ante_climaxPART III – MIG 35
Overview
The way the Russians have been behaving over a multiplicity of ongoing defence contracts, it would seem as though they had no real interest in the MMRCA deal. The complexion in ties has changed so deeply since the 1980s, that there is a very palpable degree of acrimony in pretty much every dealing with the Russians these days. They’ll release photos of smiling Indian MoD bureaucrafts with their bureau officials, but behind the scenes, things are almost always ugly. Yet, Russia has gargantuan leverage with India, based entirely of course on the huge number of deals yet to be completed. The MiG-35 comes across as not convincing enough, and Russia has still to prove that it is a reliable after-sales supplier. The one thing that the Russians have managed to pull off, is to convince the IAF that the MiG-35 isn’t just any old Fulcrum. It’s the Fulcrum.
STRENGTHS
One of the principal draws of the MiG-35 is commonality of inventory type. Alongside the Indian Navy’s MiG-29Ks and the IAF’s upgraded MiG-29s, a lot of senior MoD officials believe the MiG-35 would be a sensible choice that would translate into real savings in infrastructure and trainign costs. The IAF holds its MiG-29s in high esteem. In fact, the MiG-29M/M2 and subsequently the MiG-35, were developed based in part on informal but organised feedback from IAF pilots on what was required to make the MiG-29 a truly multipurpose airplane. The IAF says it is eagerly awaiting more information and a demonstration of the FGA-35 variant of the Phazotron Zhuk-AE AESA radar, yet untested. In demonstration flights, IAF pilots have also been given an expansive look at the MiG-35’s highly unique optronic locator system (OLS), which one IAF pilot (who flew the MiG-35 at Aero India 2007) said surpassed similar gear on some of the other aircraft. The OLS consists of an infrared search and track sensor in on the nose of the aircraft, and a ground attack sensor fitted next to one of the intakes. The IAF has been given demonstrations of the RD-33MK turbofan, and is very pleased with what Klimov has managed to achieve with it, against some fairly difficult deadline and legacy odds, though the IAF and MoD were terribly irked and continue to be so with Russia’s decision to sell jet engines to Pakistan for the JF programme — something that could spell real trouble in the final decision (Remember, other countries sell to Pakistan as well, but India reserves great expectations from Russia, especially since Moscow has articulated these loyalties more than once). Rosoboronexport has managed to convince the IAF quite effectively that the MiG-35 is indeed a quantum technological leap from the legacy Fulcrum. Politically, India continues to have enormous strategic ties with Russia, notwithstanding a certain fraying in recent times. Russia has always supported India politically during operations, and has never dared to question India’s use of its equipment. Finally, the Russians have the most well-entrenched and experienced lobby within the IAF and government. And extravagant acts of politico-strategic altruism are not unprecedented when it comes to Indo-Russian defence ties.
WEAKNESSES
The MiG-35 programme has a single prototype (the ubiquitous No. 154 — I flew in this at MAKS 07) and that too one without a full complement of the avionics/sensor package listed in the offered configuration. As a result, the IAF is of the view that a lot of the MiG-35’s capabilities, as articulated by its engineers and pilots, are still theoretical, even though they may be perfectly real once the full package is integrated and available. With field evaluations to begin anytime now, there’s a sense of apprehension about just how MiG will demonstrate the aircraft without testbed platforms — which obviously throws up the question, will the IAF consider technological parameters on testbeds rather than on a fully integrated fighter plane? The MiG-35 is rigged with the MIL-STD-1553 electrical data bus, which could prove a serious downer, considering that some rival contenders come with the MIL-STD-1773 optical fibre based data bus, which the IAF is seriously interested in. A factor that almost needs no mentioning is that Russia has carelessly squandered any time it was given to prove its reliability, but persisting with its putrid reputation for being fickle, even heartlessly apathetic, when it came to after-sales support. Even the IAF’s existing MiG-29s suffer from serviceability issues as a result of Russia’s refusal to cooperate quickly on spares and aggregates support. Politically, the government feels there is little that can be politically gained from Russia, considering that strategic ties are already mature, even at a saturation level. Secondly, Russia’s position in international politics has plummetted relentlessly since the 1990s, and the country offers no strategic advantages anymore. Third, buying from Russia would be a full-frontal on the US, which — like it or not — is India’s principal foreign policy holy grail.
http://livefist.blogspot.com/2009/06/mmrca-part-3-future-fulcrum.html
ante_climaxPart II The SAAB Gripen.
Overview
Saab’s tagline for the Gripen India campaign (“The Independent Choice”) tells you a great deal about the depth of recognition by the company that the competition will most definitely be decided on political lines. Politically, the Gripen is squarely the odds-on underdog in the competition. The fact that it is an “independent choice” hasn’t impressed an establishment that refuses to budge from the perception that the purchase of 126 fighters is as much a definitive politico-strategic investment as it is the topping up of depleting squadron strength of the IAF. This is not unreasonable, and even IAF pilots believe that the MMRCA contract is a chance to change a lot of things. Some view the Gripen’s marketing as defensive, almost yielding too much to the overwhelming perception that India will buy American. But the aircraft itself has a great deal going for it.
STRENGTHS
Apart from the fact that is undoubtedly an excellent airplane, ironically, the Gripen’s biggest play is the fact that it is a relatively independent choice. Within the government, many believe the Gripen is a safe bet at a good price, and one that (like the F-16), fits in with what the IAF had originally asked for. There also exists a belief within the government that the people at Saab have pioneered and fast-tracked the Demo NG programme principally for the MMRCA programme, and taken this to mean a level of commitment. The IAF has also received and been impressed by independent testimonials from the air forces of Hungary and Czech Republic about turnaround and ownership costs of the Gripen C/D. The IAF is also quite impressed with the Gripen’s permutation configuration of systems, sensors and avionics, not to mention a quantum leap in the computer/bus (including Link 16), GCAS, satellite comms, payload capacity and EWS between the Gripen C/D and the Gripen NG. The IAF also likes the very nifty Cobra helmet mounted display system. The Gripen’s pitch that it can be turned around on the ground (engine, systems) the fastest among all contenders makes it perfect for the IAF. The Gripen team has also squarely pitched the airplane as the a perfect complement to the “big-hitter” Su-30MKIs, implying that India’s growing Flanker fleet could be inadvertently rendered superfluous if the heavy contenders in the MMRCA — the F/A-18, the Typhoon or the Rafale — were chosen for induction.
WEAKNESSES
Unfortunately, the Gripen’s weaknesses are many. The biggest, I’ve outlined in the intro. The fact that is provides no strategic fruits is a big downer. The fact that Sweden promises not to interfere, but rather provide full autonomy to the Gripen India programme is simply too little in the Indian context. In fact, there are senior officers in the IAF who believe that Saab flatters itself in the belief that Sweden is powerful enough to fiddle with the strategic/military autonomy of a country like India, especially since the MMRCA provides for a total transfer of technology that very nearly precludes the possibility of any meaningful interference post-contract. Another weakness is the aircraft’s country of origin itself. Provided that the Saab proves to be the best aircraft in the field evaluation tests (FETs) — which it well might — will any Indian government, let alone the Congress — have the guts to buy Swedish ever again? If anyone has any doubts about the Bofors ghost, cast a glance at the farcical joke being played in the Indian Army’s efforts to purchase 400 towed 155-mm artillery guns. It’s been on since 2003, with an unprecedented four trial rounds. The final results laid out that the SWS Bofors gun was on top throughout. At the last moment, then Army chief General JJ Singh gave in to a firm political warning and called for a re-tender of the entire competition. It probably speaks volumes that he’s now the politically-appointed Governor of Arunachal Pradesh. A stunned Bofors still hasn’t recovered from the shock. Saab, which close links with the Bofors company, knows just what a liability being from Sweden is forever more in India. Worse, there’s no sidestepping it. Worse still, even the IAF recognises that. The tragedy is, of course, that the Gripen has absolutely nothing to do with Bofors.
http://livefist.blogspot.com/2009/06/mmrca-part-2-swedish-underdog.html
ante_climaxShiv Aroor is a respected journalist with reliable inside sources. He is doing a six part review on MRCA contenders in his blog live fist.
It is of interest because this is a thorough analysis and not his personal opinion. Because he states that.
Remember, this is an overview of the opinion in establishment circles on the aircraft, and not merely a reiteration of facts already in the public domain.
Part I F 16 IN Super Viper.
Overview
The handful of IAF pilots who got a chance to fly one of the UAE Block 60 Desert Falcons at Yelahanka in February had fantastic things to say about the aircraft. They were sold on everything from the sidestick to the the phenomenally well-designed bubble canopy, and from the gorgeous low altitude handling characteristics to the add-on IR pod. And this is quite separate from their experience of the aircraft’s cockpit avionics. That’s something that can scarcely be overstated. Based on my personal discussions with pilots, Defence Ministry officials and others familiar with the aircraft, here’s a run down of the F-16’s strengths and weaknesses in the current MMRCA competition.
STRENGTHS
There is simply no denying the F-16’s operational record, a statistic completely unmatched by any other fighter plane flying today. The figures speak for themselves: 13 million flight hours, out of which 400,000 hours have been spent in combat. The type has flown over 100,000 combat missions and has been proven to be a true multirole fighter. The type has scored 72 air-to-air kills in the combat missions it has been flown on. This is an aspect that enjoys very serious credence within decision-making circles. The fact that the fighter is owned and operated by 24 nations is another source of reassurance. The air force also views this as a de-risking aspect of any potential purchase. The aircraft comes equipped with an AESA radar (the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-80) that the IAF absolutely adores. The IAF also feels the MIL-STD-1773 data bus on the fighter will be an enormous and valuable legacy leap, and this has been a point of some discussion during internal presentations made on the MMRCA contenders. The aircraft’s cockpit ergonomics has the IAF in raptures, including former chief S Krishnaswami, who flew an F-16I during a visit to Israel in 2004, and could barely stop talking about what an amazing cockpit it had. One of the F-16’s principal strengths is also its unit price. At under $30-million a piece, the IAF views the F-16 as a highly capable fighter at a highly competitive purchase price. The fact that there have been 52 follow-on buys of the type are considered an indicator to the IAF that ownership/lifecycle costs are also competitive. The IAF doesn’t miss the fact that the F-16 is one of only two aircraft in the sweepstakes that fits the original weight specs laid out in the original qualitiative requirement — QRs which were substantially altered later to allow in heavy fighters. Finally, (and probably most importantly!), the F-16 has the backing of the United States government, the target of India’s most ambitious current foreign policy initiatives. Needless to say, anyone who downplays that aspect, is doing so at their peril.
WEAKNESSES
Let’s get straight to what the IAF and Defence Ministry don’t like at all about the F-16. The fact that there is a steady phase-out/replacement programme underway in the US, despite Lockheed-Martin’s repeated insistence that there are four large busy production lines. The fact that the US isn’t buying anymore Falcons is enough to put serious doubts into India’s mind. Picking up early on this, Lockheed has managed to convincingly drive home the point that the F-16 is the logical bridge to the F-35 Lightning II, though this is viewed by the IAF as too crafty. It’s almost a fake pledge, considering the gargantual clearances and procedures that would be necessary for India to be considered a buyer of a fifth generation fighter plane. Lockheed’s pitch about the F-35 has therefore backfired in parts. A senior IAF officer, recently retired, says “While we were initially only doubtful, the F-35 pitch proved beyond doubt that Lockheed is trying to squeeze the last few drops out of its F-16 production lines, and the Indian requirement is too mouth-watering for them to ignore.” The fact that the aircraft is operated by a lot of other countries, ironically, has a minor backlash effect as well on the IAF — some of the top brass feel that an ambitious new purchase like the MMRCA contract, should be for a unique and exclusive aircraft, not one that is owned and operated by a huge number of other countries (including Pakistan — the radar signature debate holds credence, incidentally), even though they do reluctantly agree that under the bonnet, the F-16IN is hardly comparable to previous variants of the same type. Finally, relations with the Obama administration have cooled considerably compared to the phonecall-a-minute diplomacy with Bush Jr, and this itself has somewhat blunted the throbbing needle pointing to Washington, even though the President has made it clear that he plans to keep up the evolving strategic dialogue with India.
ante_climaxThe Mig 27 is basically used for ground attack. I doubt the re-enging cost will be worth it. May be India paid for the paint :). We are already upgrading the Jags with new engines, so you never know i guess.
ante_climaxRussia will deliver 3 frigates as per “contract deadline”
Moscow, June 26: Russia will deliver three stealth frigates worth USD 1.6 billion to the Indian Navy in line with the “contract deadline” of 2012, an official has said.
“The contract’s deadline is 2012. We are not expecting any delays at this point,” General Director of the Kaliningrad based ‘Yantar’ shipyard, Igor Orlov said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 4th International Maritime Defence Show in St. Petersburg Orlov underscored, “Russia will fulfil its obligations on schedule to supply three Project 11356 frigates to India by 2012.
The first warship will be launched this year, the second, probably, in spring 2010, and the third – a bit later.”
He added the Indian government had provided ‘sufficient and timely’ project financing, Ria Novosti reported.
Situated in the Russia’s Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad the naval shipyard “Yantar” is building three Project 11356 Krivak IV class guided missile frigates for the Indian Navy.
Earlier, three stealth frigates of this class – INS Talwar, INS Trishul and INS Tabar were built in St Petersburg’s Baltiisk Zavod shipyard and delivered two years behind schedule.
Last October, deputy chief of the naval staff, Vice Adm. Raman P Suthan, had inspected the construction at the ‘Yantar’ and was reported to be satisfied at the pace of their construction.
The new frigates will be armed with eight Indo-Russian BrahMos supersonic anti-ship cruise missile systems in place of the Club-N/3M54TE missile systems on the three previous frigates of this class also known as “Talwar Class”.
Bureau Report
ante_climaxCurrent LCA has no radar. Many say MMR integration is complete etc. but no offical news on that.
meanwhile
Field evaluations of Six Fighters begins July
The stage is finally set for the long-awaited field evaluations of India’s Medium Multirole Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition. In July, it all begins, as LiveFist reported in February. The six fighters taking part, for the sake of record, are the Russian UAC MiG-35, the Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripen NG/IN, the French Dassault Aviation Rafale, the multi-nation EADS Eurofighter Typhoon, the American Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the American F-16IN Block 90 Super Viper/Desert Falcon.The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal PV Naik, has been quoted by India Strategic as saying that the no-cost-no-commitment Field Evaluation Test (FET) period will begin with visits by an IAF/ASTE team to each country of origin to inspect the manufacturing and testing facilities. This will be followed by the crucial flight evaluations in India. Each contender is expected to fly in three aircraft for this phase of the trials, which involves test evaluations in Bangalore, Jaisalmer and Leh. According to the Chief, this involves “Bangalore for performance, systems and humidity trials, to Jaisalmer for hot weather and weapon trials, and to Leh for high altitude and cold weather trials”.
In India, the aircraft will undergo handling and aerodynamic performance trials, “takeoff and landing characteristics, aircraft maneuvering, and checks of critical systems in the air, an evaluation of its maintainability, mission support equipment, operations at high altitude and in specific environments will also be conducted”. Following the India phase of the FET, evaluation teams from the IAF will visit the country of origin of each competing fighter for systems trials, which includes demonstration and testing of radar, EW suites, avionics, cockpit gear, countermeasures, weapons and weapon systems (at designated firing ranges) and communication integration.
http://livefist.blogspot.com/2009/06/field-evaluations-of-six-fighters.html
ante_climaxCan we not have a unified JSF thread (like Rafale and EF threads) instead of pro and against threads we have here ?
ante_climaxIndia to carry out trials to procure 197 light utility choppers
Paris (PTI): India is planning to carry out field trials for procuring 197 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) for the Army and the Air Force in August this year.
“We are planning to carry out the flight evaluation trials for the 197 LUH contract in August this year but the schedule has not yet been finalised. Five vendors are expected to come up with their helicopters for the competition,” Indian Defence Ministry officials told PTI here.
The five contenders participating in the contract include the Russian Kazan and Mil, American Sikorsky, Italian Finnmeccanica and European helicopter manufacturers Eurocopter.
The contract, expected to be worth around $3 billion, is one of the few defence contracts where the vendors are required to fulfill around 50 per cent offset obligations.
The offsets clause in the Defence Procurement Procedures makes it mandatory for the companies awarded such deals to invest a certain percentage of the contract’s worth back in the Indian defence sector.
In March this year, all the five companies responded to the global Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the Defence Ministry last year.
The RFP was sent to six companies, including American Bell Helicopters, but it had backed out of the race citing the high offset obligations required in the contract.
The RFP was released by the Defence Ministry after it had cancelled a previous contract in December 2007 for similar type and number of helicopters.
The previous contract was cancelled by the ministry after it found that the chopper offered by Eurocopter for the field trials at that time was a civilian version whereas the company had offered a military version for the deal in its bid.
The chopper engine offered in the Eurocopter’s bid was also different from the one fitted in the civilian version, which participated in the trials.
“We would be sending a military version of the helicopter for the field trials for the contract,” Eurocopter vice-president Rainer Farid told PTI during the Paris Air Show.
The flight trials will test the performance of the choppers in different geographical locations including high altitude, desert and plains in different weather conditions.
Of the 197 helicopters to be procured under the contract, 133 will be given to the Army and the rest would go to the IAF.
The 197 choppers will help the two services to replace their aging fleet of over 350 Cheetah and Chetak helicopters mostly flying in high altitude conditions in air maintenance roles there and for surveillance as well as search and rescue missions.
ante_climaxPanel to suggest powerful engine for Jaguar
Ravi Sharma
Honeywell offers F125N, a 43.8-kilo Newton thrust engine
Rolls Royce proposes its Adour Mk821 turbofan
BANGALORE: The Indian Air Force has set up a committee to indicate which new engine will be suited to power India’s frontline but overweight and underpowered Jaguar tactical light strike fighter.
The new, lighter, high performance engine will allow the IAF to improve the Jaguar’s mission performance, especially in medium and high level sortie profiles, undertake missions which are not possible with the existing engine, reduce pilot workload and cut maintenance cost.
Headed by K.V.L. Rao, an aero engine expert and former project director (propulsion systems) with the Aeronautical Development Agency, the committee has been tasked with choosing between proposals from Honeywell and Rolls Royce, both of which have replied to the request for proposal that was sent out as part of the programme for new engines for Jaguar.
The multi-billion dollar programme will see an acquisition of 280 engines, including spare engines for around 120 aircraft. The committee is expected to submit its findings before the end of June.
While Honeywell is offering its F125N, a 43.8 kilo Newton (kN) thrust engine, Rolls Royce, whose Adour Mk811 (32.5 kN) presently powers the IAF’s Jaguars, proposes its Adour Mk821 turbofan.
Of 1970s vintage, the Anglo-French designed Jaguar has been with the IAF since 1979, when the first of the two twin-engine fighter aircraft landed in India. But from the beginning, the IAF, which has over 100 Jaguars — acquired either directly from BAE Systems or built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited — has persistently complained of a lack of thrust from the aircraft’s Rolls Royce / Turbomeca manufactured Mk804E or Rolls Royce Mk811 engines, especially during critical hot weather and high altitude missions.
According to flight test engineers who were part of the team which oversaw the arrival of the first Jaguars from Britain, the high-hot weather the aircraft would have to operate in in India is the bugbear of the Rolls Royce engines. The IAF even asked Rolls Royce to tweak the engines to enhance its power, but post tweaking and a number of crashes, the IAF had the engines de-rated back to their original specifications.
According to Honeywell — which showcased F125N at the Aero India 2009 air show in February — its engine boasts “improved pilot safety, lower maintenance costs and outstanding reliability.” Officials from Honeywell claim that the modular construction of F125N, with its advanced, dual full authority digital engine control system, would save the IAF $1.5billion in life cycle costs as compared to its competitor. Variants of F125 fly the Aero Vodochody CzAF L-159 and the Boeing DARPA X-45A Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle.
Rolls Royce claims that Mk821 which is built on the proven technology of the Adour aero engines, “offers a low risk route to the twin benefits of greater thrust and lower life cycle costs.” Choosing the Mk821 also offers a high degree of commonality with the Mk871 variant which flies the IAF’s recent acquisition, the Hawk trainer.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/21/stories/2009062154461000.htm
ante_climaxRussia will lease only one nuclear submarine to India: Official
MOSCOW: A senior Russian official said his government was leasing only one Akula class nuclear attack submarine to India.
“We will lease only one submarine. In my opinion, India needs the sub more for enhancing its prestige rather than for accomplishing specific goals,” deputy head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Vyacheslav Dzirkaln, was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti.
He denied a report by Interfax Military Newswire, which quoted defence officials as saying that the Indian Navy would get two submarines on lease.
Dzirkaln underscored that the contract envisioned only the transfer of the Nerpa submarine, which is to resume trials next month for delivery to the Indian Navy by the end of this year.
India reportedly paid USD 650 million for a 10-year lease of the 12,000-ton K-152 Nerpa, a Shchuka-B class (NATO codename Akula II) nuclear-powered attack submarine and the completion of the Soviet-era vessel was partly financed by New Delhi.
Akula II class vessels are considered the quietest and deadliest of all Russian nuclear-powered attack submarines.
ante_climaxI would like the Gripen to win if American jets are not selected.
ante_climaxIndo-Israeli Barack 8
Indo-Israeli Barack 8
The Barak-8, the next generation long-range surface-to-air missile that India and Israel are currently developing as part of a co-development contract signed in 2007. Not that it matters, but I broke the story about India and Israel signing up to co-develop the next-generation Barak in early 2007 when I was with the Express. IAI has published very little about the missile in the past, and continues to keep its specs under wraps. Here’s some stuff, hot of the IAI press:
The new generation Barak-8 Air and Missile Defense weapon system currently provides a complete solution to every type of airborne threat, whether that threat be from aircraft, tactical missiles, helicopters, or unmanned aerial vehicles. The system has two versions – maritime and land-based – each relying on an advanced, phased-array radar integrated with an advanced launch system containing “smart” missile interceptors, and a state-of-the-art command and control (C2) system, altogether providing full 360° coverage.
Barak-8 is unique in that it has a built-in ‘intelligence’ within the missile battery’s C2 system. The C2 system can ‘talk’ with other missile batteries, with external radars, and with air traffic control systems, creating an optimized scenario for detecting, engaging, and destroying the target. It is manifested by the threat being automatically neutralized through the most appropriate missile battery launching the missile. Especially impressive is that a radar connected to a given missile battery that may have detected the threat may not necessarily be part of the same battery that will respond to the threat. This allows us to maximize the system’s capabilities and create the most optimal interception scenario. It should be noted that the advanced, digital, phased-array radar was specifically developed by IAI Elta Systems, Ltd.
The system is designed from the start to intercept planes and tactical missiles such as air-to-ground missiles and naval anti-ship missiles. The Barak-8 is based on advanced concepts of defense system architecture, including advanced seekers, warheads, high performance maneuvering capabilities, and the ability to be optimally controlled. The missile can receive and process continuous updates on the position and flight trajectory of the target, and use these updates to adjust its own flight to best intercept and destroy the target. The unique missile propulsion system allows the missile to maintain energy, even after it has been airborne for an extended time, and reserve sufficient energy for the end-game or the target’s final engagement and hit. It must be remembered that the enemy missile is also trying to maneuver and evade the Barak-8.
The battlefield does not only have one or two threats that the Barak-8 must neutralize; in fact, there are a wide range of threats, coming from all directions and creating a number of potential targets, including our own forces’ airplanes.
Everything that was mentioned up until this point applies to any number of threats. Of course, no one battery, no matter how sophisticated, will be able to deal with dozens of missiles simultaneously. Integration and network coordination of resources creates synergy among the batteries and helps to successfully deal with a battlefield saturated with targets. For instance, within a given formation or fleet of naval ships, each equipped with a Barak-8, they communicate with one another through the secure communication channels and data link within the integrated system. In an automated manner, the system knows how to optimally allocate targets throughout various batteries of the naval formation, and among the various batteries of the network; and eliminate every threat, be it missiles, planes, or helicopters.
Similarly, land-based versions of the Barak-8 system can be easily and quickly deployed across tens of kilometers between the individually deployed batteries, and provide 360° coverage over the widest possible protected area against cruise missiles, airborne munitions launched from planes or ships, and other threats.
The system has the ability to interconnect with other systems and can thereby receive information on the threat from a wide variety of sources. It’s in its final stages of development, to be completed in 2010-2011. IAI already has customers for both the maritime and the land-based defense systems (Read India!).
ante_climaxMiG-21’s air frame, equipment etc are replaced when need arises. This is how most planes are maintained unless you are unable to procure the OEM parts (for ex PAF F-16’s during the embargo). It remains new most of the time. MiG-21 is very easy and cheap (compared to later generations) to maintain as its not very complex to maintain. The issues of attrition is because either the pilot is pushing it too hard (pilot error) or the sourcing of the parts (logically maintainence) has gone wrong. It does not crash because its too old. Old for MIG-21 is used in relation to design. IAF has certain reasons not to convert entire fleet to BISON standards depending on variants and its limitations.
Actually this is not true. If so many Air Forces would not be retiring their aircraft and just maintaining them. My understanding is that all airframes have a limit to where which they can be kept servicable by constant updates. Indian MIGs are way over that and this is why IAF is retiring as much of them as possible albeit reduced squadron numbers.
ante_climaxAre you kidding me? This is the perfect riposte for J-11B and numerous other blatant rip-offs of Russian tech.
Believe me, the Chinese need the Russians more than Russia-China.The market for a twin-engined, cheaper JSF competitor must be pretty sizeable, besides the Russians will need a ‘cost-effective’ Fulcrum replacement in the future.
No i don’t think they would do it with Taiwan. Please look beyond the J 11 and small issues. China and Russia are members of the same block in SCO. They just had a joint summit and I really don’t believe Russia would do things to antagonize China at the moment. Things could change in future though.
There are other nations Russia can develop that smaller twin engined JSF competitor.
ante_climaxRussia might not, as they already sell the Chinese substantial amounts of equipment; but India?
As I understood it they have rather frosty relations with China, I don’t see why India helping Taiwan would be such an issue.
India is pussyfooting around issues regarding chinese expansion. India has accepted offical Chinese positions on Tibet and other things. I do not think India would get itself involved in territory it recogonizes as China’s part. I do not think the current Indian govt. has any appetite for conflict.
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