THE OUTCOME OF THE RECENT STATE VISIT OF PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi to the US has been path breaking. The visit has been extraordinarily successful with several substantive outcomes relating to semiconductors, defence acquisitions, access to critical technology and the Artemis Accord for space cooperation. Both countries have agreed on Technology and defence partnerships among others. In this new chapter on far reaching defence partnership, key takeaways have been the deal to co-produce GE’s F414 combat aircraft engines in India and the deal to procure MQ-9B UAVs. These UAVs will increase India’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
India would soon be joining the elite club of other nations operating the MQ-9B including the US Air Force, US Department of Homeland Security, NASA, the Royal Air Force, the Italian Air Force, the French Air Force and the Spanish Air Force.
The modalities of acquisition were cleared ahead of Modi’s visit on June 15, 2023 by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), accordingly the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for acquisition of 31 MQ-9B (15 SeaGuardian and 16 SkyGuardian) High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAV from the US based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) through Foreign Military Sale (FMS) route, at an estimated cost of around $3.1 billion (₹25,000 crore). The AoN included 15 UAVs for the Indian Navy (IN) and eight each for the Indian Army (IA) and the Indian Air Force (IAF). The case for acquisition of HALE class of UAV is being progressed by the Indian Navy as a lead service while the IAF is the lead service for procurement of MALE class of UAVs.
OPERATIONAL EXPLOITATION GLOBALLY
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Issue 6, 2023 من SP’s Aviation.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
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هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Issue 6, 2023 من SP’s Aviation.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
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CZECH REPUBLIC ORDERS TWO EMBRAER C-390 MILLENNIUM MULTI-MISSION AIRCRAFT
The Czech Republic becomes the fourth NATO member to acquire the C-390 Millennium
LOCKHEED CONSTELLATION: "CALL ME CONNIE!"
In October 1961 the IAF's No. 6 Squadron \"Dragons\" added nine retired Air-India International Super Constellations to its fleet. Seven of these were modified for Maritime Reconnaissance. Two Super Connies served as freighters or troop carriers.
INDIA AND US SIGN GA'S MQ-9B PREDATOR DRONES; AGREEMENT ON ESTABLISHING MRO FACILITY IN INDIA
General Atomics Predator Drones represents a pivotal asset for India's defence capabilities, particularly in enhancing ISR and strike capabilities
"WE FORESEE POTENTIAL SUPPLIERS ACROSS DEFENCE, COMMERCIAL AVIATION AND EXECUTIVE JETS BUSINESSES GIVEN THE ADVANCE AEROSPACE ENGINEERING CAPABILITIES IN INDIA."
In an exclusive interaction, Frederico Lemos, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Defense & Security speaks with Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, on a range of subjects concerning their increased global footprint, especially on expanding their partnership with India
SHOWCASING POWER OF COLLABORATION
Exercise Tarang Shakti, India's largest multinational air exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening operational capabilities, also demonstrated India's growing stature in global military and defence production
INDIA'S QUEST FOR INDIGENOUS JET ENGINE REMAINS AT THE THRESHOLD
While the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has denied the reports to impose penalties on GE over the delays of the F404 jet engine, India's quest for the indigenous jet engine remains at the threshold in search of its IPs and tech
LCA MKIA DELAYED, MRFA ON SLOW MODE - IMPLICATIONS FOR IAF
The IAF is currently operating at around 30 squadrons, well below the authorised strength of 42 squadrons, and defence analysts recommend 50 squadrons to handle a two-front conflict
A BOLDER APPROACH TOWARDS BUILDING CAPABILITY INDIGENOUSLY - AIR CHIEF MARSHAL A.P. SINGH
The annual press day by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh was a testament to the Indian Air Force's strategic vision for modernisation and self-reliance
'IAF AIMS TO BE AN AGILE AND ADAPTABLE AIR FORCE'
On the occasion of the 92nd IAF Day, Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP's Aviation spoke extensively to Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, on a range of subjects concerning the Indian Air Force
KEY ELEMENTS OF SAF (SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL)
With SAF being constantly pushed as a panacea, a reality check is essential. The journey to achieve net zero by 2050 will in truth be long, arduous and terribly expensive. Success is by no means assured without urgent measures.
