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ILA News
MBDA-DRDO Maitri missiles
Speaking to a select Indian media on the sidelines of ILA-2008, Antoine Bouvier, MBDA CEO confirmed the signing of the joint development of the ‘Maitri’ programme, a 15km short range surface to air missile, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation. MBDA’s relationship with India spans over a quarter of a century with key programs for the Indian Army and Air Force.
Bouvier revealed that about 6,000 Maitri missiles would be manufactured. While confirming the Maitri deal he also said that MBDA was keenly awaiting the RFP for a quick reaction surface-to-air missile. This obviously will be the replacement for the unsuccessful DRDO’s Trishul missile for the three services. Another interesting project involving the MBDA will be Milan-2 with a range of 2,000m and with a tandem warhead, he said.
The CEO MBDA gave out an impressive list of his company involvement with India’s defence services needs. For example, the Indian Ministry of Defence has awarded MBDA the contract to supply Exocet SM-39 weapon system to arm the Navy's Scorpene conventional attack submarines. The contract, signed on October 6 in New Delhi, involves the provision of the Exocet SM-39 missile for the six new generation submarines ordered from Armaris.
This latest purchase of the Exocet missile makes India the 34th customer for the world-renowned anti-ship missile system. To date, MBDA has sold more than 3,300 Exocet missiles in all configurations since the missile first entered service.
The contract cements the already strong partnership between India’s armed forces, indigenous industry and MBDA. The company's collaboration with India's Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) dates back more than two decades with the production under license of the Milan anti-armor systems. MBDA also has a long heritage of working with the Indian Air Force, equipping its Jaguar, MiG-21, MIG-23 and Mirage 2000 combat aircraft with airborne weapons.
The Meteor new generation beyond visual range air-to-air missile is also expected to be offered to the Indian Air Force for its MRCA programme. The missile is under going test firings on the Gripen, Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon, both of which are on offer to India for the 126 MRCA contract.
Next generation C-130J Hercules unveiled
Lockheed Martin unveiled its latest version of the new-generation C-130J Hercules at the ILA 2008. Intended to replace all of the ‘Heritage Hercules’ types used by the USAF’s Special Operations Command, the HC/MC-130J is a tailored common core special operation variant.
In future, Lockheed hopes that this common core airframe will form the basis of a gunship to replace existing AC-130s. The aircraft has a dual display combat system operator station not found on transport versions of the C-130J. In order to meet the ambitious Initial operational clearance (IOC) date of 2012 (with a minimum of 10 aircraft in service), Lockheed hopes to make the first flight in 2010, with first deliveries following in 2011.
Looking beyond the USAF requirement, Lockheed hopes that the aircraft will find export customers. India has already selected a similar variant for special operations support, and other air forces have requirements to beef up their CSAR and Special Forces capabilities.
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