March 17, 2010
Reports noted that India and Russia have signed the ‘final lease and training agreement’ for Nerpa K-152 (Akula-II class) nuclear submarine during Prime Minister Vladmir Putin’s recent visit to New Delhi. Under the agreement, New Delhi will send a 50-member crew to Russia for training, following which the over 12, 000 tonne underwater vessel would be leased to India for 10 years. The submarine, to be rechristened INS Chakra when inducted into Indian navy, will however not be armed with long-range nuclear missile as its transfer is prohibited under the international treaty, Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). Nerpa’s primary roles will be to train Indian sailors of Indian Navy. The training assumes importance given India’s own indigenous efforts to build and operate a range of nuclear submarines. The INS Arihant, the first nuclear submarine to be constructed by India, is expected to become operational in 2011-12. As per reports, India is planning to “have three SSBNs (nuclear-powered submarines with long-range missiles) and six SSNs (nuclear-powered attack submarines) in the long-term.”
BEML bags 632 Cr defence order
March 19, 2010
Reports noted that BEML, one of the eight defence public sector undertakings under the defence ministry, has bagged orders worth 632 crors for supply of 788 Tatra vehicles. This order comprises of BEML Tatra Variants of 498 Nos of 8x8, 278 Nos of 6x6 (with Winch) and 12 Nos. of 6x6 (without Winch) to Indian Army. All the vehicles are to be delivered to Indian Army within a period of 18 months. The MoD has made 50 per cent advance payment.
Russia to bid for US defence contract
March 19, 2010
Report noted that Russia’s state-owned United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) is planning to bid for US Air Force’s (USAF) $35 billion tanker contract. Russia will however partner with a “small U.S. defense contractor” for its offer, based on Ilyushin Il-96 wide-body jetliner, a four engine airliner. A formal announcement is expected from the UAC on 22 March 2010.
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