Indian Army orders Cheetal helicopters from HAL

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been awarded a contract by the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) for delivery of new Cheetal helicopters to the country's army.
The Rs4.18bn ($77.2m) contract covers production and supply of 20 helicopters, as well as associated equipment to the army.
Under the contract, which represents the first Cheetal helicopter delivery order for the service, HAL will also deliver training to pilots and technical crew.
Ordered for boosting the army's ability to conduct high-altitude operations in areas such as Siachen, the aircraft are being procured following persistent delays in acquiring new 197 light utility helicopters (LUH).
HAL has so far delivered nine out of the ten Cheetal helicopters ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2006.Manufactured by HAL as a company funded programme, Cheetal is an upgraded version of the Cheetah helicopter featuring more powerful Turbomeca TM 333-2M2 turboshaft engines, which offer higher payload capacity of 90kg at an altitude of 6km.
Based on the Aerospatiale SA 315B Lama, the lightweight, high-performance helicopter has been designed primarily for conducting operations in hot and high conditions, and can also be used for personnel transport, casualty evacuation, surveillance, logistics air support, survey and rescue missions.
Equipped with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system for engine control, the helicopter is fitted with an electronic backup control box (EBCB) system that automatically takes over engine control in case of an FADEC failure.

Italy's Finmeccanica delays results over India probe

 Italian defense group Finmeccanica has delayed publication of its 2012 results after a bribery probe connected with the sale of 12 helicopters to Indian authorities, it said on Thursday.

After a board meeting, Finmeccanica said it had postponed the approval of its full-year accounts from March 12 to a new meeting to be held no later than April 30, to "evaluate the impact of recent economic events on its balance sheet."

Finmeccanica is at the centre of an Italian probe alleging that it paid bribes to win the 560 million euro ($750 million) contract awarded in 2010 to its Anglo-Italian helicopter unit AgustaWestland.

An Indian delegation is in Italy to collect evidence relating to the probe, which escalated last week with the arrest of the then head of Finmeccanica, Giuseppe Orsi.

The Italian investigation is putting pressure on the Indian government, already buffeted by a string of graft cases. It has also become a political issue in Italy ahead of parliamentary elections on February 24-25.

Italian prosecutors accuse Orsi of paying bribes to intermediaries to secure the helicopter deal back in 2010, when he was head of AgustaWestland. According to the arrest warrant, the Indian tender was twisted to favor the Italian firm.

What Would India Do If Pakistan Plunges Into Civil War

In 1971, India intervened militarily on behalf of Bengalis in the civil war in East Pakistan, dividing the country in two and helping to create Bangladesh.In 2013, prospects of another civil war in Pakistan — this time one that pits radical Islamists against the secular but authoritarian military — have led once again to questions about what India would do. What would trigger Indian intervention, and who would India support?

In the context of a civil war between Islamists and the army in Pakistan, it is hard to imagine Pakistani refugees streaming into India and triggering intervention as the Bengalis did in 1971. Muslim Pakistanis do not see India as a refuge, and Taliban fighters are likely to seek refuge in Afghanistan, especially if the United States leaves the region.

A more selective spillover, such as the increased threat of terrorism, is possible. But a civil war inside Pakistan is more likely to train radical attention on Pakistan itself than on India.

In fact, the real problem for India would be in Afghanistan. India has already staked a claim in the Afghan endgame, so if Islamists seek an alliance with an Afghan government favoured by India, New Delhi’s best option might be to side covertly with the Islamists against the Pakistani army. But this is unlikely, because for India to actually side with Islamists, US policy in Pakistan and Afghanistan would have to change dramatically.

India arrests man accused of spying for Pakistan

Indian police say they have arrested a man suspected of passing military secrets to arch-rival Pakistan.

The man, an Indian citizen, was held in the western state of Rajasthan near the two countries' border.

Police say he passed details of military exercises held last week to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence.

India and Pakistan frequently accuse each other of spying. The arrest comes after weeks of tension over the disputed territory of Kashmir.

The alleged spy is accused of "passing information related to Indian defence installations and military activities", senior police officer DS Dinkar told AFP news agency.

One report says his telephone calls to a relative in Pakistan, who it is alleged works for Pakistani intelligence, were intercepted.

The man was arrested by army intelligence at his house in a village near the town of Pokhran on Sunday and is being questioned by security agencies.

He appeared in court in Jaipur on Monday and was remanded in custody, police sources said.

India, France sign deal on $ 6 bn Surface to Air Missile

Said Manmohan Singh talks on $ 10-billion deal for Rafale fighter aircraft are 'Progressing well'

 

New Delhi - India and France today Concluded negotiations on the Short Range Surface to Air Missile Nearly worth of $ 6 billion falling on the talks Between French President Francois Holland and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who aussi Said talks on $ 10-billion deal for Rafale fighter aircraft are "Progressing well".

 

After a comprehensive talks, the leaders Exchanged views were Said number was of bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of common interest ties Including defense, civil nuclear cooperation, counter-terrorism and situation in Mali.

 

That India is observing Holland's first Asian destination for a bilateral trip, Singh said this Demonstrates the importance of this relationship entre le two countries.

 

"President Holland and I Exchanged views on a number of bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of common interest. Reviewed We progress on the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project and reiterated our commitment to early implementation icts as soon as the business and technical negotiations, Which Have Made Good progress, are completed, "Said Singh has joined the press event Effective talks.

 

Indian MoD Statement On VVIP AgustaWestland Copter Purchase

This is an unedited statement by the MoD on the acquisition of VVIP helicopters for the IAF, currently suspended the arrest of Effective Finmeccanica CEO Giuseppe Orsi.

The Facts: In August 1999, the IAF is responsible for carrying Which out VVIP communication task, the Proposed replacement of Mi-8 helicopters due to VIP severe operational constraints, Such as, Inability of Mi-8 to operate at night and in adverse weather , Inability to operate safely at places beyond 2000 meters in elevation etc.. IAF felt the need for the replacement of Mi-8 helicopters as They Were Completing Their total technical life.

2. A comprehensive RFP was Issued in March 2002 to 4 Which Responded vendors. The Technical Evaluation Committee shortlisted three helicopters and flight evaluations accordingly Were Conducted. Since, EH-101 of M / s. AgustaWestland was not certified for 6000 meters of altitude year, it did not participate in. the flight evaluation. The Russian helicopter Mi-172 Could not comply with mandatory 7 Operational Requirements (ORs). After flight evaluation, EC-225 of M / s. Eurocopter France was found suitable for acquisition.

India confirms progress in the discussions on the Rafale

President François Hollande arrived in India on February 14 for a two-day official visit. Accompanied by a string of French business leaders, the Head of State assured that help to advance certain issues critical to industrial France.

Questions about the sale of the Rafale did not fail during the joint press conference of François Hollande and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, on February 14.

"Discussions on the MMRCA contract (multirole combat aircraft) are progressing well," he told the Indian Prime Minister told reporters.

Progress also recognized by the French President: "The Prime Minister (Indian) and I have seen progress in the discussion and I am hopeful that we can reach a conclusion."

"We're not there to sign contracts but to move files," said the Elysee L'Usine Nouvelle. Indeed, neither the sale of Rafale or the contract to build two EPRs at Jaitapur will be finalized at the time. French side, it was noted that the Indian Army has not used its large contracts signed during state visits.

Good karma for the Rafale Indian

Dassault. The first foreign sale of the "best fighter in the world" would be for this year. The visit to New Delhi François Hollande had to give a policy framework for industrial agreement. Interview with Eric Trappier, the new president of Dassault Aviation.

The happiest man of French industry in 2013 could be Eric Trappier, 52, president of Dassault Aviation since January 9. The sale of the Rafale to India (126 units for approximately $ 15 billion) is expected this year, as all seem to announce the formal and informal indicators. This agreement should give a nice workload for the French Dassault, Thales and Safran. The first 18 aircraft of this market will be assembled in the factory Merignac.

François Hollande's visit to New Delhi and Mumbai, the 14 and 15 February, five days after the Aero India in Bangalore, should give a political framework for the industrial agreement and establish a long-term strategic partnership between France and Asian giant. "Our technical and commercial approach, and visiting the president's political demonstrate a comprehensive understanding," said Eric Trappier. Edelstenne, who gave him orders in January and Serge Dassault were also in Bangalore, with three Rafale Air Force.

India deliver seven MiG Moscow by 2014

Russia will deliver by 2014 in the Indian Navy on board Mig-29K/KUB seven hunters, said Tuesday the director of the Russian Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation (FSVTS) Alexander Fomin.

"Under the contract signed in 2010 on the delivery of 29 MiG-29K/KUB the first four hunters were provided [to the Indian Navy in December 2012]. Seven other devices must be delivered before the end of 2013 "said M.Fomine leads the Russian delegation at the International Aeronautics and Space Aero India 2013.

MiG-29KUB are embedded multirole fighter designed to ensure air supremacy to carrying air defense to reach surface targets with precision weapons, day or night, whatever the weather.

BAE developing next generation Training capabilities for the Indian Hawk

BAE are pleased to announce the extension of the Teaming Agreement with Elbit to develop next generation Indian Hawk airborne simulation capabilities.

BAE will jointly develop leading edge airborne simulation technologies as a response to the Indian Air Force (IAF) Virtual Training System (VTS) requirement. The requirement was first outlined in a Request For Information issued in 2009 and the companies have now extended the teaming agreement in readiness for a formal request from the IAF. This combined effort will build upon both companies extensive experience in the airborne simulation field and incorporate synthetic radar, electronic warfare, countermeasures and weapons into the Hawk Mark 132 mission system architecture. 

It will provide enhanced fast jet training on the Hawk Mark 132 allowing additional skills to be taught to pilots smoothing the transition to front line fast jet Squadrons. The Hawk Mark 132 VTS will revolutionise the IAF pilot training system and make India a world leader in fast jet training.

India Expected to Sign Deals at Major Show

NEW DELHI --- South Asia's biggest airshow kicks off in India on Wednesday, global armament Where FIRMS will be vying for multibillion dollar contracts from the world's biggest import of weapons.

India Launched the biannual event in Aero India 1996, three years before a mini-war with Pakistan Prompted New Delhi to go on a global shopping spree for tens of billions of dollars' worth of hardware to equip icts million-strong military.

A total of 78 countries Have Confirmed Their attendance, while companies from 27 of 'em will showcase latest products at the Their five-day show in Bangalore the hub of India's aviation, space and IT industries.

Rafael Systems to Present at India

Israeli Rafael to present a variety of air defense systems it is Developing at the 2013 exhibition AeroIndia

The Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will present a wide-range of capabilities and technologies at the exhibition AeroIndia 2013, Which will begin this week in India. In the framework of the exhibition, the company will present Numerous air defense systems for the first time, the Iron Dome system Including for Countering missiles and short-range rockets.

Other items That will be presented at the exhibition are the Stunner missile, the David's Sling interceptor system for Protecting against medium-range missiles and rockets, the Spyder air defense system based on the Python-5 and Derby surface-to-air missiles and the MIC4AD, a command and control and air defense missile systems. In the field of precision armaments, Rafael will present the Spice system - an advanced system precision That Provides advanced capabilities to ordinary bombs, and the Spike family of electro-optic multi-purpose missile for ranges of up to 25 kilometers, Which Can Be Launched from a variety of platforms.

Tejas Winter Trials At Leh Last Month

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) HAS put out this bunch of stunning photographs of the latest round of winter trials of the LCA Tejas in Leh - the world's Highest air base - in January this year. Will update this post with details of the trials.

With Engine Project, India Aims For Unmanned Strike Aircraft

 India HAS Refocused homegrown Kaveri engine project icts, originally Intended for icts Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), to developmental unmanned attack aircraft power, is selon Defence Ministry source.

One reason the Kaveri was to power Shifted year unmanned air vehicle strike (USAV) ​​Was That Missile Technology Control Regime restrictions Prevent foreign suppliers from India selling engines That Could give unmanned aerial systems has ranks Greater Than 300 kilometers, the MoD source said.

The engine aussi Would Be used in unmanned combat aerial vehicle year (UCAV) under development.

The Defence Ministry Publicly HAS not abandoned the Kaveri for the LCA, the goal prototype aircraft's Being is powered by the General Electric F404 engine, and a higher-thrust GE-F414 engine has-beens selected to power the Mark of LCA-2 model.

India Hands Over a Dornier Surveillance Aircraft to Seychelles

The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony handed over a Dornier aircraft to monitor the Foreign Minister of Seychelles Mr. Jean-Paul Adam at a function here today. The Maritime Surveillance aircraft will be used to guard the extensive coastline of the island nation in the Indian Ocean. The Dornier 228 Manufactured by the defense public sector Undertaking, the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) will be supported by the aussi HAL for maintenance team on site to enable the new user to get the requisite expertise.

The DO-228 is a highly reliable, multi-purpose, fuel efficient, rugged, light weight twin turbo prop aircraft with a retractable tricycle landing gear.

India pledges $1 million to UN-backed mission to Mali

The money raised at the conference will go into a UN trust fund

New Delhi: India has pledged $1 million to the African-led International Support Missions to Mali, which is witnessing violence by militants.

Unequivocally condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, official spokesperson in the ministry of external affairs said the fight against the scourge of militancy should be unrelenting.

He also said India has pledged $ 1 million at the donors’ conference which was held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, earlier this week.

Anti-Maoist ops: IAF copters to get four commandos each Stock

NEW DELHI: IAF to deploy HAS Decided now Garud commandos on each Stock oven icts of helicopters Logistical Undertaking duties in The ongoing anti-Naxalite operations, even as the faces flak for strength leaving behind a Chhattisgarh policeman grievously injured, as well as Mi-damaged icts 17 Maoist stronghold unguarded in a last month.

IAF aussi schedule to complain to the home ministry about the "failure" of the Police Forces to "sanitize" the required 1.5-km area around the helipad since helicopters are vulnerable The most while taking off and landing.

The Mi-17 medium-lift helicopter was forced to make emergency landing Effective year coming under fire from Maoists while descending for a casualty evacuation in the Mission district of Chhattisgarh Sukma on January 18. While the pilots did a good job of landing the helicopter safely, Which was hit by 19 bullets as Many as, what Followed thereafter has come under criticism.