Satisfaction NOT guaranteed

[Werner]

According to the March 2008 edition of U. S. Naval Institute Proceedings, Russia has had a number of deeply embarrassing experiences with naval weapons lately.

As the year began, India was looklng forward to delivery of Vikramatidya (ex-Admiral Gorshkov, several Indian Kilo-class submarines were nearing completion of their refits at Severodvinsk, two Akula-class 688I killers were finally approaching completion with Indian funds after almost two decades of suspense, India was beginning to take delivery of refurbished IL-38 May ASW aircraft, fit with the new "Seasnake" system, and a contract had just been signed for three more Talwar class frigates to supplement the three already delivered to the Indian Navy.

Now, all this is by the boards. Very bad news for Russia: India accounts for 40% of their total arms export market.

Late last year the Russians told the Indians the carrier's wiring system had to be totally replaced, and the cost of the ship would triple. In response, India accused Russia of merely diverting all the money to keep the yard open so President Putin could advance Russian programs. The Indians will wind up paying over $3 billion for a ship launched over 25 years ago, able to deploy a grand total of 20 airplanes and 12 helicopters.

The Indians also refused to accept the modernized Kilo (Sinduvijai); they ordered the boat's crew home without the vessel. The reason given was the six (out of six) failures of the Klub missile, which is also supposed to be the main armament of the six frigates.

They have also deferred the Akula. Russian practice is to light off a reactor as soon as it is fit in the submarine at the yard. Chakra's reactor actually went live in 1996, and there is very little power left after 12 years of operation, even at idle. Refueling the sub could add hundreds of millions to the price. There is another snag in that the Russians cannot legally sell the Chakra's reactor to India, and there are a lot of details to be worked out with the various international authorities.

Lastly, the Indian Navy now refuses the IL-38 because of failure of the Seasnake system. They are currently exploring "black market" P-8 maritime aircraft converted from commercial B-737 airframes.

The Indians did accept the three Talwars, but because of the failure of their AA missile system India demanded a huge indemnity.

Maybe things are not so black for the US naval arms industry. All they will require is a "democratic" attitude toward arms sales.

[arnobiz]

Maybe things are not so black for the US naval arms industry. All they will require is a "democratic" attitude toward arms sales.

LOL the world arms market is far from democracy, and the US are certainly not the country that wants it most to happen...

[Walt]

Maybe things are not so black for the US naval arms industry. All they will require is a "democratic" attitude toward arms sales.

LOL the world arms market is far from democracy, and the US are certainly not the country that wants it most to happen...

Thank Goodness eh? What would the EU do without the US arms industry and military technoligy ?
Oh I remember now... The would all be learning Russian or German about now. LOL

Russia has had a serious brain drain to other Countries where the pay is good for top notch engineers etc.
Now that's Democracy in action..I could not blame them. The biggest threat to the Russian economy is themselves and as it also is with the US of A China...
As for the Akulas being given the title of 688 killers.... in whose world? I must have missed that story about a 688 killing by the super "Glow as you go Akula"..I thought titles like "Mig Killer" or "widow maker" or World Champions" all were "earned titles"?
India should shop Austrilia.. I hear the RAN have a few old Collins boats that they will part with for a good price..At least the Ozzies have recorded wargame kills on the 688s with these boats from time to time unlike the Akulas.

[Werner]

Maybe things are not so black for the US naval arms industry. All they will require is a "democratic" attitude toward arms sales.

LOL the world arms market is far from democracy, and the US are certainly not the country that wants it most to happen...

I was being facetious, especially with an election coming up!