Could the Aero India F-16s bomb India in a war?
Bangalore: As the F-16 fighter roars into the skies of Bengaluru at the Aero India 09 show, all attention is on the wonderful aerobatics display it puts up, not on the tiny flag of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on its tail. But the fact is, two of the four F-16s brought here by Lockheed Martin belong to the UAE Air Force.Two intriguing questions immediately arise: Firstly, were these aircraft flown, perhaps just days ago, by combat pilots from the Pakistani Air Force (PAF), which has long sent its officers on deputation to fly UAE fighters? Would these very aircraft, now here on a sales pitch by Lockheed Martin, have been bombing India in the event of a war with Pakistan?
Senior Indian Air Force (IAF) officers have confirmed to Business Standard that, in any war with India, Pakistan could field up to two squadrons of F-16 aircraft borrowed from Arab nations, where its pilots are posted on deputation.
Air Commodore Jasjit Singh, who won a Vir Chakra in combat in 1971 and went on to head the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis, points out, “This has happened regularly. In 1965, the Jordanian Air Force supplied F-104 Starfighters to Pakistan, one of which was even shot down by the IAF. In 1971, Turkey and Iran had supplied F-86 Sabres to the PAF. I wouldn’t rule out a repeat of this kind of help.”
Air Marshal Vinod Patney, the top air force field commander during the Kargil conflict, also believes the UAE Air Force F-16s could be used against India.
He reasons, “There are Pakistani pilots there in the UAE: fact. They are flying their F-16s: fact. There is a close military relationship between those countries: fact. I would not rule out Islamic solidarity coming into play in the event of a war with India.”
Clearly visible on the UAE Air Force F-16s on display in Bangalore is an extra fuel tank, just above the wing, specially built for the batch of F-16s ordered by the UAE. The IAF believes UAE asked Lockheed Martin for the extra range to allow the Pakistani pilots in the UAE to reach Indian targets, deliver their weapons, and then fly to a Pakistani base from where they could operate for the rest of the war.
Lockheed Martin told Business Standard that they had no idea whether Pakistani pilots had recently flown the F-16s, now in Bangalore. Douglas Hartwick, CEO of Lockheed Martin India Pvt Ltd explained, “We just leased these planes from the UAE Air Force.”
India’s strategic community is concerned about F-16 aircraft being evaluated by India despite their being in service in Pakistan.
15/02/09 Ajai Shukla/Business Standard
I got no remuneration, says Sharma
Bangalore: The intense competition for IAF’s $ 10 billion Multi Medium Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) deal is getting intense with celebrities donning the air warrior robes. There are speculations on the guest pilots receiving remuneration from the bidders of the MMRCA.
A guest pilot, however, denied vehemently when confronted with this question on Friday.
India’s first cosmonaut Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma who flew the F/A 18 Super Hornet denied that guest pilots were bought by the bidding companies to fly the aircraft so that it would increase their brand value.
“Neither I nor my foundation have received any money to fly the aircraft,” said Sharma after his hour-long sortie. Sharma denied that there was any such deal and said he took the flight for his love of flying.
The contenders who are bidding for the MMRCA deal are leaving no stone unturned to grab the maximum attention by roping in celebrities from different walks of life.
The Russian MiG-35 roped in Air Marshal (Retd) Harish Masand and the Lockheed Martin F-16 IN Super Viper Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra to fly their respective aircraft in this edition of Aero India.
After strapping on, the 60-year-old former IAF officer saluted to the shutter bugs when asked to wave for the cameras. Sharma who did up to 6-Gs with US Air Force Pilot Daniel ‘Blue’ Hannum on the third day of Aero India 2009 said, “Usually you experience zero gravity, but in this flight it was 6-Gs, and it was more challenging because of my age,” he said.
14/02/09 ExpressBuzz
A guest pilot, however, denied vehemently when confronted with this question on Friday.
India’s first cosmonaut Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma who flew the F/A 18 Super Hornet denied that guest pilots were bought by the bidding companies to fly the aircraft so that it would increase their brand value.
“Neither I nor my foundation have received any money to fly the aircraft,” said Sharma after his hour-long sortie. Sharma denied that there was any such deal and said he took the flight for his love of flying.
The contenders who are bidding for the MMRCA deal are leaving no stone unturned to grab the maximum attention by roping in celebrities from different walks of life.
The Russian MiG-35 roped in Air Marshal (Retd) Harish Masand and the Lockheed Martin F-16 IN Super Viper Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra to fly their respective aircraft in this edition of Aero India.
After strapping on, the 60-year-old former IAF officer saluted to the shutter bugs when asked to wave for the cameras. Sharma who did up to 6-Gs with US Air Force Pilot Daniel ‘Blue’ Hannum on the third day of Aero India 2009 said, “Usually you experience zero gravity, but in this flight it was 6-Gs, and it was more challenging because of my age,” he said.
14/02/09 ExpressBuzz
Navin Jindal rides F-18 during Bangalore air show
Bangalore: Congress MP and industrialist Navin Jindal today rode the US fighter plane F-18 during the ongoing air show, the sources said.
Jindal's wife Shaalu Jindal was also present during the air-sortie, She was immaculately dressed in a red dress on the occasion of Valentine's day.
The young industrialist dedicated the air sortie to his wife Shaalu Jindal. Two days back, Jindal had received the required training for the flying.
Earlier, ace shooter and Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra had also taken a flight on F-16 fighter plane during the five-day air show where 25 countries are participating.
14/02/09 Samay Live
Jindal's wife Shaalu Jindal was also present during the air-sortie, She was immaculately dressed in a red dress on the occasion of Valentine's day.
The young industrialist dedicated the air sortie to his wife Shaalu Jindal. Two days back, Jindal had received the required training for the flying.
Earlier, ace shooter and Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra had also taken a flight on F-16 fighter plane during the five-day air show where 25 countries are participating.
14/02/09 Samay Live
MBDA to tie-up with DRDO for short-range missile
Bangalore: After its recent success in selling its Milan-2T anti-tank guided missiles to the Indian Army, France-based MBDA is hoping to co-develop a short range surface-to-air missile (SR-SAM) with India.
"We are discussing the development of missiles with Indian agencies in this regard and are hoping for a positive outcome," MBDA spokesperson Mati Hindrekus told PTI at Aero India here.
DRDO had issued a global Request for Proposal (RFP) last year for developing a SR-SAM with range of over 15 kilometres.
If successful, MBDA would co-develop the new missile and launcher, "marrying" technology and capabilities of the European company and the DRDO, he said.Hindrekus said BDL would be the prime contractor and produce and integrate the weapon system. The choice of radar would be an Indian one, he said, adding that the missile would have range of over 15 kilometres.
MBDA is involved in the modernisation of the Indian Mirage 2000 fleet, which will upgrade the fighter's capabilities to fire the infrared and electromagnetic versions of the Mica air-to-air missile.
15/02/09 PTI/The Hindu
"We are discussing the development of missiles with Indian agencies in this regard and are hoping for a positive outcome," MBDA spokesperson Mati Hindrekus told PTI at Aero India here.
DRDO had issued a global Request for Proposal (RFP) last year for developing a SR-SAM with range of over 15 kilometres.
If successful, MBDA would co-develop the new missile and launcher, "marrying" technology and capabilities of the European company and the DRDO, he said.Hindrekus said BDL would be the prime contractor and produce and integrate the weapon system. The choice of radar would be an Indian one, he said, adding that the missile would have range of over 15 kilometres.
MBDA is involved in the modernisation of the Indian Mirage 2000 fleet, which will upgrade the fighter's capabilities to fire the infrared and electromagnetic versions of the Mica air-to-air missile.
15/02/09 PTI/The Hindu
Love struck couples throng Aero India show
Bangalore : Thousands of love struck couples chose the high-security Aero India show for the Valentine Day celebrations as the venue was shorn of either"moral police"or saffron brigade to disturb them.
The Aero India 2009, into its fourth-day, drew more than 75,000 visitors, which included thousands of couples, who preferred this safe destination at Yelahanka Airforce base for walking hand-in-hand.
As the aircraft flew overhead, the lovers clung to each other, enjoying the display of aerobatic manoeuvres in a sanitised atmosphere with no threat of being caught by the"moral police".
14/02/09 Indopia
The Aero India 2009, into its fourth-day, drew more than 75,000 visitors, which included thousands of couples, who preferred this safe destination at Yelahanka Airforce base for walking hand-in-hand.
As the aircraft flew overhead, the lovers clung to each other, enjoying the display of aerobatic manoeuvres in a sanitised atmosphere with no threat of being caught by the"moral police".
14/02/09 Indopia
Spectacle in the air, chaos on the roads
Bangalore: Traffic snarls and irate tempers were on display on all roads leading to the Air Force Station at Yelahanka, that is playing host to Aero India 2009.
With the second Saturday turning out to be the first holiday for many since the commencement of the much publicised event, many Bangaloreans opted to make a “Family Day Out” event.
Not just visitors, even delegates had a tough time making their way into the fortified building. Air force authorities were engaged in the time-consuming but necessary task of subjecting all vehicles to stringent security checks at the entrance.
The cops in charge of regulating traffic appeared totally out of control. Many visitors were engaged in angry verbal exchanges with cops. Many with valid entry passes or tickets to the show were not permitted entry by the cops on the grounds that parking space inside the station was full. Some visitors who entered the ground and later ventured out for a break, were taken aback when they tried to get inside again. The fact that the ticket issued was valid for a single entry only, was something many did not know about.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Security) Praveen Sood said: “Traffic movement to the airshow was smooth and without any hitch. We had issued advisories to the public visiting the show through the media on parking instructions well in advance.”
Cars have been given park space at “Venkatala” near the venue, from where the BMTC’s Volvo buses ferry visitors to the entrance, he added. “Problems and confusion arise as people have not read or were unaware of the instructions we have issued.
15/0209 Deccan Herald
With the second Saturday turning out to be the first holiday for many since the commencement of the much publicised event, many Bangaloreans opted to make a “Family Day Out” event.
Not just visitors, even delegates had a tough time making their way into the fortified building. Air force authorities were engaged in the time-consuming but necessary task of subjecting all vehicles to stringent security checks at the entrance.
The cops in charge of regulating traffic appeared totally out of control. Many visitors were engaged in angry verbal exchanges with cops. Many with valid entry passes or tickets to the show were not permitted entry by the cops on the grounds that parking space inside the station was full. Some visitors who entered the ground and later ventured out for a break, were taken aback when they tried to get inside again. The fact that the ticket issued was valid for a single entry only, was something many did not know about.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Security) Praveen Sood said: “Traffic movement to the airshow was smooth and without any hitch. We had issued advisories to the public visiting the show through the media on parking instructions well in advance.”
Cars have been given park space at “Venkatala” near the venue, from where the BMTC’s Volvo buses ferry visitors to the entrance, he added. “Problems and confusion arise as people have not read or were unaware of the instructions we have issued.
15/0209 Deccan Herald
Rosoboronexport offering Indian Partner full military hardware
Summing up and announcing the winner of a tender to supply 126 multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) to the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be one of the high points in military-technical cooperation between India and foreign countries in the coming one or two years.
The tender involves six contenders: Russian MiG-35 fighter (RSK MiG), American F-16 and F/A-18 (from Lockheed Martin and Boeing respectively), French Rafale (Dassault Aviation), Swedish JAS-39 Gripen (SAAB), and European Eurofighter Typhoon (EADS). The technical evaluation of the bids has been completed, and field trials are to start in India in April-May.
The Russian fighter offers distinct advantages over the competing planes. Unlike all the other aircraft, which are production models, the MiG-35 is the latest-generation fighter developed with due regard to the peculiarities of operation in India. It not only meets all the requirements of the tender put forward by the IAF, but also has drawn from the best operating experience with previous MiG aircraft in the country.
The Russian aircraft has perfect aerodynamic lines and what is more it has acquired incredible super maneuverability, owing to an exclusive thrust vector control technology. None of MiG-35’s rivals can boast such capability, which gives it an undeniable edge in real air combat. Furthermore, heavy use of composites in the frame has made the aircraft less observable to enemy radars. The fighter’s double weapons load and 1.5-fold higher fuel capacity compared to its predecessor are also its irresistible benefits.
The Zhuk-AE active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar is a unique component of the MiG-35, which was proposed for the tender by Rosoboronexport and MiG Russian Aircraft Corporation. The radar can track up to 30 targets and attack simultaneously six most dangerous of them. Its target detection range of 140-160 km also wins admiration and can be further extended to 250-280 km when more receive/transmit modules are used. Along with its powerful precision-guided weapons, high-performance active self-defense system and superb performance characteristics, the lightweight MiG-35 has grown into a medium-sized aircraft – a superfighter of the 21st century.
Another benefit of the Russian fighter is its best value for money. Being highly competitive with its Western counterparts, the MiG-35 is superior to its rivals in many characteristics and at same time is less expensive. For India, this factor may be decisive in selecting the winner, all other things being equal. On the world arms markets, where Rosoboronexport has operated in recent years, the cost-performance ratio favorably distinguishes Russian military equipment from rivals.
More than 40 years of military-technical cooperation between Russia and India and the current level of the mutually beneficial bilateral relations are indicative of this.
The recent major projects being implemented between Moscow and Delhi include delivery of Mi-17V-5 transport helicopters to India, license production of Su-30MKI aircraft and T-90S tanks.
A qualitatively new phase of fruitful bilateral cooperation is marked by the key joint aircraft projects. These are primarily the multi-purpose transport plane and a fifth-generation fighter development programs
“This year’s 7th AERO INDIA 2009 exhibition is a grandiose aerospace event in the Asia & Pacific region. It involves 20 Russian exhibitors presenting several hundreds of weaponry, military and aerospace equipment items,” said Viktor Komardin, head of Rosoboronexport’s delegation and Deputy Director General of the Corporation. “The content and dimensions of Rosoboronexport’s display, planned meetings and negotiations will be focused on further strengthening Russia’s military-technical cooperation with its long and reliable partners as well as on looking for new would-be purchasers of aircraft and armaments made by Russia independently or jointly with foreign partners in production.
14/02/09 defpro.com, Germany
The tender involves six contenders: Russian MiG-35 fighter (RSK MiG), American F-16 and F/A-18 (from Lockheed Martin and Boeing respectively), French Rafale (Dassault Aviation), Swedish JAS-39 Gripen (SAAB), and European Eurofighter Typhoon (EADS). The technical evaluation of the bids has been completed, and field trials are to start in India in April-May.
The Russian fighter offers distinct advantages over the competing planes. Unlike all the other aircraft, which are production models, the MiG-35 is the latest-generation fighter developed with due regard to the peculiarities of operation in India. It not only meets all the requirements of the tender put forward by the IAF, but also has drawn from the best operating experience with previous MiG aircraft in the country.
The Russian aircraft has perfect aerodynamic lines and what is more it has acquired incredible super maneuverability, owing to an exclusive thrust vector control technology. None of MiG-35’s rivals can boast such capability, which gives it an undeniable edge in real air combat. Furthermore, heavy use of composites in the frame has made the aircraft less observable to enemy radars. The fighter’s double weapons load and 1.5-fold higher fuel capacity compared to its predecessor are also its irresistible benefits.
The Zhuk-AE active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar is a unique component of the MiG-35, which was proposed for the tender by Rosoboronexport and MiG Russian Aircraft Corporation. The radar can track up to 30 targets and attack simultaneously six most dangerous of them. Its target detection range of 140-160 km also wins admiration and can be further extended to 250-280 km when more receive/transmit modules are used. Along with its powerful precision-guided weapons, high-performance active self-defense system and superb performance characteristics, the lightweight MiG-35 has grown into a medium-sized aircraft – a superfighter of the 21st century.
Another benefit of the Russian fighter is its best value for money. Being highly competitive with its Western counterparts, the MiG-35 is superior to its rivals in many characteristics and at same time is less expensive. For India, this factor may be decisive in selecting the winner, all other things being equal. On the world arms markets, where Rosoboronexport has operated in recent years, the cost-performance ratio favorably distinguishes Russian military equipment from rivals.
More than 40 years of military-technical cooperation between Russia and India and the current level of the mutually beneficial bilateral relations are indicative of this.
The recent major projects being implemented between Moscow and Delhi include delivery of Mi-17V-5 transport helicopters to India, license production of Su-30MKI aircraft and T-90S tanks.
A qualitatively new phase of fruitful bilateral cooperation is marked by the key joint aircraft projects. These are primarily the multi-purpose transport plane and a fifth-generation fighter development programs
“This year’s 7th AERO INDIA 2009 exhibition is a grandiose aerospace event in the Asia & Pacific region. It involves 20 Russian exhibitors presenting several hundreds of weaponry, military and aerospace equipment items,” said Viktor Komardin, head of Rosoboronexport’s delegation and Deputy Director General of the Corporation. “The content and dimensions of Rosoboronexport’s display, planned meetings and negotiations will be focused on further strengthening Russia’s military-technical cooperation with its long and reliable partners as well as on looking for new would-be purchasers of aircraft and armaments made by Russia independently or jointly with foreign partners in production.
14/02/09 defpro.com, Germany
Bird Group expands presence MRO services
Bangalore: Bird Air Services Pvt. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bird Group, recently signed a comprehensive marketing agreement with Pacific Propeller Intl. (PPI), a global repair and overhaul services provider to several regional airline and military aircraft. The agreement was signed by Ankur Bhatia, Executive Director, Bird Group; Jeff Heikke, President, PPI and Jim Roosevelt, Regional Director Asia Pacific of M/s Pacific Propeller at Aero India 2009, Bangalore.
Under the agreement, PPI will provide its services and products through Bird Air Services Pvt. Ltd. within the Indian Subcontinent. It will also help facilitate Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services for propeller based engines for aircraft in India at PPI prop shops. It is estimated that of the total airline expenditure, aircraft operators spend almost 13 per cent on aircraft maintenance and servicing. According to a recent report by Ernst and Young on the Indian aviation sector, MRO spending in India is estimated to rise from USD 440 million in 2007 to USD 1.2 billion in 2017, exhibiting an annual growth of 11.8 per cent.
15/02/09 TravelBizMonitor
Under the agreement, PPI will provide its services and products through Bird Air Services Pvt. Ltd. within the Indian Subcontinent. It will also help facilitate Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services for propeller based engines for aircraft in India at PPI prop shops. It is estimated that of the total airline expenditure, aircraft operators spend almost 13 per cent on aircraft maintenance and servicing. According to a recent report by Ernst and Young on the Indian aviation sector, MRO spending in India is estimated to rise from USD 440 million in 2007 to USD 1.2 billion in 2017, exhibiting an annual growth of 11.8 per cent.
15/02/09 TravelBizMonitor
Malaysian firm thrives on Valentine's Day at air show
Bangalore: A Malaysian garment firm made hay Saturday at Aero India international air-show by selling designer T-shirts, caps, fighter aircraft models and a variety of novelties to celebrate Valentine's Day in a special way.
'We are giving one product free for every purchase made to celebrate Valentine's Day in our own way.
The response has been overwhelming, with lots of couples and teenagers snapping up our attractive offering,' V-GRO Marketing official M.O. Yap told IANS at the Yelahanka air force base, about 20 km from this tech hub.
The Kuala Lumpur-based V-GRO has set up shop outside an international pavilion to sell its products during the five-day biennial event. It has decided to offer free any one item purchased to mark the lovers' day.
'We participate in air shows that are held in Singapore, Dubai, Paris, London and Bangalore to showcase and market our readymade garments, caps, tiny aircraft models, key chains and pins in the shape of fighter jets and choppers,' Yap said.
Posters with Valentine's Day Offer written in pink around the stall attracted a steady stream of visitors to the stall during the show, leading to brisk sales by the afternoon.
The assorted products, including T-shirts, caps, aircraft models, key chains and shirt badges (in the shape of fighter jets on display at the air show) were priced between Rs.350 and Rs.1,800.
'As the day progressed, sales picked up, with many couples or singles buying a T-shirt, a cap or a badge. Our 'buy-one-take-one-free' offer was appreciated and evoked warm response from the younger visitors,' Yap affirmed.
14/02/09 IANS/SmasHits.com
'We are giving one product free for every purchase made to celebrate Valentine's Day in our own way.
The response has been overwhelming, with lots of couples and teenagers snapping up our attractive offering,' V-GRO Marketing official M.O. Yap told IANS at the Yelahanka air force base, about 20 km from this tech hub.
The Kuala Lumpur-based V-GRO has set up shop outside an international pavilion to sell its products during the five-day biennial event. It has decided to offer free any one item purchased to mark the lovers' day.
'We participate in air shows that are held in Singapore, Dubai, Paris, London and Bangalore to showcase and market our readymade garments, caps, tiny aircraft models, key chains and pins in the shape of fighter jets and choppers,' Yap said.
Posters with Valentine's Day Offer written in pink around the stall attracted a steady stream of visitors to the stall during the show, leading to brisk sales by the afternoon.
The assorted products, including T-shirts, caps, aircraft models, key chains and shirt badges (in the shape of fighter jets on display at the air show) were priced between Rs.350 and Rs.1,800.
'As the day progressed, sales picked up, with many couples or singles buying a T-shirt, a cap or a badge. Our 'buy-one-take-one-free' offer was appreciated and evoked warm response from the younger visitors,' Yap affirmed.
14/02/09 IANS/SmasHits.com
Israeli holography show a big hit with visitors
The show that was directed and produced by Nissan Belkin, general manager of Telemedia Co- Israel, showcases military equipment and their uses, including battle field management, integrated infantry combat system, robotic systems, laser systems, thermal imaging, head- up displays, stabilised payloads and communication systems.
Nissan said that the show was conceived to display the capabilities of Elbit systems. “It is a unique way of grabbing attention and nothing can explain avionics better,” he said.
A visitor said that, “At least thirty people gather around every time the show starts and when it is done, they are still there.” Defence equipment, gear, addons were all there but what really hooked the visitors was the holographic projection of combat environment as seen from a cockpit displaying some of the most advanced war equipment in a virtual environment.
Many science fiction movies have had holograms as plot devices, especially futuristic uses of them. Case in point is Arnold Schwarzenegger starrer ‘Total Recall’, in which the hologram is put to use by the protagonist by creating a second image of himself. Holography also finds application in the fields of data storage, security, art, dynamic holography and cubic dimensions.
14/02/09 Jayadevan P K/ExpressBuzz
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