Sandeep Dhawan’s Post

Austria is upgrading its air defense capabilities with the acquisition of 12 M-346 FA fighter jets from Leonardo, replacing its decommissioned Saab 105 fleet. Read full story: https://lnkd.in/ePAzbJMg --- #ContractWins #FOCI #Aerospace #MilitaryModernization

Russia is seeking to bolster its defense ties with India by proposing the Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate as a cost-effective replacement for the Indian Air Force's aging MiG-29 fleet. This single-engine stealth fighter, offered at a reduced price of $30-35 million per unit in early 2024, is part of Russia’s strategic move to maintain its influence in India's defense sector amid changing geopolitical landscapes. However, challenges remain, including the Su-75’s untested flight status, India’s push for self-reliance in developing its own fighter jets, and the country’s evolving defense procurement strategy, which may favor new partnerships or domestic solutions over reliance on Russian technology.

In this piece for the diplomat I discuss China's deployment of the J-20 stealth fighter near the disputed India-China border which has altered regional air power dynamics. This article dissects the challenges India faces and proposes solutions to bolster its air defense. China's advanced J-20 disrupts the balance, potentially outmatching India's ageing fighter jets. The situation is further complicated by Pakistan's possible acquisition of similar technology, creating a two-pronged threat. India must act swiftly. Accelerating production of the Tejas Mark II and expediting the AMCA stealth aircraft program are crucial. Strategic procurement of advanced jets alongside a diversified air defense system incorporating indigenous missiles like Akash and QRSAM is vital. The next decade is critical. Modernizing India's air force isn't just a priority, it's an imperative for national security. By taking decisive action now, India can ensure a credible deterrent against both China and Pakistan. #IndiaChina #IndianAirforce #Defence #stealth https://lnkd.in/dRP2UbXD

India’s Ministry of Defense signs $1.5 billion contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 12 locally manufactured Su-30MKI fighter jets https://lnkd.in/dijMEB4e

France is making steady progress in delivering the 600 AASM-250 precision-guided bombs promised to Ukraine, with completion expected by year-end. These bombs are compatible with Ukraine's MiG-29 & Su-27 fighters, as well as the French Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets that Ukraine is set to receive in 2025. This development underscores the ongoing international cooperation in defense technology.

Pakistan is set to acquire its first fifth-generation J-31 stealth fighter jet in 2025, becoming the first nation in South Asia to operate such an advanced aircraft. Four decades ago, Pakistan surprised India with the induction of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, establishing a decisive edge in regional air power. Today, Pakistan stands ready to repeat history, once again challenging its arch-rival India by integrating the cutting-edge J-31 Gyrfalcon into its air force. This move reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining a technological advantage in the skies over South Asia. #Pakistan #China #India #DefenseNews #MilitaryUpdates #DefenseIndustry #MilitaryTechnology #DefenseInnovation #ArmyNews #NationalSecurity #DefenseStrategy #MilitaryLeadership #DefenseResearch

Russia has recently proposed a significant defense partnership with India, offering to produce the advanced Su-35 Flanker-E fighter jet domestically. India plans a significant upgrade by investing in 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA). If accepted, India could manufacture Su-35 jets with AL-41F engines on home soil, speeding up production and cutting costs. The Su-35, a next-gen fighter based on the Su-27, is built for agility and modern combat. With powerful engines, it reaches Mach 2.25, flies up to 59,000 feet, and has a range of 2,200 miles. India could benefit greatly from this offer, leveraging its existing Su-30MKI production to streamline Su-35 manufacturing. The AL-41F engine’s power and durability suit India’s vast landscape, and the Su-35’s flexibility across missions adds to its strategic value. The jet’s electronic warfare system enhances survivability in hostile environments, making it a robust asset for India’s defense forces. What are your thoughts on Russia’s recent offer for India to produce the Su-35 Flanker-E fighter jets domestically?

As China unveiled its 6th-gen fighter prototype while India is dramatically short on 4.5-gen aircraft, it’s time to explore the situation after 62 years of the 1962 war, when over 2,000 Indian soldiers lost their lives and over 4,000 were taken prisoners. Turns out, in terms of offensive air assets, India has limited options, and if Pakistan, its adversary in the West, opens another front, it will be a rude awakening for India. As per the Indian assessment, the People Liberation Army-Air Force was expected to have close to 50 squadrons by 2030 comprising of 4th generation fighters, around 10 squadrons of 5th generation J-20 class aircraft, and early iterations of J-35 equipped with PL-15 beyond visual range missiles, and five to six squadrons of the H-6 long-range bombers. https://lnkd.in/d_Et2Xvg

Interesting reminder, even if I find the article slightly confusing in terms of the timeline of events. Cope India (Gwalior) 2004 was the event which introduced the IAF Su-30 to the stage and Mig-21 Bisons were pit against F-15s. Although the Bisons, I think, had the same RAM coatings as that developed for the LCA it wasn't "shaped" as a low observable or stealth design. Interesting then that it could get close enough to later "generation" fighter aircraft. Makes you wonder as a tax payer if all the fixation on monikers of Gen 4 or Gen 5 are irrelevant in the real world and more a marketing gimmick. It's interesting that the article gives a higher rating to the Rafale for BVR combat than it does to the F-15, although not sure if it is realistic. "This was the first time the IAF Rafale aircraft participated in Ex Red Flag, wherein they operated alongside the RSAF (Singapore), USAF F-16 and F-15s, and USAF A-10 aircraft. The missions included Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat exercises as part of large force engagements (LFE) in Offensive Counter-Air and Air Defence roles. An IAF source told the EurAsian Times: “The interaction was limited only to BVR, so limited interaction. But performance at higher levels was equivalent to ours.” The F-15 fighter jet belonged to Republic Singapore Air Force, but the weapons belonged to the USAF. ~snip~ IAF Rafales might not have got a chance to go up against F-15s, but the pilot assessing the 2008 performance of Su-30MKIs had high praises for MiG-21 Bison aircraft, modified with Israeli radar, active radar missiles, and electronic jammers as they were nearly “invisible” to F-15 and F-16’s then mechanically-scanned arrays. It allowed the Indian pilots to sneak past the USAF radar screen and engage the two American fighter jets in dogfights. “The MiG-21 had the ability to get in the scissors with you at 110kts at 60 degrees nose high and go from 10,000 to 20,000 feet,” he said." https://lnkd.in/e4APBuMr

https://lnkd.in/eAfgnrvi US Pushes Boeing F-15EX To Indian Air Force, A Mighty Powerful Fighter Aircraft That IAF Will Ignore: OPED India’s 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), the likely mother-of-all-deals, continues to blow-hot-blow-cold. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is down to 31 fighter squadrons vis-à-vis authorized 42 and actually requires much more to contend with the two powerful adversaries. The IAF has already ordered nearly 200 LCA Mk1 and Mk1A variants and has committed to 200 LCA Mk2. Nine years...