Indian armed forces

While at the same time license production of 140 Su-30MKIs will begin by Hindustan Aeronautics. The deal combines license production with full technology transfer of 140 Su-30MKIs and 920 AL-31FP engines. The first Su-30MKIs from Nasik are to be delivered to the IAF in 2004-05, with production increasing to a peak of 10 aircraft per year from 2007-08 onward. Production is expected to stretch to 2017-18. Recent reports say that production may be upped to 12 airframes per year. The Su-30MKI is highly capable Multi-Role combat aircraft armed with the latest BVR air-to-air missiles and Kh-31, Kh-29 and Kh-59 air-to-surface missiles, state-of- the art avionics including phased-array radar from India, France, Israel and South Africa. 

The thrust-vector control capability and canards substantially increases its combat efficiency and maneuverability. The Su-30MKI 1,800 mile (2,900km0 un-refueled range is an important attribute for India, which allow it to conduct long-range high endurance combat operations. The First batch of 10 Su-30MKI aircraft were inducted into the Indian Air Force 20th Squadron at Lohagaon Air Base (Pune, Maharashtra, India) on September 27, 2002.

Mirage 2000 has nine hardpoints for carrying weapon system payloads: five on the fuselage and two on each wing. The single-seat version is also armed with two internally mounted, high-firing-rate 30mm guns. The Mirage 2000s have gone through an upgrade in India which saw a new EW (Electronic Warfare) systems and new avionics being added. HAL units in Bangalore and Kanpur have been servicing Mirage 2000H/THs since 1998 and also manufacture some spare parts. In 2000, India placed an order for an additional 10 Mirage 2000s ( four single-seat Mirage 2000H and six twin-seat Mirage 2000TH).

The next batch was for 45 aircraft and involved the assembly of the aircraft in India from kits supplied from the Anglo-French production lines, with progressively more Indian-produced sub-assemblies in the aircraft. These aircraft were powered by the Adour Mk 811 and were equipped with the DARIN system. In December 1982 a further batch of 31 single-seaters was approved. Included in the last 2 batches were eight Jaguar IM maritime strike aircraft, which were different  from the IS in being equipped with Agave radar and Sea-Eagle anti-ship missile. In 1993 15 more Jaguar IS were ordered and is believed to have included four more IM versions, all 15 aircraft were in service by the end of 1999. Further orders have been placed for 17 Jaguar ITs, which are due to be delivered from 2002. An order for an additional 20 strike Jaguars has also been placed. Several upgrades are currently being pursued, HAL is believed to be replacing the Agave radar in the Jaguar IMs with the the ELTA EL/M-2022 maritime radar system. 

The radar upgrade contract was signed in 1996. For the majority of the Indian Strike Jaguars, a phased upgrade is planned. Contracts have been signed with French (Sextant) and Israeli (Elta) companies to upgrade the avionics of the 'strike' Jaguars and the 35 BAe-built, NAVWASS-equipped Jaguars will be the first batch of aircraft to undergo the upgrade. These aircraft will also be fitted with a MIL-STD-1553B digital databus, like the HAL-built aircraft. A digital map generator is being developed by HAL, which will read onto a new head down display centered around a new Sextant MFD 66 active matrix liquid crystal display. A centralized threat warning system, including a new Indian-built radar warning receiver, will be incorporated into the aircraft. It is believed  that Rafael Litening Designation Pod will be adopted for widespread use by the fleet to use precision munitions. India is presently the largest user of the type and as production is expected to last until 2006-2007, the type will last beyond 2010.

The aircraft is equipped with an information and fire control radar system comprising: an N-019 radar developed by Phazotron Research and Production Company, Moscow; an infrared search and track sensor; a laser rangefinder; and a helmet-mounted target designator. HAL  licensed produced 350 RD-33 turbofan engines for the Mig-29 and in July 1998, HAL delivered the first fully rebuilt and upgraded MiG-29 to the Indian Air Force. The upgrade has enabled the aircraft to fire the R-77RVV-AE (AA-12 Adder) air-to-air missile. Future upgrades are planned which will see a new a new avionics suite being fitted in the Mig-29, Phazatron Zhuk-M radar and air to air refueling probes. 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to phase out the MiG-23 and MiG-25 from its fleet of fighter aircraft. This is being done to reduce the types of aircraft in the IAF inventory in order to have a more composite force structure. The IAF has three squadrons of the MiG-23BN ground attack aircraft and one squadron of the MiG-23MF air defence fighter (interceptor). Besides, there are 16 MiG-23BN variants for the electronic warfare role and six combat-capable trainers of the type. There are eight MiG-25 R/Us in the IAF inventory. While the MiG-23 is likely to be replaced by a combination of MiG-27 ground attack and Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft, there will be none for the MiG-25.

      Mig-21-93

      Mig-21UM

Currently, the protoypes are powered by the US made GE F404 engine. India's Defence Research and Development Organisation [DRDO] had purchased 11 F404 engines for the LCA project in the 1990s but further collaboration with the engine's manufacturers is no longer possible due to sanctions imposed by the US in the wake of India's nuclear tests of 1998. The US sanctions against India have now been lifted by the Bush Administration. The State owned Gas Turbine Research Establishment [GTRE] was to indigenously develop the Kaveri engine to power the LCA. But there have been major slippages in all the milestones apart from cost overruns of Rs 380 crore. It is now clear that the LCA will be inducted initially with GE engines and later be upgraded with the Kaveri. It is now certain that atleast the first couple of PVs will be powered by the F404.The maiden flight of the second LCA Technology Demonstrator (TD-2) aircraft KH 2002 occurred at 1145 hours on June 6, 2002.   This is a significant milestone in LCA Programme at ADA and HAL and marks the entry of second aircraft into the Flight Test Programme.  The third LCA aircraft PV1 with all composites structure is in final stages of system integration tests at Aircraft Research & Design Center, HAL and will join LCA TD1 and TD2 in flight testing by the end of this year. HAL had already signed up a memorandum of understanding with ADA for a limited series production of eight aircraft with the first delivery scheduled for 2006.

            L-159B

The Il-76 would probably also be the platform for AWACS version which is reportedly under development with Israeli & Russian avionics including the Israeli Phalcon radar which would give India a great early-warning advantage over Pakistan or any other South East Asia country. 

The An-32 is the workhorse of the Indian Air Force, The missions of the aircraft are: to drop paratroopers; carry troop forces and combat materiel with crews and armaments, to airlift cargo for troop forces; and transport for disaster relief operations. The An-32s are often used to re-supply Indian troops which are stationed in remote area's or high up in the mountains.

         Mi-17

In May 2000, India and Russia signed a $170 million deal for 40 additional Mi-8TV (Mi-17) helicopters. The armed Mi-8TV helicopters are fitted with more powerful TV3-117VMA engines and the maximum slung payload of the armed helicopter is 4,000kg. These helicopters are to be armed with Vikhr-M (AT-16) air-to-surface missiles, delivered by the end of 2001.

India signed a deal with IAI Tamam for the system upgrades of some 25 IAF Mil Mi-25 attack helicopters which includes HMOSP (helicopter multi-mission Optronic Stabilized Payload) with FLIR, TV and auto tracker, embedded GPS (global positioning system) and cockpit multi-function displays.

An MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed on 12 September 2000 between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Turbomeca to develop a more powerful version of the TM333-2B2 turbo-shaft. The new engine, called Shakti in India and Ardiden in France, will be available for flight tests in 2003 and certification by 2005. An airborne surveillance radar for mounting on Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) has been developed. The radar can detect airborne and sea surface targets.The availability of the helicopter with the new radar and the user trials are expected to take a year with production likely to start in 2004. The Air Force variant can carry a 20mm gun plus eight anti-tank guided missiles or four air-to-air missiles or 4 x 68mm rocket pods 

The Indian Navy is the world’s seventh largest navy. It consists of two fleets, the Eastern Fleet, homeported primarily in Visakhapatnam, on the Bay of Bengal, and the Western Fleet, homeported primarily in Bombay, on the Arabian Sea. India enters  the 21st Century with a small but formidable regional naval posture. Long considered a "blue water" navy, the Indian Navy faces major challenges as many of its major vessels near the end of their service lives. Indigenous shipbuilding efforts are struggling to achieve acceptable levels of productivity and efficiency. (Wg. Cdr. NK Pant) Its share of the budgetary allocation has never crossed 14 per cent of the total defence budget during the last half a century. Hence, it is not surprising that navy’s present strength has not seen any upward revision and remains same as was sanctioned as far back as 1964. The construction of strategic and prestigious Seabird naval base off the Karwar coast is hanging fire and may take a couple of years before it is completed. Moreover, the navy’s important combat projects such as building an indigenous air defence ship (ADS) and advanced technology vessel (ATV), a euphemism for the nuclear powered submarine have not been accorded the priority they deserved for funding.     One of the ADS Designs As a result, plans to commission a new air defence ship (small carrier) might not be realised for at least a decade. This would upset India's plans of possessing three air defence ships in the next five years. While one could be the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, the Navy wants to build the other two `smaller' carriers (which would, however, be larger than the present carrier INS Viraat) in the country. (Commander Vijay Sakhuja). The indigenous nuclear submarine designated Advance Technology Vessels (ATVs) programme has been under way for almost two decades. It has made little progress. The ATV submarine is expected to be of 4,000 ton displacement, and four to five such vessels are to be built. According to the Russian Defence Ministry's official newspaper, Krasnaya Zevezda, Russia is assisting India in building the nuclear submarine, which is a copy of the new Russian Severodvinsk class attack submarine, currently under construction in Severodvinsk. No denying, in the recent past some laudable efforts have gone into to fill up the deficiencies of combat vessels like induction of indigenously built guided missile destroyers INS Delhi and INS Mysore. The government has also sanctioned the construction of three next generation Type17 frigates and  two project 75 submarines. The current Indian Navy submarine force is a mix of Russian and German origin boats. They belong to the Soviet Foxtrot (these will be retired soon) and Kilo class, and four HDW type 209/1500 boats (two built in India) of German origin. Reports suggest that, in 2001, India and France struck a deal to build French Scorpene-class boats (these are considered superior to the French supplied Agosta 90B to Pakistan) at the submarine production facility in Mazagon Docks, Mumbai. A thirty-year submarine construction plan upto 2025 aims at building an inventory of 24 submarines and boosting indigenous production. Future Indian submarines would incorporate stealth features and have the capability to fire missiles. The Indian Navy has shown interest in “Klub”, (codenamed SS-NX-27 by NATO) missiles for its submarines. The latest Kilo class submarine Sindhushastra, equipped with tube launched ‘Klub’ anti-ship missile, adds punch to the capability of conventional submarines.  SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT OF THE INDIAN NAVY : AIRCRAFT CARRIERS : - Viraat VSTOL aircraft carrier      INS Viraat R22 was originally commissioned in the Royal Navy, as the HMS Hermes on 18 November 1959. In 1986, the Indian Navy purchased the vessel and gave it an extensive refit at the Davenport DY which gave it a life-extension refit of 10 years. This refit included new fire control equipment, navigation radars and deck landing aids. Boilers were converted to take distillate fuel and the ship was given improved NBC protection. INS Viraat began another life-extension refit in July 1999, which will extend her serviceability to 2010. This refit included upgrading propulsion systems, a package of sensors to sound emergency alerts, a modern communication system, a long-range surveillance radar, new weapon systems, new hangar fire curtains, a revamped lift system to reduce reaction time in the event of an attack and a new flood alarm system. INS Viraat underwent sea trials in December 2000 and will undergo missile trials in March/April 2001. The refit is expected to be complete by May/June 2001. The vessel took part in the International Fleet Review in Mumbai on 17 February 2001. - Kiev Class  (Admiral  Gorshkov ) aircraft carrier ??   Commissioned by the Russian Navy in 1987, negotiations over the 44,000-tonne Admiral Gorshkov, have reportedly been on since 1994. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding during Russian Prime Minister, Yevgeny Primakov's visit to New Delhi in December 1998, by which India agreed to acquire the vessel. In October 2000, during Russian President Putin's visit, an inter-governmental agreement was signed confirming the acquisition of the vessel for the Indian Navy. The price has not yet been finalised by both parties and this is causing delays in the deal being finalised. According to the St. Petersburg-based Nevskoye PKB, the modernized vessel would be capable of carrying 24 MiG-29K (11 parked on the deck, the rest in hangers) and 6 helicopters or any combination thereof. Under the modernization plan, the 20-ton capacity elevator beside the ship's island superstructure will remain unchanged, but the aft lift will be enlarged and its lift capacity increased to 30 tons. DESTROYERS : - Delhi class destroyers INS Delhi is the first of a new class of destroyer built by Mazagon Dock Ltd based in Mumbai. Under the Project 15 programme, the Indian Navy will acquire four Delhi class destroyers by the year 2002. The Delhi destroyer was designed by the Indian Navy with detailed and production design phase being carried out by Mazagon Dock. INS Delhi was commissioned in 1997, INS Mysore was commissioned in June 1999 and INS Bombay is due to commission in 2001. With a displacement of 6,700 tonnes, overall length of 163 m and beam of 17 m, the Delhi class is the largest warship built in India. The ship is fitted with sophisticated anti-ship, anti-aircraft and anti-submarine sensor and weapon systems. - Rajput (Kashin) class light destroyers Built as new construction for India at Nikolayev, Russia with considerable modifications to the Kashin design. The helicopter hanger has been replaced by a lift from the flight deck. The 76mm twin mount gun and the P-20M (SS-N-2D Styx) launchers are sited forward of the bridge It is possible than an Italian combat data system compatible with Selenia IPN-10 is installed. Immarsat is fitted. New EW equipment was fitted in 1993/1994. There are plans for modernization with Ukrainian assistance. First three vessels are based at Vizag and the last pair at Mumbai. The last two vessels (INS Ranvir and INS Ranvijay) will reportedly be re-fitted with sixteen 3M-24 E (Kh-35 Uran or NATO: SS-N-25 Switchblade) AShMs, replacing the four P-20M (SS-N-2D Styx) AShMs. That, however, is yet to be confirmed from reliable sources. FRIGATES : - Talwar class (Modified Krivak type) frigates The Krivak III Class frigates are designed primarily for ASW warfare and for the air defense of warship task forces. Three Improved Krivak III Class frigates have been ordered, with construction of all three vessels well underway. The Navy wants to fill the gap created by the decommissioning of Leander Class frigates and until the Project 17 Class frigates enter service. Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sushil Kumar, has said that construction is six months ahead of schedule, thus advancing the commissioning of the first vessel into IN service. The first vessel is expected to start sea trials in 2001. The vessels are being built at the Northern SY in St. Petersburg, Russia. The frigates will be the first IN warships to incorporate stealth technology. Plans to acquire another three vessels of the class is unlikely to occur, as priority is being given to indigenous construction, namely the Project 17 Class frigates. - Godavari class frigates The Type 16 Class frigates are a modification of the original Leander Class design with an indigenous content of 72% and a larger hull. The superstructure is steel, though INS Godavari shows signs of poor welding. INS Gomati is the first IN vessel to have digital electronics in her combat data system. The ships have a unique mixture of Indian, Russian and Western weapon systems, which initially led to some compatibility problems. - Brahmaputra (improved Godavari) class large frigates The Type 16A Brahmaputra Class are a modification of the Type 16 Godavari Class with the same hull and propulsion characteristics. There are notable differences in the forecastle area around the AShM launchers. Unlike the Godavari class frigates , which mount the outer P-20M AShM canisters on sponsons, the Brahmaputra Class do not have the sponsons for mounting the 3M-24E AShM. Internally, these are very different from the Godavari Class frigates. - Nilgiri (Leander) class patrol frigates Leander Class frigates was the mainstay & workhorse of the Indian Navy and they currently form the 14th Frigate Squadron. The last two vessels have more powerful engines than the remainder. INS Taragiri had a serious fire in July 1994, but was repaired and was back in active service in 1995. Westinghouse has supplied the Indian Navy with ASW sonar systems, two hull mounted arrays and three visible depth sonar arrays which are installed inside towed bodies built by Fathom Ocean Ltd. Transducer elements in both cases are identical. At future refits, earlier vessels (F34 and F36) will have their armament brought into line with later ships. CORVETTES : - Type 25A Kora Class corvettes These vessels were intended to replace the ageing Petya-II Class corvettes. The first two were ordered in April 1990 and latter two in October 1994. The Type 25A vessels were to be fitted with the indigenous Trishul  SAM, marking the entry of the missile into naval service. However INS Kora and INS Kirch, have no evidence of the Trishul SAM on board and instead use two Strela-2M launchers. In a statement on 15 March 2001, the now former Defence Minister George Fernandes said that the missile has to undergo further trials and will not be available for installation aboard naval ships before 2003. - Abhay {Pauk II} Class corvettes Modified Pauk II Class built in Russia for export. Original order was placed in late 1983, but completion of the first vessel was delayed by lack of funds and the orders for the others was not reinstated until 1987. A fifth of the class was cancelled. Names associated with former coastal patrol craft. Classified as ASW vessels. All based at Mumbai as the 23 Patrol Vessel Squadron. The first two vessels were commissioned at Poti, Russia and INS Agray at Riga, Russia. - Veer {Tarantul I} CLASS corvettes   Veer Class corvettes form the 22 Missile Vessel Squadron, at Mumbai. INS Nirghat is the successor to the illustrious Osa-I Class fast attack missile boat which rained missiles on Karachi. The new vessel has preserved the red booster covers of the original P-15Ms that were lobbed at Karachi in December 1971. An order for four modified Veer Class corvettes was placed in April 1997. This four-unit order has now been drawn down to two units: one at Mazagon DY, Mumbai and the other at Mazagon DY, Goa. The first vessel, Prabal, was  launched in September 2000 and is due for commissioning in January 2002. SUBMARINES : - Kilo class submarines The Kilo Class submarine has a single shaft with a double hull. Six compartments separated by bulkheads to enable it to remain afloat even when one is flooded. To reduce the submarine's acoustic signature, the flooding ports have been removed from the fore-body. Anechoic tiles are fitted on casings and fins. The submarine also has a new gas-freeing system to reduce risk of detection. The hull of the submarine is covered with rubber anti-sonar protection tiles which have a special ozonising layer to combat the sun's effects in tropical waters. The bow planes are positioned close to the mid-ship to improve sonar performance. An engine change is probable during major refits in Russia which started in 1997, with INS Sindhuvir. A German-designed, Indian-built main battery, with a five year life has replaced the Russian batteries in all the vessels. Battery cooling has been improved as a result of the change. Kilo Class submarines have been nicknamed 'Black Hole' by NATO for their silent operation in the sea. - Foxtrot class patrol submarines Displacement: 2,400 tons submerged Dimensions: 92 x 7 x 6 meters (302 x 23 x 19.5 feet) Propulsion: Diesel-electric, 3 diesels, 2 shafts, 5,300 shp, 15.5 knots Crew: 75 Sonar: MF active and passive array Armament: 6 21 inch torpedo tubes forward, 4 21" tubes aft (22 torpedoes or 44 mines) Generally obsolete; only put to sea occasionally. USSR built for export. Number Name Year FLT Homeport Notes S20 Kursura 1970 EAST Vish. S40 Vela 1973 EAST Vish. In refit S42 Vagli 1974 WEST Bombay S43 Vagsheer 1974 EAST Vish. - Shishumar class (Type 209) coastal submarines The Shishumar Class submarines have a central bulkhead and an IKL designed integrated escape sphere which can carry the full crew of 40 personnel, has an oxygen supply of 8 hours and can withstand pressure at least as great as those that can be withstood by the sub's pressure hull. The first two submarines sailed for India in February 1987, while the last two were delayed by assembly problems caused by faulty welding. In 1984 it was announced that two more submarines would be built at the Mazagon Dock Ltd. (MDL) in Mumbai, but this was overtaken by events in 1987-88 and the agreement with HDW was terminated at just four submarines. This was reconsidered in 1992 and again in 1997, but no orders were placed. AMPHIBIOUS SHIPS : - Magar class landing ships Based on the Sir Lancelot design. Built at Hindustan SY but fitted at the Garden Reach DY. A third of the class with some major design changes was laid down in July 1996. INS Magar was refitted in 1995. Both vessels based at Vizag. Based on previous performance with this class, it should be completed in 12 years. Carries four LCVPs on davits. Bow door. Can beach on gradients 1 in 40 or more. More vessels of the class might be built at Mazagon DY. - Ghorpad (Polnocny-C/D) class small landing ships All new construction from Gdynia Shipyard. The last four vessels are Polnochny D, with the flight deck forward of the bridge and different radars. All are being restricted operationally through lack of spares, but all are still seaworthy. Plans do exist, to modernize this class with Polish help though their exact status is uncertain. Based at Vizag.  - Vasco Da Gama class utility landing craft Displacement: 500 tons full load Dimensions: 55.96 x 7.94 x 1.71 meters (183.5 x 26 x 5.5 feet) Propulsion: 3 diesels, 3 shafts, 1,245 bhp, 9 knots Crew: ??? Troops: 150 Cargo: 250 tons Armament: 2 40 mm, can carry mines Names of some unknown; L31-L33 may be additional units of this type. REPLENISHMENT TANKERS : -  Jyoti (modified Komandarm Fedko class) fleet oiler This was the third of a class of merchant tankers, modified for naval use for the IN and acquired in 1995. The ship was laid down in September 1993. Based in Bombay where it arrived in November 1996. May be fitted with armament in due course. There are two replenishment positions on each side, and stern refueling is an option. A similar ship was sold to China and two others are in commercial service. To be fitted with close-in weapon systems - guns and missiles - for self-defence. - Aditya (modified Deepak class) replenishment oiler Ordered in July 1987 to a Bremer-Vulcan design, GRSE Yard Number 3008. The Aditya Class, which is fully air-conditioned, is a lengthened version of the original Deepak  but with a multipurpose workshop. Four RAS stations alongside. Building progress was very slow and was plagued by propulsion problems, during it's sea trials in September 1999.  - Shakti (Deepak class) fleet oiler Displacement: 22,000 tons full load Dimensions: 168.43 x 23 x 9.14 meters (553 x 75.5 x 30 feet) Propulsion: Steam turbines, 2 boilers, 1 shaft, 16,500 shp, 20 knots Crew: 169 Aviation: helicopter deck and hangar; 1 Chetak helo Cargo: 12,624 oil fuel, 1,280 tons diesel, 1,495 tons aviation fuel, 812 tons water Armament: 3 40 mm, 2 20 mm (A57: 4 40 mm, no 20 mm) Built in Germany. AIRCRAFT AND HELICOPTERS : - BAE Sea Harrier Mk.51/T Mk.60 The IN Air Arm has ±18 Sea Harrier Mk.51s and five T Mk.60 trainers in service, which fly with the No.300 White Tigers Squadron. The aircraft are currently based in Dabolim, Goa as the INS Viraat is undergoing a two-year refit, which began in July 1999. In July 1999, a mid-life upgrade package, worth $200 million, was announced for the IN's Sea Harriers. However in late 1999, the upgrade package was put off, in favour of purchasing the MiG-29K for deployment on the Admiral  Gorshkov  - if purchased - and the Air defense ship. The Sea Harriers are now due to retire by 2010 along with the decommissioning of the INS VIRAAT  in the same year. - Sepecat  Jaguar  IM Has armour protection for critical system components. Has provision for in-flight refueling with retractable probe forward of cockpit on starboard side. The canopy is bullet proofed against 7.5mm rifle fire.  The Jaguar IM aircraft have been upgraded with the Israeli Elta EL/M-2023 multimode fire control radar, replacing the old Agave maritime radar. The Jaguar IM has also been upgraded with integrated electronic warfare pods. The IAF has a squadron of 16 Jaguar IM aircraft, which are equipped to carry the Sea Eagle AShM for the maritime strike role. - Dornier  DO-228-101 Purchased from Germany principally to be used as a light transport aircraft in the IAF, they are used in a variety of roles such as maritime patrol, search & rescue and reconnaissance in the IN (±25 aircraft) and in the Coast Guard (±20 aircraft). HAL has received a $72 million order for seven license-built Do-228-101 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from the Coast Guard. They are likely to be supplemented by an additional 12 aircraft, in the follow-on five-year plan period after 2007. Deliveries will commence in 2001 and will take two years to complete. - Tupolev  TU-142 BEAR-F The Tu-142 Bear-F is the maritime reconnaissance/strike version of the Tu-95 Bear which was a Russian nuclear weapons capable bomber. The aircraft's long range, can fly from Bombay to Johannesburg, South Africa and back without refueling, combined with its heavy payload of 20,000 lb. is a valuable asset to the Indian Navy's ASW and MR capability. Negotiations are currently going on with Russia to procure 6 to 8 more aircraft. The aircraft will be probably from refurbished ex-VVS storage stocks. - Ilyushin  IL-38 MAY Type: Long range maritime patrol aircraft. Number in Service: ±8 Operational Speed: 347 knots (645 km/h) Service Ceiling: 32,800 ft. (10,000 meters) Range: 3887 nautical miles (7200km) Sensors: 'Wet Eye' search radar, MAD, sonobuoys and ESM. Weapons: Various torpedoes, mines and depths bombs used for ASW purposes. Role: Shore-based, long-range ASW recon into the Indian Ocean. - HAL Chetak  (ALOUETTE III) HAL Chetaks are carried mainly on the Godavari and Leander Class frigates, on Khukri Class corvettes, and on various other vessels that are in service with the Indian Navy. Around 23 are in service with the Navy and Coast Guard. Several helicopters roles still performed including embarked carrier-based SAR, utility and support to commando forces. - Sea King Mk.42A/B/C   The Sea King Mk.42 is licensed produced by the UK-based GKN Westland, from Sikorsky - a US company. The chopper forms the backbone of the Indian Naval Air Arm's helicopter fleet and has purchased more Sea King Mk.42s from GKN Westland than any other overseas customer. More than 40+ variants were delivered and an estimated 33 helicopters are still in service. Sanctions imposed by the Clinton Administration for India's May 1998 nuclear tests, led to an acute shortage of critical spare parts for the Sea King fleet. On 23 November 2000, in a parliamentary session in the Lok Sabha, Defence Minister George Fernandes stated in a written reply that an acute shortage of critical spare parts had affected the operational efficacy of the Sea King helicopter fleet, with 60% of the helicopters grounded. On 19 January 2001, the Clinton Administration lifted the sanctions and go-ahead was given for the sale of spare parts for the Indian Navy's Sea King fleet. - Kamov KA-28 Helix -A The Ka-28 Helix-A was purchased to replace the Ka-25BSh helo, although some are still in service with the Navy. The Ka-28 is the export version of the Ka-27PL and it's ASW capabilities are better than the Ka-25BSh. Around 18 Ka-28s are in service, on board various naval vessels. The Scientific Research Institute of Systematic Equipment at St. Petersburg, Russia is currently developing a variant of the Fagot anti-ship warfare suite for the Ka-28 helicopters in service with the Indian Navy (IN). Unconfirmed reports, in September 2000, state that five Ka-28s are currently in the Sevastopol Aircraft Enterprise, Russia where they are undergoing a major overhaul. The overhaul is expected to take five months. The IN has ordered the Ka-31 Helix-B AEW helicopter.

In 1994 the army had approximately 940,000 men and women in its ranks and more than 36,000 in reserve forces. The army is headquartered in New Delhi and is under the direction of the chief of the army staff, always a full general. The army is equipped with some 3,400 main battle tanks. Of these, 1,200 are indigenously manufactured Vijayanta tanks. Additionally, the army has some T-55, T-72, and PT-76 tanks. The Arjun main battle tank has been under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) since 1983, and, in 1995, limited production was expected to begin in 1996.

The army also has substantial artillery forces. The best estimate places the army's towed artillery capabilities at more than 4,000 pieces. In addition to the towed artillery, the army has self-propelled artillery. Finally, it has substantial numbers of surface-to-air missile capabilities, the total number being more than 1,200. Apart from its nine squadrons of helicopters, the army has eight air observation squadrons and six antitank/transport squadrons. It relies on the air force for air support, lift capabilities, and air supply .

At the end of the 1971 war, the Indian army realized the limitations of their tank fleet in the harsh desert conditions of Rajasthan, a northwestern Indian state bordering Pakistan, so they initiated their own MBT design. The first “Arjun” (named after a mythical Hindu warrior prince. As of mid-2000 India planned to acquire T-90 tanks, based on field trials which had already been completed. Although orders had been placed for the supply of 124 Arjun tanks through the Defence Research Development Organisation, it would be difficult to predict when these orders would be fufilled. And on 9 January 1996, the Arjun was formally unveiled and cleared for mass production. Considered comparable to the M1A2 Abrams, Leopard 2, and Leclerc, the 59-ton "15th Variant" can achieve a maximum speed of 70 kph (55 mph) and cross-country speed of 40 kph with its 1400-hp powerplant. The 1,610-liter fuel tank allows for a cruising range of 200 km (120 miles).The first 120 tanks to be built would cost $4.2 million each, while other cost estimates places the figure at $5.6 million each per tank by 2001, given a purchase of 124 tanks to equip two regiments.

In view of Pakistan's acquisition of the T-80UD from Ukraine, the Indian Army had decided to acquire 310 T-90S MBTs from Russia. After numerous hiccups and delays, an inter-governmental agreement was finally signed in October 2000 and a formal agreement on 15 February 2001. A first batch of 10 tanks were delivered in the first week of January 2002, with more to follow soon. The deal is estimated to be at $650 to $750 million for the 310 tanks, which includes complete technology transfer and weapon systems.

Known as Ajeya, 2000+ T-72M1 tanks form the modern backbone of the Indian Army's MBT fleet. Licensed production of the T-72M1 at Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), Avadi is believed to have ended in 1998 and during a 15-year period 1100+ tanks were produced. The T-90S MBT will now replace the T-72M1 on the production line at HVF. 'Operation Bison' - the program to upgrade the T-72M1 at HVF - is running behind schedule, partially due to the purchase of 310 T-90S tanks. Around 200 T-72M1s are to be fitted with more powerful engines, explosive reactive armour, fire-control systems, land navigation systems (LNS), VHF radios and advanced nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) equipment. The remaining T-72s will be partially retro- -fitted.

An upgrade program for the T-55 MBT, called Project Gulmohar, was almost complete as of October 1999. The tanks, 700+ in service and another 200 in store, were expected to remain in service till 2015. However in 2001, the army decided to phase out the tank over a period of seven years and replace them with upgraded T-72M1 MBTs.

Known as the Sarath (Chariot of Victory) in the Army. Production continues at 100 per year and 900+ are in active service. BMP stands for Bronevaya Maschina Piekhota. A number of product improvements were made to various models of BMP-2 in the late 1980’s. These improvements included modifications to the gun stabilization system, improved internal communications, improved rubber-bushed tracks, and the spare tracks have been moved from the rear exit doors to the left and right upper side walls of the troop compartment. This vehicle also includes a special mat for the transport of the seriously wounded and six slings for the slightly wounded.

LFG                             IFG

The 105 mm Indian and Light Field Guns (IFG/LFG) are high performance guns meeting the conflicting requirements of mountain, plain and desert warfare. The Indian Field Gun is the mainstay of the Field Artillery Branch of the Indian Army covering a maximum range of 17 km. The LFG is a close in weapon, designed to provide the necessary range, mobility and fire power required in the present day battlefield scenario.A unique feature of LFG is its light weight which makes it capaple of being helilifted for quick deployment in mountain terrain. Being replaced by 130mm M-46 Field Gun.

Nearly 500 guns are earmarked for upgrade to the 155mm/39-calibre and 155mm/45-calibre by Soltam Systems Ltd. of Israel. An initial batch of 180 guns will be upgraded in Israel and would be delivered to the Indian Army by 2002/2003. 200 guns are purchased each year to replace the 105mm IFG/LFG.

The Army initially planned to acquire 1500 Bofors FH-77B howitzers, but due to the infamous 'Bofors Scandal' only 410 guns were purchased. Due to the lack of spares, an estimated 100+ guns have been cannibalized and are not operational. In September 1999, the Army ordered spare parts from BWS worth $23.26 million which was a follow-on order to a small July 1999 purchase. On 25 March 2001, the 14-year contract with Bofors expired and once again the 155mm howitzer is in serious trouble of acquiring spares and ammunition.

Denel 155mm              Celsius 155mm

The Indian Army is shortly expected to place an order for new 155mm/52-caliber howitzers as part of its Field Artillery Rationalization Plan. It is expected that a total of up to 4000 howitzers will be procured to equip its 185 tube artillery regiments.The Indian Army is finalizing its modified General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR) for self-propelled and towed howitzers and will be inviting a number of overseas companies to bid. The seven companies likely to take part in trials include Celsius (Bofors) of Sweden and Denel (LIW) of South Africa which are the forerunners in this competition.

Following the end of user trials in September 1999, the Indian Army decided to accept the Pinaka. While certain user requirements remain to be fulfilled, the Army has decided that the Pinaka offers a quantum leap in capability vis-à-vis its existing rocket artillery. However, developmental work continues to increase the Pinaka's maximum range and develop two new types of warhead. DRDO is also working to cut salvo re-load time from 15 minutes to 4 minutes. The first Pinaka regiment was raised in February 2000. A regiment consists of three batteries of six Pinakas each, plus reserves. It is expected that one regiment will be added each year as the oldest BM-21s are withdrawn from service.

The Army version, designated as the SS-150 had a range of 150 km and could carry up to a maximum of a 1000 kg as its payload.By October 1995, 20 pre-production Prithvi SS-150s were delivered to the Army to form the 333rd Missile Group based in Secunderabad. Two more have been formed since, 444 and 555. The former has been raised and trained and should receive its equipment soon, while the latter exists only on paper and is yet to be raised. Each group will have 12 launchers, with possibly another three more acting as reserves. Around 120 Prithvis (both variants) have been produced to date, at BDL, with 40-50% of them being the SS-250 and is now the only production version at BDL.

The SA-13 Gopher is a short-range, low altitude SAM.The TELAR vehicle is a modified MT-LB amphibious armoured tracked vehicle with the machine-gun turret removed. Normally the TELAR carries 4 ready-to-fire SA-13 missiles in the container-launchers and eight reloads in the cargo compartment. However, it might also have 9K31 Strela-1 (SA-9 Gaksin) missiles in the container-launcher boxes or a mixture of both.

The SA-6 Gainful is a two stage, solid-fuel, low-altitude SAM. It has radio command guidance with semi-active radar terminal homing. The vehicle has an air filtration and over pressure NBC system and infra-red night vision equipment fitted as standard but the vehicle has no amphibious capability The basic SA-6a has a maximum effective range of 24,000 metres and has a minimum effective range of 3,000 metres, the minimum engagement height is 100 metres when using the fire control radar and 80 metres when in the optical tracking mode, the maximum effective altitude is about 11,000 metres. The Indian Army has decided to upgrade it's Kvadrat air defence systems, due to inordinate delays in the Akash missile program which was supposed to replace the Kvadrat system.

Tunguska-M1 is a gun/missile system for low-level air defence. The system was designed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau in Tula, Russia and is manufactured by the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant, Ulyanovsk, Russia. It can engage targets while stationary and on the move, using missiles for long-range targets and guns for close-in defence. It is designed for defence against both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters and can also fire on ground targets.Tunguska is in service with the Russian army and has also entered service with the Indian Army. The Tunguska-M1 vehicle carries eight 9M311-M1 surface-to-air missiles. The missile (NATO designation SA-19 Grison).Two twin-barrel 30mm anti-aircraft guns are mounted on the vehicle. These guns have a maximum firing rate of 5,000 rounds per minute and a range of 3,000m against air targets.

Ammunition Range:        12,500 metres - maximum horizontal.                                          8700 metres - maximum vertical.                                          4000 metres - effective vertical.  Replacing the ageing 40mm Bofors L/60.

The ZSU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun system comprises twin 23mm cannons on a towed two-wheel carriage. It has an effective anti-aircraft range of 2500 meters.

A fully-armed ALH [Z3268], lies on display at Bangalore. The chopper is fitted with a 20mm chin-mounted, three-barrel gun, from Lockheed Martin Ltd. and pylon-mounted Nag anti-tank missiles and air-to-surface rockets.   Visit the site's forum.