IAF May Get 6 Sea Planes

In a bid to boost security around the strategic tri-services Andaman and Nicobar Command and ensure adequate surveillance over the island chain, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is considering acquisition of about six amphibious sea planes that can operate from sea.

“Acquisition of amphibious sea-planes is being considered since these have a much longer range than helicopters which need helipads to land on. The sea planes will be used to move personnel to any of the islands in the chain, many of which are uninhabited. Sea-planes will also perform the task of surveillance,” explained a source.

Most of the islands in the chain are rocky and considered unsuitable for building of helipads on these. Proposed acquisition of the sea planes could come at a cost of over Rs 200 crores.

Following the Mumbai terror attacks, the threat perception of terrorists using the sea route has increased enormously. Further, the government is also anxious to ensure that no terror group is able to operate from and take over any of the uninhabited islands that form part of Indian territory.

Acquisition of amphibious sea planes by the IAF will also boost India’s maritime power and will augment the proposed growth in the aircraft and fleet strength of the Indian Navy which is hoping to acquire more indigenous aircraft carriers and naval fighter aircraft MiG-29 K apart from submarines with air independent propulsion (AIP) and stealth frigates that will be built at Indian shipyards.

In fact, experts at a government conference held last year in the Andamans had called for the establishment of a nuclear power station in one of the islands in the chain and also bases from where aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines could operate.

Experts believe that the tri-services Andaman and Nicobar Command will have an increased significance in the next decade, considering the strategic location of the island.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are geographically located closer to Southeast Asia than even the Indian mainland and give India a strategic presence in the Southeast Asian region.

Top LCA-Navy Team In Russia For Talks

A high-level naval delegation from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) – the government makers of India’s much-anticipated Light Combat Aircraft (LCA-Navy) – is currently in Russia for contract negotiations and issues related to the program’s shore-based test facility (SBTF).

A senior official from the Defense Research & Development Organization (DRDO) told AVIATION WEEK that the team is being lead by Satish Babu, the financial advisor to DRDO chief V.K. Saraswat, who is also ADA’s director general. LCA Navy Program Director C.D. Balaji is also on the ADA team.

“The team is currently holding contract negotiations with Russia’s Rosoboronesport. The talks are mainly revolving around SBTF, that’s coming up at the Naval Air Station, Goa, to flight-test LCA naval variants,” the official said.

A naval prototype of LCA-Navy was officially rolled out by Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony on July 6. The SBTF would be the Indian Navy’s first such facility.

“Building the SBTF in Goa is a huge technological challenge for ADA and the Indian Navy, and Russian help is critical. It will have to be an exact ship-on-the-shore facility based on India’s Indigenous Aircraft Carrier being built at Cochin Shipyard,” the official said. “The measurements are the same as IAC and it must have all equipment to simulate an aircraft carrier with ski-jump and arrested recovery. Hence, the current project review being undertaken with the Russians is crucial in many ways.”

The SBTF is critical to the program because ADA will be conducting carrier suitability tests for LCA-Navy in Goa after the initial flight trials for the current two prototypes are completed in Bengaluru. ADA hopes to have the ramp for the takeoff area ready by the end of 2011 and the landing area completed by 2012. A full-fledged telemetry unit is also being constructed in Goa as part of SBTF.

IAF bought Defective choppers for 182cr

Even as it expressed serious concern at the alarming shortfalls in aging helicopter and aircraft fleets of Navy and IAF, the CAG has blasted the defence ministry for procuring six defective and phased-out UH-3H helicopters from the US for Rs 182.14 crore.

The six helicopters were manufactured in January 1961-July 1965 and were decommissioned by the US Navy in 2005 itself.

"Audit examination revealed the helicopters procured were life-expired and had many defects which would ultimately compromise operational effectiveness," said CAG.

The helicopters were bought from the US government under the ‘‘foreign military sales’’ programme, which is a direct government-to-government deal without any multi-vendor competition.

The helicopters were acquired to operate from the second-hand amphibious transport warship USS Trenton, rechristened INS Jalashwa by the Navy, also purchased from the US in 2006.

The latest CAG report, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, said, "Considering the vintage of the helicopters and the obsolescence of spares, maintenance of the six refurbished helicopters by Indian Navy would be a challenging task. In fact, one helicopter has already been cannibalised to ensure serviceability of the other five helicopters."

The CAG report said the helicopters were bought in "as is where is" condition with‘‘no guarantee of supportability and replacement of defective rotables due to obsolescence’’.

Moreover, the helicopters are devoid of any type of weather/surface surveillance radar, which is the most important sensor of a utility helicopter during its "search-and-rescue" operations.

Russian firm offers to reduce operational cost and accident rate in IAF

A leading Russian manufacturer is ready to share with India sophisticated technology for building flight simulators to train military pilots. Their use would help to reduce operational cost and the accident rate in the Indian Air Force.

“We are willing to set up a joint venture in India to produce full flight and other simulators,” said Dmitry Tretyakov, CEO of the Transas group, which produces navigation systems (marine and aviation) and training simulators. The IAF is the fourth-largest in the world, yet it is just beginning to use full flight simulators, which have long become a must in civil aviation. The same is true for Russia, with which the IAF has sourced four-fifths of its aircraft. Transas helps to fill the gap.

The company has supplied helicopter simulators for several pilot training centres in Russia. It has built a full motion simulator complex for Venezuela to operate Mikoyan Mi-17 military transport helicopters it recently purchased from Russia.

India has a large fleet of Mikoyan helicopters, and four years ago, signed a new contract to buy 80 Mi-17IV helicopters.

Aviation simulators help to slash cost on pilot training and save aircraft and lives. “If India had motion-based pilot training simulators it wouldn't have had such a high rate of accidents with its MiG-21 fighters,” said Mr. Tretyakov.The IAF has lost about 300 MiG-21 interceptor planes — around a third of the entire fleet — over the past four decades, many of which were caused by pilot error. New contracts for the purchase of Russia-built warplanes, such as MiG-29K jets, to be deployed on the Vikramaditya aircraft carrier, include the supply of simulators. The Transas offer will enable India to join an elite countries capable of manufacturing top-notch full motion flight simulators.

The Transas chief says India's computer programming strength makes it an ideal partner for building flight simulators, as software is a critical component of such trainers. “We are aware that once India musters the simulator-building technology they won't need us anymore, but our partnership will be a force-multiplier for both sides.”

Royal Navy's Most Advanced Destroyer Sets Course into Service

While appearing at Portsmouth Navy Days the first of the Royal Navy's new Type 45 Class destroyers, HMS Daring, was declared formally available for tasking on Saturday 31 July 2010.

HMS Daring was commissioned into the Royal Navy fleet in July 2009. Since then the ship has been undertaking a series of MoD-managed trials and acceptance activities to test and confirm the ship's technical capability and ensure that it is ready to join the Royal Navy as a front line warship.

This period has included Daring's crew undertaking rigorous basic operational sea training and the Type 45 making its first overseas visit, to Ireland.

Now, the 7,500-tonne ship can officially begin to play a key role in various operations around the world.

HMS Daring's ability to operate a range of helicopters from its flight deck and embark up to 60 troops, in addition to the ship's own company, make the warship a versatile Royal Naval asset, able to support land forces and carry out humanitarian missions.
Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff, said:

"The first in-service date for the Type 45 Class is a significant achievement for both the programme and the Royal Navy. It represents the first step towards delivering the fleet of the future.

"Along with her five sister ships, Daring will set new standards in air defence and will demonstrate her wider ability across the future challenges faced by the Armed Forces. I have no doubt that Daring will provide sterling service throughout its life."
Captain Paddy McAlpine, Daring's Commanding Officer, said:

"Daring represents a step change for the Royal Navy. Her technology and design make her an easy ship to fight with and my ability to control the airspace around the task force is unsurpassed.

"My ship's company and I are proud and privileged to serve in this truly magnificent ship, forging the way for the class. The potential that I have witnessed to date promises that this capability is set to become the cornerstone of the future Royal Navy."
Head of the Type 45 programme, Commodore Steve Brunton, said:

"This milestone is the culmination of a huge amount of hard work over five years of construction, and another two years of trials and development, by 4,000 workers at the Clyde and Portsmouth shipyards, many more at suppliers across the UK, and staff at MOD and in the Royal Navy.

"The strong relationship between MOD, industry and the Royal Navy has been critical to achieving today's success."

HMS Daring was in Portsmouth at the weekend as part of Navy Days, the Royal Navy's annual event that gives the public the chance to meet the people and the ships of the modern Navy.

More than 25,000 visitors flocked to Portsmouth Naval Base for the three-day event which ended on Sunday 1 August.

HMS Daring and sister vessel Dauntless opened their doors to the public along with six other ships, including 'floating hospital' Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Argus, fresh from a recent refit.

Historic ships HMS Victory and HMS Warrior also proved a big draw, as did a BAE Systems exhibition featuring the company's current shipbuilding projects, including the two Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, and a glimpse of the future, the Type 26 combat ship, which is expected to enter service in the early 2020s and will replace the Navy's current fleet of Type 22 and 23 frigates.

Commodore Rob Thompson, Naval Base Commander, said:

"Navy Days was a huge success. The mainly dry and warm weather played a part but a big draw was seeing the Royal Navy's ships and personnel at close hand.

"The event proved an exciting opportunity to show the general public the wide role of the Royal Navy and what its men and women are up to across the globe - from taking the fight to the Taliban in Afghanistan to countering pirates in the Gulf of Aden."

HMS Daring is due to undergo further operational training and capability development in preparation for her first operational deployment, planned for 2011.

Oman Wants 18 Additional F-16s for $3.5 Billion

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Oman of 18 F-16 Block 50/52 aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $3.5 Billion.

The Government of Oman has requested a possible sale of 18 F-16 Block 50/52 aircraft, 20 F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 Increased Performance Engines, 36 LAU- 129/A Common Rail Launchers, 24 APG-68(V)9 radar sets, 20 M61 20mm Vulcan Cannons, 22 AN/ARC-238 Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems with HAVE QUICK I/II, 40 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems, 36 LAU-117 MAVERICK Launchers, 22 ALQ-211 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites (AIDEWS) or Advanced Countermeasures Electronic Systems (ACES) (ACES includes the ALQ-187 Electronic Warfare System and AN/ALR-93 Radar Warning Receiver), Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) Systems with Mode IV, 34 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Embedded-GPS/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), 18 AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER Targeting Pods or similarly capable system, 4 DB-110 Reconnaissance Pods (RECCE), 22 AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing Systems (CMDS), and 35 ALE-50 Towed Decoys.

Also included is the upgrade of the existing 12 F-16 Block 50/52 aircraft(Emphasis added—Ed.), site survey, support equipment, tanker support, ferry services, Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD), conformal fuel tanks, construction, modification kits, repair and return, modification kits, spares and repair parts, construction, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, ground based flight simulator, and other related elements of logistics support.

The estimated cost is $3.5 billion.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The proposed sale will provide a significant increase in the Royal Air Force of Oman’s (RAFO) capability to train with U.S. and coalition forces and augment coalition forces in a regional conflict. The F-16 Block 50/52 will enable Oman to support both its own air defense needs and coalition operations. Oman currently has 12 F-16s in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing these additional aircraft into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

China Launches More Large-Scale Military Exercises

China launched large-scale air defense exercises on Aug. 3 - the latest in a series of drills carried out amid U.S. concerns about Beijing's increasing military assertiveness.

More than 10,000 defense personnel and seven different types of military aircraft are taking part in the drills in the eastern province of Shandong and the central province of Henan, the official China News Service said.

The exercises, codenamed "Vanguard 2010," will involve emergency evacuation, war planning, and reconnaissance and early warning, the report said. They are slated to last five days.

The exercises - aimed at ensuring preparedness for the defense of Beijing in a potential air raid - will include one live-fire drill and will take place in real-time war conditions without any previous rehearsal, according to the report.

The exercises come hot on the heels of large naval and air drills held on China's southeast coast last week, just as South Korea and the U.S. conducted their own naval exercises in the region, opposed by Beijing.

A large group of submarines and warships from the People's Liberation Army Navy fired guided missiles in the South China Sea and tested anti-missile air defense systems.

The U.S. and China's neighbors have expressed concerns about what is perceived as Beijing's increasing military assertiveness.

In recent years Beijing has poured money into its People's Liberation Army, with a string of big-budget increases that have funded the development of a host of advanced missiles, jet fighters and other weaponry.

Adm. Mike Mullen, the top U.S. military officer, said in July that China's military had made "a fairly significant investment in high-end equipment" including satellites, aircraft and anti-ship missiles.

He called the move a "strategic shift, where they are moving from a focus on their ground forces to focus on their navy, and their maritime forces and their air force," adding he was "concerned."

China has also become increasingly vocal about territorial claims such as those in the South China Sea and over Taiwan, which it views as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.

U.S. officials worry that Beijing's more assertive stance in the Pacific Ocean could undercut America's long-dominant naval power in Asia.

China maintains that its army build-up is purely for national defense and poses no threat to other countries.

Russian, US to conduct first joint defence exercise‎

Russian and US Air Forces will conduct their first-ever joint training exercise, nicknamed “Vigilant Eagle”, from August 8-11.

The cooperative actions of combat units dealing with acts of terrorism aboard civilian jets and hijackings will be simulated, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and Russian officials have said.

In what is seen as a step forward in cooperative efforts to combat terrorism, Air Force personnel will operate from command centers in Russia and the US. According to the scenario, Russian and US fighter jets will shadow commercial flights “hijacked by terrorists,” NORAD, the bi-national US and Canadian command, said.

One flight starts from Alaska and heads toward the Far East, while another is an Alaska-bound flight taking off from the Far East. The fighter aircraft will have to establish the situation and follow the aircraft.

The exercise will focus on the cooperative hand-off of the monitored aircraft between the fighters and refueling aircraft from both countries. The training will involve airborne warning and control aircraft from Russia and the US. Civilian air control agencies, Russia’s Federal Air Navigational Service and the US Federal Aviation Administration will also take part in the exercise.

The main headquarters of the exercise will be based in Russia’s Khabarovsk and Colorado Springs in the US, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Lieut. Col. Vladimir Drik told Interfax on August 3. The back-up headquarters will be located in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in Russia and Anchorage in Alaska, he said.

Russian and US officers will also be present onboard the allegedly hijacked airplane, Drik noted. The airplanes participating in Vigilant Eagle 2010 will not be equipped with live weaponry due to security considerations, the spokesman added.

The event is authorized under a cooperative military agreement between the Russian and US presidents. This combined effort provides the opportunity to “cooperatively detect, track, identify, intercept and follow an aircraft as it proceeds across international boundaries,” NORAD said in a statement.

The results of the event will be analyzed in September, when representatives of the Russian and US armed forces will meet in Colorado Springs.

Boeing P-8A Poseidon Aircraft T3 Enters Flight Test

Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft T3 successfully completed its first flight test in Seattle on July 29. T3 is the P-8A program's mission-system and weapon-certification aircraft.

During the two-hour and 48-minute flight from Boeing Field, Boeing and U.S. Navy test pilots performed airborne systems checks including engine accelerations and decelerations, autopilot flight modes, and auxiliary power unit and engine shutdowns and starts.

In the coming weeks, T3 will join the two P-8A test aircraft currently at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., and complete additional ground and flight tests.

"At Pax River, the Boeing and Navy team will use some of the ground test data we've gathered in Seattle for in-flight separation and delivery accuracy tests that will occur later this year," said Chris Ahsmann, P-8A chief engineer for Boeing.

T3 is one of six flight-test aircraft that are being assembled and tested as part of the U.S. Navy System Development and Demonstration contract Boeing received in 2004. Airworthiness-test aircraft T1 entered flight test in October 2009 and arrived at the Navy's Patuxent River facility in April of this year. T2, the primary mission-system test aircraft, arrived at Pax River in June.

The Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8A anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to replace its P-3 fleet. Initial operational capability is planned for 2013.


A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

U.S. Army to get 73 Additional M1117 and M1200 Armored Vehicles

Textron Marine & Land Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. company, today announced a firm-fixed-price contract award from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) for additional M1117 Armored Security Vehicles (ASV) and M1200 Armored Knights.

The award, valued at $49,808,772, exercises options for 52 M1117 ASVs, 21 M1200 Armored Knights, and 12 special tool sets with Textron Marine & Land Systems. Work is to be performed in the New Orleans area, with an estimated completion date of February, 2012.

“The ASV provides the highest level of mobility and survivability to successfully carry out a wide range of combat mission roles for the U.S. Army in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Textron Marine & Land Systems General Manager Tom Walmsley. “Our team is continually working to build the best military vehicle possible to protect the warfighters serving our country.”

The ASV is a 4X4 wheeled armored vehicle that offers significant crew protection through the employment of multiple layers of armor, defending against small arms fire, artillery projectile fragments, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and land mines. The ASV possesses superior mobility, agility, handling and ride quality through the utilization of a four-wheel independent suspension system.

The ASV has maintained exceptional operational readiness and combat availability rates over the life of the U.S. Army program as vehicles log more than 30,000 miles per year in combat operations. Textron Marine & Land Systems has achieved more than 58 consecutive months of on-time delivery to the U.S. Army on the ASV program, and has delivered more than 2,700 ASVs to the U.S. Army to-date.

The ASV family of vehicles performs a wide variety of missions including scout, infantry personnel carrier, reconnaissance, command and control and maintenance. U.S. Army ASV missions include operations with the Military Police, convoy protection, perimeter security, as well as Field Artillery Combat Observation and Lasing Teams (COLT) with the M1200 ASV configuration.


Textron Marine & Land Systems specializes in the design, production and support of advanced marine craft, armored combat vehicles, turrets and related subsystems. Through its MillenWorks strategic business, Textron Marine & Land Systems designs and develops advanced mobility solutions for demanding on- and off-road applications. Textron Marine & Land Systems serves military and commercial customers domestically and internationally, and is an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. company.

German Sub Delivered to Portuguese Navy

The Portuguese navy said Monday it had taken delivery of one of two submarines it has ordered from the German Submarine Consortium (GSC), even as the sale is under investigation in both countries.

"The Trident arrived at the Lisbon naval base around 11 a.m.," the Navy said.

Portugal signed a contract with GSC six years ago for two U-214 submarines for 770 million euros (1.0 billion dollars), a sum that has increased due to delays. The second submarine is expected for delivery in the first quarter next year.

The submarine sale is however under investigation in both Germany and Portugal for alleged bribes that were made in exchange for the contracts won by GSC, which includes the naval shipbuilders HDW and Ferrostaal.

The Portuguese inquiry has also focused on seven Portuguese nationals and three Germans for allegedly submitting false bills in connection with the sub sale.

Russian Navy to base warships at Syrian port after 2012

Russia's naval supply and maintenance site near Syria's Mediterranean port of Tartus will be modernized to accommodate heavy warships after 2012, the Russian Navy chief said on Monday.

"Tartus will be developed as a naval base. The first stage of development and modernization will be completed in 2012," Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky said, adding it could then serve as a base for guided-missile cruisers and even aircraft carriers.
The Soviet-era facility is operated under a 1971 agreement by Russian personnel.

Since 1992 the port has been in disrepair, with only one of its three floating piers operational.
According to Navy experts, the facility is being renovated to serve as a foothold for a permanent Russian naval presence in the Mediterranean.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said in November 2009 Russia would increase its naval presence in the world's oceans.
Moscow announced in 2007 that its Navy had resumed and would build up a constant presence throughout the world's oceans. Once one the world's most powerful forces, the Russian Navy now has few ships regularly deployed on the open seas.

Russian aircraft carrier blueprint to be ready by year end

A technical design for a new-generation aircraft carrier will be ready by the end of the year, the head of the Russian Navy said on Monday.

In an interview with RIA Novosti, Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky said several organizations were working on the warship's design, including the Severnoye and the Nevskoye design bureaus.

He said it was too early to say what the new aircraft carrier will look like or what its specifications will be.
"Not even with regard to its displacement. The designers have been given a number of requirements. If they manage to pack everything into a matchbox, they are welcome," he said.

Some Navy experts believe the future aircraft carrier will be nuclear-powered with a displacement of 50,000-60,000 tons.
The admiral said the Russian Navy needs carrier battle groups.

"If, for example, we do not have an aircraft carrier in the North, the battle capability of the Northern Fleet's guided-missile submarines will be reduced to zero after Day One because the submarines' principal adversary is aviation," he said.
Vysotsky stressed that a special state program was needed for an aircraft carrier to be built.

India begins hunt for mini drones

After launching the hunt for combat drones, the Indian armed forces are now looking to induct micro and mini UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) for snooping missions. Plans are even afoot to induct small UAVs which can perform "a killer role".

The IAF, for instance, has now issued an RFI (request for information) to armament companies for micro UAVs with an "operational endurance in excess of 30 minutes" but weighing less than two kg to ensure they can even be operated by a single person.

IAF wants these micro drones, with fuel or battery operated engines and latest avionics, to be capable of being "hand-launched" or with "vertical take-off and landing" capabilities. As per specifications, they should be equipped with CCD (charged-coupled device) cameras and FLIR (forward-looking infra-red) payloads.

This comes even as the 1.13-million Army is on course to induct slightly bigger mini and micro spy drones in a major way for short-range surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions as well as detection of NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) contaminants in the battlefield.

The force wants some of these man-portable spy drones to be capable of even hitting small but high-value enemy targets with explosives in a Kamikaze fashion. This is in keeping with Army's plan to induct such UAVs in phases right down to the battalion-level by the end of the 12th Plan (2012-2017).

Being stealthy because of their small size, these drones will also be used to equip Army's Para (Special Forces) battalions for covert missions beyond enemy lines, counter-terrorism operations and `beyond-the-hill' surveillance.

This comes soon after IAF issued a global RFI to armament giants worldwide for procurement of combat drones or UCAVs (unmanned combat aerial vehicles), with precision weapons and satellite data links, drawing lessons from the deadly use of American `Predators' and `Reapers' against the Taliban in the Af-Pak region, as earlier reported by TOI.

Since the 1999 Kargil conflict, India has inducted over 100 Israeli UAVs and uses them in surveillance and precision-targeting roles. The armed forces also have some "killer" drones like Israeli Harpy UAVs, while more advanced ones like Harop have also being ordered. But UCAVs are a generation ahead since like fighter jets they come back to their bases to re-arm themselves with more missiles for the next mission.

Oshkosh Tank Transporters for Iraqi Army

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, announced today its first ever order for vehicles to the Iraqi Armed Forces. The inaugural order is for 60 Heavy Equipment Transporter Systems (HETS), which includes the Oshkosh HET vehicle and a trailer. Oshkosh also will provide operator training, spare parts and manuals.

“Oshkosh Defense is committed to helping international militaries become more independent by supplying vehicles that increase their mission and logistics support capabilities,” said Ron Ziebell, Oshkosh Defense vice president and general manager, International Programs. “We look forward to working with the Iraqi Armed Forces as they strive to improve security within the region.”

The Oshkosh HET is designed to rapidly transport M1A1 Main Battle tanks, armored vehicles and self-propelled guns, as well as a six-person crew, so the vehicles and soldiers arrive in mission-ready condition.

The contract, valued at more than $40 million, was received through the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC). Work under the contract is expected to be completed in May 2011.

The HET is part of the company’s line of international vehicles and technologies designed to meet a variety of logistical and operational needs around the world.


Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection.

For U.S. Troops, New Armored Vehicle is Benefit or Burden

Explosive Devices have accounted for around 800 of the roughly 1,100 U.S. combat deaths in Afghanistan. To counter these increasingly-lethal bombs, the U.S. military is spending billions of dollars on blast-resistant vehicles specially tailored for Afghan terrain. But in addition to their high cost, the complex new vehicles can be a logistical burden.

In Dangam district, eastern Afghanistan, the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade is on its way to a meeting with district officials. To reach the meeting, the soldiers must cross a wide riverbed. Previously, this would have been a problem.

On several occasions, the Taliban have ambushed vehicles mired in the riverbed's rough terrain. The lightweight, standard-issue Humvee is vulnerable to enemy fire and the heavier Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected truck, or MRAP, is too top-heavy for steep inclines.

Fortunately, the troops of the 173rd Airborne have just received their first All-Terrain Vehicle version of the MRAP, the M-ATV. The 30-ton vehicle is nimble enough for rough terrain and sufficiently armored to deflect all but the biggest bombs.

The MRAP vehicle has its roots in the Iraq war. Improvised Explosive Devices wreaked havoc with the boxy, M-1151 Humvees. With their v-shaped bottoms, the MRAPs deflected blasts and saved hundreds of American lives.

But in Afghanistan, the MRAPs tended to roll over on mountain roads. So the Pentagon awarded a 4-billion-dollar contract to build a version with a lower center of gravity and improved suspension. The first of 6,000 M-ATVs arrived in Afghanistan late last year.

At Bagram air field outside Kabul, Sergeant First Class Randy Geringer helps train 82nd Airborne Division soldiers to drive the M-ATV. Geringer has nothing but praise for the vehicle. "The MRAP ATV for this type of terrain I feel is more versatile, with the tire inflation system. It's more rugged vehicle and I think it would handle the terrain a little bit easier than some of the other vehicles," he said.

But in addition to their high cost - three times that of a Humvee - the M-ATVs are mechanically complex. Staff Sergeant Richard Green, an 82nd Airborne Division mechanic, found this out first-hand when he accidentally damaged his unit's first M-ATV. "There's a nut on the inside of the oil pan. The bolt came out. But the nut was not welded correctly to the oil pan, so the nut fell off. The bolt comes out and there was no way to hold the oil in the pan. So we had to take the engine pack out and replace it," he said.

The M-ATVs are also a major logistical challenge. The Pentagon transports them by air in order to meet the high demand, adding a 10-percent premium to the vehicle's cost.

Then, it can take a team of 10 people several hours to unload a shipment of five M-ATVs. On a 747 freighter, there are just centimeters of clearance between the M-ATVs and the plane's sides.

In combat, the frontline soldiers don't care about the M-ATV's logistical burden. They only care that it's safer and better-protected than other vehicles. "I would feel more confident, comfortable and safe going outside the wire in one of the MRAP variants than I would in the 1151s," said Sgt. Geringer.

Indian Military delegation visits russia

A military delegation from India visited Russia's North Ossetia region, as the two countries prepare for joint military training later this year.

The Indian visitors got a close look at Russia's armoured vehicles, and the capabilities of its troops through live fire exercises.

These two countries have partnered in war games for several years.

In response to tensions in the North Caucasus, Russia created a mountain warfare brigade and is keen to learn from India's mountain fighting expertise.

A Russian delegation travelled to observe India's mountain forces in May.

India and Russia have remained solid friends for decades, with Russia at one time supplying India with 70 percent of its arms.

While India now also buys weapons from the United States, it still holds an array of military contracts with Russia.

The upcoming Indra-2010 military drill in October is seen as further proof both countries maintain strong relations.

DRDO's Combat Vehicle Development Unit is working overtime

The Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVR&DE) is working overtime to supply a range of frontline hardware to the Army.

The unit at Avadi, on the outskirts of Chennai, tasked with the design, development and testing of tracked combat vehicles and specialised tracked vehicles, has several projects in hand. Apart from the focus on Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) Mark II, it is also designing and developing the state-of-art futuristic main battle tank (FMBT), which is expected to cater to the requirements of the Army. "The Army expects the FMBT to be ready by 2020," CVR&DE director P Sivakumar told TOI recently. The unit is one of the 52 research units of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DR&DO) in the country and the only one in Tamil Nadu.

Mobile platforms for missiles is another arena where its expertise is sought. For nearly a decade, it has supplied these platforms for missiles, including Akash, Prithivi and Trishul, and is presently developing several more.

Casualties are inevitable in battle and the CVR&DE's armoured ambulances come in handy. Equipped with airconditioning and heating facilities, it is designed for speedy evacuation of casualties and has excellent mobility for operation in various terrain. Another piece of equipment is the Carrier Command Post Tracked BMP-II (CCPT), designed to function as a self-propelled (SP) artillery command post. It affords nuclear, biological and chemical protection and protection against small arms. "We recently got an order for 50 CCPTs, each costing around Rs 3-4 crore," Sivakumar added.

The CVR&DE's dream project, at the conception stage, is the Unmanned Track Vehicle (UTV) through the tele-operated method the improved version is the automatic method. It is based on a wheeled vehicle platform comprising a pilot system unit and two units for surveillance. The UTVs, mainly for surveillance and detection of mines, include remote operations on wirless LAN (land area network), vision systems and robotic manipulator. A miniature model with a range of five km has been developed and will be operated with a GIS-based auto vehicle tracking system.

Bifurcated from the Ahmednagar-based Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VR&DE) and formed as an independent laboratory in 1976, the CVR&DE has come a long way. Over the years, it has not only catered to the Army's needs but also supplied to the other services, especially the air force. It has designed aircraft subsystems, mainly related to the engine and hydraulics. For the Light Combat Aircraft (LAC), it has developed 10 prototypes of the secondary gear boxes and is conducting user trials. It expects orders for production soon.

The unit with a present strength of 1,300 employees, including 290 scientists, is credited with designing and developing some of the best military hardware in the world. Among them are the Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) Mark I and Mark II, Ex-Tank (Experimental tank) and Combat Improved (CI) Ajeya Mark I, indigenously-developed T-72 tank with an advanced fire control system and high mobility. It is currently the mainstay of the armoured corps.

Dutch to Buy $150M Torpedo Upgrade Kits

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to The Netherlands of 40 MK- 48 Mod 7 Advanced Technology (AT) Torpedo Conversion Kits and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $150 million.

The Government of The Netherlands has requested a possible sale of 40 MK- 48 Mod 7 Advanced Technology (AT) Torpedo Conversion Kits, 40 containers, support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, weapon system support and integration, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $150 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve security of a NATO ally which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in Northern Europe.

The sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The Netherlands desire to upgrade its current stock of MK 48 Mod 4 torpedoes to the MK 48 Mod 7 AT model. The Netherlands intend to use the MK 48 Mod 7AT Torpedo on its Walrus Class submarines. The Netherlands has significant experience in maintaining and supporting advanced torpedoes, such as the MK 48 Mod 4/4M and MK 46 5A(S)W models, and the current infrastructure will require minimal updates. The Netherlands will have no difficulty absorbing the MK 48 Mod 7 AT into its inventory.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to The Netherlands. Contractor Engineering and Technical Services (CETS) may be required on an interim basis for installations.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Company Integrated Defense Systems in Keyport, Washington. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this sale.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

LCS 1 Demonstrates Its Potential At RIMPAC Exercises

Every two years, the United States organizes and hosts the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC). This is the world’s largest maritime exercise, this year involving some 32 ships, 5 submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 20,000 personnel. Participating countries include Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Peru, Singapore and Thailand. It is a clear and powerful demonstration of the value of collaborative defense efforts in the Pacific region.

While RIMPAC has been going on since 1971, this year is notable for, among other things, the first appearance at one of the biennial events of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). USS Freedom, LCS 1, is demonstrating the characteristics that will make the planned fleet of LCS a vital element of the U.S. Navy for decades to come.

The value of the LCS comes from the inherent capabilities of the vessel, its shallow draft and high speed and from its adaptability. A defining feature of the LCS is its ability to deploy modular force packages tailored to specific missions. In this instance, USS Freedom was outfitted for an interdiction mission. It was equipped with the LCS Surface Warfare Mission Package and embarked Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MAREXSECRON) 2 and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22. LCS 1 and its onboard units conducted simulated boarding exercises and even participated in the sinking of a target ship.

Both LCS 1 and LCS 2, the USS Independence, will open up new opportunities for naval collaboration between the U.S. and its allies, particularly in the Pacific region. Its modular design will allow the LCS to rapidly switch between the currently planned set of surface warfare, ASW and mine countermeasure missions. Clearly, the inherent flexibility of the LCS design will allow for other combinations of capabilities to be deployed, such as air and missile defense, shore bombardment, humanitarian assistance and air and sea surveillance.

Equally important, both LCS variants offer the potential to equip foreign navies. In the past, U.S. Navy ships have been too expensive and even too capable for all but the richest and most sophisticated foreign navies to procure. LCS will be relatively less expensive and possesses the virtue of an open architecture that will enable foreign navies to customize the ship to meet their needs. There is a tremendous value also to foreign navies operating the same platforms and weapons systems as the U.S. Navy.

RIMPAC 2010 is a demonstration both of the power of collaborative defense efforts and a clear reminder of the central role the United States, in general, and the U.S. Navy, in particular, play in maintaining the peace and stability of the Pacific region. As defense budgets tighten both for the U.S. and many friendly nations, collaboration in regional security will only grow more important. So too will the ability of the United States to provide its friends and allies with the military equipment they need to defend themselves and help secure regional peace.