India is planning to acquire at least 15 amphibious aircraft for the
Indian Navy from Japan and is setting up a joint working group to decide
the terms of the cooperation. These could possibly include joint
production, operation and training on the US-2 amphibious aircraft. The
Indian Navy earlier issued a request for information (RFI) for the
aircraft. Canada's Bombardier, Japan's ShinMaywa and Russia's Beriev had
offered their aircraft to meet the requirements.
Speaking to FE on conditions of anonymity, a senior officer said, "All the three aircraft failed in the field evaluation trials (FET), carried out on calm and rough seas. Also because there is a lack of experience of the Indian Navy in amphibian aircraft operations."
The need for the amphibian aircraft was felt mostly for geo-strategic reasons. "The amphibious aircraft will be placed in the Andaman and Nicobar islands in the Indian Ocean, which is the base of India's Tri-Command, meant to keep a vigil on China. The aircraft would spearhead any littoral warfare operations in the Indian Ocean," explained an officer.
The sale, if it happens, will be the first of a finished product made by Japan's homegrown defence industry since rules were imposed restricting the export of weapons systems and other equipment. It would also mark a strengthening of the alliance between India and Japan, which both see rising China as a threat to regional stability.
"The aircraft will be used for maritime patrol, anti-surface warfare, electronic intelligence and search-and-rescue missions as they are not equipped to carry on any weapons load."
During a recent visit by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Tokyo, the two sides firmed up plans for Delhi to purchase the US-2, a domestically-developed aircraft used by Japan's armed forces. The aircraft has a range of 4,500 kilometers and can be used for strategic interests in the Asia-Pacific.
Speaking to FE on conditions of anonymity, a senior officer said, "All the three aircraft failed in the field evaluation trials (FET), carried out on calm and rough seas. Also because there is a lack of experience of the Indian Navy in amphibian aircraft operations."
The need for the amphibian aircraft was felt mostly for geo-strategic reasons. "The amphibious aircraft will be placed in the Andaman and Nicobar islands in the Indian Ocean, which is the base of India's Tri-Command, meant to keep a vigil on China. The aircraft would spearhead any littoral warfare operations in the Indian Ocean," explained an officer.
The sale, if it happens, will be the first of a finished product made by Japan's homegrown defence industry since rules were imposed restricting the export of weapons systems and other equipment. It would also mark a strengthening of the alliance between India and Japan, which both see rising China as a threat to regional stability.
"The aircraft will be used for maritime patrol, anti-surface warfare, electronic intelligence and search-and-rescue missions as they are not equipped to carry on any weapons load."
During a recent visit by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Tokyo, the two sides firmed up plans for Delhi to purchase the US-2, a domestically-developed aircraft used by Japan's armed forces. The aircraft has a range of 4,500 kilometers and can be used for strategic interests in the Asia-Pacific.
No comments:
Post a Comment