Indian Defense Minister in Moscow

11/10/2019

By India Strategic

New Delhi. The 19th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) meeting, co-chaired by Defence Minister Mr Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister General Sergey Shoigu was held in Moscow on November 6th.

Defence Minister inspected the Guard of Honour at the Russian Defence Ministry in Central Moscow. Welcoming Mr Rajnath Singh on his maiden visit to Russia as Defence Minister, General Shoigu termed India as an exclusive strategic defence partner.Mr Rajnath Singh emphasised that the special andprivileged strategic partnership between the two countries was further strengthened following the Vladivostok Summit in September 2019. He highlighted the importance of the Inter-Governmental Agreement on manufacturing of spares, components and aggregates in India through joint ventures that would reduce cost, timelines of supply and result in progressive indigenisation. This agreement is expected to provide a major boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Responding to Defence Minister’s invitation, the Russian Defence Minister assured robust Russian participation in DefExpo 2020, to be held in Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow between February 5-8, 2020. Both Ministers also welcomed the outcome of the India-Russia Defence Industry Conference held in Moscow on November 5, 2019. The Russian side affirmed its readiness to operationalise the joint venture lndo-Russia Rifles Private Limited for the manufacture of world class Kalashnikov AK 203 rifles in India at the earliest.

Mr Rajnath Singh held an in-depth discussion on a range of international issues of common concern. General Shoigu briefed Defence Minister on Russian operations in Syria. The Russian side reaffirmed its strong support to India in the field of counter-terrorism and stated that it accords priority to New Delhi’s security interests in the region. The Russian Defence Minister underlined Moscow’s commitment to extend all possible support in enhancing India’s defence capabilities, including cooperation in advance and cutting-edge technology.Mr Rajnath Singh appreciated Russia’s steadfast support.

The ministers reviewed the progress of the two working groups on Military and Military Technical Cooperation. It was agreed that the forthcoming Tri­Service Indra Exercises will be a major milestone in Military Cooperation between the two countries.The Russian side affirmed its readiness to further deepen exchanges between the respective Military Training Institutions and informed that they would be deputing an officer for the prestigious National Defence College (NDC)course in New Delhi commencing 2020.

Both sides expressed satisfaction on the progress in implementing ongoing contracts concluded in the recent past. General Shoigu agreed toDefence Minister’s request to constitute specific working groups for after-sales support of keydefence platforms.Both sides agreed to intensify efforts to finalise cooperation programme for 2021-2030 period. The ministers directed the respective teams to work closely for early conclusion of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Agreement on Reciprocal Logistics Support.

As a special gesture, the Russian Defence Minister requested Mr Rajnath Singh for participation of an lndian Military Contingent in Army Parade on the occasion of 75thAnniversary of the victory in the Second World War.Russian PresidentMr Vladimir Putinhas already extended an invitation to Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi to attend the celebrations. Defence Minister assured that an Indian contingent would be participating in the Parade.

As a mark of long-standing friendship between the Armed Forces of India and Russia, Mr Rajnath Singh presented General Shoigu a bowl mounted on triangular base with three Indian Army soldiers’ statuettes in ceremonial regalia and rifle.

A Protocol was signed by the two ministers during the meeting.

Defence Minister will be visiting St Petersburg on November 7, 2019 on the final day of his visit to Russia. His engagements include wreath laying at the Piskarevsky Memorial Cemetery.

This article was published by India Strategic in November 2019.

European F-35 Milestones: November 2019

By Andrew McLaughlin

Two European JSF partner nations operators have achieved significant milestones with their F-35A Lightning II fleets.

On November 6, Norway declared it had achieved an initial operational capability (IOC) of its F-35A following a testing deployment to Rygge Air Station, away from its Ørland Main Air Station operating base.

Norway is the third European operator to achieve IOC after the UK and Italy. The country currently has 12 F-35As in service, and has a requirement for 52 aircraft. It will deploy F-35As to Iceland for their first operational mission in 2020 as part of NATO’s air policing commitments.

Also celebrating an F-35A milestone is the Netherlands, which received its first F-35A to be based on home soil on October 31.

The aircraft, manufactured at the Cameri final assembly and checkout (FACO) facility in Italy, will be based at Leeuwarden Air Base and is the 9th Dutch F-35A to be delivered. The Netherlands has a current requirement for 46 F-35As, and currently has six aircraft assigned to the multi-national joint training schoolhouse at Luke AFB in Arizona, and two aircraft dedicated to operational test and evaluation duties at Edwards AFB in California.

In a translated statement, Royal Netherlands Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Dennis Luyt said, “Together we are stronger. A formation of F-35s at work with a frigate on the high seas, or with a command, or MARSOF person somewhere far away in a desert. The quarterback and playwright who enables the team to win with airpower (and) beat our opponents on the basis of unparalleled overview.”

The milestones come as the Luke AFB-based F-35 fleet passed the 35,000 flight hours mark in late October during a flight by an RAAF 2OCU F-35A based there

This article was published by ADBR on November 7, 2019.

The featured photo shows the Norwegian Air Force Chief of staff and the F-35 team at Orland Air Base.

For our 2017 report on Norwegian defense transformation, which highlighted the coming of the F-35, see the following:

Norwegian-Special-Report-February-2017-1

 

Northrop Grumman Delivers 500th AN/APG-81 AESA radar for F-35

11/09/2019

Northrop Grumman has delivered its 500th AN/APG-81 fire control radar for the F-35 Lightning II. The Northrop Grumman AN/APG-81 active electronically scanned array is the cornerstone of the F-35s advanced sensor suite, providing unparalleled battlespace situational awareness that translates into platform lethality, effectiveness and survivability. 

“As a principal member of the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 industry team, our continued investment in facilities and equipment, production enhancements in process and design, and expanded supply chain capability through second sourcing helped reach this milestone,” said Chris Fitzpatrick, director, F-35 programs, Northrop Grumman. “The 500th delivery of this top-of-the-line fighter radar was made possible by our continuous focus on quality and excellence across our company.”

The AN/APG-81 radar has long-range active and passive air-to-air and air-to-ground modes that support a wide range of demanding missions. These modes are complemented by an array of stealth features as well as electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance functions.

Northrop Grumman plays a key role in the development, modernization, sustainment and production of the F-35. In addition to producing the AN/APG-81 radar, the company manufactures the center fuselage and wing skins for the aircraft, produces and maintains several sensor systems, avionics, mission systems and mission-planning software, pilot and maintainer training systems courseware, electronic warfare simulation test capability, and low-observable technologies.

Northrop Grumman delivers 500th AN/APG-81 AESA radar for F-35

An Update on the Indian Air Force: October 2019

11/08/2019

By Gulshan Luthra and Shweta Sehgal

Four days after assuming charge as the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria told at the customary pre-Air Force Day press conference on October 4th that the Air Headquarters was also looking at 80 to 90 percent of Made in India jets in the Indian skies in about two decades. That is indeed quite ambitious but it looks like the Ministry of Defence is encouraging the Indian Air Force (IAF) to plan in this direction as demands for finance from the armed forces are high, acquisition of global technology takes time besides higher costs, and it’s better anyway to develop and go in for high technology systems indigenously.

Development for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) for instance is a priority, and IAF has already given Final Operational Clearance (FOC) to HAL, and an order for 83 aircraft is on the anvil.

IAF is also extending full support for the indigenous development of AMCA, or the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, that should have all the contemporary and futuristic EW and stealth capabilities. There should be some visibility on this project by 2025.

The Air Chief indicated that IAF was giving due consideration to counter the “new threat” of drones, and although he did not say, it appears that a chunk of its allocation will go towards acquiring various types of unmanned aircraft.

IAF is in talks with US General Atomics for Avenger unmanned systems while DRDO sources told India Strategic that work is already on to develop small (about 6 inch) and big remotely piloted aircraft with varying capacities of staying in the air. They could be used for surveillance and also to hit hostile targets.

IAF marks its 87th anniversary on October 8th. The Air Chief expressed “pride and satisfaction” over the achievements during these years, and said that emphasis now was on newer EW (Electronic Warfare) technologies and precision systems “to deter and punish the enemy as and when the need arises.” Even helicopters were now being upgraded with ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) and EW systems while the acquisition of potent heavy lift Chinooks and Apaches “have given a punch to our capability.”

The emphasis now is on indigenous development of these systems, and DRDO’s Netra aircraft, which will be in the Flypast, was performing very well.

“We encourage upgradation indigenously,” a sentence that should actually trigger the private industry to be proactive in defence manufacturing.

The country’s defence research arm, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and HAL are going to showcase the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and variants as well as the BEL-built and modified Akash Surface to Air (SAM) missile at the annual Air Force Day Parade at Air Force Station Hindon on the outskirts of New Delhi.

Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria assured that IAF is “always prepared to meet any contingency” and maintain “effective air power” and periodic upgradation, training and modernisation are suitably planned and executed in this perspective.

He observed that the Rafales, whose delivery begins on Indian Air Force Day in France, and the Russian S-400 anti-missile system together “will greatly enhance our operational capability in times to come.”

The first lot of Rafales will formally be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh just as the newly-appointed Air Chief takes the salute at the Parade and Flypast that will showcase nearly all the aircraft in IAF’s inventory including the DRDO-developed Netra AESA radar aircraft fitted on the Brazilian Embraer jet. IAF should get another lot of Rafales within 2020, and the entire supply of the 36 ordered by 2022 as planned.

“By May 2020, we will be receiving four Rafale fighter jets. It will be only then that we will see the aircraft in the Indian skies. The advantage of getting the Rafale in May next year will be that our pilots will be substantially trained by then.”

As the Deputy Chief of Air Staff, then Air Marshal Bhadauria had negotiated the Rafale deal.

He responded in negative when asked about reports of another order for 36, which France has offered in the optional, follow on clause. As India has already paid for training, maintenance facilities and India Specific Enhancements (ISEs) etc, more of them would be cheaper, according to the French.

But Air Chief Marshal Badhauria said his focus was on progressing the acquisition of the 114 aircraft under the Make in India project, bids for which have been received, and the next procedural step was to secure the Acceptance of Necessity (AON) from the Ministry of Defence. Once that is done, he expects the decisions to be fast.

“There are no plans to acquire 36 more Rafale jets separately. The RFI for 114 aircraft has already been received. We have started the process for AON,”

Notably, IAF has a sanctioned strength of 42 Combat Squadrons, and it has literally been roaring for jetspeed at the MoD for the past couple of decades for newer aircraft. There have been delays and delays, building up a cumulative backlog in phasing out the old and replacing them with the new.

It takes a process of about 7 years to select and acquire a new aircraft. That’s long, and it does not appear that IAF will achieve this goal even in two decades. Unless, unless of course, HAL and/or the private Indian defence industry set up their factories very fast, maybe collaborate on subassemblies and components with one of them doing the integration.

That’s what HAL says it wants to do, but as a public sector company, it delivers late and occasionally, there are complaints even from the three Services about shoddy work. Issues like mismatch in rivet holes for instance have been reported.

IAF is fast losing its MiG squadrons. The Air Chief said that all the non-Bison MiG-21s for instance will be out this year or by March 2020. The MiG-21 Bis and Jagaurs a few years later, bringing the overall squadron strength from the present 30 to maybe 27.

Even with new LCA squadrons and other aircraft coming as planned, the Total Technical Life (TTL) of many IAF aircraft is nearing end, and the Government will have to ensure a steady flow of additional funds to maintain the minimum required numbers. The 42 is now a dream figure, and at best, this would stabilise around 35 over the next couple of decades, although many of the IAF aircraft will by then incorporate cutting edge technologies

IAF had planned to re-engine the Jaguars with Honeywell engines but there have been delays in decision making, and after nearly a decade of talks, the company jacked up the price. “So we had to drop the plan.”

As for the MiGs, the Air Chief said: “Only the MiG-21 Bison fleet will be left and will go up to its TTL till 2021.”

Overall, IAF needs 400 combat jets, thanks to the delays, and that was the figure given by Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha three years back just as he retired.

Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria, a Test Pilot himself, said that the Bangalore-based Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM) was selecting pilots for manned human space flights. IAM is a key institution for training pilots for extreme gravity situations and helping them maintain health to be fully capable in executing challenging missions.

This article was first published in October 2019 by our partner India Strategic.

Hammer Comes Down on Improvised Threats

Throughout October and early November 2019 militaries from 12 countries travelled to the Woomera Prohibited Area in South Australia to test their Force Protection systems that can prevent the detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and also defeat small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or ‘drones’ that can be used to drop explosive devices or conduct surveillance on friendly forces.

The test results gathered at Thor’s Hammer 2019 will improve the effectiveness of these systems and potentially save the lives of military personnel on operations.

2019 marks the first time Thor’s Hammer has been held in Australia.

The previous two exercises were held in northern Europe.

Australian Department of Defence

October 31, 2019

Royal Australian Air Force Launches New Cyber Force

11/07/2019

By Flight Lieutenant Bel Scott

AIR FORCE has launched a new cyber warfare (CW) workforce specifically selected, trained and prepared to lead a team of technical experts responsible for protecting networks, data and information systems.

On October 31, Air Force introduced two new employment categories — cyber warfare officer (CWO) and cyber warfare analyst (CWA).

The first round of successful candidates will undergo an intensive six-month training program beginning in February.

This is an important step in realising the Fifth Generation Workforce capable of defending and protecting networked assets in and through the cyber domain.

The establishment of CWO and CWA employment categories will be primarily located at No. 462 Squadron at Defence, Science and Technology, RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia.

Commanding Officer 462SQN, Wing Commander David Clyde, said the new employment categories would professionalise and enhance current expertise in cyber warfare.

“We’ve been conducting cyber operations for some time but with the increase of computer and digital communications networks, protecting the airpower mission from cyber adversary attacks has become a critical capability,” Wing Commander Clyde said.

“Our Fifth Gen Air Force is dependent on its networks, data links and information for operational success, therefore it’s imperative that Air Force’s information, systems and capabilities are protected from cyber attacks or exploitation.”

462SQN integrates with the broader joint environment, such as teams or individuals from the Joint Cyber Unit, as demonstrated at the recent Exercise Pink Pill.

Director-General Personnel-Air Force Air Commodore Geoffrey Harland said the RAAF would  continue to collaborate with the Joint Cyber Directorate to ensure Air Force’s cyber warfare workforce made an important contribution to cyber warfare when called upon.

This article was first published on the Australian Department of Defence website on November 1, 2019.

The featured photo shows members of No. 462 Squadron participating in Exercise Pink Pill. Photo: Corporal Brenton Kwaterski

 

 

United States ISR Operations From New Base in Niger

By defenceWeb

Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger.

The United States Air Force (USAF) has begun intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations from its newly constructed Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger.

US Africa Command on 1 November said ISR operations are “in support of our partner forces and international efforts to counter violent extremist organizations in the region.” It added that “this effort is in partnership with the Nigerien Government and reflects the commitment and desires of African partners as well as common interests for stability and security in the region.”

From 1 August, the USAF started limited flights from newly constructed facilities at Air Base 201 ahead of using the base for armed and unarmed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) missions in the region.

Limited, visual flight rule (VFR), operations were authorised by the US Air Force and Nigerien Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) from 1 August. These flights included USAF C-130 and other resupply missions into the base.

USAF Airmen recently completed several major construction projects at Air Base 201 outside Agadez and these covered the 1 900 metre long runway and other infrastructure. The 50 metre wide runway will be able to accommodate large aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster III.

“The US military is at Nigerien Air Base 201 at the request of the Government of Niger,” said US Army General Stephen Townsend, Commander, U.S. Africa Command. “We are working with our African and international partners to counter security threats in West Africa. The construction of this base demonstrates our investment in our African partners and mutual security interests in the region.”

US Africa Command said it has an agreement with the Government of Niger for the use of armed and unarmed air assets in its airspace “that improve our combined ability to respond to threats and other security issues in the region. These assets are used towards achieving the mutual goals of the United States and our West African partners. Partnership is required to counter violent extremism in West Africa and prevent its spread.”

“Flexible and diverse postures across the African continent enable us to facilitate operational needs and better support our partners in the region,” explained US Air Force General Jeff Harrigian, Commander, US Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa. “The location in Agadez was selected in conjunction with Niger due to the geographic and strategic flexibility it offers to regional security efforts.”

The new runway at Nigerien Air Base 201 is a joint-use runway that is suitable for both US and Nigerien aircraft, allowing for enhanced response to regional requirements and better protection of Niger’s borders, Africom said.

Approval for the $110 million base, 2 200 acres in size, was given by the Nigerien government in 2014. Air Base 201 is believed to host armed and unarmed MQ-9 Reaper UAVs for counterterrorism and surveillance strikes, although the US military declined to say what ISR aircraft are currently operating from the base.

Construction began around 2015, with the pace accelerating from 2016 onwards. In 2017 camp facilities expanded, and hangars were erected. However, due to its relative remoteness, sparse infrastructure and difficult conditions (hot, dry and dusty terrain), the project fell a year behind schedule and $22 million over budget.

The United States flies armed UAVs out of Air Base 101 in Niamey, 800 km southwest of the base, with flights starting from January this year. The United States also flies armed UAVs out of Djibouti. These have been used to strike targets in Yemen, Somalia and Libya. Unarmed surveillance UAVs are flown from Tunisia and Cameroon and other aircraft are deployed in areas like Kenya.

Agadez was chosen for its central location and relative isolation (for security reasons). It will eventually be handed over to the Nigerien military.

Africom also hopes to complete Camp Baledogle in Somalia this year. The runways of the former Soviet-built air base are due to be repaired by the end of the year. The runway will be 3 000 metres long and 40 metres wide, allowing it to support almost all aircraft in the US Air Force inventory. At present the runway is being used for limited operations.

In September, Baledogle was attacked by two suicide car bombs, but they were detonated outside the base’s gate. The al Qaeda-linked group al Shabaab said it carried out the attack. Baledogle is about 100 km west of Mogadishu. Insurgents attacked the base in February using mortars, but caused no casualties.

The base houses US special forces and is used to carry out UAV missions.

This article was first published by our partner defenceWeb on November 4, 2019.

The IDF Hosts Blue Flag 19: A Fifth Generation Enabled Air Combat Exercise

The Israeli Air Force is hosting a five day exercise in the south of the country involving over one thousand personnel from four nations, the US, Germany, Italy, and Greece.

The IDF’s F-35s are a key part of the exercise.

Currently the IAF has 14 F-35 Adir aircraft and is expected to receive from the US a total of 50 planes to make two full squadrons by 2024.

According to an article published by the Times of Israel on November 1, 2019:

This would be Israel’s fourth time hosting Blue Flag since its inception in 2013, and it has become more complex over time.

For the first time, the F-35 fighter jet was due to take part in the exercise, the military said.

“As part of the exercise, dozens of flights are due to be carried out, in which the [Israeli] Air Force, along with the other air forces taking part, will simulate air-to-air combat, and air-to-ground combat, dealing with the threat of advanced surface-to-air missiles and scenarios of combat in enemy territory,” the IDF said.

“This deployment provides an opportunity to conduct joint tactical flights against a variety of threats, using advanced technology,” the military said.

The Israeli Air Force credits the Blue Flag exercise and other international aerial drills with improving its capabilities as it both allows Israeli pilots an opportunity to see how other air forces operate and also teaches them to effectively communicate with foreign pilots and crews, something that may come in handy if Israel ever participated in a multi-national military operation.

In the video below, aU.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 480th Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, taxis on the runway at Uvda Air Base, Israel, October 30, 2019. The F-16 is taking part in Blue Flag, a biennial training event that builds and maintains defensive interoperability and cooperation between militaries.

The featured photo shows an Israeli fighter jet being checked in the Israeli Air Force’s Ovda base north of Eilat on October 31, 2019, before the launch of the international Blue Flag exercise, which is being hosted by Israel. (Israel Defense Forces)