HAL offers LCA LIFT in response to RFI issued by the Australian Air Force
According to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Annual report for 2020-21, HALL has responded to a request for information issued last June for the Air 6002 Phase-1 requirement by the Australian Department of Defence.
Canberra plans to replace BAE Systems Hawk-127 operated by
the Royal Australian Air Force with Future Lead in Fighter Training System that
in training fast jet air crew and supporting joint force training. Some of the
major trainer manufacturers, BAE, Boeing, and Leonardo all have reportedly have
responded to RFI issued by the Australian Department of Defence.
HAL’s Lead in Fighter Trainer LIFT is based on LCA Tejas Twin
seat Trainer aircraft that will be further optimized to be used as a bridge
between the pilot training system and fast jet conversion courses with the
flexibility to evolve as technologies, missions, and training needs change.
Once production of Tejas Mk1A jets begins, HAL plans to
develop the first LCA LIFT aircraft that has received backing from the Indian
Air Force.
Chakra 4 or 3 Kalvari+ ? What is the best option for Indian Navy
?
Russia will be delivering the Akula class submarine, to be
known as Chakra 3, to the Indian Navy by 2026 that will remain in service till
2036. USD 3 billion deal with Russia for leasing of a second Akula class
nuclear powered attack submarine for the Indian Navy for 10 years seemed steep
at that time but now talks of third Akula class submarine at the same rate does
raise some concern if this is a viable option when delivery of Chakra 4 could
come only in 2028.
Chakra 2 carried limited offensive armament and it’s not
clear if Chakra 3 and Chakra 4 will be modified to carry long range sub sonic
and supersonic cruise missile arsenals in its weapons package.
Enhanced Kalvari Class with the addition of a vertical
launching system module and Air independent propulsion AIP plug will provide deadlier
offensive punch. Kalvari Class production line that will soon be empty by end
of 2022, thus provide India an opportunity not only to boost its underwater
capabilities in the shortest duration but also to allow India to add additional
capabilities at fraction of the cost.
Chakra 3 and Chakra 4 no doubt will enhance India’s blue
water capabilities and will also act as training vessels to train future
sailors and officers for the upcoming six SSN that we are planning.
Philippines Coast Guard interested in ALH Dhruv and Dornier 228
aircraft from HAL
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has received interest from the
Philippines Coast Guard for procurement of indigenously designed and developed
Advanced Light Helicopter ALH DHRUV and Dornier 228 multipurpose light
transport aircraft.
According to the Halls Annual report for 2020-21, the
Philippines Coast Guard is interested in procurement of 7 ALH and 8 Dornier 228
aircraft through the Government of India Line of Credit.
Philippines Coast Guard was looking for a 5 tons class twin engine
helicopter that is specially equipped with weather radar, Bambi bucket,
emergency floatation gears, as well as an external loudspeaker, to perform
critical missions such as search and rescue, maritime patrol, law enforcement,
and firefighting.
Philippines Coast Guard also operates the Airbus H145
helicopter in its fleet and induction of ALH DHRUV will provide outstanding
mission capability, flexibility, and operational excellence.
In Key Reforms, IAF May Soon be Able to Hire Mid Air
Refuelling Aircraft for Emergency Situations
The Indian Air Force is likely to get financial powers to
hire aircraft, including mid-air refuellers, and related equipment for short
term in order to address operational emergencies, top defence sources have
said, in a move that could cut down on tedious paper work during crunch
situations.
Mid-Air refuellers act as a force multiplier and add
strategic heft to any air force by letting an aircraft stay longer in the air.
Though IAF operates a fleet of six Russian Ilyushin-78 refuelling tankers, they
are facing service issues.
The financial powers, which could allow IAF to spend between Rupees 100 crore and Rupees 200 crore in each case which is undergoing revisions and likely to be released shortly.
