Analyzing the Air Power Balance: Indian Air Force vs. Chinese PLAAF

Amid escalating tensions, the Indian Air Force (IAF) faces a formidable challenge from the technologically advanced People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) over the Himalayas. With over 1200 warplanes, the IAF stands in a tight spot against the PLAAF's locally developed and manufactured arsenal.

The PLAAF's substantial size and technological superiority pose a significant threat, yet the IAF holds advantages in operational bases and geographical positioning, critical for supporting Indian Army operations and counteracting PLAAF strategies.

As tensions simmer along the Ladakh border, questions arise about the IAF's ability to sustain operations in challenging mountain terrain and a potentially expanding conflict scenario. An objective analysis of PLAAF capabilities is crucial to assess the threat posed to IAF operations.

Delving into PLAAF platforms, training, and likely tactics provides insights into the potential challenges faced by the IAF. From frontline fighters like the Su-35 and J-20 to strategic assets like the H-6 bombers and advanced cruise missiles, the PLAAF presents a multifaceted threat.

Examining PLAAF training, tactics, and operational exercises reveals a concerted effort to enhance combat readiness and adaptability against near-peer adversaries. However, challenges remain in achieving uniformity across units and maintaining tactical proficiency.

In assessing the PLAAF's potential tactics, the utilization of stealth capabilities, force multipliers like AWACS, and precision strike capabilities underscores the complexity of the threat environment faced by the IAF.

Despite PLAAF's advantages, constraints exist, such as terrain limitations, logistical challenges, and vulnerabilities in extended operations from high-altitude airbases. The IAF's familiarity with low-level flying and operational bases offers strategic advantages in countering PLAAF aggression.

As both air forces engage in a potential conflict scenario, the balance of power hinges on factors like training, motivation, and adaptability. While the IAF may face initial challenges, leveraging strategic acquisitions and operational expertise can bolster its resilience against PLAAF incursions.

In navigating the air power balance, the IAF must prioritize strategic investments in cruise missiles, EW equipment, and air defense systems to mitigate PLAAF advantages and uphold national security interests in the region. 

US Army Expands Competition for Short-Range Laser Defense Systems

 

The U.S. Army is broadening its evaluation of 50-kilowatt platforms as it pursues the acquisition of short-range air defense laser weapons. Despite deploying the initial four prototypes to U.S. Central Command’s area of operations, the Army is considering additional platforms to enhance its capabilities, according to a Defense News report.

Currently, three Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense systems (DE M-SHORAD) are operational in Iraq, facilitating experimentation in relevant operational environments. The fourth prototype will join them after undergoing necessary adjustments, stated Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch, director of the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.

While the Army originally intended to conclude the DE M-SHORAD prototyping effort and transition to Program Executive Office Missiles and Space by 2023, it has extended the timeline to fiscal year 2025 for further development.

The initial prototypes feature a 50-kilowatt laser installed on a Stryker combat vehicle, with Raytheon and Kord Technologies leading integration efforts. Two additional 50-kilowatt platforms from nLight and Lockheed Martin will be evaluated next year, offering different designs and characteristics.

The Army's evaluation process is expected to span approximately two years, gathering data from existing and new systems to inform senior leadership decisions by the late 2026 or early 2027 timeframe. Rasch emphasized the importance of maintaining competition to enhance overall performance and affordability.

While progress may seem slow, Rasch underscored the significance of operationalizing the systems to understand their lethality and reliability in real-world scenarios. The Army is investing approximately $100 million annually in this endeavor, evaluating laser options ranging from 10 to 300 kilowatts to address various threats and missions.

Through an integrated test campaign, the Army aims to collect comprehensive data on power, lethality, affordability, and reliability across directed-energy weapons. This approach will inform strategic decision-making and help optimize defense strategies against emerging threats in diverse environments, Rasch concluded.

China's Revolutionary 'Super' AD Missile Threatens US B-21s: Expert Insights

 Amidst escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, Chinese researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking surface-to-air missile (SAM) boasting an unprecedented kill range. Published in the Chinese Language Journal of Graphics, the paper claims this SAM surpasses all existing systems with a range exceeding 2,000 kilometers (about 1,240 miles).

Traditional SAMs typically have much shorter ranges, making such ultra-long-range capabilities seemingly impractical. Yet, according to the paper, this new Chinese SAM has the potential to neutralize threats like bombers and early-warning aircraft, hinting at its relevance in regional conflicts, particularly against the US Air Force and its allies.

The US has recently intensified its military presence in the Indo-Pacific, prompting China to bolster its defenses. Amidst speculation of a potential Taiwan conflict by 2027, China aims to deter external interference with advanced air defense technologies.

The new SAM, designed to be mobile and affordable, challenges conventional air defense norms. Despite skepticism from some military analysts, who doubt its immediate adoption, the missile's development signifies China's rapid progress in military technology.

Moreover, the missile's integration with China's satellite network enhances its targeting capabilities, potentially rendering stealth technologies obsolete. With its strategic implications for regional stability, this SAM represents a significant advancement in China's defense capabilities.

Pakistan Unveils Advanced Aircraft and Rocket Programs at Military Technology Parade

 During the March 23 Pakistan Day Parade held in the capital, Pakistan's military proudly exhibited its latest defense capabilities, unveiling a series of cutting-edge aircraft and rocket projects. Among the showcased equipment was the Haider platform, representing the first locally produced VT-4 main battle tank, which made its debut appearance. This tank, part of the pilot production batch unveiled earlier in March by the state-owned armored fighting vehicles manufacturer Heavy Industries Taxila, marks a significant milestone in Pakistan's defense manufacturing capabilities.

Moreover, Pakistan showcased the long-range HQ-9/P surface-to-air missile system, making its inaugural appearance. This missile system, supplied by China and entering service in 2021, boasts a range of 125 kilometers, adding a formidable layer to Pakistan's air defense architecture. The parade also featured the unveiling of Pakistan's indigenous Fatah 2 guided multiple-launch rocket system and the medium-range Ababeel ballistic missile, both showcasing the nation's prowess in missile technology.

The display of these advanced military assets underscores Pakistan's commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and modernizing its armed forces. The decision to unveil these projects during the Pakistan Day Parade highlights the significance of these advancements in bolstering Pakistan's security posture.

Furthermore, Pakistan has announced ambitious new defense programs, including the PFX Program aimed at replacing the JF-17 combat aircraft. Additionally, the Fatah 3, with a range of 450 kilometers, is set to enter service soon, while the Fatah 4, boasting a range of 700 kilometers, is currently under development. These programs signify Pakistan's determination to stay at the forefront of military technology and maintain a robust defense posture.

Experts have noted the strategic implications of these developments, with the HQ-9/P missile system offering shorter effective ranges but superior sensor performance compared to its Russian counterparts. The introduction of these advanced missile systems and aircraft programs reflects Pakistan's commitment to deterring potential threats and ensuring national security.

Moreover, the unveiling of the Ababeel ballistic missile, alongside future developments, underscores Pakistan's efforts to enhance its nuclear deterrence capabilities. This display serves as a clear message of Pakistan's resolve to maintain a credible and dynamic full-spectrum deterrent.

Looking ahead, Pakistan's PFX Program aims to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft, signaling the nation's aspirations for technological advancement in the aerospace domain. While details about the PFX Program remain scarce, experts anticipate cooperation with international partners such as Turkey and China to leverage their expertise and resources.

In conclusion, Pakistan's unveiling of advanced aircraft and rocket programs at the Pakistan Day Parade showcases the nation's commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities and ensuring its readiness to counter emerging threats. These developments mark significant strides in Pakistan's defense industry and underscore its resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and national interests.

Greece to Sell F-16s and Mirage-2000s: A Strategic Shift in Air Force Modernization

 

Greece, having previously announced its intention to train Ukrainian fighter pilots on F-16s, has now revealed plans to decommission and sell its outdated F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighter jets. Despite the training program, Greece won't be sending any of these aircraft to Ukraine.

The Greek Defense Minister, Nikos Dendias, disclosed the decision to overhaul the Hellenic Air Force, emphasizing the need to streamline its aircraft types due to maintenance costs. The plan involves retiring F-4s, selling Mirage 2000-5s and Block 30 F-16s, and upgrading remaining F-16s to Viper level, alongside acquiring F-35s and strengthening the fleet of Rafales.

While the modernization aims to enhance uniformity and interoperability, Greece has opted not to offer its older jets to Ukraine, unlike other NATO allies. The US has authorized an $8.6 billion sale of F-35s to Greece, and Greece has agreements with France to purchase Rafales, indicating a strategic shift in its air force capabilities.

The specific aircraft slated for disposal include the F-16s, including the last 34 single-seat F-16C and six two-seat F-16D Block 30 aircraft. Despite Ukraine's pleas for fighter jets, Greece hasn't committed to transferring any, unlike other NATO allies. Greece's aircraft could still be beneficial for Ukraine, although they lack commonality with European F-16 operators.

Greece could potentially aid Ukraine with military equipment like the S-300 air defense systems, as hinted at by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. However, there's no mention of transferring Greek combat aircraft to Ukraine, despite ongoing requests from the Ukrainian side.

Russia May Fly Military Cargo to Syria: Report------------Defense News

MOSCOW — Russia may decide to fly a controversial military cargo of helicopters and air defense systems to Syria after it abandoned an attempt to ship the material by sea, according to a June 27 report.
The West wants Russia to halt military cooperation with Syria because of the escalating conflict between the Damascus regime and rebels, but Moscow has insisted it cannot break contracts.
A freighter, the Alaed, docked in the Russian Arctic port of Murmansk over the weekend after turning back off the British coast. The ship halted its voyage to Syria to deliver the military cargo when its British insurer dropped coverage.
“The three Mi-25 helicopters and air defense systems could easily be delivered to Syria by air,” a military source, who was not identified, told the Interfax news agency.
“Russia has to fulfill its obligations. But everything will depend on if we can resist pressure from the West, who want us to break military cooperation with Syria,” the source said, adding a decision would be made soon.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has confirmed the Alaed was carrying three attack helicopters Moscow had repaired for Damascus under a previous agreement.
He said last week the cargo also included air defense systems but gave no further details on the type or quantity on board.
Russia delivers a range of limited air defense systems to Syria but reportedly has refused to provide the more advanced S-300 technology that it had previously also failed to give to Iran under Western pressure.
The Vedomosti business daily reported June 26 that Russia this year chose to withhold the S-300 from Syria, despite a $105 million delivery contract being signed by the system’s producer and Damascus in 2011.
Military experts have speculated that the Alaed was carrying the more basic Russian Buk-M2e air defense systems for Syria, whose forces last week shot down a Turkish warplane off the Syrian coast.
In Murmansk, the Alaed’s flag has been changed to a Russian flag from that of the Caribbean island of Curacao.
But Russia has yet to confirm if the ship will now make a repeat attempt to reach the Syrian port of Tartus or travel on to Russia’s Far East port city of Vladivostok as originally planned.

U.K. to Develop Short Range Protection System for Warships---------Defense News

LONDON — Development of a short-range weapon to protect Royal Navy warships from fast jets and sea-skimming missiles has been given the green light by the British government.

Sources here said missile builder MBDA and the Ministry of Defence signed the deal just before the end of the year but have kept the move under wraps.

Neither the contractor nor the MoD was prepared to comment on the missile contract.

The Future Local Area Air Defence System (Maritime) program will provide a new-generation weapon to replace the long-serving Seawolf missile currently employed by the Royal Navy, when it goes out of service in 2016.

Details of the plan to develop the weapon based on MBDA’s Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM) are scarce but the source said the deal could be worth in the region of 500 million pounds ($784 million).

The missile is expected to be initially deployed on existing Type 23 frigates but will later be used on the upcoming Type 26/Global Combat Ship.

Future iterations of the weapon are destined to replace the Rapier ground-to-air missile deployed by the British Army, as well as provide technology insertions for the Royal Air Force’s Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile on which the CAMM is loosely based.

CAMM is one of six missile programs placed into an assessment phase in 2008 by the MoD/industry partnership known as Team Complex Weapons.

The Team CW scheme was launched by the then-Labour government in 2006, ending competition over a range of weapons and bringing together the skills of the leading weapon suppliers here such as MBDA, Thales UK and QinetiQ in an effort to maintain sovereign capabilities at a time of declining demand for new weapons.

Other programs being looked at include an update of the Storm Shadow cruise missile, development of the ground-launched Fire Shadow loitering munition, light and heavy future anti-surface guided weapons, and air-to-ground precision weapons.

Late last year also saw the government extend the assessment phase of Thales UK’s work on the Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon (Light) using its Lightweight Multirole Missile.

The missile will be fitted to the AgustaWestland Wildcat naval helicopters due in service by the middle of the decade.

India Casts Wider Net for Short-Range Missiles

NEW DELHI - The Indian Army has entered the global market to buy short-range surface-to-air missile (SRSAM) systems for $1.5 billion, a move that could further undercut a four-year effort to develop a system with MBDA of France.

The Army convinced the Indian Defence Ministry there is an urgent requirement for SRSAM, said Army sources, and did not want to wait for the Maitri project conceived four years ago. India and France have not been able to agree on details of the Maitri project, including funding arrangements, the source added.

The Army last month sent global tenders to defense companies in Europe, the United States and Russia including Raytheon of the U.S., Israel's Rafael, MBDA and Thales of France, Diehl Defence of Germany, KBP Tula and Rosoboronexport of Russia, Ukraineexport of Ukraine and LIG NEX1 of South Korea.

The requirements of the SRSAM are similar to those of the proposed Indo-French Maitri project, the Army source said.

The current tender is for two regiments (36 systems, 1,000 missiles) estimated to cost about $800 million each. The total Indian Army requirement is likely to be about eight regiments in the next five to seven years.

The Maitri project was proposed to be jointly developed by India's Defence Research and Development Laboratory and MBDA.

The selected vendor will have to transfer technology of the systems, as well.

The supply will be made in two batches and completed within five years of the signing of the tender, including the launchers, sensors, vehicles for transportation and the missiles. The system must have a service life of at least 20 years and the missiles of not less than eight years.

The SRSAM system should be able to engage multiple targets, including those flying up to 500 meters per second, and have a maximum range of not less than 15 kilometers.

In 2009, India bought two regiments of Spyder quick-reaction surface-to-air missile systems from Rafael. Another Indo-Israeli joint project is the $2.5 billion long-range surface-to-air missile project signed in 2009 and expected to be inducted in 2013, Indian Defence Ministry sources said.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army has begun inducting the homemade medium-range Akash, which has a range of up to 30 kilometers. In 2011, the Indian Army ordered the induction of two Akash regiments at a cost of about $3 billion.

The Army also has been negotiating the purchase of David Sling and Iron Dome missile interceptor systems.

Helsinki OKs Patriot Missile Shipment to S. Korea

HELSINKI - Sixty-nine Patriot missiles impounded in Finland after being found on a merchant vessel in mid-December were headed for South Korea, the Finnish government said Jan. 4, granting their transit through Finnish territory.

"The missiles in question had been sold to the Republic of Korea by Germany," the government said in a statement, adding that it had granted a license to Seoul's "Defense Acquisition Program Administration to transit through Finnish territory 69 Patriot missiles."

The surface-to-air missiles, produced by U.S. firm Raytheon, were discovered on December 15 aboard the British-registered Thor Liberty docked in the southeastern Finnish port of Kotka.

Confusion initially surrounded the shipment.

Finnish police said the goods were bound for China but did not have the necessary authorization to pass through Finland, while a German defense ministry spokesman said the missiles came from the German military and were destined for South Korea.

The spokesman said it was a "legal sale on the basis of an accord between two states at the government level" and that export authorizations were in order.

However a senior Finnish defense ministry official said Finland had not received any transit license application for the missiles from Germany.

A joint team of Finnish customs and police officials removed and impounded the missiles during an investigation for suspected illegal export of defense material.

The vessel's Ukrainian captain and first mate were also detained for questioning and later slapped with a travel ban which is still in effect.

Last week the customs service said it planned to widen the investigation.

"Next week ... we will want to hear more suspects or persons of interest in the case. It is possible there may be others of interest," the head of the Finnish customs anti-crime unit, Petri Lounatmaa, told AFP.

Finnish transport safety officials have cleared the Thor Liberty to leave Finland, but the vessel has remained in port due to the travel ban imposed on its first officers, and the removal of its cargo.

Mideast Weapon Sales Part of Long-Term Plan: U.S.

The final days of 2011 saw the Obama administration finalize two important weapon sales with countries in the Middle East: a $3.48 billion sale of a Lockheed Martin-made missile defense system to the United Arab Emirates, and a $29.4 billion sale of Boeing-made F-15 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

While the announcements come as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to rise over a dispute regarding access to the Strait of Hormuz, the deals themselves are not meant to address current events, State Department officials said.

The F-15 deal was finalized with Saudi Arabia on Dec. 24. However, the White House first notified Congress of that sale, which includes 84 new aircraft and the modernization of 70 existing aircraft as well as missiles, spare parts, training, maintenance and logistics, in October 2010.

During a Dec. 30 State Department news conference, Andrew Shapiro, assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, told reporters that the deal was not directed toward Iran, adding that work on the sale precedes the latest news out of the region.

"We did not gin up a package based on current events in the region," he said.

Over the last several weeks, the United States and Iran have stepped up the economic and military pressure on each other, with the latest threat coming from Iran, which warned the United States not to return one of its aircraft carriers to the gulf.

On Jan. 3, the Pentagon dismissed Iran's warnings.

"The deployment of U.S. military assets in the Persian Gulf region will continue as it has for decades," Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a statement. "Our transits of the Strait of Hormuz continue to be in compliance with international law, which guarantees our vessels the right of transit passage."

Meanwhile, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman is on a four-day trip to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

"While in the gulf region, she will consult with senior Saudi and Emirati officials on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues," according to the State Department. Her trip "further illustrates the robust strategic relationship the United States shares with both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates."

While the latest sales to the Middle East are being placed in this geopolitical context, the late December announcements are not tied to the escalating tensions, but part of a longer-term security plan, said Danny Sebright, president of the U.S.-UAE Business Council and a counselor at the Cohen Group, Washington.

"The overall sales with regard to both countries are definitely the result of a long-term concern with Iranian intentions, a long-term concern with wanting to improve individual countries' defense capabilities," Sebright said. "But, is the announcement of these two deals specifically tied to Iran? I would say no to that. I would say it's much more about internal decision-making in both countries - some with regard to terms and conditions of the sale, some with regard to budgeting, and some with regard to the Arab Spring."

According to Sebright, the United States gave the formal Letter of Offer and Acceptance to Saudi Arabia last spring and the Saudi government has been holding on to it until it was ready to sign.

"The basic deal had all but been done over a year ago, but they waited for internal and external reasons," he said.

A State Department official said, "While we decline to get into the specifics on the negotiations, the timeline here is not particularly atypical. A sale of this magnitude and complexity required close, continual consultations with our Saudi and industry partners to sort out the details."

Congress was first notified of the plan to sell UAE the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System (THAAD) in September 2008. After negotiating the details of the contract, the United States and UAE signed the THAAD deal on Dec. 25. Lockheed Martin is on contract for four THAAD batteries for the U.S. Army, but the UAE deal is the program's first foreign sale.

Lockheed Martin's portion of the $3.48 billion sale is $1.96 billion. The overall deal includes two THAAD batteries, 96 missiles, two AN/TPY-2 radars, and 30 years of spare parts, support, and training to the UAE, according to the Pentagon.

Since the 2008 congressional notification, UAE trimmed the buy.

At first it was expected the country would buy three THAAD fire units, 147 missiles, and four radar sets for an estimated value of $6.95 billion.

The United Arab Emirates has asked Lockheed not to publicly discuss the delivery schedule of the weapon system, said Dennis Cavin, vice president of corporate business development at Lockheed Martin.

"This sale is an important step in improving the region's security through a regional missile defense architecture, and follows a number of recent ballistic missile defense-related sales," Little said in a Dec. 30 statement.

Sales from earlier in the year include a $1.7 billion direct commercial sales contract to upgrade Saudi Arabia's Patriot missiles and the sale of 209 Patriot GEM-T missiles to Kuwait, valued at about $900 million.

Loren Thompson, a defense analyst at the Lexington Institute, also put the sale in the context of December's announcement that Iraq would buy Lockheed's F-16s and Oman's decision to double the size of its F-16 fleet.

"When combined with the modernization of the Saudi Air Force and the extensive F-16 inventory of the United Arab Emirates, it is clear Arab gulf states will be positioned to greatly outmatch the antiquated tactical aircraft fleet of Iran," he wrote in a blog for Forbes.

According to Lockheed Martin, demand for missile defense capabilities continues to climb around the world.

"With regional threats in the Middle East and the uncertainties of what's going on in North Korea, demand for a very capable missile defense system has never been stronger," Cavin said. "The U.S. government is in discussion with a number of countries who have expressed interest in the THAAD, but we'd prefer that the Missile Defense Agency address any specifics with regard to which countries have contacted them."

The Missile Defense Agency declined to provide further details.

In announcing the Saudi deal, the State Department emphasized it would improve interoperability between the Saudi and American air forces.

In addition to greater cooperation with the United States, the sales also bolster internal cooperation among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Sebright said.

The gulf countries have taken more steps to improve internal coordination and work toward multilateral defense policies in the last year than they have over the last 25, he said.