2011 ~ ASIAN DEFENCE

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Bofors reloaded: Defence ministry stung again

10:08 PM ASIAN DEFENCE 4 comments

Allegations of kickbacks paid to middlemen in purchase of Bofors artillery guns led to one of the worst electoral defeats for Congress party in the late 80s, and since then the Army has been unable to purchase even a single new artillery gun for over the past 25 years. But there is a yet unheard of twist to the Bofors scam, it now emerges. Sources said the blame for Army's stalled artillery modernization may lie closer home, with the government sitting on the transfer of technology that permits India to manufacture the Bofors gun in the country.

As the military top brass desperately look around for solutions to the crippling shortage of artillery guns, they stumbled upon the fact that India actually has the entire drawings of the Bofors guns, and had paid for the transfer of technology to manufacture the gun in India. But the Ordnance Factory Board sat on the drawings all these years, never attempting to make the gun in India.

All IAF helicopters in UN mission withdrawn

10:05 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Indian Air Force has withdrawn all of its Mi-17 and Mi-35 attack helicopters deployed in the UN missions in Congo and Sudan to provide support for anti-naxal and other humanitarian operations in the country. "We had our detachments operating in Congo.

IAF's placement fair for air warriors on Saturday

4:54 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

The Indian Air Force will hold the sixth placement fair here on Saturday to provide resettlement opportunities to its air warriors in PSUs and corporate sector."More than 800 companies and 16,000 air warriors have registered with the IAF Placement Cell in last five years. The fair will be inaugurated by Defence Minister A K Antony who will release a pension handbook on the occasion," an IAF spokesperson said here today.

Since 2007, a total of 12,760 vacancies were received by the placement cell and 28,394 eligible air warriors were sponsored to various companies, the spokesperson said. Corporate groups and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have been invited to participate in the fair.

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Indian Army troops to get hi-tech shelters by 2012

4:53 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Several thousand Indian Army soldiers posted in rugged mountain terrain of Jammu and Kashmir along the borders with Pakistan and China will now be able to stay comfortably with the military commanders conferrence here deciding to provide them ‘plush’ hi-tech shelters by 2012.

The move comes following the success of a pilot project with the modern, eco-friendly shelters that the army launched in 2010, according to officers in the army headquarters here Thursday.

The army commanders conference, that began here Monday, concludes Friday.

The project was launched after Defence Minister A.K. Antony’s visit to the forward areas, when such a request was made by soldiers, who had to vacate their posts for six months during winter due to the inhospitable weather.

Indian Small Arms System (INSAS Rifle)

4:51 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Indian INSAS Rifle (5.56 mm) with Fixed and Foldable ButtINSAS Excalibur Mark-I rifle (5.56 mm).

India And Russia Working on Hypersonic Brahoms

4:49 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

India and Russia are working on a new version of the Brahmos which will be able to achieve hypersonic speeds (fly at Mach 7 ). Hypersonic Brahmos will require a completely new engine to power it and new materials which can withstand high temperature and vibrations at Mach7

SEA TRAILS OF SEVERODVINSK NUCLEAR POWERED SUBMARINE COMPLETED

4:48 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Russia has completed the sea trails of fourth-generation Severodvinsk nuclear powered attack submarine and Russian Navy is scheduled to receive its first Severodvinsk submarine in late 2011.

Chinese JH-7 Flying Leopard Fighter-Bomber With KD-88 (KongDi-88)

4:45 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Chinese JH-7 Flying Leopard Fighter-Bomber With KD-88 (KongDi-88) air to surface missile.

Taiwan's National Day Parade to Mark 100th Anniversary of Revolution

4:44 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

CM-32 "Clouded Leopard" is also known as Taiwan Infantry Fighting Vehicle (TIFV) is equipped with Browning .50 Caliber Machine Gun. Clouded Leopard an 8-wheeled armoured vehicle

PLAAF Calls J-10B Crash Rumors Complete Fction

4:43 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

People's Liberation Army Air Force officials has denied the rumor that a J-10B Vigorous Dragon fighter jet has crashed in Xi'an by saying that it is a complete fiction

Test Firing of HQ-16 (LY-80) Surface to Air Missile System

4:42 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Chinese HQ-16 is a medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system which can be launched vertically.

PPP GOVT PURCHASED AGOSTA 90 B SUBMARINES AGAINST NAVYS RECOMANDITIONS

4:39 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Admiral (R) Saeed Muhammad Khan has said that controversial purchase of the Agosta 90 B SSK was made by the PPP government when Pakistan Navy was asking the federal government to buy the 6 Upholder class diesel-electric submarines (also known as Type 2400)

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JOINT SAUDI-PAK EXERCISE AL-SAMSAAM-IV-2011

4:37 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Pakistani soldiers during the Joint Saudi-Pak Exercise AL-SAMSAAM-IV-2011near Jhelum.Troops from the Pakistan Army and Royal Saudi Land Forces took part in the exercise.Exercise covered the Anti-terrorist training used by the both forces

Coming Soon: Drone arms race

5:34 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

At the Zhuhai air show in southeastern China last November, Chinese companies startled some Americans by unveiling 25 different models of remotely controlled aircraft and showing video animation of a missile-armed drone taking out an armored vehicle and attacking a US aircraft carrier. The presentation appeared to be more marketing hype than military threat; the event is China's biggest aviation market, drawing both Chinese and foreign military buyers.

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China's military buildup - How far along is it?

5:33 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

China's faster-than-expected military buildup has alarmed the United States and its Asian allies and could help the Pentagon gird against deeper defence cuts threatened in some corners of Congress.

But even though the sophistication of China's People's Liberation Army has exceeded U.S. military forecasts, there is a recognition within the Pentagon that some of its most-cited conventional capabilities are still in their infancy.

PAF ORDERS AIDEWS ELECTRONIC COUNTERMEASURE SYSTEM FOR ITS F-16S

5:29 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Pakistan Air Force has ordered Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare System (AIDEWS) for the Pakistani Air Force F-16 C/D Block 52M and F-16 AM/BM.

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LCA Tejas Wont be Fully Operational before 2013

5:11 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

India-Russia defence ties going great guns, but for supply delays

5:10 AM ASIAN DEFENCE 3 comments

Long-standing allies India and Russia have expressed their readiness to expand the scope of cooperation on a ‘mutually beneficial basis’ between the two nations. This has happened even as India expressed its concern over delays on part of Russia in providing spares for existing equipment and while it termed the design and development of a multi-role transport aircraft as “tardy progress”. The Defence Ministers of India and Russia, AK Antony and AE Serdyukov, respectively, met in Moscow last evening.
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India to Arm Afghanistan

5:09 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Jammu & Kashmir India to deploy T-72 tanks on border

5:08 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Defence preparedness will now be enhanced on the Himalayan heights along the operating boundaries with China and Pakistan following reports of repeated incursions of troops and the military cooperation between the two countries. As part of this, T-72 battle tanks, designed by the erstwhile Soviet Union, will be deploy

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EGYPTIAN AIR FORCE ORDERS SNIPER ADVANCED TARGETING POD (ATP)

5:06 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Egyptian Air Force (EAF) has confirmed the purchase of Lockheed Martin’s Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) to equip its F-16 aircraft purchased under the Peace Vector program.

Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) offers precision targeting and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (NTISR) in a single lightweight system.

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Indian MiG-21 Fighter Jet Crashes in Rajasthan

5:05 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

An other MiG-21 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has crashed in Rajasthan province this Friday. Fighter polit of the Indian Air Force was safley able to eject from the old MiG-21 fighter jet before cra...

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Joint Indo-Bangladesh-Military "Exercise Unity-2” Starts at Zalalabad

5:03 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Bangladesh and Indian military forces has started the joint military exercises at Zalalabad Cantonment in the country’s Sylhet division.

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US Admiral Mike Mullen Inspects Chinese Yuan Class Submarine

5:02 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Yuan Class SSKs are the new generation Submarines of the People's Liberation Army Navy.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen recently inspected a Yuan class diesel submarine during his visit to China.

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Chinese JH-7 Flying Leopard Fighter-Bomber

5:00 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Jian Hong-7 is a tactical fighter bomber aircraft which has been developed by the Xian Aircraft Industry Corporation, China.
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New Type 052C (Luyang-II Class) Missile Destroyers Under Construction

4:58 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Images of New Type 052C (Luyang-II Class) Missile Destroyers Under Construction.

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Kawasaki XP-1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft with Type 91 Anti-Ship Missiles

3:37 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

The Kawasaki XP-1 is a maritime patrol aircraft to replace the old P-3C maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense For...

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Taiwan's F-16 Mid Life Update Package Includes AESA Radar

3:36 AM ASIAN DEFENCE 1 comment

Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the United States has notified the US Congress about the possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taiwan for upgradation of F-16A/B aircraft at an estimated cost of $5.3 billion. Taiwan has requested the US government to provide the following equipment for the Mid Life Update of 145 F-16A/B block 20 of the Republic of China Air Force. Mid Life Update Package will include following: 176 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)...

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India To Deploy LCA Tejas at Sulur Airbase

3:35 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Indian Air Force will locate the 1st squadron of domestically designed and produced LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Tejas fighter jet at Sulur Airbase near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. According to a DRDO officials, IAF will station 20 LCA Tejas fighter jets at Sulur in the 1st phase by early 2012.

NS AZMAT Fast Attack Craft (Missile) Launched

3:34 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir was the Chief Guest at the launching ceremony of the 1st Fast Attack Craft (Missile) being built for Pakistan Navy here at Xingang Shipyard, Tianjin, China. He said that the project of Fast Attack Craft (Missile) construction represents a quantum leap, not only in Defence Production in naval Sector of Pakistan, but also will meet the long standing operational requirement of Pakistan Navy for the Fast Attack Crafts. AZMAT Class Fast Attack Craft (Missile)...

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Taiwan plans to request F-35s from US

4:55 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Taiwan would be pleased if the US has indeed agreed to help upgrade its fleet of F-16A/B aircraft and plans to move toward selling it the even more sophisticated F-35 model at some point, Deputy Minister of National Defense Andrew Yang (楊念祖) said in Richmond, Virginia, on Sunday.

“The retrofit of the F-16A/B fleet is part of Taiwan’s national defense policy. It would be great if the US approves the deal,” Yang said on the sidelines of this year’s US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference, to which he led a Taiwanese delegation.

The administration of US President Barack Obama has reportedly decided to sell Taiwan a US$4.2 billion arms package that would include an upgrade to Taiwan’s F-16A/B fleet, but not the more advanced F-16C/Ds Taipei is eager to acquire.

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Taiwan renews F-16 request as US defends upgrade

4:54 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

An upgrade of Taiwan's fleet of F-16s would provide essentially the same quality as new fighter jets, a U.S. government official said on Monday as Taiwan officials renewed a push for the latest model.

The Obama administration informally told U.S. lawmakers on Friday it would upgrade Taiwan's 140-plus existing F-16 A/B jets while deferring Taipei's request for the more advanced F-16 C/Ds.

Rs 3-cr flares for IAF jets turn useless

4:52 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Infra-red flares worth over Rs 3 crore procured for IAF fighter aircraft were rendered useless as their shelf life expired while still in storage on account of slow pace of the project to upgrade MiG-21 Bison. The issue has also revealed contradictory reasons forwarded by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Air Headquarters over the IAF’s inability to utilise the flares that were procured from overseas between 1997 and 2002. In January this year, the IAF accepted that 19,450 flares were destroyed after expiry of their shelf life due to delays in the project. The Air HQs also suggested life-extension clearance on some of the flares still in its inventory.

The MoD stand, on the other hand was that the holding of the flares was necessary due to the prevailing security scenario. Further, the ministry maintained that flares were kept in stock and not released to combat units, as their operational requirement did not arise till 2009. Of the 20,000 flares procured, only 390 were used during the design and development phase of the Bison and subsequent trials and testing. The remaining were rendered useless in 2009. In March 1996, the MoD had concluded a contract for procurement of a Counter Measure Dispensing System (CMDS) that protects aircraft against radar-guided and heat-seeking missiles.

The flares form a part of this system and are used to deflect heat-seeking missiles. The requirement and procurement of the system was projected and undertaken in consonance with the upgrade of 125 Bison aircraft that was originally scheduled to begin in 1998 and conclude in 2001. Additional requirement was projected for installing the CMDS on the MiG-23 as well as the MiG-27 aircraft. It was initially planned to utilise the entire stock of the flares by 2002. The project, however, progressed slowly due to delay in the indigenous development of certain avionic systems and flight testing. The upgrade was finally complete in 2008.

ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle AEW&C in Pakistani Air Force Colors 4:15 AM Qamar No comments This is the image of the first of four Sino-Pak ZDK-03 Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C) Karakoram Eagle in its final colors before delivery to Pakistan Air Force. ZDK-03 AEW&C Karakoram Eagle aircraft is a result of an agreement between Pakistan Air Force and China Electronics Technology Group Corporation for the joint development of of the Karakoram Eagle

4:49 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle AEW&C in Pakistani Air Force Colors

This is the image of the first of four Sino-Pak ZDK-03 Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C) Karakoram Eagle in its final colors before delivery to Pakistan Air Force. ZDK-03 AEW&C Karakoram Eagle aircraft is a result of an agreement between Pakistan Air Force and China Electronics Technology Group Corporation for the joint development of of the Karakoram Eagle

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POF & DEPO Banned at DSEi

4:48 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

POF & DEPO Banned at DSEi

Defence & Security Equipment international (DSEi) closed the stand and the Pavilion of the Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) stand and Pakistan’s Defence Export Promotion Organisation Pavilion for distributing brochures bearing advertisement for banned cluster bombs in breach of UK Government Export Control...

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French Soldiers Prepare Sperwer UAVs In Afghanistan

4:46 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

French Soldiers Prepare Sperwer UAVs In Afghanistan

French soldiers prepare a medium-range Sperwer SDTI unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for a reconnaissance mission over south Kapisa province at Tora camp, east of Kabul in Afghanistan

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Turkish Stand-off Precision Guided Munition (SOM) At DSEI 2011

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Turkish Stand-off Precision Guided Munition (SOM) At DSEI 2011

4:55 AM Qamar No comments

Turkey displayed its Air Launched Stand-off Precision Guided Munition (SOM) At DSEI 2011 READ MORE

IAF to Choose Winner of Basic Trainers Contract By End of 2011

4:43 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Indian Air Force is getting ready to make its final decision on the purchase of 75 basic trainers to modernize its trainer fleet and replace its 114 ageing piston-engined HPT-32s and 137 Kiran-I & II

PLAN Type 041 YUAN Class SSK

4:42 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

People's Liberation Army's Navy (PLAN) Type 041 YUAN Class Submarine.

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Russia to supply nuclear submarine to India by year end

10:46 PM ASIAN DEFENCE 1 comment

Russia will transfer the Akula-II class 'Nerpa' nuclear attack submarine to India on a 10-year lease by the end of 2011, Russian Naval Chief Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky has said."There are no obstacles for the transfer of the submarine to the Indian Navy by the end of this year," Admiral Vysotsky was quoted as saying by Interfax.He said the Indian crew has undergone the full course of training and the submarine is being prepared for delivery trials.Under the lease contract, estimated to be between USD 650-900 million, India had funded the completion of the Nerpa nuclear submarine at Amur Shipyard before the Soviet collapse.

Indian Navy to commission INS Satpura on Aug 20

10:45 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Strengthening its strike capabilities, the Indian Navy will commission its second indigenously-built stealth warship INS Satpura on August 20 in Mumbai.The second of the three-ship Project-17 Shivalik Class frigates built by the Mumbai-based Mazagon Docks (MDL) would be commissioned by Defence Minister A K Antony there, Navy officials said here.

India given choice to pioneer naval Typhoon jet

10:44 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

In anticipation of winning the Indian Air Force's $10.4 billion tender for 126combat jets, European consortium EADS has offered India a choice to pioneer a project for a naval version of theEurofighter Typhoon that is in the fray in what is being described as the "mother of all defence deals". Typhoon's competitor in themedium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) tender, the French firm Dassault's Rafale, already has a naval version that is operational on France's lonenuclear-powered aircraft carrierCharles de Gaulle. Officials of BAE Systems, one of the four partner companies in EADS for theTyphoon programme, told IANS during a visit to their RAF Warton production facility in Britain recently that India can exercise the choice of being a partner nation and leading the programme for the carrier-borne version of the aircraft if it wins theMMRCA tender. At present, Britain, Italy, Spain and Germany are partners in the Typhoon programme.

China defends carrier plans, neighbors fret over buildup

10:40 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

China's neighbors are worried its aircraft carrier program may in time intimidate regional rivals but its military on Thursday defended the plan as vital for maritime security. A day after China confirmed it was refitting an old Soviet vessel, and sources told Reuters it was building two of its own carriers, the official Liberation Army Daily stressed the mix of patriotic glory-seeking and future security worries behind the decision. China's humiliations at the hands of Western powers in the past centuries "left the Chinese people with the deep pain of having seas they could not defend, helplessly eating the bitter fruit of being beaten for being backward," said a front-page editorial in the paper. That trend is changing as Beijing ramps up its military spending while Washington discusses cutting its much larger defense budget. Growing Chinese military reach is triggering regional jitters that have fed into longstanding territorial disputes, and could speed up military expansion across Asia.

China wants more aircraft carriers to compete with India

10:37 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

A serving Chinese military general is citing India's capabilities in his efforts to edge the government to have more than one aircraft carrier. General Luo Yuan, a senior researcher with the Academy of Military Sciences, said China needs at least three aircraft carriers to defend its interests in the face of neighbors developing their capabilities. "If we consider our neighbors, India will have three aircraft carriers by 2014 and Japan will have three carriers by 2014," General Luo was quoted as saying by Beijing News.

Sukhois to get closer to Pakistan border

10:36 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

For the first time, India’s frontline fighter aircraft, Sukhoi-30-MKI, will be based very close to the Indo-Pak border, only around 150 km away, at Halwara, near Ludhiana. Sources in the IAF said the runway reconstruction at the Halwara airbase was nearing completion and the first squadron of the Sukhois would move there by the end of the year or at best early next year. The twin-engined Russian-origin Sukhois, which are now produced under licence in India, are one of the leading warplanes of the world. These are set to become deadlier with the slated fitting of super-sonic cruise missile BrahMos under its belly. A Sukhoi-30-MKI flying at top speed of around two mach, about 2,450 kmph, will be able to reach the western border of India within 4 minutes of the take-off from Halwara. The original plan was to have Sukhois at Halwara at the start of this year itself, however, it was held back due to the runway reconstruction project.

S. Korea's first E-737AWACS arrives for deployment

10:33 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

South Korea's first surveillance airplane to be deployed this year arrived at an Air Force base on Monday, the country's defense procurement agency said. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said an E-737, the country's first airborne early warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft from Boeing, landed at the Air Force base in Gimhae, about 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul.

Iraq says to buy 36 F-16 fighters from U.S

10:30 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Saturday his government would buy 36 F-16 fighters from the United States, doubling the number it had initially planned to purchase to strengthen its weak air defenses.The announcement of the deal came as Iraq and the U.S. government discuss whether to keep some U.S. troops or military trainers in the OPEC country after the planned withdrawal of the last American soldiers at the end of the year.

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Soldiers Suicides, American Vs Indian Statistics

10:28 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Sometimes I read about suicides by Indian Army soldiers posted at the frontier divisions in Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, North East etc. Everytime it happens the media creates a big hue and cry about the lack of will, strength and rampant depression among the ranks of Indian Army. The media takes the role of a judge and implies that Indian army officers and soldiers buckle under pressure while serving at the border. But the reality is far from these demoralizing news reports.In September 2007, The Tribune, newspaper based out of Chandigarh published an article with statistics proving that suicide rates among soldiers in India is lowest in the world. Quite expectedly this news report was completely ignored by the so-called national media who continued to bombard the people with demoralizing reports. According to the Tribune article, 131 suicides were reported across the country in 2006, 77 in 2005, 100 in 2004 and 93 in 2003.

Browne takes over as Air Force chief

10:27 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Ace fighter pilot Air Marshal Norman Anil Kumar Browne today took over as the 23rd chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) from Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik, who retired after putting in 42 years of service, at a brief ceremony at Vayu Bhavan, the air headquarters here.Born in Allahabad on December 15, 1951, Browne was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on June 24, 1972. He has the wide-ranging experience of flying Soviet-era MiG 21s to the very latest Sukhoi-30 besides Jaguars and Hunters, logging about 3,100 hours of flying.

China defends carrier plans, neighbors fret over buildup

10:21 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

US designs to destabilise Asia

10:20 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

During the last two decades, political experts have already been saying that the US which is acting upon a secret strategy, wants to make India the superpower of Asia in order counterbalance China, while this game has openly been disclosed by the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who was on three-day trip to India. In this regard, on July 20 this year, Hillary Clinton urged India to be more assertive in Asia, saying that the country should play more of a leadership role. She explained, “India has the potential to positively shape the future of the Asia-Pacific.” Clinton further said, “India should play a role as a US ally in regional forums such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).” On the other hand, while showing US paradoxical approach towards Pakistan, and concealing American double game, She remarked, “New Delhi could also help promote trade links in violence-wracked South Asia, which would bring prosperity and peace to India, Pakistan and Afghanistan…Pakistan must do more to tackle terror groups operating from its territory being used for attacks that destabilise Afghanistan or India.”

South Korean Navy to bloster presence on Ulleung

6:00 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

The Navy has decided to expand a helicopter landing facility on Ulleung Island and dispatch two more military helicopters to it, according to a lawmaker.The move comes as Seoul seeks to bolster its capabilities to defend the easternmost islets of Dokdo over which Japan has been persistently making sovereignty claims.

hinese People's Liberation Army trains 3rd-generation pilots

5:58 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

The Air Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is now studying a new training program for the pilots of its third-generation fighter jets, according to Air Force headquarters.The country's first group of third-generation fighter pilot cadets recently completed their academic studies and military training in an experimental Air Force training program. They are expected to become qualified pilots after more training in Air Force combat units, according to the headquarters.

Three Middle East nations considering F-16 orders

5:57 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Prospects may be improving for Lockheed Martin to soon book more orders for Fort Worth-built F-16 fighter jets. Iraq's on-again, off-again plans for buying F-16s may be back on again. In addition, Oman and the United Arab Emirates are reportedly again talking to the U.S. government and Lockheed about F-16s after they could not agree on terms for buying French fighter jets. Lockheed officials confirmed reports that they had been in contact with the three Middle East nations about F-16 sales, but they declined to provide specifics.

Two Killed in Turkish T-37C Jet Crash

5:53 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

The Turkish Air Force says one of its small jet-powered planes has crashed on a training flight in western Turkey, killing two pilots aboard.

The air force says in a statement on its website that the T-37C light-attack aircraft went down near the town of Urla, after taking off from the Cigli air base on the outskirts of the Aegean port city of Izmir.

ISI Chief Lt-Gen Ahmed Shuja Visits United States

5:50 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), Lt-Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha has been sent to the United States to deleaver a clear message to his counterparts in US that Pakistan will keep cooperating with the US in war against terrorists but it will not allow CIA funded private spy networks to operate in country.

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Afghan Province of Kunar and Nooristan are Safe Havens for Terrorists:ISPR

5:48 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Inter Services Public Relations' (ISPR) Director General Major General Athar Abbas has said that Afghan province of Kunar and Nooristan are the safe havens for the terrorists. He said that many high level terrorists and their supporters are hiding in these two Afghan provinces. ISPR director said, “the recent terror attacks from Afghanistan have testify our words”. “We have already voiced our concern over the pull out of NATO and Afghan forces from these areas.“He said that terrorist leaders hiding in these two Afghan provinces include Fazlullah, Faqeer Muhammad, Abdul Wali and Hakimullah.

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Indian MoD approves $2.4 billion Mirage-2000 upgrade contract

5:47 AM ASIAN DEFENCE 1 comment

With another recently approved multi-billion dollar defence contract, India is giving its armed forces modernisation efforts a significant push. According to AFP, Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar approved the offer by leading French defence companies Dassault and Thales, as well as by the European MBDA group, to upgrade India’s ageing fleet of Mirage 2000 ‘Vajra’ fighter aircraft at a cost of some $2.4 billion. Although the contract has not been officially confirmed, the Press Trust of India news agency reported that the contract was approved on Wednesday by the Indian cabinet committee on security. In line with the Indian government’s major efforts to modernise and increase the quantity of military equipment, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) agreed to move ahead with this programme, after being delayed in 2006, in particular, due to price issues.

Indian Army’s shady arms deal

5:45 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Although high-ranking officers of the Indian Army like Chief of Army Staff, Gen V K Singh, Lt Gen Surendra Kumar Sahni, Lt Gen S K Dahiya, Maj Gen Anand Swaroop, Maj-Gen SP Sinha, Maj Gen Anand Kapoor, Maj Gen Gur Iqbal Singh Multani, Brig Guredeep Singh including a number of low-ranking officials were found involved in corruption of various forms such as irregularities in procuring meat and dry rations for the troops, stationed at Siachen, unauthorised construction of a golf club building at Ambala cantonment, possessing disproportionate assets, smuggling of large quantities of defence liquor etc., yet involvement of the 27 officers of the Indian Army in illegally selling of arms and weapons is most surprising. In this regard, on July 7 this year, even Indian media disclosed this new mal-practice of Indian Army officials. Army sources of India admitted that the officers, mostly lieutenant colonels and colonels, had faced a court of inquiry following a public suit filed in the Rajasthan High Court by an advocate who said that the officers were selling their private weapons to people of dubious character.

Indian Army’s shady arms deal

5:45 AM ASIAN DEFENCE 3 comments

Antony warns defence firms against corruption

5:44 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

With India expected spend nearly $100 billion over the next decade on modern equipment for its armed forces, Defence Minister A.K. Antony Tuesday cautioned against corruption in defence deals, particularly warning military vendors of "extreme steps" if any underhand deals were struck by them. Inaugurating an international defence acquisition seminar at the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) here, Antony also assured the defence companies that they will get "a level playing field" and "fair play" in the acquisition process in India. However, he asked them "not to try to corrupt our people" while dealing with them during the acquisition process. Going a step further, he said: "I do not want to be a party to any corrupt practice and will not allow even a rupee of Indian taxpayer's money to be spent on graft."

All contracts on Russia's 2012 defense order to be signed by yearend

8:57 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

All contracts on Russia's 2012 state defense order will be signed by the end of this year, Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said. The issue of next year's defense order is particularly important in light of possible complications from the 2011 state defense order due to soaring armament prices and delays in contract signing.

Russia's ambitious 2011-2020 arms procurement program stipulates the upgrade of up to 11% of military equipment annually and will allow the country to increase the share of modern weaponry in the Armed Forces to 70% by 2020.

Russian defense minister lashes out at missile designer

8:56 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov has accused leading missile designer Yury Solomonov of having a grudge against the ministry and lobbying for the defense industry.Solomonov, who designed the RS-24 and Bulava ballistic missiles, said in an interview with Russia's Kommersant daily on Wednesday that the 2011 state defense order was in jeopardy partly because the Defense Ministry had delayed the signing of new defense contracts, especially on procurement of strategic nuclear armaments."I suspect that he holds a grudge because of his dismissal from the post of the general director of the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology [MITT]," Serdyukov told reporters.

Pakistan’s nuclear challenges

6:37 PM ASIAN DEFENCE 2 comments

Asif Ezdi

In his Naudero speech last month on the anniversary of Benazir’s birthday, Zardari claimed credit for the PPP for having started Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programmes, while denying any kudos to Nawaz Sharif for having carried out nuclear tests in 1998. Zardari was partly right.

As he said, the country owes a lot to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for starting Pakistan’s nuclear programme. Our nuclear capability has prevented Indian military adventurism and produced a measure of stability in the South Asian region.

Zardari’s other claim at Naudero – that it was Benazir who began Pakistan’s missile programme – is quite new and it is not true. Pakistan started planning on its missile programme in 1987, a year before Benazir became prime minister and the programme was continued under her and governments that followed. The first test of Hatf-1 was carried out in January 1989, three months into her first term but work on it had started earlier.

What if Turkey invaded Syria?

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Turkish-Syrian ties are unraveling. After becoming Assad’s close ally, Ankara is now worried about the Syrian conflict. Turkey has expressed outrage at the situation, calling the crackdown in Syria a “savagery,” and a Turkish army commander recently issued a tacit warning while visiting the Syrian border. Meanwhile, Damascus has positioned tanks along its border with Turkey.Still, when reacting to the unrest in Syria, the instinct of the Justice and Development Party, or AKP, government in Ankara will be to avoid conflict and opt for a buffer zone inside Syria to manage the likely flow of refugees on Syrian territory. But if that does not work, Turkey could take matters into its own hands, sending troops into Syria.

Russia set to take part in new Indian submarine tender

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Russia will participate in a new tender on the delivery of six diesel-electric submarines for the Indian Navy, the state-run exporter Rosoboronexport said. Russia dropped out of the first Indian submarine tender in 2009. "There is a new tender, with the new requirements, and together with [Russia's] Rubin design bureau we are making a proposal to India for Amur 650 class submarines," Azizov told reporters at IMDS-2011 naval show in St. Petersburg on Friday.

Russia behind schedule on Indian Talwar class frigates delivery

5:14 AM ASIAN DEFENCE 1 comment

Russia is not going to meet the deadlines in the implementation of a contract on the delivery of missile frigates to the Indian Navy, the state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport said. Russia and India signed a $1.6 billion contract on construction of three modified Krivak III class (also known as Talwar class) guided missile frigates for India in 2006. The first frigate was scheduled for delivery in April 2011."There is a delay, and it is hard to say now what the new deadline is going to be, although the first ship is undergoing dockside trials," said Oleg Azizov, head of Rosoboronexport's delegation at the IMDS naval show in St. Petersburg.

India needs defence partners not suppliers: Liam Fox

5:06 AM ASIAN DEFENCE 2 comments

Investing in the Eurofighter would give India a relationship with "partners of choice" in global security, says British defence secretary Liam Fox. In an exclusive conversation with TOI, Fox also said that while China is seen as an emerging superpower, the UK was looking closely at how Beijing manages its internal challenges. Excerpts: Q: You have been promoting the Eurofighter in your meetings with the Indian leadership. Why is it a better deal? A: We shouldn't see this as simply an aircraft. It's about buying into a strategic relationship. Britain's approach to these things has been too transactional in recent years.

Brazil Postpones FX-2 Fighter Jet Decision Until to Next Year

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Brazilian Defence Minister Nelson Azevedo Jobim has a announced that Brazilian Air Force will finally decide about the purchase of new fighter aircrafts by early next year. Brazilian contract is worth $5 billion. He said that at this moment our domestic issues are of more importance and therefore Brazilian Air Force will wait till next year to take the final decision about the winner of the contract for fighter aircrafts.

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US to Suspended Pakistan Military Aid

5:02 AM ASIAN DEFENCE 1 comment

New York Times has reported that United States is "suspending and, in some cases, canceling" the aid to the Pakistan. The New York Times has reported that three US officials has confirmed hat US is suspending the aid to Pakistan.

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Pakistani Military Operation in Kurram Agency

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Last week Pakistani Security Forces started the military operation against the Taliban militant hideouts in the Kurram Agency.Pakistani ground forces entered into the Kurram Agency area after the fighter jets of Pakistan air force destroyed many of the militant position which was earlier detected by the surveillance UAVs of the Pakistan air force.

Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III Aircraft

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) will induct its first C-17 Globemaster III, its largest strategic heavy lift aircraft, at the Hindan air force in Ghaziabad near here after it is procured from the US. "We have decided to induct the C-17 at the Hindan air force base when the first aircraft would be delivered to us in the 2013-14 time-frame," IAF officials told PTI here. India had recently signed its biggest defence deal with the US to procure ten C-17 heavy-lift aircraft for USD 4.1 billion under which American defence major Boeing will set up test facilities for hi-tech aeronautics engines for the DRDO.

India

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United Arab Emirates May Buy More F-16s

1:38 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is now talking with Lockheed Martin about buying more F-16 fighter aircraft because France's offer of an advanced version of the Rafale combat jet is seen as too expensive, said a source familiar with the negotiations in the gulf.

Indian, Turkish Navy Ships Meet for Exercises

4:40 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Turkish Navy warships - three frigates and one tanker - are scheduled to arrive in India on July 7 for joint sea exercises planned during last month's visit of India's Navy chief, Chief Adm. Nirmal Verma, to Turkey.

India to Order for 248 more Arjun Main Battle Tanks

1:36 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

he much-maligned Arjun Main Battle Tank is poised to get a fresh lease of life, with the Indian Army set to order 248 more of India's first indigenously-built tanks, a decision that will also give a much-needed shot in the arm to the country's beleaguered tank fleet. "We are definitely expecting more orders, at least a minimum of 248 tanks of the Mark-II version. The Ordnance Factory Board has been instructed by the ministry of defence to initiate action for the procurement of the Mark-II version," P. Sivakumar , director, Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, told.

Chinese Z-19 Attack Helicopter

9:12 PM ASIAN DEFENCE 1 comment

JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jet with SD-10/PL-12 BVR Missile

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Chinese Charged for Smuggling of Spare Parts of MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters

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Customs authorities in Russia's Far East have launched a criminal case against a Chinese citizen who attempted to smuggle spare parts for Russian MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters last year, a customs' spokesperson said on Friday. The man, whose identity has not been revealed, was caught at one of the border checkpoints in Transbaikal region in July last year.

Customs officials found six stepping motors, two piston pumps, 54 connectors, an elapsed-time meter and other parts in the trunk of his car. "It took experts from the Defense Ministry almost a year to prove that the confiscated equipment is part of assembly kits for MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets," Yulia Philipova said.

Taiwan Paints Seagull-Class Missile Boat With Radar-Absorbent Material

8:50 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Taiwan has developed a radar-absorbent material in a breakthrough in the island’s development of stealth technology, local media reported. Tests showed that a navy 50-tonne Seagull-class missile boat painted with the material was not spotted on a radar screen until it could be seen with the naked eye, the United Daily News said. It is the first time Taiwan has developed such material. The navy declined to comment on the report. It was not immediately clear if the material would be used in the navy’s fleet of 10 locally manufactured 171-tonne missile boats, whose design is already intended to reduce radar detection.

US, Japan, Australia plan South China Sea drill

8:47 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

The US, Japanese and Australian navies will Saturday hold a joint drill in the South China Sea -- most of which China claims as its maritime territory -- Japan's defence ministry said. Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force will send destroyer Shimakaze to join a US Navy destroyer and a Royal Australian Navy patrol boat for communications training and other drills off Brunei, the defence ministry said Friday. It will be their first joint military exercise in the South China Sea, most of which an increasingly assertive China claims as its maritime territory, but where several Southeast Asian nations have competing claims.

Mullen flies to China as US plans naval exercise

8:45 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

The top US military officer departs for China Friday in a trip designed to bolster a fledgling security dialogue with Beijing, even as a US naval exercise in the South China Sea threatens to upstage his visit.Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of staff, was to depart Friday for the four-day tour that will include talks with senior officers and a visit to military units, officials said.Mullen -- who in May hosted his Chinese counterpart, People's Liberation Army Chief of General Staff Chen Bingde -- "looks forward to continuing the engagement and dialogue" with Chen in Beijing, the Pentagon said in a statement.

Heavy Duty Aircrafts for Indian Air Force

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Indian Air Force Plans Consortium of Domestic Companies

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Deniz Aslan-II (Sea Lion) Underway between Pakistani & Turkish Navies

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Pakistan Navy and Turkish Navy take part in the naval exercise, Deniz Aslan-II (Sea Lion). Three warships of the Pakistan Navy and a submarine are taking part in the exercise along with the four visiting warships of the Turkish Navy.

Taiwanese Kaohsiung class(CG-128) High Endurance Cutter

4:29 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Taiwanese Coast Guard Administration will get this new High Endurance Cutter which will be called Taipei class or Kaohsiung class(CG-128). This new class of ships is intended capable of deep sea operations in all weather and act as a fast, reliable platform that can respond to the emerging threats in the region.
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Taiwan Tests Submarine Launched Anti-Ship Missile

4:27 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Taiwan has successfully tested an indigenously developed anti-ship missile from submarine for the first time. Taiwan has already developed the surface and air launched versions of the Hsiung Feng II (Brave Wind II) anti-ship missiles.

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QF-4 Phantom jets Holloman AFB crashes

4:26 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

F-4 Phantom jets were once the pride of the U.S. Air Force. The supersonic stars that were a mainstay of the air war in Vietnam.But now there are only a few left, and they're used them as flying electronic targets.

Wednesday morning, one of the old Phantoms from Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo crashed in eastern New Mexico and touched off a range fire. The pilot ejected before the crash and was reported by base officials to be in good shape with only minor injuries.

HMS Ocean arrives in Malta

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The Royal Navy assault ship HMS Ocean has arrived in Malta on a break from operations off the Libyan coast.The vessel has been flying Apache and other helicopters on missions mostly around the town of Misuratha.

ir Self-Defense Force F-15 fighter confirmed crashed

3:45 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

An F-15 fighter from the Air Self-Defense Force's Naha Air Base in Okinawa Prefecture crashed during a training flight over the East China Sea on Tuesday morning, Defense Ministry officials said. An ASDF rescue plane found the vertical tail of the fighter floating in the sea shortly after 11 a.m. and some other parts afterward, the officials said.

Pak-China Nuclear Deal

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Sea trials of Admiral Gorshkov to begin in Aug in Russia

3:43 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

(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.

India eyes strategic toehold in Kyrgyzstan

3:23 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

India has concluded talks with Kyrgyzstan to train its forces for UN missions, a move that could give New Delhi a strategic toehold in the only country that hosts both American and Russian military bases. India will dispatch a training team to Kyrgyzstan by July-end which will also help Kyrgyz soldiers hone their English skills, as part of an overarching plan to step up defence cooperation with the Central Asian nation, bordering China. “India has offered assistance to Kyrgyzstan to strengthen its defence and security capabilities. The training team is the first step,” said an official, part of a high-level delegation led by defence minister AK Antony currently in Bishkek — the Kyrgyz capital.

Type 091 Han Class Nuclear-Powered Submarine

3:23 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Type 091 was the first Chinese nuclear-propelled submarine design. Type 091 also known as Han class were produced by the Huludao Shipyard in Liaoning Province.

First two submarines Han class may no longer be operational while remaining boats underwent an extensive upgrade and are fully operational with the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
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US Drones Strikes Continue Despite Protests by Pakistan

3:19 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Despite strong protests by the common Pakistanis and half hearted requests by the Pakistani Federal Government, United States shows no signs of decreasing the pace of drone strikes against the targets in FATA, tribal belt along the border with Afghanistan.

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India to train Kyrgyz Armed Forces‎

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Anti-Naxal Ops

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DRDO to undertake laser mapping of Himalayas

3:14 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Exercise would help in identifying hazardous zones, availability of fresh water Vijay Mohan/TNS Chandigarh, July 5 Precision maps of the vital road axis, mountainous topography and the amount of snow cover in the Himalayas would soon be available for developmental works, identifying hazardous stretches and determining water resources. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched a project to undertake laser mapping of the Himalayas in North India. Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment (SASE), a DRDO lab here engaged in the study of snow physics and avalanche control, will be executing the project. Using an airborne LiDAR (light detection and ranging), DRDO specialists would be able to generate accurate topographic data and produce high-resolution digital maps that have strategic value.