The Barak is confirmed (as in actually seen) fitted (with the Elta STAR) on at least one Rajput. There are 32 cells and the pairs of 8 cell VLS are perpendicular to each other, installed just in front of the aft Peel group radar. Don’t think the Kashins are going to be retired anytime soon.

On which Rajput class ship? Rajput itself (trials ship?) or one of her newer sisters? Sounds like the installation is similar to that on Delhi class.

Were any AK 230s or 630s removed? If yes, then using surplus AK630s from the last two Rajputs and from Delhi’s, the entire class could get AK630s and there would still be some left to put on e.g. Godavari class as replacement for AK230 (would this effort be worth it in terms of improved firepower relative to cost/effort involved)

Am I correct to assume that the EL/M-2238 STAR Surveillance & Threat Alert Radar has been mounted atop the forward main mast, replacing russian Head Net-C. I saw pictures of Rajput class ship with Bharat RAWL (Dutch Signaal LW08) instead of Russian Big Net-A radar. Will this be the new (all non-russian) radar fit for the Rajput class then? Identical to INS Ganga radar suite after refit.

Have EL/M-2221 STGR – Search, Track & Guidance/Gunnery Radar replaced the Drum/Bass Tilt gunnery fire control radars on that particular Rajput class ship and, if yes, have they been mounted in a similar – more outward – location as on Delhi class?

The Rajput class are only marginally older than the Godavaris, which have been updated with Barak and new radars. So it would not surprise me if Kashins remain around for some time, refitted.

Perhaps a nice gesture of renewed trust to offer one to Argentinia :dev2:

As for the A4s on Minas Gerais (ex Foch), these could easily be replaced by surplus older model F/A-18s if the A4s wore out before the carrier did. Think I’ld prefer Foch with F/A-18 over Invincible with Harriers, especially if the former carried greater numbers.

What is at McGuire AF Base in southern New Jersey? Was or is there anything there that the US(AF) does not want its ally to see or know about? If yes, what?

its a diesel powered steam turbine

That would be Marjata. The RNoN will appreciate that you called it a research ship… 😉

http://images.google.com/images?q=Marjata&hl=en&lr=&sa=N&tab=wi

The Marjata hull design serves three strategic purposes, each of which are perfectly suited to marine seismic acquisition:

Minimal vessel noise enters the water, providing a “stealth” technology
A seismic acquisition experiment desires the recording of only the seismic energy reflected back from the geological strata in the Earth. Interference noise from the vessel is an historical problem in the seismic industry
The wide back deck provides an extremely flexible and safe platform for deploying equipment, personnel, and machinery (including helicopters)
The hull design allows 20 full streamer reels to be maintained across the back deck, enabling safe and efficient handling, deployment, and towing with unmatched flexibility. Streamers can be towed at separations between 37.5 and 150.0 meters
The vessel stability is excellent at the stern, providing minimal pitch and roll
Vessel movements are negligible, avoiding “tugging” on the towing equipment. Vessel tug is an establish source of unwanted noise problems on standard vessels. Due to the Ramform vessel stability, very large numbers of streamers can be deployed at very close separations, without the classical risks of handling and towing problems

I think he make a mistake or put the wrong picture! That plane definitely is not Mig-23 but Q-5 Fantan.

All the way to the right, behind the Fantan’s, you can see an aircraft tail which is very distinctly Mig23/27. Also, there appears to be another one in the forward section of the hangar.

Hurricane and Spitfire too!