Aerospace Diary

DEFENSE Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense. GA-ASI finally has a customer for its long-proposed maritime surveillance version of the Predator B UAS. June 29, 2017 Neelam Mathews and Chris Pocock T he U.S. has offered to sell the GA-ASI Sea Guardian unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to India, as part of a planned boost in defense cooperation between the two countries. A meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington on June 26, discussed what would be India’s first procurement of a high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) UAS. After the meeting, the White House stated that “the U.S. and India look forward to working together on advanced defense e...

Neelam Mathews May 4, 2013 Neelam Mathews May 4, 2013 With approval given by the defense procurement apex body, Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), the Indian Air Force is set to release a (repeat) Request for Proposal for nine aircraft along with systems for airborne Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Communications Jamming (COMJAM), ground survey and target towing within a month.  An RFP released four years ago shortlisted Israel Aircraft Industries with an 8-seater G-200 and Embraer 145, both offering the Elta Airborne Integrated Signal Intelligence System (AISIS). Delays in the offset policy resulted in price escalation by the OEM, which was not accepted by the ministry of defense, leading to cancellation of the bid. “Now five years later, the cost will be much higher given the changed specs and also a highly depreciated rupee,” a vendor says. The new RFP requires a larger aircraft to provide for ten seating passengers in a cabin. IAI, if it participates, wi...

Neelam Mathews Dec 9, 2012

Neelam Mathews Dec 2, 2012

Neelam Mathews Nov 25, 2012

Posted by- Neelam Mathews Oct 28, 2012 Having passed the enlistment physical, Jon was askedbythe doctor, "Why do you want to join the Navy, son?" "My father said it'd be a good idea, sir." "Oh? And what does your father do?" "He's in the Army, sir."

Neelam Mathews Oct 22, 2012 Enjoy!

Funding and Policy   Aerospace Daily & Defense Report Jan 20 , 2011     Neelam Mathews NEW DELHI — India and Russia have held discussions ranging from the operational philosophies of their two navies to ongoing Indian navy projects and mutual training exchanges, following the visit of the Russian naval chief, Adm. Vladimir Vysotskiy, to New Delhi. Training of Indian naval personnel for the operation of the Russian-built aircraft carrier Vikramaditya (once Gorshkov) is scheduled to start later this year. An area of interest is the maritime environment, with emphasis on the growing threat of piracy and opportunities for the two navies to cooperate. The Indian and Russian navies have conducted regular joint exercises called Indra since 2003, and there is a possibility they may increase the scope of exercises in the future. Five exercises have been held so far. The last Indra, in 2009, was conduct...

Aerospace Daily & Defense Report PROGRAMS NEW DELHI — Indian engineering and construction firm Larsen & Toubro has won an order worth $215 million for the design and construction of 36 high-speed interceptor boats for the Indian coast guard, and is in the running for more orders, including the Indian navy’s second line of conventional submarines. Indigenously designed at L&T Marine & Ship Design Division, a part of the $8-billion company’s Heavy Engineering Division, the interceptor boats will have an aluminum-alloy hull construction with water jet propulsion for quick response. The interceptors also can operate effectively in shallow water, which is critical for near-shore action. The Indian navy and coast guard have large requirements for defense vessels and submarines to enhance and replace their aging fleets. L&T has identified shipbuilding as a major thrust area. While the interceptor boats will be constructed at L&T’s existing shipyard at Hazira in the...