Indian procurement is a mess, more often than not it stems from a desire to find the quickest way to build an indiginous defence industry.
Well they have a whole slew of projects now too.Agreed 100% on delays etc, look at the F35
I was most surprised at the city's in the IAF procurement given the current state of their fleet and the neighbors they have
Or from the politicians desire to create the perception that this is taking place.Indian procurement is a mess, more often than not it stems from a desire to find the quickest way to build an indiginous defence industry.
It's the remnants of a Medvedev era project, when cooperation with the west and import of technology and capabilities was looked upon favorably. The idea was localized production of Augusta Westland helos in Russia. There were even some plans for the MoD to purchase some.interesting to see that the italians have sold 160 AW189's to Rosneft who have jv'd and walked away from local helo manufacturers
The russians have suspended co-op with NATO countries and some of the baltics across a range of areas (except gas extraction tech) - so they could have killed this off if they wanted to so as to reinforce making a statement - they obviously haven't as this has just gone through - and in a modified guise.It's the remnants of a Medvedev era project, when cooperation with the west and import of technology and capabilities was looked upon favorably. The idea was localized production of Augusta Westland helos in Russia. There were even some plans for the MoD to purchase some.
No of course there are reasons. I was merely providing some background. This something that was started in the face of sanctions, it was something left over from before.The russians have suspended co-op with NATO countries and some of the baltics across a range of areas (except gas extraction tech) - so they could have killed this off if they wanted to so as to reinforce making a statement - they obviously haven't as this has just gone through - and in a modified guise.
160 is not an insignificant acquisition volume considering the posturing that's been happening in the last 11 months
The plans and intent is there. Whether they will go through with it remains to be seen.I have a few questions, since i have been away form this site for many years now .
1. Is Tu 160 really being restarted? I read that externally, it would look same, but the inside its a different beast, from avionics, to engines, to weapons, to processors. Is there going to be improvement in its air frame constructions by using more composites to make the plane lighter? and modifications to reduce its RCS?
2. I read form a few sources, saying that it would be impossible if not highly expensive to remake the Tu 160, as many of its contractors or parts are no longer there, and needs to be built from scratch.
It's more likely that they realized the PAK-DA will take a long time, and meanwhile they need a modern bomber.3. Is the PAK DA being pushed back due to this?
Allegedly a flying wing.4. Will the PAK DA be a flying wing or a more conventional Tu 160 style approach?
They claim they are working on the light stealth fighter. Their chances of success are questionable. Unless of course they work off of the PAK-FA.5 is Mig really working on a light stealth fighter or working on a stealth UCAV? IS MiG capable of this project considering all the technical personal they've lost since the end of the Soviet union?
The plans and intent is there. Whether they will go through with it remains to be seen.
It's more likely that they realized the PAK-DA will take a long time, and meanwhile they need a modern bomber.
Allegedly a flying wing.
They claim they are working on the light stealth fighter. Their chances of success are questionable. Unless of course they work off of the PAK-FA.
Pah,!I know you have to Consider the source but Sputnik has been constantly issuing updates on the remodel
Sounds like new avionics, radar, defensive systems, and "refurbished engines" There are only 15 operational aircraft but the plan is to double that with upgraded aircraft by 2021. Whole thing seems very optimistic IMO, the engines are the biggest issues facing them.
Tu-160 Heavy Strategic Bomber Undergoes Major Upgrade
Well one regiment got the SMTs and another is about to. Two more regiments got the Su-30SMs. I'd have to inquire in more detail, but there may have only been 4 Fulcrum regiments active at the low point, and since the low point no new Fulcrum regiments were created.Are there really that few Fulcrums left in service that 40-50 Su-30SM are enough to replace them? Personally, I find it disappointing they haven't moved away from single-role platforms and doctrines, viz. in Syria the Flankers are flying CAP while the ground-pounders hit ISIS. I would have hoped they practice dropping a few LGBs from the Flanker-C.
Also, I seem to have lost track of all the 30SMs ordered and delivered in recent months. IIRC RuAF has 60 Su-30SM ordered, AVMF has 12 ordered and plans call for 50?
Honestly the MiG-29Ks and SMTs should have been ditched too. They should have done an Su-33 upgrade that standardizes them with the Su-30SM on avionics and engines, as much as possible. They could then have the Su-33SM be the multi-role naval bird. Right now they're buying two fighters for the AVMF, the Su-30SM which is replacing Su-27 and Su-24, and the MiG-29K which is serving along side the Su-33. But an Su-33SM could replace all types, and offer better capabilities then the MiG-29K.Acording to the AFM.
A full review of Russian AF Frontal Aviation, their Mig-29 are now at the point of extinction.
The last full AF regiment of Mig-29 9.12 versions stationed at 31st Guards IAP at Millerovo, will trade its 30+ Fulcrums for 24 shiny new Su-30SM in the near future.
So this leave us with only Mig-29SMT and K's for now.
In my head these are necessary steps within VVS.
The downfall of Fulcrums started for real back in 2009, when large cracks was found and they was taken out of flying service, and not being upgraded eighter.
Anyway, its better and more efficient for VVS and RuN that they get better units, even if it means fewer ones..
It seems they are in the prossess of fielding many new weapons and different support pods(see Su-34). With new drones, ELINT and AWACS systems up, the force multiplier are much higher than ever before.
Agree, its more practical to replace them with the same type of aircraft, but ofcourse they replace the Su-33 with the MiG-29K because of the smaller size...Honestly the MiG-29Ks and SMTs should have been ditched too. They should have done an Su-33 upgrade that standardizes them with the Su-30SM on avionics and engines, as much as possible. They could then have the Su-33SM be the multi-role naval bird. Right now they're buying two fighters for the AVMF, the Su-30SM which is replacing Su-27 and Su-24, and the MiG-29K which is serving along side the Su-33. But an Su-33SM could replace all types, and offer better capabilities then the MiG-29K.
It has nothing to do with size. RSK MiG landed the contract for the MiG-29K as part of the Vikramaditya deal. It was a politically thrown bone to RSK MiG which was doing badly. The same deal could have been sold with the Su-33 standardized with the Su-30MKIs. It would in fact have made more sense that way. Now there is a navalized Fulcrum but no navalized Flanker in production. So the MiG-29K gets the AVMF contract.Agree, its more practical to replace them with the same type of aircraft, but ofcourse they replace the Su-33 with the MiG-29K because of the smaller size...
BTW, according to wikipedia about the Su-33: "Although initially planned to be retired, they will be modernized and will serve until at least 2025."
Any idea how Su-34 EW capability compares with current Growler kit?First deliveries of EW pods for the Su-34 are slated to begin this month. These are the Tarantul pods. It was also said that all Su-34s carry the Khibiny-10V complex, on their wingtips. If this is true, it means that early models were retrofitted with the system. The Tarantul specifically is meant to suppress ground and air-based radars, SAMs and AEW are mentioned specifically.
A brief reminder, also under development are an ELINT, recon, and targeting, pods. This marks basically the first time that Russia has fielded any type of pods to enhance built in capabilities of the airframe, and represents a move away from more narrow roles assigned to aircraft. However this, and the recent use of Su-30SMs to carry bombs, are baby steps in that direction.
Контейнеры Ð*Ð*Б Ð´Ð»Ñ Ñамолетов Су-34 - bmpd