Indian Navy Will Issue A Global Tender For Six Next Generation Submarines

The Navy will issue a global tender for procuring six next generation submarines worth over Rs 50,000 crore by the end of this year.
"The government has cleared Project-75 India which is the next lot of six submarines... At the moment we are going with the Request for Information (RFI) process, I hope within this year we would be able to push off the tender," Navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma told reporters on the sidelines of a submarine seminar.

Project-75 India is a follow on of the Scorpene submarine project, six of which are being built by the Mazgaon Dockyards Limited (MDL) under a Rs 20,000 crore deal with French company DCNS.

With a depleted submarine strength, the Navy is planning to induct over 12 submarines in the next 10-12 years. The plans have also suffered a setback in view of the delays in the construction of the Scorpenes in Mumbai.
Talking about the capabilities of future submarines, the Navy chief said, "It will be a different boat in the sense that we are revising its Qualitative Requirements. Along with better sensors it will also have better hiding capability, improved detection range and combat management system."

He said the Navy would go for the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems for the submarines, which would enhance their capability of remaining submerged in water for a longer time period.

Elbit Unveils New Generational UAV Command And Control Center

Elbit Systems says it has successfully flight-tested its Hermes 450 and Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicles from one ground control station, greatly enhancing the operational flexibility of the long-range drones amid a growing global market for the aircraft.






 The tests underlined how Israel's high-tech defense industry is developing a wide range of unmanned robot systems for air, land and sea. These include Nahshson, a remote-controlled land vehicle that can tote 2 tons of cargo.

This is an advanced variant of the Guardium robot vehicle developed by G-NIUS Unmanned Ground Systems, a joint venture by Elbit and state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries. The Guardium has been in operated by the Israeli military since 2008.

Elbit said the Hermes tests were conducted from the company's new universal ground control station using a single operator for both UAVs.
"Joint flight control and management of two different unmanned aircraft systems provides users with enhanced operational flexibility, adapting each UAS to a specific mission and enabling management of highly complex missions in diverse arenas," Elbit said.

The Hermes 450 is a tactical long-endurance UAV that is the backbone of the Israeli air force's drone fleet, with more than 200,000 operational flight hours.

It's capable of flying at altitudes up to 20,000 feet. The latest variant is quieter than its predecessors and carries a heavier payload.
The Hermes 900 has longer endurance, a silenced engine, a maximum altitude of 30,000 feet and a larger payload capacity of 770 pounds.
Israel's defense industry has become a major producer of UAVs, along with the United States.

According to Jacques Chemia, chief engineer of IAI's UAV division, "Israel is the world's leading exporter of drones, with more than 1,000 sold in 42 countries."

Under a ground-breaking April 2009 contract with Moscow, worth $53 million, IAI, flagship of Israel's defense industry, sold Russia 12 short-range Bird-Eye 400, I-View MK150 and long-range Searcher II UAVs.

It was Russia's first purchase of a foreign weapons system and emphasized its technology shortfall following the sharp reduction of spending on research and development in the 1990s when the Cold War ended.
That contract led to a $400 million deal between IAI and Russia's Oboronprom OPK Group in October under which the Russians will eventually manufacture the Heron 1, one of Israel's most advanced UAVs capable of strategic missions.

IAI has developed the more advanced Heron TP, dubbed the Eitan which is Hebrew for "Strong."

This long-range UAV weight 4.5 tons, has a wingspan of 86 feet -- about that same as a Boeing 737 airliner -- and can stay aloft for 20 hours at high altitude.

This unique UAV, a major technological breakthrough for the Israelis, has a 1,200 horsepower turbojet, a maximum altitude of 40,000 feet and can carry hundreds of pounds of equipment, such as high-resolution cameras, electronic surveillance systems and presumably weapons.

The Heron TP is capable of reaching Iran, although it's not known whether it has done so on surveillance missions, or whether it can be refueled in air.
The Hermes 900 is also reported to be able to reach Iran.
The ground-based robot systems are now widely deployed with the Israeli military. The Guardium has notched up thousands of operational hours since 2008.

The Nahshon, the latest UGV being developed by UGS, is able to operate on its own in combat zones. The Nahshon team believes it is close to producing a completely autonomous guidance system for the cargo vehicle.
Guardium and other UGVs are used to reinforce the remote-controlled gun and sensor towers or patrol areas along Israel's borders with troubled Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

Amid the upheaval in Egypt that toppled President Hosni Mubarak, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu ordered the construction of a security barrier along a 90-mile stretch of the border with Egypt to be speeded up.
This, originally intended to keep out illegal African immigrants, could have remote-control guard towers as well and be patrolled by UGVs.
Over recent years, the Israeli military has automated much of its security along the Lebanese and Gaza borders.

This includes the Sentry-Tech armored watchtowers, 15 feet high and 6 feet in diameter, that are topped with remote-control machine gun turrets and night-vision video cameras. The latest addition is radar that can penetrate fog.

JF-17 a Sign of Pak-China Friendship...Now Using Pakistani Indigenous Computer Systems

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday extended full support for the continuity of JF-17 Thunder aircraft programme, and said the project would prove as a flagship of Pak-China friendship.“This project can truly become as a flagship of our historic cooperation and strengthen our time-tested partnership,” the Prime Minister said while addressing a gathering of Pakistani and Chinese technicians during his visit to the JF-17 production facility at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex here. Gilani lauded the pace of JF-17 Thunder programme which had moved into a serial production stage in a record time.

He also acknowledged the role of Chinese experts for imparting technical know-how to the Pakistani technicians for the transfer of technology.

“The support provided by our Chinese friends in this, and in so many other common projects between Pakistan and China is greatly cherished by every Pakistani,” he said.


The Prime Minister termed the project a reflection of deeper bond between the two governments and the people.
“The success of the project would add another glorious chapter in our long history of cooperation,” he said.
Gilani went around different sections of the facility and expressed satisfaction that the project milestones were being accomplished in an efficient and timely manner.

He said Pakistan Airforce with a initiative like JF-17 program was not only rendering valuable services for strengthening the national defence but also providing a valuable opportunity to the youth.
“It is an opportunity involving a more constructive and positive approach to life that offers education, livelihood and training and leading to a better life,” he said.
Gilani exhorted all the personnel associated with the project to commit all “faculties of body and soul” for its success.
He expressed hope that with Allah’s blessing and commitment, many more laurels shall come in shape of timely completion of projects.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rao Suleman Qamar said with the support of the government, twenty two JF-17 aircrafts had been inducted into the 26th squadron of the PAF, while eight others were in various stages of tests and trials. He said the aircraft, whose production began on 13 June 2009 and the first made-in-Pakistan rolled out on 23rd Nov 2009, has successfully made its presence felt at the air shows at Farnborough, UK and Zhuhai, China. He said the aircraft also participated in the Highmark and the Azm-e-nau exercises.
He said a number of air forces around the world were eyeing the new entrant into the arena with keen interest.



The Air Chief presented to the Prime Minister a gift of a statue of an Air Force pilot - a symbol of determination to succeed despite all odds. Earlier the Prime Minister was apprised that Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra was now providing three major computer systems for the JF-17 aircraft.

These include Weapon Mission Management Computer, Electro-Mechanical Management Computer and Light Warning Computer.
The PAC was currently producing three aircraft a month and with a larger facility will be able to increase production and enable Pakistan earn a handsome foreign exchange.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Khalid Shamim Wyne, Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar, Health Minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin and Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh also accompanied the Prime Minister.

Tejas fleet to be raised in Bangalore

Photo By = Top Headlines Today
The first squadron of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas will be raised in Bangalore.

The Aircraft and System Testing Establishment (ASTE) will conduct a series of tests before the aircraft is inducted into the Indian Air Force.

Commandant of the ASTE, Air Commodore BR Krishna said that two pilots have been identified by the Bangalore-based flight testing establishment for carrying out extensive tests.

The first unit of LCA will be named No.45 Squadron. The squadron comprising 20 aircraft will be known as 'Flying Daggers' and will later be moved to the Sulur Air Base near Coimbatore.

Bangladesh Navy has Ordered 3 large Fast Missile Crafts From China

 According to BMF, Bangladesh Navy has ordered 3 large missile crafts from China. Currently two are being built in China. New 3 large missile crafts of 600 ton displacement.
Specs:

1 x Chinese AK-176M 76.2 mm, 4 x 2 C-802A anti-ship missiles, 2 x 6-cell RDC-32 ASW rocket launchers, 2 x CIWS.

Separately 5 of 300 ton displacement are being built in Bangladesh Navy's own dockyard. 

Russia's second S-400 Missile Unit To Enter In Operational Service

The strategic command of Russia's space defense forces took delivery of its second unit of S-400 Triumf missile systems on Wednesday, which will be based in the Moscow Region, Defense Ministry spokesman Col. Vladimir Drik said.

Until now, the Russian forces have had only one unit of S-400s, based at Electrostal, near Moscow.

"The handover ceremony for the second S-400 will take place at the state firing range in Kapustin Yar from February 16-19," Drik said.

The unit will consist of two regiments, each consisting of eight launch points, each with four missiles.

The S-400 has a maximum range of up to 400 km at an altitude of 40,000-50,000 meters. The system uses a range of missiles, optimized for engaging ballistic and cruise missiles and hypersonic vehicles, Drik said.

Delivery of Gripen Fighter Aircraft to Thailand

At a ceremony in Thailand on February 22, FMV handed over six Gripen fighter aircraft of the latest C- and D-version to the Royal Thai Air Force.
Just before Christmas, FMV delivered the first parts of the air defense systems that Sweden and Thailand agreed on in 2008. And today FMV completed its commitment by delivering the six Gripen aircraft. They arrived in Thailand after having flown from Sweden via Hungary, Crete, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman and India.
“We have now successfully delivered a complete air defense system. Swedish pilots and technicians will now help Thailand to start using the system”, said Arne Héden, head of Gripen Thailand at FMV.
The agreement of 2008 between FMV, as a representative of Sweden and Thailand, covers six Gripen aircraft (four Jas 39D and two Jas 39C) with associated equipment and services, a Saab 340 aircraft with airborne radar surveillance system, a Saab 340 for transport and education and an integrated Command and Control system with data links.
The agreement contains, in addition, an extensive logistical support, training for Thai pilots and technicians as well as simulators. Sweden will also help as advisors in Thailand during the introduction of the Gripen and the Erieye system in the Royal Thai Air Force.

The equipment, together with the commitment to train pilots and technicians as well as bilateral agreements for the development of advanced data link and transfer of technology, form a comprehensive solution.
In November 2010 FMV signed a new agreement with Thailand, which covers additional six Gripen fighters of the latest C version, along with a Saab 340 with Erieye radar and the Swedish missile RB 15F. Delivery of the components will take place during 2012 and 2013.
As part of the contract, Sweden will transfer the latest technology in advanced military aircraft to Thailand. The purpose of this is through long-term partnership develop the aerospace and defense skills in Thailand. This will also serve as a base for industry in Thailand in terms of future development.

PNS Shahjahan meets HMS Cornwall

The Pakistani warship PNS Shahjahan met with the HMS Cornwall in the Gulf of Aden in the Arabian Sea. The HMS Cornwall is involved in the security operations throughout the middle-east and both of the warship’s crews exchanged skills during the meeting.

The Pakistan warship has a big history as it was once a member of the Royal Navy and was a part of the Falklands war. According to HMS Cornwall’s Commanding Officer Commander David Wilkinson their connections with the Pakistan Navy have always been strong and will be strengthened even more in the future.

Samuel Cassidy is one of the engineering technician’s on HMS Cornwall. His father was once part of the team which handed a couple of Royal Navy warships to the Pakistan Navy. His words were that it was amazing to be able to be on a ship that his father knew so well and this visit brought back a lot of memories. He seemed very happy for seeing the PNS Shahjahan in such a good

shape and at the center of Pakistan Navy operations.

India Aims To Start Making Its Own Commercial Aircraft

India said Thursday it aims to start making its own commercial aircraft in a bid to cash on a boom in the domestic civil aviation sector.

Officials from the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) told reporters the state-owned firm will present a detailed report to the government within three months seeking clearance to manufacture a 90-seater passenger aircraft.

"There is potential for short-distance, low-cost carriers as operators are looking for cost-effective and right-sized aircraft, while passengers want lower air fares," NAL director A.R. Upadhaya said.

"The proposed 90-seat civil aircraft can make this happen," he said at Aero India in Bangalore, South Asia's largest airshow, where global aviation firms are vying for a slice of India's burgeoning civil and military market.


The planned aircraft would be ready for commercial operation by 2017 if cleared for production. India has in the past made a 16-seater aeroplane but it was intended for governmental rather than commercial use.

Upadhaya said various international aerospace companies were interested in becoming partners in the 50-billion-rupee ($1 billion) project, the first attempt by India to develop a civil aeroplane of that size.

Citing a government assessment, he said India would require about 1,000 aircraft by 2025 in the 90-seater segment.

Europe's Airbus expects India will need more than 1,000 aircraft over the next 20 years at a cost of $138 billion.

India's passenger numbers will expand by 15 percent annually over the next five years, making it the fastest-growing market in the world, Dinesh Keskar, president of Boeing's India subsidiary, forecast earlier in the week.

The expansion of India's middle class, spurred by the country's growing economy, has fuelled air travel.

Bahrain army clamps down after protests Crushed

Bahrain's army has deployed across Manama vowing "strict measures" to restore order after a police raid on anti-regime protesters killed three, wounded nearly 200 and enraged the opposition.
Protesters gathered outside a hospital where the wounded were being treated to chant anti-regime slogans, while the largest Shiite opposition bloc said it was quitting parliament and called on the government to resign.
Concerned that events in Bahrain could destabilize the entire region, Gulf foreign ministers met in Manama later on Thursday and expressed their "total support for Bahrain in the areas of politics, economy, security and defense."
In Washington, US President Barack Obama expressed opposition to the use of force, while Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said those who did use it should be held accountable.
Witnesses said riot police stormed through Pearl Square, the epicenter of pro-democracy protests that have shaken the Gulf island state, in the early hours of Thursday firing hollow-point bullets, rubber bullets and tear gas, sending hundreds of protesters fleeing.
"The health ministry has counted three dead and around 195 wounded," Health Minister Faisal al-Hamr was quoted by the official BNA news agency as saying.
Hamr said most of those injured had returned home, but that 43 people were still being treated, including one whom doctors were trying to resuscitate.
Opposition members and witnesses said the police raid was launched without warning at around 3:00 am (midnight GMT).
"They attacked the square, where hundreds of people were spending the night in tents," said one witness, 37-year-old Fadel Ahmad.
Relatives of the victims gathered outside the hospital, angry and weeping. In the course of the day, hundreds of people joined them, chanting "Death to Al-Khalifa" -- referring to the royal family.
Others queued to donate blood.
Thursday's deaths brought the total to five since Monday, when authorities began cracking down on protesters demanding political and social reform.
Security forces deployed across Manama, with armed police blocking roads leading to the square and setting up checkpoints in other streets, causing heavy traffic congestion.
Witnesses said dozens of armored military vehicles were parked near Pearl Square as the military warned of "strict measures" to restore security in Bahrain, where clashes this week have left a total of six people dead.
Bahrain's defense forces will "take all strict and preventive measures to restore security and public order," a defense ministry spokesman said in a statement.
The ministry also urged people to "refrain from gathering in vital areas."
Interior ministry spokesman General Tarek al-Hassan said in an earlier statement that police had had no option but to raid the square.
"The security forces evacuated Pearl Square ... after having exhausted all chance of dialogue," Hassan said, as quoted by the official news agency BNA.
"Some left the place of their own accord, while others refused to submit to the law, which required an intervention to disperse them," he said.
Bahraini Foreign Minister Khaled bin Ahmed al-Thani told a press conference on Thursday evening that the police intervention was justified to prevenet "a sectarian conflict and an economic crisis."
Thousands of demonstrators, inspired by uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, had been occupying the square since Tuesday, after police killed two young Shiite demonstrators during anti-government protests.
Bahrain's opposition demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa's government in the wake of the raid, a Shiite opposition bloc said.
"The opposition groups, including Al-Wefaq, have issued a statement demanding the government resign and calling for the formation of a new government to investigate this crime," said Al-Wefaq bloc's leader, Ali Salman.
"We have decided to completely pull out from parliament," added Salman, whose bloc holds 18 seats in the country's 40-member elected house.
A US official said in Washington that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had spoken to Sheikh Khaled on Thursday, urging Bahrain to show restraint over protests.
"She expressed deep concern about recent events and urged restraint moving forward. They discussed political and economic reform efforts to respond to the citizens of Bahrain," the State Department official told AFP.
She also said Bahrain must "hold accountable" those who use excessive force.
And Obama's spokesman Jay Carney said the president's view is that "we oppose the use of violence by the government of Bahrain."
At the same time, the Pentagon said US Defense Secretary Robert Gates discussed with the deputy commander of the Bahraini military by telephone the "current security situation."
Bahrain is home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague also called on Bahrain to exercise restraint, and Alistair Burt, a junior foreign minister with responsibility for the Middle East said London was reviewing decisions to export arms to the country.
And Iran, an overwhelmingly Shiite country, called on Bahrain to exercise restraint and heed the demands of its people.
For their part, the GCC foreign ministers statement also said that "our security is a collective responsibility and there is no question of accepting foreign interference."
The GCC groups Bahrain with Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Chinese WZ551/Type 92 IFV in Southern Sudan

WZ551/Type92 IFV seems to be a common sign in Southern Sudan. In addition to serving with the PLA UN Engineering Battalion as part the UNAMID, it is also serving with the Zambians peacekeepers in the same region.

Second Prototype Of the Russian PAK FA T-50 Stealth Fighter made its First Flight

The second prototype of a promising fifth-generation fighter T-50 (PAK FA) made its maiden flight, according to Interfax . The plane took off from the runway of Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association. The flight was successful. Fighter piloted by distinguished test pilot Sergei Bogdan Russia, in early 2010 flew the first prototype of the T-50.
According to Bogdan, all on-board aircraft systems worked normally. "Stability and controllability of the aircraft in the air got a good grade. All systems and aircraft engine worked flawlessly," - said an unnamed source agency in the military-industrial complex. Previously, the second prototype T-50 passed ground tests. Parallel tests were carried out and the first prototype of the T-50, which to date has made 40 flights.

As expected, the test airframe PAK FA will be completed in 2011-2012 and in 2013 the Russian Defense Ministry will conclude with the "Dry" contract for the supply of ten aircraft to test the weapons. The first phase of testing T-50 finish before the end of 2013. Continuous buying fighter jets will begin in 2016 and will be implemented under the state program of armaments for 2011-2020. Apart from an experimental batch of ten aircraft in 2016 is planned to buy 60 more such vehicles. On further procurement of aircraft while it is not known.

PAF Gets Its 3rd IL-78P Air refuelling Aircraft

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has received third air to air refuelling aircraft from Ukraine, which is likely to reach here in the first week of February 2011, sources disclosed. PAF purchased a total of four IL-78P Midas tanker aircraft from Ukraine.The third aircraft is likely to arrive in the first week of February. These aircraft are equipped with Soviet-designed UPAZs pods and refuelling kits on Mirage-III Rose-I of South African origin. In the first phase, PAF announced that 30 Mirage-III Rose-I will be upgraded with in-flight refuelling probes and this too, is being done at PAC Kamra.

The IL-78s will help train Pakistani crew in mid-air refuelling techniques and once operational, will be used to refuel the Mirage-III, eventually JF-17 Thunder and Fc-20 fighter jets.These IL-78 Midas mid-air refuelling aircraft will allow PAF to increase the range and endurance of its fighter aircraft. The capability will also allowPakistan to hit targets deep inside enemy territory by refuelling fighter aircraft during flight. An official said that air-to-air refuelling will enhance PAF capability in military warfare allowing its aircraft long ranges. The first air to air refuelling aircraft joined the force in mid of December 2009. PAF is using IL-78 aircraft that it procured from Ukraine for refuelling purposes and immediately installed refuelling kits to save cost. It has been learnt that PAF operates around 45 F-16A/B that are being upgraded to F-16AM/BM along with 17 new F-16C/D Block 52. So far, PAF has not shown any interest in new conformal air refuel tank system for F-16s to make them capable of taking fuel from IL-78 as its old F-16A/B can not carry conformal fuel tanks.

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) To Develop New Indigenous Modernization Kits and Mission Computers For F-16s

Turkey’s military aircraft giant Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is set to develop new indigenous modernization kits and mission computers.
Upgrades will be applicable to all the F-16 Block 40 fighters of the Peace Onyx III and Block 50 fighters of the Peace Onyx IV programs, as well as the Block 30s that were acquired earlier. TAI plans to market the upgrades for export to other countries.

Previous news about TAI and Aselsan’s joint attempts to produce indigenous mission computers have been clarified by TAI insiders. Latest reports indicate that the companies have finalized their technical consultations with the MOD and industrial suppliers as of the end of January and the project has been given green light in order to equip Turkey’s vast fleet of F-16s with newly developed indigenous sensors and weapons such as Aselpod navigation and targeting system, various missiles and high-precision munitions produced and/or currently under development in Turkey.

 Project aims to upgrade all of Turkish Air Force (TurAF) F-16s with indigenous mission computers, software and avionics in order to pave the way for the installation of an Aselsan-developed AESA radar by 2015.
Hardware for the avionics upgrade will be exclusively manufactured by Aselsan, while TAI will tackle the development of millions of lines of highly specialized software. Upgrades will be performed by the same team that performed C-130 modernization and software team mostly consists of experienced engineers who have worked on the Anka UAV development program. Upgraded aircraft will look somewhat similar to existing Peace Onyx exterior configurations, except with specific EW-E/O sensor additions and pylons capable of launching ’Made in Turkey’ guided munitions.

Integration of indigenous systems on aircraft of Lockheed Martin origin is known to be a difficult undertaking. TAI and Aselsan’s take on the project and F-16s “nationalization” at the Block 50 level is expected to offer Turkey a wide window of export and ‘transfer of technology’ (TOT) opportunities thanks to the F-16s widespread popularity around the world.
Turkey will be able to sell these countries comprehensive modernization packages like the CCIP, individual sensors and weapon systems like targeting pods and missiles, as well as “nationalization” opportunities with direct TOT.
Turkey’s ‘special status’ with the F-16 comes from its existing place among the world’s top three users of the aircraft, previous manufacturing and export experience with the Falcon (to Egypt), as well as Turkey’s long-standing partnership and commitment in the F-35 JSF program.
Some Turkish defence analysts suggest that Turkey’s newfound ability to nationalize the F-16 is simply a means for compensating the country for not being given F-35 source codes, despite the longstanding NATO member’s commitment for an initial batch of over 100 F-35s.

India's Nirbhay Subsonic Cruise Missile Will Make Its First Flight During 2012

India's Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile will make its first flight during 2012,
with systems integration work under way, says Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) chief V K Saraswat.

To be fired eventually from a variety of land, naval and air platforms, the
Nirbhay is planned as a supplement to the larger Indian/Russian BrahMos
supersonic cruise missile.

With a planned launch weight of around 1,000kg (2,200lb), the Nirbhay will use aterrain-following navigation system to reach its
target at distances up to 1,000km (540nm).

Theweapon will carry multiple warheads, according to

list of countries having icbm

Soviet Union / Russia

Specific types of Soviet ICBMs include:

Active

• R-36 SS-9 Scarp
• R-36M2 Voevoda / SS-18 Satan
• UR-100N 15A30 / SS-19 Stiletto
• RT-2PM Topol / 15Zh58 / SS-25 Sickle
• RT-2UTTKh Topol M / SS-27 / RS12M1 / RS12M2 / RT2PM2
• RS-24: MIRV-equipped.
• R-29R SS-N-18 Stingray
• R-29RK SS-N-18 Stingray Mod 2
• R-29RL MIRV-equipped/SS-N-18 Stingray Mod 3
• R-29RM MIRV-equipped/SS-N-23 Skiff
• R-29RMU Sineva MIRV-equipped/SS-N-23 Sineva mode 2
• R-29RMU2 MIRV-equipped/SS-N-23 Liner
• RSM-56 Bulava MIRV-equipped/SS-NX-30 Expected to enter service in 2012.

Inactive

• R-7 Semyorka / 8K71 / SS-6 Sapwood: Rocket first used to launch Sputnik 1 in October 1957. Derivatives are still in use today, primarily as the launcher for manned Soyuz and Progress spacecraft launches to the International Space Station
• R-16 SS-7 Saddler
• R-9 Desna / SS-8 Sasin
• UR-100 8K84 / SS-11 Sego
• RT-2 8K98 / SS-13 Savage
• MR-UR-100 Sotka / 15A15/ SS-17 Spanker
• RT-23 Molodets / SS-24 Scalpel
• R-13 SS-N-4 Sark
• R-21 SS-N-5 Serb
• RS-16 SS-N-17 Snipe
• R-27 Zyb SS-N-6 Serb
• R-29 SS-N-8 Sawfly
• R-29D SS-N-8 Sawfly Mod 2
• R-39 Rif SS-N-20 Sturgeon

United States

Active

• Minuteman III (LGM-30G): launched from silo—as of May 2009, there are 450 Minuteman III missiles in active inventory
• Trident (UGM-93A/B) SLBM: Trident II (D5) was first deployed in 1990 and is planned to be deployed past 2020 (11,300 kilometres (7,000 mi) range).

Inactive

• Atlas (SM-65, CGM-16): Former ICBM launched from silo, the rocket was modified and used in 1962-1963 for four manned Mercury-Atlas flights, and was used, along with the Agena or Centaur upper stages, as a medium-lift satellite and interplanetary probe launcher for NASA and the USAF. Original design, with "balloon tanks" and "1.5 staging," has since been retired and replaced with the Atlas V, which has an internal structure similar to the Titan ICBM, but using conventional propellants.
• Titan I (SM-68, HGM-25A): Based in underground launch complexes. Used LOX/RP-1 propellants like Atlas, but stored in conventional tanks.
• Titan II (SM-68B, LGM-25C): Former hypergolic-fueled ICBM launched from silo, the rocket was used in 1965-1966 for ten manned Gemini flights and its two-stage core was modified into the heavy-lifting Titan III and Titan IV rockets. All Titan II, III, and IV models have since been retired.
• Minuteman I (SM-80, LGM-30A/B, HSM-80)
• Minuteman II (LGM-30F)
• LGM-118 Peacekeeper / MX (LGM-118A): silo-based, with rail basing tested; decommissioned in May 2006
• Midgetman: road mobile launcher; has never been operational, cancelled in 1992

People's Republic of China

DF (Dong Feng or East Wind) are land-based ICBMs.

DF-4 (CSS-3):	1975, silo-based, 5,500-7,000 km
DF-5 and 5A (CSS-4):	silo based, (1981) 13,000- (1983) 15,000 km
DF-31 (CSS-9):	2006, road mobile, 7,250-8,000 km range.
DF-31A:	2007, road-mobile, 11,270 km, MIRV - 3
DF-41 (CSS-X-10):	2010, road-mobile, 10,000-12,000 km,MIRV - upto 10

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom only deploys United States constructed submarine launched ICBMs. The UK contributes towards the development of the U.S. constructed missiles which it uses and develops its own warheads.

• Trident II (D5): SLBM currently used by the Royal Navy and planned to be deployed until the 2050s.

France

France only deploys submarine launched ICBMs, with all land based ones decommissioned

• M45: In service.
• M51.1: In service.
• M51.2: Expected to enter service in 2015.

India

• Agni-V: Tested in 2012 it is a road and rail mobile missile with a range of 5,500-5,800 km.and is expected to enter service in 2014-15
• Agni-VI: (6,000-10,000 km) [Speculated]
• Surya: (10,000-16,000 km) [Speculated]

Under Development

North Korea

North Korea currently does not have any ICBM in its inventory.

• Taepodong-2 (4,000–6,700 km range)

Suspect States

Israel

• Jericho III is a road mobile ICBM which entered service in 2008 believed to carry nuclear warheads. The Jericho III is believed to be a three-stage solid propellant missile with a payload of 1,000 to 1,300 kg. It is possible for the missile to be equipped with a single 750 kg nuclear warhead or MIRV warheads. It has an estimated launch weight of 30,000 kg and a length of 15.5 m with a width of 1.56 m. It may be similar to an upgraded and re-designed Shavit satellite launch vehicle, produced by Israel Aerospace Industries with longer first and second-stage motors. It is estimated that it has a range of 4,800 to 11,500 km (2,982 to 7,180 miles).In November 2011, Israel successfully test fired an ICBM believed to be an upgraded version of the Jericho III.

WHY JANUARY 15 AS ARMY DAY

Several nations of the world hold an annual Armed Forces Day to recognize, venerate, and honor their military forces.After a successful political campaign based on a very unique and distinctive methodology called “ahimsa” or non-violence India threw off the colonial yoke and set in motion the decline and demise of the British Empire. For a young nation with no colonial ambitions, and, therefore, no militaristic traditions, she inherited a very young military hierarchy as yet untested with the higher direction of warfare but confronted almost immediately on the attainment of Independence with an invasion in Jammu and Kashmir intended to undermine the principles of Accession enshrined in the Independence Act by which Pakistan was created.

 As a consequence of this circumstance British officers continued to preside over the top military posts in both countries leaving behind a legacy that has continued to haunt both nascent countries to this day. Five months after the UN mandated ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir the Government of India replaced the last British Commander-in-Chief in India Gen F R R Bucher with the first Indian to have been selected in the first batch for training for the Kings Commissioned Indian Officer (KCIO) at the UK Imperial War College. K. M. Cariappa held the rank of Lt General and the post of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, and he planned the recapture of the Zojila Pass and Dras and Kargil which enabled the Indian Army to push the Pakistani invaders back. A biography describes his role as being instrumental in turning an Imperial Army into a National Army. That is why the date of his appointment — 15 January 1949 — is celebrated as Army Day.

Pakistan rejects Afghan claims on airspace violation

Pakistani officials have refused the report made by the Afghan commanders which claims that the Pakistan Air Force has imposed an attack on a district in Nangarhar thus violating the Afghan airspace.

An anonymous senior official stated that such moves which are focusing on upsetting the understandings between Pakistan and Afghanistan will have serious consequences on the regional developments.

The Pakistani Consul General in Jalalabad, Muhammad Taufeeq also rejected the charges that a Pakistani aircraft has violated Afghan airspace or hit any civilian target. By his words, only one Pakistani helicopter has landed in the Anargi area in order to observe a border post.

A local Afghan commander responded that a couple of houses were damaged by the mysterious attack and that their country is capable of retaliation, however, high-ranking officials have ordered them not to respond to the attack.

According to Afghan commander, Brig. Gen. Aminullah Amarkhel the Pakistani forces have launched an attack on border police posts thus hitting two checkpoints in the Anargi area. On the other hand according to Pakistani officials, NATO-backed troops had attacked Pakistani side and this resulted in the death of one and injuries on three others.

United States has often criticized Pakistan on not doing much, while Pakistan has suffered the most losses in the war on terror.

Northern Fleet celebrated 70th anniversary of legendary K-21 sub

On Feb 3 Northern Fleet (NF) celebrated a 70th anniversary of the flag-hoisting ceremony on the legendary submarine K-21 which currently stays in central square of Severomorsk being a branch of NF Naval Museum. 

The submarine K-21 was built in Leningrad, arrived to Northern Fleet in Oct 1941 via White Sea Canal and started combat patrols at once. During the Second World War the sub conducted 12 patrols and won 17 naval encounters. Hero of the Soviet Union Capt 2 rank Nikolai Lunin made a great contribution to the sub's battle history. Under his command K-21 carried daring attack and torpedoed German battleship Tirpitz on July 1942; those actions disrupted Germany's plans to destroy convoy PQ-17. 

In Oct 1942 the crew of K-21 was awarded with the Order of Wartime Red Banner for excellent accomplishment of combat mission, and the courage and bravery displayed. 

In post-war years the legendary "Katiusha" continued service as a training sub, helping submariners to acquire damage control skills. 

In 1981 NF Military Council decided to memorialize K-21 submarine in honor of submariners lost in the World War II. 

In 1983 on the eve of Northern Fleet's 50th anniversary the Red Banner submarine K-21 took her place at Courage Square in Severomorsk as a memorial and a museum. Over half a million visitors have boarded the museum sub since its opening. 

Solemn activities related to the sub's 70th anniversary were conducted on Thursday at the central square of Severomorsk. Among attendants were NF Commander Admiral Nikolai Maksimov, representatives of Severomorsk administration and Murmansk regional government, servicemen of NF surface ship squadrons and naval cadets. 

Admiral Maksimov pointed out the significance of Ê-21 museum for patriotic education of NF mariners, and congratulated veterans of the Navy and museum staff on the jubilee. 

"While visiting K-21 museum, current generation of naval servicemen and their future shift – today's schoolchildren – penetrate into heroic past, have a lesson of patriotism, feel proud of their grandfathers who won the Great Victory in the most murderous war", said the commander. 

The meeting finished with wreath-laying ceremony. NF servicemen and cadets paraded on the central square.

India is 10-15 years Behind China in Missile Technology: China

A Communist Party-backed Chinese newspaper has quickly refuted a top Indian scientist’s claims that India’s ballistic missile defence technology is superior to that of China. India is 10-15 years behind China in missile technology, Chinese Rear Admiral Zhang Zhaozhong was quoted saying on the Global Times front page on Friday.The report was prominently reproduced across the Chinese media. “India’s technology for its measurement and control system, which is used to trace launched missiles, remains at a very low level, and they are unable to constitute a complete and reliable missile defense system,” Zhang said.He was reacting to claims of India’s superior missile technology by V K Saraswat, who heads the Defence Research and Development Organisation .......

New 3G Communications System Demonstrates Ability to Stream Video

Lockheed Martin recently demonstrated the integration of the MONAX 3G wireless communications system with an aerostat platform demonstrating the ability to deliver real-time video and data directly to soldiers on the ground.
The MONAX communications system connects a commercial off the shelf (COTS) smartphone to a ground or airborne MONAX XG Base Station through a small, portable, battery powered MONAX Lynx user device, enabling the warfighter's use of a single, convenient, touch screen COTS smartphone for mission success at "the first tactical mile."
The system is frequency flexible, connects hundreds of users to a single base station, and delivers superior range and link performance in voice, video and data transmission. The network uses a secure RF link, protected through exportable encryption for joint and coalition operations.
The integration demonstrated MONAX's ability to provide coverage over a substantial network area of more than 3,800 kilometers2 (70-kilometer cell diameter) with just one base station. During the testing, MONAX streamed real time video from the aerostat camera to COTS smartphones within the coverage area.
"The successful integration of these systems is a major step in the field readiness of MONAX to begin providing essential mission information and situational awareness to warfighters," said Macy Summers, Vice President of Advanced Programs and Ventures, for Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Solutions-Defense.
"Dismounted solders at the platoon and squad levels can now have access to an affordable private network that delivers the wide capabilities of smartphone technology."
"We were able to keep the system footprint small in terms of size, weight and power," Summers said.
"The MONAX equipment aboard the aerostat, which includes an antennae and radio frequency to fiber converter, weighs approximately 90 pounds and is connected to the base station on the ground through fiber optic cable embedded in the aerostat's tether."
MONAX products are available on the General Services Administration schedule purchasing vehicle and directly from Lockheed Martin.

Russia Says Foreign Power Behind The Loss Of Country's Most Modern Military Satellite Geo-IK-2

  The Russian Space Agency Says On Monday that a Foreign Power behind the space accident that disabled one of the country's most modern military satellites earlier this month.

Russia on February 1 launched a high-tech Geo-IK-2 craft to help the military draw a three-dimensional map of the Earth and locate the precise positions of various targets.

News reports said the satellite was a vital part of Russia's effort to match the United States and NATO's ability to target its missiles from space.

 But the craft briefly went missing after its launch only to re-emerge in a wrong orbit that left the craft unable to complete its assigned task.

The Russian military and space agency set up a joint task force to probe the accident but it has presented no official results thus far.

One unnamed space official told Interfax however that initial evidence suggested that the craft went off target after one of its booster rockets inexplicably reversed course.

"The probable cause may involve electromagnetic intrusion on the automatic controls," the unnamed space official said.

The official did not identify the country he suspected of trying to derail the Russian military mission. But Moscow frequently accuses Washington of attempting to "militarise" space.

The space official conceded that there may have been other reasons for the launch failure. These included the wrong operations being programmed into the guidance system and other software mistakes.

But the Russian source stressed that the accident occurred between the first and second burns of the Briz-KM upper-stage booster rocket -- an area in which the craft makes no contact with ground control.
The official suggested that the electromagnetic pulse may have been aimed at the Russian craft "from a land, sea, air or space vehicle."

The Geo-IK-2 mishap came less than five weeks after President Dmitry Medvedev fired two top space officials for a launch failure caused Russia to delay the deployment of its own navigation system.

Investigators said that accident was caused by a basic fuel miscalculation that made the craft too heavy to reach its required height.

JF-17 Program Continues to Grow

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Yousaf Raza Gilani extended the government’s complete support of the JF-17 Thunder aircraft program. PM said this project has proven to be a great positive in the Pak-China relationship.“This is the project that can become a true flagship of the historic cooperation and strengthen the relationship between our two countries”. These were the words of Gilani as he addressed a gathering of Chinese and Pakistani technicians during his visitation to the JF-17 manufacturing facility at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.

 He also expressed his satisfaction and pride of the successful progress of the JF-17 program and the fact that it is constantly completing milestones. The JF-17 project is definitely one of the biggest joint project going on between Pakistan and its strategic partner – China. Both governments expect that such cooperation will strengthen their time-tested relationship. Gilani said that every Pakistani is cherishing the help which China provides to the JF-17 program and a couple of other project. PM believes this project will write another glorious chapter in the history of the cooperation between the two countries.

Gilani wasn’t the only official visiting the factory, other names there were General Khalid Shameem Wynne, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force were also visitors of the factory. They had the opportunity to witness the amazing progress which the JF=17 aircraft manufacturing program has achieved.

The JF-17 project is one of the most ambitious Pakistani programs and it has successfully complete many milestones. Thanks to this program, Pakistan can now proudly stand amongst the group of countries which manufacture modern combat aircraft.

Pakistani Shaheen-I Missile

In July 1997 Pakistan allegedly test-fired an 800 km missile. The Pakistani Government acknowledged that a missile had been tested, but did not identify its range. Indian sources assert the missile was a Chinese M-9. American analysts, however, have concluded that the missile was possibly an improved M-11. Very little information is available on this alleged launch, and considerable confusion extends to the Pakistani nomeclature for this missile.

In early June 1998 a leading Pakistani scientist Dr. Samar Mubarik Mund, director General of the National Development complex, stated that Pakistan was prepared to test fire the medium range Shaheen-I (Eagle) missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads up to 700 kilometers.

The Shaheen I is a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) with an optimal range of 750 km propelled by a single stage solid fuel rocket motor. The Shaheen I can deliver either a conventional or a nuclear payload much faster than liquid fuelled missiles such as the Ghauri because it does not need to be fuelled before launch, reducing deployment time significantly.
The Shaheen I is believed to be very accurate; Pakistani military sources state a CEP of 25 to 50 m can be achieved, partly due to a "post-separation attitude correction system." This system would allow the missile to modify its trajectory, improving accuracy and, along with the stealthy warhead shaping, giving some capability to evade missile defence systems. It is based on terminal guidance system technology, which improves warhead accuracy by firing small thrusters to adjust the warhead's trajectory and uses satellite navigation systems to help find the target. Such systems would allow the Shaheen to be used against strategic targets without requiring a nuclear warhead to ensure the target's destruction.

India Radar Systems And their Detail

Rajendra Radar

The Rajendra Multi-Function Phased Array radar system, designed at the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), part of DRDO, is currently in production at Bharat Electronics Limited. This is named after India's First president Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

The LRDE is working on the Rajendra III radar for the Indian Army.[1] Rajendra III is a slewable phased array radar based on the T-72 chassis. As of 2007, the BLR-III vehicle on T-72 chasis was ready for a track test. The Phased array antenna is fabricated at Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad. Collimated beam pattern and s/s cure for all 16 spot frequencies has been taken.

Current orders for the Rajendra and its derivatives are at least 32 units, considering the order for 2 Squadrons of the Akash system by the Indian Air force and the indent for 28 Weapon Locating Radars by the Indian Army.

 

 

INDRA Radar:

The Indian Doppler Radar (INDRA) series of 2D radars were developed by India's DRDO for the Army and Air Force. The INDRA-I is a is a mobile surveillance radar for low level target detection while the INDRA-II is for ground controlled interception of targets.

INDRA-I is a 2D mobile surveillance radar for low level target detection. The radar is housed in two wheeled vehicles. Some of the main features are automated Track While Scan (TWS), integrated IFF and high scan rate for high speed target detection. The radar is produced by Bharat Electronics Limited and inducted into service. The INDRA-I was a landmark project for the DRDO, as it was the first large radar system designed by the organization and produced in number for the defence forces. The Indian Air Force operates thirty INDRA-I's whereas the Indian Army also has several.

 

 

 

Rohini Radar

The Central Acquisition Radar (3D-CAR) is a 3D radar developed by DRDO for use with Akash SAM. The 3D CAR was developed as part of a program between DRDO and Poland's PIT to develop a family of mobile, S-Band 3D radars.

The areas of cooperation were in developing the Planar Array and general architecture. The Indian variant is the 3D CAR, a medium range surveillance radar for Akash at Group level, intended to provide high mobility and comprehensive high and low level coverage. The Polish versions, are the TRS series of S Band mobile radars such as the TRS-17 and TRS-19. The original Indian (3D CAR) and Polish (TRS 17) radars shared the basic architecture and antenna but differed in terms of purpose designed transmitter/receivers, and signal processing equipment. The TRS series for instance can track 120 targets, while the Indian radar tracks 150.

 

 

 

GS 100:

French defense avionics company Thales and Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) have announced a deal for supply of 19 Ground Smarter GS-100 low level portable radars to the Indian Air Force.

India initiated procurement of low level radar systems for the IAF in 2003.

Finalization of the contract was announced during the 2009 Dubai Air Show.

"This contract reinforces our position in the Indian region as a major supplier of air defense radars," said Richard Deakin, Thales senior vice president and head of the air systems division. "BEL is a leading supplier of defense electronics systems and subsystems and plays a leading role in a number of major Indian defense programs."

Under the TOT deal, Thales will build the initial six radars at its Limours facility, southwest of Paris. BEL will build the remaining 13 radars in India.

Details of the project and GS-100 capabilities are listed at my knol Thales Ground Smarter GS-100 radars for IAF.

Indian Army : Weapon Locating Radars:

The BEL Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) is a mobile artillery locating Phased array radar developed by India. This counter-battery radar is designed to detect and track incoming artillery and rocket fire to determine the point of origin for Counter-battery fire.

The WLR has been jointly developed by DRDO's Bangalore based laboratory, LRDE and the Government owned Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The sub-systems have been fabricated by BEL based on the DRDO designs and delivered to LRDE for integration.

 

 

Aerostat Radar:

India has recently acquired Aerostat radars. The entire system is divided in major parts. Firstly, the aerostat balloon which has been acquired from Israel and second part is the payload on board the balloon which consists, advanced programmable radar (APR), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Communication Intelligence (COMINT) and V/UHF radio telephony equipment and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF). It has the capability to be integrated with AWACS and ground air defence environment and funtion as a command and control centre. Depending upon the payload the theethered balloon can be raised to the height between 10000 feet to 16000 feet.

The system gives a seamless radar cover of 300 km plus at low level along with good RT range and requisite ELINT. The system could be termed as static AWACS. Off course it comes with some vulnerabilities and limitations, like weather, wind speeds, lightning & thunder, launch & recovery periods are vulnerabilities. Its virtues also make it a prime target for enemy therfore it needs to be protected by exclusive air defence weapons. But we hope that the advantages of such system would outlast the limitations.

 

 Swordfish Radar:

Swordfish is an acknowledged derivative of the Israeli Green Pine long range radar, which is the critical component of that country's Arrow missile defence system. [1] However, it differs from the Israeli system as it employs Indian Transmit Receive modules, signal processing, computers and power supplies. It is also more powerful than the base Green Pine system and was developed to meet India's specific BMD needs.

 

 

GreenPine Radar

India had acquired and deployed two Green Pine radars around July 2002 and another one in August 2005. The Swordfish Long Range Tracking Radar of the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation is an acknowledged derivative of the original Green Pine.

The Indian government has sought to purchase the complete Arrow system since 1999,[3] but in early 2002 the U.S. vetoed Israel's request to sell the Arrow 2 missiles to India,[4][33] exercising its right as a major funding contributor.[35] U.S. officials argued that the sale would violate the Missile Technology Control Regime.

Swordfish is an Indian Long range tracking radar specifically developed to counter ballistic missile threat. It will be a part of India's ballistic missile program. First testing of this radar was in March 2009. Main aim of the test was to validate the capabilities of the indigenously developed Swordfish Long Range Tracking Radar (LRTR). "The missile to be hit will be fired from a longer distance than it was in the earlier test. DRDO tested whether the radar could track the incoming missile from that distance or not" said a member of the project.