FGFA PROGRAM SPUTTERS
India’s partnership with Russia on the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) has run into major roadblocks. Due to Russia’s weakened economy, the FGFA program, also known as the T-50, is in danger of significant cutbacks. Russia has indicated that it will build only twelve fighters for itself instead of the 52 originally planned. New Delhi, which has already invested $5 billion on the project, has stopped communicating with Moscow. The FGFA program has been plagued by technical problems, with inadequate engines, radar, and stealth features, in addition to cost overruns. The program is in danger of losing Indian funding. (Medium April 5, 2015)
FIVE INDIAN SHIPYARDS TO BID FOR SUBMARINE CONTRACT
The Indian Ministry of Defense has selected five Indian shipyards to bid for a six-submarine contract. Three public sector shipyards and two private sector shipyards were chosen. This contract marks the first time the Ministry of Defense will allow private sector shipyards to compete with public sector shipyards for a major naval project. Known as Project 75, the $8.5 billion contract will supply the Indian Navy with six new diesel-electric submarines, providing relief to India’s aging submarine fleet. (The Sunday Guardian April 4, 2015)
CHINESE, INDIAN TROOPS FACE OFF ALONG LAC
Twice in a two-week span, Chinese and Indian troops confronted each other at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) along their disputed border in Ladakh, Kashmir. Chinese troops marched into Burtse and Depsang in North Ladakh, attempting to reach Old Patrol Point, an Indian army outpost. Indian forces displayed a banner asking the Chinese troops to retreat and the Chinese eventually withdrew. The incursion comes nearly two years after the People’s Liberation Army pitched camps in the same area, sparking a three-week stand-off. (Indian Express April 5, 2015)
PAKISTAN TO PURCHASE EIGHT CHINESE SUBS
Pakistan will purchase eight diesel-electric submarines from China after Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif approved a deal that could be one of China’s largest military contracts. Pakistan is eying Chinese S20 and Yuan class submarines in a deal valued between $4 billion and $5 billion. The contract is still pending approval from Chinese President Xi Jinping.(Reuters April 2, 2015)
SIRISENA TOURS PAKISTAN
In his first trip to Pakistan since becoming President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena arrived in Karachi on a three-day official visit. There he met with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and later flew to Islamabad, where he was greeted by Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif. Sirisena and Sharif signed six Memorandums, including agreements on “disaster management, sports,shipping, atomic energy...and in narcotics and academic cooperation.” (Zee News April 6, 2015; Zee News April 6, 2015)