DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Indian Firms Set Teams For Helicopter Tender

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Indian Firms Set Teams For Helicopter Tender 

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 12, 2015:  In (NEW DELHI) India's first helicopter competition reserved for domestic defense companies, teams have been established between top defense companies Larsen & Toubro with Airbus Helicopters and Tata Advanced Systems with Sikorsky Aircraft to produce a light utility helicopter (LUH). 

Other corporate arrangements include Mahindra Defence Systems teaming up with Bell Helicopter and Punj Lloyd with Russian Helicopters. The domestic companies have to respond by Feb. 17 to a request for information (RFI) they received in October to provide the helicopters on a Buy and Make (India) basis in the $2.5 billion tender. 

State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics also is negotiating a tie up with Russian Helicopters. 

None of the overseas or domestic companies would discuss their partnerships. 

A Ministry of Defence official said there is no certainty that the helicopters built by the domestic companies would be cheaper than importing them directly. 

"The idea is to build capabilities in India to build the defense industrial base and have in-house life-time support and maintenance," the official added. 

While the RFI describes purchase of 197 light utility helicopters — 133 for the Army and 64 for the Air Force — India has a requirement for more than 400, said an Air Force official. 

Defense analyst Nitin Mehta, however, is not sure if the program will ever take off in the domestic sector.

*Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources By Vivek Raghuvanshi ~ DefenseNews 

*Presented & compiled for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News 

*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated

(Read complete story on Defense-Technology News - Click on link undermentioned)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2015/02/dtn-news-india-defense-news-indian.html

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Indian Firms Set Teams For Helicopter Tender

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Indian Firms Set Teams For Helicopter Tender 

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 12, 2015:  In (NEW DELHI) India's first helicopter competition reserved for domestic defense companies, teams have been established between top defense companies Larsen & Toubro with Airbus Helicopters and Tata Advanced Systems with Sikorsky Aircraft to produce a light utility helicopter (LUH). 

Other corporate arrangements include Mahindra Defence Systems teaming up with Bell Helicopter and Punj Lloyd with Russian Helicopters. The domestic companies have to respond by Feb. 17 to a request for information (RFI) they received in October to provide the helicopters on a Buy and Make (India) basis in the $2.5 billion tender. 

State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics also is negotiating a tie up with Russian Helicopters. 

None of the overseas or domestic companies would discuss their partnerships. 

A Ministry of Defence official said there is no certainty that the helicopters built by the domestic companies would be cheaper than importing them directly. 

"The idea is to build capabilities in India to build the defense industrial base and have in-house life-time support and maintenance," the official added. 

While the RFI describes purchase of 197 light utility helicopters — 133 for the Army and 64 for the Air Force — India has a requirement for more than 400, said an Air Force official. 

Defense analyst Nitin Mehta, however, is not sure if the program will ever take off in the domestic sector.

*Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources By Vivek Raghuvanshi ~ DefenseNews 

*Presented & compiled for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News 

*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated

(Read complete story on Defense-Technology News - Click on link undermentioned)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2015/02/dtn-news-india-defense-news-indian.html

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 5th P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft to India

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 5th P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft to India

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 12, 2014:  Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered the fifth P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to India, on schedule, on Sept. 9 as part of a contract for eight aircraft to support the Indian Navy’s maritime patrol requirements.

 

The aircraft arrived at Naval Air Station Rajali, after a flight from Seattle’s Boeing Field, and joined the four previously delivered P-8Is.

“The P-8I program is progressing on schedule, and the aircraft are providing the capabilities to meet our maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare requirements,” said Vice Admiral RK Pattanaik, India Deputy Chief of Naval Staff. He added that the partnership between Boeing and India has been very professional to date.

“This is another important milestone for the program, and we look forward to continuing our great relationship with India,” said Dennis Swanson, BDS vice president in India. “We’ll deliver one more P-8I before the end of the year, followed by two in 2015.”

Boeing is building India’s aircraft through a contract awarded in 2009. Based on the company’s Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, the P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing builds for the U.S. Navy.  

*Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing

*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated

*Presented & compiled for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

(Read complete story on Defense-Technology News - Click on link undermentioned)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2014/09/dtn-news-india-defense-news-boeing.html

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 5th P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft to India

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 5th P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft to India

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 12, 2014:  Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered the fifth P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to India, on schedule, on Sept. 9 as part of a contract for eight aircraft to support the Indian Navy’s maritime patrol requirements.

 

The aircraft arrived at Naval Air Station Rajali, after a flight from Seattle’s Boeing Field, and joined the four previously delivered P-8Is.

“The P-8I program is progressing on schedule, and the aircraft are providing the capabilities to meet our maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare requirements,” said Vice Admiral RK Pattanaik, India Deputy Chief of Naval Staff. He added that the partnership between Boeing and India has been very professional to date.

“This is another important milestone for the program, and we look forward to continuing our great relationship with India,” said Dennis Swanson, BDS vice president in India. “We’ll deliver one more P-8I before the end of the year, followed by two in 2015.”

Boeing is building India’s aircraft through a contract awarded in 2009. Based on the company’s Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, the P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing builds for the U.S. Navy.  

*Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing

*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated

*Presented & compiled for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

(Read complete story on Defense-Technology News - Click on link undermentioned)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2014/09/dtn-news-india-defense-news-boeing.html

DTN News - DEFEXPO 2014 INDIA: Airbus To Highlight Choppers, Aircraft Offered To India

DTN News - DEFEXPO 2014 INDIA: Airbus To Highlight Choppers, Aircraft Offered To India 

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 17, 2014: Helicopters and transport aircraft offered to Indian Armed Forces would be the focus of the European Airbus Group at the four-day DEFEXPO 2014 starting February 6. 

In a statement, Airbus said in its first participation in any defence show under its new brand-name Airbus, Airbus Defence and Space, and Airbus Helicopters, it will highlight its AS550 C3 Fennec and AS565 MBe Panther choppers, which are in race for Army and Navy tenders respectively for replacing their light helicopter fleet. 

"Defexpo is an important land, naval and homeland security exhibition for us as it provides an excellent platform to interact with customers and potential partners. From January 1, EADS has rebranded and reorganised to Airbus Group, this will be our first international show under the new brand," said Yves Guillaume, President India, Airbus Group. 

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources The Economic Times

*Presented & compiled for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

(Read complete story on Defense-Technology News - Click on link undermentioned)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2014/01/dtn-news-defexpo-2014-india-airbus-to.html

DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News - AEW&C Aircraft

DTN News  ~ Defense-Technology News  - AEW&C Aircraft 

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 7, 2013: AEW&C Aircraft - An airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system is an airborne radar system designed to detect aircraft, ships and vehicles at long ranges and perform control and command of the battle space in an air engagement by directing fighter and attack aircraft strikes. AEW&C units are also used to carry out surveillance, including over ground targets and frequently perform C2BM (command and control, battle management) functions similar to an Airport Traffic Controller given military command over other forces. Used at a high altitude, the radars on the aircraft allow the operators to distinguish between friendly and hostile aircraft hundreds of miles away.

AEW&C aircraft are used for both defensive and offensive air operations, and are to the NATO and USA forces trained or integrated Air Forces what the Command Information Center is to a Navy Warship, plus a highly mobile and powerful radar platform. The system is used offensively to direct fighters to their target locations, and defensively, directing counterattacks on enemy forces, both air and ground. So useful is the advantage of command and control from a high altitude, the United States Navy operates AEW&C aircraft off its Supercarriers to augment and protect its carrier Command Information Centers (CICs)

AEW&C aircraft are used for both defensive and offensive air operations, and are to the NATO and USA forces trained or integrated Air Forces what the Command Information Center is to a Navy Warship, plus a highly mobile and powerful radar platform. AEW&C is also known by the older terms "airborne early warning" (AEW) and "airborne warning and control system" (AWACS).

*Presented & compiled By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

(Read complete story on Defense-Technology News - Click on link undermentioned)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/

DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News - AEW&C Aircraft

DTN News  ~ Defense-Technology News  - AEW&C Aircraft 

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 7, 2013: AEW&C Aircraft - An airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system is an airborne radar system designed to detect aircraft, ships and vehicles at long ranges and perform control and command of the battle space in an air engagement by directing fighter and attack aircraft strikes. AEW&C units are also used to carry out surveillance, including over ground targets and frequently perform C2BM (command and control, battle management) functions similar to an Airport Traffic Controller given military command over other forces. Used at a high altitude, the radars on the aircraft allow the operators to distinguish between friendly and hostile aircraft hundreds of miles away.

AEW&C aircraft are used for both defensive and offensive air operations, and are to the NATO and USA forces trained or integrated Air Forces what the Command Information Center is to a Navy Warship, plus a highly mobile and powerful radar platform. The system is used offensively to direct fighters to their target locations, and defensively, directing counterattacks on enemy forces, both air and ground. So useful is the advantage of command and control from a high altitude, the United States Navy operates AEW&C aircraft off its Supercarriers to augment and protect its carrier Command Information Centers (CICs)

AEW&C aircraft are used for both defensive and offensive air operations, and are to the NATO and USA forces trained or integrated Air Forces what the Command Information Center is to a Navy Warship, plus a highly mobile and powerful radar platform. AEW&C is also known by the older terms "airborne early warning" (AEW) and "airborne warning and control system" (AWACS).

*Presented & compiled By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

(Read complete story on Defense-Technology News - Click on link undermentioned)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India Launches Indigenously Built Aircraft Carrier

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India Launches Indigenously Built Aircraft Carrier

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 12, 2013: India has launched an indigenously built aircraft carrier, joining a small group of countries capable of building such a warship.The project is part of India's efforts to enhance its naval capabilities amid a growing regional rivalry with the other Asian giant, China.

Standing in front of the 37,500 ton warship decorated with flags and buntings in the southern city of Kochi on Monday, Defense Minister A.K. Antony called it a “red letter day [a day of special significance] for the nation.”

There was an outpouring of national pride at the carrier's launch. India's biggest warship has been designed and built locally, making it the fifth country after Britain, France, Russia and the United States to do so.

The aircraft carrier is not yet operational. It will be fitted with advanced weaponry and undergo extensive sea trials before being put into service sometime around 2018. 

*Presented & compiled By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

(Read complete story on Defense-Technology News - Click on link undermentioned)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2013/08/dtn-news-india-defense-news-india_12.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: US Navy, Boeing Sign $2 Billion Order For 13 P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: US Navy, Boeing Sign $2 Billion Order For 13 P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 2, 2013: The U.S. Navy recently awarded Boeing [NYSE: BA] a $1.98 billion contract for 13 additional P-8A Poseidon aircraft, continuing the modernization of U.S. maritime patrol capabilities that will ultimately involve more than 100 P-8As. The contract includes long-lead funding previously approved by the Navy. 

The Navy has now ordered 37 of the 117 P-8As it is expected to buy. To date, 10 have been delivered. Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, the P-8 provides anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The P-8 is replacing the Navy’s P-3 aircraft.

  

“We’re on budget and on schedule and the Navy will stand up initial operational capability of this transformational aircraft by the end of the year,” said Rick Heerdt, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager.  

*Presented & compiled By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

(Read complete story on Defense-Technology News - Click on link undermentioned)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2013/08/dtn-news-defense-news-us-navy-boeing.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 7th Production P-8A Poseidon Aircraft To US Navy

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 7th Production P-8A Poseidon Aircraft To US Navy

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 2, 2013: Boeing [NYSE: BA] handed over the seventh production P-8A Poseidon to the U.S. Navy on schedule March 29, marking the first delivery from the second low-rate initial production contract awarded in November 2011.

 The maritime patrol aircraft departed Boeing Field in Seattle for Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., where it joined six P-8As currently being used to train Navy crews.

"This is our second P-8A delivery of 2013, and we'll continue to provide the Navy with new Poseidon aircraft at a rate of nearly one a month," said Rick Heerdt, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. "We've got a full factory of P-8As for the U.S. Navy and P-8I aircraft for India, and we're working side-by-side with both customers to introduce the aircraft's advanced capabilities into their fleets."

Boeing is on contract to build and support 24 P-8A aircraft as part of three LRIP contracts awarded in 2011 and 2012. The Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8As, which are based on the Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 platform. The versatile multi-mission aircraft provides broad long-range maritime patrol capabilities -- anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance -- and will replace the Navy P-3 fleet.

(Read complete story on Defense-Technology News - Click on link undermentioned)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2013/04/dtn-news-defense-news-boeing-delivers.html

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing P-8I Begins Flight Test Program / Boeing P-8I Aircraft For India Successfully Tested

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing P-8I Begins Flight Test Program /  Boeing P-8I Aircraft For India Successfully Tested

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 11, 2012: Boeing's [NYSE: BA] first P-8I aircraft for the Indian Navy began its official flight test program July 7, taking off from Boeing Field in Seattle at 9:15 a.m. and landing three hours and 49 minutes later after demonstrating flying qualities and handling characteristics. The flight went as planned with all test objectives met.

The P-8I is one of eight long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft Boeing is building for India as part of a contract awarded in January 2009. During the coming months, Boeing test pilots will put the P-8I, a Next-Generation 737-800 derivative, through its paces over a U.S. Navy test range west of Neah Bay, Wash., and a joint U.S./Canadian test range in the Strait of Georgia.

"Today's flight is another on-time milestone for the program," said Leland Wight, Boeing P-8I program manager. "We'll start out testing the P-8I's mission system, which includes its sensors and communication systems. The team then will transition to 'stores' tests during which the P-8I will carry inert weapon shapes under its wings to demonstrate that the aircraft is capable of carrying all the weapons the Indian Navy will use during regular missions."

The stores the P-8I will carry will have the identical shape and size of real weapons, including the Harpoon anti-ship missile, depth bombs and torpedoes.

(Read complete story on Defense-Technology News - Click on link undermentioned)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2012/07/dtn-news-india-defense-news-boeing-p-8i.html

DTN News - MALABAR 2012: Delhi Scales Down US War Games - Air force Request To Join Exercise With American Navy Turned Down

DTN News - MALABAR 2012: Delhi Scales Down US War Games - Air force Request To Join Exercise With American Navy Turned Down

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 29, 2012: The Centre recently turned down an air force request to participate in the war games with the US navy in the Bay of Bengal that concluded last week.

The seven-day Malabar 2012 exercise involved the American and Indian navies.

The Centre’s move followed a quiet policy decision in the defence ministry to scale down — but not stop — the friendly military engagements with the US armed forces, which have gathered pace and increased in complexity over the past decade.

The defence ministry is wary of the “hype” that the US builds around joint military exercises with India.

Among the most important of the war games that the Indian and US forces conduct is the Malabar series involving the two navies. An air force component is integral to the exercises because the US deploys a carrier battle group.

The Malabar exercise in 2007 in the Bay of Bengal involved the armed forces of five countries and was easily the largest international war games that India has hosted. The exercise involved three aircraft carriers and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

That drill irritated the Chinese so much that Beijing asked New Delhi if it was forging a military alliance against it.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2012/04/dtn-news-malabar-2012-delhi-scales-down.html

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India To Deploy Two Nuclear Submarines

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India To Deploy Two Nuclear Submarines

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 1, 2012: India will operate two nuclear powered submarines soon as it inducts the Russian Nerpa and launches the indigenous INS Arihant, Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) Chief V K Saraswat said on Saturday.

"INS Arihant is in advanced stages. It will be ready for operations within the next few months,” he was quoted by The Economic Times as saying.

India is also testing the Sagarika K-15 missile that will be carried by INS Arihant, V K Saraswat said, adding that more than 10 test launches have been carried out in the Bay of Bengal.

The Nerpa has been leased from Russia for ten years and will be delivered next week, he said.

The Nerpa, an Akula II-class attack submarine, had originally been scheduled for delivery to India in 2008. However, that date was moved back after twenty people, mostly civilians, died during sea trials earlier that year when a fire-suppressant gas was accidently released on the sub.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2012/04/dtn-news-india-defense-news-india-to.html

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India To Deploy Two Nuclear Submarines Russian Nerpa And Indigenous INS Arihant

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India To Deploy Two Nuclear Submarines Russian Nerpa And Indigenous INS Arihant

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 1, 2012: India will operate two nuclear powered submarines soon as it inducts the Russian Nerpa and launches the indigenous INS Arihant, Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) Chief V K Saraswat said on Saturday.

"INS Arihant is in advanced stages. It will be ready for operations within the next few months,” he was quoted by The Economic Times as saying.

India is also testing the Sagarika K-15 missile that will be carried by INS Arihant, V K Saraswat said, adding that more than 10 test launches have been carried out in the Bay of Bengal.

The Nerpa has been leased from Russia for ten years and will be delivered next week, he said.

The Nerpa, an Akula II-class attack submarine, had originally been scheduled for delivery to India in 2008. However, that date was moved back after twenty people, mostly civilians, died during sea trials earlier that year when a fire-suppressant gas was accidently released on the sub.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2012/04/dtn-news-india-defense-news-india-to.html

DTN News - DEFEXPO 2012 INDIA: Boeing To Showcase Defense Portfolio For Indian Market At Defexpo

DTN News - DEFEXPO 2012 INDIA: Boeing To Showcase Defense Portfolio For Indian Market At Defexpo

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 27, 2012: Boeing [NYSE: BA] will showcase a comprehensive portfolio of products and services at Defexpo India 2012, including the C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I, AH-64D Apache, CH-47F Chinook, V-22 Osprey, ScanEagle and 737 Airborne Early Warning & Control. Defexpo takes place March 29 to April 1 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

"India is a significant market for Boeing and we are committed to working closely with the defense ministry, armed forces and indigenous industry to meet India's defense and security needs," said Dennis Swanson, vice president, International Business Development, Boeing Defense, Space & Security in India. "In 2012, we will continue to strengthen our relationships in India through delivering on our promises on our existing P-8I and C-17 contracts; expanding our partnerships with the Indian aerospace industry; and demonstrating how the CH-47 and AH-64 are the right choices to meet India's heavy-lift and attack helicopter requirements."

Boeing will begin its Defexpo participation with a media reception and screening of the Boeing-sponsored film "Rescue" at 7:30 p.m. on March 28 at the Oberoi Hotel.

>India a significant defense market opportunity for Boeing

>Company exhibit and events to focus on program execution, local partnerships

>Indian Air Force to acquire 16 C-17 Globemaster III Airlifters has signed an agreement     with the US government to buy 10 C-17s with an option for 6 more

>Indian Navy has 12 P-8I Neptune aircraft on order with deliveries beginning in 2013. A   total of 24 is planned to be ordered

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2012/03/dtn-news-defexpo-2012-india-boeing-to.html

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Helicopter Makers Such As Boeing, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, Bell Helicopter Eye Indian Military Deals

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Helicopter Makers Such As Boeing, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, Bell Helicopter Eye Indian Military Deals

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 5, 2012:  A raft of helicopter makers such as Boeing, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, Bell Helicopter, Eurocopter andAgustaWestland are hovering over the civil market in India. But they are also eyeing a bigger prize: military deals. The Indian armed forces are upgrading their ageing fleet and that means big orders and big money, running into billions of dollars, for these companies. 

According to Reuters, Indian Navy plans to induct 50 light helicopters. First off the block is an order for 16 multi role helicopters. Indian Army has a joint requirement for about 400 light helicopters along with the Air Force. Some companies are upbeat about the recent contact to buy war planes worth $15 billion that the government awarded to France's Dassault Rafale. 

Mick Maurer, president of Sikorsky Military Systems, says the procurement process in India is getting better. "It is more rigorous and more transparent. We believe that suits us very well." Maurer says in the long term, Sikorsky sees a 3:1 ratio vis-a-vis the military and commercial sales in terms of the size of the market. But he says both are very complementary markets. Many of the machines can be used for commercial and quasi-defence activities. 

If the civil copter market in India has come alive, it is thanks to the armed forces. Foreign companies in the defence market are bound by what is called offset obligations. India's defence procurement policy rules that foreign companies require that win contracts of 300 crore or more must procure equipment worth at least 30% of the deal amount from local suppliers to boost the homegrown arms industry. 

The Indian military has also become smarter, according to foreign company executives. "Sometimes manufacturers give a special price on aircraft, but raise the price on the support side. India has become aware of this and now looks at the total lifecycle costs in deals," says Maurer. 

The upshot is that companies like Sikorsky and Eurocopter have partnered Indian counterparts to set up base in India. Sikorsky has formed two joint ventures with the Tatas to make helicopter cabins and aircraft components. Eurocopter, which formed an Indian unit in 2010, has tieups with the Mahindras, the Tatas and governmentowned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. AgustaWestland, the helicopter unit of Finmeccanica SpA of Italy, has a joint venture with the Tatas called Indian Rotorcraft. 

All these companies plan to expand in India. Textron, the parent company of Bell Helicopter, has opened a new global technology centre in Bangalore with more than 400 engineers. Bell plans to expand the workforce there over the next year, says the company's India head, BS Singh Deo. An AgustaWestland spokesman says the company recently opened a new larger office in Delhi. Copter makers are also expanding the customer support network by establishing authorised service centres along with a posse of engineers and technicians. 

All this bodes well for the commercial market. The AgustaWestland spokesman says construction work is about to start on the Indian Rotorcraft's facility in Hyderabad , which will produce the company's eight-seat utility helicopter AW119. Sikorsky eventually plans to produce helicopters that are virtually "100% done here" . "We are already a local company," says Maurer. 

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2012/03/dtn-news-india-defense-news-helicopter.html

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Indian Navy Purchasing 9 More Poseidon P-81 Maritime Surveillance And Patrol Aircraft

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Indian Navy Purchasing 9 More Poseidon P-81 Maritime Surveillance And Patrol Aircraft

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 3, 2012: The Indian government has allocated its navy funds to buy an additional nine mid-range reconnaissance airplanes for nearly $1 billion.

The new aircraft will assist in maintaining India's Indian Ocean security and supplement the Indian navy's earlier order of P-8I Poseidon long-range reconnaissance airplanes from U.S. defense manufacturer Boeing.

The tender for the new aircraft is being sought by not only by Boeing and U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, but Sweden's Saab, France's Dassault Aviation, Brazil's Embraer and European concern EADS, Web site navaltoday.com reported.

India's military specifications demand the new aircraft must carry missiles and torpedoes capable of destroying both surface ships and submarines and have a minimum flight range of the airplanes of 400 miles. The range of Boeing's P-8I is in excess of 1,250 miles.

In 2008 India signed an initial procurement contract with Boeing for eight P-8I Poseidon airplanes worth $2.1 billion, with another contract for an additional four P-8Is expected to be signed this month, as India intends to increase its fleet of Poseidon P-81 patrol aircraft to 24 in total.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2012/03/dtn-news-india-defense-news-indian-navy.html

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Indian Government Sanction $ 1Billion For Navy Aircraft Deal

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Indian Government Sanction $ 1Billion For Navy Aircraft Deal

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 27, 2012: The government has finally approved the naval proposal to acquire nine advanced medium range maritime reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft, which will cost upwards of $1 billion, to ensure Indian Ocean can be guarded against both conventional and terror threats. 

These MRMR planes will be in addition to the 12 long-range (LRMR) aircraft already being acquired for the Navy at a $3.1 billion price tag. After first inking the $2.1 billion contract in 2009 for eight Boeing-manufactured P-8I LRMR aircraft, which will be inducted in the 2013-2015 timeframe, the defence ministry is now finalizing the follow-on deal for four more such planes. 

The MRMR project got the "acceptance of necessity'' from the Defence Acquisitions Council, chaired by A K Antony, last week, sources said. Several global aviation majors, ranging from American Boeing and Lockheed Martin to Swedish SAAB, French Dassault Aviation, Brazilian Embraer and European EADS are in contention for this big contract. 

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2012/02/dtn-news-india-defense-news-indian.html

DTN News - BRAZIL DEFENSE NEWS: Brazil Minister Heads To India To Improve Defense Ties

DTN News - BRAZIL DEFENSE NEWS: Brazil Minister Heads To India To Improve Defense Ties

 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 3, 2012: Brazilian Defense Minister Celso Amorim is to travel to India this week for talks on boosting bilateral military cooperation, his office announced.

Brazil and India are members of the BRICS group of emerging powers (along with China, Russia and South Africa) and Brasilia views its multi-faceted partnership with New Delhi, including in the defense field, as a “strategic priority.”

Amorim was due in New Delhi on Feb. 7 at the start of a five-day visit that will include talks with Prime Minister Manmoham Singh and Defense Minister A.K. Antony as well as visits of military installations, his ministry said in a statement released Feb. 1.

India “has one of the world’s biggest armed forces” and like Brazil “seeks to reduce its technological dependence on other countries,” the statement added. “There is a great potential for scientific, technological cooperation (with India), to develop projects of mutual interest.”

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2012/02/dtn-news-brazil-defense-news-brazil.html

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Russia Hands Over Nerpa Nuclear Submarine To India

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Russia Hands Over Nerpa Nuclear Submarine To India

 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 23, 2012: Russia’s K-152 Nerpa nuclear-powered attack submarine has been handed over to the Indian Navy, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported on Monday.

In line with the contract worth over $900 million, the Project 971 Shchuka-B (NATO: Akula II) class sub has been leased to India’s Navy for ten years. It will be renamed the INS Chakra.

The ceremony took place in the Far Eastern Primorye Territory. Russian submariners trained their Indian colleagues to steer the Nerpa in the Pacific Ocean.

The event was attended by Indian ambassador to Russia Ajai Malhotra, United Shipbuilding Corporation head Roman Trotsenko, Eastern Military District commander Admiral Konstantin Sidenko and other officials.

The submarine’s displacement is 8,140/12,770 tons. Its maximum speed is 30 knots, maximum operating depth, 600 m; its endurance is 100 days with a crew of 73. The vessel is armed with four 533mm torpedo tubes and four 650mm torpedo tubes.

India has become the sixth operator of nuclear submarines in the world, after the United States, Russia, France, Britain and China, though it previously leased another Russian submarine which was then returned.

Twenty sailors died on the Nerpa in 2008 after the vessel’s fire-suppression systems were accidentally triggered during sea trials, releasing toxic gases.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2012/01/dtn-news-india-defense-news-russia.html