Indian Navy to buy four Russian frigates for $3 bn

Trikand F51

Navy agrees to buy four Russian frigates for $3 bn


The navy's medium term plans envisage increasing warship strength from the current 140-odd, to 198 warships by 2027

Ajai Shukla |  New Delhi 

Last Updated at February 26, 2018 01:30 IST

New Delhi and Moscow have finalised contractual terms for four new stealth frigates that Russia will supply the Indian Navy for slightly over Rs 200 billion ($3 billion), or about Rs 50 billion ($775 million) per vessel.

Designated the “Upgraded Krivak III class”, the first two frigates will be built in Yantar Shipyard, in Kaliningrad, Russia. The following two will be built in Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) with technology and designs transferred by Yantar. Delivery will begin within four years of signing the contract.

With a defence ministry “cost negotiation committee” having hammered out terms, it remains for the finance ministry and the Cabinet to clear what will be the first capital warship contract signed since Project 17A was contracted in early-2015.

The navy already operates six Krivak III frigates. The first three joined the fleet between June 2003 and April 2004, followed by another three between April 2012 and June 2013. With the current contract, the navy will operate 10 Krivak III frigates — the fleet’s largest single type.

The Krivak III costs marginally less than the Rs 57.50 billion ($888 million) that the navy will pay for each of seven indigenous frigates that Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata (GRSE) have been contracted to build under Project 17A.

However, tonne-for-tonne, the indigenous frigates are cheaper. Each displaces about 5,600 tonnes fully loaded, significantly more muscular than the 4,000-tonne Krivak III. Further, each Project 17A frigate has space for two multi-role helicopters, while the smaller Krivak III embarks just a single Kamov-31 chopper. An extra helicopter provides major advantages in anti-submarine operations and airborne early warning.

Even so, with MDL, GRSE and GSL already stretched to capacity, navy planners are satisfied that Yantar is meeting India’s urgent need for more capital warships. The navy is also pleased with how the Krivak III fleet has performed over time.

New Delhi wanted to build all four Krivak III frigates in GSL under ‘Make in India’.

However, Yantar had already part-built two frigates for the Russian Navy, which then backed away for lack of funds. New Delhi has obliged Moscow by buying them.

The part-built frigates at Yantar are also stalled by a defence embargo that Ukraine imposed on Russia after the latter annexed the Crimea. New Delhi, which has close defence relations with Ukraine, has undertaken to procure and provide Yantar the Zorya turbines that will power these.

The agreed terms stipulate a certain level of Indian-isation for the first two vessels that Yantar will deliver, and a significantly higher level for the next two vessels that are to be built in Goa.

For GSL, building a vessel as complex as a frigate will require upgrading its facilities and skills. However, naval planners say GSL should not take long to learn, having recently undergone the experience of building missile corvettes that are similarly dense in weapons and sensors.

These new Krivak III frigates will have the same engines and armament configuration as Yantar’s last three frigates — INS Teg, Tarkash and Trikand. These include the vaunted BrahMos anti-ship and land attack missile.

Senior naval planners underline the advantages of negotiating a “follow-on” contract, i.e. for vessels similar to those procured earlier. While it took six months to negotiate the contract for the Teg, Tarkash and Trikand, negotiations for the current contract took only 45 days to negotiate and finalise.

The navy’s medium term plans envisage increasing warship strength from the current 140-odd, to 198 warships by 2027. This will require adding 5-6 warships annually.

While some 75 vessels of various types are in the navy’s procurement pipeline, there remains a worrying shortfall of frigates, which are the navy’s workhorses. “We need to have at least 24 frigates. Currently we are 10 short,” says a senior admiral.

Original post: business-standard.com

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Israeli Satellite Reveals Russia's New Stealth Fighter Jets in Syria

Russia is beefing up its aerial presence in Syria with new Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighters, located in the strategic Khmeimim air base

Yaniv Kubovich

An Israeli satellite revealed images Saturday of Russia's deployment of its Sukhoi Su-57 stealth planes – the first of its kind.

The satellite operator iSi said in a statement that their Israeli Eros B satellite spotted two such planes at the Khmeimim air base. It said the Su-57 is still not fully operational and that Russia is likely going to use Syria as a "playground" for testing the jet.

A few days ago, Russian news reports said that Moscow had beefed up its forces in Syria with several warplanes, including its latest fighter jets.

This is the first time the planes have been seen in Syria and it is unclear if Russia plans to use them in attacks, as they are still going through developmental stages.

The Su-57 is considered a "fifth generation", a class that includes the F-22 and the F-35 – which was procured by Israel – to which the Russian plane is supposed to be a response to.

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuriy Borisov said in an interview in early February that the Su-57 had concluded the first trial stage, and noted that combat trials would proceed according to schedule.

On Thursday Russian news outlets carried pictures of a pair of Su-57 fighters getting ready to land at Khmeimim air base in Syria's coastal province of Latakia, which serves as the main hub for Russian operations in Syria. An early warning A-50 plane, four Su-35 fighters and four Su-25 ground attack jets also arrived at the base on Wednesday.

The Kremlin on Thursday that it wouldn't comment on the reports, referring questions to the military, which remained mum about the deployment.

Original post:  haaretz.com

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India Is Said to Mull Expanding Scope of Fighter Aircraft Order

N. C. Bipindra

(Bloomberg) -- India is planning to revise the specifications for one of the world’s biggest fighter jet orders, people familiar with the matter said, a move that would allow manufacturers such as Boeing Co. and United Aircraft Corp. to pitch their twin-engine combat aircraft.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has asked the Indian Air Force if the search for fighter jets could be expanded to include twin-engine aircraft after Lockheed Martin Corp. and Saab AB were the only ones left in the fray with single-engine products that met the earlier norms, the people said, asking not to be identified as the discussions are private.

The South Asian country started looking for new warplanes in 2007, a contest that ended with the government selecting Dassault Aviation SA to buy 126 Rafale jets for $11 billion. With talks stalling over price and quality guarantees, the government subsequently scrapped the purchase and bought 36 jets separately to speed up the process.

The proposal for the change is being discussed, and there has been no decision yet, the people said. Defense ministry spokeswoman Swaranashree Rao Rajashekar declined to comment.

The nation’s air force and navy require as many as 400 single-and double-engine combat aircraft, the government has said. The air force is seeking at least 100 planes in an order worth about $15 billion, while the order for the 57 naval planes could be worth about $10 billion, according to Jane’s Information Services.

Earlier, the Times of India newspaper, citing sources that it didn’t identify, reported that the government had scrapped a plan to buy single-engine combat planes. In the original contest, Dassault defeated Boeing’s F/A-18, Lockheed’s F-16, United Aircraft Corp.’s MiG-35, Saab’s Gripen and Eurofighter Typhoon.

Acquiring new fighter planes is part of Prime Minister Modi’s bid to modernize the country’s aging military equipment with a $250 billion spending. But it has been bogged down by a defense procurement process which is known for delays, backtracking and a history of corruption, making it a sensitive, slow-going process. In the meantime, India’s air force still relies on Soviet-era MiG-21s and Russian Sukhoi SU-30MKIs.

Original post:  bloombergquint.com

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Two more Russian Su-57 Jets Land in Syria

Another Two Russian Fifth Gen. Su-57 Jets Reportedly Land in Syria's Hmeymim


Russia's Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet is specifically designed for air superiority and attack roles. Two such planes were reportedly spotted in the skies above Syria earlier this week.

Two more Russian fifth generation Su-57 stealth fighters have arrived at Syria's Hmeymim Airbase, Sputnik Arabic reported, referring to local media outlets. 

Wael Al Hussaini tweeted that the Su-57s were escorted by Russian 4+ generation Sui-30SM multi-role fighter jets before landing at Hmeymim Airbase.

Earlier this week, Al Hussani reported about the deployment of the first two Su-57 fighters in Hmeymin, something that has yet to be confirmed by the Russian Defense Ministry.

Russian lawmaker Vladimir Gutenov told Sputnik that while he could not independently confirm the Su-57s' deployment to Syria, he "whole-heartedly welcomed" the reports.

According to him, the presence of the Su-57s will doubtlessly send a political message, serving as a deterrent "for aircraft from neighboring states which periodically fly into" Syrian airspace uninvited.

In August 2017, Russian Aerospace Forces Commander Col. Gen. Viktor Bondarev said that the country's fifth-generation fighter jet, formerly known as Prospective Airborne Complex of Frontline Aviation (PAK FA), or Sukhoi T-50, has officially been named the Su-57.

Designed for air superiority and attack roles, the Su-57 is fitted with a sophisticated avionics system capable of autonomous battlefield calculations, allowing it to assist the pilot.

Additionally, the plane is equipped with an active airborne phased array radar, which helps the Su-57 detect air, ground and naval targets at distances far beyond most modern systems.

Original post: sputniknews.com

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U.S. Air Force tests C-130J with Block 8.1 upgrades

C-130J Super Hercules

By Ryan Maass

Feb. 7 (UPI) -- U.S. Air Force pilots recently completed a training flight with the first C-130J Super Hercules equipped with Block 8.1 upgrades.

With the upgrades, the pilots have access to enhanced GPS capabilities and improved communication systems. Friend-or-foe identification technology was also updated.

According to the Air Force, the enhancements will help make pilots more effective in performing their missions as well as improve interoperability with other aircraft.

"This update will truly allow us to have unhindered global access," Capt. Kyle Gauthier said in a press release. "It will also provide pilots improved situational awareness, and a greater ability to communicate with command and control around the world."

Air Force officials say they will continue testing the upgraded airlifter over the next two years, and will collaborate with contractor Lockheed Martin to report any potential problems.

"Flying with such a new system can be difficult, but it is exciting to know you're shaping the future of C-130J operations worldwide," Gauthier added.

The Lockheed Martin-built C-130J Super Hercules is a four-turboprop military airlifter that can be adapted for defense and humanitarian applications. According to Lockheed Martin, the plane can also be used for special operations, aerial refueling and close air support.

Original post: upi.com

C-130J with Block 8.1 upgrades

Capt. Kyle Gauthier, 61st AS C-130J pilot and flight commander, conducts a preflight checklist for a training sortie flight on February 3, 2017, at Little Rock AFB. During the flight, aircrews tested the operability of recent hardware and software upgrades. [USAF photo by SrA Harry Brexel]

The Block 8.1 upgrade enhances GPS capabilities, communications systems, updated friend-or-foe identification and allows the C-130J to comply with worldwide air traffic management regulations. Additionally, the upgrade program will standardize aviation systems to improve interoperability. 

“This update will truly allow us to have unhindered global access,” said Capt. Kyle Gauthier, 61st Airlift Squadron C-130J instructor pilot and flight commander. “It will also provide pilots improved situational awareness, and a greater ability to communicate with command and control around the world.” 

Over the next two years Airmen from the 19th Airlift Wing and 314th Airlift Wing will team together to test the only two Block 8.1 upgraded C-130J’s in the world over.

“We have put thousands of maintenance hours into this plane since it arrived,” said Master Sgt. Brian Johnson, 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron production superintendent. “We’re excited to see it finally up in the air.”

Airmen from the 19th Airlift Wing and 314th Airlift Wing will team together on the only two Block 8.1 upgraded C-130J’s in the world over the next two years at Little Rock AFB. Loadmaster, pilots and maintainers will work with Lockheed Martin to report any bugs or potential issues.

Gauthier said, “Flying with such a new system can be difficult, but it is exciting to know you’re shaping the future of C-130J operations worldwide.”

Capt. Carl Scott, 41st AS C-130J pilot and tactics officer, prepares a C-130J for its first flight using Block 8.1 upgrades on February 3, 2017, at Little Rock AFB. The Block 8.1 upgrade enhances GPS capabilities, communications systems, updated friend-or-foe identification and allows the C-130J to comply with worldwide air traffic management regulations. [USAF photo by SrA Harry Brexel]

Source: c-130.net

AVIATOR 700D 

The satellite communication system will support the air traffic management and data link component of the Block 8.1 upgrade program. Cobham is delivering the Level D certified AVIATOR 700D SATCOM product, which is prepared for FANS1/A+ operation and supports a combination of current Classic Inmarsat cockpit safety provisions as well as SwiftBroadband IP data and voice capability components for variety of mission applications.

"AVIATOR 700D offers the enhanced communications functionality required in this extensive upgrade program for the C-130J," said Andy Beers, director of Sales for the Americas. "The system functionality, reliability and certification fit the C-130J's future civilian airspace operational needs exceptionally well and Cobham is well positioned to be a reliable partner throughout the deployment of the upgrade program and the on-going use of AVIATOR 700D for the global C-130J fleet."

Source: cobham.com

Updated Aug 16, 2018

C-130J Hercules: Details

Flying blind and freezing: Navy investigating terrifying EA-18G Growler flight

EA-18G Aviation Photo Digest.com

By: David B. Larter  

WASHINGTON — The two-seater EA-18G was cruising at 25,000 feet Jan. 29, about 60 miles south of Seattle on a flight from Washington State’s Naval Air Station Whidbey Island to Naval Weapons Station China Lake. The crew received a warning that the system that controls the cockpit air temperature and cabin pressure, known as the environmental control system, was icing.

By the time the flight was over, an elite aircrew with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine was being rushed for medical treatment, and yet another failure of the EA-18G Growler’s environmental control system — one not seen in any of the previous physiological episodes linked to the ECS — was raising new concerns in the Navy’s sisyphean fight to stop physiological episodes from putting pilots at risk in the sky.

The temperature inside the cockpit suddenly plunged to temperatures reaching -30 degrees and a mist pumped into the the cockpit, covering the instruments and windows in a layer of ice, rendering the pilots almost completely blind, according to several sources familiar with the incident and an internal report obtained by Defense News.

The fog inside the aircraft iced over the instrument panel, forcing the pilot and electronic warfare officer to use a Garmin watch to keep track of their heading and altitude while air controllers began relaying instructions to the crew. The pilot and EWO were forced to use the emergency oxygen supply, which was completely depleted by the end of the flight.

A heroic effort by the two-person crew and the ground-based controllers managed to guide the aircraft back to Whidbey Island, but both pilot and EWO suffered serious injuries due to frostbite. The aircrew suffered from “severe blistering and burns on hands,” according to the Navy internal report.

In a statement, Naval Air Forces spokesman Cmdr. Ron Flanders confirmed the incident and that the Navy was trying to determine the cause of the incident.

“The aircrew was treated upon landing; one of the aircrew is already back in a flight status; the other is not yet back in a flight status but is expected to make a complete recovery,”

“The mishap is under investigation; I cannot comment further. Once the investigation is complete, the Navy will determine which further actions are necessary.”.......Read rest of article: HERE

EA-18G & Block III Growler Electronic Attack Aircraft: Details

Brazil to Commission Ex-HMS Ocean June 29th

HMS “Ocean”

Google Translation

On the morning of February 19, in Plymouth, England, the Director General of Marine Material, Fleet Admiral Luiz Henrique Caroli, representing the Brazilian Navy, signed the HMS “Ocean” transfer agreement with the Ministry authorities of the British Defense.

Having been incorporated into the Royal Navy (UK) in 1998, the HMS “Ocean” was designed to carry out amphibious operations with embedded helicopters and Royal Marines, of humanitarian aid, such as occurred in September 2017, when that ship watched the Caribbean people who were plagued by Hurricane Irma.

In the Brazilian Navy, HMS “Ocean” will be employed in helicopter air operations, amphibious operations with Marine troops and Maritime Area Control missions to protect our Maritime Communications Lines, as well as assistance to natural disasters and support for peacekeeping operations.

The merger of HMS “Ocean” into MB will be on June 29, 2018, and the ship transfer process is expected to be completed by the end of July, arriving in Brazil in August. Until then, the Brazilian crew will take courses in the RN, in companies manufacturing equipment and intensive training, and the ship will perform maintenance and dockage services in a British shipyard, so that it is received in its best conditions of material and preparation of our people.

The HMS “Ocean” has the following characteristics:

· Total length: 203,43 m;
· Displacement loaded: 21,578 t;
· Maximum sustained speed (VMM) predicted in project: 18.0 knots;
· Range of action: 8,000 nautical miles;
· Accommodation for troops: 806 Marines; and
· Aircraft on board: 18 helicopters.

The ship has the capacity to operate simultaneously up to 7 aircraft on its flight deck, being able to use all types of helicopters belonging to the Brazilian Navy Squadrons: Seahawk (SH-16), Cougar (UH-15 A / B) ; Lynx (AH-11B), Squirrel (UH-12/13), Bell Jet Ranger III (IH-6B) and Super Puma (UH-14).

Original post: seawaves.com

FAREWELL HMS OCEAN - HMS OCEAN L12 ENTERS DEVONPORT FOR THE FINAL TIME - 9th February 2018

Warship TV

Published on Feb 9, 2018

HMS Ocean Amphibious assault ship

Image: form the net

The HMS Ocean is an amphibious assault ship, commissioned with the Royal Navy in 1998. This vessel supported amphibious landing operations. It was a sole member of its class. A sister ship was planned, but these plans were abandoned before any order was placed. The HMS Ocean had a planned service life of 20 year. This amphibious ship was refitted and upgraded in 2014. In 2018 it was decommissioned and replaced in service by HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier, which is a much more capable warship. In 2018 the HMS Ocean was sold to Brazil. After some modifications in UK, it was planed that it will be delivered to Brazilian Navy during 2018.

   Hull of the HMS Ocean is based on Invincible class design, with a modified superstructure. It was designed to meet specific needs of amphibious operations.

   The HMS Ocean has complement of 284 officers and crew. Fleet air crew consists of 206 men. Typical troop capacity is 480 marines, however for a short periods of time this ship can accommodate up to 800 marines. The HMS Ocean can carry six light guns, 40 light vehicles and 34 trailers. The ship carries and uses four Lading Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP) Mk.5 or two Griffon hovercraft to deliver troops and equipment ashore. However the HMS Ocean was not designed to transport and land main battle tanks.

Image: form the net

   The ship has a large flight deck (170 x 33 m) with six landing and six parking spots for helicopters. There is also a hangar with two aircraft elevators. Typically air wing consists of 12 medium support helicopters (EH.101 Merlin, CH-47 Chinook, Westland Commando) and 6 attack helicopters (Lynx AH.7, WAH-64D). The HMS Ocean can transport up to 15 Harrier II aircraft in the ferry role, however it is unable to operate as an aircraft carrier.

Image: form the net

   The only defensive weapons of the HMS Ocean are four Oerlikon twin 30 mm guns and three 20 mm Phalanx close-in weapon systems. Vessel is capable of limited anti-submarine warfare activities. So normally this warship must be escorted by other surface combatants that provide protection against seaborne, underwater and air threats.

   Vessel is propelled by two Crossley Pielstick diesel engines, rated at 23 900 hp. Power is delivered by two independent shafts. It is also fitted with a single bow thruster. The ship has a cruising range of 8 000 miles (12 800 km) at 10 knots (18.5 km/h). Source: military-today.com

Image: form the net

Source: armedforces.co.uk

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