Endangered

Orders placed for 124 Arjun Tanks

NEW DELHI, MAR 7 (PTI)

Army has placed orders for 124 Arjun tanks with the Heavy Vehicle Factory at Avadi in Tamil Nadu, Rajya Sabha was informed today.

While five tanks were delivered to the Army in 2005, the next lot of nine Arjun tanks are currently undergoing Joint Receipt Inspection, Defence Minister A K Antony said in a written reply.

He said accelerated user *** reliability trials are scheduled in summer of 2007.

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Wild Wild Web

Endangered

Army to acquire new-gen helicopters during 11th, 12th plans

NEW DELHI, MAR 7 (PTI)

Army plans to acquire new generation helicopters in phases over the 11th and 12th Plan periods to enhance its battlefield mobility and strike power, Rajya Sabha was informed today.

The helicopters include Advanced Light Helicopters (Utility Version), Advanced Light Helicopters (Weapon System Integration), Tactical Battlefield Support Helicopters and state-of-the-art Attack Helicopters, Defence Minister A K Antony said in reply to a written question.

The army also plans to procure 155MM/52 Calibre Wheeled and Tracked SP Guns, he said adding that similar calibre Towed Guns are presently undergoing trials. "As and when these guns are inducted, the fire power and mobility in the battlefield would be enhanced".

On the helicopters, he said these would be acquired in a staggered manner and the acquisition would be as per the extant of the Defence Procurement Procedure.

To a question on the modernisation of IAF, Antony said the force has identified a range of fighters including MiG-29 and Mirage-2000 for upgrading during the 11th Plan period.

He said negotiations for procurement of Mirages from Qatar were held "but no agreement could be reached". He replied in the negative when asked whether all MiG variants were going to be decommissioned.

On a question relating to the Scorpene deal, the Minister said the French submarine contracted for acquisition was considered "one of the best conventional submarines in the world". India has signed contracts for indigenous construction of six Scorpene class submarines at the Mazagon Docks under transfer of technology agreement with French firm Amaris.

In reply to another question, the Defence Minister said government had not taken a decision to set up an Aerospace Command.

On the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, he said India and Russia had established a joint venture with 300 million dollars for developing various versions of the missile.

The BrahMos, which has a range of 290 kms, has twin roles against sea and land based targets and can be fitted on multiple platforms including ships, submarines, aircraft and mobile ground platforms as also with variable trajectories.

Regarding alleged cases of fake encounters, Antony said five such cases were reported last year and one this year. "A special investigation team has been constituted by the Jammu and Kashmir government to look into the allegations. A judicial probe has also been announced".

A total of 1119 army officers and 506 of their colleagues from the air force have taken premature retirement in 2004, 2005 and 2006, he said, adding that as many as 811 more from the army and 220 air force officers have applied for premature retirement last year.

He also said there was no proposal to set up a firing range along the two cantonments at Netarhat in Gumla district of Jharkhand.

Endangered

IAF to become model force for rest of world by 2025: Kalam

CHANDIGARH, MAR 7 (PTI)

The Indian Air Force today gave an awesome display of its power before President A P J Abdul Kalam who visualised it to become a "model airforce" for the rest of the world by 2025.

"By the year 2025, the IAF will be a model air force for the rest of the world to emulate, endowed with the very best of technology in the world, alert and agile strategic planning capability and, above all, the most professional and dedicated air warriors," he said during his address at the Predidential review of the IAF fleet here.

The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces visualised the IAF of 2025 to be based on scientific and technological competence in development of communication satellites, high precision resource mapping satellites, missile systems, unmanned supersonic aerial vehicles and electronics and communication systems.

"This capability will enable the air force to succeed in electronically-controlled warfare in the midst of space encounters, deep sea encounters and ballistic missiles encounters," he said.

Kalam saw the winner of future wars as those who "can visualise the strength of the enemy" based on the current scientific and technological capabilities and develop suitable strategies to meet any eventuality.

He said the Central government was committed to continuously modernising equipment and adding force multipliers to enhance the operational performance and improving flight safety of the IAF.

Kalam said future wars would have more "intelligent and autonomous" platforms and weapons with unmanned supersonic combat air vehicles, air launched hypersonic cruise missiles and submarine launched ballistic missiles and anti- ballistic missiles integrated with long-range radars.

"High power lasers and microwave will dominate the war scenario... While the technologies advance our capability to defend, these advances are nevertheless deterrents to any misadventures by our adversaries," he said.

He underscored the need to explore surveillance systems which had not yet reached the levels of perfection to be operationalised.

Induction of airborne warning and control systems would enhance the IAF's surveillance capabilities manifold, Kalam said adding that "up-to-date intelligence in the battlefield is an important input in our strategic planning".

He said "today, the application of semi-autonomous palm-sized aircraft for surveillance is a reality" and an integrated imaging system using multiple ground and satellite based sensors bedides an array of flying miniature palmtops would soon form a robust communication network.

"The computing power in these sensors would be integrated in the sensor itself, making the sensor a smart one, which would communicate efficiently, epitomising the convergence of sensing, computing and communication," the President said.

He also recalled his experience when he flew a Sukhoi-30 fighter plane to make a sortie on June eight, 2006. "I realised how the dedication, precision and professionalism of our air warriors are defending the nation's airspace and land," he added.

"Behind every successful flying machine, indeed there is an Indian air warrior," Kalam said while exuding confidence that the nation was in safe hands with the IAF.

"The nation is with you and lead you to modernise and force multiply all your aerial platforms and ground support systems, so that you will excel in aerial warfare," he said.

He said the IAF had seen many transformations and now it had the best of fighter aircraft in the world with multi-role capability and ability to carry unique payloads.

"You (IAF) also have the capacity to have long-range deep-penetration missions," he said.

In the presidential review - the fourth in a series with the last held in 1976 - the static and air display of entire IAF fleet took place including an impressive parade by the Air Warriors.

All 41 colours/ standards that were awarded to the IAF by the Presidents were on display an d Kalam also also released a first day cover on the occasion.

The aircraft and systems on static display were MIG-21, MIG-23, MIG-29, Jaguar, Dornier, Avro, AN-32, IL-76, Embraer, Chetak, Cheetah, MI-8, MI-17, ALH, MI-25, MI-26, Microlite, UAV, Canberra, Mirage-2000, SU-30, Kiran (SKAT), HPT-32 Heron UAV and radars and missile systems.

The flying displays comprised flypasts by MI-17, MI-26, ALH, Chetak, Cheetah, M-35, HPT-32, mixed formation of Avros, AN-32s and Dorniers, Bisons, MIG-29, Mirage-2000s, Jaguars and IL-78 refuellers flypast with two mirages plugged in.

The Jaguar formation of 17 aircraft flew made the figure '75' to signify the diamond jubilee of the IAF while the SU-30 aircraft performed the Trishul manoeuvre.

Endangered

Nuke cooperation with Russia independent of Indo-US deal: Pranab
New Delhi, Mar 07: India on Wednesday said its civil nuclear agreement with the US is independent of the cooperation with Russia, which will help in building four more atomic plants in Tamil Nadu and some other places.

Replying to questions in the Lok Sabha, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said, however, that continued supply of fuel to such reactors would depend on Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) guidelines and efforts are being made to get these amended for this purpose.

"There is no co-relation between the 123 agreement (which will operationalise Indo-US civil nuclear cooperation) and our programme with Russia in respect of civil nuclear cooperation," he said.

The Minister, while apprising the house about the outcome of the recent visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin here, noted that two nuclear power plants have already been built by Moscow in India.

There is a proposal for setting up four more nuclear power plants in Kudankulam with Russian support and others at places which have not been identified as yet, he said.

Mukherjee pointed out that India`s collaboration with Russia in civil nuclear field had started before the Indo-US deal and it was a "continuing and long-term" one.

Underlining that no conditions were attached to the setting up of the nuclear power plants by Russia, Mukherjee said that these will, however, require continued supply of fuel which will depend on NSG guidelines.

Russia is part of the 45-nation grouping and efforts are being made to amend the NSG guidelines to ensure "we can have supply of fuel", the Minister said.

To a question, he said the use of thorium as fuel was part of the three-stage nuclear programme but development of the technology for its commercial use will take time.

India and Russia also propose to collaborate on joint launch of satellites. The two countries have also decided to participate in Russia`s Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) under which India can use radio frequency data.

On difficulties being witnessed by Indian businessmen and some other sections in getting Russian visas, Mukherjee said he was aware of the problems and the two countries are discussing the matter to resolve it.

URI

Endangered

Air Force MiG 29: Upgradation, Engine Enhancements Speculation Killer

Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG of Russia has submitted a proposal for upgrade of MiG-29 aircraft in response to a Request for Proposal. No agreement has been signed.

There is no proposal for advancement of engine of MiG-29 aircraft which are powered with RD-33 Series - I and Series - II engines. These engines are no longer in production.

To meet the future requirement of replacement engines for the MiG-29 fleet, an Inter Governmental Agreement (IGA) has been signed between the Government of India and the Government of Russian Federation for license manufacture of RD-33 Series - III engines at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). RD-33 Series - III engine is the latest version of RD-33 engine and has higher Total Technical Life (TTL) and Time Between Overhauls (TBO).

HAL has signed a general contract with the Russian side for Transfer of Technology (TOT) for license manufacture of these engines at HAL.

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Endangered

IAF game for extending Agatti airstrip

NEW DELHI, MARCH 9: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has set forth its vote of support on a proposal with the Civil Aviation Ministry seeking to extend and expand the only airstrip on the Lakshadweep islands. An extended runway on Agatti Island, the IAF has said in an official communication to the Defence Ministry, will give its fighters and military transports a 400-km range and logistical advantage in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.

The proposal — currently with the government — is to reclaim land in the 400-metre gap between Agatti Island and the tiny uninhabited Kalpati coral islet nearby, and thereby allow an extension of the tarmac from the current 4,235 feet to approximately 7,000 feet and attendant increase of space from the current 18.36 hectare.

The airstrip is currently only suitable for light Dornier and other aircraft and helicopters. With an extension, that could also include reinforcement of the tarmac and an upgrade of available visual and instrument navigational aids and infrastructure, the airport will be able to handle fighters (for instance, maritime strike Jaguars and Sukhoi-30MKIs from Lohegaon) and heavy transport, both civil and military.

Agatti — the “gateway to Lakshadweep” — is the only island in Lakshadweep that has an aerodrome and passenger handling facilities which receives flights daily from India, and recently by Kingfisher Airlines three times a week. Apart from military logistics utility, better facilities would also bring down civil ticket costs that feed still nascent tourism to islands like Bangaram, Kadmat, Minicoy and Agatti’s own 20-bed resort hotel.

Speaking to The Indian Express, commander of the IAF’s Western Air Command, Air Marshal Padamjit Ahluwalia said, “It will give our fighters and transports a sizeable range advantage in the open ocean. It is now up to the government.” Ahluwalia made his representation on the proposed airstrip extension when he was Southern Air Commander in Tiruvananthapuram in January.

URI

Endangered

Indian Army Chief visits Israel

Tel Aviv, Mar 09: Indian Army Chief General J J Singh has made a unpublicised visit to Israel to boost cooperation to fight terrorism, reflecting the burgeoning defence ties between the two countries.

Singh was given a demonstration of sophisticated weapons systems during his visit and also toured specialised training centres for anti-terror operations, sources said.

His visit was "part of regular ongoing exchanges" between the two countries, defence officials said.

Singh left for Italy on Wednesday following a series of discussions with Israeli Defence Officials and the demonstration of weapons system.

Indian is interested in acquiring equipment for its special forces, including Tavor rifles, and more unamnned aerial vehicles from Israel, which has emerged in recent years as its second biggest supplier of hi-tech military gear.

The Israeli Defence Ministry recently announced that India was its single largest importer of defence equipment worth 1.5 billion dollars last year. This constituted about 50 per cent of Israel's defence exports and about 30 per cent of India's imports.

A series of high-level visits by Indian Defence Officials has allayed fears among Israeli defence industries of a setback to defence cooperation due to opposition from left parties in India which prop up the ruling coalition.

Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi and the Navy Vice-Chief, Vice-Admiral Venkat Bharathan, visited Israel last year following the cancellation of then Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee's trip last July.

Singh's visit was the first trip to Israel by an Indian Army Chief since 1998, when Gen V P Malik had traveled to that country.

URI

Endangered

India, Japan, US Plan Military Cooperation While China Watches Nervously

Three-way military cooperation among India, Japan and the United States is being eyed with concern by China, but the participants say the new grouping will not evolve into a formal alliance, and is not meant to "contain" China. VOA's Steve Herman reports from New Delhi.

Indian and Japanese officials on Friday confirmed that the two nations will join the U.S. Navy in a first of its kind, large-scale maritime exercise next month.

The naval drill, scheduled for mid-April near the U.S. naval base at Yokosuka, Japan, has yet to be formally announced by any of the three governments.

But Japanese diplomats, Indian officials and American academics at a symposium in New Delhi Friday hailed the planned naval exercise as the start of a new era for Japan and India.

It coincides with increased concern about China's military build-up.

Ashley Tellis, a senior associate of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, says the main purpose of the exercise is to enhance training in anti-piracy, detection of smuggling, and the coordination of disaster responses and rescue operations. Indian officials say the same.

Tellis tells VOA that Beijing should not misinterpret the exercise. The former U.S. National Security Council staff member contends it is not the start of a movement to "contain" China, nor the beginning of a formal three-way military alliance.

"I see this as essentially baby first steps, which are important, but ought not to be exaggerated, because we still have a long way to go before this becomes a serious military exercise," he said.

Nevertheless, Chinese diplomats and journalists attending the symposium confirm that the new military cooperation is causing concern in Beijing.

Maharaj Krishan Rasgotra, a veteran Indian diplomat and former foreign secretary, told the gathering, both Japan and India are taking larger political and military roles in Asia. Therefore, he says, military cooperation between the two democracies is a natural evolution.

"Both countries have a very clear, very powerful interest in the stability and security of the Indian Ocean," he noted.

Security in the Indian Ocean is of paramount strategic importance to both India and Japan, to ensure an unimpeded supply of oil from the Middle East.

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Endangered

India to upgrade MiG-29 jets to boost fighter fleet
New Delhi, Mar 11: The Indian Air Force has inked a major deal to upgrade its 78 MiG-29 fighters as part of urgent measures to compensate for a rapid depletion of its fighter fleet.

Under the 800-million dollar deal, signed recently with a consortium of Russia`s state-owned Rosboronexport and United Aircraft Corporation, the IAF`s fleet of three squadrons of MiG-29 air superiority jets will get their service life extended from 25 to 40 years.

The IAF, which is currently phasing out older MiG-21 and MiG-23 jets, has seen its squadron strength plunging to an all-time low of 29 squadrons, as against its sanctioned strength of 45 squadrons.

The force is also in the final stages of negotiating a 1.5-billion euro deal with French company Thales for upgrading 52 of its Mirage 2000H fighters to extend their service life by 25 years.

The MiG-29 upgrade will include installing beyond visual range air-to-air missiles, new Klimov-33 engines with digital fuel injection, Phazotron Zhuk-ME phased array radar, an all- glass cockpit and aerial refuelling prods.

Initially, two MiG-29s will be sent to Russia for prototype development and the rest will be upgraded in HAL`s Nashik-based Ozar plant.

"The upgradation will be completed by 2010," a defence ministry official told the agency.

The agreement also stipulates the setting up of a service centre in India for the MiG-29s. This centre will also look after the navy`s carrier-borne MiG-29K fighters, the first of which will be inducted by the end of 2008.

Endangered

India To Invite Bids for Tactical Communications Systems

India will issue a request for proposals in two months to acquire a tactical communication system (TCS) to link theater command areas with deployed troops.

The Indian Army is on a global hunt to acquire the $500 million system by 2012 in three phases.

The request is to be issued to several Indian and foreign defense companies, a Defence Ministry official said. The domestic companies include Bharat Electronics, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro Infotech, Tata Power, Electronic Corp. of India and Indian Telephone Industries.
The foreign companies to be invited include Thales and Alcatel, both of France; EADS and Siemens, both of Germany; Elbit of Israel; Singapore Technologies of Singapore; Sweden’s Ericsson; and U.S. firm General Dynamics. “The Tactical Communication System, or TCS, will be the Indian Army’s futuristic backbone for a digitized battlefield communication network facilitating the communication application from the theater command areas to the troops deployed up the forward areas,” the Indian Defence Ministry official said.

The project will use a variety of communication applications, including wired or wireless equipment supporting voice, video, data, fax and other value-added services.

Net-centric Aspirations

TCS is part of the Army’s quest to build a network-centric warfare system, a service official said.Last year, the Indian Army launched the Army Static Switched Communication Network, called Mercury Thunder — a digital, fully automated, secure and survivable static communication system based on microwave radio, fiber-optic cable, satellite and millimeter-wave communications equipment.

The TCS architecture will comprise secure radios, satellite terminal systems and fiber-optic links, and will have modern protection systems against electronic jamming threats, the Army official said.

The system will be linked with smart antenna systems to support its transmission systems and will be tied to several Army surveillance and intelligence-gathering systems, including the aerostat radar and several unmanned aerial vehicles.

The TCS project is to be completed in five years under three phases. Phase I will be done by the original equipment manufacturer, and Phases 2 and 3 will be handled by the offset partner, which could be any Indian state-owned or private-sector defense company

As part of their ongoing program to establish network-centric warfare systems, the Indian defense forces are inducting various state-of-the-art communication networks like the Integrated Air Command, Control and Communication System (IACCCS) and Delhi Area Defence Centre (DADC). These network-centric systems will use fiber-optics and satellite links for efficient battlefield integration of Army, Air Force and Navy command centers.
Under the IACCCS program, the Air Force will integrate air command, control and communication systems and modernize the existing Air Defence Ground Environment System communications network using fiber-optic media, state-of-the-art radar and communication systems, the Defence Ministry official said.

Under the program, instant feeds can be received from satellites, radar, unmanned aerial vehicles and the airborne warning and control system aircraft to be inducted this year.

In the future, even space-based assets like satellites and surveillance systems will be integrated into the network-centric systems under development, the ministry official added.

The DADC is another air defense system being installed to connect various assets of the Army to defend strategic installations around the capital, Delhi.
Military tactics in the future will depend on how quickly Army commanders can process the information available to them from various sources, and TCS is an advanced battlefield communication system, the Army official said.

Endangered

Indian Coast Guard to acquire new vessels

Thiruvananthapuram: The Indian Coast Guard will acquire three new specialised vessels this year to tackle oil spill disasters, A. Rajasekhar, Inspector General and Commander, Coast Guard Region (West), told The Hindu on Sunday.

A massive oil spill disaster control exercise would be held off the coast of Gujarat in April, he said. It would also help the Coast Guard assess the in-house marine pollution fighting capabilities of private and public sector oil refining companies having facilities along the west coast.

The western seaboard of the country has become highly vulnerable to marine pollution because of increased oil tanker and container ship traffic. Such shipments are at risk from terrorists and, more commonly, rough weather. Inclement weather caused at least six large cargo ships to run aground in 2006, raising the spectre of oil pollution. Three oil spill incidents were reported in Indian waters last year.

In September last, the Coast Guard helped Sri Lankan authorities fight an oil slick caused by a sunken merchant ship off Galle harbour.

The Coast Guard is set to acquire 15 new vessels and 23 aircrafts in the next five years. Seventy per cent of the new acquisitions will be deployed in the western region.

Two new Coast Guard stations are coming up in Maharashtra. At Vizhinjam, the Coast Guard has asked for a separate docking facility when the proposed port materialises.

Another priority of the force is to prevent terrorists and smugglers from using the 500-odd uninhabited islands dotting the Western seaboard as staging points for their operations. Recently, the State police had found that there were 74 hot spots along Kerala's 570-km coastline that could be exploited for such activities.

The Coast Guard has launched a community interaction programme to win the "hearts and minds" of the coastal community. In return, the Coast Guard gets better intelligence on illegal activities. Such initiatives resulted in the seizure of contraband, including narcotic drugs, valued at Rs.238 crore last year. The unit conducted 237 search and rescue missions, including sorties, last year. As many as 48 poachers were arrested from Indian waters.

Endangered

India's Krasnopol 155mm LGM Shells: Defective

In December 2006, The Indian Express reported that India's Russian Krasnopol 155mm laser-guided shells have displayed defective performance during Army test-firing in the Mahajan ranges in Rajasthan in 2004 and 2005. In March 2007, Defence Minister Shri AK Antony confirmed the extent of the problem.

1,000 Krasnopol shells were bought from M/s KBP Instrument Design Bureau in Tula, Russia under a 1999 contract, and delivered in May 2000 at a cost Rs 151 crores (about $34.4 million then). Two years later, New Delhi bought another 2,000 shells, with plans firmed up for buying another 6,000. Unfortunately...

"Top Government sources have told The Sunday Express that a majority of the 2,000-strong Krasnopol inventory has been found defective: the shell, priced over Rs 15 lakh per piece, hits the target accurately during test-firing but fails to explode on impact."

The shells also displayed difficulties at high altitudes during the 1999 Kargil War. At first, the Army thought that the problem was with the designator so they replaced Israeli and French designators with original KBP equipment. Reports indicate, however, that this has not resolved the problems. Indeed, a March 8, 2007 release by India's Ministry of Defence had this to say:

"India's Russian Krasnopol inventory was proved defective during the Army test firing. The performance of the first lot of quantity 1000 rounds of projectiles procured in 1999 has deteriorated over the years the recently during test firing by the Army, it was observed that the performance was not up to the mark. Another quantity of 2000 projectiles procured in 2002 also did not perform to the desired standards in high altitude areas. The matter has been taken up with the vendor to rectify the ammunition to achieve the desired results and enhance its shelf life.

The total amount involved in purchasing 3000 rounds with 81 Laser Designators is US$ 111,950,488 (Rs. 522.44 crores)"

URI

Endangered

Southern Air Command to be strengthened: Tyagi

Given its strategic location, the Southern Air Command would be developed in tune with the country's growing economic strength, Air Chief S.P. Tyagi said Monday.

'Indian Air force (IAF) is playing a major role in protecting the country's interests outside its borders and the Southern Air Command would be in the forefront in achieving this task. The Sulur and Thanjavur bases (in Tamil Nadu) under Southern Air Command would be expanded soon and Sulur would be developed to make it as a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) base,' said the Chief of the Air Staff, who is on a farewell visit here before he retires from service.

Tyagi said the IAF was in touch with the civil authorities to acquire some land in Thiruvananthapuram so that it could utilise the airfield for its operational purposes.

Presently, 19 IAF airfields are being used by the civil authorities.

Talking about the proposed Aerospace Command, he said that it would be a tri-services command and several agencies related to space would be part of this command.

Regarding the location of the proposed command, he said it was still being debated.

With regard to the expansion of the IAF fleet, Tyagi said 66 new Hawk aircraft from Britain are expected shortly. Of these, 24 would be directly acquired from Britain while the rest would be manufactured in the country.

'Three Airborne Warning And Control Systems (AWACS) would be acquired by the end of this year or maybe by early next year as well as 80 new helicopters by the year 2008. The IAF is in the process of signing a contract for 40 additional Sukhoi aircraft. The indigenously-built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) would also be inducted by the year 2009-2010,' said Tyagi.

Terming his experience in the IAF as the most satisfying, he said that he was proud of being part of one of the oldest air forces in the world. Tyagi retires this month after a career of more than 43 years.

Endangered

Lanka to let Indian naval personnel on board its Naval ships

Chennai, March. 12 (PTI): The Sri Lankan Government has agreed to let Indian naval personnel board their ships during patrolling in the Palk Straits to prevent possible recurrence of attacks on Indian fishermen, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said here today.

This was conveyed to a DMK delegation, which met the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner Hamsa here today, he told reporters.

"If the Sri Lankan Government approaches the Indian Government and if both governments agree to the proposal, then security will also be provided for Indian fishermen," he said.

Hamsa told the delegation, led by State Electricity Minister N Veerasamy, that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) had sought clarifications on the attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy on Indian fishermen.

The Sri Lankan officials had been told that the attacks were "regrettable and totally unacceptable", he said.

The officials had told the PMO that the Sri Lankan Government was prepared to allow Indian naval personnel board their ships during patrolling, Karunanidhi quoted the Deputy High Commissioner as saying.

Earlier, DMK volunteers took out a rally in the city in protest against the Sri Lankan Navy firing on Indian fishermen.

A delegation, comprising State Ministers N Veerasamy, M K Stalin, Duraimurugan, Paruthi Ilamvazhuthy, Poongothai, M P Swaminathan and K P P Samy later presented a memorandum to Hamsa, protesting against the killing of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Hamsa promised to forward the memorandum to the Sri Lanka Government, Veerasamy told reporters later.

Endangered

IAF-USAF rematch in American skies

NEW DELHI: After proving more than a match for American, French, British and other pilots in wargames over the last few years, IAF fighter pilots will now face the biggest test of them all — the famous American Red Flag aerial combat exercise.

Held at Nellis US Air Force base in Nevada, northwest of Las Vegas, the Red Flag exercise is considered to be the closest one can get to real air combat situations. And, as such, will test the combat skills of IAF pilots like never before.

"We will be going for Red Flag, the world's ultimate exercise, around August 2008. The Americans have expressed their keen interest in us going there with our latest Sukhoi-30MKI fighters... we probably will not disappoint them," said a senior IAF officer.

Added another officer, "Our fighter pilots are among the best in the world. We may not be as used to advanced BVR (beyond-visual range) combat or operating in an AWACS (airborne warning control and warning systems) environment as USAF but we are getting there."

As a precursor to the actual participation in Red Flag with six fighters, two transport aircraft and an IL-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft, IAF will be sending "observers" to the exercise this year to work out the logistics and modalities.

It was at Gwalior in February 2004 that IAF pilots flying Sukhois and other jets had crossed swords with USAF pilots in their F-15C fighters in the "Cope India" dissimilar air combat training exercise, the first such wargames between the two forces since 1963.

And, in what had come as a huge shock to USAF pilots, IAF pilots had more or less outgunned them in the skies, recording most of the "kills" in direct air combat.

A few months after that, IAF pilots flew Jaguar strike fighters all the way to Alaska to participate in the multinational Cope-Thunder exercise there.

Then, in November 2005, despite objections from Left parties like CPM and CPI, the next Cope India exercise at Kalaikunda in West Bengal saw IAF fighters take on the American F-16s.

"We have also flown our fighters, with a single hop, to France for a joint exercise there. So, flying for extended ranges is no longer an issue with our mid-air refuelling capabilities. We can easily fly to US for Red Flag," said an officer.

India and US, incidentally, have held well over 40 joint military exercises in the last five years to enhance "functional interoperability" between the two armed forces.

Though largely unstated, the aim is to develop capabilities to undertake joint operations against a common enemy if the need arises in the future.

The expansive 10-year Indo-US defence framework signed in June 2005, in fact, talks about collaboration in "multinational operations" and enhancing "capabilities to combat WMD proliferation" across the world.

URI