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==Upgrades==
==Upgrades==
The Indian Air Force began an upgrade of its [[MiG-29]] fleet in 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title=ACM FH Major: IAF strengthening India's standing in international arenanews | url=http://www.domain-b.com/aero/June/2007/20070602_strengthening.htm|publisher=domain-b.com | date=2 June 2007 | accessdate=2009-04-24}}</ref> India awarded Russia a US$965 million contract to upgrade its air superiority MiG-29 into multi role MiG-29UPG standard warplanes, on Monday 10 March 2008. According to the deal, Russia will re-arm the twin-engined MiG-29s with air-to-air missiles, and the upgraded MiGs will feature increased fuel capacity and will include latest avionics. The design is a new modification intended for the MiG-29s used by Indian Air Force. It made its maiden flight on 4 February 2011. The standard includes the new Zhuk-M radar, new avionics, a IFR probe as well as new enhanced RD-33 series 3 turbojet engines. The modernization is part of a $900 million contract to upgrade the 69 fighter fleet. <ref name="pib.nic.in">{{cite web|url=http://www.pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=54392|title=Upgradation of MIG-29 squadrons|date=23 November 2009}}</ref><ref name="en.rian.ru">{{cite web|url=http://en.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20090918/156169883.html|title=Russia to complete overhaul of 63 Indian fighter jets in 2013|date=18 September 2009|author=RIA Novosti}}</ref>
The Indian Air Force began an upgrade of its [[MiG-29]] fleet in 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title=ACM FH Major: IAF strengthening India's standing in international arenanews | url=http://www.domain-b.com/aero/June/2007/20070602_strengthening.htm|publisher=domain-b.com | date=2 June 2007 | accessdate=2009-04-24}}</ref> India awarded Russia a US$965 million contract to upgrade its air superiority MiG-29 into multi role MiG-29UPG standard warplanes, on Monday 10 March 2008. According to the deal, Russia will re-arm the twin-engined MiG-29s with air-to-air missiles, and the upgraded MiGs will feature increased fuel capacity and will include latest avionics. The design is a new modification intended for the MiG-29s used by Indian Air Force. It made its maiden flight on 4 February 2011. The standard includes the new Zhuk-M radar, new avionics, a IFR probe as well as new enhanced RD-33 series 3 turbojet engines. The modernization is part of a $900 million contract to upgrade the 69 fighter fleet. <ref name="pib.nic.in">{{cite web|url=http://www.pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=54392|title=Upgradation of MIG-29 squadrons|date=23 November 2009}}</ref><ref name="en.rian.ru">{{cite web|url=http://en.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20090918/156169883.html|title=Russia to complete overhaul of 63 Indian fighter jets in 2013|date=18 September 2009|author=RIA Novosti}}</ref>

IAF plans to modify its all fleet heavily by more than 1000 fighters by 2020 onwards :-
* Transport aircraft -

1. Boeing C-17 Globemaster III - purchase of 10 aircrafts plus option for 10 more aircrafts.

2.Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules - purchase of 6 aircrafts plus option for 6 more.
3.Alenia C-27J Spartan - IAF looking to purchase 16 of this aircraft. 2 more for BSF Air Wing.

4.UAC/HAL Il-214 Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA) - Indo-Russian joint venture.The Indian Air Force plans to acquire 45 MTAs.

5.NAL Saras - Indian Air Force intends to place an order for up to 45 aircraft.

*Fighter aircraft -

1. (MMRCA) - 126 aircraft . There is an option for an additional 74 aircraft.Bidders - Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet,Dassault Rafale,Eurofighter Typhoon,Lockheed Martin F-16IN Super Viper,Mikoyan MiG-35,Saab Gripen NG.

2. HAL TEJAS - The IAF is reported to have a requirement for 200 single-seat and 20 two-seat conversion trainers.
3.Sukhoi/HAL FGFA - Indo-Russian joint venture.Indian Air Force will get 200 twin-seated and 50 single seated FGFAs.The option for further orders will be kept open.

4. Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft - IAF has a requirement of at least 250 AMCAs.

*Trainer aircraft -

1.Tender For 181 basic trainer aircraft - bidders : Grob G-120TP, Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, Korean Aerospace Industries KT-1, Finmeccanica M-311 and Pilatus PC-7 .

2.HAL HJT-36 Sitara - The Indian Air Force has placed placed an order for 73 aircraft, of which the first 12 are in production.The order by the Indian Air Force could eventually grow to 250 aircraft.

3.HAL HTT-40 - will replace HAL HPT-32 Deepak as basic trainer in IAF.
4. BAE HAWK - 123 Ordered.

*Airborne early warning aircraft -

1. DRDO AEW&CS - 4 system on order plus additional 20 systems .

2.Beriev A-50 [ PHALCON AWACS ] - 3 operational , order for additional 3 likely.
* Attack helicopter -

1.LCH - Order of 65 LCH to IAF.
2. Tender for 22 attack helicopters - Bidders : AH-64D Apache Longbow,Mi-28.

* Transport and utility helicopters -

1. Tender for 15 heavy lift helicopters - Bidders : CH-47 Chinook,Mi-26.

2. Mi-17 V-5 - order for 80 plus additional 59 placed .

3. AgustaWestland AW101 - order for 12 helicopters placed . will be used for VIP transport.

4.Tender for 125 light transport helicopter Along with 197 for Army aviation.

5.HAL light observation helicopter [ LOH ] or Light Utility helicopter [LUH] - Requirement for 384 helicopters including for army and air force.
* Unmanned aerial vehicles -
1.Tender For stealth UCAV - The Indian air force has submitted a request for information to international suppliers for a unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) with low radar cross-section, high service ceiling, an expected range of 500nm (925km) and the capability to carry precision-guided weapons in an internal weapons bay.

2.RUSTOM MALE UAV - The Rustom will replace/supplement the Heron UAVs in service with the Indian armed forces
3. AURA UCAV - The AURA UCAV will be a tactical stealth aircraft built largely with composites, and capable of delivering laser-guided strike weapons. It would be a stealthy flying-wing concept aircraft with internal weapons and a turbofan engine.

* Cruise missiles -
1.Nirbhay cruise missile - is a long range, subsonic cruise missile . The missile will have a range of 1,000 km and will arm three services. First test flight by early 2012.

* Surface to air missile systems -
1. SPYDER SAM systems - India to acquire 18 of this system.
2. Maitri (missile) - The Maitri missile project is a next-generation Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) with a lethal hundred per cent kill probability .

* Air TO Air Missile
1.Astra (missile) BVRAAM .
<ref name="Indian Military Future Procurements">{{cite news|url=http://defence.pk/forums/india-defence/98428-indian-military-future-procurements.html|title=Indian Military Future Procurements|publisher=defence.pk | date=16 March 2011}}</ref>


Although not initially designed to carry nuclear or strategic weapons, the [[Indian Air Force]] will receive 40 upgraded [[Su-30MKI]]s capable of carrying the [[BrahMos]] [[cruise missile]] possibly by 2012.<ref name="et_su30_brahmos">{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/40-Indian-fighter-jets-to-be-fitted-with-BrahMos-missiles-/articleshow/5843756.cms|title=40 Indian fighter jets to be fitted with BrahMos missiles|publisher=Economic Times | date=22 April 2010}}</ref><ref name="hindu_mki_brahmos">{{cite web|url=http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article100775.ece|title=IAF might get missile-armed Sukhois by 2012|publisher=The Hindu}}</ref> In addition, there are also plans to integrate the nuclear-capable [[Nirbhay]] missile with the aircraft as well.<ref name="aw_nirbhay_su30">{{cite web|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=awst&id=news/awst/2010/05/10/AW_05_10_2010_p28-224612.xml&headline=Flanking Maneuver|author=Douglas Barrie, Neelam Mathews|title=Flanking Maneuver|publisher=Aviation Week}}</ref> In May 2010, [[India Today]] reported that Russia had won a large contract to upgrade 40 Su-30MKI fighters with new [[Radar|radars]], onboard computers, [[Electronic warfare|electronic warfare systems]] and the ability to carry the BrahMos missile. The first two prototypes with the 'Super-30' upgrade will be delivered to the Indian Air Force in 2012, after which the same upgrades will be performed on the last batch consisting of 40 production aircraft.<ref name="it_super-30">{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/99261/Radar/Fierce+fighter.html|title=Fierce fighter|publisher=[[India Today]]|author=Sandeep Unnithan}}</ref> The exact value of the contract has yet to be disclosed however.<ref name="rian_mki_upgrade">{{cite web|url=http://en.rian.ru/world/20100530/159217594.html|title=Russia wins large contract to modernize Indian Su-30MKI fighters - media|publisher=RIA Novosti}}</ref><ref name="gs_mki_upgrade">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/india/2010/india-100530-rianovosti01.htm|title=Russia wins large contract to modernize Indian Su-30MKI fighters - media|publisher=[[Globalsecurity.org]]}}</ref>
Although not initially designed to carry nuclear or strategic weapons, the [[Indian Air Force]] will receive 40 upgraded [[Su-30MKI]]s capable of carrying the [[BrahMos]] [[cruise missile]] possibly by 2012.<ref name="et_su30_brahmos">{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/40-Indian-fighter-jets-to-be-fitted-with-BrahMos-missiles-/articleshow/5843756.cms|title=40 Indian fighter jets to be fitted with BrahMos missiles|publisher=Economic Times | date=22 April 2010}}</ref><ref name="hindu_mki_brahmos">{{cite web|url=http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article100775.ece|title=IAF might get missile-armed Sukhois by 2012|publisher=The Hindu}}</ref> In addition, there are also plans to integrate the nuclear-capable [[Nirbhay]] missile with the aircraft as well.<ref name="aw_nirbhay_su30">{{cite web|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=awst&id=news/awst/2010/05/10/AW_05_10_2010_p28-224612.xml&headline=Flanking Maneuver|author=Douglas Barrie, Neelam Mathews|title=Flanking Maneuver|publisher=Aviation Week}}</ref> In May 2010, [[India Today]] reported that Russia had won a large contract to upgrade 40 Su-30MKI fighters with new [[Radar|radars]], onboard computers, [[Electronic warfare|electronic warfare systems]] and the ability to carry the BrahMos missile. The first two prototypes with the 'Super-30' upgrade will be delivered to the Indian Air Force in 2012, after which the same upgrades will be performed on the last batch consisting of 40 production aircraft.<ref name="it_super-30">{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/99261/Radar/Fierce+fighter.html|title=Fierce fighter|publisher=[[India Today]]|author=Sandeep Unnithan}}</ref> The exact value of the contract has yet to be disclosed however.<ref name="rian_mki_upgrade">{{cite web|url=http://en.rian.ru/world/20100530/159217594.html|title=Russia wins large contract to modernize Indian Su-30MKI fighters - media|publisher=RIA Novosti}}</ref><ref name="gs_mki_upgrade">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/india/2010/india-100530-rianovosti01.htm|title=Russia wins large contract to modernize Indian Su-30MKI fighters - media|publisher=[[Globalsecurity.org]]}}</ref>

Revision as of 12:41, 26 June 2011

The Indian Air Force started modernising and upgrading its aging and outdated equipment since the late 90’s. For that reason it has started procuring and developing aircraft, weapons, associated technologies, and infrastructures. Some of these programmes date back to the late 80’s. The primary focus of upgradation are the aircraft procured from the Soviet Union that form the backbone of the Air Force.

Upgrades

The Indian Air Force began an upgrade of its MiG-29 fleet in 2007.[1] India awarded Russia a US$965 million contract to upgrade its air superiority MiG-29 into multi role MiG-29UPG standard warplanes, on Monday 10 March 2008. According to the deal, Russia will re-arm the twin-engined MiG-29s with air-to-air missiles, and the upgraded MiGs will feature increased fuel capacity and will include latest avionics. The design is a new modification intended for the MiG-29s used by Indian Air Force. It made its maiden flight on 4 February 2011. The standard includes the new Zhuk-M radar, new avionics, a IFR probe as well as new enhanced RD-33 series 3 turbojet engines. The modernization is part of a $900 million contract to upgrade the 69 fighter fleet. [2][3]

IAF plans to modify its all fleet heavily by more than 1000 fighters by 2020 onwards :-

  • Transport aircraft -

1. Boeing C-17 Globemaster III - purchase of 10 aircrafts plus option for 10 more aircrafts.

2.Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules - purchase of 6 aircrafts plus option for 6 more. 3.Alenia C-27J Spartan - IAF looking to purchase 16 of this aircraft. 2 more for BSF Air Wing.

4.UAC/HAL Il-214 Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA) - Indo-Russian joint venture.The Indian Air Force plans to acquire 45 MTAs.

5.NAL Saras - Indian Air Force intends to place an order for up to 45 aircraft.

  • Fighter aircraft -

1. (MMRCA) - 126 aircraft . There is an option for an additional 74 aircraft.Bidders - Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet,Dassault Rafale,Eurofighter Typhoon,Lockheed Martin F-16IN Super Viper,Mikoyan MiG-35,Saab Gripen NG.

2. HAL TEJAS - The IAF is reported to have a requirement for 200 single-seat and 20 two-seat conversion trainers. 3.Sukhoi/HAL FGFA - Indo-Russian joint venture.Indian Air Force will get 200 twin-seated and 50 single seated FGFAs.The option for further orders will be kept open.

4. Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft - IAF has a requirement of at least 250 AMCAs.

  • Trainer aircraft -

1.Tender For 181 basic trainer aircraft - bidders : Grob G-120TP, Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, Korean Aerospace Industries KT-1, Finmeccanica M-311 and Pilatus PC-7 .

2.HAL HJT-36 Sitara - The Indian Air Force has placed placed an order for 73 aircraft, of which the first 12 are in production.The order by the Indian Air Force could eventually grow to 250 aircraft.

3.HAL HTT-40 - will replace HAL HPT-32 Deepak as basic trainer in IAF. 4. BAE HAWK - 123 Ordered.

  • Airborne early warning aircraft -

1. DRDO AEW&CS - 4 system on order plus additional 20 systems .

2.Beriev A-50 [ PHALCON AWACS ] - 3 operational , order for additional 3 likely.

  • Attack helicopter -

1.LCH - Order of 65 LCH to IAF. 2. Tender for 22 attack helicopters - Bidders : AH-64D Apache Longbow,Mi-28.

  • Transport and utility helicopters -

1. Tender for 15 heavy lift helicopters - Bidders : CH-47 Chinook,Mi-26.

2. Mi-17 V-5 - order for 80 plus additional 59 placed .

3. AgustaWestland AW101 - order for 12 helicopters placed . will be used for VIP transport.

4.Tender for 125 light transport helicopter Along with 197 for Army aviation.

5.HAL light observation helicopter [ LOH ] or Light Utility helicopter [LUH] - Requirement for 384 helicopters including for army and air force.

  • Unmanned aerial vehicles -

1.Tender For stealth UCAV - The Indian air force has submitted a request for information to international suppliers for a unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) with low radar cross-section, high service ceiling, an expected range of 500nm (925km) and the capability to carry precision-guided weapons in an internal weapons bay.

2.RUSTOM MALE UAV - The Rustom will replace/supplement the Heron UAVs in service with the Indian armed forces 3. AURA UCAV - The AURA UCAV will be a tactical stealth aircraft built largely with composites, and capable of delivering laser-guided strike weapons. It would be a stealthy flying-wing concept aircraft with internal weapons and a turbofan engine.

  • Cruise missiles -

1.Nirbhay cruise missile - is a long range, subsonic cruise missile . The missile will have a range of 1,000 km and will arm three services. First test flight by early 2012.

  • Surface to air missile systems -

1. SPYDER SAM systems - India to acquire 18 of this system. 2. Maitri (missile) - The Maitri missile project is a next-generation Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) with a lethal hundred per cent kill probability .

  • Air TO Air Missile

1.Astra (missile) BVRAAM . [4]

Although not initially designed to carry nuclear or strategic weapons, the Indian Air Force will receive 40 upgraded Su-30MKIs capable of carrying the BrahMos cruise missile possibly by 2012.[5][6] In addition, there are also plans to integrate the nuclear-capable Nirbhay missile with the aircraft as well.[7] In May 2010, India Today reported that Russia had won a large contract to upgrade 40 Su-30MKI fighters with new radars, onboard computers, electronic warfare systems and the ability to carry the BrahMos missile. The first two prototypes with the 'Super-30' upgrade will be delivered to the Indian Air Force in 2012, after which the same upgrades will be performed on the last batch consisting of 40 production aircraft.[8] The exact value of the contract has yet to be disclosed however.[9][10]

In March 2010, India and France finalized the long delayed deal to upgrade all of India's Mirage 2000H to Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 variant with new radar systems, a new weapon suite, missiles, electronic warfare system etc.[11] French claim that the combat-proven aircraft will be upgraded to next-generation fighter level.[11] The first four to six Mirages will be upgraded in France, with the rest 50 or so being upgraded in India by Hindustan Aeronautics under transfer of technology. Under the upgrade, the entire airframe will be stripped down to be re-wired and re-equipped with new avionics, mission computers, glass cockpits, helmet-mounted displays, electronic warfare suites and of course weapon systems to extend and enhance the operational life of the multi-role fighters by around 20 years.[12]

Under procurement

Fighter aircraft

Rafale
Typhoon

The IAF has issued a Request of Intent (RoI) for the procurement of 126 multi-role combat aircraft. Contenders for the $10 Billion contract are the MiG-35 from Mikoyan of Russia, the Rafale from Dassault Aviation of France, the Eurofighter Typhoon, from EU, JAS 39 Gripen from Saab of Sweden, the F-16IN Super Viper from Lockheed Martin and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet from Boeing.[13]

The order is for 126 aircraft with the option to buy another 64–74 more.[14] While there were reports of the direct order being increased to 200, or split between two vendors, Former Chief of Air Staff of the IAF, Air Marshal S.P. Tyagi stated during Aero India 2007 that the number would remain the same, and would be sourced from a single vendor.[15] The first squadron would be directly supplied by the vendor, while the rest would be manufactured under license in India by HAL. He stated however, that as the bidding progressed, this could change.

On 27 April 2011, the IAF shortlisted two of the six competing fighter jets — Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale.[16]

Transport aircraft

An order for 10 C-17 Globemaster III has been placed.

On 15 June 2009, the IAF announced that it was interested in purchasing about 10 C-17 Globemaster III tactical military transport aircraft. The C-17 deal, worth $4.1 billion, has been signed through Pentagon's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route under which Boeing will deliver the planes to India over the next four years. [17] It is possible that the deal might include an option for 10 more aircraft.[18]

In early 2008, the IAF signed a deal to acquire 6 C-130J Super Hercules, modified for special mission roles, for US$1.06 billion.[19] Lockheed Martin has already delivered 2 planes & the remaining 4 will arrive by end of June 2011.[20][21]

Trainer aircraft

The IAF was planning to acquire 181 basic trainer aircraft & had to select an aircraft from six contenders - Grob G-120TP, Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, Korean Aerospace Industries KT-1, Finmeccanica M-311 and Pilatus PC-21 after flight trials. In June 2011, IAF selected Switzerland's Pilatus Aircraft to supply 75 PC-21 trainer planes for $1 billion [22]

Helicopters

HAL Light Combat Helicopter

On 26 May 2009, the Indian Ministry of Defense invited bids for 22 combat helicopters and 15 heavy-lift helicopters in a deal worth US$2 billion. Companies which have expressed their interest in the tender include — Russia's Kamov and Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Europe's AgustaWestland and Eurocopter and United States' Bell Helicopter and Boeing.[23][24] Boeing submitted its initial bid on 23 Oct 2009 offering the AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter and the CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift, twin-rotor helicopters.[25]

In December 2008, India and Russia inked a deal for the supply of 80 Mi-17V-5 (also known as Mi-171) medium lift helicopters at a cost of US$1.2 billion. The two countries had earlier negotiated a price of $650 million, but early in 2008 Russia asked for a revision of the contract price. Russia is expected to deliver the Mi-171 to the IAF in 2010.[26][27] The deal also envisages a US$405 million "offset" obligation by Russia. The new choppers, which have an 18,000 ft operational ceiling, will replace 50 Mi-8s currently in service with the IAF, some of which are over 35 years old, and boost IAF's capability to support high-altitude posts in Siachen and Ladakh sectors. The helicopter will come with the circuitry and hard points to carry weapons. In September 2010, the IAF placed an order for 59 more MI-17V5 helicopters in addition to the 80 ordered in 2008, this is to replace its ageing fleet of the older MI-17s and MI-8s; the process would be completed by 2014.[28]

The Indian Air Force has signed a 560 million euro contract with Italy's AgustaWestland for 12 AW101 helicopters.[29] The aircraft will be delivered with self-protection equipment capable of warding off missile threats[30] and will serve as VIP transports the Indian President and Prime Minister.

A tender for supply of 317 light helicopters will be floated by Ministry of Defence combining the requirements of Indian Air force (125) and Indian Army (197).

Unmanned aerial vehicles

The Indian air force has submitted a request for information to international suppliers for a unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) with low radar cross-section, high service ceiling, an expected range of 500nm (925km) and the capability to carry precision-guided weapons in an internal weapons bay.[31]

Surface to air missile systems

In June 2007, India signed a $250 million to purchase SPYDER (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) mobile air defense missiles from Israel.[32] The two countries signed an additional $4 billion deal for the joint-development of a medium range surface-to-air missiles.[33] However, the procurement of SPYDER missiles was delayed because of an ongoing investigation against Israel Aerospace Industries and RAFAEL by Indian intelligence agencies for its alleged kickbacks in the Barak-I deal with the Indian Navy.[34] In August 2008, a $2.5 billion deal was signed by India and Israel to develop an advanced version of the SPYDER.[35]

Cruise missiles

The Air launched version of Brahmos.

DRDO is developing the air launched version of the Brahmos cruise missile in a joint venture with Russia's NPO Mashinostroeyenia. The air launched version for the Indian Air Force is ready for testing.[36] The IAF has signed a contract with Russia to upgrade 40 Su-30MKIs to give them the capability of carrying the BrahMos cruise missile by 2012.[5][6]

DRDO is also developing the nuclear capable Nirbhay cruise missile.[37]

Under development

Fighter aircraft

HAL Tejas

HAL initiated the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme in 1983 to develop a replacement aircraft for IAF's ageing MiG-21. After development during the 80s and 90s the first flight occurred in 2001. The aircraft has since been named HAL Tejas. Finally after Initial Operation Clerance status (IOC) Tejas is officially inducted in IAF for Final Operational Clearance (FOC)on January 10,2011, after achieving the FOC status IAF is going to order 10 squadrons of the aircraft for its aging fleets of MiG-21s. [38] The IAF is reported to have a requirement for 200 single-seat and 20 two-seat conversion trainers. It has ordered 48 limited production aircraft.[39] The Initial Operation Clearance was granted to the IAF on the 10th January 2011 by the Defence Minister Mr.A.K.Antony.

In October 2007, India and Russia signed a pact to develop a Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft which is a derivative project from the PAK FA.[40] The Indian version will be a two-seater, air superiority fighter.[41] Another agreement was signed between India's Hindustan Aeronautics and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) in December 2008 which detailed the joint development and production the aircraft.[42] Work on the program will start by mid-2009 and the program is expected to be completed by 2017.[43] Indian Air Force will get 200 twin-seated and 50 single seated FGFAs. Sukhoi/HAL FGFA when fully developed is intended to replace the MiG-29 Fulcrum and Mikoyan MiG-27 in the Indian inventory. [44]

HAL has also started design work on an Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which is a twin-engined 5th generation stealth multirole fighter. It will complement the HAL Tejas, the Sukhoi/HAL FGFA, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the as yet undecided MRCA in the Indian Air Force. The main purpose of this aircraft is to replace the aging SEPECAT Jaguar & Dassault Mirage 2000 fighters.[45] IAF has a requirement of at least 250 AMCAs.

Airborne early warning aircraft

Model of DRDO AWACS

In 2004, Defence Research and Development Organisation revived the Airavat Project, which was India's first attempt in developing an indigenous AEW aircraft.[46] A $210 million deal signed with Brazil's Embraer in 2008 for the supply of three Embraer EMB-145 regional jets.[47] India has sent a request for proposal to six vendors for the supply of Active Array Antenna Unit (AAAU) and various other sub-systems. These vendors include Israel's Elta, the European consortium EADS, France's Thales, Sweden's SAAB Erikson and the United State's Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. The IAF has a requirement for 24 DRDO AEW&CS.

Transport aircraft

NAL Saras taking off

HAL entered a joint-venture with the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia to develop the UAC/HAL Il-214 Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA) which is a medium-lift military transport aircraft.[48][49] Both companies will invest US$300 million each in joint venture.[50] The aircraft will be able to perform regular transport duties and also deploy paratroopers. The jet is expected to fly by 2014 and inducted by 2015/16.[51]The Indian Air Force plans to acquire 45 MTAs.[51]The aircraft will have a maximum payload of 18.5 tons, with a range of 2500 km and a speed of 870 km/h.

The IAF has also placed an order for 15 NAL Saras light transport aircraft designed by the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) which is still under development. The manufacturer has stated that the Indian Air Force intends to place an order for up to 45 aircraft.[52]

Training aircraft

HAL HJT-36 Sitara

HAL has developed the HAL HJT-36 Sitara intermediate jet trainer aircraft for the IAF which carried out its maiden test flight in 2003. These aircraft are scheduled to replace the aging HJT-16 Kiran mk.I. The Indian Air Force has placed placed an order for 73 aircraft, of which the first 12 are in production.[53] The order by the Indian Air Force could eventually grow to 250 aircraft. Two prototype aircraft have been built. These aircraft have undergone 280 test flights. The HJT-36 is scheduled to enter service with the Indian Air Force in June, 2010.

HAL will also develop the HAL HTT-40 which will replace HAL HPT-32 Deepak as basic trainer. HAL has decided to rope in an international partner for the design and development of the much needed ab initio turbo trainer for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Navy.

Helicopters

HAL is developing the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) for the IAF based on the successful HAL Dhruv platform. It is being designed to fit into an anti-infantry and anti-armour role and will be capable to operate from altitudes of 6,500 metres.[54] The first prototype of the LCH has successfully completed its first flight run on 29 March 2010[55]

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited of India is now developing the HAL Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) to replace the fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. The project is in preliminary stages and is in the design phase. The project is expected to be completed within next 5–6 years.[56]

Unmanned aerial vehicles

The DRDO of India is developing a Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) called the Rustom(English: Warrior) for all three branches of the indian Armed Forces.[57] The Rustom will replace/supplement the Heron UAVs in service with the Indian armed forces.

DRDO is also developing the AURA (Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft) which is an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle for the Indian Air Force. The design work on the UCAV is carried out by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADE). The AURA UCAV will be a tactical stealth aircraft built largely with composites, and capable of delivering laser-guided strike weapons. It would be a stealthy flying-wing concept aircraft with internal weapons and a turbofan engine.[58]

Surface to air missile systems

India and Israel have agreed to expand their missile development cooperation with a longer-range version of their extended-range Barak ship defense system for the Indian Air Force.[59]

DRDO is in talks with MBDA to develop Maitri LLQRM (Low Level Quick Reaction Missile) for all three branches of the armed forces. Sources said that DRDL is preparing feasibility report and is awaiting formal clearance from defence ministry.[60][61][62]

References

  1. ^ "ACM FH Major: IAF strengthening India's standing in international arenanews". domain-b.com. 2 June 2007. Retrieved 24 April 2009.
  2. ^ "Upgradation of MIG-29 squadrons". 23 November 2009.
  3. ^ RIA Novosti (18 September 2009). "Russia to complete overhaul of 63 Indian fighter jets in 2013".
  4. ^ "Indian Military Future Procurements". defence.pk. 16 March 2011.
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