UK US deal on Australian SSN Program shows India is on its own against China
Australia just announced that it is looking at the latest British Astute class variant or the US Virginia class vessel that will become on the basics of the which it plans to build a nuclear-powered boat instead of the conventional submarine Australia was designed in conjunction with Naval Group and Lockheed Martin.
US local regulations prevent complete Transfer of Technology
when it comes to nuclear technology but such rare exemptions might be made for
the next Australian Nuclear Attack submarine program, leaving many wondering in
India why the biggest military rival of the Chinese and a member of Quad in the
region is not considered for same tech collaboration.
India on its own is working on the development of six nuclear
attack submarines and is looking at its old friend Russia for experience and
tech collaboration in the development of six nuclear submarines.
India has working its way from development of nuclear
ballistic missile submarine to the nuclear attack submarine next, but it’s like
moving from manufacturing of a sedan to a racing car that might take decades to
master for India.
The biggest challenge for the Indian nuclear attack submarine
seems to be the nuclear reactor technology that needs to be almost twice the
current capability that has been installed on the Arihant class of submarines
due to which India is again looking at Russian Akula class submarine on a 10-year-old
lease.
India is looking to developing and commissioning a 190 MW
nuclear reactor on site in the next 10 years and for this Navy is working with
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with technical consultation coming from
the Russians.
Russia has the best of nuclear attack class submarines but
when it comes to the development of pressurized water nuclear reactors, the United
States and UK are way ahead in this niche technology and India could have loved
to have some western cooperation on this front.
France is the only other country that has offered its
assistance in the development of India’s nuclear attack submarine but has
limited Transfer of Technology to non-conventional technology only if we order
six more conventional submarines under Project-75I.
Bengaluru firm Dynamatic Technologies to make aerostructure
assemblies for Boeing’s F-15EX Eagle II fighter aircraft
Boeing has awarded a contract for manufacturing assemblies
for its newest tactical fighter F-15EX Eagle to Bengaluru based Dynamatic
Technologies. This is a first where aero structures for the latest and most
advanced F-15EX Eagle II will be made in India.
The contract, it added, has given a boost to the Aatmanirbhar
program and strengthens US India collaboration on aerospace and defence
industrialisation. Dynamatic Technologies will supply the F-15EX aerostructure
assembly requirements from the financial year 2021-22.
Dynamatic Technologies MD & CEO Udayant Malhoutra said,
“Dynamatic has been associated closely with Boeing as a strategic tier-1
supplier partner for over a decade. The award for manufacturing aerostructures
for the F-15EX Eagle II to Dynamatic is a testimony of our partnership with
Boeing.”
Boeing India president Salil Gupte said, “We see tremendous
potential for India to contribute to the global aerospace industry as an
industrial and technology partner. The award of aerostructure assemblies for
the latest and most advanced version of the F-15 aircraft family is a
reflection of Boeing’s focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat and a testimony to the
world class capability of our industrial partners in India.”
Why IAF is opting for 24 second hand Mirage-2000 fighter
jets?
In an attempt to strengthen its fleet of fourth generation
fighters, the Indian Air Force is set to acquire 24 second hand Mirage-2000
fighters, made by Dassault Aviation. The IAF will also secure parts for its two
existing squadrons of the aircraft. IAF has initiated a contract worth €27
million with the manufacturer to buy the fighters, eight of which are in ready to
fly condition. these aircraft, which will cost €1.125 million each, will soon
be shipped to India in containers.
The Mirage 2000 played a decisive role in the 1999 war of
Kargil and turned it in India’s favour. Also used to do Balakot Strikes in
Pakistan.
When it comes to speed, the Mirage 2000 can reach top speeds
of up to Mach 2.2 or 2,336 km/r at high altitude. On the other hand, the F-16
is comparatively slower. It can reach a maximum speed of over Mach 2.
In terms of climbing speed, the Mirage wins over the F-16.
While the Mirage has a maximum climbing speed of 60,000 feet per minute, the F-16
reportedly manages 50,000 feet per minute.
Additionally, the F-16 has a combat radius going up to 1,370
km with two bombs weighing around 907 kg each while the Mirage can go 1,475 km
with four 250 kg bombs.
