Samtel cockpit displays for Sukhoi-30MKI

Ajai Shukla

The Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi-30MKI fighter is a beast that is tamed only by technology. The aircraft’s giant AL-31FP turbofan engines, which allow manoeuvres that no other fighter can dream of, are monitored by its pilots on high-tech computer screens called multi-function displays, or MFDs. A quick glance across the MFDs also provides information about on-board weapons and sensors, telling the pilots everything about how the aircraft is flying and fighting.

These avionics — or aviation electronics — are the most expensive part of a fighter, usually about 35 per cent of its overall cost. Superior avionics provide a combat edge, helping a pilot harness his engines, airframe, sensors and weapons towards victory in aerial duels.

This month, the Su-30MKI will reach a major avionics landmark when NCR-based Samtel Display Systems supplies indigenous MFDs for six Su-30MKIs.

So far, French giant Thales has supplied MFDs for the Su-30MKIs, which are manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in Nashik. Now Samtel Display Systems, a part of the Samtel Group, will supply these significantly cheaper than Thales.

Signalling its technological confidence, Samtel Display Systems has gone it alone in developing the Su-30MKI MFDs, despite having a JV with Thales. Starting with liquid crystal display (LCD) screens, commercially procured from Japan and Korea, Samtel has ruggedised them for use in military avionics. The display must be easily readable even in bright sunlight; it must be dim enough for the pilot to read at night without losing night vision; it must work at minus 40 degrees Centigrade when conventional LCD screens get frozen solid; and it must absorb the repeated violent impacts of landing on aircraft carriers.

It has taken Samtel five years to develop the MFDs and have them certified as “airworthy”, a mandatory evaluation for all military aviation systems, conducted by the DRDO’s Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC).

This success could garner more. Samtel Display Systems has joined hands with HAL, the country’s premier aircraft manufacturer, to form Samtel HAL Display Systems (SHDS), India’s first public-private venture in defence avionics. SHDS aims to indigenise cockpit display systems across the range of aircraft being built by HAL.

But cracking this high-risk market is difficult, even with the main buyer — HAL — as a JV partner. In response to SHDS’s offer to supply displays for HAL’s Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) at a price significantly cheaper than the current foreign suppliers, HAL has said: first show us how you perform in supplying MFDs for the Su-30MKI.

Interestingly, Samtel has leaped into cutting edge avionics from a relatively low-tech springboard. In 1998 Samtel — then a major supplier of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) television displays — blundered in moving towards plasma display technology, rather than the LCD displays that many rivals chose. With global TV manufacturing majors backing LCD screens, plasma has been relegated to a sideshow.

Currently, TV sales worldwide are 200 million a year. Of these, LCD TVs comprise 105 million pieces, plasma TVs a mere 8 million pieces and the balance are CRT-based sets, which sell mainly in India and China because they are cheaper and can work on batteries. In the medium term and beyond, however, even CRT will dry up as a revenue stream.

But Samtel intends to be the last man standing in the CRT market, embracing a strategy of “obsolescence management”. As CRT production lines close down across the world, Samtel continues to manufacture the CRT displays that remain fitted on many weapons platforms worldwide.

When Sony closed down its Trinitron CRT line, its customer, US avionics major Honeywell, came to Samtel for CRT displays. A Samtel company in Ulm, Germany — purchased from Thales — produces monochrome CRT tubes for users across NATO militaries. And the Samtel Thales JV will now produce and support the Mirage-2000 video display cards, which was hitherto being done by Thales.

Samtel’s global strength in CRT comes from economy of scale and backward integration. It is the world’s only display company that manufactures its own glass. A Samtel group company in Rajasthan just buys sand for making glass for its display tubes. Even as CRT lines shut down across the world, Samtel’s CAGR remains 10-12 per cent, despite lowering its CRT prices 15 per cent annually.

Meanwhile, Samtel Display Systems has launched an ambitious technological leapfrog into Organic Light Emitting Diodes, or OLEDs, next-generation displays that are far more visible than LCDs. So far available only in sizes below 2 inches, they are already being employed on mobile phone screens and gaming controls.

“The OLED is the future of avionics displays,” says Puneet Kaura, executive director, Samtel Display Systems. “We have established a Centre of Excellence in IIT Kanpur, where we develop OLEDs in partnership with IIT Kanpur and the Department of Science and Technology. Some 20-30 per cent of R&D costs are borne by Samtel. ”

China agrees to sell J-10 to Pakistan air force

By Farhan Bokhari in Islamabad

China has agreed to sell Pakistan at least 36 advanced fighter jets in a landmark deal worth as much as $1.4bn, according to Pakistani and western officials. Beijing will supply two squadrons of the J-10 fighter jet in a preliminary agreement that could lead to more sales to Pakistan in the future, said a Pakistani official.

The official said Pakistan might buy “larger numbers” of the multi-role aircraft in the future, but dismissed reports that Pakistan had inked a deal to buy as many as 150 of the fighter jets.Defence experts described the agreement with China as a landmark event in Pakistan’s defence relationship with the growing military power. China’s transition from a manufacturer of low-fighters to more advanced jets comparable to some western models is seen as evidence of Beijing’s growing strategic clout in Asia.

“This agreement should not simply be seen in the narrow context of Pakistan’s relations with China,” said Abdul Qayyum, a retired Pakistani general.“There is a wider dimension. By sharing its advanced technology with Pakistan, China is ... also saying to the world that its defence capability is growing rapidly.”

China has supplied Pakistan with fighter jets for more than three decades. But Beijing has seldom supplied Pakistan’s air force with advanced fighter aircraft. Islamabad turned to France for Mirage fighter jets in the 1970s and to the US for F-16s in the 1980s.

Pakistan has a fleet of 45 F-16s, which are built by Lockheed Martin. The Pakistani air force is using the fighter jet in its campaign against militants in South Waziristan. The US has agreed to sell Islamabad another 18 new F-16s and about a dozen older versions of the aircraft.

Over the past decade, China and Pakistan have collaborated on building their first jointly produced advanced fighter jet, known as the JF-17, or “Thunder”. Pakistan is expected to roll out the first domestically built version of the Thunder within weeks.

Pakistan’s air force plans to purchase at least 250 of the Thunder fighters over the next four to five years. Experts see the new Pakistani focus on China as a supplier of advanced fighters as evidence that Beijing is trying to expand its military power.

“Countries like Iran and possibly some of the Middle Eastern countries would be keen to deal with China if they can find technology which is comparable to the west,” said one western official in Islamabad. “Pakistan will work as the laboratory to try out Chinese aircraft. If they work well with the Pakistani air force, others will follow.”

India buys upgraded Israeli air defences for $1.1bn

Israel has signed a $1.1 billion contract to supply an upgraded tactical air defence system to India, with delivery expected by 2017, an Israeli official said on Monday.The sale of the Barak-8 systems came as India's army chief, General Deepak Kapoor, held high-level talks in Israel, India's biggest defence supplier.

Made by state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., the Barak-8 is designed for use aboard ships and can shoot down incoming missiles, planes and drones. The most advanced version can be also deployed on land, the Israeli official said.

India has already acquired an earlier generation of the Barak system, the official said.The Barak-8 contract was signed in April, and delivery of the systems will take place "over the next six to eight years".The Indian embassy in Tel Aviv had no immediate comment.

UAE: building an arsenal

By Stephen Trimble

After catapulting to the ranks of the world's third-largest arms importer since 2004, the United Arab Emirates is continuing to stockpile its rapidly growing arsenal of advanced weapons systems.

Lockheed Martin had barely completed deliveries earlier this year of 60 Lockheed Martin F-16E/F Block 60s, which joined about 60 Dassault Mirage 2000-9s, when the UAE signed another wave of high-profile weapons contracts.

New aircraft deals announced at the IDEX exhibition in February ranged from the Alenia Aermacchi M346 trainer/light attack fighters to Boeing C-17s and Lockheed Martin C-130Js. Those contracts followed an announced last September that the UAE would invest up to $9 billion to bolster its air defence systems, acquiring Lockheed's Patriot Advanced Capability system and terminal high-altitude air defence batteries.

As the Dubai air show opens its doors on 15 November, the world's arms contractors are gearing up for yet a third major around of acquisitions.

This next wave is likely to be as comprehensive - and expensive - as the preceding rounds. UAE officials are seeking to buy even more advanced fighters, stand up a battle management and command and control network, acquire a new fleet of light airlifters and - unique among Gulf states - locally design and manufacture a Predator-class unmanned aircraft system.

UAE officials are careful to defend themselves against accusations that the world's 51st largest economy, according to the CIA Factbook, spends a disproportionate amount on defence.

Among major arms importers, only China and South Korea spent more than the UAE's $7.1 billion on imported weapons from 2004-8, says the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Forecast International predicts that spending on new defence acquisitions will rise to $7 billion in 2009. That means nearly 4% of the country's overall wealth is invested in weapons procurement.

UAE officials, however, may argue that the country is only catching up on decades of benign neglect in the defence sector. With regional neighbour Iraq embroiled in three major wars in the last three decades, continuing concerns about Iran's nuclear intentions and the persistent threat of domestic terror attacks, the response in Abu Dhabi and Dubai is not especially surprising.

The UAE and Iran remain in dispute over the sovereignty of three Persian Gulf islands - Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb, Richard Russell, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, wrote in the latest issue of Joint Forces Quarterly magazine. Moreover, the UAE sits directly across the Persian Gulf from Iran and near the vital commercial chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz.

Amid so many sensitive security issues, the UAE is careful to balance its diplomatic interests as it pursues weapons. SIPRI estimates that the UAE's current arsenal is maintained with a mix of 60% US-made kit and 40% by other countries, mainly European.

While the preceding round of defence acquisitions were dominated by contributions from US industry, the UAE is likely to pursue a new round that involves greater imports from Europe and perhaps Russia and China. No matter where the kit is sourced, however, UAE will expect its purchases to support its growing domestic arms industry.

Perhaps no other deal is more significant - for both buyer and seller - than the UAE's next round of fighter acquisitions. Talks between the UAE, the French government and Dassault over the Rafale have dragged on since at least 2007, but could finally reach a conclusion with this year's Dubai air show.

A signed order for up to 60 new Rafale fighters would greatly strengthen the UAE's ability to penetrate deep into Iranian airspace, as well as protect its own aerial borders from intrusion. The deal would also restore the geo-political balance of the UAE's arms inventory.

For Dassault, signing a contract for the Rafale could finally break the programme's export barrier, aggravated by near-misses to Russian or US competitors in Libya, Morocco, Singapore and South Korea. A successful deal with Abu Dhabi could pave the way for further sales in the Gulf region and elsewhere.

The road to a contract signing has so far witnessed many twists and complications, not least the status of UAE's existing fleet of Mirage 2000-9s.

It is widely presumed the UAE will require Dassault to take back the used fleet and find them new homes. For the transfer to work politically, the 2000-9 fighters may have to be picked by another Arab state, such as Egypt or Pakistan. However, Romania is reportedly also involved in talks for the UAE's used fighters.

The UAE also could make the Rafale sale part of its strategy to dramatically increase the capabilities of its domestic industrial base. In September, French president Nicolas Sarkozy promised Brazil local assembly for the F-X2 contract. If the UAE asks for equal treatment, Dassault could be hard-pressed to make the sums work.

Another contract hotly pursued by weapons makers is the UAE requirement for an airborne early warning and control aircraft. The UAE issued a classified request for information in 2006, drawing responses for the Boeing 737 AEW&C, Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and Saab 2000 Erieye.

The UAE has slowed the bidding process for its military to get better acquainted with the capabilities of an airborne command post.

A contract signing could be imminent, and could surprise many observers. Although the E-2D is widely considered the favourite to win the deal, the UAE has signalled to at least one bidder that it wants to take a different approach.

Egan Greenstein, Boeing's AEW&C senior manager, says the UAE is likely to adopt a two-phase acquisition strategy, with the first step to acquire an "interim solution" primarily for training. According to Greenstein, that system is likely to be the Saab Erieye, a radar that could be mounted on either the Saab 2000 or Saab 340 turboprops.

Greenstein says the interim system could be followed by a full solution, for which Boeing has submitted a proposal for the 737 AEW&C.

"We are the most capable, longest range and highest altitude platform in this market," Greenstein says.

Boeing is also proposing to match the airborne platform with a ground-based battle management network called Vigilaire, produced exclusively by Boeing Australia and therefore not subject to normal restrictions under the US international trade in arms regulations (ITAR) laws.

The UAE's spending largesse has not been lavished on only the French or US industry. Italy's Finmeccanica gained a foothold in the UAE market in February with the sale of 48 M-346 trainers, of which a portion will serve as light-strike fighters.

The deal seems to have opened the door for other Finmeccanica units to advanced into the Emirates with products. In particular, Alenia Aeronautica has identified the UAE as a potential customer for up to six C-27J light airlifters.

A C-27J deal would complement the UAE's sudden interest in airlift capability. The UAE has already signed a deal for 12 C-130Js medium transports. A contract to buy four Boeing C-17s remains in negotiations between the company and the UAE.

Signing that deal is critical to the future of Boeing's C-17 production line. The four aircraft are among 15 already in some stage of production based on orders signed or promised in the US government's fiscal year 2009. Boeing must complete the UAE deal or be stuck with four "white tail" airlifters with no customer.

Indian Navy plans operating base in Paradip

As part of steps to galvanise coastal security after the Mumbai terror attack, the Navy plans to set up a forward operating base in Orissa’s Paradip, besides substantially expanding its fleet size to ward off any threat.

“At least six new medium and small warships will soon be commissioned to raise our fleet size for which orders have been placed,” fleet commander of eastern naval command Rear Admiral P Murugesan told reporters during a demonstration and exercise by seven warships off the Paradip coast.The entire coastline would be defended through fleet expansion of the Navy, which now has about 140 warships of different categories with state-of-the-art gadgets.

The Naval officer said a wide gap exists on the eastern coast in the absence of any naval facility between Vishakhapatnam and Haldia, and added plans were afoot to have a forward operating base at Paradip which would go a long way in smoothening movement of naval vessels and providing logistical support.

In view of the urgent need to tighten security along the coastline in light of 26/11 Mumbai attack, a request has already been made to Orissa government for allotment of land to establish the proposed base, he said.

In addition, since about 90 per cent of India’s trade takes place through sea, the Navy also seeks to protect cargo ships from pirates, he said. “There is a need to deploy naval ships at certain points, particularly in view of recent attacks by sea pirates, to enable smooth and secure journey by trading vessels,” Murugesan said.

Describing the east coast as equally vulnerable, he said though intrusions often take place by Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan fishermen for illegal fishing, strict vigil must be maintained against possible entry by other elements.

Israel Air Force One? State considering official plane

By Zohar Blumenkrantz

The Prime Minister's Office and the Finance Ministry are looking into buying a plane, the Israeli equivalent of Air Force One, to serve Israeli leaders on their official trips around the world. A similar examination of the economic feasibility of a special aircraft was conducted during Ehud Olmert's tenure as prime minister, but the plan was buried - partly because of fears of public criticism of such a large and possibly extravagant expense. However, the findings showed that the expenditure would pay for itself within five years.

The proposal is not to buy a small executive jet, but rather a full-sized passenger plane, most likely from Airbus or Boeing, with about 150 seats. The plane would serve not only the prime minister but also the president and other senior officials. A refurbished, rather than brand-new aircraft is a possibility.

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For example, Netanyahu is scheduled to fly to the United States today on a Boeing 757-200. One of these could be snapped up, used, for around $10 million. New planes with similar capacity, such as a Boeing 737-700 or 737-880 with 130 to 140 seats, or an Airbus A320 with 160 to 170 seats, cost around $43 to 45 million new.

In the past Israeli leaders used an Israel Air Force Boeing 707 for such trips, but in recent years they have leased planes, each time publishing a tender via a government company, Inbal. In many cases it is not the lowest bid that wins, whether for security reasons or because the bid was not inappropriate. This has drawn a lot of media and public criticism.

For example, in his last trip to the U.S., in September for the U.N. General Assembly and a meeting with President Barack Obama, Netanyahu and his entourage spent $1.3 million on the flight, even though there were much cheaper bids. This time Netanyahu and his staff have taken notice, and they are spending only $450,000 on a smaller plane from Arkia, even though the flight will require a stop on the way. El Al's bid came in at $1.4 million.

The Prime Minister's Office said the matter had been looked into in the past, and referred the matter to the treasury. The Finance Ministry said the matter was under examination and no decision had been yet.

Flying off to the GA today

On today's flight Netanyahu and the 50 people in his entourage will be flying to the U.S. for the General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America. Arkia specially fitted the 757-300 with a double-sized, first-class seat for the prime minister, which folds out flat into a bed. The plane will make a 40-minute refueling stop in Europe - and not a six-hour delay as previously reported. All passengers will enjoy first-class food served on china, and an open bar.

Russia must keep promise to supply missiles: Iran

Russia should keep its word on selling a missile defense system to Iran, an influential parliamentarian was quoted by Iranian media as saying Sunday.Moscow, which is under Western pressure to distance itself from Tehran, has not followed through on proposals to supply high-grade S300 air defense missiles to the Islamic state.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised Russia last month for failing to provide the arms to Iran, which is at odds with the West over its nuclear and missile program.Washington has sought specific pledges from Russia for tougher sanctions against Iran over its nuclear energy program, which the West suspects is intended to produce nuclear weapons. Tehran denies any such intention.

"If Russia does not keep its promises to deliver the missiles, then it would be a negative point in our relations," Alaeddin Boroujerdi, head of parliament's foreign policy and national security committee, said in comments carried by official news agency ISNA."Avoiding delivery of S300 defense system to Iran, if that is Russia's official stance, would be a new chapter in breaking promises by the Russians."

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said last month "there have been no such deliveries to date."The truck-mounted S-300PMU1, known in the West as the SA-20, can shoot down cruise missiles and aircraft. It can fire at targets up to 150 km (90 miles) away and travel at more than two km per second.

Israel, which is thought to have the Middle East's only atomic arsenal, has hinted it could attack Iran in an effort to stop its arch enemy obtaining nuclear weapons.Iran has threatened to retaliate for any attack by firing medium-range missiles at Israel.

(Reporting by Reza Derakhshi; writing by Andrew Hammond; editing by Andrew Roche)

White House official: U.S. policy on arms sales to Taiwan has not changed

President Barack Obama, set for a mission to China this month to boost warming ties, will stay firm on the US policy of supporting but not recognizing rival Taiwan, an aide said Friday.Jeff Bader, the East Asia director on the White House's National Security Council, stayed coy on whether Washington would soon authorize more weapons to Taipei, saying only, "Our policy on arms sales to Taiwan has not changed."

Bader welcomed the easing of tensions with China since Taiwan last year elected Beijing-friendly President Ma Ying-jeou but said it was not a reason to change US policy."This is an area where we have a tried and true basis for a stable relationship and we're not going to tamper with that," Bader said.

He said US policy was guided by the Three Communiques -- under which the United States recognized Beijing as China's sole government -- as well as the Taiwan Relations Act, in which Congress required the United States to provide the island weapons of a defensive nature."That framework is unalterable. We're not going to touch it. There will be nothing we say or do on the trip that will go in different directions," he said.

China's defeated nationalists fled to Taiwan after losing the civil war in 1949. Communist China considers the island a province awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.Ma, who ended two decades of rule by leaders who sought a more separate Taiwanese identity, has stepped up relations with China including by promoting trade and tourism.

But Ma has also appealed to Washington to sell arms, including F-16 jet fighters, to modernize Taiwan's aging military.The Obama administration has given signals publicly on the sale. China snapped off military exchanges after former president George W. Bush last year proposed a 6.5 billion-dollar arms package to Taiwan which did not include the F-16 planes.