India (Superthread)

[dimsum]

China’s defense ministry didn’t respond to a faxed request for comment.

Uh, yeah...who uses faxes these days?  >

 

[MarkOttawa]

Good long read, esp. relevant with US wooing India and current rising India/China Himalayan border tension--note also India/Pakistan nuke capabilities and evolving doctrines (cf. Indian Army "Cold Start" plan):

Southern Asia’s Escalating Strategic Competition
https://warontherocks.com/2017/08/southern-asias-escalating-strategic-competition/

Earlier:

Pakistan’s Tac Nukes and India’s “Cold Start” Attack
https://cgai3ds.wordpress.com/2015/10/20/mark-collins-pakistans-tac-nukes-and-indias-cold-start-attack/

Mark
Ottawa

 

[MarkOttawa]

"Make in India" F-16V looks like biting the dust--way getting clear for Gripen E?

US Denies Transfer of Critical Technology and F-16 Fighter Production in India

US has denied transfer of critical technology and production of F-16 fighter jets under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

To a question on whether the US has agreed for transfer of sophisticated technology and production of F-16 jets under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Subhash Bhamre, Minister of State for Defense said “no”. Bhamre was answering the question in the parliament Tuesday [Aug. 8].

The critical technologies in question are integrated systems for active electronically scanned array radar, electro-optical targeting pod, infrared search and track and radio frequency jammer. It may be recalled the US had refused to part with these technologies for the South Korean K-FX aircraft, a derivative of the F-16 made by Korean Aerospace Industries in association with Lockheed Martin. South Korea is building its own fighter plane closely modelled along the F-16 with a number of crucial inputs coming from Lockheed Martin.

These technologies form an important component of the F-16V fighter jet, the latest evolution of the world’s most successful war plane that has been offered to New Delhi. India has sought guarantee from US for technology transfer in case any US based company bids for fighter jet program under the ‘Make in India’ initiative last month.

It was certain by March this year that the production line would not be set up in India. Lockheed Martin started shifting production of its F-16 fighter jets to Greenville from its existing Fort Worth, Texas facility effectively burying its plans to move the production line to India...
http://www.defenseworld.net/news/20116/US_Denies_Transfer_of_Critical_Technology_and_F_16_Fighter_Production_in_India#.WYtyJumQyM9

Recently on F-16V vs. Gripen E:

Analysts: India won't ink a single-engine fighter deal before 2019
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2017/07/19/analysts-india-won-t-ink-a-single-engine-fighter-deal-before-2019/

Mark
Ottawa

 

[MarkOttawa]

On verra when any Indian Su-57 is in service:

India to finalize fifth-gen fighter deal
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2017/08/09/india-to-finalize-fifth-gen-fighter-deal/

As for early Su-57s:

Why Russia's New Su-57 Stealth Fighter Might Be a Giant Waste of Time

http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/why-russias-new-su-57-stealth-fighter-might-be-giant-waste-21736

Mark
Ottawa

 

[MarkOttawa]

Recently:

"Make in India" F-16V looks like biting the dust--way getting clear for Gripen E?

Quote

US Denies Transfer of Critical Technology and F-16 Fighter Production in India
...
http://milnet.ca/forums/threads/39917/post-1498916.html#msg1498916

But now F-16 still seems in running (if India moves anything like as fast as is suggested will make new RCAF fighter procurement even more embarrassing);

India to announce road map for single-engine fighter program

To accelerate the Make in India initiative under the strategic partnership model, the ruling National Democratic Alliance will formally issue a request for information next month to Lockheed Martin of the U.S. and Saab of Sweden to manufacture single-engine fighters in collaboration with a private company in the India.

The Ministry of Defence will float a request for information, or RFI, to Lockheed Martin for its F-16 Block 70 and Saab for its Gripen E next month, a senior MoD official said.

Under the new strategic partnership, or SP, model the two companies will be asked to submit offers of the single-engine fighters’ air power capabilities, the offer for India-specific technology transfer, indigenous solutions for the program and the offer for building an ecosystem for the program in the country, said a senior Indian Air force official.

“We have chosen both F-17 Block 70 and Gripen E because both single-engine fighters are fully upgraded, fully tested and are in full use,” the IAF official added.

Both Lockheed Martin and Saab will be given three months to respond to the RFI, which will then be evaluated by an IAF expert committee and the final selection will be made early next year [!!! emphasis added], the IAF official added.

Likewise, an expression of interest, or EOI, will be issued to domestic companies in the next three to four months, who will, in turn, tie-up with overseas original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, to build around 120 single engine fighters, initially costing around $18 billion under the strategic partnership model, an MoD official noted...
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2017/08/28/india-to-announce-road-map-for-single-engine-fighter-program/

Mark
Ottawa

 

[MarkOttawa]

Meanwhile Boeing now going after Indian Navy with Make-in-India Super Hornet:

US Boeing FA-18 Super Hornet offered under Made in India initiative; will Indian Navy get this jet?
...
US aerospace major Boeing Company made a push for Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet to meet Indian Naval Carrier platform requirement, and said they could be produced in India under Make in India initiative. Briefing media persons in New Delhi, ahead of a meeting between the company executives and the Indian Navy on Tuesday, Dan Gillian, vice president of F/A-18 and EA Programmes, Boeing, said “ a platform like the “Super Hornet” under the Make in India programme will help the Indian industry to position itself for the manufacture of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).” “Boeing can provide the capability needed for the Indian Navy to build its next generation carrier air wing. It can also provide the industrial base right here behind that capability,” Gillian said. “When we look across the globe at quality, capability and cost – India is an obvious partner. We have been building F/A-18 aero structures and assemblies in India because it makes good business sense to do so.”

Boeing is one of the four vendors which have responded to India Navy’s Multi-role carrier-borne fighters (MRCBF) Tender to Supply 57 carrier-borne fighter jets to equip its aircraft carriers. The company’s top executive said that Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet is the most advanced tactical fighter, an ideal fit for Indian Navy next gen carriers, adding that Indian Navy needs aircraft to operate off carriers that are networked & survivable with growth potential and Boeing F/A-18 is the best fit. Gillian also said that Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet is an evolving platform which will outpace future threats and will be on US Navy carriers into the 2040s [emphasis added--that is current USN plan http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/why-boeings-block-iii-f-18e-f-super-hornet-about-become-21282 ]. The company officials also made a pitch for Scan Eagle unmanned air systems (UAS) which already has been offered to Indian Navy.

The Indian Navy initiated the bid and issued a Request for Information (RfI) for Procurement of Multi-Role Carrier Borne Fighter for The Indian Navy earlier this year.  “The Analytical and (computer) simulations have shown that the F/A-18 is compatible with the current carrier fleet of the Indian Navy. The results of the test have been submitted in response to a global RFI issued by the Navy,” said Pratyush Kumar, president, Boeing India. Responding to queries, Kumar said that the aircraft comes with an overall life cycle cost which is more reasonable than other contenders in the bid. “The overall life cycle cost is far lower than others,” Kumar said. “The Super Hornet has the lowest cost per flight hour which is even lower than Lockheed Martin’s F-16.”..
http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/us-boeing-fa-18-super-hornet-offered-under-made-in-india-initiative-will-indian-navy-get-this-jet/830349/

More:

...
Currently the Super Hornet, Rafale, Gripen, and MiG-29K are in the running. Even the F-35B and F-35C could be possible contenders, but at this time it is unclear if the Joint Strike Fighter will be formally offered. Only the Rafale and Super Hornet are CATOBAR capable today. The MiG-29K would be upgraded for catapult launch capabilities and may port over some technology from the latest MiG-35 Fulcrum variant. Gripen-E would have to be navalized completely, but the SAAB has closely studied doing this under the Sea Gripen concept for years. Also, the Gripen is single engine and it seems like the Indian Navy is interested in a twin engine design, but still, Gripen is a hardy and efficient combat jet and has a lot to offer the Indian Navy...
http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/13883/boeing-says-super-hornet-fully-compatible-with-indian-navy-ski-jump-carriers

Mark
Ottawa

 

[Cloud Cover]

I have 2 questions...
If the Sea Gripen is potentially a "contender" because the Gripen is a "hardy" aircraft, but also potentially out because it only has a single engine (and currently is only a design idea), how is the F35 only a potential contender? (perhaps because it will never be built in India?)
If Boeing is willing to discuss the Super Hornet as a made in India solution for only 57 aircraft, is there a similar offer from Boeing to build "at least" 88 in Canada??
 

 

[MarkOttawa]

Asian military cockpit--growing Delhi/Tokyo axis (with US support) vs Beijing section, note amphibious SAR aircraft US-2, maritime patrol and ASW:

India, Japan to step up defence cooperation

India and Japan have agreed to collaborate closely in defence production, including on dual-use technologies, as the two countries resolved to ramp up overall military engagement under the bilateral special strategic framework.

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera yesterday held wide-ranging talks, as part of the India-Japan annual defence ministerial dialogue in Tokyo during which issues relating to the US-2 amphibious aircraft also figured [emphasis added], a joint press statement said.

The decision by India and Japan to boost defence ties comes amid escalating tension in the region in the wake of the nuclear test by North Korea and China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

The two sides also agreed to commence technical discussions for research collaboration in the areas of Unmanned Ground Vehicles and Robotics.

India plans to buy the US-2 ShinMaywa aircraft from Japan for its navy. Last year, China had reacted angrily to reports that Japan plans to sell weapons to India at cheaper prices, saying that such a move is disgraceful [emphasis added].

The two sides also agreed to ramp up counter-terror cooperation, besides deepening engagement among navies, air forces and ground forces of the two countries.

“The Ministers exchanged views and ideas with the aim to further strengthen defence and security cooperation under the framework of the ‘Japan-lndia Special Strategic and Global Partnership’,” the statement said today.

It said Jaitley and Onodera deliberated on the current security situation in the Indo-Pacific region and condemned in the strongest terms North Korea’s latest nuclear test and called upon the country to cease such action which adversely impacts peace and stability of the region and beyond.

Reviewing bilateral defence ties, they commended the progress made in discussions to identify specific areas of collaboration in the field of defence equipment and technology cooperation for production of various military platforms.

“They noted the effort made by both countries regarding the cooperation on US-2 amphibious aircraft [emphasis added],” said the statement.

The ministers endorsed the importance of enhancing interaction between governments and defence industries of the two countries to encourage collaboration, including for defence and dual-use technologies.

In the meeting, Jaitley briefed about India’s policy reforms in the defence manufacturing sectors, saying the country offers huge opportunities for foreign industries to play an active role.

Seeking to further intensify naval cooperation, Onodera expressed his intention to have state-of-the-art Japanese assets, including P-1 maritime patrol aircraft to participate in next year’s trilateral Malabar naval exercise which also involves the US Navy.

“The two sides will consider inclusion of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) training to expand cooperation. In addition the ministers agreed to pursue exchanges and training by ASW aviation units such as P-3C [emphasis added],” the statement said. P-3C is an anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft.

The Japanese side proposed to invite Indian Navy personnel to mine-countermeasures training held by it.

Jaitley attended the dialogue with Japan as defence minister though Nirmala Sitharaman was given the defence portfolio in the cabinet reshuffle on Sunday. Jaitley had said there were logistical constraints for her to attend the dialogue.

At the talks, the two sides also welcomed the constructive engagement between Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistic Agency (ATLA) and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The defence and security cooperation between India and Japan is on an upswing and both countries are exploring ways to further deepen it.

Prime Minister Modi had visited Japan in November last year during which both sides had decided to ramp up bilateral defence and security cooperation.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/policy/india-japan-to-step-up-defence-cooperation/article9848184.ece#

Shinmaywa US-2 (might India, er, weaponize?):
http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/shinmaywa-us-2-stol-search-and-rescue-amphibian/

From 2015:

Maybe a Bit of a Delhi-Tokyo Axis After All, Part 2
https://cgai3ds.wordpress.com/2015/03/31/mark-collins-maybe-a-bit-of-a-delhi-tokyo-axis-after-all-part-2/

Mark
Ottawa

 

[MarkOttawa]

Big problem for Boeing to build Super Hornets in India for navy, Lockheed to build F-16V for air force:

Exclusive: U.S. defense firms want control over tech in Make-in-India plan

U.S. defense firms offering to set up production lines in India to win deals worth billions of dollars want stronger assurances they won’t have to part with proprietary technology, according to a business lobby group’s letter to India’s defense minister.

These companies are also saying they shouldn’t be held liable for defects in products manufactured in collaboration with local partners under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make-in-India’s drive to build a military industrial base.

Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) and Boeing (BA.N) are both bidding to supply combat jets to India’s military, which is running short of hundreds of aircraft as it retires Soviet-era MiG planes, and its own three-decade long effort to produce a domestic jet is hobbled by delays.

Lockheed has offered to shift its F-16 production line to India from Fort Worth, Texas, and make it the sole factory worldwide if India orders at least 100 single-engine fighters.

The U.S. firm has picked Tata Advanced Systems as its local partner under the defense ministry’s new Strategic Partnership model under which foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can hold up to a 49 percent stake in a joint venture with an Indian private firm which will hold the majority of shares.

The US-India Business Council (USIBC) wrote to India’s defense minister last month seeking a guarantee that U.S. firms would retain control over sensitive technology - even as joint venture junior partners.

“Control of proprietary technologies is a major consideration for all companies exploring public and private defense partnerships,” the business lobby, which represents 400 firms, said in the Aug. 3 letter, reviewed by Reuters and previously unreported.

“To allow foreign OEMs to provide the most advanced technologies, the partnership arrangement between an Indian owned ‘strategic partner’ company and a foreign OEM needs to provide an opportunity for the foreign OEM to retain control over its proprietary technology,” it said, noting this wasn’t explicit in the policy document.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

Technology transfer is at the heart of Modi’s drive to build a domestic industrial base and cut a reliance on imports that has made India the world’s biggest arms importer in recent years.

Without full tech transfer in previous arms deals, India’s mainly state-run defense factories have largely been left to assemble knock-down kits even for tanks and aircraft produced under license from the foreign maker.

Modi’s advisers have vowed to change that...

Lockheed did not respond to a request for comment. Boeing, which is bidding for a separate contract to sell its F/A-18 Super Hornets for India’s aircraft carrier fleet, declined to comment on the USIBC letter. But the company’s India president, Pratyush Kumar, told a conference this month there were concerns about Indian private firms’ lack of experience in the aerospace sector...
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-defence-exclusive/exclusive-u-s-defense-firms-want-control-over-tech-in-make-in-india-plan-idUSKCN1BU15O

Trump might have concerns too--in MAGA, not MIGA, business.

Mark
Ottawa

 

[MarkOttawa]

Thirty-six more Rafales for air force?  Plus sub competition:

Eyeing more sale of Rafales, French defence minister Florence Parley heads to India next week

French defence minister Florence Parley will be here next week to lay the groundwork to further boost the bilateral strategic partnership ahead of President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India in December.

France is very keen to hard-sell additional Rafale fighters to India after the IAF inducts the 36 jets being acquired under the Rs 59,000 crore (7.87 billion) megadeal inked in September last year.

The IAF has itself projected the operational need to go in for another 36 Rafales after the first 36 are inducted at the Hasimara (West Bengal) and Ambala (Haryana) airbases from November 2019 to mid-2022, as was earlier reported by TOI...

France, of course, is also one of the four remaining contenders for Project-75 (India), under which six advanced stealth submarines are to be built here through a collaboration between a foreign ship-builder and an Indian shipyard for an estimated Rs 70,000 crore ($10.9 billion).
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/eyeing-more-sale-of-rafales-french-defence-minister-florence-parley-heads-to-india-next-week/articleshow/61169845.cms

Mark
Ottawa

 

[PuckChaser]

That's $11.5B CAD for 36 aircraft. Cost of a first world airforce is expensive.

 

[YZT580]

That is a lower price per unit than the Hornet we have been offered.

 

[MarkOttawa]

YZT580:

That is a lower price per unit than the Hornet we have been offered.

True but all depends on what is included in the deal beyond the URF  price.

Mark
Ottawa

 

[MarkOttawa]

Saab sweetening Gripen E pot (how tech might LockMart be allowed to transfer?):

Saab plans Gripen ecosystem in India

Saab and its Indian partner Adani held an event in New Delhi on 31 October, intended to build industrial alliances in support of the Swedish group’s bid to supply its Gripen E combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Saab said that the ‘Gripen-India partnership summit’ was geared towards “creating an industrial ecosystem to develop and produce [the] Gripen in India”. Saab has offered the aircraft to meet the IAF’s single-engine fighter requirement.

The deal is framed around a localised production requirement, and could be worth about USD12 billion as the IAF seeks to procure up to 150 aircraft to replace its ageing Russian MiG-21 and MiG-27 fighter aircraft.

To support its localised production proposal, Saab said the summit brought together international Gripen partners – including Honeywell, Leonardo, Harris, and Cobham – and more than 100 Indian suppliers that “Saab and Adani believe can add value to the offering for India”.

Saab added, “This is to start shaping an eco-system for Gripen in India in preparation for the single-engine fighter selection process.”

The summit was held just two months after Saab and Adani announced their partnership to jointly bid for the IAF’s single-engine fighter requirement.

Saab said that it would endeavour to transfer design and manufacturing capabilities to Adani under the collaboration, with the goal of enabling the production of systems in India and promoting general development of the country’s defence industry.

Upon announcing the partnership with Adani, Saab’s president and CEO Håkan Buskhe said, “We are committed to the India-Sweden relationship, and in bringing the latest technology and skills to India. Our plans in India are to create a new defence ecosystem that would involve many partners, vendors, and suppliers. To achieve this, we need a strong Indian partner who can help create the framework for the infrastructure and eco-system to come into place.”

http://www.janes.com/article/75370/saab-plans-gripen-ecosystem-in-india

Mark
Ottawa

 

[MarkOttawa]

By the way Saab is already working with Bombardier, fwiw  :
https://www.google.ca/search?q=saab+bombardier&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&dcr=0&ei=yIP7Wa_eFZTejwPN_q3ACw

Mark
Ottawa

 

[MarkOttawa]

Was pretty sure there'd be this sort of problem with "Make-in-India":

$10-billion fighter deal hits tech-transfer air pocket

India’s $10-billion single-engine fighter jet deal is believed to have hit a stumbling block over the contentious issue of transfer of technology (ToT) and equity participation. This is while negotiations are on for the purchase of more Rafale jets from France.

The two main contenders for the deal — Lockheed Martin and SAAB — have made it clear to the Defence Ministry that they will not go in for a complete transfer of technology (ToT) with 49 per cent equity participation in the joint ventures that they have inked with their respective Indian partners, sources told BusinessLine.

Under the defence foreign direct investment rules, global OEMs can invest more than 49 per cent with prior government approval. However, the fighter-jet deal has to be executed under the new ‘Strategic Partnership’ (SP) policy, and as per the norms laid out in this policy, it is the Indian entity that will have a controlling stake with 51 per cent.

The Defence Ministry is looking to acquire at least 100 of these jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). While the US’ Lockheed Martin has offered the advanced F-16 Block 70, Swedish defence major SAAB has presented its single-engine multi-role Gripen E for the programme.

Lockheed Martin and SAAB have also joined hands with Tata Advance Defence Systems Ltd and the Adani Group, respectively, to design, develop and produce the warplanes in India under the ‘Make in India’ programme.

The issue of proprietary technology was also raised by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during his visit last month. He made it clear that ToT will come for a price.

The government is now looking at a follow-on order to buy more Rafale jets, which will be in addition to the 36 bought in September last year for $8.9 billion. The IAF is also keen on buying more of these warplanes, according to sources.

The decision to buy more Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation is likely to be announced during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron in December, sources added.

However, the sources said, India has already informed the French that “not a single” Rafale will be bought in flyaway mode — they will be built in the Dhirubhai Ambani Aerospace Park, run by Reliance Aerospace Ltd and Dassault Aviation in the Mihan Special Economic Zone in Nagpur.

Dassault Aviation Chief Eric Trappier had recently said, in France, that the company is in talks with India for more orders.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/10billion-fighter-deal-hits-techtransfer-air-pocket/article9945734.ece#

Mark
Ottawa

 

[MarkOttawa]

India's "Act East" policy in action, with China in mind--but will not become full US "partner" or effectively an ally, prefers a more tous azimuts approach with Russia as a major balancer (note meeting was of diplomatic officials, not defence):

Quadrilateral Coalition on the Indo-Pacific

With an eye on China’s activities in the region, India said that the first meeting of its officials with those from the US, Australia and Japan — described as the “quadrilateral” — agreed that a “free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region serves the long-term interests of all countries in the region and of the world at large”.
https://www.marinelink.com/news/quadrilateral-indopacific431204?

Mark
Ottawa

"Officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and United State’s Department of State met in Manila on November 12, 2017 for consultations on issues of common interest in the Indo-Pacific region," said a government release.

The discussions focused on cooperation based on their converging vision and values for promotion of peace, stability and prosperity in an increasingly inter-connected region that they share with each other and with other partners.

They agreed that a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region serves the long-term interests of all countries in the region and of the world at large. The officials also exchanged views on addressing common challenges of terrorism and proliferation linkages impacting the region as well as on enhancing connectivity.

The quadrilateral partners committed to deepening cooperation, which rests on a foundation of shared democratic values and principles, and to continue discussions to further strengthen the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Indian side highlighted India’s Act East Policy as the cornerstone of its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

[MarkOttawa]

Progress on Indian Navy's "Make-n-India" SSK front:

INS Kalvari Commissioned into the Indian Navy

The Prime Minister of India,  Narendra Modi commissioned INS Kalvari (S-21), the first of the six Scorpene class submarines built under Project 75 (Kalvari Class) into the Indian Navy at an impressive ceremony held at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on 14 December 2017.

The event marked the formal induction into the Navy of the first of the six submarines being constructed at Mazagon Docks Ltd., in collaboration with the French builder M/s Naval Group.

Upon arrival at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, the Prime Minster was received by the Chief of the Naval Staff. The Prime Minster was presented a 100-man Guard of Honour and was introduced to the ship’s officers and other dignitaries present.

Congratulating the people of India on this occasion, the Prime Minister described INS Kalvari as a prime example of "Make in India." He commended all those involved in its manufacture. He described the submarine as an excellent illustration of the fast growing strategic partnership between India and France. He said the INS Kalvari will add even more strength to the Indian Navy.

The Prime Minister said that the 21st century is described as Asia's century. He added that it is also certain that the road to development in the 21st century goes through the Indian Ocean. That is why the Indian Ocean has a special place in the policies of the Government, he added. The Prime Minister said this vision can be understood through the acronym SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region.

The Prime Minister said India is fully alert with regard to its global, strategic and economic interests in the Indian Ocean. He said that is why the modern and multi-dimensional Indian Navy plays a leading role in promoting peace and stability in the region.

He said India believes that the world is one family, and is fulfilling its global responsibilities. India has played the role of "first responder" for its partner countries, in times of crises, he added.

Congratulating the MDL for restarting the production line of submarines once again, Mrs Nirmala Sitharaman, the Raksha Mantri thanked the Yard workers, who she said “mattered high on this day”.

The process of submarine construction has again been started in the country and it should not stop, the Raksha Mantri said. She emphasized the need to avoid episodic starts and stops in the industry and maintain a pool of skills needed to build high technology platforms within the country, sustenance of which would lead to a virtuous cycle of betterment for Indian industry, retention of skills and better peace dividends to the nation.

INS Kalvari is manned by a team comprising 08 officers and 35 sailors with Captain SD Mehendale at the helm as her first Commanding Officer. The commissioning will augment the offensive capability of the Indian Navy, and the Western Naval Command in particular.
https://www.marinelink.com/news/commissioned-kalvari432147

More on Naval Group's (formerly DCNS--French company's name now in English!) Scorpene class, lots of success world-wide:
http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/scorpene/

Mark
Ottawa

 

[MarkOttawa]

Looks like PM Modi's "Make-in-India" policy will stick air force with more HAL Tejas:

India launches $8 billion program for light combat aircraft

India formally launched a program Wednesday to buy a fleet of 83 single-engine fighters for about $8 billion.

The light combat aircraft, dubbed the LCA Mark-1A, will be produced by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd on nomination. This is the largest Make in India defense program and the first effort to build fighters in the country without obtaining technology transfer from overseas, a Ministry of Defence official said.

The purchase of an adapted version of the LCA Mark-1 comes amid skepticism about a another effort to purchase of 105 Mark 2 versions of futuristic, homemade light-combat aircraft for $15 billion. Service officials and analysts have said that program lacks clarity...
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2017/12/20/india-launches-8-billion-program-for-light-combat-aircraft/

A pair of Tejas - Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) take off during a display on the second day of the Aero India exhibition at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bangalore on February 15, 2017. (Manjunath Kiran/AFP/Getty Images)

So no F-16Vs or GripenEs?  Paks and Chinese should be relieved.

Mark
Ottawa

 

[MarkOttawa]

More on new fighters for Indian navy (and air force:

1) Boeing in Talks With Indian Navy to Sell F/A-18 Fighter Jets

Boeing Co. is in talks with the Indian Navy to sell its F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets in a bid to gain a bigger share of the defense market in the South Asian country, the world’s biggest arms importer.

A lot of technical evaluation has yet to take place, Gene Cunningham, Boeing’s vice president for defense, space and security, told reporters at the Singapore Airshow. The company is also seeing opportunities for its KC-46 multirole tanker in India and other countries, Cunningham said.

India’s navy last year invited proposals for 57 jets for its aircraft carriers, while its air force is seeking at least 100 planes. Boeing and Saab AB have said both the orders should be combined, which would make it the world’s biggest fighter jet order in play [emphasis added].

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who plans to spend $250 billion in the coming years on defense equipment from fighter jets to guns and helmets, wants India and local companies to get a share of the deals it enters into by calling on foreign manufacturers to make products locally. Boeing, Lockheed Martin Corp. and others have said they will produce in India if they win contracts large enough to make investments worthwhile...
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-02-05/boeing-in-talks-with-indian-navy-to-sell-f-a-18-fighter-jets

2) SINGAPORE: Saab responds to India Navy RFP with Sea Gripen [hasn't flown]

Saab has responded to an Indian navy request for proposals for carrier-borne fighter aircraft with an offer based on a marinised variant of its Gripen NG.

The navy is reported to require up to 57 multi-role combat aircraft that would replace its current fleet of Sukhoi Su-30s.

No details on the timeline for any acquisition have been released, with Saab officials indicating that they are unsure of when any decision would be made by New Delhi.

Saab says it is open to technology transfer as part of any Gripen deal [emphasis added]. The Swedish manufacturer has previously partnered with Embraer to work on the Gripen E/Fs ordered by Brazil.

The Swedish manufacturer says the Sea Gripen will have all the capabilities of the Gripen E/F as well as a "small logistic footprint".

Meanwhile, Saab says it is confident of acquiring more operators for the GE Aviation F414-powered fighter in the Asia-Pacific, revealing that it is in talks with "prospects" including Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines...
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/singapore-saab-responds-to-india-navy-rfp-with-sea-445649/

Mark
Ottawa