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Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Beijing, Ankara hail PAF's combat edge amid tensions with India
ISLAMABAD: In a rare show of coordinated praise, senior defence officials from China and Turkiye have commended the combat readiness and operational capability of the following last month's four-day conflict with India, a development seen in Islamabad as quiet validation of its evolving airpower doctrine. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In back-to-back high-level visits to Air Headquarters in Islamabad this week, top officials from the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the Turkish ministry of defence hailed PAF's 'decisive' response and 'battle-proven' performance during the May clashes. China's Chief of Air Staff, Lt Gen Wang Gang, met PAF chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu on Tuesday and described Pakistan's aerial actions as 'a textbook example of precision, discipline and courage in the face of unprovoked aggression'. He praised PAF's integration of multi-domain operations (MDOs), calling it a 'hallmark of modern air warfare', and expressed interest in adopting elements of PAF's doctrine for the PLAAF. A day later, on Wednesday, Turkiye defence minister Yaşar Güler offered similar praise. Calling the PAF's performance 'exceptional', Güler lauded Sidhu's 'insightful leadership' and highlighted PAF's role in the 'resolute defence of national sovereignty'. He also proposed expanded cooperation in training, unmanned aerial systems, and disruptive technologies. Güler's visit coincided with the arrival of Turkiye foreign minister Hakan Fidan on Wednesday, signalling coordinated diplomatic and military outreach as Pakistan seeks to shore up support from key allies. Neither China nor Turkiye elaborated on the details of the May conflict — downplayed by Islamabad and denied outright by New Delhi — but both echoed Pakistan's military narrative, offering a diplomatic boost as Islamabad contends with regional isolation and growing India-West defence ties. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Both delegations were briefed on PAF's restructured posture, including its focus on AI-driven targeting and cyber-electronic warfare. PLAAF officials reportedly showed strong interest in the JF-17 Block III, a jointly developed fighter jet now equipped with AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar and advanced avionics. The Turkish side proposed joint working groups to fast-track industry-to-industry ties — part of Ankara's push to expand its defence footprint in South Asia amid rising collaboration with Pakistan on drones, pilot training, and aerospace development. The rare twin endorsements from two of Pakistan's closest allies reflect a shifting regional balance, with China and Turkiye increasingly positioning themselves as strategic counterweights to India's deepening ties with the US, France and Israel. While India denies any aerial losses, the external praise for PAF suggests otherwise, raising questions about whether these visits signal deeper strategic alignment or simply calculated shows of support. Islamabad and Ankara on Wednesday agreed to boost their cooperation in a range of sectors, including defence, trade, energy and infrastructure, aiming to enhance bilateral trade volume to $5 billion. This was agreed during talks between Fidan and Guler with Pakistan foreign minister Ishaq Dar here. 'Pakistan would like to benefit from Turkiye's expertise and experiences in this (defence) field,' Dar said. 'We are actively engaged in different activities, including capacity building and counterterrorism,' Dar said, describing Turkiye as a "trusted friend" and a "reliable brother'. "We are pursuing the establishment of a Special Economic Zone dedicated to Turkish entrepreneurs at Karachi,' Dar said. He also mentioned finalising the revival of the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad train.
India.com
05-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Sukhoi Su-35's radar is powerless, engine is out of order..., India's ally exposes flaws, is Putin trying to sell scrap to India?
Sukhoi Su-35's radar is powerless, engine is out of order... India's ally exposes flaws, is Putin trying to sell scrap to India? India has Russian-made Sukhoi and Rafale fighter jets made by France. Both fighter aircraft are used by the Indian Air Force. Now, Russia wants to sell India the fifth-generation fighter aircraft Su-57 as well as the 4.5-generation Su-35. But New Delhi has not revealed its interest in either of the aircraft. Recently, a senior Egyptian military officer has highlighted several technical problems in the Made-in-Russia Su-35 fighter jet, which has raised concerns for the countries that wanted to buy it. The officer said that Egypt has cancelled its 2018 deal to buy Russian Su-35 fighter jets, as several technical problems were found during investigation. Following the Egyptian military officer's revelation, questions are being raised about whether this is the reason why India is not buying this aircraft? What Was The Deal Between Egypt And Russia? In the year 2018, Egypt signed a USD2 billion deal to buy 24 Su-35 fighter jets from Russia. This deal was considered as Russia's major defence success in the Middle East. But in 2020, the deal between Egypt and Russia went into cold storage. Notably, Russia's Su-35 is a 4.5 generation multirole fighter jet and is loaded with several high-tech weapons and radar systems. But now, a senior Egyptian military official has stated that the deal for Su-35 was cancelled, keeping in mind technical flaws and strategic needs. He said that the Radar, engine and electronic warfare in Su-35 are weak. Apart from this, Egypt was also under pressure of sanctions under the United States CAATSA Act. Why Egyptian Military Officer Saying This? The military officer said that when the Egyptian Air Force conducted a technical examination of this aircraft, they found that the Irbis-E radar is technically weak. It is based on the old-fashioned PESA (Passive Electronically Scanned Array) technology. As compared to US's F-35 and France's Rafale, they use AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar. Notably, AESA radar is considered more efficient because it is less prone to jamming during electronic warfare. Apart from this, the Egyptian Air Force also found that the Su-35's electronic warfare system is weak in comparison to modern warfare. As per the Egyptian Air Force this warfare system cannot withstand today's electronic countermeasures. The AL-41F1S engine used in Su-35 consumes more fuel and leaves high thermal and sound signatures, limiting the capabilities of the aircraft. These engines are powerful but generate high heat and sound signature due to which they are exposed to infrared and radar systems. Not Suitable For Defence Doctrine Of The Egyptian Air Force The defence doctrine of the Egyptian Air Force is based on operational independence, especially in conflict-prone region, such as air strikes in Libya or rebellion in Sinai. The Su-35 fighter jet depends on AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) in order to perform on its full potential. This is against Egypt's strategy of 'independent decision-making ability'. If we talk about France's Rafale jet, it has advanced capabilities like RBE2 AESA radar and SPECTRA electronic warfare system, making it capable of operating without external support. This is also a reason why Egypt cancelled the deal with Russia. US Threatened Egypt The US threatened sanctions against Egypt under the CAATSA act, jeopardising over USD1 billion in annual military aid if Egypt purchased Russian fighter jets.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Super Su-30: India plans Rs 60,000 crore booster for its main fighter jet. From radars to missiles, here's what it'll get
India is speeding up efforts to modernise its air combat fleet as tensions with Pakistan and China remain high. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently has only 31–32 operational fighter squadrons, far below the sanctioned strength of 41–42. Each squadron has about 18 fighter jets and two trainers. To close this gap, the Defence Ministry is focusing on acquiring new aircraft and upgrading the existing Su-30MKI fleet under the "Super-30" project. Su-30MKI to be upgraded for future needs The Su-30MKI is the IAF's main combat aircraft. Developed jointly with Russia, it is a 4.5-generation jet. India currently operates 272 Su-30MKIs. Under the Super-30 project , 84 of these jets are reportedly being planned for an upgrade over the next 3–4 years. The upgrade is expected to cost between $2.4 and $7.8 billion (₹66,829 crore), as reported by India Defense News. These upgrades aim to extend the operational life of the aircraft until 2055. Twelve Su-30MKIs have been lost in crashes. The government has asked Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce 12 more to replace these losses, at a cost of ₹13,500 crore. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scientists: Tinnitus? When tinnitus won't go away, do this (Watch) Hearing Magazine Undo What's changing in the Super-30 upgrade? Several key systems will be added or replaced in the Su-30MKI as part of the upgrade: Virupaksha radar: Developed by DRDO, this new radar is based on gallium nitride (GaN) technology and uses an active electronically scanned array (AESA) design. It can detect targets up to 300–400 km away and includes 2,400 transmit-receive modules. Live Events Digital cockpit: The aircraft will receive a modern user interface and new avionics to improve pilot awareness and onboard system coordination. Flight control system: A new 64-bit Digital Flight Control Computer will replace the older 32-bit system, enhancing flight performance and stability. Air-to-air missiles: The aircraft will be equipped with indigenous Astra Mk-2 and Mk-3 missiles, which can engage targets up to 300 km away. Russian R-37M integration: This hypersonic missile, with a 400 km range and speeds up to Mach 6, is designed for long-range air combat. Other additions include a new electronic warfare suite, improved secure communication systems, and a modern infrared search and track (IRST) system. Focus on stealth detection and future radars Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit recently said that a photonics radar is being considered for both the Su-30MKI and Rafale fleets. 'This radar will significantly improve the aircraft's ability to identify and track stealth targets due to its advanced sensing capabilities.' Photonics radar uses light-based components, which are faster and more resistant to jamming than traditional systems. Engine choice: reliability over raw power There will be no engine upgrade as India has decided to retain the current AL-31FP engine for its Su-30MKI fleet, instead of switching to Russia's more powerful AL-41F1S engine. The AL-31FP generates 123 kN of thrust, while the AL-41F1S offers 142 kN. Addressing the broader fighter shortfall India originally planned to buy 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) but ended up purchasing only 36 Rafales. Former Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria had said, 'The IAF needs around 250 aircraft of Rafale-class capability to meet future operational requirements.' The indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, despite facing delays due to engine supply issues, continues to be a key part of the IAF's future plans. The IAF plans to induct 352 Tejas fighters across Mk1 and Mk2 variants. A strategic upgrade in response to evolving threats The Super-30 project comes after lessons learned during the 2019 Balakot and Operation Sindoor air strikes. During the Balakot strikes, Su-30MKIs were reportedly at a disadvantage compared to Pakistan's F-16s due to inferior radar and sensors. Similar deficiencies were observed when Su-30s equipped with R-77 missiles, which have a BVR range of nearly 100 km, were found lacking against Pakistan's JF-17s equipped with PL-15E missiles, which have a range of nearly 150 km. The planned upgrades aim to address these weaknesses by improving detection range, missile reach, and combat readiness. The modernisation also boosts India's deterrence capabilities against regional rivals, especially as China and Pakistan continue to upgrade their air fleets. Preparing for the next generation India is also working on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter jet project led by DRDO and HAL. It will include stealth features, internal weapon storage, advanced avionics, and supercruise capability. The aim is to produce a fully indigenous next-gen fighter within the next decade.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Uttam Radar not so Uttam for Tejas? HAL picks imported Israeli radar over DRDO's desi AESA radar
Hindustan Aeronautics will equip Tejas Mk1A with foreign systems. It reverses the decision to use DRDO's indigenous radar and EW suite. HAL cites certification delays as the reason. DRDO contests this claim, stating its systems are ready. Experts debate the impact on India's strategic autonomy. The decision sparks discussion on balancing operational needs and indigenization goals. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads HAL issues Letter of Intent to Israeli firm DRDO contests certification delay claims Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What makes AESA radar critical Experts react to HAL's decision The larger question: strategic autonomy In a setback to India's defence indigenisation efforts, Hindustan Aeronautics HAL ) has reportedly decided to equip the final batch of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A with imported radar and electronic warfare systems. As per reports, the state-run firm will use Israeli ELTA Systems ' components instead of the Defence Research and Development Organisation's ( DRDO ) homegrown Uttam AESA radar and Swayam Raksha Kavach (SRK) EW has reportedly issued a Letter of Intent to Israel's ELTA Systems for supplying radar and EW systems for 43 out of the 83 Tejas Mk1A jets ordered by the Indian Air Force under a ₹48,000 crore deal signed in 2021. This move reverses HAL's earlier decision to start integrating the indigenous DRDO systems from the 41st aircraft onward.'The DRDO radar and EW suite are not fully certified for production,' a HAL official told India TodayThe company cited delays in certification by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification ( CEMILAC ) as the reason behind choosing the foreign DRDO officials disagree with HAL's explanation, stating that the Uttam AESA radar was cleared for production in 2023. According to DRDO, an official communication from April 2025 confirmed that four key stages of flight trials and hardware qualification had been completed, and CEMILAC had advised HAL to begin subsystem production.'We've asked HAL for more time. Full certification of the SRK suite will be ready before production reaches the 41st aircraft,' a senior DRDO official told India Today. DRDO has also proposed using a hybrid setup that combines the indigenous radar with imported EW systems in the (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar is a key technology in modern fighter jets. Unlike traditional radar systems that use mechanical movement, AESA radars use multiple small transmit/receive modules to steer the beam electronically. This allows faster detection of targets, simultaneous tracking of multiple threats, and greater resistance to Uttam radar uses Gallium Arsenide-based modules and can track more than 50 targets at over 100 km. It is modular and scalable, which means it can also be used in future Indian platforms such as the AMCA and upgraded comparison, Israel's EL/M-2052 radar can track more than 60 targets and supports air-to-air, air-to-ground, and maritime roles. However, experts warn that it is dependent on foreign supply chains and source code, which may create risks during war or experts do not see the move as a rejection of indigenous technology. Rajiv Nayan from the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses told Navbharat Times, 'Such contracts clearly state which systems will be used, and altering that at a later stage is rarely possible.'Nayan also said, 'There is often speculation about sub-par performance, but that is not the case with the Uttam radar. India is in the process of developing world-class weapon systems, and the radar will certainly be integrated at a later stage.' He added that indigenous systems had proved their capability during Operation the question of foreign influence, Nayan said, 'No lobby can derail a capable system. Only if a system is genuinely not up to the mark does such pressure become effective.' However, other defence experts quoted in the Navbharat Times report admitted that foreign lobbies—especially from the U.S., Israel, and France—try to reduce the use of Indian components in agree that India must continue to support its domestic technologies. They said, 'We have to place our trust in Indian systems, even if there are minor shortcomings. Continuous operational use is the only way to improve them and secure our strategic autonomy.'The decision by HAL has triggered a wider debate on the balance between operational readiness and indigenisation goals. As India moves forward with major defence programs, the outcome of such choices will likely shape the future of domestic defence manufacturing.
India.com
30-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
India Fears No One, Replies Trump's Betrayal With Prepping Major S-400, R-37M, Su-30MKI Jet Deal With Russia
New Delhi/Moscow: The handshake between India and Russia is turning heavier. This time, with iron, radar and a warning wrapped in precision. At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet in Qingdao, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh sat down with his Russian counterpart, Andrei Belousov. It was not a symbolic meeting. It was a strategic signal. A decision point. India is preparing to scale up its air dominance, and fast. From air-to-air missiles to deep radar upgrades, the Indian Air Force is moving into a new phase. The plan? To enhance its Su-30MKI fighters with Russian R-37M missiles and AESA radar, with a production line in India itself. No middlemen. No delays. This is not just another defence conversation. This is about a country that faced a diplomatic cold shoulder during Operation Sindoor, where Su-30s fired BrahMos deep into Pakistani territory. The message was loud. But the silence from Washington was louder. So now, India pivots. Not away from old friends. But toward an older one – Moscow. Talks are underway not only to bring R-37M missiles to Indian runways, but also to jointly produce them under the 'Make in India' banner. Local assembly, faster deployment and – if needed – export. Russia has offered more than just hardware. It has offered codes, cooperation and trust. India, unlike with France's Rafale jets, can integrate its own radar and missiles into the Su-30s. Because Russia says yes, where others stall. The upgrades will not just be cosmetic. The Su-30MKI, already a backbone, will get its bite. Virupaksha AESA radars – made in India for wars – will soon see light. With over 2,400 GaN modules, it will spot targets from 600 km away. But retrofitting it into the ageing Su-30s needs help. And Russia, as the original maker, holds the keys. A match of sensor and steel, radar and reach. If successful, every Su-30MKI will carry long-range R-37Ms. Each with a kill distance of over 300 km. Each a message to the skies and to those watching from afar. Experts say the entire architecture is being reworked. From sensors to satellite links. From the S-400s to airborne warning systems. A kill chain is forming – quiet, connected and deadly. This partnership is no longer transactional. It is a transformation. India is not buying gear. It is building muscle. With Russia's codes, India writes its own. In that, lies the real shift. A response, not in words. But in weapons.
