Yeas we need mor strategic airlifters, il76 is an old work horse.
Russians are continuoing with time tested il76, anericans they have enough c17&c5s as if now. No way new models are coming in next 15 years.
Antonov is Ukrainian so not only can we arm twist because of the absolute miserable state of their economy we can even control the IP. The Chinese have bought the IP for the an225 so we can easily buy IP of an-125 and similar aircrafts. Most Antonov planes out perform Western airlifters in raw performance. Our only focus should be reduce cost of maintenance and using amreeki engines. The cost of fuel and maintainability will be handled. Just need the IAF on board.
According to the standing committee report, the MLU only includes avionics upgrade. (But re-engining for Il-78!)
We will look into it 10 years from now. Purchase or development whatever it is.
AN70, its a good platform. It made already and no takers. Its even better than A400, at least on paper. We need to bring this in to HAL production line, it may not be able to lift T90, but far better choice than c130 or A400.
Another blow to China: US, India sign major defence deal
The US has announced a major boost to India amid the ongoing tensions with China in eastern Ladakh. The United States has announced the supply of spare parts of the Indian Air Force's giant cargo aircraft C-130J Super Hercules. The two countries have entered into a $90-million deal.
The US Defence Security Agency said the deal will further strengthen India-US strategic relations. This will advance political stability, peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
According to the deal, the US will repair the C-130J Super Hercules to India. They will also have spare part supplies and ground support. India has also ordered an AN/ALR-56M advanced radar warning system, 10 lightweight night vision binoculars, 10 night vision glasses, GPS and electronic warfare to the US.
According to news agency PTI, the Indian Air Force ships will be ready for operation at all times and can be used at any time under emergent circumstances after the C-130J Super Hercules has access to spare parts and service.
According to US law, major defence deals with other countries are placed under the Arms Export Control Act and MPs can review any deal within 30 days. According to the information, Lockheed Mortin will take over the company's sale service as part of the deal with the US.
India is among the 17 countries where C-130J Super Hercules aircraft are used. The Indian Air Force fleet comprises 5 aircraft of this type. India is to order the 6th C-130J-30s Super Hercules aircraft.
A Lockheed Martin company spokesman said C-130J aircraft could take heavy equipment and land in those inaccessible areas of the world. Where no other ship can land. The company's gesture was to land a C-130J aircraft at Daulat Beg Oldie, the world's highest runway in 2013. It was the most audacious operation of the Indian Air Force. India strengthened its security at Daulat Beg Oldie by landing on the runway at a height of about 16,614 feet.
(With agency inputs)
Another blow to China: US, India sign major defence deal
The US Defence Security Agency said the deal will further strengthen India-US strategic relations. This will advance political stability, peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.www.dnaindia.com
The C-295 case is interesting to say the least. Given it's application as replacement for the Avros & the resource crunch wonder why's the IAF insistent on it's procurement given the Avros airframe still has plenty of life pending & HAL can easily upgrade it.View attachment 18963
Year End Review – 2020 Ministry of Defence
The year 2020 began with a momentous decision in Indian Defence history. The Department ofpib.gov.in
probably govt is waiting for anil ambani to start a company to produce aircrafts. they call it atmanirbhar .......err whatever it is , me, myself and ourselves country's security be damned.
There was the additional need for 6 more for the Coast Guard as well. Hopefully that gets added to the 56. Or some of the Avro's are transferred to Indian Coast Guard. Heard that there is more life on the Avro airframes.India to sign $2.5-billion contract for 56 transport planes for IAF
Airbus Defence and Space and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will jointly execute the project to equip the air force with 56 C-295 transport aircraft under the Make-in-India initiative in the aerospace sector.www.hindustantimes.com
Only thing interesting here how the deal is alive after close to 5 years of negotiations.
Is this the first such instance?
What's the application? Pls consider that. This isn't your regular transportation aircraft. If at all,that'd be it's secondary function. This would have made sense were the C-295s a replacement for the An-32s. Clearly that isn't the case here.
