Aerospace Diary

06 October 2013 - 16:28 by  Neelam Mathews  in New Delhi Having lost its battle for a dialogue with the Indian authorities, AgustaWestland is invoking the arbitration clause in its AW101 contract with the MoD. The move comes as AgustaWestland executives face trial in Italian courts over alleged misdoings on the Indian VVIP helicopter contract, which was frozen from 1 February. Read More in RotorHub

Posted by Neelam Mathews Oct 4, 2013 The AW 101 saga just doesn't go away. The issue is complicated, creating challenges for the IAF and AW.  Air Chief NAK Browne replying to a query by AerospaceDiary today said how spares for the 3 AW 101 VVIP helicopters would last just for a few months. And then what? Nobody knows. Even as trials in Italy continue on the AW deal , Agusta Westland is getting fidgety. While we can't blame them given that more helicopters are ready for delivery and the contract has a provision for bilateral discussions, India is playing the 'wait and see'  game. MoD might have its reasoning,though I can never understand why they do not as a form of sheer courtesy, ever reply to emails or telephone calls. Here's what an Agusta Westland release today, reads- "Following the suspension of the contract to supply AW101 VVIP helicopters to India – a sanction not provided for the under contract – a request was made to India...

Neelam Mathews Feb 12, 2013 Lockheed Martin is exploring opportunities across various Indian services to offer its versatile C-130J platform .  A contract for an additional six is in the offing as the U.S and Indian governments enter the final stage of discussions. Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), said in December: “T here will be an increase in the induction of transport aircraft and helicopters in the Indian Air Force (IAF) and their role will be expanded for deployment in conflicts.” Lockheed Martin has held discussions with the IAF “on the possibility of reducing India’s Avro replacement requirement (56) with (fewer) C130Js,”  Abhay Paranjape, Director, Business Development, LM Aeronautics National Executive, India said. “The C-130J provides significant benefits to India. The infrastructure at the air base (Hindon) is already there, trained technicians, operational benefits and discussions are on with Tata (on manufacturing) and the IAF l...

Posted by- Neelam Mathews July 31, 2011 Air Marshal Norman Anil Kumar Browne, who has logged 3,100 hours has taken over as Chief of the Indian Air Force from Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik. In his address to the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Browne said: “The IAF is well poised on the path of transforming itself into a potent strategic force”. Outlining his vision statement for the IAF, he said: “While induction of the state of the art equipment and systems would lead to a major upgradation of our combat potential, our biggest strength, ‘Our People’ must receive our highest attention.” “In whatever capacity you serve in the Indian Air Force, you remain our most valuable asset”, he added. “While change is the hallmark of growth and progress, the biggest challenge facing us in the coming years, is to manage this fast paced change effectively, without compromising on high operational standards. Operating across a broad spectrum of equipment vintage, would test our innovativeness and c...