‘All we are saying is the technical evaluation has been completed and any decision will be taken by the Ministry of Defense. People have made their own interpretations and assumptions. People have been reading too much into this.’ : IAF officer
Aid Center in LTTE-held territory [No Fire Zone, Vanni, Sri Lanka]
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Footage of an aid center in Vanni, Sri Lanka, from the rebel-controlled area of the No Fire Zone. Some viewers may find this footage disturbing. These clips were sent to StratPost by media operating in the area.
Dassault responds to Rafale rejection
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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
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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.
Indian Navy rubbishes reports of ‘urgent’ brasshat meet
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The Indian Navy has denied reports of an urgent security review meeting of its commanders taking place in Visakhapatnam. Naval sources told StratPost, “This is a routine annual commanders meeting. It happens every year, and there’s nothing urgent about it.”
Israel tests Arrow weapon system successfully
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According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, this is the 17th experiment of Arrow intercept and the 11th examined, as they were developed as part of the improvement program, ASIP, the collaboration between Israel and United States.
Russia, US, Iran, Indian Muslims to blame for Israeli IAI MRSAM deal row: Report
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Quoting Israeli defense officials, a Jerusalem Post report has blamed the controversy over the $1.4 billion Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) contract awarded to Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) on Russian and US defense companies, Muslims in India and has speculated on the involvement of Iran as well, in attempting to scuttle the deal.
IAI denies wrongdoing in MRSAM deal
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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.
Expedited defense procurement held up by elections
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Indian defense procurement, which had hitherto been steaming ahead via the fast track procedure for procurement is facing the prospect of delays due to the two-month long general elections slated to commence this month.
Release: Israel Aerospace Industries Financial Report ’08
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• 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
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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
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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.”
Army charges three over Sopore deaths
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The General Officer Commanding, Kilo Force will be convening disciplinary proceedings against the three personnel, which could later result in them being cashiered from the army and even imprisoned.
Air Marshal P V Naik to be next IAF chief
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In his almost four-decade-long service he has served in a variety of Command Staff and Instructional appointments. He has 3085 flying hours to his credit. The Air Marshal Naik also served in the 1971 war. Before taking over as VCAS, he was Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Allahabad-based Central Air Command.
Russian MiG-29s grounding leaves India concerned
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Both, the IAF as well as the Indian Navy, are concerned that the withdrawal from service of 90 Russian Air Force MiG-29s for repairs may lead to delays in delivery as well as quality issues in the upgrading and production of new aircraft for the two forces.
