Coward Maoist Receive A Thrashing At the Hands Of BSF

On Monday the CPI Maoist sent 300 of its cadres to ambush 85 member strong patrolling party of the BSF which was returning after an area domination exercise. The Maoist had hoped for a Dantewada massacre type of result. Instead they got the shock of their life and had to run for their dear life. The cowards were in so much hurry that they left behind the body of their military commandant.

This was a very well planned and cold blooded exercise by the Maoist terrorist.According to BSF director general Raman Srivastava, three companies of the Maoists had come together to carry out a well-planned and synchronised attack on BSF men just 3-4 kms from their camp in Kanker. While one military company laid in wait at the ambush point in Kolibeda, another company walked for the past seven nights and days from the south to lay an L-shaped ambush. Not only this, another set of Maoists carefully lined the route of the reinforcements, also mined with two powerful improvised explosive devices (IEDs) weighing 35 kg and 40 kg, to maximise casualty to the BSF personnel.

The classic L-shaped ambush is one of the most used tactics and works well when you have good amount of soldiers available. Basically the long leg of the L lies in wait through the path enemy takes and the short leg of L is set up directly infront of the enemy.If you have good fire-power then this ambush creates panic and confusion in the ranks of the enemy.

Unfortunately for the Maoist who had lot of women cadres too, unlike the last time when they surprised the CRPF, this time BSF men who were supposed to run helter skelter once the ambush started, did nothing of that sort and used another military strategy of firing heavily while falling back at an angle of 45 degree, thus the L shaped ambush is neutralized. Secondly they did not break ranks and try to take cover in the foliage around the road, because that was mined too by the Maoist. They kept firing with such ferocity and effectiveness that is is believed more than 15 Maoist were cut down including their commanding officer.

The shock of the counter-attack could be gauged by the fact that the Maoist commander had a full magazine round and died without firing a single shot. So you can imagine what happened to the others. According to some reports Maoist cadres broke rank and ran for cover leaving behind the hardcore Maoist only. I guess faced with a determined and disciplined armed force Mao's ideals look less appealing.

Strategic Naval Forces Of Russia

Strategic naval forces are an integral part of the Russian Navy, which is a separate service of the Russia's Armed Forces. The current Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Admiral Vladimir Vysotskiy, was appointed to this post on 12 September 2007.

As of end of 2010, the Navy included 12 strategic submarines of four different types. The submarines can carry 160 sea-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) that can carry 576 nuclear warheads.

Strategic submarines	Number of SLBMs and their type			Total warheads
Project 667BDR (Delta III)	4		64 R-29R (SS-N-18)		3	192
Project 667BDRM (Delta IV)	6	[1]	96 R-29RM (SS-N-23)		4	384
Project 941 (Typhoon)	1	[2]	-			-
Project 955	1	[3]	16 R-30 Bulava		6	-
Total	12	160				576

[1] Two submarines are undergoing overhaul.
[2] One submarine of the Project 941 type has been refitted to carry a new Bulava missile system.
[3] The first submarine of this class, Yuri Dolgorukiy, has not been equipped with missiles yet.

Submarine bases

The Russian Navy includes four fleets -- the Northern Fleet, the Pacific Fleet, the Baltic Fleet, and the Black Sea Fleet. Strategic submarines are deployed with the Northern Fleet and the Pacific Fleet.

Northern Fleet

Northern Fleet headquarters is located in Severomorsk (Murmansk oblast). The fleet includes a unified command of strategic submarines.

The submarine units based in Gadzhiyevo (Yagelnaya Bay, Sayda Inlet) include five active Project 667BDRM (Delta IV) submarines - K-51 Verkhoturie, K-84 Ekaterinburg, K-114 Tula, K-117 Bryansk, and K-18 Karelia. One Project 667BDRM submarines - K-407 Novomoskovsk - is currently undergoing overhaul. It is expected to return to active service in 2011.

Pacific Fleet

Pacific Fleet headquarters is located in Vladivostok. Strategic submarines of the Pacific Fleet are included into the 16th Squadron, based in Vilyuchinsk(Rybachiy, Krasheninnikov Bay, Kamchatka Peninsula). The squadron includes four Project 667BDR submarines - K-211 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, K-223 Podolsk, K-433 Sv. Georgiy Pobedonosets, and K-44 Ryazan, which was transferred to Vilyuchinsk from the Northern Fleet.

Strategic submarines

All currently deployed strategic submarines were developed at the Rubin Central Design Bureau of Naval Equipment (St-Petersburg). All currently deployed strategic submarines were built at the Northern Machine-Building Production Association (Severodvinsk, Archangelsk oblast).

Submarines of the Project 667BDR (Delta III) class entered service in 1976-1982. The total of 14 ships of this class were built. These submarines carry the D-16R missile system with 16 R-29R (SS-N-18) missiles. Submarines of this class are being withdrawn from service. At the same time, in 2007, one submarine of this class, K-44 Ryazan, returned to service from overhaul.

Submarines of the Project 667BDRM (Delta IV) class entered service in 1985-1991. The total of 7 ships of this class were built, of which one (K-64 Vladimir) has been converted into a special-forces submarine. Submarines of this class carry the D-16RM missile system with 16 R-29RM (SS-N-23) missiles. The current plans call for keeping six 667BDRM submarines in service, so the submarines are undergoing overhaul during which they are equipped with new missiles. Launch tests of the new version of the R-29RM missile, also known as Sineva, were completed in June 2004 and it was accepted for service in July 2007. Five submarines of this class - K-51 Verkhoturie, K-84 Ekaterinburg, K-114 Tula, K-117 Bryansk, and K-18 Karelia - have completed overhaul already.

Project 941 (Typhoon) submarines were deployed in 1981-1989. The total of six submarines of this class were built. Submarines of this class carry the D-19 missile system with 20 R-39 (SS-N-20) missiles. Since the missiles have reached end of their service lives, Project 941 submarines have been withdrawn from service. The only exception is the lead ship of the class, TK-208 Dmitry Donskoy, which has been refitted for tests of a new missile system, R-30 Bulava.

In 1996 Russia began construction of a strategic submarine of a new class,Project 955 (also known as Borey or Yuri Dolgorukiy). It left the dry dock in April 2007 and began sea trials in 2008. Construction of a second submarine of this type, Aleksandr Nevskiy, began in March 2004, and the third, Vladimir Monomakh - in March 2006. The new submarines will carry 16 launchers of a new missile, known as Bulava.

Sea-launched ballistic missiles

All currently deployed sea-launched ballistic missiles were developed at the Machine-Building Design Bureau (Miass, Chelyabinsk oblast). The design bureau is currently named the V. P. Makeyev State Missile Center.

R-29R (SS-N-18) missiles are deployed on Project 667BDR submarines. The system was accepted for service in 1979. The missile has two liquid-fuel stages and carries three warheads. The missiles were produced at the Krasnoyarsk Machine-Building Plant.

R-29RM (SS-N-23) missiles are deployed on Project 667BDRM submarines. The system was accepted for service in 1986. The missile has three liquid-fuel stages (the third stage also works as a bus) and carries four warheads. In 1999 Russia resumed production of these missiles, in a modification known as Sineva, to be deployed on Project 667BDRM submarines during overhaul. The missiles are produced at the Krasnoyarsk Machine-Building Plant.

Russia is currently developing a new sea-launched ballistic missile, known as R-30 Bulava. Development of this missile is done at the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology. Flight tests of the missile began in September 2005. The new missile system is to be deployed on Project 955 submarines, which will carry 16 missiles. For the purposes of START Treaty, Bulava was declared as carrying six warheads.

India Invited By Vietnam To Increase Its Naval Presence in South China Sea

Small piece of news which might irritate the evil red Chinese dragon is that Vietnam has given India the permission to drop anchor at Nha Trang port during naval exercises and goodwill visit.

Why is this so important? Because uptill now most foreign countries including India was only allowed into Halong Bay near Hanoi.While Nha Trang port is only few kilometers away from mainland China and bang in the middle of South China Sea. This will give India an opportunity to create a permanent presence in that area which is essentially Chinese backyard.

We all know that Vietnam is embroiled into a bloody war with China over some of the islands and the actual demarcation in South China Sea. This move by India will be surely seen as aggressive posturing by the Chinese, who have used the same tactics against India by propping up Pakistan.

India, too, is set to offer naval facilities for training and capacity-building to Vietnam. The Commander-in-Chief of the Vietnam People’s Navy, Vice-Admi-ral and deputy minister Nguyen Van Hien, is scheduled to visit New Delhi, Mumbai and Visakhapat-nam during his visit starting Monday to witness Indian naval capabilities.

“India could also offer its experience in ship-building to Vietnam, which currently has a small Navy,” said a government source.


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New Special Forces Battalion For Indian Army

Strengthening its capabilities to carry out special operations, the Indian Army is raising a new special forces battalion which will be deployed in the north-eastern sector.

A new battalion of the Parachute Regiment -- 11 Para (SF) -- is being raised and will be first deployed in the north-eastern sector, Army sources said here.

This will be eighth special forces battalion of the Parachute Regiment and will be deployed in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in that region, they said.

The Parachute Regiment has 10 battalions under it and seven of them have been trained as special forces, which are supposed to carry out counter-terrorist operations during peacetime and sabotage enemy installations beyond enemy lines during wars.

The special forces battalions include the 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 21 para units, which are deployed in different sectors of the country and have also been given responsibility to handle any 26/11 type attacks if that occurs near their area of deployment.

The Army wants to increase the number of special forces troops to more than 10 battalions with around 700 men in each.

These battalions have been provided with modern equipment such as Tavor 21 assault rifles.

(Source PTI)

Eurofighter and Dassault Submit fresh Offset Proposal To India

Two months after being shortlisted, French firm Dassault and consortium of European companies Eurofighter have submitted their revised offset bids for the multi-billion dollar 126 combat aircraft deal, the process for which is expected to be completed by the year end. On April 27, India has shortlisted the two European companies for procuring 126 Medium-Multirole Combat Aircraft (M-MRCA) deal for the Indian Air Force (IAF) in which six companies were participating.

“The offsets offer which were completed until April 14 this year, have been asked to be revised until June 17 that is today," German Ambassador Thomas Mattusek told reporters in New Delhi. Officials in Dassault also said they have already submitted the revised bids with the ministry. Under the offsets clause in the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), foreign vendors bagging deals worth over Rs 300 crore have to reinvest at least 30 per cent of the contract amount into Indian defence, civilian aerospace or the homeland security sectors.

In the M-MRCA competition, companies have to invest 50 per cent of the worth of the deal into the Indian defence sector only. "The shortlist and commercial biddings are expected to be opened in the next few weeks so that the whole project is expected to be finalised by the end of this year," the German Ambassador said. Germany along with United Kingdom, Spain and Italy is one of the four partner nations in the Eurofighter consortium and is the lead country for the Indian campaign.

France Transfers Warship Technology To the Russians.

The Mistral in Toulon harbour via wikipedia

France has transferred to Russia all the technology it asked for under a $1.7-billion deal for two French-built Mistral class amphibious assault ships for the Russian Navy, a Russian arms exporter said on Monday.
Under the deal signed on Friday, the first warship will be delivered in 2014 and the second in 2015.
"The French side has transferred all technologies, including the SENIT 9 [command and control] system, as well as two other systems," said Anatoly Isaikin, head of the Rosoboronexport state-controlled arms exporter.
A formal contract for the construction of the two Mistral class ships will be signed separately at a later date, he said, adding it could take up to three months to compile.
The warships will be equipped with Russian-built Ka-52 Alligator multirole helicopters, Isaikin said.
Navy chief Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky said on Friday, the warships will be provided with Russian weapon systems, including amphibious landing assets and carrier aviation.
The use of Mistral class ships will significantly increase the effectiveness of humanitarian operations, he said, adding that they could be used both in peacetime and in wartime for a variety of missions.
The program has alarmed Russia's neighbors, especially Georgia.
Russia and France in January signed an intergovernmental agreement to build two Mistral class helicopter carriers at the STX shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. Another two are planned to be constructed later in Russia.
Contract talks stumbled over Russia's demand for the transfer of sensitive electronic systems.
A Mistral-class ship is capable of carrying 16 helicopters, four landing vessels, 70 armored vehicles, and 450 personnel.
France has two Mistral class amphibious assault ships in service and is building a third.

MIG-29 Kub Crashes In Russia, Aftershocks Felt In India

Two pilots were killed on Thursday when a Russian Air Force MiG-29Kub fighter jet crashed in the Astrakhan region of Russia on Thursday, law enforcement sources said.

“At 4.43 p.m. the aircraft went off the radar screens around 43 km from the town of Akhtubinsk in Astrakhan region,” the source said.

The crash site has been located and an Mi-8 rescue helicopter is on its way to the site.
Akhtubinsk is home to the Russian Air Force’s test and tactical evaluation center, but it is not yet known if the aircraft came from that base.

The defense ministry of Russia has grounded the entire Mig-29K fleet with immediate effect. This has left the Indian defense establishment really jittery because Russia and India signed a contract in 2004 for the delivery of 12 single-seat MiG-29K and four two-seat MiG-29KUB fighters to be deployed on the Admiral Gorshkov, currently being retrofitted in Russia for the Indian Navy.

The Indian Navy is planning to use a total of 45 MiG-29Ks, including the 16 stipulated under the 2004 contract with Russia.Until 2010 India has received 11 of the first batch.

Now the government of India has asked from the Russians as to the nature of the crash and the reason behind grounding of the fleet. It is suspected that some kind of major flaw has been found, thus forcing even the Russians to ground their own fleet. This time they cannot blame HAL for faulty spares or Indian Pilots for incompetence. Unfortunately keeping with the new Russian mantra of cold shouldering its main buyer and ignoring all attempts by the Indians to mend fences, they have kept mum on this issue and have refused to comment thus far on the accident.

Indian Navy Chief Visiting Moscow Next Month

In the backdrop of the Russian Navy backing out of a joint exercise with the Indian Navy at the last minute, Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma will travel to Moscow next month for discussions with the country's top military leadership.

The Navy chief will meet the top military leadership of Russia and discuss ongoing military projects such as the retrofit of Admiral Gorshkov and construction of the three Talwar class frigates there, officials said here.

The two sides are also likely to discuss the last-minute decision by Russian Navy not to hold an exercise with Indian Navy ships, which had gone there for a joint drill, they said.

The navy chief had expressed an "element of disappointment" after the exercises were not held at the final stages.

The navy chief is also likely to discuss the delivery schedule of the Akula Class Nerpa nuclear submarines and the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov.

Under a confidential pact, India is leasing an Akula Class submarine from Russia, which is expected to be delivered by the end of this year.

At present, defence secretary Pradeep Kumar along with defence production secretary Rajkumar Singh are in Russia to discuss the bilateral defence ties.

Officials said there will be a number of visits by senior Indian officials to Russia before the summit-level meeting between the heads of states in December.

(source PTI)

India Prepares To Pre-empt Terror Attack On Its Air bases

Against the backdrop of a deadly assault on a Pakistani military base, India is fortifying its air bases to improve their security and pre-empt any terror attack from within or outside the country, a top military commander said Wednesday.

'The (May 22) terror attack on Pakistan Navy air base at Mehran in Karachi was a wake-up call. In light of the incident, we are taking measures to improve security at all air bases across the country on top priority,' the Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, told reporters here on the margins of a conference here.

As the world's fourth largest air force after the US, Russia and China, the IAF has 60 operational air bases across the country under seven commands, with 170,000 personnel and 1,600 aircraft of different types, including fighters, transports and helicopters.

'Prior to the Karachi incident, we started a security audit and instituted measures to strengthen security in and around our air bases. As Kashmir's priority is greater, we have taken up fortifying the air bases in the western sector first as it is closer to Pakistan. Security at bases in the south, east and other regions will be beefed up in phases,' Naik said.

In one of the deadliest terror strikes by suspected Taliban militants on a Pakistan military base, about 20 people were killed, including 14 security personnel and four terrorists.

The IAF has also initiated measures to train its personnel for internal security duties as each base and its periphery is different.

'Security will be stepped up based on the threat perception. For instance, the threat level at Yelahanka base (in Bangalore) and Bidar base (in north Karnataka) may be higher compared to Hakimpet base (in Hyderabad). Each base will make its own appreciation and appraisal,' Naik pointed out after addressing commanders of the Training Command here.

'After the assessment, we will seek government approval for purchasing security equipment and installing at the bases. The exercise also involves training our personnel and creating awareness among the public, which can help us in being vigilant and respond quickly whenever and wherever a threat emanates,' Naik, who retires July-end noted.

In the context of the security scenario and tension prevailing in the South Asian region, especially in the western negibourhood, Naik asserted that the IAF was prepared to thwart any nefarious designs and threats arising from the enemies of the state and fully capable of facing any challenges.

'We remain committed and prepared to thwart any nefarious designs and threats arising from the enemies of the state. As an emerging strategic aerospace force, we are fully capable of facing any challenge,' Naik reiterated.

Noting that the IAF had embarked on a major modernisation plan, Naik said its major acquisitions and upgradations would give the air force a set of capabilities for meeting all perceived threats head-on.

'Our commands across the country have been training the generation-next with professionalism and dedication. With the modernisation and induction of the latest fighting assets, the commands face new challenges,' he said.

The IAF is also training its next generation force to absorb the latest technologies so as to maximise exploitation of its weapon systems, Naik said.

(Source IANS)

DRDO Builds Integrated Thermally Regulated Shelters For Troops In High Altitudes

For Indian Army personnel deployed in high altitude areas, DRDO has built hi-tech shelters that would provide protection to the soldiers against extreme climatic conditions of the Himalayan region.

"The Integrated Thermally Regulated Shelters were dedicated by DRDO chief V K Saraswat to the 14 Corps at a function in Leh yesterday," DRDO officials said here.

These shelters were received by the Corps Commander Lt Gen Ravi Dastane in the presence of W Selvamurthy, a distinguished scientist and senior Army officers.

"These shelters designed and developed by DRDO, are equipped with integrated temperature regulators, biodigestors and air monitoring systems and have been designed to withstand seismic activities upto a level of zone 5, wind velocities upto 55 metre per second and sub-zero temperature upto minus 35 degree Celsius," they said.

Speaking on the occasion, Saraswat stressed on large scale utilisation of solar and other non-conventional energy resources to meet the energy requirements at high altitudes.

(Source PTI)

Indian Air Force Looking To Buy More C-130J Hercules Aircrafts

"Yes, we would like to have more C-130J and C-17 aircrafts. We will start with the statement of case soon," outgoing Air Chief Marshal PV Naik said during a press briefing held at the IAF's Headquarters Training Command on Wednesday.India has already ordered 6 C-130J Hercules aircrafts.

IAF wants to replace it ageing IL-76 aircrafts which are having trouble with spares and service, plus they are coming to an end of their life-span.

"The IL, which is a 40-tonne plus aircraft, as a fleet has served us very well, but it is aging now. So, one strategy is their up-gradation and overhauling, but they do not have too much life left. The other strategy is the purchase of the C-17 aircrafts, which carries twice the load of an Ilyushin, and has the advantage of landing on shorter air strips," Naik.

Hercules is perhaps the most apt name for this work horse of USAF and other air forces.It is nearly 40 years since the U.S. Air Force issued its original design specification, yet the remarkable C-130 remains in production. The turbo-prop, high-wing, versatile "Herc" has accumulated over 20 million flight hours. It is the preferred transport aircraft for many US Government services and over 60 foreign countries. The basic airframe has been modified to hundreds of different configurations to meet an ever-changing environment and mission requirement. The C-130 Hercules has unsurpassed versatility, performance, and mission effectiveness. Early C-130A, B, and D versions are now retired.

The Hercules family has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history. During more than 50 years of service, the family has participated in military, civilian, and humanitarian aid operations. The Hercules has outlived several planned successor designs, most notably the Advanced Medium STOL Transport contestants. Fifteen nations have placed orders for a total of 300 C-130Js, of which 206 aircraft have been delivered by December 2010.

While continuing to upgrade through modification, the Air Force has budgeted to resume fleet modernization through acquisition of the C-130J version. Compared to older C-130s, the C-130J climbs faster and higher, flies farther at a higher cruise speed, and takes off and lands in a shorter distance. This new model features a two-crew-member flight system, 6,000 skip Allison AE 21 00D3 engines and all-composite Dowty R391 propellers, digital avionics and mission computers, enhanced performance, and improved reliability and maintainability. Beginning in FY 1996, the Air Force started procuring C-130Js as replacements for the older C-130Es and Hs. Priority for replacement will be combat delivery aircraft. C-130J will ensure total force structure numbers are maintained, while reducing costs of ownership. The current program procures 12 C-130Js, i.e., two per year from FY96 to FY01. This program could be expanded in FY02 to procure 12 C-130Js a year to replace the active duty and ARC C-130Es which are nearing the end of their useable service life.

Orders
1186 C-130J and C-130J-30 aircraft have been ordered and over 150 delivered. Orders are: US Air Force, Air National Guard, Marine Corps and Coastguard (89 C-130J and C-130J-30 and 20 KC-130J tankers), UK (10 C-130J, 15 C-130J-30 all delivered), Italian Air Force (12 C-130J and 10 C-130J-30 all delivered), Royal Australian Air Force (12 C-130J, all delivered), Kuwaiti Air Force (four C-130J-30) and the Danish Air Force (four C-130J-30 all delivered).

In April 2004, the US Marine Corps formally accepted the first KC-130J tanker / transport into service. The aircraft was first deployed in combat in April 2005 in Iraq. By the end of 2006, 24 aircraft had been delivered.

In December 2006, an additional order was placed for three C-130J-30 for the USAF and one KC-130J for the USMC. The KC-130J was deliverd to the USMC in October 2010.

In May 2007, India requested the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of six C-130J aircraft. The $1.2bn FMS contract was placed in February 2008.

The first C-130J was delivered to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in December 2010 and entered into service in February 2011. The remaining five C-130Js will be delivered by the end of 2011.

In November 2007, Norway placed an order for the purchase of four C-130J Super Hercules aircraft under a $519m FMS agreement. One aircraft was delivered in November 2008 and the second in April 2009. Deliveries concluded in May 2010 with the procurement of the fourth C-130J aircraft.

In January 2008, Canada placed a C$1.4bn order for 17 C-130J aircraft. First delivery took place in June 2010 at the Canadian Forces Base Trenton. The remaining 16 C-130J will be delivered by the end of 2012.

In June 2008, the USAF ordered six HC/MC-130J special operations variants of the C-130J. The first MC-130J was delivered in March 2011.

In July 2008, the government of Israel requested the sale of nine C-130J-30 aircraft. Also in July 2008, Qatar ordered four C-130J-30 aircraft with deliveries to begin in 2011. In August 2008, Iraq requested the sale of six C-130J-30 aircraft.

The Sultanate of Oman ordered one C-130J-30 long configuration aircraft in July 2009 for delivery in 2012. In August 2010, Oman ordered two additional C-130J aircraft. Deliveries are slated for 2013 and 2014.

Lockheed Martin signed a contract with Tunisia in March 2010 to supply two C-130J Super Hercules airlifters. These two aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2013 and 2014.

The US Government awarded a $245m FMS contract to Lockheed Martin on 27 May 2010 for supplying three KC-130J refuelling aircraft to Kuwait Air Force. The contract was managed by the US Navy. Deliveries will begin in 2013 and are scheduled for completion in 2014.

The Republic of Korean Air Force (ROKAF) ordered four C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in December 2010. Deliveries will commence in 2014. Lockheed Martin will also provide aircrew and maintenance training for two years.

Lockheed Martin was awarded a $270m contract by the USAF in February 2011 to supply C-130 Aircrew Training Systems (ATS). The contract includes provision of training and instruction services, site management, engineering support and operation and maintenance for aircrew training devices.

The C-130J incorporates state-of-the-art technology that significantly improves performance and reduces ownership costs. Lockheed Martin projections show the C-130J/J-30 will lower cost of ownership as much as 45% depending on the scenario used. Early model C-130s require more than 20 maintenance manhours per flight hour (MMH/FH). The C-130J/J-30 will require 10 or less MMH/FH. The C-130J/J-30 integrated digital technology provides the capability to airdrop in instrument conditions without zone markers, as a baseline feature of the aircraft. When the high resolution ground mapping capability of the APN-241 Low Power Color Radar is coupled with the dual INS/GPS and digital mapping systems, the C-130J/J-30 provides single-ship or formation all weather aerial delivery. This means the entire J/J-30 fleet will be all weather airdrop capable. C-130Js will be delivered as weather (WC), electronic combat (EC), and tanker (KC) configured aircraft.

The United States Marine Corps has chosen the KC-130J tanker to replace its aging KC-130F tanker fleet. The new KC-130J offers increased utility and much needed improvement in mission performance. As a force multiplier, the J tanker is capable of refueling both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft as well as conducting rapid ground refueling. The refueling speed envelope has been widened from 100 to 270 knots indicated airspeed, offering more capability and flexibility. Offload rates per refueling pod can be up to 300 gallons / 2,040 lbs (1,135 liters / 925 kg) per minute simultaneously. The J tanker's offload is significantly greater than previous Herc tankers. As an example, at 1,000 nautical miles, the fuel offload is well over 45,000 lbs. Rapid ground refueling is also a premium capability. In austere conditions/scenarios, the KC-130J can refuel helicopters, vehicles, and fuel caches at 600 gallons / 4,080 lbs (2,270 liters / 1,850 kg) per minute. Additionally, the unique prop feathering capability while the engines are still running ("HOTEL Mode") offers safer and more hospitable conditions for ground refueling than in the past.

The standard C-130J has essentially the same dimensions as the C-130E/H but the J-30 (stretched version) is 15 feet longer. The J-30 incorporates two extension plugs, one forward and one aft. The foward plug is 100 inches long while the rear plug is 80 inches for a total of 180 inches or 15 feet. With its 3,000 nautical mile range, increased speed, and air refueling capability, it complements the C-5/C-17 airlift team. The J-30 can work in the strategic, as well as tactical or intratheater, environment. The J-30 can be an effective force multiplier in executing the US Army Strategic Brigade Airdrop (SBA). The J-30 can airdrop 100% of the SBA requirement. No longer is it necessary to expend scarce heavy lift resources on strategic contingency requirements. Whether it's a channel, special airlift, training, or contingency airdrop mission, the J-30 can handle it all at a significantly reduced cost.

Features
In its personnel carrier role, the C-130 can accommodate 92 combat troops or 64 fully equipped paratroops on side-facing seats. For medical evacuations, it carries 74 litter patients and two medical attendants. Paratroopers exit the aircraft through two doors on either side of the aircraft behind the landing-gear fairings. Another exit is off the rear ramp for airdrops.

The C-130 can deliver personnel, equipment or supplies either by landing or by various aerial delivery modes. Three primary methods of aerial delivery are used for equipment.

• In the first, parachutes pull the load, weighing up to 42,000 pounds, from the aircraft. When the load is clear of the plane, cargo parachutes inflate and lower the load to the ground.
• The second method, called the Container Delivery System, uses the force of gravity to pull from one to 16 bundles of supplies from the aircraft. When the bundles, weighing up to 2,200 pounds each, are out of the aircraft, parachutes inflate and lower them to the ground.
• The Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System is the third aerial delivery method. With LAPES, up to 38,000 pounds of cargo is pulled from the aircraft by large, inflated cargo parachutes while the aircraft is five to 10 feet above the ground. The load then slides to a stop within a very short distance. Efforts are underway to increase the maximum load weights for LAPES aerial delivery to 42,000 pounds.

The C-130's design maximum gross weight is 155,000 pounds (175,000 pounds wartime) with a normal landing weight of 130,000 pounds. The operating weight is approximately 80,000 pounds. The airplane is capable of airlifting 92 ground troops, 64 fully equipped paratroopers, or 74 litter patients. It can also carry 45,000 pounds of cargo.

Cockpit
The C-130J is crewed by two pilots and a loadmaster. The new glass cockpit features four L-3 display systems multifunction liquid crystal displays for flight control and navigation systems.Each pilot has a Flight Dynamics head-up display (HUD). The dual mission computers, supplied by BAE Systems IEWS, operate and monitor the aircraft systems and advise the crew of status.The cockpit is fitted with the Northrop Grumman low-power colour radar display. The map display shows digitally stored map image data.

The C-130J is equipped with a Honeywell dual embedded global positioning system / inertial navigation system (GPS/INS), an enhanced traffic alerting and collision avoidance system (E-TCAS), a ground collision avoidance system, SKE2000 station keeping system, and an instrument landing system (ILS).

In July 2008, Lockheed Martin announced that the following would be included in the baseline configuration of new C-130Js: Elbit Systems global digital map unit and the TacView portable mission display and InegrFlight commercial GPS landing system sensor unit, supplied by CMC of Canada.

Cargo systems
The cargo bay of the C-130J has a total usable volume of over 4,500ft³ and can accommodate loads up to 37,216lb - for example, three armoured personnel carriers, five pallets, 74 litters (stretchers), 92 equipped combat troops or 64 paratroops. The bay is equipped with cargo handling rollers, tie-down rings, stowage containers and stowage for troop seats.

Countermeasures
The ATK AN/AAR-47 missile warning system uses electro-optic sensors to detect missile exhaust and advanced signal processing algorithms and spectral selection to analyse and prioritise threats. Sensors are mounted near the nose just below the second cockpit window and in the tail cone.

The BAE Systems AN/ALR-56M radar warning receiver is a superheterodyne receiver operating in the 2GHz to 20GHz bands. A low-band antenna and four high-band quadrant antennae are installed near the nose section below the second window of the cockpit and in the tail cone.

The BAE Systems Integrated Defense Solutions (formerly Tracor) AN/ALE-47 countermeasures system is capable of dispensing chaff and infrared flares in addition to the POET and GEN-X active expendable decoys.

The Lockheed Martin AN/ALQ-157 infrared countermeasures system generates a varying frequency-agile infrared jamming signal. The infrared transmitter is surface mounted at the aft end of the main undercarriage bay fairing.The USAF has selected the Northrop Grumman Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system to equip its C-130 aircraft. LAIRCM is based on the AN/AAQ-24(V) NEMESIS.

It entered low-rate initial production in August 2002 and completed initial operational test and evaluation in July 2004.A five-year delivery order for the system was placed by the USAF in July 2006. Australia requested the sale of LAIRCM to equip its fleet of 12 C-130J in May 2008.

Radar
The Northrop Grumman MODAR 4,000-colour weather and navigation radar is installed in the upward hinged dielectric radome in the nose of the aircraft. The weather radar has a range of 250nm.

Engines
The C-130J is equipped with four Allison AE2100D3 turboprop engines, each rated at 4,591 shaft horsepower (3,425kW). The all-composite six-blade R391 propeller system was developed by Dowty Aerospace.The engines are equipped with Full-Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) by Lucas Aerospace. An automatic thrust control system (ATCS) optimises the balance of power on the engines, allowing lower values of minimum control speeds and superior short-airfield performance.

The aircraft can carry a maximum internal fuel load of 45,900lb. An additional 18,700lb of fuel can be carried in external underwing fuel tanks. The refuelling probe installed on the centre of the fuselage has been relocated on the C-130J to the port side, over the cockpit.

Specifications
Primary Function	Intratheater airlift.
Contractor	Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company.
Power Plant	Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprops; 4,300 horsepower, each engine.
Length	97 feet, 9 inches (29.3 meters).
Height	38 feet, 3 inches (11.4 meters).
Wingspan	132 feet, 7 inches (39.7 meters).
Speed	374 mph (Mach 0.57) at 20,000 feet (6,060 meters).
Ceiling	33,000 feet (10,000 meters) with 100,000 pounds (45,000 kilograms) payload.
Maximum Takeoff Weight	155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms).
Operating Weight:	83,000 Pounds
Maximum Useable Fuel:	60,000 Pounds
Maximum Allowable Cabin Load:	36,000 Pounds
Normal Passenger Seats Available:	Up to 92 troops or 64 paratroops or 74 litter patients.
Maximum Number of Pallets:	5
Range	2,356 miles (2,049 nautical miles) with maximum payload; 2,500 miles (2,174 nautical miles) with 25,000 pounds (11,250 kilograms) cargo; 5,200 miles (4,522 nautical miles) with no cargo.
Unit Cost	$22.9 million (1992 dollars).
Crew	Five (two pilots, a navigator, flight engineer and loadmaster); up to 92 troops or 64 paratroops or 74 litter patients or five standard freight pallets.
Minimum Crew Complement	Four (two pilots, one flight engineer, and one loadmaster) Allows for a 16 hour crew duty day (12 hour for airdrop crews) (from show at the aircraft to parking at the final destination).
Crew Complement [airdrop missions]	Six crews will normally carry one navigator as well and an extra loadmaster in addition to the minimum crew complement.
Augmented Crew Complement	Nine (three pilots, two navigators, two flight engineers, and two loadmasters) Allows for a 18 hour crew duty day (from show at the aircraft to parking at the final destination)
Performance (at max normal takeoff weight, unless indicated otherwise)
Max. Cruising Speed	348 kts / 645 km/h
Economy Cruising Speed	339 kts / 628 km/h
Stalling Speed	100 kts / 185 km/h
Max. Rate of Climb at Sea Level	2,100 ft/min / 640 m/min
Time to 6,100 m	12 min
Cruising Altitude	28,000 ft / 8,535 m
Service Ceiling at 66,680 kg AUW	30,560 ft / 9,315 m
Service Ceiling, OEI, at 66,680 kg AUW	22,820 ft / 6,955 m
Takeoff Run	3,290 ft / 1,003 m
Takeoff Run to 15 m	4,700 ft / 1,433 m
Takeoff Run using max. effort procedures	1,800 ft / 549 m
Landing from 15 m at 58,967 kg AUW	2,550 ft / 777 m
Landing Run at 58,967 kg AUW	1,400 ft / 427 m
Runway LCN: asphalt	37
Runway LCN: concrete	42
Range with 18,144 kg payload and MIL-C-5011A reserves	2,835 nm / 5,250 km

Lockheed Martin F-35 Program Flight Test Update

Courtesy Lockheed Martin

Overall, the F-35 program remains ahead of the overall goals for test flights and test points year-to-date. Through May 31, the program accomplished 378 flights versus a plan of 297 and accomplished 3,342 test points against a plan of 2,217.

Several flight test and production key milestones were accomplished since the last report:

• The F-35B short takeoff /vertical landing (STOVL) jet BF-1 performed the 100th vertical landing for the test program on May 12. For 2011, 106 vertical landings have been performed.
• The F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) jet AF-1 flew to Mach 1.53, the fastest-to-date speed of the existing aircraft fleet. AF-7 completed the longest test mission to date lasting 4.1 hours.
• During the month of May, all three variants of the F-35 flew a combined total of 94 System Development and Demonstration (SDD) flights, the most achieved in a single month in program history.
• The F-35 program flew the most flights ever recorded on one day (May 25) when a combined total of 10 flights (includes SDD and LRIP) were completed at all three of its flight test locations at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB), Calif.; Fort Worth, Texas; and Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. (PAX).
• The U.S. Air Force accepted into its fleet, the second of a planned 1,763 production-model F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters when AF-6 was delivered to EAFB on May 13. AF-6 was the second aircraft in Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) lot one contractually delivered.
• One of the first two F-35A production aircraft that will be delivered to Eglin AFB, Fla., accomplished its first flight on May 13. Known as AF-9, the aircraft will be delivered to Eglin for pilot and maintainer training later this year. This jet is the second aircraft to fly from LRIP lot two.
• Two F-35C carrier variant (CV) aircraft, known as CF-2 and CF-3, were delivered to the F-35 test fleet at PAX. CF-2 was delivered May 16 and CF-3 delivered June 2.
• CF-2 successfully completed the first F-35 public fly by at the Andrews AFB, Md., Joint Services Open House Air Show during the opening ceremony for the event May 21.

The following statistics reflect the cumulative flight test activity totals for 2011:

• F-35A CTOL jets have flown 183 times.
• F-35B STOVL aircraft have completed 166 flights.
• F-35C CV jets have flown 62 times.
• From the start of flight testing in December 2006 through June 13, 2011, F-35s flew 971 times, including the production-model acceptance flights and AA-1.

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th Generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems.

Heavily Armed Afghanistan Militants Attack Pakistan Village

Huge number of heavily armed militants attacked a village in Bajaur tribal region in northwest Pakistan, they had crossed the border from Afghanistan on Thursday and stormed the village, killing five civilians, Pakistani officials said.

The militants targeted this village in Bajaur district, which borders the Afghan province of Kunar, despite the presence of Pakistani security checkpoints erected to check Taliban militants.

“Some 250-300 militants targeted civilians in Mamond. At least five civilians, including two women were killed,” according to local government official Fazle Akbar.

Akbar said three women were also wounded in the attack, which took place about 65 kilometres northwest of Khar, the main town in Bajaur.

“We have sent army and paramilitary troops to the area as we got reports that militants are still present there,” according to a security official. “Some militants were also killed when troops in the area responded, but we do not know the number of casualties yet,” the official said.

On June 1 and June 3, hundreds of militants besieged an area in Pakistan’s northwestern district of Upper Dir on the Afghan border, sparking prolonged fighting that killed at least 34 people.

Earlier in the day, a bomb attack on security forces severely wounded at least two security personnel in Upper Orakzai Agency, DawnNews reported. The bomb was said to be detonated through a remote-controlled device.

The militants also destroyed several schools, government buildings and mosques in the area. Pakistan has conveyed "strong concern" to the Afghan government over the cross-border attacks. During his recent visit to Islamabad, President Hamid Karzai said Pakistan and Afghanistan need to act "aggressively and effectively" to root out terrorists and their sanctuaries from both countries.

Terror Cleric In Indonesia Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison

South Jakarta District Court has sentenced firebrand cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir to 15 years in prison, after it found the defendant guilty of committing an act of terrorism.

In his verdict read out at the court hearing on Thursday, presiding judge Herri Swantoro said Ba'asyir stood against the government's cause to fight terrorism and had once been sentenced for a similar crime but had repeated the offense.

Herri said Ba'asyir's old age and behavior during the court proceedings were among the mitigating factors.

“[Ba’asyir] planned and/or encouraged other people intentionally to use violence or threats of violence to create terror and fear among the people and cause massive [numbers of] victims,” Herri said.

The verdict was far lower than the life sentence demanded by state prosecutors.

Ba'asyir has been accused of planning and persuading people to support a military-style training facility in Jantho Mountain in Aceh.He allegedly collected Rp 350 million (US$ 41,000) from two donors, Haryadi Usman (Rp 150 million) and Syarif Usman (Rp 200 million).

Maoists attack railway station, police station in Bihar

Maoists today set afire a railway station, attacked a police station and blew up six mobile phone towers at different places to enforce a bandh to protest the arrest of their leader Jagdish Master in Bihar's Gaya district.

"Maoists attacked Kothi police station and blasted six mobile phone towers at different places to enforce the bandh called by the ultras," city Superintendent of Police Ratnamani Sanjeev said.

"Heavily armed Maoist cadre attacked the police station early today but alert policemen fired 150 rounds to chase them away," he said, adding no casualty was reported in the exchange of fire between the securitymen and Maoists.

Great revolutionary work by the Maoist, they blew up everything which helped the common people. They did not dare attack a single minister or industrialist. Do you know why? Nobody attacks their own paymasters do they. This shows the total hypocritical values of Maoist in particular and Communist in general. Now we all know why people in Russia destroyed the statues of old communist dictators. Even China hates the Maoist phase of their history.

Ayman al-Zawahiri Named New Al-Qaeda Chief

Al-Qaeda has named Ayman al-Zawahiri as its new chief following the killing of long-time leader Osama bin Laden by US commandos in May 2 raid in Pakistan, the jihadists said in a statement today.

"The general command of Al-Qaeda announces, after consultations, the appointment of Sheikh Ayman al-Zawahiri as head of the group," said the statement, issued in the name of the general command and posted on an Islamist website.

Zawahiri has been Al-Qaeda's number two for years.

(Source PTI)

India Finally Signs The Deal With US For Procuring 10 C-17 Aircraft

India has signed its biggest defence deal with the US to procure ten C-17 heavy-lift aircraft for USD 4.1 billion under which American defence major Boeing will set up test facilities for hi-tech aeronautics engines for the DRDO.

The project to procure the ten strategic heavy-lift aircraft was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security last week through the Foreign Military Sales route.

"India yesterday signed the letter for offer and acceptance with the US for 10 C-17s and associated equipment at a cost of USD 4.1 billion and the aircraft delivery would be done in 2013 and 2014," Defence Ministry officials said here.

Commenting on the development, Boeing's India head Dinesh Keskar said, "With its strategic capabilities, the C-17 fulfills India's needs for military and humanitarian airlift.

(Source PTI)

Pakistan Starts Singing Kashmir Tune Again

As usual just before a talk Pakistan has started singing the old tune of Kashmir being the core issue. Unfortunately for India, the present Indian leadership is ready to listen to this non-sense. This gives Pakistan even more space to trash talk.

Everybody in both the countries know that the latest round of talks are nothing but an eyewash meant to placate respective European or western masters.Pakistan will never do anything about state sponsored terrorism except give lip service. This simple truth is beyond the peace obsessed Prime Minister of India. Readers might remember this was exactly the case before the outbreak of the second world war.

No dates have been finalised yet for the talks, but a source said Islamabad had proposed June 24-25. Delhi is yet to respond to the proposal.

“Jammu and Kashmir is the core issue and it was imperative to address this issue effectively and in a purposeful manner in the forthcoming dialogue with India,” a statement issued by the Foreign Office after Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir’s consultative session with Kashmiri leadership on the impending dialogue with his Indian counterpart Nirupama Rao.He is exactly correct, once Pakistan withdraws from the illegally occupied portion of Jammu and Kashmir, we can talk about it. I am sure that only a minuscule minority want to go with Pakistan because in Pakistan only thing cheap are bomb and death, while with India they have a future a chance to grow individually and as a state.

The two secretaries are to discuss Jammu and Kashmir; peace and security; and friendly exchanges at the meeting, but India, according to the source, is pushing for a discussion on the latest evidence in the Mumbai attacks in the light of Headley’s testimony before a Chicago court and Tahawwur Rana’s confessional statement.(Read lovely outing for the secretary and enjoying some local delicacies)

The two sides discussed the progress in the Mumbai case at the meeting of interior/home secretaries in March at the start of the ongoing engagement process. Mumbai per se does not form part of the agenda of the secretaries’ meeting and Indian push for its inclusion is being seen by Pakistani officials as counter-productive.Correct again do not talk about things which expose Pakistan as an epicenter of World Terrorism.

“We are cognizant that despite our desire to have a result-oriented process, it can’t happen in one interaction,” a senior official noted and called for finding space to allow the revived peace process to progress.

Earlier this week Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna indicated that the foreign secretary would raise the issue of alleged nexus between ISI and the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks, highlighted during the trial of terror suspect Tahawwur Rana.

Pakistan-US Relationship Reaching Breaking Point

Since September 2001 this relationship has had many challenges but according to Pentagon officials this is the worst phase. At present it is so bad that some people on both side see it collapsing very soon.

On the Pakistani side something unprecedented happened recently when General Ashfaq Kayani faced a hostile crowd comprising of his batallion commanders, who took him to task for his support of USA. Even his corp commanders are virulently anti-US, they do not want this military relationship any longer. Thus General Kayani is under tremendous pressure to drop USA as an ally as soon as possible.

Then there are the highly unpopular drone strikes. recently the Pakistani senate demanded the immediate freeze on such attacks while the military made it clear in its statement that it is not in favor of such attacks. USA at the present moment has no plans of scaling back though the Pakistani Government has accused it of using the drones indiscriminately. Government Of Pakistan is clearly uncomfortable with the policy of targeting lower ranked Taliban commanders in drone strikes rather than using them only for high level commanders.

On the other side of the divide are the US lawmakers who had started questioning the integrity of Pakistan long before the Abootabad raid, but that incident has caused all the hell to break loose against the Pakistani establishments double standard policy. Recently the Pakistani military arrested five CIA operatives who had helped the US in the Abbotabad raid. Among them is a Pakistani army major who lived alongside the compound and was responsible for recording the daily activities of Bin-Laden. He and his family have disappeared nobody knows where they are.

This is quite surprising owing to the fact that Pakistan publicly said it wanted to kill Osama but now they are taking action against those people who helped getting him.A U.S. official said the CIA tried to get the doctor and other informants out of harm’s way before their arrests, offering to relocate them. But they refused and “thought they would be okay,” the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters.

Even Secretary Gates conceded that U.S. intelligence that had been given to Pakistan in mid-May about insurgent bomb factories in the tribal regions was leaked, and that the facilities were abandoned before military strikes could take place.

Mullen, in the Senate hearing, warned against pushing the Pakistanis too hard. The relationship is a challenge, he agreed, and “some of the criticism is more than warranted.” But “if we walk away from it, it’s my view it’ll be a much more dangerous place a decade from now, and we’ll be back.”

U.S. officials have tried their level best to diffuse the tension as is apparent by the spate of high level meetings visits to Pakistan. Mullen; Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton; Gen. James N. Mattis, head of U.S. Central Command; and CIA Director Leon Panetta have all traveled there in recent weeks.On the Pakistani side, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani this week publicly called for a resumption of the U.S.-Pakistan strategic dialogue, suspended several months ago, following meetings with Deputy Secretary of State Thomas R. Nides. Before leaving Islamabad on Tuesday, Nides announced disbursement of $190 million in U.S. aid for Pakistani flood victims.

There are many who want this relationship to collapse and their are few who want this relationship to survive. Which way this love affair will go is anybody's guess but mark my words, once U.S.A pulls out of Afghanistan the importance of Pakistan will diminish and even worse will happen if the Republicans come to power. While now Pakistan can take solace from the fact that without it U.S.A cannot survive in Afghanistan but this might not be the case always.

Horror Stories Of Syrian Refugees

As the Syrian military on Tuesday continued its relentless advance against protesters, citizens who had fled their homes for safety related "horror story upon horror story" to a reporter who managed to enter the country.

Despite the Syrian government's consistent refusal to give CNN and other international news organizations permission to enter the country, a CNN reporter crossed the Turkish border into northwestern Syria for a few hours Tuesday.

She spoke to people at a makeshift campsite near Kherbet al-Jouz, where tarpaulins strung between trees provided the only shelter from the elements for the hundreds of Syrians encamped there. One family said they had spent an entire night standing rather than lie in the mud. One man tried to protect himself from the rain with branches and a piece of tarpaulin.

Families bathed in a muddy stream, where they also washed the few clothes they had brought with them.

Illness has already begun to spread, said Mohammed Merri, a pharmacist who carried supplies with him as he fled, then set up something of a field hospital once he arrived at the camp. "My biggest problem is the children and people with heart disease," he said. "I don't have the medicine for that."

Most of the refugees here are from the region that includes the nearby city of Jisr al-Shugur, which government forces entered Sunday.

A number of people said they had witnessed bombings around the city as they fled. One man said soldiers shot at him, and a woman said she witnessed death.

"They set our fields on fire, destroyed our homes," said a woman who added that she was planning to try to cross into Turkey for protection. But others said they would remain in Syria, some hoping to find loved ones lost in the chaos, others hoping against hope to return to their homes.

Read More

Syrians Set Up Protective Roadblocks

June 15 - Syrian villagers erect temporary roadblocks to protect those fleeing from forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. Simon Hanna reports.

© Reuters

Poor guys what chances do have against tanks and artillery of Assad's forces. So where are the all the bleeding hearts who attacked Libya within two weeks. Are they afraid of Syrian forces or they are afraid of the missiles from Iranians.