Future of the Indian Air Force
Encyclopedia
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started modernising and upgrading its aging and outdated equipment since the late 90’s. For that reason it has started procuring and developing aircraft, weapons, associated technologies, and infrastructures.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.
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. In addition, there are also plans to integrate the nuclear-capable Nirbhay missile with the aircraft as well. 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. The exact value of the contract has yet to be disclosed however.
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. French claim that the combat-proven aircraft will be upgraded to next-generation fighter level. 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.
. 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. 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. The Initial Operation Clearance was granted to the IAF on the 10th January 2011 by the Defence Minister Mr.A.K.Antony.
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
.
The order is for 126 aircraft with the option to buy another 64–74 more. 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. 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
.
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. It is possible that the deal might include an option for 10 more aircraft.
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. The aircraft are based at Hindan Air Force Station in Ghaziabad and Lockheed Martin
has delivered all 6 by October 2011. On 16 September, 2011, the Government of India sent a Letter of Request to the United States to price out the purchase of an additional 6 C-130J's which will be based at an as yet undisclosed location.
, Korean Aerospace Industries
KT-1, Finmeccanica
M-311 and Pilatus
PC-7MkII after flight trials. In June 2011, IAF selected Switzerland's Pilatus Aircraft to supply 75 PC-7MkII trainer planes for $1 billion
and Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
, Europe's AgustaWestland
and Eurocopter and United States' Bell Helicopter and Boeing
. 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.
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. 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.
The Indian Air Force has signed a 560 million euro contract with Italy's AgustaWestland
for 12 AW101 helicopters. The aircraft will be delivered with self-protection equipment capable of warding off missile threats and will serve as VIP transports the Indian President and Prime Minister.
A tender for supply of 322 light helicopters will be floated by Ministry of Defence combining the requirements of Indian Air force (125) and Indian Army (197).
(Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) mobile air defense missiles from Israel. The two countries signed an additional $4 billion deal for the joint-development of a medium range surface-to-air missiles. 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. In August 2008, a $2.5 billion deal was signed by India and Israel to develop an advanced version of the SPYDER.
cruise missile in a joint venture with Russia's NPO Mashinostroeyenia. The air launched version for the Indian Air Force is ready for testing. 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.
DRDO is also developing the nuclear capable Nirbhay cruise missile.
(UAC) in December 2008 which detailed the joint development and production the aircraft. Work on the program will start by mid-2009 and the program is expected to be completed by 2017. 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.
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. IAF has a requirement of at least 250 AMCAs.
revived the Airavat
Project, which was India's first attempt in developing an indigenous AEW aircraft. A $210 million deal signed with Brazil's Embraer in 2008 for the supply of three Embraer EMB-145 regional jets. 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
.
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
. Both companies will invest US$300 million each in joint venture. The aircraft will be able to perform regular transport duties and also deploy paratrooper
s. The jet is expected to fly by 2014 and inducted by 2015/16. The Indian Air Force plans to acquire 45 MTAs. 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.
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 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. 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 Dec, 2012 or Jan 2013.
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.
(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. The first prototype of the LCH has successfully completed its first flight run on 29 March 2010
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.
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
of India is now developing the HAL Dhruv
Helicopter (WSI) Weapon System Integrated named (RUDRA) it is a variant of Dhruv (ALH)Dhruv MK-4 to strengthen the fleet of attack helicopters. The project is in under various trials . The project is expected to be completed within next year 2012 .
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.
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.
Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian armed forces. Its primary responsibility is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a conflict...
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. India awarded Russia a US$865 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.Although not initially designed to carry nuclear or strategic weapons, the Indian Air Force
Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian armed forces. Its primary responsibility is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a conflict...
will receive 40 upgraded Su-30MKI
Su-30MKI
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is an air superiority fighter jointly developed by Russia's Sukhoi and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Air Force...
s capable of carrying the BrahMos
BrahMos
BrahMos is a stealth supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land. It is a joint venture between Republic of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation and Russian Federation's NPO Mashinostroeyenia who have together formed BrahMos Aerospace...
cruise missile
Cruise missile
A cruise missile is a guided missile that carries an explosive payload and is propelled, usually by a jet engine, towards a land-based or sea-based target. Cruise missiles are designed to deliver a large warhead over long distances with high accuracy...
possibly by 2012. In addition, there are also plans to integrate the nuclear-capable Nirbhay missile with the aircraft as well. In May 2010, India Today
India Today
India Today is an Indian weekly news magazine published by Living Media India Limited, in publication since 1975 based in Mumbai. India Today is also the name of its sister-publication in Hindi...
reported that Russia had won a large contract to upgrade 40 Su-30MKI fighters with new radars
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
, onboard computers, electronic warfare systems
Electronic warfare
Electronic warfare refers to any action involving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum or directed energy to control the spectrum, attack an enemy, or impede enemy assaults via the spectrum. The purpose of electronic warfare is to deny the opponent the advantage of, and ensure friendly...
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. The exact value of the contract has yet to be disclosed however.
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. French claim that the combat-proven aircraft will be upgraded to next-generation fighter level. 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.
Fighters
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 TejasHAL Tejas
The HAL Tejas is a lightweight multirole fighter developed by India. It is a tailless, compound delta-wing design powered by a single engine. It came from the Light Combat Aircraft programme, which began in the 1980s to replace India's ageing MiG-21 fighters...
. 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. 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. The Initial Operation Clearance was granted to the IAF on the 10th January 2011 by the Defence Minister Mr.A.K.Antony.
Mikoyan
Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG , or RSK MiG, is a Russian joint stock company. Formerly Mikoyan-and-Gurevich Design Bureau , then simply Mikoyan, it is a military aircraft design bureau, primarily designing fighter aircraft...
of Russia, the Rafale from Dassault Aviation
Dassault Aviation
Dassault Aviation is a French aircraft manufacturer of military, regional and business jets, a subsidiary of Dassault Group.It was founded in 1930 by Marcel Bloch as Société des Avions Marcel Bloch or "MB". After World War II, Marcel Bloch changed his name to Marcel Dassault, and the name of the...
of France, the Eurofighter Typhoon
Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole combat aircraft, designed and built by a consortium of three companies: EADS, Alenia Aeronautica and BAE Systems; working through a holding company, Eurofighter GmbH, which was formed in 1986...
, from EU, JAS 39 Gripen
JAS 39 Gripen
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a lightweight single-engine multirole fighter manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. It was designed to replace the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force...
from Saab
Saab
Saab AB is a Swedish aerospace and defence company, founded in 1937. From 1947 to 1990 it was the parent company of automobile manufacturer Saab Automobile, and between 1968 and 1995 the company was in a merger with commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania, known as Saab-Scania.-History:"Svenska...
of Sweden, the F-16IN Super Viper from Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is an American global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology company with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington Metropolitan Area....
and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a twin-engine carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft. The F/A-18E single-seat variant and F/A-18F tandem-seat variant are larger and more advanced derivatives of the F/A-18C and D Hornet. The Super Hornet has an internal 20 mm gun and can carry air-to-air...
from Boeing
Boeing
The Boeing Company is an American multinational aerospace and defense corporation, founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Boeing has expanded over the years, merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Boeing Corporate headquarters has been in Chicago, Illinois since 2001...
.
The order is for 126 aircraft with the option to buy another 64–74 more. 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. 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
Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole combat aircraft, designed and built by a consortium of three companies: EADS, Alenia Aeronautica and BAE Systems; working through a holding company, Eurofighter GmbH, which was formed in 1986...
and Dassault Rafale
Dassault Rafale
The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine delta-wing multi-role jet fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation. Introduced in 2000, the Rafale is being produced both for land-based use with the French Air Force and for carrier-based operations with the French Navy...
.
Transports
On 15 June 2009, the IAF announced that it was interested in purchasing about 10 C-17 Globemaster IIIC-17 Globemaster III
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft. Developed for the United States Air Force from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas, the C-17 is used for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward operating bases throughout...
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. It is possible that the deal might include an option for 10 more aircraft.
In early 2008, the IAF signed a deal to acquire 6 C-130J Super Hercules
C-130J Super Hercules
The Lockheed Martin C-130J "Super" Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. The C-130J is a comprehensive update of the venerable Lockheed C-130 Hercules, with new engines, flight deck, and other systems. The Hercules family has the longest continuous production run of any...
, modified for special mission roles, for US$1.06 billion. The aircraft are based at Hindan Air Force Station in Ghaziabad and Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is an American global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology company with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington Metropolitan Area....
has delivered all 6 by October 2011. On 16 September, 2011, the Government of India sent a Letter of Request to the United States to price out the purchase of an additional 6 C-130J's which will be based at an as yet undisclosed location.
Trainers
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 TucanoEmbraer EMB 314 Super Tucano
The Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, also named ALX or A-29 is a turboprop aircraft designed for light attack, counter insurgency and pilot training missions, incorporating modern avionics and weapons systems. It is currently in service with the air forces of Brazil, Dominican Republic and Colombia,...
, Korean Aerospace Industries
Korean Aerospace Industries
Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. is a South Korean aerospace company, originally a JV of Samsung Aerospace, Daewoo Heavy Industries , and Hyundai Space and Aircraft Company , which in 1999 took over its founding members at the behest of the Korean government following their financial troubles...
KT-1, Finmeccanica
Finmeccanica
Finmeccanica S.p.A. is an Italian conglomerate. Finmeccanica is the second largest industrial group and the largest of the hi-tech industrial groups based in Italy. It works in the fields of defence, aerospace, security, automation, transport and energy...
M-311 and Pilatus
Pilatus
Pilatus may refer to:* Pilatus , a mountain in Switzerland* Pilatus , an X-ray area detector developed at the Swiss Light Source* Pilatus , a 1917 play by Kaj Munk manufacturer* Pilatus Aircraft, a Swiss aircraft manufacturer...
PC-7MkII after flight trials. In June 2011, IAF selected Switzerland's Pilatus Aircraft to supply 75 PC-7MkII trainer planes for $1 billion
Helicopters
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 KamovKamov
Kamov is a Russian rotor-winged aircraft manufacturing company that was founded by Nikolai Il'yich Kamov, who started building his first rotor-winged aircraft in 1929, together with N. K. Skrzhinskii...
and Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
Mil Helicopters is the short name of the Soviet Russian helicopter producer Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant , named after the constructor Mikhail Mil. Mil participates in the Euromil joint venture with Eurocopter....
, Europe's AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland is an Anglo-Italian helicopter design and manufacturing company. It was formed in July 2000 when Finmeccanica S.p.A. and GKN plc agreed to merge their respective helicopter subsidiaries to form AgustaWestland with Finmeccanica and GKN each holding a 50% share.AgustaWestland is now a...
and Eurocopter and United States' Bell Helicopter and Boeing
Boeing
The Boeing Company is an American multinational aerospace and defense corporation, founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Boeing has expanded over the years, merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Boeing Corporate headquarters has been in Chicago, Illinois since 2001...
. Boeing submitted its initial bid on 23 Oct 2009 offering the AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter and the CH-47F Chinook
CH-47 Chinook
The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its top speed of 170 knots is faster than contemporary utility and attack helicopters of the 1960s...
heavy-lift, twin-rotor helicopters.
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. 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.
The Indian Air Force has signed a 560 million euro contract with Italy's AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland is an Anglo-Italian helicopter design and manufacturing company. It was formed in July 2000 when Finmeccanica S.p.A. and GKN plc agreed to merge their respective helicopter subsidiaries to form AgustaWestland with Finmeccanica and GKN each holding a 50% share.AgustaWestland is now a...
for 12 AW101 helicopters. The aircraft will be delivered with self-protection equipment capable of warding off missile threats and will serve as VIP transports the Indian President and Prime Minister.
A tender for supply of 322 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.Surface to air missile systems
In June 2007, India signed a $250 million to purchase SPYDERSPYDER
The SPYDER is an anti-aircraft missile system developed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, which is fitted atop a Czech Tatra truck...
(Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) mobile air defense missiles from Israel. The two countries signed an additional $4 billion deal for the joint-development of a medium range surface-to-air missiles. 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. In August 2008, a $2.5 billion deal was signed by India and Israel to develop an advanced version of the SPYDER.
Cruise missiles
DRDO is developing the air launched version of the BrahmosBrahMos
BrahMos is a stealth supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land. It is a joint venture between Republic of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation and Russian Federation's NPO Mashinostroeyenia who have together formed BrahMos Aerospace...
cruise missile in a joint venture with Russia's NPO Mashinostroeyenia. The air launched version for the Indian Air Force is ready for testing. The IAF has signed a contract with Russia to upgrade 40 Su-30MKIs to give them the capability of carrying the BrahMos
BrahMos
BrahMos is a stealth supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land. It is a joint venture between Republic of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation and Russian Federation's NPO Mashinostroeyenia who have together formed BrahMos Aerospace...
cruise missile
Cruise missile
A cruise missile is a guided missile that carries an explosive payload and is propelled, usually by a jet engine, towards a land-based or sea-based target. Cruise missiles are designed to deliver a large warhead over long distances with high accuracy...
by 2012.
DRDO is also developing the nuclear capable Nirbhay cruise missile.
Fighters
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. The Indian version will be a two-seater, air superiority fighter. Another agreement was signed between India's Hindustan Aeronautics and Russia's United Aircraft CorporationUnited Aircraft Corporation
United Aircraft Corporation may refer to one of the following:* United Aircraft Corporation, formerly United Aircraft and Transport Corporation; now known as United Technologies Corporation....
(UAC) in December 2008 which detailed the joint development and production the aircraft. Work on the program will start by mid-2009 and the program is expected to be completed by 2017. 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
Mikoyan MiG-29
The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a fourth-generation jet fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union for an air superiority role. Developed in the 1970s by the Mikoyan design bureau, it entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1983, and remains in use by the Russian Air Force as well as in many other...
and Mikoyan MiG-27
Mikoyan MiG-27
The Mikoyan MiG-27 is a variable-geometry ground-attack aircraft, originally built by the Mikoyan design bureau in the Soviet Union and later license-produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics as the Bahadur . It is based on the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 fighter aircraft, but optimized for...
in the Indian inventory.
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. IAF has a requirement of at least 250 AMCAs.
Airborne early warning
In 2004, Defence Research and Development OrganisationDefence Research and Development Organisation
The Defence Research and Development Organisation is a agency of the Republic of India, responsible for the development of technology for use by the military, headquartered in New Delhi, India...
revived the Airavat
Airborne Surveillance Platform
The Airborne Surveillance Platform is an Indian defense project, initiated by the Defence Research and Development Organization, which aimed to produce an Airborne Early Warning System. Two prototypes were developed and flight tested for three years. The project was cancelled in 1999 after the...
Project, which was India's first attempt in developing an indigenous AEW aircraft. A $210 million deal signed with Brazil's Embraer in 2008 for the supply of three Embraer EMB-145 regional jets. 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
DRDO AEW&CS
The Airborne Early Warning and Control System is a project being undertaken by India's Defence Research & Development Organization to develop an AWACS for the Indian Air Force.- Program details :...
.
Transports
United Aircraft Corporation
United Aircraft Corporation may refer to one of the following:* United Aircraft Corporation, formerly United Aircraft and Transport Corporation; now known as United Technologies Corporation....
(UAC) of Russia to develop the UAC/HAL Il-214 Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA) which is a medium-lift military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
. Both companies will invest US$300 million each in joint venture. The aircraft will be able to perform regular transport duties and also deploy paratrooper
Paratrooper
Paratroopers are soldiers trained in parachuting and generally operate as part of an airborne force.Paratroopers are used for tactical advantage as they can be inserted into the battlefield from the air, thereby allowing them to be positioned in areas not accessible by land...
s. The jet is expected to fly by 2014 and inducted by 2015/16. The Indian Air Force plans to acquire 45 MTAs. 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
National Aerospace Laboratory
The Nationaal Lucht- en Ruimtevaartlaboratorium is the National Aerospace Laboratory of the Netherlands and is one of the Major Technological Institutes of the country. These institutes perform a large part of the applied research in the Netherlands, each within its own specific field of technology...
(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.
Trainers
HAL has developed the HAL HJT-36 SitaraHAL HJT-36
The HAL HJT-36 Sitara is a subsonic intermediate jet trainer aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy...
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 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. 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 Dec, 2012 or Jan 2013.
HAL will also develop the HAL HTT-40 which will replace HAL HPT-32 Deepak
HAL HPT-32 Deepak
-Bibliography:*Taylor, M.J.H. . Brassey's World Aircraft Systems Directory 1999/2000 Edition. London: Brassey's, 1999. ISBN 1 85753 245 7....
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 HelicopterHAL Light Combat Helicopter
The HAL Light Combat Helicopter is a multirole combat helicopter being developed in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for use by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army.-Development:In 2006, HAL announced its plans to build a LCH...
(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. The first prototype of the LCH has successfully completed its first flight run on 29 March 2010
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited based in Bangalore, India, is one of Asia's largest aerospace companies. Under the management of the Indian Ministry of Defence, this state-owned company is mainly involved in aerospace industry, which includes manufacturing and assembling aircraft, navigation and...
of India is now developing the HAL Light Observation Helicopter
HAL Light Observation Helicopter
-External links:* *...
(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.
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited based in Bangalore, India, is one of Asia's largest aerospace companies. Under the management of the Indian Ministry of Defence, this state-owned company is mainly involved in aerospace industry, which includes manufacturing and assembling aircraft, navigation and...
of India is now developing the HAL Dhruv
HAL Dhruv
The HAL Dhruv is a utility helicopter developed and manufactured by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited . Dhruv was first announced in November 1984. The ALH was designed with assistance from MBB in Germany. The Dhruv first flew in 1992; but, due to the changing demands of the Indian Army and...
Helicopter (WSI) Weapon System Integrated named (RUDRA) it is a variant of Dhruv (ALH)Dhruv MK-4 to strengthen the fleet of attack helicopters. The project is in under various trials . The project is expected to be completed within next year 2012 .
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. 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.
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.DRDO is in talks with MBDA to develop Maitri
Maitri missile
The Maitri missile project is a next-generation Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile with a lethal hundred per cent kill probability. It is a short-range surface-to-air point defense missile system. It should not be confused with the similar Indian Army Low-Level Quick Reaction Missile system ...
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.