy," the Indian government said in a statement.

"You are entering Chinese waters," the radio caller said, according to the statement. It added that no ship or aircraft was visible from the Indian vessel, which proceeded as scheduled.

"India supports freedom of navigation in international waters, including in the South China Sea, and the right of passage in accordance with accepted principles of international law. These principles should be respected by all," Delhi said.

A series of Chinese actions in the South China Sea have caused nervousness among regional neighbors - particularly Vietnam and the Philippines.

China says it has sovereignty over essentially all of the South China Sea, a key global trading route, where its professed ownership of the potentially oil-rich Spratly archipelago overlaps with claims by Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia.

Vietnam and China have a separate long-standing dispute over the more northerly Paracels archipelago.

The INS Airavat visited Nha Trang in south-central Vietnam and the northern port of Haiphong in the second half of July.

Vietnam's foreign ministry said it had no information about the incident, while China's foreign ministry spokesman said he had contacted the defense ministry but had not yet received a response.

A source familiar with the incident told AFP it was "a typical Chinese approach," and said that Beijing's enforcement vessels try to assert their ownership of the territory.

In recent months, the Philippines and Vietnam have objected to what they said was Chinese harassment of oil exploration vessels and fishermen in the South China Sea.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in July condemned acts of "intimidation" in the waters, where it says it has a national interest in free navigation.

A recent Pentagon report said China is increasingly focused on naval power as it places a growing priority on securing strategic shipping lanes and mineral-rich areas in the South China Sea.

Chinese leaders have insisted their military modernization program is aimed solely at "self-defense."

buglerbilly

04-09-11, 04:58 AM

Navy squadron to complete induction of MiG-29Ks by mid-2012

Press Trust Of India

Panaji, September 03, 2011First Published: 15:05 IST(3/9/2011)
Last Updated: 15:06 IST(3/9/2011)

Indian Navy's 'Black Panthers', a squadron of MiG-29K aircraft, will complete induction of the Russia-made fighter jets by mid-2012, officials said on Saturday. The delivery of first batch of 16 aircraft is likely to be completed this month, Commander B Hota, Commander-in-Chief of the squadron, told PTI.

"The second lot of 29 aircraft will arrive at a later date," he added.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a press conference organised to announce golden jubilee celebrations of Naval base 'INS Hansa', located at Vasco, about 40km from here, Hota said Black Panthers would be renamed Squadron 303.

MiG-29Ks based at INS Hansa are attached to aircraft carrier 'INS Vikramaditya', which will be commissioned in the Navy shortly.

MiG-29K is one of the most versatile and formidable carrier-borne fighter aircraft in the world. It is designed to destroy aerial targets, enemy's surface and shore targets, Navy officials said.

Commodore Ravneet Singh, Commanding Officer of INS Hansa, said the state-of-the-art simulator for MiG-29K would be ready within a couple of months.

The Naval base is also being equipped with the ski-jump facility and shore-based test facility (SBTF).

Besides India, only American and Russians are going to have SBTF by the middle of next year, Singh said.

The facility will create an atmosphere which is similar to that on an aircraft carrier and would help the pilots in training.

Chunder

04-09-11, 08:25 AM

Navy squadron to complete induction of MiG-29Ks by mid-2012

MiG-29K is one of the most versatile and formidable carrier-borne fighter aircraft in the world. It is designed to destroy aerial targets, enemy's surface and shore targets, Navy officials said.

Hornet, Harrier, Super Etendard, Rafael, Su-33 A4.
doesn't take much to be 'one of the most'.

buglerbilly

06-09-11, 02:56 PM

Fleet Strength of Indian Navy

(Source: Press Information Bureau India; issued September 5, 2011)

Government constantly reviews the security environment and decides about induction of appropriate defence equipment/platforms, including various kinds of ships/submarines for the Navy. This is a continuous process undertaken as per the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) from various indigenous as well as foreign sources for the modernization of armed forces to keep them in a state of readiness to meet any eventuality.

Proposals for induction of naval ships are based on the Maritime Capability Perspective Plan (MCPP)/Five Year Plan/Annual Plan which stipulates the number and type of vessels required as well as timelines for such inductions. Divulging further details would not be in the national interest.

Major warship construction projects of the Navy running behind schedule include Project-15A (P-15A) and Project-17 (P17). The cost escalation in these two projects has been about 225% and 260% respectively. The major cost escalation & delay has been due to uncertainties associated with the complex warship building process. Reasons for delay and cost escalations in respect of P-15A and P-17 are as follows:

-- P-15A:
The main reasons contributing towards cost escalations are - delay in supply of warship building quality steel by Russia, escalation due to increase in expenditure towards services of Russian specialists on account of inflation during the build period, impact of Wage revision due from October 2003 and finalization of cost of weapons and sensors.

-- P-17:
The main reasons contributing towards cost escalations are - delay in supply of warship building quality steel by Russia, delay in acquisition of weapon equipment from Russia, and delay in finalization of propulsion equipment in view of complex combined diesel and gas arrangement introduced for the first time in Indian Navy frigate.

A contract was signed with Rosoboronexport, Russia in 2006 for acquisition of three Talwar-class follow-on ships and the delivery schedule for these three ships was April 2011, October 2011 and April 2012. Rosoboronexport has intimated that the delivery of the ships would be delayed as follows: 1st Ship - 12 months, 2nd Ship - 11 months and 3rd Ship - 14 months. The contract for acquisition of these three ships is a fixed price contract.

A programme for construction of six Scorpene submarines is currently underway at M/s. Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) under Project- 75. As per the contract, the 1st submarine was scheduled to be delivered in December 2012 and thereafter, one each every year till December 2017. There has been delay in this project due to initial teething problems, absorption of complex technology, augmentation of MDL infrastructure and procurement of MDL Purchased Material (MPM). The 1st submarine is now scheduled to be delivered in the second half of 2015.

Acceptance of Necessity for acquisition of Six Submarines under Project-75 (India) has been accorded by the Defence Acquisition Council. The proposal is being progressed. A modernization programme has been initiated for the existing submarine fleet and a number of platforms have already been modernized. The programme has been worked out by the Navy catering to the obsolescence/non- supportability of system/equipment and to include contemporary technology.

During the last five years, construction of three ships under P-17, three ships under P-15A and four ships under P-15B has been assigned to MDL. The 1st ship and the 2nd ship under P-17 have been commissioned in April 2010 and August 2011 respectively and the 3rd ship is expected to be commissioned in early 2012.

The three ships under P-15A are scheduled to be delivered by March 2012, March 2013 and March 2014 respectively. Contract for four P-15B ships has been signed in January 2011, with delivery schedule as July 2018, July 2020, July 2022 and July 2024 respectively.

There is no proposal at present for creation of MDL facilities at Mangalore.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri K Shivakumar and others in Lok Sabha today.

-ends-

buglerbilly

09-09-11, 03:36 AM

CAG raps Indian Navy for buying combat planes sans weapons

Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, September 08, 2011First Published: 22:11 IST(8/9/2011)

Last Updated: 22:13 IST(8/9/2011)

The Indian Navy came in for a hard rap from the government auditor on Thursday for buying Russian MiG-29K combat planes without their weapons systems, rendering them toothless.

In its latest report presented to parliament, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) said the navy followed a flawed approach in acquiring its new fighter aircraft fleet by not finalising the associated weapon package along with the contract for the aircraft.

The aircraft will be deployed on the carrier INS Vikramaditya when it is commissioned in the navy about two years from now after a refit in a Russian shipyard.

Of the 19 aircraft bought for $526 million in March 2004, 11 were delivered by Russia between December 2009 and May 2011. But, "no item of armament contracted in March 2006 had been delivered as of October 2010 adversely affecting the operational capabilities of the aircraft."

Further, the navy had selected a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile, a critical weapon system that provided the aircraft capability to shoot down enemy aircraft long distances away, with "an unsatisfactory track record" with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The IAF had bought the same BVR missiles for its Soviet-origin MiG series combat aircraft between 1999 and 2002, and had found its serviceablity "unreliable".

The navy had bought 40 of the air-to-air BVR missiles for $21.88 million (Rs.97.67 crore)

"Lastly, the complete armament package finalised for the (MiG-29K) aircraft contains certain ammunition worth $20.98 million (Rs.93.68 crore) which did not have the approval of the competent authority," the CAG report said.

buglerbilly

22-09-11, 02:42 AM

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

INS Vikramaditya Carrier Is 85% Ready

Posted by M Pyadushkin at 9/21/2011 6:43 AM CDT

FMD! They could have built a NEW carrier in the time this has taken..............

The Indian navy aircraft carrier Vikramaditya is nearing completion at Russia’s Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk. Vice Admiral Nadel Niradjan Kumar, chief manager of production and purchase of warships for the Indian navy who inspected Sevmash this week, says the ship is 85% ready and will be handed over to the navy in December 2012.

The navy, meanwhile, is already training a crew for the carrier. The first Indian seamen, 23 electricians and 19 internal communications technicians, out of the 152-man group being trained in Severodvinsk at the moment, completed their 6-month practical training in mid-September, Sevmash reported.

The second batch of 112 crewmen is now studying at the Naval Academy in St. Petersburg and will arrive in Sevmash in early November. By the end of 2012, over 1,000 Indian seamen and officers from Vikramaditya will be trained in Russia, according to Servmash.

The 44,500-ton Kiev-class Vikramaditya (ex-Russian Admiral Gorshkov) has been under repairs and modernization at Sevmash for the Indian navy since 2004. The refurbishment included removal of all the weaponry from the ship’s foredeck, which was extended and received a ski-jump for MiG-29K Stobar aircraft operations. Initially Vikramaditya was to be delivered to the Indian navy in 2008, but after the Russian and Indian sides settled a dispute in March 2010 over the increase of the modernization price from $800 million to $2.3 billion, the new delivery date was set for 2012.

buglerbilly

24-09-11, 06:53 PM

The Vikramaditya aircraft carrier will be handed over to India in December 2012

September 22, 2011

Alexandr Yemelyanenkov

President of the United Shipbuilding Corporation Roman Trotsenko has announced the completion date of a key export order.

For everyone who is engaged in giving the finishing touches to the Vikramaditya aircraft carrier or is a member of the Indian Navy’s group of observers at the Sevmash plant, this week began with a comprehensive inspection. According to the press service of the Russian largest defence shipyard, on Monday 19 September, a delegation from the Indian Navy’s joint staff, led by Rear Admiral Nadela Niradzhan Kumar, chief of the shipbuilding and procurement department, arrived at Russia’s biggest naval shipbuilding enterprise, in Severodvinsk.

Together with Roman Trotsenko, President of the United Shipbuilding Corporation, which includes the best-known Russian shipyards, he looked at how work on the ship was progressing. Sevmash chief engineer Alexei Alsufyev briefed him on advances since the previous inspection. Taking part in discussing aspects of production and organisation were deputy general directors of the enterprise Mikhail Budnichenko, Sergei Novosyolov and Andrei Monogarov and head of the Indian Navy group of observers Mr. Swaminatan.

The chief of the Indian delegation, Vice Admiral Kumar, expressed satisfaction with the progress in modernising the aircraft carrier, considering the ship to be more than 85% ready. This was made possible by the efforts of the management of the plant and the United Shipbuilding Corporation, he is quoted as saying by the shipyard’s press service. “I am very grateful to Mr. Trotsenko for directing the shipbuilding process, to Rosoboronexport, to the Nevsky Design Bureau and to Sevmash contractors.”

Roman Trotsenko responded with a serious commitment. After thanking the customer, the Indian Navy, for their confidence and understanding of the problems that have cropped up at various stages during the fulfillment of the contract, he said that the final stage of the modernisation would be carried out with the utmost thoroughness, in strict accordance with the technology and particular attention to quality.

“Today, the work is going ahead on schedule,” Trotsenko confirmed. “The technical problems that arise are resolved, largely thanks to Rosoboronexport, which always supports us. I am sure that the ship will be delivered to the customer in December 2012.”

Note

Sevmash got a new General Director three months ago. In June 2011, Andrei Dyachkov, who formerly worked at the Severodvinsk shipyard and knows it well, was appointed to the job. His production experience will be augmented by the organisational skills he acquired during the two years he served as General Director of the Rubin Central Design Bureau (St Petersburg). Mr. Dyachkov is currently combining the two jobs.

JimWH

25-09-11, 01:04 AM

That's about a 6 month slippage since the beginning of this year isn't it?

Unicorn

25-09-11, 03:28 AM

About.

Take any timelines on this project either from the Russians or the Indians, with a very large helping of salt.

.

JimWH

25-09-11, 03:32 AM

It always makes me feel better about Australian/British/American procurement to realise that no matter how hard we/they try we'll never get close to the worst.

buglerbilly

30-09-11, 07:02 AM

Sea trails of upgraded aircraft-carrier set for 2012

2011-09-28

The Admiral Gorshkov

Indian navy and Sevmash shipyard agree that it will be inappropriate to start testing at sea with “Vikramaditya” this November as earlier scheduled.

WTF! Inappropriate..........why can't they just admit it won't be feckin ready!!! :jerkit

Russia and India agreed in 2004 to upgrade and sell the former Soviet aircraft-carrier “Admiral Gorshkov” to the Indian navy under the name “Vikramaditya.”

After years of delays and disagreements between the two countries on the final price tag, a 2010 agreement stipulated delivery of the modernized vessel for December 2012. But, first the Indian crew will take the vessel out in the Barents Sea for testing. That was supposed to happen this November.

New date for sea trail of the huge aircraft-carrier is now May 2012.

The vessel is now 85 percent ready, reports the portal of the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk following delegation of inspections of the Joint Staff of the Indian Navy.

- Today, the works are on schedule, but there are technical problems can be solved largely through Rosoboronexport, which always supports us. I am sure that in December 2012, the ship will be delivered to the customer, President of JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation Roman Trotsenko, says in the press-note posted on the portal of Sevmash.

buglerbilly

03-10-11, 02:34 PM

Navy Orders Eight Amphibious Assault Vessels

(Source: Press Information Bureau India; issued September 30, 2011)

800 tons is NOT an LCM-8 or similar...........this is more your LCH.......

Indian Navy signed a contract with GRSE, Kolkotta for construction of eight Landing Craft Utility (LCU) for a cost of Rs 2100 Cr. The first ship is to be delivered in 35 months.

The 800 ton LCU is propelled by two diesel engines and can carry main battle tanks, BMPs, and personnel in various combinations.

-ends-

buglerbilly

21-11-11, 11:24 PM

Barak 8 / MR-SAM Test Program to Begin in Early 2012

Tamir EshelNovember 21, 2011 21:49

Barak 8 air-defense missile was developed by Rafael, using a booster developed in India. The system was developed by IAI and the radar by Elta Systems. Photo: Noam Eshel

India and Israel are planning to conduct a system test of Barak 8 Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) early next year. IAI and DRDO are cooperating in the development of the Medium and Long Range Surface to Air Missile (MR-SAM/LR-SAM) missiles, also known as Barak-8, are preparing for the next milestone in the program – testing with its entire supporting system, in early 2012. The Israel Navy also expects to filed the missile with its upgraded/new Saar 5 / 5B corvettes.

Barak 8, a critical development program for the navies of both countries, went through significant development delays since parts of the missile were not completed in time for testing. The first Barak 8 missile test took place in israel in May 2010. The Economic Times of india has recently quoted DRDO officials saying the test is now planned to be conducted in Israel in January of February 2012. The weapon qualification program will include eight test firings, to take place in israel and India, prior to induction into service. Elements of the system have already been delivered to India, including the four-plane MF-STAR phased array radar and shipboard electronic modules supporting the system.

The MRSAM missiles are scheduled to equip the three Kolkata class (Project 15A) guided missile destroyers currently under construction at the Mazagon shipyards in India. These vessels will be delivered to the Indian Navy in 2012 and their Barak-8 systems are expected to become operational a year later in 2013. Four additional Kolkata class destroyers (Project15B) will be equipped with an extended range version of the missile (ER-SAM) capable of intercepting targets at a range of 100 km. These destroyers will also carry the Brahmos II supersonic and new Nirbhany subsonic cruise missiles with offensive reach of 1,000 km.

INS Kochi, the second Kolkata class guided missile destroyer built at the Mazagon Docks shipyard afloat. Note the two masts - the large superstructure above the bridge is designed to carry the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR radar while the one further to the rear will mount the IAI EL/M-2238 L-band STAR surveillance radar. Photo via Bharat-Rakshak.com

The Indian Air Force is also planning to field the extended range version of the missile, as part of the LR-SAM program, enhancing the nation’s air defense capability with wide area, The system will employ advanced surface radars, airborne sensors and advanced datalinks to provide network-centric air defense capability against aircraft, cruise missiles and anti-ship guided missiles, with each site covering a range of 100-110km.

Barak 8 have incorporated an advanced multi-function electronically scanning array that continuously covers 360 degree, thereby providing a defensive shield in all directions while simultaneously functioning in target acquisition and surface search modes. In principle, each destroyer could provide air cover for a large battle group, or share defense assets with other surface combattants, to best respond to aerial or missile threats.

For the ground based system, each battery has it’s own control van and mobile command. Network centricity of the system is supported by the Command & Control element of each of these batteries communicating with other batteries and other air defense assets, sharing a common ‘sky picture’ thus providing positive identification of threats or friendly aircraft, missiles or non combatant elements, assisting commanders in deciding ow best to react to a threat. (co author: Debojit Sarkar, India)

buglerbilly

24-11-11, 02:10 PM

Purchase of Amphibious Assault Vessels

(Source: Press Information Bureau India; issued November 23, 2011)

A contract has been concluded with M/s GRSE, Kolkata, in September, 2011 for construction of eight Landing Craft, Utility. These ships are likely to be inducted in the Indian Navy during 2013-15.

Defence Acquisition Council has accorded Acceptance of Necessity for induction of four large amphibious ships. Induction of these ships would help to enhance the amphibious lift capability of the Indian Armed Forces. The capability would also be useful for assistance to civil administration, disaster relief and other contingencies.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in written reply to Shri MV Mysura Reddy in Rajya Sabha today. (ends)

buglerbilly

29-11-11, 06:22 AM

Gautam Datt New Delhi, November 28, 2011 | UPDATED 13:46 IST

Navy aircraft carrier misses 1st launch deadline

India's ambitious plan to build an aircraft carrier, an important component of the navy's blue water aspirations, at home has missed its first launch deadline.

The ship, known as Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) before it is christened, was scheduled for a 'float-out' this December.

In the long process to build a ship, float-out is the second stage after the laying of keel.

The IAC's keel was laid in February 2009 after work started in November 2006. It was estimated then that it would be ready to float in two years.

The launch now is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2012, if the progress is swift. The aircraft carrier is being built at the Cochin Shipyard, where a lot is at stake for the success of the project, the first of its kind undertaken in the country.

It might still take at least four years between the first and the final launch and officials are guardedly optimistic about its planned entry into the naval fleet by 2015.

As the impact of the delay in the first launch on the delivery of the warship is still being assessed, there is a realisation of the fact that building an aircraft carrier from scratch at home is a complex project attempted by few in the world.

The immediate comparison is drawn with China, which is building Varyag, a retired Soviet-era carrier. India has a definite edge over China in the field of carrier operations.

The government had committed Rs.3,261 crore for the first phase of the IAC. The officials attribute the delay to the technical complexities as the first phase was the most crucial in terms of keeping the noise signatures under check.

The IAC is being powered by four GE LM 2500 gas turbine engines that would propel the 37,000 tonne warship at 28 knots. There was a problem in the gear box and the long shaft that also contributed to the delay. The floating airfield has been designed to handle operations of at least 30 Mig-29 K and maritime version of the under-development light combat aircraft, apart from Seaking and Kamov 31 helicopters.

India had initially planned to design a Sea Control Ship, a 25,000tonne catapult-and-ski jump version. But designs were altered often because of the high costs involved.

buglerbilly

05-12-11, 02:52 PM

Navy to Induct 24 P-8I Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft

(Source: Indo-Asian News Service; posted Dec. 5, 2011)

NEW DELHI --- The Indian Navy will acquire 12 more Boeing P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance (LRMR) aircraft to boost its eye in the sky over India's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone. This is in addition to the 12 already ordered, a top commander said.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma told India Strategic defence magazine in an interview that the force was satisfied with the progress of the first eight P-8Is being built by Boeing under a 2009 order and that the second order for four more aircraft was being processed. It would be placed within the current fiscal ending March 2012.

At a later date, it was planned to acquire 12 more P-8Is for offshore surveillance and protection of the Indian waters and interests, bringing the total to 24, Verma added.

India's coastline exceeds 7,500 km, besides which there are several island territories and economic interests off the east and west coasts.

Hitherto, the Indian Navy has been using old, Soviet-vintage maritime reconnaissance aircraft. But, after the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai, the government cleared the first eight P-8Is within three months of the horror. Four more were cleared earlier this year.

In fact, it was Prime Minister Manmohan Singh himself who had asked the defence ministry to ensure the navy's modernisation after the 26/11 attack, in which 10 Pakistani terrorists easily managed to infiltrate into Mumbai and killed 166 people and injured more than 300.

It may be noted that there had been a virtual paralysis in the government on defence modernisation after the V.P. Singh government instituted an inquiry in 1989 over the controversial Bofors gun deal with Sweden. The Kargil War over Pakistani occupation of strategic Himalayan heights inside India triggered the first round of modernisation and 26/11 the second.

Verma said that the P-8I is the most advanced LRMR platform with a capability to observe even small boats and destroy hostile submarines. India is the first export customer for this aircraft, and the advantage is that India will benefit from the hi-tech systems being developed for the US Navy, which has ordered 117 aircraft.

Most of the specifications of the US and Indian navies are reportedly common but details are understandably being kept secret.

There would be some Indian components though, thanks to the offsets and transfer of technology requirements. India's Bharat Electronics Ltd has already started supplying its Data Link II system to facilitate the P-8I's communications with Indian space, naval, and land based-assets.

The US aircraft, designated the P8-A Poseidon multimission maritime aircraft (MMA), has the capability of broad-area surveillance and launching Harpoon anti-ship and land attack missiles, depth charges and torpedoes against submarines and underwater unmanned assets. The aircraft can also perform electronic intelligence (ELINT) missions with its highly sophisticated Raytheon APY-10 radar and Northrop Grumman electronic warfare (EW) systems.

The first Indian P-8I, which first flew on Sep 28 in the presence of Indian Navy officers, is due to be delivered in January 2013. The first US Navy P8-A flew in April 2009 and is due to be delivered mid-2012. Indian Navy officers periodically visit the Boeing factory at Renton in Washington state to monitor the progress of the project and installation of specified systems.

India Strategic quoted Verma as saying that he expected all the P-8Is to be delivered in about six to seven years but did not give the planned schedule.

The P8 aircraft is a next-generation military version of the Boeing 737-800 fuselage with wingtips from the 737-900. The engines are also from the same CFM family used on commercial 737s but more powerful, permitting the aircraft low level cruise over the waters and launch sonobuoys to detect submarines.

There are five stations for systems and weapons operators, and the aircraft can remain in the air for several hours.

According to a Boeing statement, 'All sensors contribute to a single fused tactical situation display, which is then shared over both military standard and internet protocol data links, allowing for seamless delivery of information while simultaneously providing data to everyone on the network.'

-ends-

buglerbilly

06-12-11, 02:52 PM

Beriev Aircraft Company Completed A Major Overhaul of the Tu-142ME Long Haul Anti-Submarine Warfare Aircraft

(Source: JSC Beriev Aircraft Company; issued Dec. 5, 2011)

Russia’s Beriev has completed the first overhaul of an Indian Navy Tu-142ME long-range anti-submarine aircraft; the program is scheduled to continue until 2020. (India MoD file photo)

On December 2, 2011, the Tu-142ME long haul anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft (tail number 312) was handed-over to the Indian Navy after a major overhaul at Beriev Aircraft Company. The aircraft completed all necessary flight-testing. On December 5, 2011 it was handed-over to the Indian Navy and departed to its home base.

Eight Tu-142ME aircraft manufactured at Taganrog in the end of the 1980s were delivered to the Indian Navy. The Indian part has been cooperating closely with Rosoboronexport and Beriev Aircraft Company regarding the issues of repair/overhaul and service-life extension.

Beriev Aircraft Company provides aftersales and maintenance services (including overhauls and spare parts delivery) for the aircraft delivered to the Indian Navy.

In general, the overhaul program of the Indian’s Tu-142MEs will be carried out at Beriev Aircraft Company in the period till 2020.

-ends-

buglerbilly

18-12-11, 01:26 PM

Gorshkov aircraft carrier should arrive in time: PM

Press Trust Of India

December 18, 2011

First Published: 01:17 IST(18/12/2011)
Last Updated: 01:44 IST(18/12/2011)

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has raised with Russia the issue of delay in Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier’s delivery to the Indian Navy, saying it was important for India that the ship arrives in time.

The Gorshkov issue was raised by the Prime Minister during the 12th Indo-Russian Summit talks with President Dmitry Medvedev at the Kremlin here on Friday.

Foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai told newsmen that both India and Russia were clear that they would take necessary action to ensure there was 'no slippages' in the delivery of the aircraft carrier, which will be rechristened ‘INS Vikramaditya’. Mathai said Singh told Medvedev that “it is very important for us (India) that the ship arrives in time.”

buglerbilly

21-12-11, 03:31 AM

India's President Wants Improved Maritime Security

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Published: 20 Dec 2011 10:51

ABOARD THE INS SUBHADRA - India's president on Dec. 20 stressed the need to improve maritime security, as the energy-hungry nation grows and ramps up offshore oil and gas exploration activity.

Conducting only the 10th presidential fleet review since independence in 1947, Pratibha Patil said safeguarding India's coastal waters was "a major requirement for the social and economic well-being of our country."

"The oil exploration activities off our coasts and at sea are of significant economic importance," she said in an address on board this naval patrol ship.

"Therefore, the protection of our coast, our 'sea lines of communications' and the offshore development areas is a major pre-requisite of our nation's development."

The 77-year-old head of state, who is also supreme commander of India's armed forces, took the salute of sailors from 81 ships anchored within sight of Mumbai's landmark Gateway of India monument.

She also witnessed a ceremonial fly-over of fighter jets and helicopters.

Maritime security has been pushed up the homeland security agenda since 10 Pakistan-based Islamist militants hijacked an Indian fishing boat and forced it to sail to Mumbai in November 2008.

The gunmen slipped under Coast Guard and Naval radar before launching an audacious assault on landmark targets in the financial and entertainment hub, killing 166 and injuring more than 300.

Offshore oil and gas fields are becoming increasingly important, as India imports about 80 percent of its crude oil and has been frantically trying to find new, domestic fuel sources as the country's economy grows.

Major companies involved in exploration include India's largest private sector firm, Reliance Industries, which earlier this year signed a $7.2 billion deal with BP to tap reserves off India's east coast.

buglerbilly

21-12-11, 01:16 PM

PICTURE: MiG-29K gets on board Indian aircraft carrier

By: Vladimir Karnozov Moscow

41 minutes ago

Source:

With work on the Indian navy's future aircraft carrier the INS Vikramaditya now 90% complete, an RSK MiG-29K fighter has been placed aboard the vessel for the first time.

Pictured on the carrier's deck at the Sevmash dockyard in Severodvinsk, northern Russia during November, aircraft Side 311 was deployed using a crane to serve as a mock-up only.

According to Sevmash, the Vikramaditya will start sea trials in May 2012, with these to involve take-offs and landings using two industry-owned aircraft. One is a purpose-built MiG-29K, while the other is a MiG-35D two-seat demonstrator now being modified after the crash of a MiG-29KUB trainer during trials in 2011.

© Vladamir Karnozov

Originally introduced to service with the Russian navy in 1987 as the Baku, but deactivated in 1992, the modified Vikramaditya now features a "ski-jump" ramp and three arrestor wires to support fighter operations. New Delhi's total investment in the ship is worth around $2 billion, with Sevmash expecting it to be commissioned into service on 4 December 2012 - Indian navy day.

Russia has so far delivered 11 of the 16 MiG-29K/KUBs ordered for the Indian navy under a 2003 deal worth $530 million, with the remainder due to be shipped to Goa before the end of 2011.

India also this year firmed up an option for 29 more navalised MiG-29s to equip its future homegrown aircraft carriers.

buglerbilly

31-12-11, 02:49 AM

Russia Hands Over Nuke Sub Nerpa to India: Report

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Published: 30 Dec 2011 10:48

MOSCOW - Russia has handed over the nuclear-powered attack submarine Nerpa to India following more than two years of delays, a senior naval official was quoted as saying Dec. 30.

A 2004 file photo shows the Akula-class Vepr Russian nuclear submarine, the same type as the Nerpa sub Russia handed over to India on Dec. 30 following more than two years of delays. (Fred Tanneau / AFP)

"The signing ceremony happened yesterday at the Bolshoi Kamen ship building facility in the (Far East) Primorye region where the Nerpa is now based," the official in the naval chief of staff told ITAR-TASS.

Russian reports said an Indian crew would sail the Akula II class craft to its home base at the end of January after receiving it on a 10-year lease that has angered India's arch-rival Pakistan and resulted in retaliation threats.

The craft is due to reach its Bay of Bengal base of Visakhapatnam under the Indian flag in February and be commissioned by the navy in March.

"All of the naval tests and performance checks have been completed," the Russian official said. "The crew will begin making themselves feel at home on board the craft after New Year and start sailing it to India in the latter half of January."

An unnamed Russian official at the Amur district facility where the Nerpa was built added that the "Indian side is fully satisfied by the volume and quality of the tests" completed on the Nerpa at sea.

The Nerpa will be the first nuclear-powered submarine to be operated by India in nearly two decades after it decommissioned its last such Soviet-built vessel in 1991.

India is completing the development of its own Arihant-classnuclear-powered ballistic submarines and the Nerpa's delivery is expected to help crews train for the domestic boat's introduction into service next year.

The Russian Pacific port ceremony was held on the same day that a shipyard fire engulfed the Northern Fleet's Yekaterinburg nuclear-powered strategic submarine in the Murmansk region on the opposite side of the country.

The Nerpa had initially been due to be handed over to India in 2009 but experienced various problems during testing. It suffered a mishap during trials in the Sea of Japan in November 2008 that killed 20 sailors when a fire extinguisher released a deadly chemical that was accidentally loaded into the system.

Media reports said that some of the ship's equipment malfunctioned during testing and that the weapons navigation system did not work to India's specifications.

The 8,140-ton vessel can fire a range of torpedoes as well as Granat cruise missiles that can be nuclear-tipped. India has promised not to arm the submarine with nuclear-tipped cruise missiles under its obligations to international treaties it adopted after conducting a series of atomic tests in the 1990s.

But the craft's delivery has still upset Pakistan.

"Rest assured, there will be no compromise in terms of maintaining the credibility of our deterrence," Pakistan foreign office spokesman Abdul Basit was quoted as saying by The Asian Age newspaper this week.

The submarine is due to be commissioned as the INS Chakra in India under a2004 agreement that has seen the South Asian giant pay $650 million in construction costs.

Newspaper reports in India said New Delhi may end up paying as much as $900 million under the terms of the deal. Russia's RIA Novosti news agencies valued the contract at $920 million.

Russia supplies 70 percent of India's military hardware but New Delhi has been unhappy about delays to arms orders from Moscow and has looked to other suppliers including Israel and the United States in recent years.

buglerbilly

31-12-11, 06:08 AM

Navy floats out first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier

S. Anandan K. A. Martin

Once back at building bay, ship will be launched at a 20,000-tonne displacement: naval source

The first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) of the Navy was floated out at the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), at a low-key event attended by senior shipping and naval officers on Thursday.

Among those present were Union Shipping Secretary K. Mohandas; Rear Admiral K.N. Vaidyanathan, Director General, Naval Design; and Commodore K. Subramaniam, Chairman and Managing Director of CSL.

The floating ceremony was followed by a meeting to review the progress in the work being done on the aircraft carrier, a 40,000-tonne fleet air defence platform of the Navy, which will be named after the legendary INS Vikrant. The Union Shipping Secretary told The Hindu that the work on the carrier was progressing, albeit not as per schedule, as so many variables were being factored into the extremely complex construction process.

The official added that the commissioning of the carrier, the keel of which was laid in February 2009, was likely to overshoot its original timeline.

According to a senior naval functionary, the carrier was ‘technically floated out' as the shipyard needed the dry-dock for ‘some other commercial work.' “The carrier has taken on about 14,000 tonnes. She would now undergo interior outfitting, including the laying of pipes before being dry-docked again in the latter half of next year for integration of the propulsion gear-box, generators and the like,” he told The Hindu.

As earlier reported by The Hindu, a delay in the delivery of gear boxes and associated systems had considerably slowed down the construction of the prestigious carrier. Naval officers, however, put on a brave face saying that the phase in which teething trouble was encountered was over. “The gear box is ready and undergoing trials, at last. The underwater package is all lined up but the rest of the equipment has to be identified and tested,” said a naval source.

After facing initial hiccups due to paucity of supply of steel, the carrier project got the much-required thrust with the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) and the Steel Authority of India (SAIL) fashioning carrier-grade steel indigenously.

After the steel supply stabilised, problems pertaining to quality gearbox put the brakes on the project. Elecon Engineering Company Limited, a Gujarat-based firm which had earlier manufactured CODOG marine gear boxes for the Navy's Shivalik-class stealth frigates, found itself in the red attempting to make the carrier's huge main gearboxes. “They have been able to overcome the difficulties with support from a German firm,” said a Navy officer.

buglerbilly

18-01-12, 02:19 AM

MOSCOW, January 18, 2012

Navy to get overhauled Gorshkov by year-end

Vladimir Radyuhin, The Hindu

Russia will hand over the refurbished aircraft carrier, Admiral Gorshkov, to India before the end of 2012, a senior shipyard official said on Tuesday.

“The delivery will take place on December 4, the Indian Navy Day,” Sevmash Shipyard Deputy CEO Sergei Novosyolov told the RIA Novosti news agency. The 45,000-tonne Gorshkov was now undergoing mooring trials and would begin sea runs at May-end, RIA Novosti said. It entered service in 1987, but was inactivated in 1996 for lack of funds in post-Soviet Russia.

Under a 2004 contract, the overhauled aircraft carrier was to be delivered to India in 2008 but its refit was delayed as Russia demanded tripling of the original price of $974 million, complaining that the cost of renovation had been badly underestimated.

The two sides eventually agreed on the new price of $2.33 billion as the Indian Navy admitted that the original deal had been signed merely on a “visual examination in as-is condition” of the ship and a detailed survey later showed that many systems thought to be repair-worthy had to be replaced.

The price includes $85 million for a complete set of blueprints that will allow the Navy to carry out repairs at Indian shipyards. Indian officials said Admiral Gorshkov, rechristened INS Vikramaditya, would be a 90-per cent new ship and remain in service for 30 years.

Designed to operate only vertical takeoff aircraft, the ship has been extensively remodelled. It has been fitted with a full runway and a ski jump, new engines, new diesel boilers, new generators, electrical machinery, communication systems and distillation plants.

The aircraft carrier will be equipped with versatile MiG-29K Fulcrum fighters and Kamov anti-submarine helicopters.

With the induction of INS Vikramaditya, India will become the fourth naval power after the U.S., Russia and Britain to operate an aircraft carrier with a displacement of more than 40,000 tons.

In another good news, the first of three Talwar-class stealth frigates Russia is building for the Indian Navy is set to complete sea trials this week. INS Teg (Sabre) left the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad on Tuesday for the final leg of state acceptance trials in the Baltic Sea, said a spokesman for the shipyard. The Indian Navy is to take delivery of the Teg in April, after a delay of two years.

buglerbilly

23-01-12, 03:54 PM

Russia Hands Over Nerpa Nuclear Sub to India

08:44 GMT, January 23, 2012 MOSCOW | Russia’s K-152 Nerpa nuclear-powered attack submarine has been handed over to the Indian Navy, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported on Monday.

In line with the contract worth over $900 million, the Project 971 Shchuka-B (NATO: Akula II) class sub has been leased to India’s Navy for ten years. It will be renamed the INS Chakra.

The ceremony took place in the Far Eastern Primorye Territory. Russian submariners trained their Indian colleagues to steer the Nerpa in the Pacific Ocean.

The event was attended by Indian ambassador to Russia Ajai Malhotra, United Shipbuilding Corporation head Roman Trotsenko, Eastern Military District commander Admiral Konstantin Sidenko and other officials.

The submarine’s displacement is 8,140/12,770 tons. Its maximum speed is 30 knots, maximum operating depth, 600 m; its endurance is 100 days with a crew of 73. The vessel is armed with four 533mm torpedo tubes and four 650mm torpedo tubes.

India has become the sixth operator of nuclear submarines in the world, after the United States, Russia, France, Britain and China, though it previously leased another Russian submarine which was then returned.

Twenty sailors died on the Nerpa in 2008 after the vessel’s fire-suppression systems were accidentally triggered during sea trials, releasing toxic gases.

(RIA Novosti)