The 1960s were a very long time ago. When an aircraft was introduced in the Indian Air Force, the choice was befuddling. Nehru ordered the purchase of the Hawker Sidley-748 to fulfill the requirements for a transport fleet. The aircraft was a curious choice as it lacked a loading ramp at the rare and its fuselage did not open at the back either - thus ruling out any cargo attributes.
Despite all this, the aircraft has served the IAF well. Being a very forgiving workhorse, it has been in its role as a troop and VIP carrier - not hauling cargo that was the original requirement. When electronics and reconnaissance hardware was added, it also served as a communication aircraft that could check on enemy missile defenses and eavesdrop on missile sites.
However, the new tender by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) aims at replacing it with a proper military transport aircraft. The likely contender is the Airbus C-295. Sixty-two of these aircraft are to be purchased at `17,000 crore rupees ($2.6 billion) for the IAF and the Indian Coast Guard.
The reason that India wants this medium-light aircraft is flexibility. The aircraft can carry a maximum payload of 9.25 tonnes. Being smaller in dimension than the other aircraft in the IAF’s fleet such as the C-130Js, C-17s, and IL-76s, the C295s can take off and land at many airstrips where the larger ones may not find operations easy. This will give the airforce a nimble choice to airlift supplies drop troops or carry out medical evacuations.
Denne historien er fra February 2021-utgaven av Geopolitics.
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NEW MANTRA FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION
AMIT COWSHISH explains why the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which is one of the biggest spenders, needs to watch out for the latest mediation rules.
NEW WAVE TERRORISM IN JAMMU & KASHMIR
KARAN KHARB argues that Pakistan's continued use of proxy war tactics against India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, poses a severe threat to national security. He advocates for a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of military strategies and a coordinated national policy to address both external and internal security challenges effectively.
INDIAN NAVY'S PROJECT-751 - GERMAN TKMS LEADS SPANISH NAVANTIA AFTER FIELD TRIALS FOR AIP-SUBMARINE DEAL
German submarine-builder ThyssenKrupp (TKMS) and India's Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL) have emerged as leaders in the Indian Navy's Project-751, which aims to build six submarines with Fuel Cell Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) and Lithium-ion batteries. Following successful field trials, TKMS and MDL have gained an edge over competitors by demonstrating their proven AIP technology and advanced submarine design tailored to the Indian Navy's needs.
VIKSIT BHARAT FROM A DREAM TO REALITY
The article explores India's ascent as a global influencer, emphasising its strategic advancements in foreign policy, defence, and economic growth. It also highlights India's challenges in achieving sustainable development and strengthening internal security. Adopting a forward-looking approach, the article envisions India's rise as a major economic power and a key player in global stability, as outlined by LT. GEN. A.B. SHIVANE (RETD.).
WILL MODI APPLY THE LESSON LEARNT FROM KOREA IN UKRAINE?
Speculation around Prime Minister Narendra Modi's possible visit to Ukraine raises questions about India's role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. Drawing from its experience during the Korean War, India may seek to leverage its strategic neutrality to foster dialogue in a conflict where China and Turkey have also shown interest, opines PRAKASH NANDA.
UGVS: THE NEXT DIMENSION OF WARFARE
With the rest of the world developing unmanned ground vehicles at a breakneck speed, it is time for India to join the bandwagon at the earliest.
SUPERSONIC DESTROYER
The BrahMos programme has filled a critical gap in the Indian armed forces' missile inventory and continues to attract strong export interest, writes ATUL CHANDRA.
POLICE MODERNISATION: AN URGENT NEED OF THE HOUR
India is facing many internal security threats, and it is time to reshape the strategic dynamics by modernising the police forces.
FUTURE FIGHTER
FIA 24 provided important insights into the Global Combat Air Programme, which will redefine the future of air combat, reports MIKE RAJKUMAR.
FILLING THE GAP
A new Medium Transport Aircraft is essential for the IAF, but it will have to compete with other pressing programmes fighting for limited budgetary resources, analyses ATUL CHANDRA.
