Defence

UAE suspended talks over Multi billion dollar F-35 deal

In a significant development for military procurement in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has decided to suspend talks regarding a multi-billion dollar deal for F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.

This decision, which affects a proposed acquisition of fifty F-35 jets, along with advanced drones and munitions, stems from ongoing concerns over stringent U.S. restrictions aimed at safeguarding against potential Chinese espionage.

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The UAE, which has long expressed interest in acquiring the F-35 for its advanced stealth technology and operational capabilities, announced the suspension in December 2021. This aircraft would have marked a milestone for the UAE, making it only the second nation in the region, after Israel, to operate these sophisticated fighter jets.

A senior UAE official recently reiterated the country’s position, stating, “Our position remains unchanged and we do not anticipate discussions regarding the F-35 being reopened for the foreseeable future.” The official cited ongoing technical requirements, sovereign operational restrictions, and cost-benefit analyses as key factors in the decision to pause negotiations.

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While there is speculation about a potential revival of talks should Donald Trump win a second term as president, the UAE has made it clear that the same challenges that halted discussions in 2021 persist today. The F-35, known for its cutting-edge sensor suite and advanced electronic warfare capabilities, evolved from the Lockheed Martin X-35, which won the Joint Strike Fighter program in 2001, besting the Boeing X-32.

As of now, the U.S. remains the primary customer and financial backer of the F-35 program, with additional contributions from allied nations including the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, Turkey, Australia, Norway, and Denmark, collectively pledging over $4.375 billion towards its development. The future of the UAE’s aspirations for F-35 acquisition remains uncertain, contingent on both regional security dynamics and U.S. political developments.

Defence

India to Become a Service Center for Russian Su-30 Fighter Jets

Su-30, while still highly regarded, is in need of technological advancements. Due to ongoing conflicts in Russia, the production and supply of these aircraft have been halted

Fighter jets built in the early 1990s often require upgrades to stay competitive with the latest technology and to keep pace with modern adversary aircraft. One such example is the Russian Su-30, a renowned and powerful fighter jet widely used by various countries.

In 2024, the Su-30, while still highly regarded, is in need of technological advancements. Due to ongoing conflicts in Russia, the production and supply of these aircraft have been halted. As a result, India, a key player in the Su-30 program, has become increasingly prominent. India, which has been involved in the assembly of the Su-30, is now spearheading efforts to upgrade these aircraft.

India’s role has grown as it leads the modernization of the Su-30 fleet, incorporating the latest weapons and technologies. Many countries operating Su-30s are now interested in collaborating with India to enhance their aircraft’s capabilities. Malaysia, for instance, has previously expressed interest in upgrading its Su-30s with advanced avionics and technology. Similarly, Armenia’s Air Force recognizes the need to improve its fighter jets’ operational capabilities.

Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia are keen to participate in upgrading the Su-30’s missiles and avionics. Additionally, Vietnam, African nations, and South American countries are showing interest in integrating the BrahMos missile—a joint Russia-India development—into their Su-30s, further enhancing the aircraft’s strength.

India first ordered Su-30MKI fighters in 1998, initially acquiring 10 aircraft before placing additional orders. The H A L has been responsible for assembling these fighters in India and has delivered 272 Su-30MKIs to the Indian Air Force. These aircraft are expected to remain a cornerstone of India’s air power for decades.

Of the 272 Su-30s ordered, 222 have been assembled by HAL at its Nasik plant under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement since 2004. Additionally, 40 of these fighters are being modified to carry the air-launched version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. The IAF’s BrahMos-equipped squadron, known as the ‘Tiger Sharks,’ is stationed at Thanjavur Air Base in Tamil Nadu, where it serves as a crucial asset for safeguarding the Indian peninsula and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

HAL’s efforts to upgrade the IAF’s Su-30MKI fleet include improvements to avionics, new weapon systems, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities. Armenia, in particular, is focusing on these areas for its Su-30SM upgrades. This collaboration with India would allow Armenia to benefit from India’s advancements in defense technology and HAL’s expertise.

India’s ongoing Su-30MKI upgrade project, valued at approximately ₹65,000 crore, involves several key enhancements:

New Weapons: Integration of advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons to enhance the Su-30’s firepower.
Uttam AESA Radar: India’s indigenous active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, significantly improving detection and targeting capabilities.
Electronic Warfare Suites: Upgraded electronic warfare systems to better counter modern air-to-air and surface-to-air threats.
Avionics and Weapon Systems: Modernized control systems and avionics for enhanced situational awareness and combat effectiveness.

These upgrades are set to make the Su-30MKI fleet more capable against contemporary threats and will serve as a model for Armenia’s planned modernization efforts. By incorporating similar advancements, Armenia’s Su-30SMs could experience a substantial boost in capability, improving the operational readiness of the Armenian Air Force.