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Saurabh Joshi

Founded India's first defence news and analysis website in 2008. Trained in journalism. Studied law. Pioneered online video to tell stories of defence technologies. Video journalist. Analyst. Reporter. Follow him on Post.News: https://post.news/@/saurabhjoshi and Twitter.

26/11-26/04

Five months past the attacks on Mumbai, the promise of tangible Indo-Pak cooperation has become more urgent but remains just as distant. India has been unable to persuade Pakistan on several counts. It would like its neighbor to take an unequivocal and committed stand and refrain from dragging its feet going after the perpetrators of 26/11.

Dassault responds to Rafale rejection

A source at Dassault told StratPost, “Other bidders might say on paper that they meet the requirements of the RfP. But if the others bidders say they meet the RfP requirements they are lying.” Dassault has warned the claims made by bidders for the MMRCA may be exagerrated and may end up scuttling the process.

Rafale ejection from MMRCA race confirmed

Sources in the Indian Ministry of Defense told StratPost the aircraft was out of the running for failure to meet the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR) during the technical evaluation. Read the whole story behind the reasons for the disqualification of Dassault’s aircraft.

IAI denies wrongdoing in MRSAM deal

The allegations of impropriety raised against the $1.4 billion Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles contract with Israel Aerospace Industries have elicited a response from the IAI, which has come out with a guarded denial to these allegations by issuing a statement without naming any specific contract, customer or country.

Release: Israel Aerospace Industries Financial Report ’08

• Sales in 2008 reach $3.6 billion, compared to $3.3 billion in 2007, an increase of 9 percent

• $91 million net profit in 2008, compared to $118 million in 2007, a decrease of 23 percent

• Profit before early retirement expenses reaches $195 million, compared to $157 million in 2007, an increase of 24 percent

• Backlog as of December 31, 2008, reach $7.1 billion, reflecting two years worth of sales

• Cash flow from current projects reaches $123 million

Army expects rise in violence in Jammu and Kashmir

Army sources think the upsurge is the result of a number of factors coming together. “The receding winter, melting snows, opening of passes, the upcoming general elections and the increase in the influence of the Taliban in Pakistan are why this is happening, said the officer, who added, “Pakistan may also take this as an opportunity to divert attention from itself.” Ironically, the 12-15 feet of snow covering the LoC has made it easy for militants to cross the fence as they can simply walk over it.

IAF to scan MiG-29s for structural defects

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will after all be conducting tests on its MiG 29 fighter aircraft to satisfy safety concerns according to PTI. The agency quoted Air Marshal Gautam Nayyar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance command as saying, “The IAF will conduct ultra sound examination of certain components of the MiG 29 at 11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) of the force.”