News Report: India to Construct 108 Missile-Proof Hangars Along China Border

A proposal awaiting government approval since 2015 was strongly backed by the prime minister’s office in the aftermath of the recent border tensions with China.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — The Indian government has cleared a proposal for constructing next-generation hardened shelters for aircraft of the Indian Air Force deployed at the eastern and northeastern airfields that border China. The hangars are designed by the state-owned Defense Research and Development Organization.

The Indian Defense Ministry will initially release $150 million of the total estimated cost of $750 million for the proposed shelters, which can withstand missiles and bombs of up to 2,000 pounds.

The proposed shelters would dot forward areas including Leh, Ladakh and the northeastern states and would also cover the newly built advanced landing grounds — Tuting, Mechuka, Along, Passighat, Vijaynagar, and Ziro — along with the India-China border.

News Report: India Successfully Tests 500kg Locally Developed Precision Guided HSLD Bomb

The development is significant as India continues to heavily rely on imports for air armaments. The Israel-manufactured SPICE bomb is the biggest conventional bomb that can be delivered by the Indian Air Force.

New Delhi (Sputnik) – India has successfully tested a precision guided high speed low drag (HSLD) bomb weighing 500 kg, which is the largest bomb locally developed by the country so far. During the flight trial in the western state of Rajasthan, the 500 kg general purpose bomb was released from Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Su 30 MK1 aircraft. The bomb has been developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) of the state-owned Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

The trial covered ground adaptation, carriage and handling, limited separation and release of the bomb. Sukhoi-30MKI released PGHSLD-500 fitted on station 05/06 from an altitude of 5 km at 900 km to verify separation performance and to estimate stability.

News Story: China Modernizes Bomber Fleet, Looks to Future With H-20

A Chinese H-6 Bomber (File Photo)

Though it has not received media attention equal to its fighter counterparts, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) bomber fleet is steadily being modernized, and plans call for a next generation stealthy, multi-role bomber.

The Xian Aircraft Corporation (XAC) H-6K bomber proved its capabilities during the Aviadarts 2017 competition held earlier this month in China, edging out the Russian Tu-22M3/M3M Backfire in the bomber category. Chinese analysts credit the win to newer navigation systems and targeting radar, as well as rigorous aircrew training.

The PLAAF has also reportedly introduced a new imaging infrared (IIR) or optical seeker variant of the K/AKD-20/CJ-20 “Long Sword” cruise missile, which is the primary air-launched cruise missile of the H-6K. The CJ-20 is guided by an integrated GPS/inertial navigation system and terrain contour matching (TERCOM). The new seekers will ensure a higher survivability against electronic countermeasures and greater target accuracy at the terminal stage.

Enhancements to the H-6K continue; in late August, an amateur photo of a “green” H-6 with in-flight refueling probe surfaced on Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter. This could be the alleged H-6N that reportedly flew for the first time in December. Many believe the H-6N could host the air-launched DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile. The reworked airframe could have been modified and strengthened to accommodate the 11-meter missile and better shielded against radiation.

Read the full story at AINonline

News Story: Chinese investments may lead to greater military purchases

Security analyst says it is no different to western countries selling arms but suggests parliamentary oversight be made compulsory for huge military purchases.

Robin Augustin

PETALING JAYA: Putrajaya may be more inclined to purchase arms from China given its “over reliance” on Chinese money for multi-billion ringgit mega-projects.

A retired brigadier-general said this in the wake of reports that China was seeking to supply weapons and other military equipment to Malaysia.

Speaking to FMT, Mohd Arshad Raji said the reports should come as no surprise.

“Given the increasingly warm ties and influx of Chinese money in the country, it would be natural for the government to buy more arms and military equipment from Beijing,” Arshad said.

Chinese investments in mega-infrastructure and property development projects, such as the RM55 billion East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the RM43 billion Melaka Gateway among others, have raised questions about Malaysia’s security and neutrality in a region which is being closely watched by the world’s superpowers.

Arshad said traditionally, Malaysia bought weapons and military equipment from western countries, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, and he believed that a shift towards buying arms from China could affect Malaysia’s bilateral trade with the US and UK.

“But my biggest concern is that a pivot towards China in terms of defence could affect our neutrality and military ties with our traditional western allies.

“China is adopting an aggressive and dominant stance, particularly in the South China Sea, where it is increasing its military presence.”

Arshad also voiced concern that a greater dependence on Chinese arms and military equipment could open the doors for China to spread its military doctrine in Malaysia.

“Malaysia, being a Commonwealth country, has been more inclined towards a western military doctrine.

“In essence, a military doctrine acts as a guide to help us standardise our operations. It represents our central beliefs and principles on how war should be waged.”

Arshad said he wasn’t sure China’s military doctrine was suited for Malaysia.

Read the full story at Free Malaysia Today

News Story: Indonesian DM confirms acquisition of 11 Su-35 fighter jets

A Russian Air Force Su-35 Flanker Fighter

JAKARTA, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said on Wednesday that Indonesia decided to purchase 11 Russian-made Sukhoi 35 fighter jets as negotiations over the deal had already been finalized.

"There will be 11 planes. After two years, it was finally finalized," the minister said in the presidential palace.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Pentagon - China Is 'Closing the Gap' in Air Power with U.S.

Chengdu J-20 "Stealth" Fighter

by Bill Carey

The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is “closing the gap rapidly” with Western air forces across a broad spectrum of capabilities, states the Pentagon’s annual report to Congress on China’s military, released on June 6. “This development is gradually eroding the significant technical advantage held by the United States,” the report adds.

Last year, China announced a 7 percent increase in military spending, to $144.3 billion, sustaining its position as the second largest military spender after the U.S. (The Pentagon requested $582 billion for the current fiscal year.) Between 2007 and 2016, China’s military budget grew an average of 8.5 percent per year on an inflation-adjusted basis, according to the report.

China’s aircraft industry still relies on foreign-sourced components for high-performance aircraft engines, but its expertise in building both commercial and military aircraft has improved with work on the C919 commercial airliner and Xian Y-20 military transport, the Pentagon said.

Shenyang J-31/FC-31 Gryfalcon "Stealth" Fighter

The PLAAF fields Asia’s largest air force, with more than 2,700 total manned aircraft, including 2,100 combat aircraft. Of the latter, China operates approximately 600 fourth-generation fighters, including Russian-built Su-27/Su-30, Chinese/Russian J-11A and indigenous Chengdu J-10 and Shenyang J-11B fighters.

China is developing the fifth-generation Chengdu J-20 and carrier-capable Shenyang FC-31 Gryfalcon fighters, which could enter service as early as next year, the Pentagon states.

Read the full story at AINonline

India: Pilots of Crashed IAF Su-30 Aircraft Fatally Injured

An Indian Air Force Su-30MKI Flanker Fighter (File Photo)

Sqn Ldr D Pankaj and Flt Lt S Achudev, the pilots of the Su-30 aircraft sustained fatal injuries when the aircraft crashed approximately 60 Km from Tezpur Airbase on 23 May 17. Analysis of the Flight Data Recorder of the aircraft and certain other articles recovered from the crash site revealed that the pilots could not initiate ejection before the crash. The wreckage of the aircraft was earlier located on 26 May 17 after continuous search operation in the area. 

The Su-30 aircraft took off around 1030 h on 23 May 17 and had gone off the radar and lost radio contact around 1110 h when aircraft was around 60 Kms from Tezpur. The aircraft was on a routine training mission as part of a two aircraft formation. 

The aircraft was declared overdue and Search and Rescue operations were launched to locate the aircraft and the pilots. Help from civil administration and military authorities was also sought to locate the aircraft. Aerial search was commenced based on the last known position of the Su-30 MKI. Incessant rain, dense clouds and difficult terrain hampered the search operations in air and on the ground. 

A court of Inquiry has already been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident. 

Indian Press Information Bureau

News Story: China willing to assist India in searching missing pilots

Indian Air Force Su-30MKI Flanker Fighter (File Photo)

BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to provide assistance to India in searching for two missing Indian Air Force pilots, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman on Friday.

It is reported that the wreckage of the fighter jet that went missing on May 23 was found in the forest near the China-India border.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Wreckage of missing India Sukhoi fighter jet spotted

An Indian Air Force Su-30MKI Flanker Fighter

NEW DELHI, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The wreckage of missing Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet of Indian air force (IAF) was spotted after three days of continuous search, officials said Friday.

The remains have been found 60 km northwest of Tezpur city in Sonitpur district of India's northeastern state of Assam.

"The wreckage of the missing SU-30 jet was found close to the last known position of the aircraft, which was 60 km north-west of Tezpur in Assam's Sonitpur district," India's semi-official news agency Press Trust of India (PTI) quoted defense spokesperson at Tezpur, Lt Col Sombit Ghosh as said.

Officials said the rescue teams were yet to reach the spot which is inside forest and prevailing weather conditions in the area were bad.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Report: India’s Sukhoi Still Untraced, China Says Don’t Disturb Border Region

Indian Air Force Su-30MKI Flanker Fighter (File Photo)

Authorities in India have failed to locate the Sukhoi-30MKI jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) which went missing since Tuesday morning. It is being said that weather conditions are hampering search and rescue operations.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — A C-130 aircraft with electro-optical payload, ALH and Chetak helicopters of the IAF have been tasked for this search and rescue operations. The IAF is also using SU-30 aircraft with recce capability for locating the missing aircraft.

“Apart from the aerial assets, four ground parties of IAF personnel, nine parties of Indian Army and two parties of state administration have been deployed on different axes to search the area. Till now no breakthrough has been made in locating the aircraft and its pilots,” an IAF official said on Wednesday evening.

The Sukhoi jet, with two pilots aged between 25 and 30 on board, went missing after taking off from the Tezpur air force station situated in the north-eastern part of the country. The aircraft was on a routine training sortie.

News Story: Indian military intensifies search to trace missing Sukhoi fighter jet

An Indian Air Force Su-30MKI Flanker Fighter (File Photo)

NEW DELHI, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Indian military Wednesday intensified search operations to trace missing Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet with two pilots on board.

As the search enters second day on Wednesday, rescuers have not been able to find out the missing jet so far.

The fighter jet belonging to Indian airforce went missing Tuesday after taking off from the Tezpur Indian airforce base in northeastern state of Assam.

According to officials, the fighter jet was on a routine training sortie and lost radio contact with the airbase.

Read the full story at Xinhua

India: Indian Air Force SU-30 MKI Aircraft Missing

An Indian Air Force Su-30MKI  Flanker Fighter

A two seater Su-30 MKI aircraft of IAF, which got airborne from Tezpur Airbase today (23-May-2017) morning on a routine training mission as part of a two aircraft formation, lost Radar and Radio contact with controlling station at around 1110h. 

The last reported position was 60 Km North-West of Tezpur. 

The aircraft was declared overdue and Search and Rescue operations have been activated to locate the aircraft and the pilots. 

Help from civil administration and military authorities has also been sought for the search and rescue effort. 

Indian Press Information Bureau

Think Tank: Sea, air, land and space updates (23'May-2017)

Zoe Glasson, Sophie Qin, Madeleine Nyst and Patrick Kennedy

Sea State

At last week’s International Maritime Security Conference in Singapore, Rear Admiral Lai Chung Han, Singapore’s Navy chief, announced a number of initiatives designed to promote regional submarine operational safety, including a US$7.1m upgrade to the RSN’s submarine rescue ship. The MV Swift Rescue is the only ship in Southeast Asia with the capability to conduct ‘collective rescue and transfer of distressed submariners while under pressure’. Singapore’s Defence Ministry has warned submarine proliferation would increase the risk of ‘miscalculations at sea’—it said the number of submarines in the western Pacific is projected to rise from 200 to 250 within eight years, with China alone set to grow its fleet from 62 to 78 by 2020.

Fancy building the US Navy of 2046? An app developed by CSIS lets you try your hand at just that! Integrating Navy budget data and accounting for key factors such as unit acquisition cost, capacity constraints and current procurement and inventory plans, the app aims to be an ‘interpretable analytic model of the Navy’s force structure’. And it’s pretty user-friendly: simply ‘slide’ your way to a 355-ship navy by using the controls to add or subtract everything from aircraft carriers to support vessels.

News Report: Chat Between Top Diplomats Signals China, US Are Moving Closer on North Korea

Recent statements from the top diplomats of the US and China suggest that the two countries are now close to identifying diplomatic protocols regarding North Korea.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi in a Saturday phone call affirmed that the two countries must work more closely to use diplomatic dialogue to counter the threat posed by Pyongyang's unbridled ballistic missile and nuclear weapon testing, as well as on other international issues.

China's Yang was cited by Xinhua on Saturday as stating that Beijing and Washington must "step up communication and coordination on major international and regional issues," and that the two nations must tighten their commitment to a successful foreign policy dialog, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

What has not yet been agreed upon is whether force will be used if North Korea refuses to stop its weapons testing. China has long publicly advocated for a diplomatic solution, while the US has said conflict would be "tragic" but that the possibility of an armed response is very real.

News Story: Beijing denies 'unprofessional' intercept of US plane

WC-135 Constant Phoenix approaching a tanker
(Image: Wiki Commons)

China has denied US allegations that two Chinese fighter jets acted unprofessionally in intercepting an American military plane earlier this week, saying that its aircraft were acting in accordance with the law".

"Related remarks from the US side are inconsistent with fact," the Chinese Ministry of Defense said in a statement posted to its website late Friday.

"On May 17, a US reconnaissance aircraft was carrying out an operation in airspace over the Chinese Yellow Sea (the northern part of the East China Sea), and Chinese aircraft acted to identify and investigate in accordance with the law," the statement said, calling the action "professional" and "safe".

The US Air Force said in an earlier statement Friday that its plane, a WC-135 Constant Phoenix, was conducting a "routine mission" in international airspace when it was intercepted by two Chinese Sukhoi SU-30 fighter aircraft.

The WC-135 is a so-called "sniffer plane" designed to scan the atmosphere for signs of nuclear activity.

Read the full story at SpaceDaily

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Story Quote: ""The American military's frequent reconnaissance operations are the root cause of security issues between the Chinese and US navy and air forces," the Chinese defence ministry's statement said."

PacificSentinel: The Chinese NEED to realize that so long as North Korea continues to detonate Nuclear Bombs the WC-135 will continue to "Sniff" for fallout

News Report: India Inducts Sukhois Into IAF Squadron at Station Near Pakistan Border

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed Sukhoi-30MKIs at the Halwara base station, close to the India-Pakistan border. The Sukhois have been inducted into the IAF’s 221 Squadron, Valiants, which used to fly MiG-23 aircraft till 2009.

New Delhi (Sputnik) – The induction of the Sukhois, a state-of-the-art all-weather multi-role fighter aircraft, along the border is seen as an enhancement. “The induction of the squadron will boost the offensive capabilities of the Indian Air Force in this sector,” an IAF statement read.

The Valiants were formed as an offensive fighter squadron on February 14, 1963, at Barrackpore. The squadron has changed many bases during its 54-year-long journey and has taken part in the 1971 war and the Kargil operations.

News Report: India's MoD Reveals Which Private Companies are to Receive Sukhoi-30MKI Tech

The Indian Defense Ministry has introduced 20 Indian vendors to the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of the Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft at the recently held Indo-Russia Military-Industrial Conference to pursue the transfer of technology possibilities.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — This move is in line with the Narendra Modi government’s push for the transfer of technologies of Sukhoi-30MKI to private companies in India under the Make in India scheme last month.

“A total number of 485 lines have been identified for Transfer of Technology (ToT) to support Su-30 MKI fleet. Towards this, 20 Indian vendors have been introduced to the Russian OEMs to find out the feasibility of ToT in the fields desired by Indian vendors. The Russian side has been requested to consider permission to identified OEMs to establish Joint Ventures (JVs) or any other means of localization with Indian private industry partners for the manufacture of spare parts through ToT,” Subhash Bhamre, India’s Minister of State for Defense, said.

News Story: Russia to offer Su-30SME to Philippines next month?

Russian Air Force Su-30SM (Image: Wiki Commons)

Amid laying groundwork for President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit to Moscow on May 2, Russia is offering a new version of its potent Sukhoi Su-30 Flanker multirole fighter for export.

The United Air Corporation which is the umbrella company that owns Sukhoi—says that nations in Southeast Asia have shown interest in the new Flanker variant.

Called the Su-30SME, the new jet is an export version of the Su-30SM that is flown by the Russian Air Force.

Flanker series is Russia’s most successful post-Soviet military export.

Read the full story at Tankler

News Story: Vietnam's Air Force Shops for New Trainer Jet

Yak-130

by Chen Chuanren

The Vietnam People’s Air Force (VPAF) needs a new jet for training. Local media report that the service is close to selecting the Russian Yak-130, but the Czech-built Aero Vodochody L-39NG may also be in contention.

“We have been equipping ourselves with state-of-the-art fighters in recent years, but our training system still consists of the old Yak-52 and L-39,” said VPAF Commander Lieutenant General Lê Huy Vịnh at a pilot training conference held in Hanoi. “The operational conversion of pilots after their graduation therefore places a challenge on the combat units,” he continued. Vietnam operates 22 Yak-52 and 34 L-39C/Z. After the conference, the VPAF announced its intention to set up a new division dedicated to supersonic fighter training.

VPAF acquired 36 Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighters between 2004 and 2016.

Read the full story at AINonline

News Report: Defense Cooperation Tops Malaysian PM Agenda During Six-Day India Visit

India and Malaysia are expected to focus their cooperation in defense and infrastructure sectors during discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — The Malaysian PM is in India on a six-day visit and the two countries are likely to ink some important agreements in the field of defense.

"We are looking to take forward what was discussed during Prime Minister's visit to Malaysia in 2015. So we are looking at a couple of areas that were identified at that time," Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaideep Mazumdar told the media.

Defense and security relations between India and Malaysia have been one of the important pillars of bilateral ties which has been further strengthened after India trained Malaysian fighter pilots on SU-30 as Malaysia also has Russian Sukhoi aircraft. Earlier in 2016, India and Malaysia carried out their first-ever Joint Naval Exercise.