Pakistan wants to buy 12 MI-35 Helicopters from Russia

According to Jung News, Russian Media reports that Pakistan wants to buy 12 MI-35 Helicopters from Russia and Russian FM confirms that the deal of four MI-35 Helicopters is expendable. According to the news Pakistan told Russia that we have the capacity to buy 10 to 12 MI-35 Helicopters.

MI-35 Helicopters from Russia

Malaysia wants to buy the Mistral Aicraft Carrier

The Sevastopol (left) and the Vladivostok warships, two Mistral-class landing helicopter dock amphibious vessels ordered by Russia from STX France before the order was canceled, are seen in Saint-Nazaire, France, Dec. 20, 2014. Malaysia has emerged as a potential buyer of one of the warships. Jean-Sebastien Evrard/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

The French defense minister is in talks with Malaysia to sell the Southeast Asian nation one of the Mistral warship aircraft carriers that was initially intended for Russia, a source close to the talkstold Reuters Tuesday. Several countries, especially in emerging nations in Southeast Asia and South America, have been interested in the purchase of the ships, with reports confirming that one of the ships would be sold to Malaysia.

Defense minister Jean-Yves Le Drian was set to travel Sunday to Malaysia, reportedly to discuss the sale of one of the warships. Le Drian would also travel to India on the same trip to discuss selling rafale fighter jets to the country.

Mistral-class landing helicopter dock

The two Mistrals were originally built for Russia in a deal made by former French President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2011. Set to be delivered in 2014 and 2016, the ships would have marked the first arms deal between a Western nation and Russia. President Francois Hollande canceled the deal in 2014, following Russia's continuing involvement in Ukraine, annexing the Crimean peninsula and reportedly arming pro-Russian separatists.

The Pentagon's research and development agency wants to design a fleet of drones that could self-launch from a larger plane before swarming enemy aircraft and returning to their mothership after a mission.

These "gremlins," as the researchers at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have dubbed them, would be cheaper than standard drones and have a lifespan of about 20 flights.

DARPA envisions the gremlins as a middle ground between missile-like weapons, which can be used just once, and platforms like piloted aircraft, which are expensive, complex and long-lasting.

DARPA's Next Generation Drone

"We wouldn't be discarding the entire airframe, engine, avionics and payload with every mission, as is done with missiles, but we also wouldn't have to carry the maintainability and operational cost burdens of today's reusable systems, which are meant to stay in service for decades," the agency said in a statement.
To launch these gremlins, the military wants to turn large C-130 cargo planes into makeshift aircraft carriers.

Israel and Russia are building 2 AWECS aircraft for India

Israel and Russia have started creating two aircraft for Airborne Early Warning and Control for India. Work has already started in Taganrog, where they are installing Israeli radar on an IL-76.

The Military Gazette wrote that Israel and Russia have started creating two aircraft for Airborne Early Warning and Control for India. This is the joint project called Falcon – an airborne early warning radar system created by Elta, installed on the IL-76 aircraft manufactured by the Ilyushin Company.

Indian Il-76 AWACS

Back in 2004, India signed a contract for the delivery of three of these aircraft, which were delivered in 2009-2011. Work on the creation of another two new aircraft is being carried out under an option provided for in this contract. As the publication noted, Israel purchased two IL-76 airframes from Uzbekistan. Russia, for its part, acquired two mostly completed IL-76 platforms from the Chkalov Aviation Production Association (now the Tashkent Mechanical Plant) in Tashkent. The aircraft frames were brought from Tashkent to the Beriev Aviation Scientific-Technical Complex in Taganrog, where they will be custom finished by the Israeli side, and where Israeli radar will be installed.

Boeing Jet Engine Powered By Lasers and Nuclear Explosions

Future aircraft could be powered by lasers and nuclear explosions if Boeing has its way. The aerospace firm claims a new-type of engine could produce energy-efficient thrust by firing lasers at radioactive material, such as deuterium and tritium. The technology could mean that planes and spaceships will require only a fraction of the power to operate, according to a recent patent filed by the company.

The engine outlined in the patent would work by using high-powered lasers to vaporize the radioactive material producing a fusion reaction.
'At least one laser is positioned to vaporizer the propellant with at least one laser-beam into a thrust producing flow,' the company wrote in the document.

The by-products of the process would be hydrogen or helium, which would leave the back-end of the plane creating thrust.

Meanwhile, the inside wall of the engine's thrust-er chamber will react with the neutrons created by the nuclear reaction.

Boeing Nuclear Laser Engine

The resulting heat can then be harnessed by placing a coolant on the sides of the combustion chamber.
The idea is to use this heat to produce electricity that can then drive the engine’s lasers.
Other than the radioactive material, the engine requires very little in terms of external energy.

Boeing’s Dreamliner is currently driven by turbofan engines that compress air and ignite fuel to create thrust.
But it's expensive. The 787-8 Dreamliner. for instance, uses roughly $24.53 (£15.97) worth of fuel per nautical mile flown
The latest application, approved by the US Patent and Trademark Office last week, was filed by Boeing's Robert Budica, James Herzberg, and Frank Chandler.
It is unclear when, if ever, Boeing plans to create a prototype of the engine.

Pakistan Could Be Eyeing Russian Yak-130 Trainers

Pakistan could be showing an interest in the Yak-130 trainer of Russia after concluding a deal to purchase four Mi-35 Hind helicopters.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) does not have a modern combat trainer though it operates advanced aircraft such as the American F-16, and the Pakistani-Chinese JF-17.

Pakistan Air Force officials have been talking to executives from Rosoboronexport and Irkut, the maker of the Yak-130 in various arms trade shows, though no definite intention to buy has been received.

The PAF does not have an advanced jet trainer to train its fighter pilots. It has a basic trainer, the propeller-driven Super Mushshak, which is a product of a Pakistani-Chinese partnership. For intermediate jet training it has the K-8 Karakorum and the Cessna T-17. Together with its Chinese partners, it manufactures the Super Mushak which is used as a basic trainer.

Yak-130

The sources said that the PAF was interested in the Yak-120 for it unique feature of mimicking the flying characteristics of a number of fighter aircraft such as the F-16 and JF-17 which will make the task of transiting from a trainer to a fighter a lot easy for pilots.

All these years, Rosoboronexport may have been cold to the idea of selling Pakistan advanced aircraft; firstly due to Russia's position of being India's dominant military equipment supplier and secondly for fear of its aircraft being falling into the hands of Chinese copycats.

Russia agrees to sell Pakistan four MI-35 attack helicopters

An agreement was signed between Pakistan and Russian authorities in Rawalpindi for the purchase of four MI-35 helicopters,” said a senior military official on Wednesday.

The official, however, did not provide any further details about the deal, or shed any light on the configuration of the helicopters which Pakistan will receive. No timeline for delivery of the helicopters was revealed.

The agreement is believed to have been finalised during Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif’s visit to Russia in June earlier this year.

Russia’s move is a major shift in it’s policy in the wake of strategic partnership between US and India.

Moscow has for long ignored Islamabad in a bit to please its long term ally New Delhi. But as a result of India’s growing tilt towards the US, Russia has now begun to expand its cooperation with Pakistan.

For its part, Islamabad is eager to improve its ties with Moscow to diversify its options in the event of any stalemate in ties with Washington.

Last year, Russia had sent a draft contract to Pakistan for the dispatch of four Mil Mi-35M combat helicopters.

Mig-35 Helicopters

Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, said that talks pertaining to the delivery of helicopters were under way with the Pakistani side. However, it declined to disclose the details of these consultations.

“Following the results of the talks held earlier on helicopters, which Pakistan would like to get from Russia, a draft contract on the delivery of four Mi-35M gunships has been sent to the Pakistani side. Pakistan is now studying the document,” the source said.

China To Display Seven Types Of Missiles in V-Day Parade

China's strategic missile force, the Second Artillery Forces (SAC) will display seven types of missiles in the military parade on Sept. 3, Xinhua learned from military sources.

Organized into six armament formations, the weaponry includes long-range, intermediate-range, and short-range missiles as well as conventional and nuclear missiles, said the source.

The source did not reveal the specific types of missiles, but said "the scale and number of the missiles will surpass any previous outing."

"Our missile weaponry has seen great advances, in terms of firing range, strike methods, accuracy and mobility," said the source.
A senior military official said Friday that 84 percent of armaments to be displayed in the military parade have never been viewed by the public before.

The SAC made its first public appearance on Oct. 1, 1984, when the new China celebrated the 35th anniversary of its founding. After that, it has been a popular section of every military parade.

During the National Day parade in 2009, China showcased five types of missiles, including DF31A, a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile.

IAF's MiG-25RB Foxbat : The LEGEND that could never be intercepted

Most often, the recent advances in technology and innovation make the achievements of previous years a delightful comic to read on a Sunday afternoon. However there do exist an elite league of legendary accomplishments which stand their ground even to this day even after decades have passed into oblivion. The moon Landings by USA for example, which to this day remains nothing short of a spectacular benchmark in space technology has remained unchallenged.

In the year 1981, an aircraft which was more of a manned ballistic missile on steroids entered service in the Indian Air Force changing the course of history as it is. Its induction in the IAF brought in an entirely new performance envelope for its fighter pilots and it became necessary to wear special pressure suits to survive at its service ceiling from where in the curvature of the Earth was visible from the very edge of space.

To the NATO it was known as the “Foxbat” and the IAF christened it the name “Garuda” , the large mythical bird-like creature from the Hindu mythology whose wings were massive enough to block out the sun. Only 42 top pilots of IAF ever qualified to fly solo in the aircraft in 25 years of its glorious service which led its flawless record of zero interception even if detected.

IAF Mig-25

The first prototype of the Mikoyan MiG-25RB Foxbat-B was designed by the Soviet Union's Mikoyan-Gurevich bureau in 1964. The aircraft could do Mach 2.8, and it was possible to sustain flights of Mach 3.2 in the early 1970s, but the engines being damaged beyond repair were a concern at such extreme supersonic speeds. To bring that into perspective, the Eurofighter Typhoon even with all the modern technology these days can super cruise at Mach 1.5. To achieve Mach 3, the airframe were built to withstand the airflow temperatures of up to 300 degrees Celsius. The MiG-25's sustained speed was far above above the dash speed of all other fighters of whichever nation or built, either in 1970’s or even today. In all, 29 records were claimed by the aircraft, of which seven were all-time world records for time to height, altitudes of 20,000 m and higher, and speed. Several records still stand today.

The Indian Air Force inducted the reconnaissance version which was a very high altitude, supersonic aircraft capable of a service ceiling which made its interception by enemy fighters or surface to air missiles a joke at IAF’s Nos 102 Squadron 'Trisonics' who flew and serviced these majestic birds. The version IAF had were the MiG-25RB for reconnaissance and the MiG-25U two seater for conversion training. Countless top secret reconnaissance missions were flown over hostile territory of Pakistan and China documenting military bases and surveying the situation on the ground. These flights provided crucial intelligence during war and helped India stay two steps ahead in the reconnaissance game.

Russia Delivers Six Mikoyan MiG-31 Fighter Jets To Syria

The Syrian government has received six MiG-31 'Foxhound' interceptor aircraft from Russia under a deal that was said to have been signed in 2007, a regional media source has reported.

Syria was reported to have ordered eight MiG-31 combat aircraft as part of a wider defence deal with Russia in 2007. Although this deal was confirmed at the time by the head of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Alexei Fyodorov, it was later denied by Anatoly Isaykin, director of state arms export bureau Rosoboronexport, who in 2010 described the sale as "a journalistic hoax". Neither the Russian nor the Syrian authorities have so far commented publicly on the reported deliveries.

The MiG-31 first entered Soviet service in the early 1980s as a long-range, high-altitude, and high-speed interceptor. Although relatively old, it is still a highly capable platform that features some of the latest sensor and weapons fits.

Mikoyan MiG-31 Fighter

In particular, the MiG-31's NIIP N007 S-800 SBI-16 (RP-31) Zaslon or Zaslon-A electronically scanned phased-array fire-control radar (NATO codename 'Flash Dance') affords it an impressive beyond-visual range capability, enabling it to see airborne targets out to a range of 108 n miles (200 km; 124 miles) in a clutter-free forward sector, or 48 n miles (90 km; 56 miles) to the rear. It is capable of tracking 10 targets and attacking four simultaneously. Coupled with this radar, the MiG-31's R-33 (NATO codename AA-9 'Amos') or R-37 (AA-X-13/AA-13 'Arrow') long-range air-to-air missiles afford it a highly potent beyond-visual range (BVR) air-to-air capability.

China's Divine Eagle Drone : The world's biggest UAV

The Divine Eagle has a single engine nestled between its tailfins, with a diameter of over 1 meter. This makes the engine likely to be a medium non-afterburning turbofan producing 3 to 5 tons of thrust, which in turn is usually enough to power a UAV of 12-18 tons in maximum takeoff weight.

In comparison, the largest American UAV in open service, the RQ-4 Global Hawk, uses a F-137-RR-100 turbofan engine with 3.4 tons of thrust.

The Divine Eagle has a five wheel landing gear layout. The double bodied layout was chosen in order to provide the surface area for carrying large radars, while minimizing internal volume and weight.

China's Divine Eagle Drone

By using the single deck bus in the background (probably 3.2 meters tall, like most buses of its type) as a very crude visual yardstick, a very rough comparison suggests that the Divine Eagle is 6 meters tall, and 15 meters long (since most high altitude large UAVs have a wingspan to body length ratio of 2.5:1 to 3:1, the wingspan of the Divine Eagle is likely its be 35 to 45 meters across).

China's Divine Eagle Drone

The differing yellow, green and grey blue primer coatings on the Divine Eagle suggest the usage of different materials like composite and aluminum alloys for different sections of the UAV.
For example, the grey blue forward dome on the port (left) body is likely to contain a satellite dish for long distance communications, suggesting that the material used in the grey blue sections are likely to be highly permeable to electromagnetic waves.

S-350 Next Generation Mobile Mid-Range Missiles Air Defense Systems

Russian air defense is getting ready to deploy S-350 Vityaz mobile SAMs to replace outgoing versions of S-300 anti-aircraft systems. The core of the new system features missiles with state-of-the-art active radar-homing warheads.
Everything is ready for the production of Russia’s brand-new medium to short range mobile S-350 Vityaz anti-aircraft missile complex. The system will replace S-300ps SAMs, which are armed with outdated V55R missiles due for decommissioning by the end of the year.

“The next generation S-350 systems will be operational in the nearest possible future,” General-Major Sergey Babakov, the Commander of Russia’s anti-aircraft missile troops, told journalists in early July. “Deployment is expected to comply with the schedule, no failures on delivery are expected,” the general added.

The S-350 Vityaz system consists of a launcher vehicle, all-aspect radar for scanning airspace and a command vehicle. The maximum number of launchers operating with one radar and command center is classified, as well as the maximum quantity of simultaneously tracked targets.

The S-350 Vityaz is armed with two types of missiles. One is medium range also employed by anti-aircraft S-400 Triumph systems. The other interceptor missile is a brand-new modern projectile with an active homing head, which means it has its own radar station.
The technical characteristics of this new missile “outperform missiles of previous generation systems,” Colonel Igor Klimov, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, told journalists.

S-350 Vityaz launcher 

S-350 Vityaz launcher 

The new missile is smaller, lighter and more maneuverable, General Babakov said last weekend in an interview with Igor Korotchenko, editor-in-chief of the National Defense magazine.

“Though it is smaller, its characteristics are better than that of S-300ps. It is agile, does better at ultra-low and maximum heights and has longer range,” the general said.
“I believe the new system is going to be die-hard,” Babakov said in an interview with the Russian News Service radio station.

The S-350 Vityaz was unveiled to the public at the MAKS-2013 International Aviation and Space Show.
Initially, the complex was expected to enter production in 2014, but the final tests of the new missile took more time than was expected.
The S-400 Triumph and S-350 Vityaz complexes are replacing those of the outdated S-300 family systems.

HQ-17 Surface to Air Missile

HQ-17 has important differences with Tor-M1 including a new IFF array on top of an electronically scanned radar; those modern electronics make it well suited for 21st air defense against cruise missiles and close air support attack aircraft. 

 HQ-17 Surface to Air Missile

The HQ-17 a copy Russia classic Tor-M1 may have a short range, but manufacturer claims for its Tor-M1 relative claim that it has a 90% probably of destroying cruise missiles.
The Tor M1 “SA-15 Gauntlet” is a 12km ranged Russian air defense missile specifically designed to attack enemy fighters, helicopters, smart bombs and cruise missile. China has bought at least 25 vehicles. Its Chinese license production is designated HQ-17 with key differences including an indigenous all terrain tracked launcher, a new Identify Friend Foe (IFF) antenna on top the search radar, electronically scanned radars for better performance against enemy jamming, and ability to datalink with other systems.

US deployment of B-2 bomber to Guam

After the Global Strike Command of the United States Air Force deployed three B-2 stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to Anderson Air Force Base in Guam, China's state-run Global Times said that China has already adopted countermeasures against the US strategic bomber on Aug. 12.

With the ability to launch a nuclear strike, the B-2 poses a serious threat to the national security of China, according to the paper. The paper stated, however, that the B-2 bombers being sent to Guam are likely more to present a psychological threat to China and will be unlikely to carry out an actual aerial strike. It said that the United States aims to force China into devoting more resources to strengthening the PLA's air defense capabilities through this deployment.

B-2 bomber

If China spends too much of its limited resources on the development of new air defense systems to counter the stealth bombers, the nation will not be able to continue its expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. The paper said it is not necessary for China to do what the United States wishes it to do. What the PLA needs to do is to develop more offensive weapon systems with the ability to hit Guam which is 2,900 kilometers away from China.

The new weapon systems including the DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile, the DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile, an aircraft carrier and the H-6K bombers equipped with CJ-10A cruise missiles.

Without stealth capabilities, however, it is extremely dangerous for H-6K bombers, developed based on the Soviet Union's Tu-16 bomber, to carry out such long-range attacks, the paper said. It said it is necessary for China to develop its own version of the stealth bomber in the near future.

Russian Army T-14 Armata Main Battle Tank Set for Operational Tests in 2016

The manufacturing tests of Russia’s newest Armata tank will be completed in 2016, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces, Col.-Gen. Oleg Salyukov, said on Friday. "Armata will undergo manufacturing tests. After that, a decision on operational trials and entry into service will be made," Salyukov said.

T-14 Armata

"The manufacturing tests will be completed in 2016," he added.Armata is a heavy unified platform created for tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. The new-generation tank boasts an unmanned turret, fully digitalized control and an isolated armored capsule accommodating the crew. Armata’s main weapon is a 125 mm gun. In principle, the vehicle can be armed with a 152 mm gun, too

Elbit Systems to Provide Thailand With ATMOS 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzers

The Israeli company Elbit Systems Ltd. announced on August 16, 2015, that it was awarded an approximately $27 million contract for the supply of command and control systems and ATMOS long-range artillery systems to an Asia-Pacific country. This contract is a follow-on contract for this customer and will be performed over a three-year period.

The contract calls for the supply of a complete solution for an artillery unit, including self- propelled artillery, command stations, forward observation stations and target acquisition systems, as well as command and control systems, in an integrative solution to connect all systems. The solution, mounted on various wheeled - platforms, enhances mission flexibility, reaction speed and survivability of both the crew and the system.

Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land and C4I Division, commented: "The customer's decision to order additional quantities under this follow-on contract further enhances Elbit Systems' position as a world leading artillery supplier, with a variety of systems that meet the global demand for light, maneuverable and rapid response platforms."

ATMOS 155mm self-propelled howitzer

This follow-on contract could have been signed with Thailand, which has reportedly ordered in 2012 six ATMOS-2000155mm self-propelled guns to be delivered between 2014 and 2015. According to reports on various sites, the Royal Thai Army purchased about 18 guns, with the possibility of joint production on the land of Thailand. According to pictures released on local websites, the first Elbit Systems' SOLTAM ATMOS guns have been delivered to the Thai army in March.

F-16IN to make a comeback in MMRCA-II

According to The Indian Express, the United States has extended an offer to India to jointly produce a line of fighter jets to both enhance military ties as well as provide for India’s frontline fighter fleet shortage. This comes right after the Indian government announced that the MMRCA (Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft) deal, originally signed with France’s Dassault Aviation, was, for all intents and purposes, over. Bumps, missteps and poor communication contributed to the downfall of the contract which would have seen a set of Rafales built in France to Indian specifications, while the remaining number of jets to be procured in the deal would be built under license in India. So that means India will soon be back on the market, looking for another multi-role fighter to fulfill its needs for another fifteen to twenty years while it works on developing its own indigenous stealth fighter program and makes the best of the mess that is the Sukhoi/HAL FGFA, the joint Russian-Indian derivative of the PAK FA/T-50 stealth fighter prototype.

Among the many offers tendered to India during the MMRCA competition was one from Lockheed Martin, featuring a heavily-updated version of one of the most successful fighter aircraft in history- the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Designated the F-16IN Super Viper, Lockheed Martin went as far as to call it “the most advanced F-16 ever”.

F-16IN

The integration of fifth-generation technology into the fourth-generation platform is pretty much what makes an already-potent fighter an even more potent air-to-air and air-to-ground killer. Using the Block 60 configuration as the base to work off of, Lockheed Martin added a number of upgrades to beef up the Fighting Falcon into the Super Viper. The most powerful upgrade comes in the form of the AN/APG-80 AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar system, which is already in service with the United Arab Emirates’ Block 60 Desert Falcons.

Russia in Denial of China's Anti-Air Missiles Capability

Russia is being expanded international military competition, he came "Rashomon." Earlier domestic media quoted Russian media reported that held in August 11 "air defense combat experts" competition, the Chinese team fired anti-aircraft missiles all off-target. According to observers from the network to understand at the front of the Xinhua News Agency correspondent, the Chinese team's "avant-2" missiles completed hit, but was in Russia "and the goal difference of 100 meters," all of it is determined by off-target.

Earlier, according to the Russian arms network August 12 reported that held August 11 in Yeisk "air defense combat experts" competition in the face of an a "hovering helicopter" target and two news aerial targets only Russian team successfully hit all three airborne targets, Belarus hit two air targets other teams each hit a target, the Chinese team did not hit an airborne target, all off-target. And that "the final results showed that the Russian equipment fire superiority." Many domestic media admissible news.

However, according to an interview with Russia for international military competitions Xinhua News Agency reporters Li Yun told the PLA observers branch network in China today, "Air Defense experts" competition launched 2 missiles hit all the avant-garde, but was sentenced to miss the organizers.

China's anti-air missiles capability

According to the competition schedule, each team should break wading road stage on length of 14.5 km, continuous soil ridge, anti-tank ditches, more comprehensive hazard, track bridge, roll slope, sandy roads, minefields pathways Group disorders, the use of portable anti-aircraft missile system to destroy "hovering helicopter" target, using light weapons fire hit the floor target groups, in the form of a unified assault across the barrier tape, shot down two small air targets. Chinese team to take the domestic ZSL-10 wheeled armored carriers.

According to Li Yun introduced after the start of the game, the Chinese team using the "avant-2" anti-aircraft missile hit the hovering "helicopter simulation" targets 10 meters in the air, and in the subsequent firing infantry weapons made of different subjects from the target hit . After the adoption of the Russian standard 400-meter steeplechase, the Chinese team to two drones fired two "avant-2" anti-aircraft missiles and target the exact intersection. But organizers then announced last shot did not hit, but the difference with a target of 100 meters, and refused to release the game live video recording, said the video recording had been lost. The Chinese side also refused to watch live video shoot.

PLA’s new DF-5B Liquid-Fuel ICBM Can Hit Any Target On Earth

China is believed to be developing a new DF-5B liquid-fuel missile that will be able to strike any target on the planet, reports our Chinese-language sister paper Want Daily.

The People’s Liberation Army’s current or in-development arsenal of long-range strategic intercontinental missiles (ICBMs) are led by the DF-31A, the DF-41 and the JL-2, all of which feature solid-fuel rockets.

The DF-31A, with a range of 10,000 kilometers, can reach the west coast of the United States. The DF-41 has a longer operational range of 12,000-15,000 kilometers and can carry three or more warheads, though the missile is still in the testing phase. The JL-2, which has an estimated operation of up to 8,000 km, can only be fired from a submarine at sea.

US and Japanese media report that China may have recently tested two ICMBs, the DF-41 and and the DF-5A. Military commentator Gao Feng believes that the firing of the DF-41 was part of regular testing, though the DF-5A test was likely part of basic research to develop a new liquid-fuel missile based on the DF-5 or the DF-5A.

DF-5B liquid-fuel ICBM

According to Gao, though the DF-31A and the DF-41 are either in service already or nearing that stage, China should still have an interest in liquid-fuel missiles because of their significantly longer distances and higher load capacities. These advantages may be why Russia has recently announced that it is developing a new liquid-fuel missile based on its SS-18 ICBM.

Iran could get J-10s from China

The China-made J-10 multi-role fighter jet is a suitable choice for Iran if the Middle East power decides to upgrade its aging military aircraft fleet, Chinese aviation experts said.

"Once the sanctions against Iran are completely lifted, the country will definitely renovate its civilian and military aircraft fleets. The J-10 is a good option for the Iranians because it can fulfill all operations they want to conduct," said Wang Ya'nan, deputy editor-in-chief of Aerospace Knowledge magazine.

"In addition to air combat, our J-10 is also capable of performing air-to-surface strikes and anti-ship operations," he added. "Moreover, the Iranians must have known that China, among other major weapon exporters, is the most reliable supplier when it comes to arms deals. China is also very flexible in payment issues."

Furthermore, with the development of China's next-generation fighter jet progressing well, it is highly possible that the Chinese aviation industry will transfer technologies used on the J-10 to buyers, Wang said.

Wang's remarks came after two weeks of widespread speculation in foreign media that China and Iran are discussing a deal for 150 J-10 fighter jets.

J-10 A

The speculation began on July 30, as the Israeli military intelligence website DEBKA file quoted unidentified military and intelligence sources as reporting that "Beijing has agreed to sell (Teheran) 150 of these sophisticated jets."

The J-10 is a third-generation, multi-role fighter aircraft designed and produced by Aviation Industry Corp of China. Military experts regard it as one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world and consider it comparable to the latest version of the United States' F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The first-generation version of the J-10, the J-10A, entered service with the People'sLiberation Army air force in 2004. In 2009, the plane was declassified. By February last year, the PLA air force and the PLA navy's aviation units had at least 260 J-10As, according to British think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies.

China has also developed an upgraded version of the aircraft, the J-10B, delivery of which has begun to the PLA air force, Chinese media reported.

In September 2013, Ma Zhiping, former general manager of China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corp, the trade wing of Aviation Industry Corp of China, said several countries in Asia, Africa and South America had expressed interest in the J-10and that his company was expecting a huge market for the plane.

JH-7 fighter/bomber is able to Shoot Down Stealth Aircraft

The new electronic variant of the JH-7 fighter/bomber is able to shoot down stealth aircraft at medium range.

The new JH-7 uses technology similar to the USEA-18G and is able to shoot down the US F-22 stealth fighter jet.

China has developed electronic equipment similar to that used on the US EA-18G.

As JH-7 can carry a heavy load, it is precisely the right warplane to carry such equipment.

Te report says that the JH-7 has a similar combat radius and speed to the J-10 and the J-11.

JH-7 fighter bomber

Some JH-7s and J-10s or J-11s can form a comprehensive combat group with JH-7 electronic fighters providing electronic interference.

That will enable J-10s or J-11s to avoid being attacked by stealth fighters.

In addition, due to the JH-7’s large loading capacity, The JH-7 can carry, in addition to the heavy electronic equipment, some anti-radiation and medium-range air-to-air missiles to shoot down stealth fighters it has detects.

France refuses to budge on IAF specifications for Rafale

The ongoing negotiations with France to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets has hit an air-pocket with the French negotiators refusing to accept changed technical specifications from the Indian Air Force (IAF) for integrating the indigenous Astra missile to the French platform.

The IAF wants certain changes in the platform configuration to integrate the DRDO-made air-to-air, beyond-visual-range Astra missile, which was successfully test-fired from a Su-30 MKI aircraft. The missile was tested twice on consecutive days in March.

Following the success, IAF wants modification and reconfiguration of some of the avionics and weapon systems to keep an window open for integration of Astra at a later date.

The French side objected to the idea because a change in the configuration means going through the aircraft certification process once again, which would lead to an increase in cost. Instead, Paris wants to supply its own air-to-air missiles, which New Delhi will have to purchase additionally.

Another sticky point in the negotiation is the offset clause, under which Rafale manufacturer Dassault Aviation would have to reinvest a part of the money it would earn from India after selling the Rafale jets, in Indian military industry.

The defence ministry constituted a committee headed by Air Marshal SBP Sinha to negotiate with the French team that offered the jets almost at the same price as was being discussed in the previous global tender process, which has been scrapped by the Narendra Modi government.

France Rafale

During his April visit to Paris, Modi made an announcement to buy 36 Rafale aircraft from France in a government-to-government contract. The previous process to buy 126 fighter jets to replace the ageing MiG-21s, was abandoned.

French defence minister Jean-Yves Le Drian met his Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar in Delhi in May to work out the details of the acquisition plan in a time bound manner. The two sides decided to complete the price negotiation by July 31, but then the deal encountered rough weather. There was no meeting between the two sides in the recent past, which may be an indication of the stalemate.

Tulpar-S Tracked Armoured Combat Vehicle, Turkey

The Tulpar-S multi-purpose, tracked armoured combat vehicle was unveiled at the IDEF 2015 International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul, Turkey, in May 2015.

It is an enhanced version of the Tulpar infantry fighting vehicle that was introduced in May 2013 for the Turkish Armed Forces.

The new-generation vehicle features amphibious characteristics and a high payload capability. It can be integrated with different mission systems to meet the future operational and mission needs of the land forces.

Its mission variants include troop transport, combat infantry, tank, support, maintenance, troubleshooting and ambulance.

The Tulpar family of tracked armoured vehicles was developed by Otokar Otomotiv ve Savunma Sanayi (Otokar), a light armoured tactical vehicle designer and manufacturer based in Turkey.

Design and features of Tulpar-S armoured combat vehicle

"The armoured vehicle offers enhanced protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) incidents."
The Tulpar-S vehicle features a steel hull and flexible architecture. Equipped with rubber tracks, the vehicle offers improved traction and superior mobility on uneven surfaces.

Tulpar-S Tracked Armoured Combat Vehicle

The tactical vehicle measures 5.7m long, 2m high and 2.9m wide, and has a combat weight of 15t. Its large internal volume creates comfortable seating for up to ten personnel including a driver, commander and a gunner.

Standard equipment installed in the armoured vehicleinclude a radio, internal speech system, control screen, air conditioning unit, automatic track-tensioning system and a pallet clamping device.

The vehicle can be optionally installed with an auxiliary power unit and a heating system.

Russia’s New Buk-M3 ‘Kill-All’ Missile to Enter Service in 2016

Russia’s air defense forces will get a new boost this fall with the arrival of the third generation of the legendary Buk antiaircraft missile system.

The Buk-M3 medium-range surface-to-air missile system, a modernized version of the Buk-M2 system, features advanced electronic components and a deadly new missile and could be regarded as a completely new system.


Developed by the Tikhomirov Design Bureau outside Moscow, the Buk-M3 is widely viewed as the world’s best means of intercepting low-flying cruise missiles.

The system will be made operational before the end of this year and will enter active service in 2016.

The previous modification — Buk-M2, is currently regarded as one of the most efficient in its class.

Buk-3M

The Buk-M3 system boasts a new digital computer, high-speed data exchange system and a telethermal imaging target designator instead of the teleoptical trackers used in previous models.

The Buk-3M’s target-destruction probability has reached 0.9999 and its maximum destruction range has been increased by 25 kilometers and now stands at 70 kilometers.

A battery of Buk-M3 missiles can track and engage up to 36 targets simultaneously, while its advanced 9R31M missile is capable of knocking down all existing flying objects, including highly maneuverable ones, even during active electronic jamming.

Currency War: China Attacks the Dollar – German Newspaper

China's devaluation of the yuan could negatively affect the United States. This move by China’s authorities has caused uncertainty among US policymakers who have frequently blamed China for manipulating its national currency for a trade advantage.

A weaker yuan will increase the competitiveness of Chinese exports and might cause complaints among US manufacturers, media wrote.

China is seeking to establish its currency as an alternative currency to the US dollar in the international trade. In the future, its exports and imports are expected to be carried out not in dollars, but in the national currency.

According to DWN, China’s move is a clear sign that the country will ruthlessly enforce the interests of its export industries. It is an explicit warning to the US that it can no longer be responsible for pursuing a monetary policy independent from other states and should take into account their interests.

Currency War

The US central bank has long been preparing to raise US interest rates. This step is considered logical by many financial experts, but could have a significant effect on other countries and their currencies. This especially applies to exporters of raw materials, the prices of which would significantly react to the interest rate changes.

By devaluing its currency, Beijing demonstrates its unwillingness to accept the US rates’ increase, according to DWN. Should the interest rates rise further, China will oppose it and devaluate its currency against the dollar even further.

Pakistan's Nasr Missile Is the Most Dangerous Development in South Asia

If ever India loses its patience after repeated terror attacks and decides to retaliate against the terrorist camps, Pakistan may term that a conventional military attack and invoke the nuclear option.'

'This is a way to continue with terrorism without retaliation.'

Top nuclear scientist Dr R Rajaraman, emeritus professor of theoretical physics at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, believes Pakistan's growing nuclear arsenal is a matter of great concern to India with the Nasr missile being of special concern.

The co-chair of the International Panel on Fissile Materials and a member of the world scientists permanent panel on Mitigation of Terrorists Acts, Dr Rajaraman, below, left, tells Rediff.com contributor Rashme Sehgal why an alarming nuclear story is unfolding in the sub-continent.

Pakistan has the fastest growing nuclear programme in the world. By 2020, it is expected to get 200 nuclear devices most of which are targeted at India.

While countries around the globe are talking about diminishing their nuclear stockpiles, the opposite seems to be happening in the case of Pakistan.

It is true that Pakistan is producing more weapon-usable fissile material each passing year. So, for that matter, is India!

Estimates of Pakistan's rate of growth of nuclear warheads are often exaggerated in the West and blindly quoted by some by Indian analysts as well.

Nasr Missile

The main thing to understand about estimates of the number of nuclear bombs is that no one outside the respective governments will really know how many weapons have been assembled. And the government people are not likely to talk.

Most estimates by non-governmental think-tanks and analysts are just unverifiable hearsay. The only responsible outside estimates are based on nuclear fissile materials production and stocks.

So I will go by the estimates made by our International Panel on Fissile Materials which has been tracking fissile material production of all countries year after year.

It is true that the Pakistanis have set up 3 plutonium (Pu) producing reactors at Khushab and a fourth is in the making. But these are believed to be heavy water reactors of about 50 MWth (Megawatt thermal) capacity.

Such reactors typically produce, at 65 per cent efficiency, about 7 kg of Pu each per year. At best the three reactors can together produce only 105 kg in five years, which can fuel about 21 warheads.

Moreover, once the Pu is produced in the reactors it is not immediately available for making bombs. The fuel rods have to be cooled for a couple of years and then reprocessed to have the weapon-usable Pu extracted. So the actual production of assembled weapons will be much less.

Tejas Mark II years away, HAL asks air force to buy Tejas Mark 1-A​

HAL has aimed a serious blow at the Tejas Mark II Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), with a letter telling the Indian Air Force (IAF) that it does not have the manpower to work on developing an improved version of the current Tejas Mark I.

The Bengaluru-based public sector aviation monolith says its engineers are already stretched with existing projects, including the Tejas production line, design and prototype manufacture of a basic trainer aircraft, the Hindustan Turbo Trainer - 40 (HTT-40); and the testing and production of the Sitara Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT).

HAL has suggested that, instead of waiting for the Tejas Mark II the IAF should buy 80 Tejas Mark I-A, an interim fighter that would be more capable then the Mark I, but less than the Mark II will be.

Business Standard has learned of a heated debate under way between the user of the Tejas, the IAF; its designer, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA); and its manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

The IAF has already committed to buying 40 Tejas Mark I. In addition, the air force has indicated it will buy four-to-five squadrons (80-100 fighters) of the Tejas Mark II when it is ready.

 Tejas Mark II Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)

HAL worries about the future of its production line after it delivers 40 Mark I fighters by end-2019. It plans to build four Tejas Mark I by March 2016; another eight by March 2017; and crank up production to 16 fighters annually by March 2018. After 2019, the production line would idle till the Tejas Mark II enters production.

Senior HAL and ADA officials agree the Tejas Mark II is unlikely to enter production till 2023-24. Developing the Mark II involves fitting in a more powerful engine --- the General Electric F-414INS6 replacing the current F-404IN --- and upgrading avionics and weaponry. With prototype development likely to take till 2019, another three to four years would go in flight-testing the Tejas Mark II and preparing production drawings.

HAL, therefore, wants the IAF to buy 80 Tejas Mark I-A to keep the production line occupied from 2020 to 2023-24.

The Mark 1-A would be faster and more agile than the current Mark I. Developing it would involve shaving off 800 kilograms from the current fighter, especially from systems like the landing gear, which are currently "over-engineered", or built heavy, for safety. HAL also proposes to remove 300 kg of dead weight distributed across the Mark I to balance it evenly.

HAL argues that the Mark I's GE F-404IN engine, which generates 84 kiloNewtons (kN) of peak thrust, would meet the IAF's performance requirements, if one tonne is shaved off the Tejas Mark I's empty weight of 6,500 kg. In that case, the GE F-414INS6 engine's 98 kN of thrust would be needed only for the naval Tejas, which must take off from the short runway of an aircraft carrier deck.

The IAF and ADA are taken aback by HAL's reluctance to participate in developing the Mark II. Even though the Tejas project is managed by ADA --- a branch of the Defence R&D Organisation (DRDO) --- HAL has developed important components. Besides many smaller systems, HAL designed the Tejas structure, its undercarriage and electrical supply system. It would have to upgrade these for the Mark II.

"We have completed the preliminary design of the Tejas Mark II, but now the detailed design will be done. HAL would have to refine and upgrade the systems it developed for the Tejas", points out a senior ADA official.

IAF Cut Orders For 5th Gen FGFA by Half

Looking to cut costs and prune military imports, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has halved its demand for Russian-built fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA).It now wants just three squadrons of the fighter jets which are to be inducted into the Russian Air Force in 2016.

Sources say the IAF has scaled down its needs and now indicated that just three squadrons (around 18 planes in each), besides a few more for training of the pilots, will be enough for now. This works out to be 65 planes, almost half from the earlier projection of 127 FGFAs to be jointly designed and produced by India and Russia.The T-50 has been built for the Russians under the PAK-FA (Prospective Airborne Complex of Frontline Aviation) programme for the fifth generation fighter aircraft.

A plane will cost $100 million (Rs 650 crore). Three squadrons are the projection of an off-the-shelf deal India is pressing its military ally for immediate delivery of the planes.New Delhi has suggested to Moscow that the T-50 fighter jet can be supplied to the IAF, while the research to improve upon the aircraft can carry on simultaneously. The Tribune had first reported about India’s offer on February 24 this year.

FGFA

Simultaneously, the IAF is also working on a $11 billion R&D contract for long-term development of the jet. It is pending ratification since 2013. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on August 4, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said the preliminary design stage of the fifth generation fighter aircraft programme completed in June 2013.

“The expenditure incurred so far is Rs 1,483.15 crore,” Parrikar said. The next stage of development of the fifth generation fighter aircraft will commence after signing of the R&D contract.The problem is in case India opts for the R&D contract route, the deliveries are envisaged to commence 94 months – eight years. The next best option is to go for an immediate off-the-shelf purchase and in case the research-and-development contract works out, more jets can be produced here.

With a dwindling fleet of fighter jets, this wait is not an option for the IAF, said sources. By the end of this year, the IAF would be at its lowest combat strength in more than a decade. It will be down to 32 squadrons by the end of this year and in the middle of a predicted shortage.