DELENG19655/F-2(R-6)PRESS2018

Vol 3, Issue 11, Oct-Dec 2020

88TH
ANNIVERSARY

IAF’S GROWTH ON
INDIGENISATION?
HAL’s Tejas MkII is emerging
as a choice, however, can IAF
completely rely on domestic
procurement

India’s Space-based Situational Awareness Communicating the

Strategic Assets at Battlefield Quantum Way
Need to sharpen against threats The single-most important factor in Providing important
from geopolitical sphere the 21st century air warfare breakthrough in modern-day war
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Editorial
ACHIEVING INDIA’S DECADAL GROWTH WITH ECONOMIC
Contents
RAKSHA ANIRVEDA VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 11 | OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020

DEVELOPMENT AND NATIONAL SECURITY

RNI NO. DELENG/2018/76856
p20 Disruptive Technologies in the Indian
Military Matrix
Editor & Business Director p28 QUAD - From Life Support to Shaky
Ajit Kumar Thakur Adieu 2020! After few practice of looking at challenges, thinking Adolescence
Editorial Director p42 Indian Navy Must Add Platforms to
months, the year 2020 about it and doing nothing has to change.

62
PK Ghosh Fend Off China-Pakistan Nexus
Consulting Editor will be a thing of past. All it needs to bring in the dynamic p46 Corporatisation of OFB: A Significant
Vinay Shukla Yet, it will still remain equilibrium in its defence sector in order Step towards ‘Atmanirbharta’
Sri Krishna engraved in memoirs to overcome the stresslaxing attitude of p48 Raising of FDI Cap in Defence Entails
Advisory Board Complications
Amb Smita Purushottam, IFS (Retd)
for long…as a year the government and get away from its
p70 IAF Has Major Role to Play for India’s
Amb Vishnu Prakash, IFS (Retd) full of agony and pain, prolonged statist phase. Atmanirbharta

COVER
Air Marshal M Matheswaran (Retd) multiple challenges The rapidly turning wheels of geo- p74 ‘Boeing has been a Strong Partner in
Lt Gen PC Katoch (Retd)
and resilience test. And politics and emerging new world order, Mission Readiness and Modernization

STORY
Lt Gen PR Shankar (Retd)
of India’s Defence Forces’
Lt Gen AB Shivane (Retd) in 2021, there will be no new normal as provides India with an opportunity to
Maj Gen JS Kataria (Retd) p76 IAF @ 88: Adversaries Envy,
Cmde Ranjit B Rai (Retd) nations including India will find itself play a more assertive role as a global Nation’s Pride
Cmde Anil Jai Singh (Retd) experiencing a series of extraordinary leader and checkmate the expansionist p80 India and Its Unstable Neighbourhood
Cdr KP Sanjeev Kumar (Retd) situations / opportune times. The gravity China’s sinister design. India has shown p84 Indian Defence: Trends and Trajectory
Dr Mathew Simon p88 ‘BBB’s Collaboration With Varsities to
Amit Cowshish of the problems will remain, cropping to the world that despite having a wide Reduce Cost, and a Focus on Defence
Sameer Joshi up now and then and one can’t absolve asymmetrical economic and military Paves Way to Win Multiple Projects’
Dr Punit Saurabh
them in a whisker. Thus, the world will strength gap vis-à-vis China, it can and p92 Water Replaces Oil as Strategic
International Roving Correspondent Resource in 21st Century
Arie Egozi have to live with it and keep navigating will confront the Chinese territorial
p96 Eitan AFV Advanced Version
Legal Advisor through it with continuous relentless aggression with its uncomplicated Production Begins
Ramesh Sharma efforts with a plan. gesture of personal sacrifice and faith, p99 Advanced Acumen into Novelty Driven
Creative Director Is India well prepared to embark on its without hesitation and with morality, Business Model

MARKING 88TH BIRTHDAY WITH

Md Moeen Aijaz p100 India’s Special Frontier Force: A Force
new journey this decade? Expect a mixed led by its brave and professional armed
Design & Layout to Reckon with
Design Cubicle response. The rapid pace of economic forces. The Himalayan impasse is a p106 Israel Counters Iran’s Surge in Ballistic

RAFALE IN ITS ARSENAL

For Advertisement contact us: development aligned with national result of Chinese faulty conviction that Missile Arsenal
[email protected] security objective will act as a springboard they are unique and superior. India
[email protected] P109 CIVIL AVIATION SECTION
[email protected] to ensure India’s decadal growth is has made China realise to an extent
p118 Russian Helicopters’ Multipurpose
For any complaint and query achieved. The government’s renewed the hardest lesson of all, that the latter Indian Air Force is celebrating its 88th birthday with the official Choppers on Display at HeliRussia 2020
contact us: focus and purpose of Atmanirbhar Bharat is really not that much different from
[email protected]
is bigger, somewhat beyond one’s thought others on this planet.
induction of French fighter jet Rafale into the service providing p120 Appointment
p122 Small News
[email protected]
Raksha Anirveda is printed and and hence its path is more difficult but not The 11th edition of Raksha Anirveda much needed leverage in countering the adversaries p126 In News
published by PBG Media Ventures impossible. The irony is, it somewhere showcases the frenzied development
Published, Edited & Printed by lacks the deeper clarity and sincerity that took place in last three months both
Ajit Kumar Thakur on behalf of
‘PBG Media Ventures’ of motive in planning. It lacks greater on the domestic and global fronts and
649/4, Konark Residency, Nambardar courage and earnestness in action. The also attempts to crystal gaze into the
Colony, Burari, Delhi -110084
biggest dilemma being, all that we hear future trends. In this edition, Raksha
Printed at: Star Print-O-Bind,
Star House, F-31, Okhla Industrial Area and see are mere opinion and perspective. Anirveda expanding its reach introduces
Phase-I, New Delhi-110020 Sadly, this clearly shows that India’s quest a new section on civil aviation which is
Editor: Ajit Kumar Thakur for self-reliance in defence is far away on the road to recovery and includes an
All disputes are subjected to the
jurisdiction of Delhi
from facts and truth.
India for long has been under the
interview with Minister of Civil Aviation. A
special feature on Indian Air Force’s 88th
32 36 50 54 58
‘Engaging Indian Def Dawn of a Dialectical ‘Waiting for Commercial With Putin’s upcoming ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat
Mobile: +91-9910252485
spell of futile and fatal experiences. Since foundation day saluting air warriors for
Disclaimer: Views expressed are those of
individual authors and do not represent any
Independence, the experience has been their people first - mission ready approach Cos for Future Make in Evolution in Warfare - Negotiations to visit; India, Russia Poised Renewing Faith in
Contactless War
of doing lots of planning but backed with is the highlight of current edition.
policy of this publication.
-Editor less action. And many a times, efforts Hope the readers will find the current India Programmes’ Continue on Ka-226T’ to Upgrade Defence Ties Indigenisation’
AL TARIQ, an EDGE With the contactless Andrey Boginsky, the CEO As Russian President With the announcement
were made through proactive action edition a worthwhile and enjoyable read
RESPONSE that lacked planning. India’s indifferent and will also spare some time to share Group entity and regional war becoming reality, of Russian Helicopters Vladimir Putin is scheduled of Atmanirbhar Bharat
leader in aerial weaponry focus now is on role play JSC, part of defence to visit India in October initiative, Kalyani Group
‘Raksha Anirveda’ editorial approach to go in for a momentary pause, their feedback. of the next-generation
and a manufacturer industry conglomerate this year, the two countries CMD seems more
team looks forward to receive make a deep inner dive for self-reflection of PGMs has been unmanned drones and Rostec, reveals that his are assured to take their confident and committed
comments and views from the and steer ahead with course correction Jai Hind!!. engaged with Indian armed helicopters that company has done its defence and strategic and says the initiative
readers on the content of the has its own cascading effect. The earlier defence companies for are currently under part, and waiting for a relations to a new high has renewed his faith in
magazine. development
Ajit Kumar Thakur future Make in India go ahead from India on with the signing of major indigenisation
Editor & Business Director programmes Ka-226T defence deals
RAKSHA ANIRVEDA OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020 3
RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

LEAD STORY www.raksha-anirveda.com

INDIA’S SPACE BASED, OTHER STRATEGIC ASSETS:

the US which was able to do it
only by next year with the launch
of Atlas rocket. The ICBMs –

A LYNCHPIN FOR NATIONAL

MIRV (A multiple independently
targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV)
programme and the ABM (Anti-
Ballistic Missile System) under
development by USSR in the 1960s
was point worth pondering, even

SECURITY
when the US had already begun
India has made significant advancements in space and brainstorming about long range
allied strategic territories, yet a lot more efforts are ballistic missile development,
satellite based surveillance system THAAD missile launcher system
needed given the threat perceptions emanating from
development as well nuclear
various geographical and geopolitical features, agencies,
individuals, single or grouped states and non-state actors
second strike capability.
US project developments THE CHINESE CHALLENGES IN THE was short of funding required
to boost up its space capability.
ISRO’S
AMBITIONS
escalated as a counter response STRATEGIC FRONT China as a dark horse was HAVE GROWN
RAPIDLY FROM
to the USSR’s ballistic missile comparatively at a much better
By PUNIT SAURABH, NITYESH BHATT, BALAKRISHNAN UNNY R. shaped projectiles made of development mated with Satellite With NASA taking big leaps in position at the back of its growing SMALL PAYLOAD
tungsten as kinetic warheads. Systems Development. The hysteria satellite development followed by economy which assisted it to pump DEPLOYMENTS
he History of Space based Strategic Applications: The relevance of With the assumption of in the US rose in the back of rising increasingly proactive measures substantial money for its defence IN SPACE TO
MEGA-TONNES

T
space assets which include satellite communication technology for civilian office by President Bill Clinton, cold war tensions and reached a towards militarisation of space, preparedness. Initially, it was
SATELLITES
and defence applications cannot be discounted. Currently, Space based things changed drastically as the climax with the development and several nations took the mission only focussed for defensive and LAUNCHED FROM
strategic assets add the sixth dimension to the already existing land, sea, breakup of USSR was complete launch of the Sputnik. There was to develop their own space-based reconnaissance purpose but with ITS OWN SPACE
air, cyberspace and EM-based warfare. Cyberspace dimension is also by then. SDIO officially ended a growing demand from citizens assets for military application. growing competition emanating VEHICLES LIKE
impacted by the strategic space based assets. Cyber war is relatively a new in 1993, when the Bill Clinton to challenge Soviet Technological After the fall of USSR, the space race from the US, at the back of tacit SLV, PSLV AND
method to engage with the adversaries. It ranges from the subtle targeted administration redirected the superiority. As things evolved, US was rekindled with new entrants support from Russia, China set up GSLV SPACE
misinformation and propaganda to the obvious disruption to physical efforts towards theatre ballistic clearly was in no mood to play who heated up the space race. to challenge the domination of US HORSES. INDIA
infrastructure. The technological advancement in satellite communications missiles defences in the form second fiddle. The Cold war and China, India, UK, Japan, France and in its pursuit for space defence and HAS SHOWN
is both a defensive and offensive capability. The United States, China, of Terminal High Altitude Area the ensuing competition saw US an assorted group of nations other security including Anti-satellite TO THE WORLD
Russia, Israel and the United Kingdom are the countries which are believed Defense (THAAD) and renamed going full throttle to compete with than the newly emerged Russia, set System (ASAT). THAT ITS SPACE
to have advanced cyber warfare capabilities along with Iran and North the agency as the Ballistic Missile USSR in every way including the up their own missions to augment The success of the manned CAPABILITIES
ARE HERE FOR
Korea who have developed their capabilities in response to the attacks. Defense Organization (BMDO). planned ‘Starwars’. their surveillance capability, space mission to space by China was not
THE LONG RUN
Ever since, the emphasis of The ensuing Cold war rivalry mining etc., if not active assets lost in oblivion. Its launch of Baidu
satellites as a strategic instrument and cut throat competition setup in the space for military network to counter the GPS system
On the other hand, Space assets particle beam weapons, and to cap for national security remained led to the launch of Apollo -11 purpose. Much during the same was also an important milestone
are well suited to provide support it all, space-based missile systems not just a topmost priority for the Mission to the Moon which gave time, the European Space Agency as it had strategic implications.
for the vital strategic activity of based on the transformational US, thanks to the advancements a clear boost to US technological (ESA) came to prominence as The launch of ASAT in 2007 by
aerial reconnaissance by replacing satellite capabilities. already made by USSR (now capabilities and its space a result of collaborative efforts China was another red letter
spy planes like U2 with permanent SDIO planned for an array Russia), rather invigorated with aspirations. It might be noted from 22 European nations. But day but which also got the alarm
“eye in the sky”. During the days of of various sensors, command funding support. that, the United States Space the one which saw the most bells ringing across the Western
cold war under President Ronald and control, high-performance Even though the V2 rockets Surveillance Network (SSN), spectacular rise was the Chinese territories as well as Asia from
Reagan, the Strategic Defense computer operating systems, were initially developed for the a division of the United States Space programme. a security point of view. China’s
Initiative Organization (SDIO) semiconductors, critical hardware adversaries by the Nazis during the Strategic Command, had been Prominently, Chinese Space growing ambitions also made its
was set up in 1984 within the US and software that would be needed second world war, yet the US soon tracking objects in Earth’s orbit Programme named as ‘China neighbors wary; several nations
Department of Defense (DOD). to control a system consisting of after the ending of the war ensured ever since 1957 when the Soviet National Space Administration’ including India have begun to
Its objective was to oversee the hundreds of combat centres and to relocate a couple of top notch Union unveiled the Space Age (CNSA) saw a meteoric rise in the increasingly look at Space from a
development of a wide array of satellites spanning the entire globe scientists for the development with the launch of Sputnik, the recent times taking the American strategic perspective.
advanced weapon concepts as a for tracking and interception. The of rockets and launcher systems satellite which would change defence establishment by surprise, Experts like Lt General Prakash
response to threats emanating programme was reformatted in for the US defense forces. It was the course of history in space even though US dominance in Katoch (Retd.), DG (Information
from their cold war adversary, the the shape of ‘Brilliant Pebbles’ an undeniable fact that USSR launches. SSN was tasked with space capabilities was at an Systems), Indian Army, in one
United Soviet Socialist Republic which was a non-nuclear system with its launch of R-7 rocket tracking of incoming missiles indomitable level which could of his opinion piece with SP
(USSR), especially with the Inter- of satellite-based interceptors in 1957 had taken a decisive launched by the enemy but not be challenged, at least till the (http://www.spsmai.com/experts-
Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) designed to use high-velocity, lead in making ballistic missile did not have the capability to beginning of the new century. speak/?id=904&q=Gearing-Up-For-
threat. The list also included lasers, watermelon-sized, teardrop- systems for military use over counter them. Russia had not lost its edge but Star-Wars) highlighted the great
4 www.raksha-anirveda.com RAKSHA ANIRVEDA OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020 5
RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

LEAD STORY www.raksha-anirveda.com

of Communication satellites Little is known about the status

i.e. the Indian Satellite System of development of Kilo Ampere
(INSAT) and its home grown GPS Linear Injector (KALI) weapon
Constellation (IRNSS-GAGAN) have system in the public domain.
also played a pivotal role in making India’s policy for usage of space
the country self-reliant on various for peaceful purposes prevents it
critical technologies and ensuring from going all out in exploiting it
India does not lag behind the for military purposes unless the
contemporary telecom revolution. scenario forces India to do so.
But beyond the civilian The recent successful testing of
applications, Indian space research HSTDB hypersonic launch vehicle
is also quietly positioned for adds credence to the existing
strategic purposes. Going a step capabilities improving India’s
further, India has tested an Anti- deterrence capability as well. But
Satellite System as part of Mission the question is, are these efforts
Shakti to not just defend its satellite sufficient to address the gap
from enemy killer satellites but to with China? Absolutely not! A lot
ISRO’s GSAT-7 blasts off to put the satellite into orbit
neutralize incoming threats. India’s needs to be done by India given
ICBM integrated with launcher system
advancement in Kinetic Energy the advancements being made by
Weapons (KEWs), Directed Energy adversary countries and it has to
INDIA’S POLICY strides made by China compared Indian satellite communications Weapons (DEWs), and space-based be done fast. made its name in High Technology
FOR USAGE to India in various dimensions of in 2017. The 142-page report also weapons is shrouded in secrecy. To add to what the future mainly due to advancements
OF SPACE FOR warfare specially in Aero-Space noted that between 2012 and Yet some of the news from sources network centric warfare will made by ISRO at a fraction of the
PEACEFUL and cyber warfare……“Past years 2018, China carried out multiple (Katoch. P 2020) suggest that DRDO look like, Lt Prakash Katoch cost of its western counterparts.
PURPOSES China has been developing Directed cyber-attacks against India, but has developed two anti-drone opined…..“Future conflicts will India’s current military satellites
PREVENTS IT Energy Weapons Systems (DEWS) focuses on one specific case. This DEW systems, which will now be be five dimensional; aero-space, are an assortment of technology
FROM GOING like lasers, High Power Microwave is worrying news for India as manufactured in large numbers land, sea, cyber and electro- demonstration, from hardcore
ALL OUT IN (HPM) systems and Electromagnetic tensions on the Indo-Tibet border with the help of the domestic magnetic. Information Warfare reconnaissance to complementing
EXPLOITING IT
FOR MILITARY Pulse (EMP) generating weapons mounts with fear of a two pronged industry; one is a trailer-mounted will include NCW, C4I2 warfare, the network centric warfare
PURPOSES and has clear and competitive or a multiple pronged war thrust DEW, with a 10-kilowatt laser to electronic warfare, cyber warfare capabilities. It is also aimed to
UNLESS THE military advantage over India in all on us by China unless situation engage aerial targets at a two-km and other forms of operationalised ensure that India’s nuclear triad is
SCENARIO dimensions of battle space, more improves. Clearly, Outer Space is range while the other is a compact cyberspace. Information superiority supported by a well-established fail SM-135 ASAT missile
FORCES INDIA pronounced asymmetries being in now a battle zone with nations tripod-mounted one, with a two- will be as important as land, sea safe hack free and exclusively India
TO DO SO. strategic weapons, stealth maritime vying to take an upper edge. kilowatt laser for a one-km range. and aero-space superiority. Space operated and controlled systems.
THE RECENT capability, force multipliers, cyber Both these systems can take down Combat, Cyber Space Combat, Currently, India boasts of a range required by the defence forces,
INDIA’S SPACE AGE AMBITIONS
SUCCESSFUL space, outer space, information micro drones by either jamming Radiation Combat, Robotic Combat, of satellites which are jam-packed duly supported by its synthetic
TESTING space and asymmetric warfare” their command and control links or Nanotechnology Combat will add to with Command, Control, Computers aperture radar from Israel
OF HSTDB
HYPERSONIC
….The important point to be noted AND NATIONAL SECURITY NEEDS damaging their electronics through forms of combat. Operations will be Communications, and Intelligence, Aerospace Industries (IAI).
here was the advancements made laser-based DEWS. increasingly inter-agency involving Surveillance and Reconnaissance • C A R T O S A T - 2 i s a n o t h e r
LAUNCH VEHICLE
ADDS CREDENCE by China in outer Space systems From the launch of a sounding The Technology Perspective greater application of all elements (C4ISR) capabilities. important satellite in the stable
TO THE EXISTING and Cyber space. rocket at Thumba near Capability roadmap by MOD talked of national power”…. • Technology Experiment Satellite of the armed forces which carries
CAPABILITIES The recent news emanating Thiruvananthapuram in the year off development Unmanned Aerial Advancements in space based (TES) is an experimental a state-of-the-art panchromatic
IMPROVING in the strategic corridors about 1963, after getting assembled in Platforms (both Unmanned Aerial strategic technologies mated with satellite which acts as a test rig (PAN) camera. The swath
INDIA’S China’s past actions against India a local village church and carried Vehicles (UAVs) and Mini Air cyber warfare will be at the heart or bed for testing and analysing covered by these high resolution
DETERRENCE wherein Times of India recently forward in a bicycle, Indian space Vehicle (MAVs), High Capacity of the future strategic projections. technologies while also fulfilling PAN cameras is 9.6 km and
CAPABILITY AS quoted US-based China Aerospace research has achieved several Radio Relay (HCRR) and Laser its functions by providing the their spatial resolution is 80
INDIA’S CURRENT AND FUTURE
WELL Studies Institute (CASI) (https:// milestones. ISRO’s ambitions have Based Communication System requisite monitoring and centimeters and duly supported
www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ grown rapidly from small payload along with electromagnetic pulse surveillance. by CARTOSAT-2A, CARTOSAT-
china-targeted-indian-satellite- deployments in space to mega- weapon (microwave weapon) for LIST OF STRATEGIC SATELLITES • RISAT-2 or Radar Imaging 2B which have been launched
communications-in-2017- tonnes satellites launched from countering missiles fired at ships, Satellite 2 is India’s first satellite with similar mission objectives.
report-1724561-2020-09-23) its own space vehicles like SLV, tanks and aircraft. Interestingly ISRO’s journey towards making with synthetic aperture radar • The next rung of Cartosat-2E also
which suggested that China carried PSLV and GSLV space horses. DEW was not mentioned either India self-reliant has been with a day-night, all-weather called as “eye in the sky” satellite
out multiple cyber-attacks against India has shown to the world that because it is already working remarkable to say the least despite monitoring capability and a with surveillance capabilities
India between 2007 and 2018, its space capabilities are here for on it or because it does not the challenges faced. It would be resolution of one meter was launched on June 23, 2017.
including a cyber-attack against the long run. India’s Constellation fall in the government’s radar. prudent to mention that India has providing vital strategic data The advanced Cartosat-2E can
6 www.raksha-anirveda.com RAKSHA ANIRVEDA OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020 7
 RAKSHA ANIRVEDA
PROJECTS
LEAD STORY WE DELIVERED

named GISAT-1 and GISAT-2,

followed by advanced versions FPGA DEVELOPMENT
FOR THE EMBEDDED
like GSAT-7C, GSAT-20, GSAT-30,
IF RECORDER
GSAT-32 and INSAT-3D S with AND PLAYBACK
military and civilian usage dual
WORLD.
SYSTEM
purposes by the end of this year
or the beginning of 2021.

CONCLUSION Providing extensive FPGA centric expertise,

ARBITRARY WAVEFORM
GENERATOR
(AWG)
Though, India has made significant prototyping capabilities, or high throughput
advancements in space and allied FPGA/SoC embedded solutions
strategic territories, yet a lot more
efforts are needed given the threat We work with innovative R&D
SMART MULTI-FUNCTIONAL
leaders, project managers, and
perceptions emanating from various DISPLAY – MILITARY GRADE
CTOs (SMFD)
geographical and geopolitical
features, agencies, individuals, single Delivering a high-quality
or grouped states and non-state embedded solution they
actors. In the current perspective can trust. ARINC 818 VIDEO PROCESSING
India’s ASAT missile system the major sources of worry emanates AND SWITCHING MODULE
from the Sino-Pak equations which (AVPSM)
may provide chronic pain in the
INDIA HAS MADE accurately spot objects within a direction to address the sensor- short term or long term if adequate
ITS NAME IN HIGH square of 0.6 metre. related requirements while steps are not taken.
TECHNOLOGY • GSAT-7 or Rukmini, which was contributing to a multi-layered Indian policymakers require DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM WITH
BUILT-IN SIGNAL CONDITIONER
MAINLY DUE TO launched way back in 2013, for and distributed capability for a strategic vision to support any (512 CHANNEL DAS)
ADVANCEMENTS the exclusive use of the Indian the Indian armed services. It was futuristic plans with adequate
MADE BY ISRO Navy to monitor the Indian also used as a target for testing budgetary measures. The defence
AT A FRACTION Ocean Region (IOR) has been India’s ASAT capability in 2019. establishment and decision-
OF THE COST OF providing yeoman services to • In 2019, India’s ISRO also makers in the government have
ITS WESTERN
the armed forces. Its successor launched the DRDO-EMISAT to hasten their process in order to EMBEDDING TECHNOLOGY. EXPANDING THE FUTURE.
COUNTERPARTS.
INDIA’S CURRENT GSAT-7A was launched in which has been designed to pick prevent the creation of perennial
MILITARY December 2018 for the exclusive up electromagnetic signals from handicaps for our defence forces
SATELLITES ARE military use for the Indian Air radars and currently being used facing adversaries who are armed
AN ASSORTMENT
OF TECHNOLOGY
Force, much similar to Indian
Navy’s GSAT-7 with an intent
for communication interception
and detection of enemy assets.
to the tooth. In view of the same
it is prudent for Indian defence
MORE ABOUT US CLIENTS WE SERVE
DEMONSTRATION, to enhance Network-centric • Another satellite GSAT 7R industry and the government At Logic Fruit, we specialize in Architecting,
FROM HARDCORE warfare capabilities. was launched in 2019 as a policymakers to raise their vision Implementing and Validation high-quality
RECONNAIS- • During the launch of GSAT– 7, replacement of GSAT 7. to addressing the gap urgently with
SANCE TO real-time high throughput FPGA/SoC embedded
another dual use satellite named • RISAT-2 B was also launched respect to India’s space posturing. solutions. Developing Proof-of-concept (PoC)
COMPLEMENTING HySIS was also launched in last year to boost surveillance Existing and enhanced need for
THE NETWORK designs/prototypes real-time data generation,
November 2013, which is used capability of the armed forces collaboration efforts with other
CENTRIC acquisition and analysis. Our engineers have
WARFARE by the Indian Navy. along with CARTOSAT 3 with a countries like US, Russia, France, expertise with many high speed protocols and
CAPABILITIES • The emphasis of the Indian resolution of 0.2 metre. RISAT Israel etc. is the need of the hour interfaces, including 1G, /10G/40G/100G
policymakers has gradually been line of satellites with X band which may also be looked into. Ethernet, PCIe(Gen1-Gen5), USB3.0/4.0,
shifting to lean and effective Synthetic aperture camera and CPRI/ORAN, DisplayPort, ARINC818 etc.
small-scale micro satellites resolution of a metre consisting
–The author is an Assistant Professor in
which provide fail proof, difficult of RISAT 2 BR1, RISAT 2 BR2 are the area of Strategy and Entrepreneurship,
to track and kill, hack-proof light weight but optimised for who takes keen interest in geopolitical
and compact satellites, given strategic operations. events shaping the world. The co-authors Gurgaon: Bangalore: U.S.A.:
Prof Nityesh Bhatt and Prof Balakrishnan
the current capabilities being In fact, at least six new Unny are from Information Systems 806, 8th Floor BPTP 5C-416, 3rd �oor 2443 Fillmore
developed to hack enemy observation satellites are lined Management department having interest Park Centra Sector–30, Ramamurthy Nagar St #380-6803,San Francisco
satellites. Microsat-R satellite up to be launched for strategic in Space Sciences and their intermingling NH–8 Gurgaon - Haryana, (India) Bangalore (India) CA 94115 (USA)
with information Systems and Technology.
launched on January 24 last purposes which will be including The authors are Professors at Institute of Phone: +91 124-4643955 Phone: +91 80 -41124411 Phone: +1 408 766 2515
year was the first satellite in that a new series of imaging satellites Management, Nirma University.

8 www.raksha-anirveda.com [email protected] | www.logic-fruit.com

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ABSOLUTE POWER www.raksha-anirveda.com

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS:
range as it gives you a ‘God’s Eye
View’ of the aerial battlefield,
allowing you to observe friends
and foes at all times.

GOD’S EYE VIEW OF THE BATTLEFIELD

Due to the noise and confusion
of military operations, military
personnel may have a degraded
understanding of what’s
happening in their surroundings.
To support their decision making,
integrated digital systems collect
Situational Awareness of the battlefield is the single most important factor in 21st century air contextual information which is
warfare, and could be the difference between getting that first shot and getting shot down. The then visually represented to the
Indian Air Force must ramp up its capabilities in this sector soldier in a way that does not
distract him from the battlefield.
This translates to a focus on
By RAKESH KRISHNAN SIMHA
better sensors (visual, signals,
infrared etc) from different
ecause of its inherent mobility, the Indian Air Force is generally the Situational Awareness, which is sources (unmanned vehicles,

B
first to respond when war breaks out. However, during hostilities provided by a variety of sensors, aircraft, satellites, land forces
India cannot commit all its aircraft against one enemy as the prospect also allows attack aircraft to fly to and ships) in order to develop
of a two-front war will always be present. In this backdrop, having their target via gaps in enemy radars an accurate fused picture of the
a composite picture of the aerial battlefield – known as Situational and through routes with the least battlespace. This is known as country on a high bandwidth cleared the proposal for a nearly SITUATIONAL
Awareness – will allow the IAF to deploy its aircraft effectively anti-aircraft defences. Situational Sensor Fusion or Multi Sensor network. In September 2010, the Rs 8,000 crore project for the IAF’s AWARENESS
based on where the enemy forces are located and to kick in the door Awareness is now considered a bigger Data Fusion. By removing all IAF launched the Air Force Network Integrated Air Command and IS NOW
where needed. force multiplier in military aviation blind spots and knowing exactly (AFNet), a Optical Fibre Cable- Control System (IACCS) which CONSIDERED A
than super manoeuvrability, speed or where one’s forces are placed based network which replaces the rides on AFNet. An indigenous BIGGER FORCE
with respect to the enemy and IAF’s old communication complex project developed by Bharat MULTIPLIER
friendly forces, it enhances the that was set up using the tropo- Electronic Ltd (BEL), it aims at IN MILITARY
AVIATION
military’s war fighting capability scatter technology of the 1950s. integrating all ground and air
THAN SUPER
while minimising fratricide. The project is part of the overall sensors. Once the system is fully MANOEUVR-
Air Marshal TM Asthana mission to network all three operational, Air Headquarters ABILITY, SPEED
(Retd), former Commander-in- defence services. The AFNet is will get a composite air situation OR RANGE AS
Chief, Strategic Forces Command, also capable of transmitting video picture since it integrates air IT GIVES YOU A
writes in a paper titled Building from UAVs, pictures from airborne force, army, naval, AWACS/AEW ‘GOD’S EYE VIEW’
Air Dominance: “Total Situational warning and control systems and civilian radars plus inputs OF THE AERIAL
Awareness is a prerequisite (AWACS) to decision makers on the from mobile observation posts BATTLEFIELD,
for air dominance. While air ground and providing intelligence and even intelligence inputs. ALLOWING YOU
dominance enables the aerospace inputs from remote areas. Any intrusion by airborne TO OBSERVE
forces to operate at will, it also AFNet provides real-time object such as hostile aircraft, FRIENDS AND
FOES AT ALL
provides freedom and unhindered transfer of information between helicopters, drones, microlight
TIMES
operations to surface forces, that is, sensors, command and control planes and balloons can be
air dominance possesses the ability centres and shooters. It detected and tackled. All
to dictate non-usage of enemy air to incorporates the latest traffic major formations and static
counter our Army and Navy.” transportation technology in the establishments have been
form of IP (internet protocol) linked on the network. IACCS
IAF GOES NETWORK CENTRIC packets over the network using
Multi Protocol Label Switching. A
also incorporates encryption
technologies and intrusion
While all three services are large voice over internet protocol prevention systems to ensure the
engaged in large-scale automation (VoIP) layer with stringent quality resistance of the system against
and computer-based networking, of service enforcement will hacking and eavesdropping by
the IAF is the first to complete facilitate robust, high quality voice, hostile forces. Together, AFNeT
Lockheed Martin’s C4ISR Situational Awareness tools the project of interlinking major video and conferencing solutions. and IACCS are aimed at being
installations throughout the In July 2018, the government an effective force multiplier for

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RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

ABSOLUTE POWER www.raksha-anirveda.com

“TOTAL intelligence analysis, mission network-centric warfare. crore Netra system is more capable of remote sensing satellites for
SITUATIONAL planning and control, post- According to Defence Industry than those available to countries in civilian use in operation today in
AWARENESS IS A mission feedback and related Daily, the Israel Aerospace India’s neighbourhood. the world. Significantly, IRS also
PREREQUISITE FOR
AIR DOMINANCE. activities like maintenance, Industries’ (IAI) Phalcon is built Netra has AESA radar offers dual military use, with 14
WHILE AIR logistics and administration. around an ELTA EL/M-2075 with electronic support and operational satellites currently.
DOMINANCE AESA L-band radar, then adds communications support On December 17, 2018, India
ENABLES THE
AEROSPACE
AWACS ADVANTAGE ELINT and COMINT gathering
capabilities. “The system can
measures, secure data links and a
comprehensive self-defence suite.
launched a 2,250 kg military
satellite into orbit for the IAF.
FORCES TO As well as ground based radars, receive transmissions from The ERJ 145 has an endurance of The communications satellite,
OPERATE AT WILL,
IT ALSO PROVIDES the lynchpins of Situational other air and ground stations nine hours with in-flight refuelling. named GSAT-7A, enhances the
FREEDOM AND Awareness will be AWACS to round out its surveillance However, Netra’s surveillance IAF’s network-centric warfare
UNHINDERED aircraft and military satellites. picture, and uses sensor zone is only 240 degrees and its capabilities by interlinking
OPERATIONS India has opted for the Israeli fusion to provide a complete range is limited to 250 km. In different ground radar stations,
TO SURFACE Phalcon system mated on the picture of the battlespace out order to overcome this limitation, ground airbase and AWACS
FORCES, THAT IS, Russian Il-76 heavy lift aircraft. to several hundred kilometres. the Defence Acquisition Council aircraft such as the Il-76 Phalcon
AIR DOMINANCE
The operational altitude of Onboard communications allow (DAC) has cleared the AWACS- and Netra. It is also available to the
POSSESSES
THE ABILITY TO the Phalcon AWACS is roughly these AWACS planes to direct India project aimed at developing Indian Army’s Aviation Corps for Indian Air Force Netra AEWC Aircraft
DICTATE NON- 30,000 feet, with the capability communications-compatible two systems for Rs 5,113 crore. helicopter and UAV operations.
USAGE OF ENEMY to monitor low-level activity in forces and allies based on the AWACS-India will have AESA radar GSAT-7A is India’s second
AIR TO COUNTER the air space for ranges up to bigger picture, which is why with 360-degree coverage and up dedicated military satellite, orbit surveillance satellites that
OUR ARMY AND 500 km. The system can track AWACS planes are so valuable.” to 300 km range. Mounted on an following the 2013 launch of offer it an almost persistent stare
NAVY”
100 targets, pass real time to Due to the Il-76 Phalcon’s Airbus A-330-200 commercial GSAT-7 for the Indian Navy. capability over areas of interest.
Air Marshal TM Indian combat fighters and even cost escalation, India is jet, it will have an endurance of With a nearly 2,000 nautical “To counter this India must
Asthana (Retd),
former Commander- perform electronic intelligence complementing these large nine hours. According to experts, mile ‘footprint’ over the Indian leverage its existing space-based
in-Chief, Strategic (ELINT) and communications AWACS with the Defence considering India’s massive Ocean Region, GSAT-7 covers surveillance assets and airborne
Forces Command
intelligence (COMINT) operations Research and Development geographical area, there is a all maritime activities from the surveillance platforms to support
up to 1,000 km, automatically Organisation’s (DRDO) smaller need for 20 AWACS but funding Malacca Straits in the east to wide-spectrum operations
data linking this intelligence and cheaper airborne early constraints mean not more eight the Hormuz Strait in the west. It and provide better situational
to ground stations. AWACS warning and control (AEW&C) of these will be built. provides networking capabilities awareness,” he says. Military satellite in the making
provide the IAF a high degree of aircraft based on the Embraer to various Indian Naval assets,
Situational Awareness, enabling
it to dominate the air space and
ERJ 145 platform. The system has
experienced teething issues but
MILITARY SATELLITES providing live inputs to be used
by Indian Navy ships, submarines HOW CRITICAL IS SITUATIONAL For instance, in a mock
dogfight between an F-22 with
graduate to the next stage of according to DRDO, its Rs 2,200 A completely new dimension and aircraft. The Indian Army, too, AWARENESS? sensor fusion and a US Air Force
in future wars will be the will get vital inputs about over- F-15D, the latter’s radar was
employment of space based assets the-land movements. Fifth generation aircraft rendered useless. According to
for reconnaissance, surveillance As space has become more are equipped with advanced Brown, “The ability to actually TOGETHER,
and communication. According congested and with China avionics and sensors that tap have that data fusion that the AFNET AND
to DRDO’s defence technology possessing weapons that can kill into dedicated networks which aeroplane (F-22) has, makes IACCS ARE AIMED
expert, Ravi Gupta, “The time of Indian satellites, the IAF must provide a real-time, 360-degree an incredible difference to how AT BEING AN
face-to-face warfare is nearly gone. change its posture regarding view of the battlespace. This you perform in combat...In five EFFECTIVE FORCE
Technologies are making modern outer space and consider it a capability aids pilots in detecting engagements we never knew MULTIPLIER FOR
warfare more or less contactless domain of warfare, like air, sea long-range targets, jamming who had hit us and we never even INTELLIGENCE
and more and more dependent on or land. Space Domain Awareness enemy signals and performing saw the other aeroplane…. After ANALYSIS,
surveillance and remote sensing, will require the integration of countermeasure options. that particular mission I went MISSION
real-time Situational Awareness, intelligence and environmental In May 2013, during hearings back and had a look at the tapes PLANNING
information processing and monitoring to execute space of Australia’s Parliamentary Joint on the F22, and the difference AND CONTROL,
communication. Satellites have, battle management in support Committee on Foreign Affairs, in the Situational Awareness POST-MISSION
therefore, emerged as strategic of military plans and operations. Defence and Trade, Air Marshal in our two cockpits was just so FEEDBACK
assets playing a critical role in Former IAF veteran Air Vice Geoff Brown of the Australian fundamentally different.” AND RELATED
the outcome of war, making the Marshal Arjun Subramaniam air force explained how in air Brown says that “it is not only ACTIVITIES LIKE
spatial technological abilities not writes in The Hindu that in combat exercises, aircraft which stealth; it is the combination of MAINTENANCE,
just important but a game changer.” the area of surveillance, China had a composite picture of the the electro-optical simulation LOGISTICS AND
IAF Phalcon AWACS on ground
The Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) possesses a large complement air battlespace always shot down and the radar to be able to ADMINISTRATION
system is the largest constellation of the Yaogan series of low earth aircraft without that technology. build a comprehensive picture.

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RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

ABSOLUTE POWER
US Air Force, which has been a
leader in its development since
the Desert Storm days, is currently
looking at the Global Information
Management System (GIMS),
described as a “pervasive network”
of information and data collectors,
processors and analysers.
It is being designed to be
“smart” in the sense that it
“sees all and knows all” but at
the same time it would also
be smart enough to tailor the
information at its disposal to
a particular user, giving them
the data they most need, and at
IAF aircraft during Op Gaganshakti an appropriate level of detail.
GIMS could also provide a three-
dimensional “holographic war
LIKE ANY The ability to be in a cockpit better Situational Awareness room”, summarising instantly
NETWORK with a God’s-eye view of what of the air battlefield. The Rafale and in real time what it could
CENTRIC is going on in the world was too will come with the latest take hours to figure out from
PLATFORM, such an advantage over a fourth- sensors configured to tap into numbers, reports or even flat-
THE AREA OF generation fighter – and arguably this network. However, fourth panel images.
SITUATIONAL one of the best fourth-generation generation aircraft will never Another item on the wish list
AWARENESS IS fighters in existence, the F-15”. really be able to make optimum of leading air forces is a Global
WITNESSING Situational Awareness of the use of the gigabytes of data Surveillance, Reconnaissance and
RAPID CHANGES.
THE US AIR battlefield is clearly the single streaming in 24/7 via AFNet and Targeting System – a space-based
FORCE, WHICH most important factor in 21st IACCS. sensor and data distribution
HAS BEEN A century air warfare. For air force For, there’s a world of system that could create and relay
LEADER IN ITS pilots, it could be the difference difference between fourth and a real-time, three-dimensional
DEVELOPMENT between getting that first shot or fifth generation fighters. In a image of a target or other area
SINCE THE getting shot first. dogfight, according to Air Marshal of interest to a ready room or
DESERT Brown of the Australian air force, gathering of decision makers. It
STORM DAYS,
IS CURRENTLY AIRCRAFT COMPATIBILITY as soon as you enter a turning
fight, your Situational Awareness
would be useful for command-
and-control and situational
LOOKING AT On April 9, 2018, a day after it actually shrinks because the only awareness at all levels.
THE GLOBAL launched Operation Gaganshakti, thing you can be operating with As former Air Marshal
INFORMATION
MANAGEMENT the mega combat exercise that is the aeroplane you are turning Asthana says, it takes a large
SYSTEM (GIMS), lasted an entire fortnight and with. “The person who has the number of technological assets
DESCRIBED AS involved hundreds of aircraft, advantage is the person who can operating efficiently from the
A “PERVASIVE the Indian Air Force tweeted: stand off, watch the engagement air and space to merge into a
NETWORK” OF “During the exercise, info grid and just pick you off at the time,” composite “air picture”, which
INFORMATION of AFNet (Largest WAN) and he says. For complete Situational provides the much required
AND DATA the IACCS will enable all Air and Awareness, the IAF must acquire Situational Awareness. In order to
COLLECTORS, Land Ops. IACCS will enhance fifth generation aircraft by maintain air dominance in India’s
PROCESSORS Situational Awareness and enable stepping up development of its neighbourhood and dominate the
AND ANALYSERS real time data transfer between AMCA stealth fighter. air space beyond it, the IAF must
the Weapon Systems, Satellite and keep in step with this constantly
Ground Based Systems.”
Currently, frontline IAF aircraft
FUTURE DIRECTION evolving technology.
– The writer is a New Zealand based
such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Like any network centric platform, defence analyst. His work has been quoted
MiG-29 have been equipped with the area of Situational Awareness extensively by leading Think Tanks,
sensors that allow pilots to have is witnessing rapid changes. The Universities and Publications world-wide.

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INSIGHT www.raksha-anirveda.com

SECURING SUBMARINE
themselves above the water for
communication purposes. Most
of the larger navies including
the Indian Navy established VLF
stations ashore which required
a large infrastructure and huge

COMMUNICATIONS THE
transmission antennae.
VLF has now given way to
Extremely Low Frequency (ELF)
and major navies are using this
frequency band to communicate
with their submarines as ELF
waves can travel farther and

QUANTUM WAY
deeper than VLF. This was more
suitable for communicating with
nuclear submarines including
the nuclear armed ballistic
missile submarines (SSBN) as
these submarines, once on patrol
remain dived for months on
end. However, both VLF and ELF
Quantum technologies across the spectrum of military operations will provide an important breakthrough, present challenges of transmission
and the possibility of interception
of which underwater quantum communications will be significant. While operationalisation of these by the enemy. Receiving ELF
is still some distance away, their impact on modern warfare will be considerable transmissions also has limitations
of low bandwidth which, though
the vulnerability of detection of sufficient for short messages is
By COMMODORE ANIL JAI SINGH (RETD) the ‘periscope feather’ (the wake nevertheless a constraint. It also
created by the masts cutting limits the submarine’s speed and
A Chinese SSBN submarine

E
ffective communication with a dived submarine operating hundreds through water and easily visible manoeuvrability for that duration
of miles away at sea without compromising its position has been from the sky on a clear day and a and consequently a submarine’s
a challenge that navies are constantly grappling with. Until almost calm sea) and susceptibility to ship flexibility of operation. interference by an external agency. the sender also gets an indication
the end of World War 2, submarines had to come to the surface to and aircraft radar detecting the SSBNs are a country’s most However, despite the robustness of this attempt at interception.
communicate thus exposing themselves to detection and attack by visible masts remained a threat. effective second strike platform of this command and control Most of the nuclear submarine
the enemy. This was a serious limitation but since the submarines of The improvements in battery and therefore the most effective communication organisation, the operating navies are researching
that era could stay dived only for limited periods and had to surface technology and the introduction deterrent against a first strike in the vulnerability remains. and adopting quantum
frequently to provide fresh air for running their diesel generators to of Air Independent Propulsion nuclear triad. Operating thousands Recent research in quantum communications. China and the
charge the electric batteries, they were anyway vulnerable to detection. (AIP) has considerably reduced of miles away in the depths of the technologies has thrown up United States are expectedly
the time for battery charging but oceans, a SSBN needs a fool-proof interesting possibilities, one in the lead as they compete for WITH THE
diesel-electric (conventional) and secure communication link of which is the use of quantum global military superiority. In fact, ADVANCEMENT,
However, the major reason for war reduced this vulnerability submarines are still required with the command and control communications with submarines most of the leading countries are VLF HAS NOW
the defeat of the German U-boats as submarines could now take to plane to periscope depth to organisation ashore to execute a and particularly SSBNs as these are researching quantum technologies GIVEN WAY TO
in World War 2 was the allied in fresh air for their diesel receive their messages at pre- nuclear strike in a precise time secure and cannot be intercepted. for a wider range of military
ELF AND MAJOR
NAVIES ARE
success in intercepting their generators through the snorkel determined timings. Even though on a precise target. There is Although experiments have shown applications including quantum USING THIS
communications and deciphering mast and did not need to this requires only a few minutes, absolutely no room for any error that quantum communications are research in the maritime domain FREQUENCY
the Enigma code which the surface. Incoming messages the vulnerability remains. To either in executing this strike or influenced by the quality of water which also includes quantum radar BAND TO
Germans had considered could be received while the mitigate this, Very Low Frequency on the communications between and turbulence and may lack detection and quantum cryptology COMMUNICATE
unbreakable. This enabled them submarine was ‘snorting’. (VLF) became the preferred the submarine and the ashore to adequate bandwidth, but it still has among others. There is however WITH THEIR
to monitor the movements and Submarine communications frequency band for communicating either get intercepted or hacked. the basic advantage of ensuring little information available in SUBMARINES AS
intentions of the U-boats thus could be received by raising a with dived submarines as waves As understood, the existing the safety of the encrypted the open domain except for the ELF WAVES CAN
rendering them ineffective and communication antenna which in this frequency band could protocol requires the submarine to communication. Contrary to occasional article highlighting the TRAVEL FARTHER
subject to counter attack. penetrated the surface while travel underwater though up to disregard all communication from popular perception that it cannot possibilities. AND DEEPER
The introduction of the the submarine continued at a limited depth. This eliminated ashore for a specific duration prior be hacked, it actually disintegrates One of the methods for ensuring THAN VLF
snorkel towards the end of the snorkelling depth. However, the need for submarines to expose to the time of launch to prevent any if an intercept is attempted and the security of communication

16 www.raksha-anirveda.com RAKSHA ANIRVEDA OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020 17

 RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

INSIGHT
with a submarine. In the first
option, the existing ELF network
can continue to be utilised. The
regular transmission would be
encrypted with a key (QKD)
which would be transmitted
via a quantum channel. Thus
ensuring safe transmission of
the signal with the quantum
encryption ensuring that
any attempt at interference
will cause it to self-destruct.
Hence, as stated above, while
not necessarily ‘unhackable,
it will be impossible to read
even if intercepted. However,
presently available with the this will still be subject to the
existing VLF and ELF systems to limitations associated with ELF
even enable a video feed. communication in terms of sea
In QKD, messages are encoded conditions, depth, salinity etc.
as regular bits of information The second option is to use
whereas cryptographic keys a full quantum channel but it is
required to decode these are sent understood that research on this
as quantum bits or qubits, which has not yet matured. Therefore,
is the quantum state of the photon the QKD technology seems the
across fibre-optic networks and logical next step to the present
recent research has indicated that ELF/VLF networks. Quantum
these can also travel freely through technologies across the spectrum
air. Any attempt at interception of of military operations will provide
the qubit will destroy the quantum an important breakthrough, of
RECENT RESEARCH with submarines is the use of state, thereby destroying the which underwater quantum
IN QUANTUM Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) information being carried and also communications will be significant.
TECHNOLOGIES technology which uses quantum wiping out the information. This While operationalisation of these
HAS THROWN information to generate a secure will also warn the sender. is still some distance away, their
UP INTERESTING key arrangement. This already From an Indian security impact on modern warfare will be
POSSIBILITIES, ONE exists in commercial use over perspective, China’s investment in considerable.
OF WHICH IS THE optical fibre cable (OFC) but has harnessing quantum technologies Use of quantum technologies
USE OF QUANTUM not yet been operationalised for military applications will to communicate with submarines
COMMUNICATIONS through the photons travelling create a further asymmetry is still at an experimental stage
WITH SUBMARINES
AND PARTICULARLY freely through air or water. than already exists. India has and its success will depend on
SSBNS AS THESE However, experiments are being operationalised its submarine the efficacy of its application. The
ARE SECURE done to enable this movement launched strategic deterrent and ability to communicate securely
AND CANNOT BE through free space with the aim should now be to make with its submarines, and more
INTERCEPTED satisfactory outcomes. The next the launch protocol impregnable specifically SSBNs without fear
stage of experimentation will be to to enemy interception. Hence, of interception or interference
see how a photon’s quantum state for an effective second strike of the enemy with the launch
can be preserved when travelling capability, the deterrent will have protocol would be a powerful
through water with the intention to be supported by quantum motivation for countries to invest
being to devise a system which can communications. Hopefully, India in operationalising this disruptive
effectively communicate with a is undertaking this research technology. 
submarine without compromising with a well-defined timeline for
–The writer is a veteran submariner
its depth, speed or operational operationalisation. with over three decades of service in the
manoeuvrability and offering Quantum technology can be Indian Navy. He is now the Vice President
a much wider band-width than used in two ways to communicate of the Indian Maritime Foundation.

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ANALYSIS www.raksha-anirveda.com

This comes at a time and in the union territories area with extensive capabilities One of the most talked about AI ALSO HAS
when New Delhi’s strategic of Jammu and Kashmir and of disruption is Artificial extensions of AI has been its THE POTENTIAL
vulnerabilities have not only Ladakh. With the advancement Intelligence (AI). application in robotics to create TO CONTORT
evolved but its technological of additive layer manufacturing AI technology can be deployed smarter autonomous Unmanned AND MOULD
gaps have also threateningly (3D-printing) and its potential to in warfare using a combination (Aerial/Ground/Underwater) INFORMATION
widened. Encountering both significantly reduce the costs to of surveying, machine learning, Vehicles. Their application in ENABLING THE
CREATION OF
state and non-state actors, produce devices like drones, the searching and planning to warfare is wide ranging from
FORGERIES,
disruptive technological accessibility of such technology ultimately analyse big data and reducing casualties, to providing ERODE PUBLIC
advancements have the to non-state actors will only automate decision-making. intelligence, surveillance and TRUST, SPREAD
potential to revolutionise India’s continue to widen. Through its unique and evolving reconnaissance (ISR) collection FALSE NEWS
war-fighting capabilities. With Although analysts have algorithms, AI can provide a in the harshest of weather AMONG OTHER
the strengthening of a China- warned that these disruptive platform for the military which conditions. Leaders in this field THINGS. THIS
Pakistan axis coupled with technologies ought not be can streamline rapid responses have gone one step further by NEW ‘DEEP
the prospect of an intentional considered the magic ingredient to cyber-attacks, conventional creating ‘drone swarms’ under FAKE AND
leakage of disruptive technology in military preparedness, it onslaughts and other types of which a large group of drones DISINFORMATION’
by Pakistan to its non-state remains undeniable that their electronic barrages. AI’s wide can act in unison carrying out CAPABILITY CAN
proxies, it is imperative for acquisition could potentially range of applications has been a variety of complex military INDEED BE USED
DURING PEACE
Indian defence planners to think provide the state with a relative in military use ever since its manoeuvres. The US in this
AND WAR TO
out of the box. competitive advantage in the incorporation into the DART pursuit, has created its Low-Cost WEAKEN THE
New Delhi’s concerns for field. Over the last decade there logistics and battle management Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) ADVERSARY’S
a potential trickle down of have been several leaps in system by the US during the First Swarm Technology (LOCUST). STATE
this technology to non-state technologies and their projected Gulf War in 1991. China has also greatly MACHINERY
trajectories which have provided Consequently, Russia and honed its drone capabilities AND CREATE

DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE

militaries across the globe with a China, among other leading with analysts speculating that DOMESTIC
wide range of options and areas militaries have made an active each drone can be equipped CHAOS
to enhance their capabilities. effort to expand its usage. India with mortars, grenades, and
At the vanguard of these has also followed suit by setting machine guns in a networked

INDIAN MILITARY MATRIX

advancements there are up a multi stakeholder task force and coordinated attack. India
several key technologies in 2018 to formulate strategy to has a long way to go with its
which represent a significant enhance the deployment of AI in primary UAVs being the Israeli
disruption in contemporary its military functions, followed Searchers and Herons, while
military capabilities. Perhaps by the establishment of the its few indigenously developed
With the strengthening of a China-Pakistan axis coupled with actors is well-founded against the most known and developing Defence AI Council in 2019. UAVs continue to lag behind in
the prospect of an intentional leakage of disruptive technology the backdrop of the Houthi
rebels in Yemen claiming the
by Pakistan to its non-state proxies, it is imperative for Indian responsibility for the successful
defence planners to think out of the box in terms of the use of attack on Saudi Arabian oil
such technology facilities through a coordinated
swarm drone strike in September
2019. Other examples of non-
state actors exploiting freely
By HARSH V PANT AND ANANT SINGH MANN available technology include

I
the bombing of Ukrainian state
n a timely intervention, Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane ammunition dumps by alleged
encouraged the nation’s armed forces “to pay adequate emphasis on Ukrainian Separatists using
the available disruptive technologies that have dual use and are being thermite grenades delivered by
driven by commercial entities and innovations” and emphasised the need drones causing great devastation
for their adapted incorporation into the “Indian context.” Accordingly, between 2015 and 2017.
as an extension of this effort, the Defence Research and Development Closer to home, there have
Organisation (DRDO), India’s premier defence technology supplier, is been several reports of Pakistan
reported to have setup a panel charged with enhancing its efficiency supported non-state actors
by reappraising its 57 laboratories and reducing their technological using drones to deliver weapons
overlapping. to create internal instability
through terror attacks in Punjab

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RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

ANALYSIS www.raksha-anirveda.com

powered microwave, railgun, government to create an

radiofrequency and particle environment conducive to such
beam munitions. The DRDO has innovation, because a majority
set up the Centre for High Energy of these technologies grow out
Systems and Sciences and the of commercial pursuits and then
Laser Science and Technology due to its dual-use nature can be
Centre for solely the development transferred and applied to the
of DEWs, but production of a evolving military needs.
deployable weapon is awaited. Consequently, a civil-military
A step further into the future synergy is critical for indigenous
and at the cutting edge of innovation and realistic
technological disruption would technological enhancement.
perhaps be the harnessing of While recent steps by the
Quantum Technology and its Indian government to focus on
application into the military incorporating these disruptive
sphere. China is at the helm of technologies is a welcome
this innovation which promises move, the only realisable and
numerous prospects once affordable route to achieve these
WHILE IN THE
achieved. innovations lie in government’s
PAST THE INDIAN
Its military applications under careful nurturing of a sustainable PROGRAMMES OF
the quantum key distribution, commercial domestic ecosystem. MISSILE, CYBER
quantum cryptanalysis, and In this direction, Prime AND SPACE
quantum sensing threaten Minister Narendra Modi’s recent HAVE SEEN
to completely transform the address where he reiterated CONSIDERABLE
military arena. It has been his emphasis on making the DEVELOPMENT, A
speculated that once achieved, Indian defence sector self- SHIFT OF GEARS
this technology could provide reliant through policy reforms IS PERHAPS
the military with hack-resistant such as banning the import IMPERATIVE TO
communications network, and of 101 weapon systems and PROACTIVELY
RESPOND TO THE
unmat ched comput at ional permitting 74 per cent Foreign
CHALLENGES
superiority on the battle field. Direct Investment through the BEING POSED
In the light of these significant automatic route for defence BY NEW AND
technological advancements, manufacturing sends out EMERGING
the DRDO still remains caught a positive signal that New DISRUPTIVE
up in the development of Delhi remains committed to TECHNOLOGIES
relative capabilities. However, in ‘deep fake and disinformation’ up to 100,000 feet) and glide Technol ogy Demonst ra t or more traditional forms of boosting domestic innovation
2019 the US and India announced capability can indeed be used (capable of altitudes above Vehicle (HSTDV) which can travel technology even as it continues and production. Given India’s
under their Defense Technology during peace and war to weaken 100,000 feet) variants with the up to a speed of Mach 6. to face a variety of issues like strategic environment, the
and Trade Initiative (DTTI) the adversary’s state machinery contemporary ‘hypersonic arms A step up from the delays, under-budgeting and incorporation of such avant-
that they would jointly pursue and create domestic chaos. The race’ being led by the Chinese hypersonic weapons has been superannuated technology. garde innovations will not
development of swarm drones US Defense Advanced Research DF-17, Russian Sarmat and the the development of ‘directed While in the past the Indian only help it to catch up with
and anti-drone systems. Such Projects Agency (DARPA) in US Hypersonic Conventional energy weapons’ (DEW) which programmes of missile, cyber its adversaries but also ensure
technology can be of great utility order to combat this has a Media Strike Weapon. essentially use millimeter waves, and space have seen considerable military preparedness against
to the Indian military, especially Forensics project designed The utility of these weapons microwaves and electromagnetic development, a shift of gears non-conventional threats.
in patrolling inhospitable areas specifically to detect such is stored in their speed which is pulses to perform a range of is perhaps imperative to The article was earlier published
like the Aksai Chin. warfare. While India too has around five times the speed of functions from crowd control proactively respond to the (https://www.orfonline.org/expert-
AI also has the potential to been attacked by deep fakes at sound (Mach 5) and consequently and destruction of electronic challenges being posed by speak/disruptive-technologies-in-the-
contort and mould information various points, it lacks a coherent give them the ability to strike systems in given radiuses to new and emerging disruptive indian-military-matrix-72494/?amp)
enabling the creation of policy or strategy to counter this targets with high speed and precise and quick destruction of technologies. on Observer Research Foundation
forgeries, of both photos and disruptive technology. precision virtually leaving little objects in space. It is clear that indigenous portal.
videos, enabling adversaries to Hypersonic weapons appear chance for their detection by the Following the US, China production of such technologies
- The author is Director of Studies and
control public discourse, erode to be in vogue presently with enemy. India also joined this race has deployed several types remains a crucial factor in their Head of Strategic Studies Programme at
public trust, spread false news, their disruptive impact, in both in 2019 with its indigenously of DEWs ranging from anti- realistic military incorporation. ORF and the co-author is a Research Intern
among other things. This new their cruise (capable of altitudes developed Hypersonic Satellite lasers, to other high- It is therefore vital for the at this Public Policy Think Tank.

22 www.raksha-anirveda.com RAKSHA ANIRVEDA OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020 23

RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

BUSINESS INITIATIVE www.raksha-anirveda.com

3. Man portable, Vehicle mounted and

Fixed installations
4. Catalogue of sensors and effectors to
pick and chose
5. Very high probability of intercept and
very low false alarm rate

THREATENED BY DRONES? BUT

6. Limited Interference with friendly use
of air-space and spectrum.
7. Complete solution available based on

WHO DEFENDS THESE THREATS?

inhouse-products with no third-party
interdependency.

How Mature is the solution? Are there

XPELLER – WE BRING IT DOWN success stories?

In 2018, HENSOLDT demonstrated its

perceptions, i.e. type and mission rising incidences of security breaches by

M
onitoring the airspace is an of UAV, legal, regulatory or practical unidentified drones.
important task. Even more so constraints in installing radar There are been numerous players in
when dangers are becoming and/or selection of counter measures the market acting locally and globally
smaller and smaller: The use and contentment of collateral offering variety of solutions.
and circulation of small drones damages etc.
has increased substantially The key differentiating factors for
over recent years and months. While Could you please describe Xpeller HENSOLDT solution are:
some regulatory frameworks exist, their system? 1. Mature and already in-service
implementation has proven difficult in The Xpeller approach towards countering 2. Scalable and modular solution
practice. Airports especially are high- the UAV threat is based on a multi sensor/ framework catering to different needs
risk areas, as a collision between drones effector layer and a three step workflow: of customers
and airplanes – whether intentional or 1. Detect the potential threat with the
not – may result in accidents and even best possible probability of detection.
deadly crashes. Added to that the risk 2. Identify the potential threat as an
of drones employed as weapons by actual threat with the least possible
dropping explosives, biological or chemical false alarm rate.
substances, it becomes clear that airports 3. Act on the threat by raising alarms,
and other critical infrastructures must be or engaging the threat with a counter
continuously monitored, secured and have Shadman Andleeb, Managing Director, Markus Wolf, Head of Sales & Business measure.
access to means of intervention in cases HENSOLDT India Development at HENSOLDT Ventures, responsible Xpeller is highly efficient, modular
where drones may enter their airspace. for the Xpeller CUAV System and scalable counter UAV system
Andleeb Shadman, Managing Director incidents within the last few years Whether they are used for trafficking, designed for civil and military domains.
of Hensoldt Pvt. Ltd in an interesting have revealed that there is a rapidly industrial espionage, sabotage, The system allows combination of
conversation with Markus Wolf, Director emerging threat caused by small, cheap terrorist acts or even unintentional radar, electro-optical and RF signals,
Sales & Business Development of Xpeller and commercially available drones. In this phenomenon is an emerging all integrated in operational software for
Counter UAV Solution at Hensoldt Ventures. 2016 alone there were 70 reported near threat that must be countered. To do an optimized detection of unauthorized
misses at Heathrow. Recent incidents so, it is key to detect and identify the drone threats. The resulting signal
Could you describe global threat like the lethal drone attack on Saudi drone and assess its threat potential at domination allows an optimized usage of
perceptions for which global customers Arabia’s largest petroleum company ranges from a few hundred meters up countermeasures such as intercepting
buy Counter UAV Systems and what and arms dropping by UAVs in Punjab, to several kilometres of distance from signals to defeat the drone threat
are the key criteria that influence their India from across the India-Pakistan the sensitive area. successfully.
choice in selecting the System? border has alerted Indian security and Practical Counter UAV solution
Hostile UAVs are becoming one of the intelligence agencies. It is estimated (CUS) should maximize true positives What is the USP of HENSOLDT Solution?
biggest threats is recent years. They that India has over 6 lakh rogue or and minimize false negatives. We have The Counter UAV solution market
are cheap, easy to operate, available unregulated unmanned aerial vehicles observed globally that key customer has been consistently growing with
everywhere, almost invisible and (UAVs) and security agencies are looking criteria for choosing a Counter UAV increasing in threats due to terrorism
usable for a variety of attacks. Several for pragmatic solutions. solution is influenced by local threat and illicit activities across the world and

24 www.raksha-anirveda.com RAKSHA ANIRVEDA OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020 25

RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

BUSINESS INITIATIVE
Our proposed approach is to offer
complete Xpeller solution framework
to Indian customers. Through a Joint
development we could realize an
Indigenous Counter UAV solution in
the most practical and incremental
way, for example in supporting Indian
capabilities like Sensors or 3rd Party
Hard Kill effectors with selected
Xpeller modules.

We offer following three variants of

Xpeller for Armed forces and Critical
National Infrastructure (CNI) like Airports,
Govt Establishments, Power Stations,
MASADA
International Borders: Striker Fired Pistol
• Xpeller Gear is a wearable and light 9x19mm
weight configuration allowing highly
mobile operations of patrol forces.
• Xpeller Rapid is a mobile system
configuration that is easily transferable
“Hensoldt’s Xpeller system securing Remembrance Day in Amsterdam”

Xpeller counter-UAV system at the

UZI PRO
Airbus airfield in Hamburg. During the
Sub-Machine Gun
demonstration, Xpeller detected UAVs 9x19mm
approaching from a number of locations
and was able to identify a variety of
UAVs, including small recreational
models, from a distance of several
miles away. X95
Among our most recent successes is CQB Carbine
supporting the German Armed Forces in 9x19mm
the protection of their forward operating
bases in their operational areas.
The Xpeller modules are used as
part of container-based drone defence PRECISE | LETHAL | RELIABLE X95
systems within the GUARDION overall Assault Rifle
system of ESG Elektroniksystem- und 5.56x45mm

THE ULTIMATE WEAPONS OF 21ST CENTURY

Logistik-GmbH and its partners for a
total of five drone defence systems. “The VADR catching drone in action
Spexer2000 3D radar is characterized
by outstanding detection capabilities, 2020, marking the successful introduction and rapidly deployable. GALIL
especially against asymmetric threats. of Xpeller as a service. • Xpeller Guard is a fixed site system Sniper Rifle
The Z:NightOwl M camera was specially configuration that is installed for 7.62x51mm
developed for high ranges. With it, we How do you see Indian market for counter continuous operations in complex and
support drone defence against so-called drone solution? What are your plans to wide surveillance

PLR SYSTEMS PVT LTD

Class I drones, that is, unmanned aircraft offer this solution to Indian customers? Xpeller with its inherent modularity
weighing up to 25 kg. India is the vast country with challenging of design, Multi-pronged Evolutionary DAN
In addition to permanent deployment, security situations. There have been approach involving technology and Sniper Rifle
.338 BOLT ACTION
customers also use the system for several instances related to drone threats capability enhancement across the system INDIA’S FIRST PRIVATE SECTOR SMALL ARMS MANUFACTURER
temporary protection of major events. in civil and military areas. in all components – sensors and effectors,
A recent example was the deployment We are also cognizant about India’s feasibility of integration of parallel systems L-1, Malanpur Industrial Area, Ghirongi, Distt. Bhind (MP) - 477117, India
of Xpeller during the Dutch Day of uncompromising focus on Military self- or add on Sensors and effectors in its Tel: +91 9910501470, +91 8826313475
Remembrance in Amsterdam in May Reliance through “Make in India” policy. architecture fits in well with this approach. NEGEV
E-mail: [email protected] Light Machine Gun
www.plrsystem.in 5.56x45mm | 7.62x51mm
26 www.raksha-anirveda.com
RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

OPINION www.raksha-anirveda.com

China, which is given to shrill China. Shinzo Abe was back as government. Notwithstanding a IT SPOKE
protestations even on matters the Prime Minister of Japan since perception of being soft on China VOLUMES OF
MR. ABE’S

QUAD - FROM LIFE

remotely impacting its interests 2012. Sino-Japanese were getting and having a Chinese daughter-
issued demarches to the concerned increasingly fraught. in-law, PM Malcolm Turnbull TENACITY AND
QUAD is capitals, insinuating that QUAD Despite US$115 billion refused to join Border and Road PERSUASIVE
POWERS THAT THE
more than a was directed against them, even worth of exports to China in Initiative (BRI).
SAID NATIONS
though all participants tried to 2017, Australian sentiment was What riled China the most
mechanism to dispel that notion. As luck would noticeably turning negative due was Australia’s ‘2017 Foreign
CAME ON BOARD.
THAT IS HOW THE
restrain Chinese

SUPPORT TO SHAKY
have it, Australian Prime Minister to allegations of extensive and Policy White Paper’ which QUADRILATERAL
adventurism John Howard was replaced by covert interference in Australian stated “Australia is particularly SECURITY
Kevin Rudd a mandarin speaking society and polity, by the Chinese concerned by the unprecedented DIALOGUE’ OR
(even if parties Sinophile, who promptly QUAD CAME
are bashful of disassociated Canberra with the INTO BEING,
acknowledging nascent dialogue. A relieved India EVEN THOUGH
THE SEEDS GOT

ADOLESCENCE
gladly followed suit. Meanwhile,
it) and has Japanese PM Abe resigned on PLANTED IN
the potential health grounds. That effectively DECEMBER 2004
WHEN AUSTRALIA,
of impacting spelled the end of QUAD.
INDIA, JAPAN AND
Ten years, which used to be THE US, ACTIVELY
geopolitics, once a mere blip in human history, COLLABORATED
it comes of age appears to have become a lifetime IN RUSHING
in the 21st century. The global DISASTER RELIEF
scenario changed dramatically TO THE TSUNAMI
between 2008 and 2017. Donald HIT NATIONS
By AMB VISHNU PRAKASH (IFS, RETD) Trump, an iconoclast, became the
new occupant of the White House

I
t is nothing short of a miracle that QUAD has lived to turn 13. It was Dialogue’ or QUAD came into and was getting increasingly
born of a reluctant union, mired in self doubt and absence of fanfare. It being, even though the seeds got restive at the wilful disregard The then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Indian Parliament (File photo)
was not loving parental care but unintended external sustenance that planted in December 2004 when of the rules of engagement by
kept its oxygen flowing. Former National Security Advisor Shivshankar Australia, India, Japan and the US,
Menon was scathing – “QUAD comprises three islands and a peninsula actively collaborated in rushing
with a hole in the middle.” disaster relief to the tsunami
hit nations. The speed of India’s
response came as a pleasant
surprise to her partners.
Since I may have piqued mooted the idea of like-minded The first meeting at the level of
your curiosity, let me elaborate. nations such as Japan, India, the officials (Additional Secretaries)
Speaking at the Indian US and Australia joining forces was discreetly held in Manila on
Parliament in August 2007 to form an “Arc of Freedom and May 25, 2007, on the margins
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Prosperity.” It would be an “open of the ASEAN Regional Forum
Abe eloquently outlined the and transparent network…. (ARF) event. Ironically almost
vision of a “BROADER ASIA” (to)… allow people, goods, immediately thereafter all
made possible by the “dynamic capital, and knowledge to flow participants, excepting Japan,
coupling” of the Pacific and the freely.” He called upon both sides sought to downplay its significance.
Indian Oceans or “Confluence of to come up with a framework of PM Manmohan Singh reportedly
the Two Seas” to further freedom security cooperation over the assured President Hu Jintao
and prosperity. following years. that there was “no question of
Hailing the democratic However, Indian leaders ganging up” against China. Defence
credentials of both maritime were hesitant to buy into the Minister Brendan Nelson stated
nations, noting their vital idea. It spoke volumes of Mr. that Australia favoured limiting
interests in the security of sea Abe’s tenacity and persuasive the initiative to trade, culture
lanes and underlining their powers that the said nations and other issues outside the
common intent to form a came on board. That is how domain of defence and security Malabar Exercise (File photo)
“Strategic Global Partnership” he the Quadrilateral Security (The Japan Times).

28 www.raksha-anirveda.com RAKSHA ANIRVEDA OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020 29

RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

OPINION www.raksha-anirveda.com

plus interactions. It is moot if the

invitees, other than France, have
the requisite political will and heft
to contribute meaningfully to the
QUAD process. The fact remains
that most nations have adopted
a hedging strategy till there is
more clarity about the evolving
geostrategic landscape.
Meanwhile, QUAD consultations
are picking up pace. India hosted a
virtual meet of senior officials on
September 25 when “regional and SENIOR OFFICIALS
global issues of common interest” OF THE FOUR
including counter-terrorism,
DEMOCRACIES,
SAT DOWN FOR
cyber and maritime security in CONSULTATIONS
IPR were discussed. New Delhi is AS QUAD IN
also planning to convene a foreign MANILA ON
minister level meet which would NOVEMBER 12,
be significant in itself. However, 2017 ON THE
the next in-person QUAD foreign MARGINS OF THE
junction of the Doklam plateau in exchanged notes on promoting who met in New York during the Indo-Pacific (IP) states recognise ministers’ consultation is likely ASEAN SUMMIT,
June / August 2017. peace, stability and prosperity UN General Assembly session. the need for a strengthened Asian to take place in Tokyo possibly in AFTER A HIATUS
Xi Jinping was quick to in the Indo-Pacific Region (IPR) Although no joint statement was security architecture, preferably October itself. It would underline OF 10 YEARS.
concentrate power in his hands and “agreed that a free, open, issued yet the meeting underlined led by the US. That is precisely continuity of Abe’s policy under THEY EXCHANGED
and stamp out internal dissidence. prosperous and inclusive IPR that QUAD was there to stay. US what China does not want, but its his successor Prime Minister
NOTES ON
PROMOTING
He discarded the frayed mask serves the long-term interests of all Secretary of State Mike Pompeo aggression, territorial ambition Yoshihide Suga. PEACE, STABILITY
of “peaceful rise of China” and countries in the region and of the tweeted on September 27 last and disregard for a rule-based QUAD is more than a AND PROSPERITY
pledged to erase the so-called world at large.” (Indian Ministry year - @SecPompeo “ Positive international order, has left the IP mechanism to restrain Chinese IN THE INDO-
“Century of humiliation.” He spoke of External Affairs statement). meeting with @MarisePayne, @ countries without much choice. adventurism (even if parties are PACIFIC REGION
of the “Chinese dream of great Australia let it be known that the DrSJaishankar, and @moteging. Earlier in May, partly in bashful of acknowledging it) and (IPR) AND
rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” need for a “rules-based order in We discussed our shared interest response to the Coronavirus has the potential of impacting “AGREED THAT
and set about rapid military the Indo-Pacific and respect for in building a free and open pandemic, Secretary Pompeo geopolitics, once it comes of age. A FREE, OPEN,
modernisation including naval international law, freedom of #IndoPacific, denuclearisation of convened a virtual QUAD plus Yet there are imponderables. PROSPEROUS
build up, acquisition of ports in Asia navigation and overflight” was #NorthKorea, and joint efforts to meeting to which South Korea, The interplay of Sino-American AND INCLUSIVE
PM Narendra Modi with his ex-Japan counterpart Abe and beyond for setting up military also discussed. promote regional stability.” Israel and Brazil were invited. equations, both bilateral and IPR SERVES THE
bases (with the help of BRI), India continued to emphasise Efforts are currently underway Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, external, would have a huge
LONG-TERM
INTERESTS OF ALL
pace and scale of China’s activities. elbowing out the US as the premier that QUAD was not directed at to expand the base of QUAD by New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, bearing on the grouping. The COUNTRIES IN
Australia opposes the use of infotech power and imposing a any country, but was no longer inducting more like-minded France and Sri Lanka have also dramatic swing in Washington’s THE REGION AND
disputed features and artificial China-centric regional order. diffident about the grouping. Her nations. QUAD partners and most been associated with other QUAD foreign policy orientation under OF THE WORLD AT
structures in the South China Sea Such were among the partners were not so certain. the Trump administration has LARGE”
(SCS) for military purposes.” considerations that led to “But the fate of the QUAD is still made all capitals cautious about
In India, Narendra Modi, a resurrection of QUAD in 2017. fragile--- Today, following a being in lockstep with the US,
decisive leader had become the Former Foreign Secretary Shyam burst of concern about Chinese especially when it comes to
Prime Minister and Xi Jinping, Saran notes that PM Abe again influence, Australia is all in. So are staking out a position on China.
an overly ambitious princeling, persuaded - “India to agree, because the United States and Japan. That All the same, QUAD nations
the President of China. Despite he was convinced of India’s critical leaves India, where New Delhi would have take that risk, as they
regular meetings between them, role as a security partner.” may be getting cold feet.” (Foreign take measured steps towards
bilateral ties were getting more Senior officials of the four Affairs magazine in July 2018). enhancing collaboration.
complicated. Incursions across the democracies, sat down for It soon became evident that
Line of actual control (LAC) were consultations as QUAD in Manila scepticism about India was –Former Indian Ambassador to Canada
and South Korea, the writer is a foreign
degenerating into standoffs. A 73- on November 12, 2017 on the unfounded. In September 2019
affairs specialist and columnist. He also
day tense standoff had taken place margins of the ASEAN summit, the QUAD dialogue was elevated held the positions of MEA Spokesperson
near the India China Bhutan tri- after a hiatus of 10 years. They to the level of foreign ministers, and Consul General, Shanghai, China.

30 www.raksha-anirveda.com RAKSHA ANIRVEDA OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020 31

RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

IN CONVERSATION www.raksha-anirveda.com

‘WE HAVE ENGAGED WITH INDIAN

have the prospect of developing
complete systems and our own
parts locally, while also having the
opportunity to further enhance

DEFENCE COMPANIES TO ADDRESS

our manufacturing capabilities.
We have strengthened our
capabilities by working very
closely with several companies

FUTURE MAKE IN INDIA PROGRAMMES’

across EDGE Group.

AL TARIQ, a world-class
manufacturer of Precision-
guided Munitions (PGMs),
partnered with Denel Dynamics,
heunis Christoffel Botha is CEO of AL TARIQ. AL TARIQ South Africa. What benefits has

T
is an EDGE Group entity and regional leader in aerial your company reaped out of this
weaponry and a manufacturer of precision-guided partnership, namely in terms of
munitions (PGMs). With over 35 years of experience, technology, innovation and
he served as Business Unit Manager of Stand-Off production?
Weapons group in Denel Dynamics (previously known AL TARIQ had a Joint
as Kentron) in South Africa in his previous role. Venture with Denel
Besides various performance awards in his Dynamics, South Africa’s largest
kitty, Theunis Botha holds a National Diploma government-owned defence
from Pretoria Technikon in South Africa, and manufacturer, in 2012. Following We design and produce AL TARIQ IS PART OF THE MISSILES & WEAPONS
has completed several courses in Project Management and the establishment of such the ‘Al Tariq’ range – a
engineering related disciplines. In an interview to Ajit K Thakur, partnership, AL TARIQ launched modular family of precision-
CLUSTER WITHIN EDGE. THE CONSOLIDATION
Editor, Raksha Anirveda, Mr Botha describes about the its ‘Al Tariq’ modular kits to guided munitions designed for OF EXISTING DEFENCE ENTITIES HAS ENABLED
company’s journey in becoming a world class manufacturer of mark the milestone. As of today, the Mark 81 and Mark 82 aerial US TO FURTHER ACCELERATE AND LEVERAGE
PGMs, and weaponry systems. Edited Excerpts: these remain our flagship bombs. We use a range of WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN ESTABLISHED,
products, and we are proud to guidance and propulsion
say that the ‘Al Tariq’ family was technologies to convert
BUILD PRODUCTIVE COLLABORATIONS, WHILE
Tell us about AL TARIQ This enables the respective jointly developed with Denel unguided aerial weapons into TAPPING INTO THE CAPABILITIES OF THE OTHER
being a part of EDGE Entity Leaders and Cluster Dynamics, and based upon high-precision, longer-range ENTITIES ACROSS THE GROUP
Group? Are you able to Presidents to be better Denel’s Umbani weapon. focused munitions. The family
leverage your presence within synergised enabling us to Since then, we have leveraged consists of the ‘Al Tariq-S’ Do you think that the recovery
the Group and receive support leverage the group’s advanced our partnership with Denel (Standard Range) and ‘Al Tariq- path in near terms for the
from the other companies to technology capabilities and Dynamics to enhance our LR’ (Long Range) with a range of defence industry will be sluggish
provide cutting-edge products accelerate growth with engineering capabilities and different seekers, providing or moderate? How has AL TARIQ
and services to customers? efficiency. have implemented a range of operational mission flexibility to coped with the pandemic? Is it
EDGE is a UAE-head- AL TARIQ is part of operational features through the user. The long range includes on track with its growth
quartered advanced the Missiles & Weapons cutting-edge technology and a wing-kit that increases the trajectory?
technology group for defence cluster within EDGE. The continuous innovation into range from 45 kilometres to 120 The pandemic has
and beyond, consolidating over consolidation of existing the Block II version of Al Tariq. kilometres. definitely forced us to
25 entities and employing defence entities has enabled We have also enhanced our The ‘Al Tariq’ family will adapt and alter the way we
12,000 brilliant minds across us to further accelerate and production capacity through be expanded in the future to work and operate. We are
five core clusters – Platforms & leverage what has already cost saving measures and include other versions. We are in continuing to enhance our ‘Al
Systems, Missiles & Weapons, been established, build continuous improvement in our the process of integrating these Tariq’ range of precision-guided
Cyber Defence, Electronic productive collaborations, operations. onto more platforms to increase munitions (PGMs) and are
Warfare & Intelligence, and while tapping into the the number of applications. currently in the process of
Mission Support. The entities capabilities of the other Please elaborate on the starting our planned production
under EDGE are grouped entities across the group. With range of products AL TARIQ The pandemic impact for the Block II version towards
according to their specialised EDGE now having enough has in its current portfolio - globally has been severe the end of 2020. We are also
domains, all of which are critical mass to act as the detailing the categories and sub- in many business sectors expanding the range to include
complementary to each other. anchor player in the UAE, we categories of products. including the defence industry. the Mk 83 and Mk 84 in the next

32 www.raksha-anirveda.com RAKSHA ANIRVEDA OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020 33

RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

IN CONVERSATION BUSINESS INITIATIVE www.raksha-anirveda.com

AL TARIQ-LR
LR system includes a wing kit GHASL – A STRATEGIC GROWTH
PARTNER FOR AEROSPACE BUSINESSES
that increases range to 120km.
Single modular kit for Mk 81 and
Mk 82 munitions
 Fire and forget, high accuracy
 LOBL & LOAL capability

G
 Range up to 120 km MR Hyderabad Aviation SEZ Limited (GHASL) is a 100% subsidiary of land area of ~20 acres notified
 Dual-mode seekers GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL). GMR Aerospace as Free Trade Warehousing Zone
 GNSS/INS only & Industrial Park is the key product offering of GHASL, which is to complement supply chain
 GNSS/INS/SAL housed in GMR Hyderabad Airport City operated by GMR Airport Land distribution, warehousing, storage,
 GNSS/INS/IIR Development (ALD). value addition and packaging. This is
 Programmable attack profiles the only Airport-based FTWZ in India.
 Moving target and off-axis The fact that the FTWZ is inside the
attack capability
Airport makes it unique which will
 Wireless or MIL-STD-1760 bring down the transportation costs
integration
and reduce the turnaround time for
 Simplified user logistics movement of man and material.
 ITAR-free solution
 Currently, GMR Aerospace &
 Integrated on various fighter
aircraft Industrial Park has several global
clients viz. CFM Aircraft Engine
Support South Asia Private Limited
while maintaining business companies to co-develop and (CFMAESSA) providing training on
continuity. All operations co-partner for product CFM and LEAP engines; SAFRAN
and business functions are innovations? Electrical & Power India Private
continuing as normal despite The Indian defence Limited (SEPIPL) for assembling of
the unprecedented pressures. sector has huge Cable Harnesses to be used in SAFRAN
potential to attract foreign Engines; SAFRAN Aircraft Engine;
Very recently, the direct investment. The United Technologies Corporation
Government of India has proposed increase in the FDI India Private Limited (UTCIPL)
liberalised its policy to limit from 49 per cent to 74 for providing training on Pratt &
promote private defence per cent is a welcome step Whitney engines; Turbo Aviation,
industry along with DPSUs. It which will see many key GMR Aero Technic; SpiceXpress;
has also raised FDI in defence players investing in the sector. Global AeroTech India Pvt. Ltd.; SAS
An AL TARIQ employee at its assembly unit
under the automatic route It will also encourage Applied Research and Lab Materials
from 49 per cent to 74 per multinationals to set up Aman Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer Pvt. Ltd.; Analinear Imaging Systems
cent. How is it going to manufacturing bases in India Pvt. Ltd.; Casper Pharma Private
12-18 months. The Block II benefit global defence or acquire local companies. Limited; Cronus Pharma Specialities
version features a number of industry? Do you have any AL TARIQ recognises the GMR Aerospace & Industrial Park, focus on their core business. By virtue India Pvt. Ltd; Multisorb Technologies
new upgrades. plan to invest in India in the rapidly growing Indian market, is a modern, state-of-the-art Airport- of the Park being housed within RGIA, India Pvt. Ltd. (MTIPL); among others.
In terms of coping with the near future? Does AL TARIQ and we are involved to address based multi-product Special Economic the Aerospace & Industrial Park enjoys  The site location of GMR
pandemic challenges, like any have any collaboration in the future requirements of Zone (SEZ), also consisting Airport greater security. Supply of utilities like Aerospace and Industrial Park
other company, we have been India for its products? If yes, the Indian Armed Forces. We based Free Trade Zone - GIFTZ (GMR power and water are highly reliable. has been strategically chosen with
ensuring that our employees with which company? Do you have engaged with Indian International Free Trade Zone).  The The Park also enjoys the complete emphasis on connectivity. The Park
have the means to perform their have any future plans to defence companies to address Park offers Special Economic Zone airport ecosystem like proximity to Air is well connected by air, road and
duties safely and efficiently, collaborate with Indian the future “Make in India” (SEZ) for units with predominantly Cargo Terminal, availability of Hotel, rail, including robust connectivity to
programmes for the Indian export oriented business as well as reliable and affordable Transport, ports. This strategic location offers
WE ARE CONTINUING TO ENHANCE OUR ‘AL TARIQ’ RANGE OF PRECISION- Ministry of Defence. This will Non SEZ land for customers who wish Emergency Services, Security, etc. businesses an easy access to suppliers,
GUIDED MUNITIONS (PGMS) AND ARE CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS entail the production and to deal in the Domestic Tariff Area  To foster and boost exports, GMR enabling efficient supply chain
future co-development of within India. Hyderabad International Airport Limited management. These linkages present
OF STARTING OUR PLANNED PRODUCTION FOR THE BLOCK II VERSION
high technology systems as GMR Aerospace & Industrial Park as a company and developer of the the benefits of faster turn-around time
TOWARDS THE END OF 2020. WE ARE ALSO EXPANDING THE RANGE TO required by the Indian Defence provides ‘ready-to-use’ industrial RGIA campus, established airport based and maximization of Productivity for
INCLUDE THE MK 83 AND MK 84 IN THE NEXT 12-18 MONTHS Forces. infrastructure allowing companies to multi-product SEZ. The SEZ includes the esteemed clients.. 

34 www.raksha-anirveda.com RAKSHA ANIRVEDA OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020 35

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DAWN OF A DIALECTICAL
Saudi Arabia’s Aramco oil field, which faced drone attacks recently

EVOLUTION IN WARFARE -
CONTACTLESS WAR
With the focus shifting to next-generation drones, From a classical military
which are essentially unmanned fighter jets and armed perspective it was a war waged
by an array of nations forming a
helicopters that are currently under development, the coalition forces from 35 nations
dawn of contactless warfare is now a reality led by the United States against determined governments have its national objective of achieving space intimately intertwined INFORMATION-
Iraq in response to Iraq’s invasion resorted to brute force and brought the “great rejuvenation of the with information, psychological ALISED
and annexation of Kuwait arising this menace under control. Sri Chinese nation.” Stemming from and irregular warfare. It is WARFARE
By MAJ GEN G SHANKARNARAYANAN (RETD) from oil pricing and production Lanka, Bosnia and Herzegovina this ideology is the Chinese designed to undermine the OR LOOSELY
COINED HYBRID

C
disputes. The contours of the are examples. However closer military strategy that ordains the adversary’s gross national power
onflict Spectrum: The days of the blitzkrieg is slowly setting into the operation conformed to the home, cross border terrorism has People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to (GNP) while simultaneously WARFARE IS
twilight of military doctrine while a new dawn of contactless battle traditional concepts of relentless found no tangible answer despite defend its national sovereignty and eroding the military potential, BEING TERMED
is surely but steadily visible on the horizon. This is attributable to airstrike exhorting shock and multiple strategies including a territorial integrity even if it at the made possible by revolution AS SIXTH
the growing doctrinal shift is achieving the end state by means other awe, mobilisation of multinational localised limited offensive and a cost of an expansionist protocol. in military affairs (RMA)
GENERATION
WARFARE. THIS
than war albeit under a nuclear umbrella which limits the threshold troops and build designed to cross border surgical strike. In In so doing China has mastered fuelled by rapid and intense DIALECTICAL
of conflicts. This paradigm of contextualisation of war / conflict hold the adversary followed by fact the activation of the LAC by the art of informationalised, technological breakthrough. This DEVELOPMENT
itself warrants a closer examination. The last known conventional a predetermined combined arms the eastern adversary using a irregular warfare that largely type of warfare is being called OCCURS
mechanised operation was seen during the Gulf war codenamed outflanking mechanised offensive combination of LAC transgression conforms to the western concept ‘contactless war’ besides the soft SEQUENTIALLY
Operation Desert Storm in 1991. and finally consolidation leading backed by conventional build- of hybrid warfare where soft power. Sixth generation warfare AND IN
to complete annihilation of the up marks a strategic shift in the power and covert operations play has three main objectives: PARALLEL AT
Iraqi forces. conflict continuum. a predominant role. a) Defeating an opponent’s armed THE POLITICAL,
Movement of Indian Army vehicles in Galwan Valley  The next decade saw the The compulsions of ensuring forces (in his own territory), STRATEGIC,
proliferation of sub conventional
conflict across the globe. Warring
territorial integrity while
restraining conflict escalation
CONTACTLESS WAR b) Destroying an opponent’s
economic activity and potential –
OPERATIONAL
AND TACTICAL
nations or radical groups resorted matrix is indeed a complex border Informationalised warfare or and c) Subverting or changing an
LEVELS
to a low cost option of engaging management challenge. Therefore loosely coined hybrid warfare is opponent’s political system. The
non state actors to pursue their our response has also been equally being termed as sixth generation growing influence of Artificial
political agenda hoping to achieve measured yet aggressive and warfare. This dialectical Intelligence (AI) and Machine
defined conflict termination, determined albeit limited in development occurs sequentially Learning (ML) shall soon usher
which seldom has been the scope and depth just enough to and in parallel at the political, in the seventh generation where
case. While the cost has been facilitate strategic messaging. strategic, operational and tactical orchestration of the battle will
disproportionately low in keeping On the contrary China’s action levels. It deals with long-range, be remote while precision
the pot boiling, the incalculable resonates its policy of whittling high-precision engagements that engagement at the physical level
sufferings and loss of human the Chinese Communist Party’s can be launched from weapon will be by robotic unmanned
lives defies logic. Nonetheless (CCP’s) grand strategy to realising platforms on land, sea, air and entities - a replica of Star wars.

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RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

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high altitude, long endurance

drones like the Global Hawk. Mini
INDIA’S PERSPECTIVE operational spectrum all along
the international border (IB),
capable of seeking targets and
destroying them with pin point
UNMANNED
AERIAL
and micro drones are not classified India’s UAV inventory in the armed Line of Control (LoC), Line of accuracy having an operational SYSTEM OR
in the tier system. forces consists of Searchers Mark I Actual Control (LAC) and Actual range of 1,000 km and flight DRONES HAVE
The United States and Israel are and II followed by Heron, all from Ground Position Line (AGPL). endurance of six hours. It can be EMERGED AS AN
the biggest producers of drones Israel. These are mere surveillance Their operational efficacies in launched against land and sea UNDISPUTABLE
CHAMPION OF
followed by China. America’s UAVs with an operating ceiling high altitude regions have been based targets from ground, sea
CONTACTLESS
leading combat drones are the of 15,000ft. However being remarkable. In a conventional and air. It will be an excellent WARFARE, BE IT
MQ-9 Reaper and the Global Hawk. susceptible to radar interception engagement these UAVs will counter to China’s Cia Hong-4 and TRADITIONAL
MQ-9 Reaper Drone was used in it warranted a higher ceiling. provide target inputs for artillery Cia Hong -5 and Cia Hong 7 UCAV RECONNAIS-
the drone strike at Bagdad. Harop Accordingly the Indian Army and missiles engagement followed platforms. Undoubtedly armed SANCE, TARGET
(or IAI Harpy 2) an Israeli drone acquired the Heron which could by Post Strike Damage Assessment. drones shall form the main stay ACQUISITION
is a loitering munition developed operate at an altitude ceiling of In addition, the concept of swarm of contactless war. AND TRACKING
by the MBT division of Israel 30,000ft. These acquisitions by drone attack against mechanised OR PRECISION
Aerospace Industries (IAI). It is
an anti-radiation drone that can
the Army were followed suit
by the Indian Air Force and the
elements in the contact battle as
well as seek and destroy missions
TACTICAL UAV CAPABILITY ENGAGEMENT

autonomously home in on radio Indian Navy each with a service against command and control UAVs are now an integral part of
General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper emissions and strike the target specific mandate and operational centres in near real time will all operations across the spectrum
by itself, being self destructive. If autonomy. However the clamer is be a game changer. All this is of conflict. An organisational issue
a target is not engaged, the drone now on for acquiring Harop armed possible due to the very high that needs immediate attention
THE GROWING
INFLUENCE OF AI ARMED UAVS – THE MAIN STAY their hands to execute destructive
intent in a contactless manner.
will return and land itself back at
the base.
UCAV from Israel.
While acquisitions have been
resolution optics carried on board
for precision engagements. Under
is the development of tactical
UAV capability. As of now all
AND MACHINE
OF CONTACTLESS WAR China is also a major drone the order of the day, indigenous these operational necessities the the UAV capability rests at the
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
LEARNING ML manufacturer and specialises in development and manufacture next logical step should be to directional level. Whereas there
SHALL SOON It is in this context that unmanned developing the Cai Hong family of have also been given the right weaponise these platforms for is an urgent need for mini UAVs
USHER IN
THE SEVENTH aerial system (UAS) or drones More than 10 countries have CH 4, CH 5 and CH 7 armed drones. impetus. DRDO has developed effective target destruction. to exploit fleeting opportunities
GENERATION have emerged as an undisputable conducted unmanned combat The CH-7 is a stealth flying fixed a series of drones in the MALE Although a literal action of at the tactical level. It is here that
WHERE champion of contactless warfare, aerial vehicle (UCAV) or armed wing UCAV similar to the X-47B, category but their operational modifying the existing drone our indigenous commercial drone
ORCHESTRATION be it traditional reconnaissance, drone strikes: the United States, with a 22m wingspan and 10m viability is yet to be established. fleet is desirable but may not be manufacturers have the requisite
OF THE BATTLE target acquisition and tracking Israel, the United Kingdom, length. It can fly at 920 km/h Hence under the present eastern technically feasible due to the wherewithal in terms of range,
WILL BE or precision engagement. If Pakistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Iran, Turkey, and at an altitude of 13,000m. Ladakh imbroglio, it is but natural change in payload configurations. endurance, thermal imaging,
REMOTE WHILE fact drones are unequivocally Azerbaijan, Russia and the United Endurance is about 15 hours and to look towards foreign vendors. Hence acquisition of Harop shall real time video transmission and
PRECISION changing the character of Arab Emirates (UAE). But many its operational radius is 2000 That notwithstanding, there are a soon fill this void. The employment autonomous capabilities.
ENGAGEMENT warfare in strategy, action, and other countries, including Saudi kilometres. It can carry anti- few collaborative initiatives with envisages surveillance and In fact, a fully autonomous
AT THE PHYSICAL perception across the continuum Arabia and China among others radiation missiles and standoff ELBIT Systems and Rafael Defense, destruction of selected targets drone only requires the way
LEVEL WILL BE of conflict. The drone attack by maintain armed drones in their weapons. It can intercept radar both exponents in Israeli defence by loitering missiles and PSDA. points to be assigned within a
BY ROBOTIC
UNMANNED Houti Rebels on Saudi Aramco arsenals. India is a prospective signals, and simultaneously detect, and aerospace. It is in this light that Harop a self destructive Killer predetermined geo-fence. The
ENTITIES - A oilfield on September 14, 2019 entrant to this elite club. Therefore verify and monitor high-value the government’s “Atmanirbharta” drone is in fact a loitering missile drone can take off on its own,
REPLICA OF STAR and the precision engagement as per America’s World of Drones targets, such as hostile command drive is a welcome step in placing
WARS by the United States on Bagdad database, countries are sorted stations, missile launch sites and some category of drones in the
International Airport eliminating into three groups: those that naval vessels and carry out strikes. negative list to boost home grown
Maj Gen Qasem Soleimani of use drones in combat, those that India on the other hand is one of production. It is to be seen if
Iran on January 3 this year are possess armed drones but have not the largest importers of drones the Indian drone manufacturing
examples of future combat used them in combat, and those internationally. According to a fraternity can rise up to the
engagements. Thus the era of that are developing armed drones. Business Insider report based on challenge to meet the desired
armed drone is here to stay and In the American parlance, drone Stockholm International Peace expectations.
find effective use in prosecution capabilities are classified according Research Institute (SIPRI) data,
of the contactless warfare. On the
contrary its rapid proliferation
to the US Air Force tier system.
Tier I includes low altitude, low
India accounts for approximately
22.5 per cent of drone imports EMPLOYMENT IN OUR
among states and non state actors endurance drones like the Orbiter; from 1985-2017. In addition to ENVIRONMENT
and militant groups alike poses Tier II is comprised of medium its imports, India also has an
a new global challenge. Further altitude, long endurance drones indigenous UCAV Rustom-II, a UAVs are great force multipliers
miniaturisation and affordability like the Reaper or the retired Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance and are being effectively used in
HAL to build Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles in collaboration with Israel
make these as excellent tools in Predator; and Tier III applies to (MALE) drone, in its drone arsenal. surveillance missions across our

38 www.raksha-anirveda.com RAKSHA ANIRVEDA OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020 39

RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

FUTURE WARFARE
followed by operational level
visibility of avenues of approach
in the immediate depth to thwart
Chinese unforeseen build up of
local reserves and finally resorting
to tactical level observation and
reconnaissance of the immediate
vicinity. It is a task that will have to
be undertaken 24x7 and therefore
necessitates fast track drone
procurement.
It can be stated with reasonable
alacrity that armed drones are
no more a force multiplier but
a decisive combat influencer
that facilitates low cost conflict
strong political will and effective management. It is a conflict
diplomatic machinery has changer, faster than anticipated,
prompted the military to undertake and can enable countries to make
bold actions as a quid pro quo highly credible threats against
in areas that can be exploited states and groups. The moot
C
by the Chinese. The dilemma question is, could the mere threat
therefore is the trustworthiness of using an armed drone ever M

or otherwise of the Chinese to coerce an enemy to change their Y

undertake disengagement and behaviour – without attacking CM

DRDO Rustom-II de-escalation as decided by both them? Given the recent outcomes
MY
sides and remain committed to it. from drone attacks, the answer
THE fly along the assigned waypoint Therefore in the absence of any is yes. Armed drones are likely CY

GOVERNMENT’S besides simultaneously track the Chinese guarantee that the PLA to offer coercion ‘windows of CMY

“ATMANIR- way with real time transmission of will not reoccupy those positions opportunity’ in a state of military K

BHARTA” DRIVE video to the ground control station in the event of its vacation by the intransigence. While the effect
IS A WELCOME (GCS) and complete the given Indian troops, the situation calls shall be more pronounced between
STEP IN mission with very little manual for a firm deployment almost states that have armed drones
PLACING SOME intervention. It also has failsafe permanent in nature. In fact just as vis a vis that don’t, the same is
CATEGORY OF modes as well an auto return mode PLA is holding dominant positions perceived to be equally true for
DRONES IN
due to break in communication or up to Finger 4 on the north bank, states that possess them.
THE NEGATIVE
LIST TO BOOST low battery power, built into it. the Indian Army is now holding In fact as confrontations
HOME GROWN Rezang La-Rechin La ridgeline grow longer and less conclusive,
PRODUCTION.
IT IS TO BE
DRONES IN THE CURRENT FACEOFF right up to its perception of the
LAC south of Pangong Tso.
armed drones can enable states
to sustain combat operations,
SEEN IF THE The situation along the LAC is In situations like these, making threats to remain relevant
INDIAN DRONE extremely volatile. Over the past drones have a very significant i.e. ‘stay the course’ believable.
MANUFAC- 30 years, the PLA have nibbled role to play for all the obvious The efficacy of this hypothesis
TURING into the LAC with impunity while reasons. It necessitates the use is now gaining momentum
FRATERNITY the Indian Army have merely of drones in areas all along by shifting focus on to next-
CAN RISE UP TO resorted only to patrolling up to the LAC with continuous high generation drones, which are
THE CHALLENGE
the patrolling points as defined by precision observation and contact essentially unmanned fighter jets
TO MEET
THE DESIRED the China Study Group which falls surveillance of the strategic depth and armed helicopters that are
EXPECTATIONS well short of Indian perception line. in tandem with quick response currently under development.
However the recent conflagration armed drones addressing key vital Thus the dawn of contactless
has witnessed a paradigm shift in war sustaining installations. Such warfare is now a reality.
border management. The resolve operations can be undertaken
–The writer is a former GOC-Indian Army
to undo status quo and protect by drones flying well within our and presently a Strategic Consultant &
every inch of ground backed by a own territory. This should be Principal Advisor.

40 www.raksha-anirveda.com
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INDIAN NAVY MUST ADD PLATFORMS

of war and teach Zhuge Liang in
Staff Colleges as the Principles
of War. PLA surprised both
the Indian Army and ITBP that

TO FEND OFF CHINA-PAKISTAN NEXUS,

guard the LAC.
Prime Minister bolstered the
morale of the 14th Corps troops
and addressed them at Nimu
near Leh on July 3. MoD issued

FOR A STABLE INDO-PACIFIC

fresh rules of engagement and
orders of Rs 38,000 cr worth
of weapons and aircraft for the
Army, Air Force and ITBP forces
to be beefed up with weapons,
equipment, manpower and road
Indian Navy needs to think out of the box and plan and acquire more platforms infrastructure to ward off the
in the coming decade to maintain stability in India’s Oceanic Region as India and Chinese threat. Indian Air Force
China-Pakistan relations are at its nadir assets were forward deployed
in land air battle operations,
However the Indian Navy has along with Navy’s MiG-29Ks
seen brakes to its expansion with and P-8Is. Establishment 22s
insufficient budgets after the hitherto classified Tibetan P-8I
PLA surprised Indian Army and a Special Frontier Forces (SFF)
73-day standoff took place in the trained at Chakrata, operated On September 17, Defence and Navy has a responsibility INDIAN NAVY
Doklam region bordering Sikkim. with Indian commandos to take Minister Rajnath Singh to Freedom of Navigation OPERATES
Ministry of Defence (MoD) the commanding heights in a addressed Indian Parliament Operations (FONOPS) in the 114 SHIPS
attention shifted to beef up the riposte in South Pangong Tso that both countries needed to Indo-Pacific for peace and INCLUDING
Army and the Air Force. The lake area in early September. The keep peace and tranquility and stability, and trade. Navy THE AIRCRAFT
message of this article is that the Army is prepared to be locked in said,  “We can start a war, but is also tasked to be the Net CARRIER INS
Indian Navy needs to think out a harsh winter confrontational its end is not in our hands,” as a Security Provider and support VIKRAMADITYA
of the box and plan and acquire mode, with China’s PLA. message to China that India was PM Narendra Modi’s maritime WITH MIG-29K
AIRCRAFT, 13 OLD
more platforms in the coming   ready for any eventuality. This policy of Security and Growth
CONVENTIONAL
decade to maintain stability in
India’s Oceanic Region as India
THE MARITIME SCENE was a call to the Indian Navy
not to be surprised by the PLA
for All in the Region (SAGAR) in
IOR for economic prosperity
AND TWO NEW
SCORPENE
and China-Pakistan relations are Indian Navy’s ships were (Navy) if China makes similar through cooperation. SUBMARINES
at its nadir. put on alert from May as the sudden aggressive moves into Harking back post taking over (KALVARI AND
In the last few months with faceoff continued in Ladakh. the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the reign in 2014, on December KHANDERI) AND
Covid raging, China muddied its 15, 2015 Prime Minister TWO NUCLEAR
relations with India by moving Narendra Modi underscored SUBMARINES
INS Arihant
PLA troops into areas considered the need for a strong Navy and THE SSN INS
no man’s land, along the Line of said during the Commander’s CHAKRA AND
Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. conference on board INS SSBN INS
By CMDE RANJIT B RAI (RETD) ARIHANT,
Chinese military follows Zhuge Vikramaditya,  “India’s history
AND 200
Liang (181-234) who wrote 36 has been influenced by the seas. AIRCRAFT AND
n this 21st Century India has risen as a global power after it blasted its Stratagems of war. He preceded And, the passage to our future HELICOPTERS

I
way into the nuclear club in 1998 as a non non-proliferation treaty (NPT) Sun Tzu (Fifth century). Zhuge’s prosperity and security also
member, much to China’s chagrin. India also commissioned a homemade quote, ‘The wise win (area?) before lies on this ocean. It also holds
nuclear armed submarine INS Arihant with K-15/ B-05 missiles by 2016 the fight, while the ignorant fight the key to the fortunes of the
after operating two SSNs on lease from Russia. Maritime power is an to win’ is highlighted in External world.” However after China’s
essential asset for any aspiring global power and China increased the Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar’s incursion into Doklam and
percentage of its defence budget for the PLA (Navy) when it saw the book, ‘The India Way’ in his the 73-day standoff in 2017
Indian Navy rising in quantity and quality and to take on the US maritime chapter Managing China’s Rise. the Navy’s budget was cut and
power in the decades ahead. The Chinese claim Sun Tzu’s Art four LPDs and third aircraft
MiG-29
of War is more about philosophy carrier plans were shelved.

42 www.raksha-anirveda.com RAKSHA ANIRVEDA OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020 43

RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

SPOTLIGHT www.raksha-anirveda.com

merely Rs 61,890 crore which alliances but US and the QUAD Indian Ocean and Indo Pacific and in the last resort, defeat
is 13 per cent down from 18 plus nations are in support to are large. A precedent was set an enemy in war at sea or
per cent that CNS Admiral help maritime India. One idea when Indira Gandhi signed a even starve a nation with a
Karambir Singh has publicly gaining traction is for India to Peace Treaty with the Soviet blockade. Indian Navy has
lamented. The Navy’s budget sign an Indo-US Charter for Union in 1971 as insurance achieved that ability in a
barely covers the annual the IOR and Indo-Pacific for against US’ support to Pakistan limited way, as the fifth largest
payments for the second co-operation and lend lease which paid dividends in the Navy in the world and will be
indigenous 38,500 tonne of platforms from US Navy war for Bangladesh. critical for the security of the
aircraft carrier Vikrant at Cochin and also acquire moth balled Indian Navy’s expansion Indo Pacific security but will
Shipyard Ltd (CSL) undergoing ships from Foreign Military is inescapable in the coming need bigger budgets and as
harbour trials, four Type 7,600 Sales (FMS), just as Prime decade. Navy is making Rabindra Nath Tagore said,
tonne 15B BrahMos-Barak Minister Churchill had signed its mark, employing and ‘You can’t cross the sea merely
destroyers and four Scorpene the Atlantic Charter in August upgrading older ships and by standing and staring at
submarines at Mazagon Dock 1941 with President Roosevelt even using OPVs as training the water.’
Shipbuilders Ltd (MSDL) with to lend and lease equipment to ships. The message needs
–The author is former DNI and DNO.
Exocet missiles and seven 4,000 meet Hitler’s aggressiveness to go out that Indian Navy is
His latest Novel ‘An Underhand
tonne Type 17A Shivaliks (four before US entered World War three dimensional with the Affair’ (Addhyan ISBN 9789388644167
at MSDL and three at GRSE) in II. India alone cannot contain ability to deter, induce or Variety Books) includes intrigues in the
INS Vikramaditya stages of building. China’s aggressiveness as coerce a foe to submission, world of Naval Intelligence
Two Krivacks are ordered
from Yantar at Kallingrad in
Russia and two are being built
by Goa Shipyard (CSL) with
Russian help. Four Survey ships
have just begun construction
at Garden Reach Shipbuilders
“INDIA’S
S-80 Plus
and Engineers Ltd (GRSE)
HISTORY and eight each shallow waster

Ready to go
HAS BEEN ASW craft ordered at CSL and
INFLUENCED BY Visakhapatnam Shipyard Ltd
THE SEAS. AND, (HSL). Four P-8I MR planes
from Boeing will be delivered
THE PASSAGE
in 2021.
TO OUR FUTURE
PROSPERITY
Indian Navy’s expansion is The most advanced
AND SECURITY
critical as nearly two dozen electric submarine
platforms (eight Kilo and four
ALSO LIES ON
INS Chakra
Shishumar class submarines, worldwide
THIS OCEAN. four Khukri, six Sukanya and Powerful attack capabilities: heavy
IT ALSO HOLDS The lock downs in Covid and aircraft and helicopters. Only two Rajput class warships) weight torpedoes and submarine
THE KEY TO THE cost escalations have slowed one order was confirmed will be more than thirty years launched cruise missiles.
FORTUNES OF warships under construction in during President Trump’s old and will have to be de- Low-maintenance bio-ethanol
THE WORLD” PSU shipyards, putting brakes visit in February 2020 for commissioned in the coming based AIP solution.
on Navy’s target of 200 ships 24 direly needed MH-60R decade. India’s economy which
Unique: the only 3.000 t AIP
Prime Minister and 400 aircraft by 2027. Seahawk Hellfire missile has slowed may not spare large
Narendra Modi submarine under construction
at Commander’s Indian Navy operates 114 firing helicopters for US$2.6 funds to the Navy for the time worldwide.
conference on board ships including the aircraft billion from Lockheed Martin. being. India has to think out of
Stealth and very low signatures.
INS Vikramaditya carrier INS Vikramaditya They will replace 40 year old the box and look to ideas to add
with MiG-29K aircraft, 13 aging ASW Seaking MK42Bs platforms. Fortunately India
old conventional and two for Navy’s front line ships. possesses an advantageous
new Scorpene submarines PLA (N) on the other hand is geographic locale to contain
(Kalvari and Khanderi) and adding around 15 platforms China’s maritime truck with
two nuclear submarines a year. Pakistan with PLA (N) bases in
the SSN INS Chakra and Navy’s current budget Gwadar and Djibouti.
SSBN INS Arihant, and 200 allocation for 2020-21 is India is allergic to sign

44 www.raksha-anirveda.com RAKSHA ANIRVEDA OCTOBERw- DECEMBER

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antia
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RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

IN FOCUS www.raksha-anirveda.com

Artillery guns (105/155 mm, Tank guns 120/125 mm, Small Arms from 5.56 to 20 mm including
Weapons Assault Rifles, Protective Carbine, Pistol, Revolver etc, Mortars 51/81/120 mm, Rocket launcher

CORPORATISATION OF THE OFB:

84 mm, Under Barrel Grenade Launcher 40 mm and Multi Shell Launcher.
Military
Mine Protected Vehicles, Military Vehicles
vehicles
Ammunition, Around 150 types of ammunition including state of the art Pinaka Rockets, Bi-modular charge
explosives & system for 155 mm ammunition, Artillery ammunition, cannon gun ammunition, Signalling and

A SIGNIFICANT STEP TOWARDS

propellants Related stores, Rockets, Bombs, Fuzes, Explosives and Propellants, Detonators and Igniters.
Armoured
Tank T-90, MBT Arjun, Variants of T-72, ICV BMP-II and its variants, AFV engines, NVDs, Sensors
Fighting
and Fire control system.
Vehicles (AFV)

‘ATMANIRBHARTA’
Equipment
Brake parachutes, man dropping and supply dropping parachutes, combat uniform, ECC clothing.
stores

The criticality of each of these

products for execution of battle
needs no emphasis.

With the government’s announcement that the OFB will be their large reservoir of skilled
and professionally qualified
OFB ORDER BOOK
corporatised, there is a need to ensure that functional and
work force. The OFB receives orders through
oversight mechanisms are not so overbearing as to revert it to a five-year roll-on indents from the
department with a ‘corporate’ avatar EXISTING COMMAND Indian Army for ammunition items
to meet WWR and annual training
By R CHANDRASHEKHAR STRUCTURE requirements. It also receives
fixed quantity indents in respect
The OFB, the apex command of armoured vehicles and their

I
n follow-up to the Prime Minister’s call for ‘Atmanirbharta’, the Finance and control organisation for the spares. Roll-on indent/ indents
Minister mentioned eight sectors for structural reforms which included OFs, was constituted in 1979. are placed by the Defence Services
defence production. In regard to defence sector, the Finance Minister Based in Kolkata, it is headed by for supply of items with indicated
mentioned some major areas of reform. These are: the Director General Ordnance delivery schedules. However, the
Factories (DGOF) as Chairman Services finalise year-wise targets An Ordnance Factory assembly line
with nine members in the rank based on budgetary allocations.
(a) the notification of a list of
weapons and platforms
INDIA’S ORDNANCE FACTORIES of Additional DGOF. The OFs
are grouped into five ‘Operating
The present capacity created at
the OFB to supply equipment is to emphasise that OFs have special purpose solutions and
not to be imported after a The Indian Ordnance Factories Divisions’ based on the type around Rs 17,000 crores to all consistently sought to keep pace attract few offers. Also, these
specific date, (OFs) trace their origin back to of products and technologies. indents subject to availability with contemporary technologies. plans have not been supported
(b) introduction of time-bound 1787 when a gun powder factory These are the Ammunition and of orders. While capacities are It has drawn up a Modernisation by adequate fiscal allocations –
procurement processes, was established at Ishapore. A Explosives (A&E); Weapons, adequate to meet requirements Plan focussing on renewal circumstances beyond the scope
(c) raising of FDI limit for Gun Carriage Agency established Vehicles & Equipment (WV&E); as projected through indents, but and replacement of Plant and of the OFB to resolve, leaving it a
foreign firms to participate at Cossipore in 1801 exists today Materials and Components indents placed are themselves Machinery (P&M), augment victim of systemic encumbrances.
in manufacture of defence as the Gun & Shell Factory. The (M&C); Armoured Vehicle (AV) limited by budgetary constraints capacities through acquisition
stores and importantly,
(d) corporatisation of the
family of 16 OFs at the time of
India’s Independence are now
and the Ordnance Equipment
Group of Factories (OEF)
and do not reflect operational
requirements. Importantly, they
of P&M and develop civil works
infrastructure. The Technical TENACIOUS RELATIONSHIP
Ordnance Factory Board 41 in number and supported by Divisions. do not cover ‘surge capacities’ and Administrative Cadres that WITH THE DEFENCE SERVICES
(OFB). nine Training Institutes, three that become imminent during provide managerial leadership

This article seeks to analyse

Regional Marketing Centres
and four Regional Controllers of
OFB PRODUCT RANGE operations requiring the Services
to maintain large quantities of
to OFs have a spirit of ownership.
There have been delays in
In spite of the inevitable long and
mutual dependence, there exist
the functioning of the OFB and the Safety. The OFs take pride, and A list of OFB products for which War Wastage Reserves (WWR) executing the Modernisation Plan, low trust and some oft-mentioned
expectations from corporatisation rightfully so, in their broad and OFB has indigenous industrial with consequent security and which are attributed to delays in fault lines in OFB’s relations with
of the OFB towards self-reliance in versatile production base, multi- capability to produce are as storage issues. procurement as the machinery to the Defence Services. The major
defence manufacturing. technology capabilities, and tabulated below: In fairness to OFB, it needs be installed requires customised issues being:

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RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

IN FOCUS www.raksha-anirveda.com

there is a Service representation raise funds for expansion and friendly foreign countries would deep sense of ownership. That OFB’S
through Principal Staff Officer modernisation projects. provide leverage to form strategic their full potential could not be ADVANTAGE
level official at the OFB Board Empowering Factory alliances. exploited to national good is OF BEING A
level, there is minimum direct Management: Contrary to more due to systemic constraints MONOPOLIST
interface between the User
(Line Dte in the Services
apprehensions, the OF management
would be better endowed with
CONCLUSION than any shortcomings on
their side. Their retention and
SUPPLIER HAS
RESULTED
IN MINIMAL
HQ) and the OFs through requisite discretionary powers While OFB corporatisation is upskilling is imperative. In the
INNOVATION AND
the product development or to address shop floor issues and pragmatic and merits applause, enthusiasm of reform, a precious TECHNOLOGY
manufacturing stages. production delays. there is need to also applaud baby with honed skills should DEVELOPMENT
(v) ‘Protected’ employment Market Development and its dedicated management and not inadvertently be thrown out LEADING TO
guarantee of a government Exports: A corporatised OFB with personnel who have assiduously with the bath water. RESULT IN LOW
job: OFB employees enjoy the facility to export its products to worked with commitment and OFB products strengthen PRODUCTIVITY
‘safe and secure’ status of being AS EVIDENCED IN
government employees. They THE LOW VALUE
are unwilling to transit to an OFB Pinaka rocket launcher (File photo) OF ISSUE (VOI).
environment of ‘competitive NOT ONLY THIS,
production’. (Reports of ZERO PENALTY
FOR DELAYED
protest by employees
DELIVERY AND
post the announcement to LACK OF A
corporatisation the OFB, and STRUCTURED,
efforts to assuage them are DYNAMIC
self-speaking). FEEDBACK
MECHANISM
EXPECTED FRUITS OF OFB HAVE ONLY
ADDED TO THE
Indian Army’s MBT Arjun in action CORPORATISATION SERVICES’
FRUSTRATION
Developing a Viable Ecosystem: AND WOES
(i) Advantage of Monopoly. (ii) Poor quality of weapons: As ‘Systems Integrators’, OFs
OFB’s advantage of being Most quoted instances being directly manufacture critical
a monopolist supplier has the INSAS Rifle and cases of components / sub-assemblies,
resulted in minimal innovation qualitative deficiencies in sourcing non-critical items from
and technology development ammunition. private vendors through annual
leading to resulting in low (iii) High cost of products: OFs or ‘as required’ competitive
productivity as evidenced in being monopolistic suppliers, bidding. The uncertainty of
the low value of Issue (VOI). ipso facto, the pricing of their assured supply orders leaves
Zero penalty for delayed products is not based on market little incentive for vendors to the most vital sinews of the
delivery and lack of a dynamics. A high proportion of invest into product development nation’s security apparatus.
structured, dynamic feedback budgetary allocations to OFs and quality enhancement. OFB Government’s interest in OFB
mechanism have only added go towards salaries and wages would now be enabled to draw up matters will therefore be abiding,
to the Services’ frustration to their approximately 85,000 long term supply arrangements and rightfully so. There is a need
and woes. VOI for the past five employees. with vendors thereby creating an to ensure that functional and
years is as below: (iv) Lack of user interface: While ecosystem primitive to efficiency oversight mechanisms are not
and high quality. so overbearing as to revert
Joint Ventures with Private OFB to a Department with a
Year Target Value of Issue % Achievement Sector: OFB would be enabled, ‘corporate’ avatar. Likewise,
(in Rs crores) (in Rs crores) where required, to associate there is need to infuse some ‘real’
2014-15 RE 12120 11391 94% private industry into the dynamism into R&D, innovation
production process exposing OF and product improvement.
2015–16 RE 13552 13111 96.7% personnel to imbibe best practices The challenge lies in achieving
2016–17 RE 15393 14825 96.3% of private sector performance. that balance.
2017–18 RE 14115 14127 100.1% Fiscal Autonomy: OFB would be
unencumbered from limitations –The writer is a Senior Fellow at the Centre
2018–19 MA 13249 12801 96.6% Indian Army artillery gun built by OFB for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).
of budget allocations and can

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CANDID CONVERSATION www.raksha-anirveda.com

‘AFTER DELIVERING EVERYTHING FROM OUR

localization. Technology transfer
has been confirmed and Indian
partners have done lots of work
in this topic. We reviewed several

SIDE WE ARE WAITING FOR COMMERCIAL

companies and selected the ones
most suitable from our position
and as confirmed by the Indian side.
We concluded a memorandum of

NEGOTIATIONS TO CONTINUE ON KA-226T’

understanding (MOU) with these
companies. Over several rounds
of negotiations, we explained
the localization procedure to our
Indian colleagues from HAL and
the Ministry of Defence (MoD),
ndrey Boginsky, being in mid-40s, defined necessary financial

A
belongs to the new generation of resources and required deadlines,
post-Soviet industry executives. pointed out how we need to
After getting a degree in financial proceed. We have delivered
management he worked in everything needed from our side
several private banks and to the project. So now, we are
did a post-graduate course in just waiting for the commercial
Economics from Foreign Ministry’s negotiations to continue.
Diplomatic Academy. He later
worked as Deputy Trade and The Government of India
Industry Minister, in-charge of has banned import of 101 increased its capacities, for our WE HAVE BEEN RUNNING A JOINT
the aviation industry. In 2017 he defence items including part we have done a lot. VENTURE IN INDIA FOR THREE YEARS NOW
was appointed CEO of Russian equipment and platforms and We found Indian partners
Helicopters JSC, part of defence recently announced stimulus figured out with them, which are BETWEEN RUSSIAN HELICOPTERS, HAL AND
industry conglomerate Rostec. package under ‘Atmanirbhar already producing components ROSOBORONEXPORT. WE ARE STILL FINANCING
In a candid conversation Bharat’. Do you think these in Republic of India, we could THIS ENTERPRISE, BUT SADLY WE ARE NOT
with Vinay Shukla, Consulting initiatives are going to impact already have begun producing SEEING CONCRETE DECISIONS FROM OUR
Editor, Raksha Anirveda, the the Russian defence suppliers? new Ka-226Ts.
Russian Helicopters CEO threw It is hard to discuss the Despite this delay, we hope INDIAN COLLEAGUES TO PROCEED WITH THE
light on why India-Russia deal prospects of the that our partners have a firm NEGOTIATIONS
on Ka-226T utility helicopters ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, second intention to implement this
couldn’t yet taken off besides part of the ‘Make in India’ project. Therefore, before you proposed to combine Indian
discussing the progress status program, as we are yet to moving on to the second Navy’s requirement of 100
on 10 Ka-31 choppers for Indian experience the benefits of the part of the Make in India – utility helicopters with the 200
Navy. Edited excerpts: first one, although we have Atmanirbhar Bharat, let’s utility helicopters to be
already invested a lot of money. see how the first one goes. produced by your JV with HAL?
What I mean is that Make in Anyway we will not write off I don’t see a point for
The big ticket order for Ka- India principle “invest, produce these investments as losses, speculating about the
226T utility helicopters and we’ll buy from you” is not considering that there is reasons for these delays from
hasn’t taken off yet. What are the working for our company at this demand for the assembly of the business side of things. Of
reasons that have stalled it and moment, as no one has bought helicopters in other countries, course we need to do our job.
when do you expect that the anything from us. We have so we want to move forward. And since we can do it efficiently,
issues will get resolved to get venture in India for three years negotiations. I think we have done already made serious We will naturally act based on it is disappointing to see the
started? Any progress made now between Russian Helicopters, everything possible for our part. investments, for example, in commercial considerations project delayed, as we are a
during Defence Minister Rajnath Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Russia and India concluded Ulan-Ude (Helicopter Plant) we and return the investments in commercial organization and
Singh’s Moscow talks in June and and Rosoboronexport. We are still an intergovernmental agreement specifically invested in assembly one form or another. cannot drag out the process
September? financing this enterprise, but sadly for this in 2015. The Make in lines for fulfilling Indian orders, indefinitely. Our shareholders
Nothing has moved. This is we are not seeing concrete India program entails certain made major changes to the Don’t you blame your keep asking whether they will
what we have done for our decisions from our Indian commitments considering helicopter itself in order to meet potential rivals for the receive their money or not. Our
part: we have been running a joint colleagues to proceed with the technology transfer and the customer’s requirements, delay of Ka-226T project after French colleagues from Safran

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RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

CANDID CONVERSATION www.raksha-anirveda.com

Ka-52M combat helicopter which

made its maiden flight in August.
The helicopter manufacturer had
started the experimental design
work on the Ka-52’s upgrade
began last year, taking into
account its combat deployment.
The Ka-52M’s missile armament
has been standardized with
the armament of another latest
Mi-28NM helicopter, which has
made it possible to considerably
increase the range of striking
targets.
(According to the Trade and
Industry Ministry statement
issued after maiden flight, the
new Ka-52M helicopter features
upgraded longer-range opto-
electronic target detection
and identification system, a

WE WANT also have a project delayed, so

we are not the only ones waiting.
‘MAKE Safran has a joint venture
IN INDIA’ with HAL and they supply
PROGRAM TO engines for HAL Dhruv. If
WORK OUT Dhruv is meant to replace Ka-
226T, so be it, but we need to
DESPITE IT have certainty, since we’re
IS A LONG currently bearing expenses
PROCESS for the project. However, we
REQUIRING want ‘Make in India’ program
to work out despite it is a long
INVESTMENTS process requiring investments
AND SERIOUS and serious involvement. Yes, it
INVOLVEMENT. is difficult and expensive, but it
YES, IT IS is worth the effort.
DIFFICULT AND How is the deal for 10 rotorcraft are in service in more new digital drive that will help
EXPENSIVE, Kamov Ka-31 for the than 70 countries in the West increase the aiming accuracy
BUT IT IS Indian Navy is progressing? Asia, Asia-Pacific region, Latin of the air gun. The upgraded
WORTH THE Kindly provide some details? America, Africa, CIS and Europe. helicopter also carries active
I am unable to say Despite the current global phased array radar and a longer-
EFFORT anything as the difficulties (COVID-19), the range missile. The upgraded
negotiations are being conducted projections for export of Russian helicopter can operate in any
by main arms exporter rotary-wing aircraft for the temperatures, including in
Rosoboronexport (ROE). coming years are good. The Arctic conditions. Its running
world market isn’t saturated gear is outfitted with wheels
What about global yet; quite the opposite, this with a higher load-bearing
market presence of niche is expanding. capacity and wear resistance
Russian Helicopters? On the orders of the Russian and the LED-based lighting
It is noteworthy that Defence Ministry, Russian equipment while the pilots’
besides India, Russian Helicopters are upgrading Kamov cabin features a new interior. 

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RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

MUSINGS FROM RUSSIA www.raksha-anirveda.com

INDIA, RUSSIA POISED TO

and not against any nation. Besides
Russia-India-China (RIC) triangle,
which also created conditions for

UPGRADE DEFENCE TIES

talks between Indian and Chinese
defence and foreign ministers
to resolve LAC confrontation
in larger global interests, New
Delhi has also proposed an India-
Japan-Russia triangle as the three
As Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India in October nations share similar or common
this year, the two countries are assured to take their defence interests and concerns. The idea is
that New Delhi joining Quad of US,
and strategic relations to a new high with the signing of major Australia, Japan and India should Clockwise top:
defence agreements apart from marking the 20th anniversary be seen in a similar spirit and not Mr Singh along
with his SCO
of Strategic Partnership Declaration signed in October 2000 as a challenge for Russia. counterparts in a
In his recently published book group photograph;
‘The India Way’ EAM Jaishankar S-400 Air Defence
System; IAF’s
has specifically mentioned Su-30MKI inflight
the need to “reassure” Russia
besides engaging America and
managing China. He has conceded:
“refreshing India’s ties with Russia sailing and aviation support for the specified aircraft. Negotiations are advanced air defence system in
has required dedicated efforts.” two countries’ navies and military already underway. We count on 2021 and speed up the remaining
In this case we can say that these aircraft at each other’s bases signing contracts, including for six deliveries ahead of schedule.
efforts were not in vain. Against the would be a major pact adding a Kamov Ka-31 naval helicopters,
backdrop of Sino-Indian spat on
LAC, Russia acted in the spirit of
new dimension to Indo-Russian
defence cooperation. This acquires
by the end of 2020,” FSMTC
spokesperson Maria Vorobyova was
GULF MONARCHIES EYEING
“special and privileged” strategic special importance in view of quoted as saying by the local media. BRAHMOS
partnership with India. Russia, as opening of northern shipping Meanwhile, the two sides
the host, did not make any fuss route passing through Russia’s have agreed to operationalise As India and Russia have agreed to
over India’s withdrawal from mineral resources rich Arctic joint venture (JV) at Korwa near allow the export of BrahMos anti-
Kavkaz-2020 military drills due region. According to officials of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, India ship cruise missiles to “mutually
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inspecting Guard of Honour during his visit to Moscow recently
to involvement of Chinese and the Federal Service for Military- for the production of advanced friendly” countries, there are reports
Pakistani troops. On the contrary Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) AK-203 automatic rifles to of some Gulf Monarchies taking
By VINAY SHUKLA they quickly agreed to conduct joint with foreign lands the deal for the manufacture 700 thousand rifles interest in the product of BrahMos

M
naval drill on September 4-5 when 21 MiG-29 along with upgradation for the Indian Army. The Indian Aerospace JV – the crown jewel of
oscow. Delhi that it was committed to ensure India’s defence and keep its Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and of existing 59 MiG-29 aircraft and team headed by the Secretary of Indo-Russian defence cooperation.
sensitivities in mind. These signals were first given to Defence Minister his Chinese counterpart were here procurement of additional 12 Su- Defence Production Raj Kumar It is understood that BrahMos
Rajnath Singh in June, when he was in Moscow to attend the Victory Day for SCO defence ministers’ meet. 30 MKI aircraft will be finalised this had series of meetings with key export decision was taken
“YOU CAN
Parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the Second World War in Europe. Due to COVID-19 pandemic the year. Earlier in July amid tension defence industry officials to clinch after fulfilling the orders of the
EXPECT THE
Putting aside the established protocol Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri two friendly navies conducted the with China on LAC in Ladakh, deals for the production of spares Indian Armed Forces and work SIGNING
Borisov with his entire team called on Singh in his hotel to discuss bilateral 11th edition of INDRA Navy-2020, the Defence Acquisition Council and critical components for the satisfactorily proceeding for the OF MAJOR
defence cooperation and assure India that its military requirements will in non-contact-sea only PASSEX (DAC) had approved the MiG-29 Russian origin platforms under BrahMos NG – next generation DEFENCE
be promptly met. Besides this, Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar had detailed drill in the area close to strategic procurement and upgradation Make in India programme. missiles with speed over Mach 6 DEALS AND
parleys with Russian Deputy Defence Minister Col-Gen. Alexander Fomin Malacca Straits near Andaman and from Russia is estimated to cost However, another big ticket deal and extended range. According AGREEMENTS
on concrete issues of military supplies to India. Nicobar Islands. Rs. 7,418 crore, the Su-30 MKI for the 200 multi-role utility Ka- to local media reports, a version DURING
assembled from the Russian kits 226T helicopters offered in 2014 of BrahMos capable of destroying PRESIDENT

MAJOR DEFENCE DEALS will be procured from Hindustan under Make in India policy still Airborne Warning and Control PUTIN’S
During his second Moscow Singh that Russia will not sell arms Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) at an hangs in balance and the recent talks System (AWACS) aircraft is under INDIA VISIT IN
visit in September to attend the to Pakistan. On his part during EXPECTED estimated cost of Rs. 10,730 crore. have failed to make any headway development for indigenous OCTOBER”
Indian Ambassador
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation talks with his Russian counterpart “We know that due to objective although Russian Helicopters have Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) to Russia DB
(SCO) defence ministers’ meeting, Sergei Lavrov, Dr Jaishankar Apart from the proposed reasons, the Indian leadership set up a JV with HAL. Russia has Tejas fighter. Venkatesh Varma
Russian Defence Minister General reassured Moscow that India’s Reciprocal Logistics Support decided to accelerate the allocation reconfirmed its commitment to - The author is a Moscow-based
on the sidelines of
“Army-2020
Sergei Shoigu assured Rajnath vision of Indo-Pacific is inclusive Agreement, providing seamless of funds for the purchase of the deliver first batch of S-400 Triumf independent analyst.

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GUEST COLUMN www.raksha-anirveda.com

RAISING OF FDI CAP IN DEFENCE

would be inclined to approve
a proposal for, say 100 per
cent FDI and now the investors

ENTAILS COMPLICATIONS
will also have contend with
the ambiguity surrounding
the parameters of national
security which may be applied
for pre-investment scrutiny and
Government’s objective should be to harmonise the post-investment review by the
designated government agency.
imperatives to make the process easy and positively The focus on FDI policy
attracting foreign investors to invest their money under the reforms, which anyway do not
increased FDI cap of 74 per cent in defence, however, it is seem to make things easier
not to say that there is no case for raising the FDI cap or the for the prospective investors,
distracts from the fact that even
AMIT COWSHISH national security concerns are not important under the best of the policy
regimes, the foreign investors

S
even years after does not come as a surprise. considered justified by the may refrain from investing in
the Ministry of While announcing the fourth agency to permit it. the Indian defence sector unless
Commerce and tranche of the fiscal package These conditions have there is a business case for it.
Industry proposed for rejuvenating the economy, been retained for investments The signals coming from the
raising of the cap savaged by the Covid-19 exceeding 74 per cent, which Ministry of Defence (MoD) are
on foreign direct pandemic, Finance Minister will now also be subject to confusing, even discouraging. armoured fighting vehicles, in export-oriented ventures in
investment (FDI) in defence Nirmala Sitharaman had the national security clause. The emphasis on self-reliance and the main battle tanks. Such the face of uncertain prospects
to 74 per cent, this has indicated on May 16 that This is not as problematic as is unexceptional but, in the companies are also ineligible to of finding new markets for
become a reality. Following the FDI limit in the defence the fact that all investments absence of any categoric participate in the projects under export. This would be evident
the Union Cabinet’s approval, manufacturing sector under below 74 per cent will also assurance from the the Make-I category. from the current list of the
the Department for Promotion the automatic route will be apparently be subject to the MoD that all companies There has to be a largest importers of arms: Saudi
of Industry and Internal so raised. What does come national security clause which, registered in India will be THE NATIONAL reasonable assurance for Arabia, Egypt, Australia, China,
Trade (DPIIT) issued a formal as a surprise, however, is the as mentioned earlier, could be treated at par irrespective SECURITY CLAUSE, the foreign investor that Algeria, South Korea, United
notification on September 17 national security clause. applied before and after the of the extent of foreign WHICH COULD BE the investee company Arab Emirates, Iraq, Qatar,
raising the cap through the The FDI policy so far investment is made. This investment in them, this APPLIED BEFORE will be able to sell its and Pakistan. Some of these
automatic route from 49 per permitted FDI up to 49 THE WAY THE creates a barrier which policy also narrows down AND AFTER THE products to the MoD, countries we cannot export
cent to 74 per cent. per cent in the defence CLAUSE IS was not there earlier as the window of opportunity INVESTMENT IS which is the only buyer to, even if they evince interest,
But this comes with a sector where the industry WORDED SEEMS these tasks cannot be left for the foreign companies MADE, CREATES A in the defence sector. whereas the others may
rider: the foreign investment is subject to industrial TO IMPLY THAT to be carried out by the considering investment But, given the frustrating prefer to buy from the already
BARRIER WHICH
will be subject to scrutiny licensing under the THERE WOULD investors on their own, in India. procedural complexities established sources of supply. It
on grounds of national Industries (Development not least because, besides The Defence
WAS NOT THERE and the persistent is not going to be easy to break
BE A PRE- EARLIER AS THESE
security and the government and Regulation) being dynamic, the concept Procurement Procedure resource crunch faced into the established defence
INVESTMENT TASKS CANNOT
reserves the right to review Act, 1951, and for of national security is too (DPP) 2016 that governs by the MoD, there can be markets.
any foreign investment that manufacturing of small
SCRUTINY ON difficult to define in specific capital acquisitions for BE LEFT TO BE no such assurance. True, It is not to say that there is no
affects national security. The arms and ammunition GROUNDS OF terms. the armed forces and the CARRIED OUT BY the foreign companies case for raising the FDI cap or
way the clause is worded under the Arms Act, 1959. NATIONAL These conditions Coast Guard virtually THE INVESTORS can still invest for taking the national security concerns
seems to imply that there Investment up to this limit SECURITY AND, attached to foreign prohibits companies ON THEIR OWN, up smaller projects in are not important, but these
would be a pre-investment was permitted through IN ADDITION, investment may with FDI exceeding 49 NOT LEAST which their participation need to be harmonised with the
scrutiny on grounds of national the automatic route, but THE GOVT MAY consequently end up per cent to participate BECAUSE, BESIDES as prime vendors is not imperatives of not only making
security and, in addition, the any investment beyond it REVIEW THE introducing an element in the projects under the BEING DYNAMIC, barred, but it remains to it easy, but positively attractive,
government may review the could be made only with INVESTMENT of uncertainty for the Strategic Partnership THE CONCEPT be seen if this can bring for the prospective foreign
investment at any stage after the prior approval of the AT ANY STAGE investors. As it is, the Model (SPM) which, it in substantial investment. investors to consider India as a
OF NATIONAL
it has been made on the same designated government AFTER IT HAS government has never may be recalled, has been It also remains to favoured destination for putting
grounds. This seems to apply agency wherever it was clarified what constitutes designed by the MoD for
SECURITY IS TOO be seen if the foreign in their money, if indeed that is
BEEN MADE DIFFICULT TO
to all foreign investments in likely to result in access ‘modern technology’ or mega projects involving companies would find the government’s objective.
ON THE SAME DEFINE IN SPECIFIC
the defence sector. to ‘modern technology’ what are the other grounds manufacturing of aircraft, it attractive enough to – The author is Ex-Financial Advisor
The raising of the FDI cap or for other reasons
GROUNDS on which the government helicopters, submarines, TERMS make heavy investments (Acquisition), Ministry of Defence

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BUSINESS INTERVIEW www.raksha-anirveda.com

‘PM’S VISION OF ‘ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT’ HAS

and Gas, Mining and Construction, Power,
E-mobility, etc. Apart from industrial
diversification, the company has also

RENEWED OUR FAITH IN INDIGENISATION AND WILL

diversified geographically with a global
presence in five countries. We continue
to evaluate and add new geographies and
new customers to our portfolio.

STEER THE FUTURE GROWTH’

Diversification across industries has
helped us in creating resilience during
downturns. A wider global footprint
ensures that the impact of country-
specific shocks becomes minimal. Over
the last decade, we have worked towards
revenue diversification, investing for the
future and capability enhancement while

R
ecipient of Padma Bhushan award for contributions simultaneously strengthening the
to Trade and Industry, Baba N. Kalyani, Chairman and balance sheet. As we transform our
Managing Director – Bharat Forge Limited (Kalyani business from mechanical into
Group) is also known for his contribution in furthering electronics and embedded system
trade and business cooperation between Sweden and business, we are bringing entire
India. He was made Commander First Class of the Royal capabilities of our group at a place to
Order of the Polar Star by the Swedish government. make it interactive, where we get
Bharat Forge Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)
He attended BITS Pilani and Massachusetts Institute knowledge from a domain and replicate
of Technology (MIT) for his BE (Hons) in Mechanical in the other to create extraordinary
Engineering and MS respectively. solutions. cherished dream of self-reliance started working towards its realisation.
In an interview to PK Ghosh of Raksha Anirveda, (atmanirbharta) in defence. In Look at all these recent announcements
he detailed out the Group’s diversification strategy to Kalyani Group is following realistic terms, the result so far has – they are making up for all the time
become a big electronics and embedded business systems Three-horizon strategy. What is been below par. What are the major lost and shaking off the long set inertia
leader over the years from a mechanical company. it all about? Please elaborate? pain points that still act as barrier? from the system. The private sector
Edited excerpts: Technology and innovation have Do you think that by next decade adapts itself better to rapidly changing
been the cornerstones of the India will be able to achieve its self- technology - and with continued
Kalyani Group story, and the three reliance goal? Your views? government support, it will help India
horizon strategy is a consolidation in I say this with much confidence realise its dream of becoming
Kalyani Group is a diversified trajectory in the defence segment by billion exports in defence production by that direction. In horizon1, we focus on that yes India will be able to Atmanirbhar.
group. Tell us about the diversifying into additional business 2025. The import embargo list is another existing products and capabilities which achieve its self-reliance goal by the
important growth drivers you foresee opportunities, while maintaining milestone done right. All of these present can be supplied to existing and new next decade. See, defence industry is According to Prime Minister
in your defence business despite the Artillery systems and Protected Vehicles huge opportunities for domestic customers. In horizon2, the strategy is highly technology driven arena. Here Narendra Modi, Atmanirbhar
pandemic adverse impact. Do you see as its mainstay. The pandemic may have companies including ours. Above call, to supply newly developed products. you will find the most advanced Bharat does not mean that India has
your group to be on course to position been a dampener for some time, but it our PM’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ We have made investments towards technologies having huge learning to be self-reliant in the
itself as a major defence player has also been a major learning curve has renewed our faith in indigenisation these developments so that in the next curve and which need niche expertise manufacturing sector on its own
globally by year 2025? making the country realise the and will steer the future growth. three to four years when these and skills. There is a whole ecosystem rather it paves the way for co-
If you see world over, most defence importance of self-reliance. The recent technologies or products come in which needs to be created with development and co-partnership
companies have a history in metal slew of positive policy changes Diversification is the key mainstream, we can localise and supply various stake holders comprising of with global companies to achieve
and metallurgy. We have followed the announced by MoD is a reflection of same component in today’s business, unique and proprietary solutions to our government, research institutes, self-reliance, particularly in
same route, and defence for us has been and has given us tremendous hope. The and Bharat Forge too has transformed Indian and global customers. In academia, production units, etc. World aerospace and defence sector. Your
the most natural diversification. I see our preference which the recently released itself with time. How has been your horizon3, we work towards advance over, the developed countries have opinion?
defence business growing tremendously draft DAP 2020 lays on indigenisation experience with regards to technology development – combining become self-reliant in defence You are right. The idea is to move
in near future. We have conceptualised and indigenous products has the transforming your business from electronics and mechanical capabilities technologies and production after away from being a mere
ourselves as a partner of the Indian potential to change the face of defence mechanical to electronics and internally and other domain specific decades of research and work. manufacturing hub to a technology
Armed Forces to produce systems and production competency in this country. embedded business systems? knowledge, and innovate. Comparatively, Indian private holding, IP owning country. But, it will
components that India needs, and using The minimum indigenous content The company has meticulously de- industry has been exposed to defence be foolhardy to say that we will not
the same capability to supply similar required across procurement categories risked its business model by The government has taken production very recently. The good indulge in global technology
products to certain global markets. The is a promising 50 per cent. The diversifying into multiple industries such many proactive steps and policy thing is that we have realised the collaborations and investments. Given
company continues on its growth government is also targeting over US$5 as Automotive, Defence, Aerospace, Oil measures to realize the long importance of self-reliance and have the capital and technology intensive

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RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

BUSINESS INTERVIEW BUSINESS INITIATIVE www.raksha-anirveda.com

ASR-NG DEPLOYABLE COMBINES SUPERIOR

nature of defence industry and Kalyani M4 fully automated and can shoot
the present maturity level of and scoot. A robust battlefield
our defence ecosystem, global solution, which I am sure will

PERFORMANCE WITH AIR TRANSPORTABILITY

partnerships for R&D, co- become the backbone of
development and innovation Indian Artillery in future.
will play a substantial role in Other than ATAGS, we
helping us achieve have developed a series
Atmanirbharta. of 155mm/52/45/39 cal

A
and 105/37 cal guns which SR-NG Deployable from HENSOLDT, the leading independent sensor house, traffic control and identification
You have invested a lot include ultra-light howitzers is a rapidly deployable ATC radar complying to ICAO, Eurocontrol and systems for military and civilian
in defence business and and mounted platforms. safety standards for civil and military ATC. It capitalizes on the superior applications.
have joint ventures with More importantly, we have detection performance and accuracy of the stationary ASR-NG variant. It is
Rafael Israel and others. acquired and developed contained within two 20 foot ISO containers, and is easily transportable by ABOUT HENSOLDT
Earlier this year, you all kinds of soft skills and rail or road, or in one C-130 type aircraft. The radar delivers an air picture
partnered with JSC Arsenal hard skills when it comes to controllers within 6 hours of deployment. The ASR-NG Deployable is in HENSOLDT is a pioneer of
and Paramount Group. to Artillery technologies. full-scale production. technology and innovation in
Additionally, you have We have all the knowledge the field of defence and security
invested in start-ups like about the metal, the
Aeron Systems and HoloSuit. metallurgy, the ballistics, “The versatility of our new product
How well this multi-faceted the pressure curves in the combined with ASR-NG’s superior
investments have worked barrels, the structural force, performance makes it ideally suited
and do you plan to invest the recoil pressure that for ATC purposes in joint and
more in near future? comes on the gun and the combined missions of expeditionary
Over a period of about system architecture. We units”, explains HENSOLDT-CEO
eight to nine years we Mine Protected Vehicle -MPV know the nuts and bolts Thomas Müller. “Thus, it improves
have created a very large of how a gun works. So we the efficiency of combined air, ground
portfolio, which spans across Artillery Bharat Forge is developing four have both technology and technology and naval forces while contributing
Guns, Protected Vehicles, Air Defence platforms of artillery gun, all understanding. That I feel is our biggest to safe operations and avoidance of
Systems, Ammunition, Small Arms and 100 per cent indigenous. Last month, achievement. This gives us a clear edge friendly fire.”
Defence Electronics. We are now well one platform of the artillery gun and made us the pioneers of Artillery ASR-NG consists of an integrated
poised to venture into additional fields underwent final user trials. Can you in the country. All our gun systems primary and secondary radar
of Marine products, small Jet Engines, elaborate on the progressive are under various stages of extensive system. The primary radar helps to
Product improvements/upgrades, etc. development outcome of this artillery trials, even during this COVID times. detect non-cooperative objects such
To deliver these solutions, we are gun and other platforms that are We hope that once all these trials are as small aircraft that do not have
continuously enhancing our under various stages of trials? What done the orders will be placed. Defence transponders or hostile aircraft.
engineering expertise, integration are your expectations and future procurements are a long-drawn process It is based on a semiconductor
advantage, and innovation capabilities. outlook with regards to defence and it has to follow its own cycle. We are
Accordingly, investments have been orders pipeline including exports also looking at the global markets for
made by the group to develop and order? our products.
manufacture next-generation weapons Yes, ATAGS is inching towards the transmitter and includes special electronics. Based in Taufkirchen
and defence systems. The aim of final stages of user trials. It has What are your plans for Aero signal processing techniques near Munich, the company is a
investments in defence startups is to performed extremely well in all its trials India 2021? Kindly provide for wide-area surveillance and German Champion with strategic
imbibe technologies and build and has demonstrated its superior insights into the product offerings windfarm mitigation. The secondary leadership positions in the field
competencies in Augmented Reality consistency, accuracy and range. We are you would be showcasing at the radar, MSSR 2000 ID, ensures of sensor solutions for defence
(AR), RF Systems, INS, Artificial very satisfied with its trials performance. event? the automatic identification of and non-defence applications.
Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics, Even in the latest trials held at Pokhran Our technology centre at cooperative aircraft. This secondary HENSOLDT develops new
etc. Similarly, all our partnerships with in early September, BFL version fired Bengaluru has been doing some radar meets the new “Mode S/ products to combat a wide
global majors offer us complementing beautifully and without any glitch very exciting work in jet engines and Mode 5” air traffic control standard, range of threats based on
capabilities which further our purpose whatsoever. DRDO has done some have ab-initio developed a series of 40, which greatly improves aircraft innovative approaches to data
of creating world class defence fantastic work with its design, and the 80, 120 and 160 kg thrust jet engines. identification queries and is management, robotics and cyber
products. These acquisitions and quality of the manufacturing is par- These will be on display during the aero currently being introduced in all security. With approximately
partnerships are our capability excellence. Look at some of its show along with some key products NATO and allied forces. 5,500 employees, HENSOLDT
enhancing tools and we continue to parameters - it far outweighs its from KRAS and new offerings from our HENSOLDT supplies customers generated revenues of 1.11
invest in them. competition. It offers higher range, is aerospace vertical.  from all over the world with air billion euros in 2019.

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 IAF’S JOURNEY FROM BIPLANES TO MMRCA
RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

COVER STORY: IAF DAY SPECIAL www.raksha-anirveda.com

IAF CELEBRATES 88TH BIRTHDAY F

rom biplanes to the long awaited French of Jammu and Kashmir
Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft and colluding with
(MMRCA) Rafale which joined the Indian China, the role of
Air Force (IAF) rated as the fourth largest air the IAF does gain

WITH LATEST INDUCTION OF RAFALE

force in the world, it has indeed been a long prominence.
88 year old journey. The force has during this The Chief of Air Staff, Air
period and specially since Independence Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, exudes
seen action in four wars and covered itself confidence that the air warriors can
with glory. Though it is still short of its full face any type of situation including a two-

IN ITS ARSENAL
strength of 42 squadron, the exercise to boost front war which has been much talked about.
it to this level is on and the focus has been He has been a strong votary of
on acquiring as many of the aircraft from indigenisation in platforms for the Air Force
indigenous industry and it is the force which and also recently test-flew the prototype
has truly lived up to Prime Minister Narendra Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) giving a
Modi’s slogan of Atmanirbhar Bharat and clear signal of a new, positive attitude in the
continues to make strides in this direction. IAF. Bhadauria who took over as the 26th Chief
In the prevailing scenario with tension of Air Staff (COAS) on September 30, 2019, it It is to the credit of the Air Chief Marshal
Indian Air Force is celebrating its 88th birthday with the along both the Sino-Indian border in the has been challenging times on the borders Bhadauria that he gave a clear signal of a new,
induction of French fighter jet Rafale into the service which northern region of Ladakh along the Line of
Actual Control (LAC) as also Line of Control
and the IAF has been on the alert 24X7 and
it was under his command that the Rafale
positive attitude in the IAF towards indigenous
aircraft, when he test-flew the prototype
provides much needed leverage to counter the adversaries (LOC) with Pakistan which continues to aircraft joined the IAF amid heated debate in HTT-40 at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)
push in terrorists into the Union Territory the political arena. in Bengaluru.
on the borders
squadron, No 1 Squadron, with role of defending the nation but and various wars with Pakistan THE IAF HAS
By SRI KRISHNA four Westland Wapiti biplanes and also in times of natural disasters and also as the Indian Peacekeeping NOT ONLY
five Indian pilots. The Indian pilots given a major helping hand to the Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. PLAYED THE

A
s the Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrates its 88th year of birth on October 8, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were led by British Royal Air Force civil authorities and captured the With Prime Minister Narendra ROLE OF
2020, it has indeed been a watershed year for the world’s fourth largest Air and his French counterpart Mrs (RAF) Commanding Officer Flight hearts of the civilian population Modi’s focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat, DEFENDING
Force with a strength of about 1,500 aircraft and 1,70,000 personnel or air Florence Parly as Chief Guest Lieutenant (later Air Vice Marshal) who would be ever grateful. the IAF too has been taking major THE NATION
warriors who have covered themselves with glory and continue to play a formally inducted the aircraft in Cecil Bouchier. Among the major operations strides towards having its weaponry BUT ALSO
critical role in both civilian and defence sector guarding the nation. The force a ceremony held at Ambala Air After Independence in 1947, undertaken by the IAF include made indigenously though of course IN TIMES
took a major stride this year in the midst of raging COVID 19 as it inducted the Force Station to mark the Rafales’ the name Royal Indian Air Force Operation Vijay, Operation the first Indian developed fighter OF NATURAL
French fighter aircraft Rafale with five of them touching down at the Ambala induction into the service of IAF on (RIAF) served in the name of Meghdoot, Operation Cactus, and aircraft is HAL’s HF-24 Marut. It is DISASTERS
Air Force base on July 27 amid a rousing welcome and comes at a time when September 10. Dominion of India. In 1950, with Operation Poomalai. the first in Asia to go beyond the GIVEN A
the borders with both the neighbours – China and Pakistan – remain tense. So far, India has bought 36 the government’s transition The air warriors have indeed test phase. MAJOR
twin-engine fighter planes from to a Republic, the prefix Royal played an exemplary role in Ever since Air Chief Marshal HELPING
Dassault Rafale for an estimated was removed. UN operations worldwide, the RKS Bhadauria took over as the HAND TO
cost of Rs 58,000 crore, through The IAF has not only played the annexation of Goa from Portugal, 26th Chief of Air Staff (COAS) on THE CIVIL
an inter-governmental agreement September 30, 2019, it has been AUTHORITIES
(IGA) signed in 2016. challenging times on the borders AND
The air warriors have through and the IAF has been on the alert CAPTURED
the five wars that the country 24X7 and it was under his command THE HEARTS
fought since Independence lived that the Rafale aircraft joined the OF THE
up to their motto “Touch the sky IAF amid heated debate in the CIVILIAN
with the glory.” political arena. POPULATION
The first IAF Day was observed It is to the credit of the Air Chief WHO WOULD
in 1932. It has been celebrated with Marshal Bhadauria that he gave BE EVER
incredible energy and intensity a clear signal of a new, positive GRATEFUL
nationwide at different air stations. attitude in the Indian Air Force
The enactment of the IAF Act (IAF) towards indigenous aircraft,
1932 marked the auxiliary status when he test-flew the prototype
and enforced the adoption of the Hindustan Turbo Trainer – 40 (HTT-
Indian Ambassador to France Arun K. Singh (C) in the Rafale cockpit during a delivery ceremony with Dassault Royal Air Force uniforms, badges, 40) at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd
Aviation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Eric Trappier (R) and Thales Executive Vice President, Defence Mission and brevets. On April 1, 1933, (HAL) in Bengaluru.
Systems, Pierre Eric Pommellet IAF’s Su-30MKI
the IAF commissioned its first Bhadauria became the

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IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria inside HTT-40 cockpit

DAC ACCORDS PROCUREMENT PROPOSAL WORTH OVER

`11,000 CRORE IN TWO TRANCHE IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER

HAL’s LCA Tejas

BHADAURIA first serving IAF chief to fly

BECAME an HAL-developed aircraft
THE FIRST at the prototype stage. An
SERVING accomplished test pilot who
IAF CHIEF TO has test-flown the Tejas
FLY AN HAL- fighter, was taken through the
DEVELOPED gruelling “six-spin routine” in
AIRCRAFT which the HTT-40 prototype
AT THE was allowed to spin six times
PROTOTYPE before the pilot recovered it

N
STAGE. AN into level flight. ew Delhi. In a boost to domestic defence production as well as for the DAC approved procurement of
ACCOMP- Among the various types fulfilling the Indian Armed Forces requirement from foreign players, an upgraded version of Super Rapid
LISHED of aircraft currently in the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting held under the Chairmanship Gun Mount (SRGM), which is fitted as
TEST PILOT inventory of the IAF include of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on September 28 approved proposals the main gun onboard the Navy and
HAL Dhruv Advance Light Helicopters
WHO HAS MiG series, Sukhoi Su-30, HAL for Capital acquisitions of various equipment at an approximate cost of Indian Coast Guard (ICG) warships,
TEST-FLOWN Tejas, SEPECAT Jaguar, Boeing Rs 2,290 crore. These procurements will be completed from domestic from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
THE TEJAS 707, Ilyushin series, Helicopters to induct women as fighter pilots Shivangi Singh, who hails from (BHEL). The upgraded version of SRGM
FIGHTER, like HAL Dhruv, Unmanned and they are currently under Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi, was has enhanced capability to perform
WAS TAKEN Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for training. Modern air combat commissioned into the Indian Air industry as well as Foreign vendors. the initiative on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, against fast manoeuvring targets
THROUGH THE reconnaissance and surveillance involves management of aircraft Force (IAF) in the year 2017 as Under the Buy Indian (IDDM) category, the DAC had accorded approval for like missiles and Fast Attack Crafts
GRUELLING and missiles with the latest systems and in this digital part of the second batch of women the DAC approved procurement of Static capital acquisitions of various platforms (FACs), and increase the maximum
“SIX-SPIN induction being the French age, one may not even see the fighter pilots In the final analysis, HF Tans-receiver sets and Smart Anti and equipment worth Rs 8,722.38 crore. engagement range.
ROUTINE” fighter Rafale. enemy in the air before shooting it is really not a contest of skills Airfield Weapon (SAAW). The HF radio With Defence Public Sector In view of the availability of requisite
IN WHICH Even though women being him or her down with beyond between male and female fighter sets will enable seamless communication Undertaking (DPSU) Hindustan capability for indigenous development
THE HTT-40 inducted into the armed forces visual range missiles. Fighter jockeys as female pilots flying for the field units of Indian Army and Aeronautics Limited (HAL) having of the ammunition, both in terms of
PROTOTYPE is not a new concept, but their pilots need to be physically and transport and helicopters in the Indian Air Force and are being procured successfully developed Basic Trainer ‘Manufacturing’ and ‘Technology’,
WAS employment in the Indian Armed mentally fit to withstand high ‘G’ IAF have adequately proved their at an approximate cost of Rs 540 crore. Aircraft (HTT-40) Prototypes and the DAC approved procurement of
ALLOWED Forces is a practice that has been forces while manoeuvring and mettle and in no way are they The Smart Anti Airfield Weapon being certification process underway, the 125 mm APFSDS (Armour Piercing
TO SPIN adopted in the last just over two be skillful enough to get into a less competent than their male procured at an approximate cost of Rs DAC approved procurement of 106 Basic Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot)
SIX TIMES and a half decades. position of advantage to shoot counterparts. 970 crore will add to the fire power of Trainer Aircraft to address the basic ammunition for Indian Army as a
BEFORE The IAF started inducting down the enemy in the event of The induction of women into Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. training requirements of the Indian Air ‘Design and Development Case’. The
THE PILOT women as Transport and a situation of close combat. the IAF has enabled to double the Further, to equip the Frontline Troops Force (IAF). ammunition being procured will have
RECOVERED Helicopter pilots in 1994. These There was another feather base from which the officer cadre of the Army, the DAC also accorded Post Certification 70 Basic Trainer a 70 per cent indigenous content. The
IT INTO LEVEL officers have also performed in the cap of the IAF as Flight of the IAF is selected. Gradually approval for procurement of SIG SAUER Aircraft will be initially procured Defence Acquisition Council also gave
FLIGHT well irrespective of job content, Lieutenant Shivangi Singh is the number of women officers is Assault Rifles at an approximate cost of from HAL and balance 36 after the approvals that are likely to speed up the
including in missions related to set to become the first woman increasing. Rs 780 crore. Earlier on August 11, to operationalisation of HTT-40 fleet procurement of AK-203 assault rifles
disaster management. fighter pilot of India to fly strengthen the Armed Forces by relying in IAF. As far as the Indian Navy is and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
– The writer is a senior journalist
In 2015 a decision was taken the Rafale combat aircraft. and media consultant. on indigenous capability to take forward concerned, to improve its fire power, upgrades..

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DEEP DIVE www.raksha-anirveda.com

CAN IAF GROW ON

There are two reasons for why Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) was
only the IAF is being examined then initiated in 2007; the French
here – one, that the IAF has recently Dassault Rafale was announced as
taken delivery of five Rafale the decisive choice in 2011, after
aircraft on July 29, which have an aggressive competition among

INDIGENISATION?
now been officially inducted into the world’s top available aircraft
service in September. The second manufacturers, years of lobbying
reason is that since the IAF’s 88th by foreign governments, and
anniversary falls on October 8, it extensive trials by the test pilots
is hence but natural that the IAF of IAF to check on the advertised
would be in the limelight and its capabilities of each aircraft that
capabilities examined threadbare. was on offer.
There is actually a third reason Whether the aircraft was to
too: having been a ‘man in blue’ for be manufactured by the private
The MKII version of twin-engine aircraft Tejas could be a choice, almost 40 years, the IAF is close to sector, or by HAL, almost placed
and become the mainstay of the IAF to meet its dire need of fighter my heart, and my heart bleeds for the entire scheme in a limbo
the IAF! once again. Finally, the IAF, in
squadrons with the depleting number of serviceability aircraft, Before proceeding any further, a do-or-die bid to acquire new
IAF’s MiG-21

but can HAL deliver the numbers and in time? Can IAF Grow on it is imperative to understand the aircraft, placed its report to the
PM MODI HAS
Indigenisation? Such questions need concrete answers need for building up the combat Government of India (GoI) of the
EXHORTED THE
aircraft strength. It needs to be dire straits that it was in, leading to
ENTIRE COUNTRY
kept in mind that the IAF is at an 36 Rafale aircraft being contracted TO GO IN FOR
By AIR MARSHAL DHIRAJ KUKREJA (RETD) all-time low squadron strength; for in 2016 in a direct government- PRODUCTS
as against the authorised 42 to-government sale; five aircraft, “MADE IN
The serious eyeball-to-eyeball face-off between the armies of squadrons, the IAF is at 30 (may be as aforementioned, have been INDIA”. NOW,
India and China in Aksai Chin, Ladakh, has forced a substantial even 29) with every possibility of delivered, with subsequent DURING THE
mobilisation of other two Services from both sides. Defence the numbers going down further if deliveries of similar numbers PANDEMIC, HIS
analysts the world over, arm-chair strategists mainly in India, some more squadrons are allowed every quarter or so, completing ‘WAR CRY’ FOR
and propaganda media in China - are closely comparing the to phase out because of low the delivery by 2022. “GO VOCAL FOR
strengths and weaknesses of the militaries of the two sides across availability of serviceable aircraft. Meanwhile the indigenous LOCAL” AND
the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Under these circumstances With China breathing down our Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), “ATMANIRBHAR
there is a need to examine the state and growth plan of Indian neck in Ladakh with surreptitious christened as ‘Tejas’, and having a
BHARAT” HAS
HAL’s LCA Tejas INVIGORATED
Air Force (IAF) through indigenisation. moves in other sectors all along very chequered history, appeared THE PEOPLE’S
the LAC, and its protégé, Pakistan, on the scene. The programme, THINKING, AND
ever keen to needle India on the which commenced in the 1980s and two of Rafale aircraft, while 2014, specially for manufacturing FROM SIMPLE
Western border, the IAF has to be with an aim to replace the ageing waiting to phase out are at least in the defence sector, but never GAMING-APPS
prepared to simultaneously face MiG-21 aircraft, had its first flight five squadrons. The numbers really took root. Now, during the ON MOBILE
two adversaries. Hence, the need to in 2001. The delayed Design and could, therefore, deplete further, pandemic, his ‘war cry’ for “Go PHONES TO
grow in numbers! Development (D&D) programme, if the IAF is unable to meet the Vocal for Local” and “Atmanirbhar BIG-TICKET
How is it that the IAF landed and the aircraft’s first flight after serviceability requirements of Bharat”, has invigorated the MANUFACTURING
up in such a critical situation? It nearly 20 years, have been the its old fleets. The induction of people’s thinking, and from simple IS BEING LOOKED
was two decades ago, in 2001, main reasons for only around 20 C-130J, and the C-17 aircraft in gaming-apps on mobile phones to INTO AND HAS
that the government was first aircraft to be delivered to the IAF the transport fleet in the recent big-ticket manufacturing is being
ALSO TAKEN-
OFF IN SOME
apprised by the IAF of the need thus far. The first squadron was past, and the Apache and Chinook looked into and has also taken-off SECTORS
to acquire additional fighters. IAF formed in 2016, and the second helicopters in the last two months in some sectors.
at that stage was content to have LCA squadron has just been have placed these two fleets in a While addressing a seminar
been offered an upgraded version formed in May this year. comfortable position. on self-reliance organised by the
of the Mirage 2000; the option Delayed acquisition in sufficient As the IAF goes in for Ministry of Defence (MoD), the PM
finally got foreclosed in 2006, when numbers of fourth generation- subdued celebrations of its 88th urged the Armed Forces to reduce
Dassault closed the Mirage 2000 plus fighters and slow induction anniversary, due to the ongoing imports and purchase Indian
production-line after repeatedly of the LCA are the main cause of pandemic, the Prime Minister (PM) products with confidence. He also
checking with India and receiving the depleted state that IAF fight has exhorted the entire country to dwelt on the need to make the
no firm commitment. The process fleet is in today. By 2022, IAF will go in for products “Made in India”. country a defence-manufacturing
Indian Air Force Rafale on ground
to acquire 126 Medium Multi-Role at best have a third LCA squadron, This has been his pet project since hub with active involvement of

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DEFENCE MINISTER RAJNATH SINGH ANNOUNCES

been lacking in the aero-engine
manufacturing programme.
WITH GOVT’S FOCUS ON ATMANIRBHAR
IMPORT BAN ON 101 DEFENCE ITEMS
The Kaveri aero-engine
project of the Defence Research BHARAT DPSU BHARAT ELECTRONICS
and Development Organisation
(DRDO) has failed to take-off.
UPBEAT ON DEFENCE BUSINESS New Delhi. In keeping with Prime Minister
French collaboration to upgrade Bengaluru: With the government’s Narendra Modi’s focus on self reliance or
this engine also seems to have focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat, defence Atmanirbar Bharat Initiative, Defence
lost steam. Home-grown talent public sector undertaking (DPSU) Minister Rajnath Singh took a major step
or Indian talent searched from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is in the defence sector to boost indigenous
abroad, with development of high- upbeat about its business prospects in weapons over expensive foreign ones, by
performance alloys and materials, the defence sector though it’s facing the announcing import embargo on 101 items.
could lead to a breakthrough in prospect of short-term adverse impact This move is part of the government’s
this another ‘hot’ project. out of COVID-19. In fact, the Bangalore- efforts to boost domestic defence
Indian Air Force Chinook Only a few countries based defence PSU was sitting on an equipment manufacturers and the Prime
dominate the world aerospace order book of Rs 51,973 crore as on Minister’s “vocal for local” and place
diminishing in quality and manufacturing domain. Aerospace April 1 this year, according to company Indian goods in the world market.
quantity due to obsolescence technologies are state-of-the-art, officials. Defence contributed 82 per cent It is estimated that contracts worth
and attrition. There is a definite involving high manufacturing of sales revenue of BEL in 2019-20, up almost Rs four lakh crore will be placed
urgency to replace the old MiG- accuracies and large investments. from 68 per cent in the previous fiscal. upon the domestic industry within the
21, MiG-23, and MiG-27 fleets by Notwithstanding the optimism The remaining 18 per cent revenue next six to seven years. Of these, items Rs 42,000 crore. For the Air Force, it is
a high-technology aircraft in the created by Atmanirbhar came from the non-defence sector.  worth almost Rs 1,30,000 crore each are decided to enlist the light combat aircraft
immediate foreseeable future. push, India’s success in anticipated for the Army and the Air Force LCA MK 1A with an indicative embargo
While the IAF would prefer a space programmes, and huge while items worth almost Rs 1,40,000 date of December 2020. Of these, 123 are
twin-engine aircraft the MKII military aviation demands, BAE SYSTEMS CONTINUES crore are anticipated by the Navy over the anticipated at an approximate cost of over

MISSION-CRITICAL F-35 EW
version of the Tejas could be a the defence aerospace sector, same period. Almost 260 schemes of such Rs 85,000 crore.
choice, and could also become the however, continues to be items were contracted by the Tri-Services The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said
HAL’s Light Combat Helicopter
mainstay of the IAF, but can HAL
deliver the numbers and in time?
‘work-in-extremely-slow-
progress’(Emphasis intentional). SYSTEM PRODUCTION at an approximate cost of Rs 3.5 lakh crore
between April 2015 and August 2020, said
the list will be expanded or updated
periodically, without compromising on
The present under-developed Notwithstanding the recent New Delhi. BAE Systems has been the Defence Minister. the operational requirements of the armed
MANUFACTURING the private sector in Research and version, the time needed to increase in FDI, and the permission awarded a contract from Lockheed “This strategic step will accelerate the forces, to allow lead-time to the domestic
OF THE TEJAS Development (R&D) too. While develop the newer MKII version, to the private sector to enter the Martin for the production and delivery Atmanirbhar Bharat narrative and bolster industry to prepare itself for any such
MKII BE the private sector was permitted and the HAL output, will keep the defence manufacturing since long, of additional electronic warfare (EW) Indian defence equipment manufacturing procurement orders likely to come up
ACCELERATED, into the much-restricted area of IAF in a state of anxiety, as new the MoD seems to be throttling systems for Lot 15, Lot 16 long lead, industry. The growth of the domestic subsequent to the indicated embargo.
AND IF POSSIBLE, defence manufacturing, as far aircraft from foreign vendors will itself with self-denial by constantly sustainment spares and retro fit kits for industry, especially the MSME sector, will The list of 101 embargoed items range
UNDER THE back as 2003, results have not not be encouraged. It is, therefore, shifting goal-posts for the private the 5th Generation F-35 Lightning II, lead to self-reliance, reduced expenditure from some types of ammunition, sonars
STRATEGIC been very encouraging. Off-the- imperative that manufacture of sector; a sector which has been providing advanced situational awareness on imports, saving of foreign currency, and radars to artillery guns, assault rifles,
PARTNERSHIP record, main reason aired for not the Tejas MKII be accelerated, and acclaimed globally into aero-space and threat response capabilities that creating job opportunities, revival of corvettes, transport aircraft and light
POLICY BETWEEN encouraging the private sector if possible, under the strategic manufacturing. support critical missions in contested consumption and ultimately getting us combat helicopters, among others.
HAL AND THE
PRIVATE SECTOR, into defence manufacturing is partnership policy between HAL Is the reader aware that the airspace. The contract follows BAE closer to the common goal of US$5 trillion Welcoming the move by the government,
AND THIS WILL national security; it is ironical, that and the private sector. ‘Marine One’, the Sikorsky-92 Systems’ production and delivery of economy. We are committed and will Baba Kalyani, CMD, Bharat Forge, said:
BE A BOOST TO while the Indian private sector It is not just an aircraft that the helicopter that the US president more than 500 EW systems for the support the Indian Government achieve “This strategic step will accelerate the
INDIGENISATION is not egged on, foreign private IAF desires; aero-engines are also flies, has its cabin manufactured F-35 as a key system partner, matching the goal,” Atmanirbhar Bharat narrative and bolster
vendors can sell their goods to the in great demand. The technology in Hyderabad by a Tata Lockheed Martin’s airframe production. The list includes, wheeled Armoured Indian defence equipment manufacturing
Indian Armed Forces and police is one of the closely-held secrets company – or the Chinooks and BAE Systems supports all stages of the Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) with indicative industry. The growth of the domestic
forces, from aircraft to rifles! and to get an Original Equipment Apache helicopters have their product’s lifecycle, from development and import embargo date of December 2021, industry especially the MSME sector, will
Whither national security? Manufacturer (OEM) to part with cabins also made by the Indian production to sustainment. The company of which the Indian Army is expected lead to self-reliance, reduced expenditure
Much euphoria and hype it through technical collaboration private sector? The best aircraft is actively designing and developing new to contract almost 200 items at an on imports, saving of foreign currency,
has been generated with the is an extremely difficult task, manufacturing companies in capabilities to enhance the system’s approximate cost of over Rs 5,000 crore. creating job opportunities, revival of
induction of Rafale aircraft. One almost next to impossible. the world have acknowledged offensive and defensive capabilities, and Similarly, the Navy is likely to place consumption and ultimately getting us
needs to understand that IAF’s Development of high-performance the capacity and capabilities of maintains its readiness for warfighters demands for submarines with indicative closer to the common goal of US$5 trillion
acquisitions are an ongoing alloys and materials has been the Indian private sector. under a performance-based logistics import embargo date of December 2021, economy. We are committed and will
process for modernising and done for a very successful Indian When will we wake up?  sustainability contract.  of which it expects to contract about support the Indian Government achieve
growth of its fleets, which are space programme, but sadly, has –The writer is an Air Force veteran. six at an approximate cost of almost the goal.”

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ruthless geopolitical environment

Indian Air Force Apache AH-64E around us, unreliability of China,
and highlighted the need for
strong military power and the
need to transform our approach
to an aggressive military strategy
to deter China and Pakistan. It
is time India adopt an airpower
intensive and active-defence
strategy. The need to accelerate
the recovery of IAF’s combat
squadron strength to its full
complement of 42 squadrons is
vital and never more urgent.
This is easier said than done
given the fact that the country is India’s 5th-Gen fighter jet ‘AMCA’ to get 6th-Gen tech
going through its worst health
crisis from the COVID pandemic,

ACHIEVING THE ESSENTIALS OF

significant economic downturn, THE RECENT OPERATIONALISATION OF
an unemployment crisis, all these
CHINOOKS, APACHES, ARMED ALHS, AND
converging to make funding
prioritisation a difficult and
ATMANIRBHAR THE LATEST INDUCTION OF LCH GIVES IAF
challenging exercise for the Quite simply ‘Atmanirbhar’ is A SIGNIFICANT BOOST TO ITS HELICOPTER
government. Both the Air Force self-reliance. But in the past OPERATIONS AND HELI-COMBAT CAPABILITIES.
and the Navy are characterised by ‘self-reliance’ was seen as being
ITS NETWORKING CAPABILITIES AND ARMED

WITH 88TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY,

The induction of the first set capital-intensive equipment and able to make everything within
of Rafale aircraft has served to in most cases, they are import- the country, which was neither UAVS ADD A MAJOR DIMENSION TO ITS
boost the fighter power and dependent. Hence, modernisation economically viable nor did it OPERATIONS IN THE CURRENT SCENARIO

IAF HAS MAJOR ROLE TO PLAY FOR

projection. Over the last decade, plans tend to get derailed for want make any sense. Atmanirbhar AGAINST CHINA
the IAF has transformed its airlift of adequate capital allocation. should be rooted in the strength
and expeditionary capabilities. For too long, our self-reliance of economic viability and the
The recent operationalisation and indigenisation strategies importance of control over towards those identified critical

INDIA’S ATMANIRBHARTA
of Chinooks, Apaches, armed have failed to bear fruit for critical technologies. ‘Make technologies on which India
ALHs, and the latest induction of want of coherent strategies with in India’ has driven home the should not be import-dependent,
LCH gives it a significant boost continuity and accountability. The importance of defence exports. while products with non-
to its helicopter operations IAF can lead the way in addressing Combining the two, India’s critical technologies could be
and heli-combat capabilities. this perennial problem with a investments in research and manufactured in partnership
The IAF has major role to play in making an Atmanirbhar Its networking capabilities radically different approach. development should be directed with foreign OEMs for Indian and
Bharat with the help of indigenous industry’s production and armed UAVs add a major global markets. A well-crafted
dimension to its operations in the long-term strategy can translate
of AMCA, Tejas Mk 2, and the Mk 1 A and strengthen current scenario against China. India into a net exporter of
India’s strategic autonomy weapon systems.
CONCERN ON IAF’S FORCE
By AIR MARSHAL M MATHESWARAN (RETD)
STRUCTURE IAF CAN BECOME THE MOST
IMPORTANT DRIVER FOR

T
he Indian Air Force, as it celebrates its 89th Founding Day on October Considering the heightened
8 this year, is one of the oldest and powerful Air Forces of the world.
Given the current situation in Ladakh where Indian and Chinese forces,
tensions on the Sino-Indian
border, current gaps in IAF’s
ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT
deployed in significant strengths, face each other with considerable force structure is of concern, IAF should be looking to induct
potential for conflict escalation, the IAF has its task cut out. Despite the notwithstanding the Rafale between 300 and 400 aircraft
continuing depletion in fighter squadron strength, the IAF has significant induction. In a way, heightened over the next 20 years. One of
capability to ensure a favourable local balance of power. tensions can be seen from a the biggest failures of Indian
Boeing’s Chinook inflight
positive angle. It has revealed the defence development and

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THE IAF production has been the problem

of an excessively long time of
follow. Although HAL is inducting
private industry partners to
REVIVING THE AUXILIARY AIR contribute immensely to the
development efforts of Mk 2 and
SHOULD
ACCELERATE development compounded by accelerate production, it will not FORCE SYSTEM further series as well as other
inadequate data from operational be before 2030 for the last Tejas projects such as the AMCA.
THE DEVELOP- utilisation of the equipment, to be delivered. Much like the Territorial Army, it is Parallelly, the IAF should
MENT AND which is necessary for improving The Tejas, as of today is time India revives the now-defunct accelerate the development
PRODUCTION and developing successive import-dependent to the tune auxiliary air force system and and production of the Mk 2,
OF THE variants. This must be addressed of 60 per cent. This decade should be modelled on the US’ Air and the decision on the urgently
MK 2, AND THE if ‘Atmanirbhar’ does not go the must be used to reduce this National Guard. This would result needed 114 MRCA (which
way of past such exercises. import dependency down in multiple major benefits. First, probably should be 200+).
DECISION ON Let us look at the fighter to 30 per cent by way of it would boost the IAF’s strength The MRCA selection should be
THE URGENTLY aircraft alone. The LCA ‘Tejas Mk incorporating our sensors, as it would have sufficient active linked to TOT and manufacture
NEEDED 114 1’ has just entered the service. By radar, EW, communications, reserve capability in terms of in India with a risk-sharing
MRCA (WHICH 2022 the batch of 40 Tejas Mk 1s avionics and some weapons. trained airmen and aircraft. Second, responsibility on the OEM for
PROBABLY should have been produced and This period should also be used it would enhance the government’s the global supply chain. Such
SHOULD supplied. Operational upgrade to develop and operationalise options in addressing peacetime a selection and partnership
from IOC to FOC of the first the Tejas Mk2, which should be activities in terms of internal and should be intimately tied to the
BE 200+) 20 aircraft should also be in a twin-engine platform for both coastal security as well as aid to development of the AMCA. LCA Tejas
place by 2022. Additionally, a the IAF and the Indian Navy. civil authorities. IAF’s centenary year is just
reasonable level of user feedback Effectively, the twin-engine Third, the auxiliary air force 12 years away. It is possible to
data should be driving the fine- Tejas Mk2 should become the can also augment government celebrate IAF’s centenary in 2032 AMCA, Tejas Mk 2, and the Mk 1 – An Air Force Veteran, the
writer is a former Deputy Chief
tuning and improvements in backbone of the IAF in the resources for peace-keeping as a force in complete strength A. IAF’s Air National Guard would of Integrated Defence Staff and
the 83 Tejas Mk 1As that will decades from 2030. missions and HADR. Fourth, it and looking to be dominated provide it with a lot more options is the President of The Peninsula
provides an avenue for a larger by indigenous fighters such as and flexibility in its strategies. Foundation, Chennai.
number of citizens to participate
IAF’s Light Combat Helicopter
in military service. Fifth and most
important is its importance in
the context of Atmanirbhar and
Indian aerospace industry.
Combining smaller states with
bigger states and dividing it into
effective air guard regions, the air
national guard could consist of 14
squadrons to be deployed in these
regions. This could mean 200 to 250
Tejas Mk 1As. By adopting a plan of
creating a 14 Squadron force of Air
National Guards over 15 years, we
would create a production run of
350 to 400 aircraft for the Tejas
Mk 1As over 20 years.
This would stabilise the
industry, create a robust
aerospace eco-system, allow
continuous indigenisation of
components thus reducing
import-dependency altogether,
establish a cycle of continuous
improvements in maintenance,
reliability and performance,
and make exports a distinct
possibility. More importantly, it
IAF Advanced Light Helicopter
would create a constant flow of
enormous user data that would

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IN CONVERSATION www.raksha-anirveda.com

‘BOEING HAS BEEN A STRONG PARTNER IN

the multi-billion dollar investments that
have gone into infusing new technologies
in the aircraft by the US Navy and by

MISSION READINESS AND MODERNIZATION

several international customers.
Boeing’s plan is to offer ‘By India, For
India’ sustainment program that will build
on other successful sustainment programs

OF INDIA’S DEFENCE FORCES’

that Boeing is executing for the Indian Air
Force and Indian Navy today, to sustain
Boeing AH-64E Apache the F/A-18 Super Hornets from India.
Boeing has responded to the Indian Navy’s

S
urendra Ahuja is the Managing Director of Boeing Defence India (BDI). wire harnesses, and P-8I weapons bay RFI and we continue to work with the
A retired Rear Admiral, Ahuja is in charge of delivering on Boeing’s doors and identification friend-or-foe Navy through the process.
commitments to its Indian defence customers while positioning it for transponders. These are just a few
new business opportunities. In an interview to Raksha Anirveda, he examples of the work done by our What is the reason for Boeing’s
dwelt upon Boeing’s commitment towards India’s defense programs. Indian suppliers. offer of the F-15 EX to the IAF for
Edited excerpts. What is the update on deliveries its requirement for 114 aircraft?
of Apache, Chinook and P-8I for The Indian Navy and Indian Air
the Indian armed forces? Boeing F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet Force have distinct operational
Please provide an update on Boeing completed the needs for fighters. While awaiting further
Boeing Defence activities in deliveries of all AH-64E Apache Boeing supports the IAF C-17 fleet to continue working with Air Works definition on the Indian Air Force’s
India including sourcing activities and CH-47F (I) Chinook military under the Globemaster Integrated Support for similar checks on the remaining requirements, we have requested a
and partnerships with Indian firms? helicopters to the Indian Air Force Program (GISP) that maintains high aircraft. Further capability development license for the F-15EX so that we’re ready
India is at the front and center (IAF) this year. The final five of the 22 mission capability rates by providing them planning is in the works to support the to share the full spectrum of potential
of significant opportunities for Apache attack helicopters were access to an extensive support network for growing P-8I fleet, improving the local solutions across our fighter portfolio
Boeing. Boeing has been a strong handed over to the IAF in July. Earlier parts availability and economies of scale. aviation ecosystem while ensuring quicker when appropriate.
partner in the mission readiness and in March, Boeing handed over the last India’s P-8I fleet is also supported turnaround for the Indian Navy.
modernization of the country’s five of 15 CH-47F (I) Chinook heavy- through Boeing’s services business What is the status of global P-8
defence forces. Our proven portfolio lift helicopters to the IAF. by providing spares, ground support What are the opportunities you’re orders and deliveries and aircraft
of products and services offer The Indian Navy (IN) currently equipment and field service representative seeing in the Indian space sector? delivery rate?
unmatched operational capabilities operates a fleet of eight P-8Is with four support. Boeing’s integrated logistics We’re proud of India’s recent In September 2020, Boeing delivered
across the entire mission spectrum. more on order. The first of the four support has enabled the highest state strides in space exploration and the 99th full production P-8A
Today, India has 11 C-17 Globemaster aircraft will be delivered this year, and of fleet readiness at the lowest possible ambitions towards human space flights Poseidon aircraft to the US Navy, with six
IIIs, eight P-8Is (with four more on the remaining three in 2021. costs. Since induction, the Indian Navy P-8I before August 2022. It is a testimony to additional jets used as Engineering
order), 22 AH-64E Apaches (with six fleet has surpassed 29,000 flight hours. the country’s innovation, determination Manufacturing Development test aircraft.
more on order) and 15 CH-47F(I) Now that there are a large Boeing’s training and support package for and full embrace of the challenges of There is a robust demand for P-8 aircraft.
Chinooks, all Boeing platforms. number of P-8Is and C-17s in the P-8I promises to increase proficiency space. Notwithstanding our six decades of Boeing has delivered 12 jets to the Royal
Our sourcing from India stands at India, how is Boeing looking to in a shorter time, while reducing the on- space experience, Boeing is inspired by Australian Air Force, and is under nine
US$1 billion a year from more than involve local Indian personnel and aircraft training time resulting in increased what India has achieved and it’s aspirations aircraft in contract to the UK’s Royal Air
225 suppliers who are manufacturing companies in their maintenance? aircraft availability for mission tasking. A for the future. We look forward to Force with two delivered. Also, as you know
critical systems and components We are working with the Indian 60,000 sq. ft. Training Support and Data partnering with ISRO in their endeavours. eight P-8Is have already been delivered to
for some of Boeing’s most advanced is manufacturing Apache fuselages for Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Handling Centre is being set up at INS the Indian Navy, with four more on order.
products. We are working closely with customers around the globe. Dynamatic Navy (IN) to provide operational Rajali, Arakkonam (the base for P-8I fleet), Please elaborate on Boeing’s Further, Norway has five under contract,
our suppliers in India to support supply Technologies manufactures the ramp and capability and readiness for the P-8Is, the with a secondary centre at Naval Institute response to the IN fighter RFI and New Zealand has four under contract and
chain health, identify new ways to drive complex aft pylon for the Chinook heavy- C-17s and the Head of State aircraft of Aeronautical Technology (NIAT), Kochi. further steps? the Republic of Korea has six under contract.
innovation, and deliver greater value lift helicopters. Similarly, Rossell Techsys through sustenance contracts and for the We are also working with Indian Boeing’s F/A-18 Block III Super The P-8 is a proven long-range multi-
to our customers. Boeing continues to manufactures wire harness and electrical Chinook and Apache fleets through companies to develop capabilities in Hornet offers unique and mission maritime patrol aircraft capable of
grow a globally competitive supplier panel for the AH-64 Apache, and the warranty support. Ensuring mission the country so that they can perform differentiated advantages to the Indian maritime surveillance and anti-submarine
base in India, with strong partnerships harness for V-22 Osprey. SASMOS HET readiness of our customers and providing maintenance locally, including heavy Navy. The F/A-18 is the most advanced, warfare capabilities. A military derivative of
that are aligned with the government’s Technologies manufactures electrical them seamless services and support on checks and supply of indigenous combat proven, multi-role naval frontline the Boeing 737 Next-Generation airplane,
Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. panel assemblies and wire harness for our platforms is an imperative for Boeing. equipment. Airworks Pvt. Ltd., in fighter and will augment the collaboration the P-8 combines superior performance and
Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-15 Strike Boeing’s local sustainment support partnership with Boeing, successfully between the US Navy and Indian Navy in reliability with an advanced mission system
in Hyderabad, Boeing’s joint venture with Eagle. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) footprint is enhancing responsiveness on completed the first heavy maintenance the Indian Ocean region. that ensures maximum interoperability in
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), manufactures F/A-18 gun bay doors and sustainment and training contracts. check for the first P-8I in 2019. We plan The Indian Navy stands to benefit from the battle space.

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PHOTO FEATURE www.raksha-anirveda.com

The Indian Air Force (IAF) ranks fourth among the air forces of the world.

IAF @ 88: ADVERSARIES

Currently, IAF enjoys a unique position of having the most diversified range of
aircraft in its inventory. It is to the credit of IAF’s innovative technical skill that
most of the assets are fully operational till date. The journey of IAF since its

ENVY, NATION’S PRIDE

official establishment on October 8, 1932 has been eventful and has evolved
itself as a mature and modern force to efficiently and effectively meet the
88TH
ANNIVERSARY challenges of the future.
In 1932, the IAF’s aircraft inventory comprised of four Westland Wapiti IIA
army co-operation biplanes. As Indian Air Force celebrates its 88th Foundation
Day on October 8 this year the wide range and numbers of aircraft inventory
displays the vibrant strength of the Force to defend Indian airspace. Today,

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PHOTO FEATURE www.raksha-anirveda.com

IAF has 33 squadrons of fighter aircraft

along with adequate number of trainers,
transport aircraft and attack helicopters.
The coming decade will add more teeth
to IAF’s overall combat and operational
strength with indigenous efforts and
technological prowess.
Raksha Anirveda through its photo feature
comprising its diversified assets attempts
to capture the major milestones and
combat preparedness of IAF….

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DIVERSITIES IN THOUGHT threads and unity of the nation

stands firm and deeply engrained,
while economically creating
global dependencies. Thus,
Countries and populations
from around the world are tired
There is so much of diversity in in spite of repeated challenges to contemporary China reflects of China’s high-handedness, but
political foundation of the three its survival. The world’s second offensive, coercionist and there is little they can do about
countries. In the first - Pakistan, most populous country, which expansionist designs all at the it because of its economic and,
the military calls the shot, while sees itself as one of humankind’s same time while professing in the case of its neighbours,
in the second - India, democratic great civilization-states, peaceful rise. military might. No neighbouring
government and close core group propagates peaceful coexistence country has might and will to
led leadership rules, and in the
third country - China, a central
and prosperity. India has emerged
as a critical player in a new era of
INTERPLAY DYNAMICS challenge China due to fears of
a bloody conflict. India is the
communist party leadership is great power competition. The India-China: In the India-China only neighbour of China that
all-powerful and all-pervasive. contest between a US-led alliance context, China presents a cannot easily be bullied into
Even the Chinese Army (PLA) is on one side and Russia and China multifaceted primary challenge accepting China’s terms because
controlled by the Party and not on the other is reshaping India’s to India which is manifesting now. of its size and potential economic
the government. Thus strategic grand strategy to becoming a China not settling the boundary prowess. Therefore, underlying
instability is inherent. This has pivotal world power. dispute with India leaves no Chinese strategic imperative is
led to mistrust, collusions and doubt about its aggressive to weaken India because India is
interplay of relations between
a revisionist Islamic republic
PAKISTAN designs. China sees India as not
only a regional competitor but
the only country in Asia that could
conceivably challenge China.
struggling for survival, a stable Pakistan’s strategic ideology is a major geostrategic player in Indo-Pak: In the context of
democracy with high growth based on three basic themes. the Indo-Pacific and a global
trajectory and an expansionist Firstly, the insecurity of being anchor meant to contain its THERE IS SO MUCH OF DIVERSITY IN
communist state challenging an incomplete state due to the rise. Thus, dealing with China’s POLITICAL FOUNDATION OF THE THREE
­­Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping
status quo at own terms and unfair partition and inheritance. coercion and expansionism has COUNTRIES. IN THE FIRST - PAKISTAN,
therefore the unstable triangle of Secondly, perceiving India’s always remained one of India’s THE MILITARY CALLS THE SHOT, WHILE
relationships. rise as a regional bully aimed to biggest foreign policy challenges IN THE SECOND - INDIA, DEMOCRATIC

INDIA AND ITS UNSTABLE

India was historically a strong disintegrate Pakistan. Thirdly, self with comparative asymmetry in GOVERNMENT AND CLOSE CORE GROUP
nation, with a strong economy appointed leader to propagate the economic and military capabilities LED LEADERSHIP RULES, AND IN THE THIRD
and a glorious culture with the Islamic ideology. Thus Pakistan’s between the two. This uneasy COUNTRY - CHINA, A CENTRAL COMMUNIST
power and strength of knowledge strategic culture is deeply rooted Sino-Indian relationship at times PARTY LEADERSHIP IS ALL-POWERFUL AND

NEIGHBOURHOOD
and character till corrupted and in its insecurity and revisionist flares up into a confrontation, as ALL-PERVASIVE, AND THUS THE STRATEGIC
exploited by foreign invaders. ideology with the predominance seen in the recent years. INSTABILITY IS INHERENT
Indian strategic culture thus of the military and mullah, as a
focuses on peace, stability and state, within a state.
QUAD Foreign Ministers meeting on the move
development, engrained on its
There is a need to pragmatically envision the future threats and
challenges emanating from the instability of this India-China-
secular and democratic character.
Unlike China and Pakistan, India’s
CHINA
Pakistan strategic triangle, and it is sure that India would do well to strategic culture does not have a Chinese grand strategy and
bias for expansionist territorial ideology, on the other hand,
engage with its neighbours for lasting peace, yet be fully prepared aspirations, beyond those illegally has distinctive character
for a turbulent present and an even more turbulent future occupied by the neighbourhood. and perceives itself not as a
Thus India stands distinct from nation-state but rather a
By MAJ GEN CP SINGH (RETD) the conflicting revisionist ideology “state of civilization”. China’s
and expansionist culture of its two belligerence thus reflects its

T
he India-China-Pakistan strategic triangle in South Asia is the most unstable neighbours. Neighbours can’t be Confucian strategic culture
region in the world. Thanks to the Britishers, who gave us unsettled changed but have to be managed deriving from complex and
borders as a parting gift? In the last 70 years of Independence, we have for peaceful co-existence resulting multiple historic narratives
not been able to finalise hundreds of km of disputed borders, which are in prosperity and growth. affecting its foreign policy.
presently depicted by various lines like LC, LOC, LAC and AGPL etc. This As a nation, strategically it
triangle of three neighbours houses half the world’s population and has
the largest warring militaries armed with nuclear weapons, disputed INDIA aims at regional and global
dominance by expansionist
ambiguous borders resulting in periodic confrontations and conflicts. All India’s strategic culture is doctrine of foreign policy. China
this underlines the strategic instability and fragility of this region. complex, yet composite, coherent focuses on building military
and distinct by itself. The secular power for strategic coercion,

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Indo-Pak relations, clash of less dangerous yet more fragile India needs to take a cue from
cultures, turbulent disputed with Pakistan’s instability, the Israeli strategy of “mowing
borders and Kashmir obsession mutual distrust and revisionist the lawn” with periodic assured
with Pakistan fuels its proxy war culture. Thus uneasy calm is kinetic retribution, as part of
under the solace of a nuclear likely to remain with an active punitive deterrence, to ensure
umbrella. Kashmir remains a LoC and changing flavors of the cost of waging proxy war for
central agenda to Pakistan’s proxy war. China is very shrewd Pakistan is made prohibitive. The
narrative and survival of the in cashing on this mutual distrust asymmetric conventional edge
politicians and military. However, and Pakistan’s anti – India must continue to add teeth to the
the insecurity rising from its obsession. They have almost punitive deterrence.
perception of India as a Hindu outsourced the Indian problem Dealing with China is more
hegemon against Islam, resultants to Pakistan. They provide all complex. China is ahead of India in
in fueling its Islamic passions and support to Pakistan and in return Economic Development, Military
strongly perceived compulsion to expect Pakistan to keep India Might and World Dominance.
inflict thousand cuts on India by embroiled with it in proxy war On the other hand, however,
abetting terrorism. because peaceful growth of India India is unique among China’s
The Indo-Pak relationship is will be detrimental to super neighbours in having at least
power aspirations of China. some capacity to stand up to its
INDIA IS THE ONLY NEIGHBOUR OF CHINA China-Pak: The only stability hegemony. India needs to take on
THAT CANNOT EASILY BE BULLIED INTO in this triangle is the Pakistan China on three fronts- economic,
ACCEPTING CHINA’S TERMS BECAUSE – China relationship. Pakistan- military and diplomatic. Let’s
OF ITS SIZE AND POTENTIAL ECONOMIC China bonhomie is here to stay focus on these as under:-
PROWESS. THEREFORE, UNDERLYING and likely to be strengthened • Economy. India can only
CHINESE STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE IS TO with Pakistan becoming more truly counter China and
WEAKEN INDIA BECAUSE INDIA IS THE and more dependent on China, take its rightful place on the
ONLY COUNTRY IN ASIA THAT COULD after being shunned by rest of the world stage when it has the
CONCEIVABLY CHALLENGE CHINA world, for promoting terrorism. economic strengths to match
The relationship is more vital for its ambitions. India should
China for its strategic interests up its economic growth by
while it’s essential for Pakistan slashing red tape, improving
to survive. Pakistan draws its its infrastructure, wooing
strength from this relationship foreign investment, and Asian geopolitics India is There is a need to a turbulent present and an even INDIA IS
to address its vulnerabilities and embracing multilateral trade today, in the midst of a major pragmatically envision the more turbulent future. UNFORTUNATELY
economic fragility. The common agreements that force its firms geopolitical repositioning, as future threats and challenges “This is a time for us to engage SADDLED WITH
agenda remains to check the to become more competitive. it discards its old non-aligned emanating from the instability America, manage China, cultivate TROUBLED
growth of India. • Defence. Military Parity with movement image, pursues a of this India-China-Pakistan Europe, reassure Russia, bring NEIGHBOURHOOD
China is essential, keeping hard headed national interest strategic triangle Volatility, Japan into play, draw neighbours WITH NO
SOLUTIONS IN
WAY AHEAD FOR INDIA the disputed borders in
mind. India needs to develop
based policy. It’s also very
important to take the lead in
uncertainty, complexity and
ambiguity will define their
in, extend the neighbourhood and
expand traditional constituencies
SIGHT. EVERY
NATION HAS
India is unfortunately saddled a modern, swift and agile forming a quad alliance of state, with all-season China- of support,” opines External Affairs TO FIGHT ITS
with troubled neighbourhood defence capability on ground, neighbouring countries like Pak nexus inherent in it. Minister S Jaishankar, in his book OWN BATTLE
with no solutions in sight. Every air and water to deter any Japan, Australia, South Korea However, contradictions, ‘The India Way’, released recently. AND INDIA HAS
nation has to fight its own battle evil designs by China alone and ASEAN countries under regional hegemony and Well said, Mr Foreign Minister!! NO CHOICE TO
and India has no choice to counter or in cohort with Pakistan. the stewardship of USA to potential confrontations must The path ahead is arduous and COUNTER THE
the two unstable neighbours and A synergised modernisation jointly challenge the bullying be solved through a formula of challenging but good wishes of 130 TWO UNSTABLE
yet continue its peaceful growth drive of defence forces is long of China. optimistic realism, finding space crore Indians are with you. NEIGHBOURS
and rise. India has to build up overdue and certainly the • Image. Play the Tibet card for cooperative mechanisms JAI HIND!!!. AND YET
deterrence capabilities based on need of the 21st Century. well along with Hong Kong based on mutual trust, peace and CONTINUE
not only comprehensive national • Diplomacy. Diplomatically, autonomy to create tensions tranquility and mutual growth. –The writer is a scholar soldier and has
ITS PEACEFUL
widely travelled in India and abroad. GROWTH AND
power but comprehensive the triangular relationship for China. Portray China as This remains a challenge for RISE
He is an avid reader, prolific writer,
“Atmanirbhar” national capacity. between the United States, not a reliable country to the region, more so for India.
social activist, career consultant and a
Strategic autonomy must be the China and India remains one do business and the spread India would do well to engage motivational speaker in demand.
rightful destination. of the three most important of Corona originates from with its neighbours for lasting He can be contacted at -
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar For dealing with Pakistan, triads in contemporary China. peace, yet be fully prepared for www.majgencpsingh.com.

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INDIAN DEFENCE: TRENDS AND

effects – as sourced from IHS Markit
forecast. The GDP growth estimates
are terrible after India entered the
lockdown phase ranging between
2.1 per cent to 3.5 per cent.

TRAJECTORY
Till July this year foreign direct
With a rapid change in geopolitical scenario, Indian defence Investment already witnessed
sector though with constraint budget playing a balancing act US$17 billion by some huge names
of global technology firm like Google,
as the government is constantly striving to formulate policies Amazon, Facebook and Foxconn
to empower the sector including MSMEs in order to develop which need no introduction. Next

By DR SURABHI AGARWAL a robust ecosystem for indigenous defence production 10 years would witness a brilliant
increment from US$1.6 trillion to
US$3.2 trillion by urban middle-
Indian Army jawans laced with class huge power of consumption
technological equipment (File photo) and expenditure backed by
increased per capita income.
Defence is currently the “most
fertile ground’’ as the phrase is
self-explanatory. Government
has invested on all fronts –
manufacturing, procurement threats and vastly altered homeland Trend of ‘only’ celebrating on the DEFENCE IS
which can drive the key element and defence security ecosystem. glorious days of Independence and CURRENTLY THE
of indigenisation thereby realising A turnover amounting to Rs Republic Days can be scrapped by “MOST FERTILE
the dream of ‘Átmanirbhar Bharat’ 1.75 lakh crore has been perceived introducing defence-based topics GROUND’’ AS THE
(self-reliant India) in its true sense. in defence manufacturing opening in school and college curriculums. PHRASE IS SELF-
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh the new horizons in this niche field. Promotion of developing EXPLANATORY.
said, “Our aim is to make India self- Turnaround strategy adopted by technologies related to defence GOVERNMENT
HAS INVESTED
reliant and a global manufacturing Ministry of Defence (MOD) imparts applications, production and
ON ALL FRONTS –
hub. The government is constantly powers to armed forces to process research ecology modules can MANUFACTURING,
striving to formulate policies to the need of equipment and weapons be drafted and included more in PROCUREMENT
empower the private industry for meeting urgent operational curriculum, this will also be leading WHICH CAN
including MSMEs in order to requirements. By the year 2025, to open more job vistas in both DRIVE THE KEY
develop the eco-system for India aims to achieve a target goal direct and indirect fields of defence ELEMENT OF
indigenous defence production. in terms of turnover grabbing and aerospace manufacturing. INDIGENISATION
The defence industry of India is a whopping amount of US$25 Premium institutes of THEREBY
a strategically important sector billion and this include a portion engineering and management REALISING
having huge potential for growth. It of around US$5 billion of export across the country like IITs and THE DREAM OF
needs to be the catalyst for India’s in defence and aerospace goods. IIMs present the best examples of ‘ÁTMANIRBHAR
BHARAT’ (SELF-

T
oday’s direct defence and critical security challenges in operating in military dealings. The adoption economic growth and realisation Like Information Technology, how manufacturing development
RELIANT INDIA) IN
environment face tremendous and multifarious challenges related process of 360-degree aggressive of our global ambitions.” now India too will emerge as a programmes ensuring required ITS TRUE SENSE
to security, henceforth it contests the dotted lines of integrated ways of combatants in terms of hub of defence manufacturing as skill development can too be
capabilities haloed with entrenched assumptions in ordinary citizens
minds. War fighting capabilities highlights the increasing new meaning
strategic sourcing, surveillance,
unmanned vehicles, automation PHENOMENAL SITUATIONAL impetus on ‘indigenisation’ as this
will be boosting the ecosystem of
taught for capability building.
Experienced and outstanding
of the defence future, where procurement reflects a negative wave but intelligence, and reconnaissance COGNIZANCE extensive ‘Defence Mission’ with a novels retiring every year can be
will uphold large market for survivors only. spend analysis would introduce stipulated timeframe of 10 years. involved in designing/ imparting
the phenomenal situational In this direction a whole list of the defence education curriculum.
awareness in defence front. embargoed defence items which
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN
Enablement of generating a
million new vistas of defence
as acclimatised troops equipped
with transformed military
Though devastating disruptions
in production-consumption cycle
were imported from outside until
now were brainstormed, and in- CIVILIANS AND ARMY FISCAL CHALLENGES IN
jobs can be sorted through warfare maps. The use of term adversely affected GDP of our house available technologies/ DEFENCE-NOMICS
procurement models exclusively ‘surgical strikes’ here is both economy by confiscating 6.3 per capabilities can now be used to As a nation, generations should
as traditional defence and military thrilling as well as live example cent pull-off still the second half of produce indigenously is a wake- be made aware of the ‘Earned Our Country is undoubtedly
capabilities require to now pose which would be required more the fiscal year would see rebounding up call to meet the next generation Freedom and its importance’. struggling with worst economic

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IN A BIG TICKET ORDER, DEFENCE AND SECURITY

conquering profit margins.
• Agility to the address market
challenges would comprehend
BEML EXPECTS TO RECEIVE
ADDITIONAL ORDER WORTH RS
SOLUTIONS PROVIDER OSHOCORP GLOBAL
on adaptability, insight, and

3,000 CRORE IN FY2020-21

vision for the (breakthrough)
output or final product,

COMPLETES CBRN IPE SUPPLY TO BEL

targeting customer focus and New Delhi. Defence PSU BEML Ltd
of course super empowered expects to get additional orders valued
teams. at about Rs 3,000 crore by this financial
• Completion of full product year-end, its Chairman and Managing
cycles. Director Deepak Kumar Hota said on
• Survival to volatility of demand October 1. The company has set an
cycles thereby articulating ambitious revenue target of Rs 4,000 crore
exquisite challenges and face in the current fiscal, up from the previous
market pressures. year’s figure of Rs 3,029 crore, despite the
• Provision of cost-effective shortfall in the first quarter due to adverse
modularity always turns as a impact of COVID-19 and lockdown. “We
sure - shot striker. have orders on hand over Rs 10,000 crore
Indian Army tanks during Republic Day parade (File photo) • Maintaining concentration on and further orders of around Rs 3,000 crore
future technology like managing are expected by FY 20 -21,” Hota said.
signature-strategic and Tactical
slowdown of the decade. Studies guns, sonar systems and radars Bespoke Systems.
and analysis conducted by as well as few other items will • Challenging contested US AWARDS $1.2 BILLION CONTRACT
Moody’s understate that raising
incomes and delivering on the
be indigenously produced. environments.
India is growing as a power hub TO GENERAL DYNAMICS FOR 144
terms of fiscal consolidation
will be extremely tough and
DEFENCE-SMART GOVERNMENT in defence capacity and a scholar
named Ashley Tellis explicitly
ARMY ANTI-AIRCRAFT STRIKERS
“INDIAN challenging. The revenue shortfall Regulatory defence policy said, ‘’Indian military also needs to
MILITARY ALSO by June 2020 was Rs 6.62 lakh restructuring is posing a huge change its mindset from a frontier
NEEDS TO crore, fiscal deficit touched 83.2 challenge in the present scenario defence force to an expeditionary

N
CHANGE ITS per cent of the annual budget where a ratio of military one capable of projecting power ew Delhi. Chemical, OshoCorp’s CBRN IPE set consists
MINDSET FROM target in April-June quarter. spending and readiness can be beyond the subcontinent”. Biological, Radiological of six major protection components
A FRONTIER Current financial year according in congruency with each other. Pulwama and Balakot strikes and Nuclear (CBRN) giving security to our soldiers from
DEFENCE to RBI will be a year of negative Broadly worldwide a projection manifested turning points are components of un- head to toe. OshoCorp in the past also
FORCE TO AN
growth in terms of GDP. of around five per cent GDP bringing marvellous changes in the conventional warfare had successfully won and completed
EXPEDITIO-
NARY ONE Indian defence industries contraction is estimated in ways our defence used to work. and are also known CBRN IPE sets and detection sensors
CAPABLE OF though is now under strict focus the current year courtesy – Restructured strategies for frontier as weapons of mass orders from BEL and the other
PROJECTING which include liberalisation of steep decline in tax-revenues, technologies and intervention Washington. US Government on destruction (WMD). government agencies in the country,
POWER Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) staggering economies and for modernisation as well as September 30 officially awarded General Defensive and Protective measures against the competition from domestic
BEYOND THE policy as one of the most important indefinite negotiations in budgets. preparation for future warfare Dynamics a highly-anticipated contract taken to mitigate CBRN warfare and global suppliers.
SUBCON- features which raised the approval Microeconomics of Defence have made a bright conjunction. to mass-produce the Interim Maneuver hazards need specially designed OshoCorp Global Pvt Ltd is an ISO
TINENT” percentage to 74 from 49. This is Industry Needs Adoption of the No wonder, termed as a hot SHORAD vehicle. This variant of the 8×8 clothing & equipments. 9001:2015 certified premier Indian
Ashley J. Tellis, surely going to streamline the Following Strategies: cake, soaring defence budget armored Stryker boasts an anti-aircraft In this backdrop, New Delhi- defence company with NCAGE No.
Senior Fellow, domestic defence manufacturing • Sustainability and adoption indicates shift to a robust vision radar, a 30mm auto cannon, and a missile based defence and security solutions 1691Y (NATO) and is in receipt of
Carnegie
Endowment for
in league with the prospective of acquisition strategies with allotted parameters both launcher capable of launching Stingers and provider OshoCorp Global Pvt Ltd multiple Defence Industrial License
International Peace demands of our armed forces. focussing actionable orientation in terms of long -term defence Hellfires. (A laser-armed Stryker variant has successfully completed one of its (DIL) from Government of India for
The recent ban on import of is an important factor. planning as well as military is also in development). IM-SHORAD largest supply orders of Chemical, manufacturing various restricted and
101 items categorically listed Understanding the intricate procurement, which will definitely will replace the aging, unarmored, and Biological, Radiological and Nuclear sensitive defence systems.
by Ministry of Defence is a production buyer-supplier be able to prove its credibility, undergunned Avenger, a Stinger-shooting (CBRN) Individual Protection OshoCorp as a reliable partner
boosting and vibrant example figure with predictable data- capacity and capability.  variant of the Humvee, which has filled Equipments (IPE) sets to Defence supports its client base with
where high technology weapon driven market sources is the Short-Range Air Defence role since PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) pioneering conceptual defence
–The writer is a senior consultant
systems like light combat essential. Total cost reduction having worked with IT and services the Cold War. Its Hellfires also give it during the ongoing Covid-19 period. solutions to improve sustainability
helicopters, transport aircraft, target paving strategies should industry. She is currently associated with significant capability to kill tanks. Company Director Ashutosh Khate, and self-reliance of the Indian
assault rifles, corvettes, artillery be concentrated instead of Eirene Systems. speaking on the development, said Armed Forces.

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‘BBB’s COLLABORATION WITH UNIVERSITIES TO REDUCE

with the Accord Aerospace and Defense
and co-development of a Personal
Safety Drone along with Security On-

COST, LEAD TIME IN RESEARCH AND A LASER FOCUS ON

Demand logistics solutions for the
Indian market. Also shed light on your
co-development partnership with
AmPRO and T&T, US and association

DEFENCE PAVES WAY TO WIN MULTIPLE PROJECTS’

with Airfence Solutions, Israel.

Our work with Accord Aerospace and

Defense (now Jasan Infra Pvt Ltd)

B
focuses on development and manufacturing
ig Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS) is one of the youngest startups in defence based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. A of indigenous arms and ammunition. We
deep-tech defence solutions integrator, the company has allied interests in manufacturing and development of are working with them on setting up a
indigenous technologies. BBBS was founded in 2018 by Dr. R. Shivaraman, Co-Founder and CTO and Praveen manufacturing unit in association with an
Dwarakanath, Co-Founder and CEO. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
BBBS won two iDex challenges hosted by the Defence Innovation Organization (DIO) and also won several based in US for production of 5.56, 7.62
prestigious awards for its technology development. It has also entered into a co-development partnership with calibre rounds and specialised ammunition
the Accord Aerospace and Defence (now Jasan Infra Pvt Ltd), and is co-developing a Personal Safety Drone such as armour piercing and armour
along with a Security On-Demand logistics solutions for the Indian market. piercing incendiary rounds. Apart from
In an interview to Raksha Anirveda Editor Ajit K Thakur, BBB Solutions’ Dr R Shivaraman delves into the this, we are also setting up a research centre
details of the company’s extraordinary achievement in the short span of two years. Edited excerpts: for design and development of indigenous Hybrid Personal Combat Armour won the prestigious SKOCH Award-2020
pistols and rifles.
Apart from this we also have many in- THE CRITICAL ASPECTS OF BIG BANG time and flexibility to achieve profitability
Big Bang Boom has won the iDEX We typically take up projects house projects such as in the defence sector.
BOOM SOLUTIONS ARE THAT WE
Defence India start-up challenge directly for the armed forces, but in • Hybrid Personal Combat Armour We have raised a Rs 11 crore round led
twice. What innovative solutions on some case we work on adhoc projects • Spray Based Wound Dressing System ARE A LEAN COMPANY, AND WE largely by Mumbai Angels, and other Angel
indigenous technology development that have defence use cases. Our defence • Personal Safety Drone SPECIALISE IN FRUGAL AND DEEP Networks including Keiretsu Forum,
BBB presented that led to its winning ministry funded projects include the • Exoskeleton for Enhanced Physical TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS Udtara Ventures, Pitchright Ventures
streak? Kindly elaborate. flagship See through Armour and the Abilities and other High Networth Individuals
It is a well-known fact that India is Anti-Drone Defence System which aim at • Smart Fencing System ‘Runway Infinity’. What the concept is (HNIs). This comes on the back of a five
the second largest arms importer in providing a highly dependable and • Flying Warden all about? How is it going to assist your crore raise (including a convertible
the world and only in the last few years globally acceptable military grade tech • COVID Ventilator and company move on a highly accelerated note) a short while back and has put the
we have realised that our adversaries are solution. Apart from this, we are also many more, of which the Hybrid growth trajectory? Kindly explain. company on a highly accelerated growth
increasingly harnessing new technologies. working on a number of projects such as Personal Combat Armour has won Availability of funds is a major trajectory and is expected to bolster the
In order to realise our dream of becoming new generation body armour, the prestigious SKOCH Award-2020 concern for R&D start-ups. Many company’s efforts towards setting up a
a self-sufficient nation in the defence autonomous drones and healthcare in Defence, and the COVID ventilator promising ideas don’t see the light of the high technology software vertical, and its
sector, we must minimise our dependency solutions for use by the armed forces won the MEITY’s Hack the Crisis India day because the right funds are not presence internationally.
on defence imports, and the key to which are funded by internal resources. Challenge 2020. We have also been available at the right time. While there The startup accelerated the fundraise
reducing this “Defence Deficit” is All the projects are on track and we are recently awarded the prestigious are many VCs and Investors willing to at the announcement of the COVID
Indigenous Technology Development and win multiple projects, and we hope confident of meeting the promised BIRAC Biotechnology Ignition Grant fund marketing and revenue cycles, lockdown and closed the entire round
IP Ownership, the bread and butter of Big to continue the same. Our approach product delivery schedules despite delays for building of an exoskeleton for both product development cycles are usually with oversubscription by the end of it.
Bang Boom Solutions. and ethos are best captured as “Big due to COVID. The trials for the patients and military use. bootstrapped. This strategy is best explained with a
Our success can be directly attributed Bang Boom is the Flipkart of Defence aforementioned products are expected in In order to build these products to be To circumvent this, company has metaphor – “If we are not allowed to chop
to the fact that we are a lean company, Innovation.”- a statement made by a the first half of 2021 and we are already in relevant on the global stage, a lot of skill and pioneered the concept of ‘Runway wood due to a blizzard, we will spend the
and we specialise in frugal, deep tech member of Evaluation Committee, which talks with several potential buyers in both technical expertise is required for which Infinity’ where we have been able to build time sharpening our axe.”
innovations. Coming from an academic monitors the progress of our projects. India and Abroad. we have partnerships with companies like a business model which uses cash only The fundraise is not just the
background, our team works aggressively AmPRO, Apollo Shield (Airfence), Thanos for acceleration of projects with a clear cash addition to our balance sheet,
with a number of Universities to reduce What are the on-going projects BBB is a deep-tech defence Tech., XR Labs, Lexx Technologies, etc. path to monetisation; as opposed to a strategically “the addition of over 70
the cost, lead time in research while you are working on for the Indian solutions integrator, and has classical burn rate dedicated for R&D by private investors means that we now
enabling us remain technology agnostic. Armed Forces? How has been the interests in manufacturing and Apart from iDEX grant, Big Bang most startups, which gives us an infinite have a set of highly intellectual, and well-
This along with financial prudence, a progress so far and by when your development of indigenous Boom recently raised funds runway. In simpler terms, our cash flows placed individuals whose combined
solution architecture approach and a products or services solutions will be technologies. Tell us about your first through Angel Networks. Your are structured in a way that we will never contribution to the journey in kind, far
laser focus on defence allowed us to ready for market launch? successful development partnership company has pioneered the concept of run out of cash, allowing us to significant outweighs the cash raised.”

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RAFALES FORMAL INDUCTION

to disappear by just a snap of one’s
fingers. This is a legacy problem,
something we have created for

A MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN

ourselves in the 70 years since
Independence, and the only way

PROTECTING COUNTRY’S AIRSPACE

forward is that the entire age-old
defence machinery needs to adapt and
embrace the new approach.
Over the last few years, the defence

A
ministry has taken several steps mbala: It was a major step forward for the country’s
including the super transparent, defence specially in protecting its airspace as the five
forward looking iDEX programme Rafale aircraft which arrived at Ambala Air Force Station
which allows startups to supply critical on July 27 were inducted to the Indian Air Force’s 17

INDIA TO START BIDDING PROCESS

defence technologies to the Armed Squadron ‘Golden Arrows’ on September 10.
Forces. Leaders such as Dr Ajay Kumar

BY OCTOBER TO PROCURE 6
and Mr Sanjay Jaju at the helm of the
DIO ensure that the organisation has

SUBMARINES COSTING `55,000 CR

a close watch on the development and
also the needs of the startups.
One common challenge we face is
the benchmarking with products build New Delhi. In a move aimed at boosting maritime
established international defence power with increasing tension with China, India
corporations. Product development is all set to launch the bidding process by next
is an iterative process and unless the month for Rs 55,000-crore mega project to
defence startups are able to convert build six conventional submarines for the Indian
their research into small procurement Navy to narrow the gap with China’s growing
orders, the technology development will naval prowess, government sources said. The
stop. It is important for decision makers submarines will be built in India under the
to remember that if the US Navy had not much-talked-about strategic partnership model
funded the re-design and production that allows domestic companies to join hands
of the 10-seater, twin-engine F-1 flying with leading foreign defence majors to produce
boat designed by Loughead Aircraft high-end military platforms in the country and
Manufacturing Company meant for reduce import dependence. The sources said the
aerial sightseeing into a defence product, groundwork like specifications of the submarines
the Lockheed Martin’s F-35s of today Defence minister strengthening the Indian Air and other critical requirements for issuance of the
would not exist. Being cognizant of this Rajnath Singh presented an Force fleet with the Rafale jets. RFP (request for proposal) for the mega project,
and the limitations of the technology induction scroll to Group Defence minister Rajnath named as P-75 I, has been completed by separate
supply chain in India will play a critical Captain Harkeerat Singh, the Singh said, “The induction of teams of the defence ministry and the Indian Navy.
Make in India hasn’t delivered as role in the success and failure of Self- Commanding Officer of the Rafale jets into the IAF has also The RFP will be issued by October, they added.
per expectations and we are still
OUR DEFENCE MINISTRY FUNDED Reliance in Defence Initiative. 17 Squadron of the ‘Golden strengthened the Indo-French
lagging behind as far Self-reliance in PROJECTS INCLUDE THE FLAGSHIP The recent announcements by the Arrows’ of the Indian Air Force relations. We are facing new
defence is concerned. What are the
reasons that have blocked the result
SEE THROUGH ARMOUR AND THE
ANTI-DRONE DEFENCE SYSTEM
government setting an arms export
target of US$5 billion in the next five
thus formally completing the
induction of the five Rafale
geo-strategic challenges and our
two democracies are working
INDIAN AIR FORCE LAUNCHES
oriented development? What scope do
you see in defence and aerospace
WHICH AIM AT PROVIDING years, towards increasing FDI in the
defence sector, import ban on key
fighter jets into the squadron.
Speaking during the induction
together to resolve these
challenges.”
MOBILE APPLICATION ‘MY IAF’
sector in general, and for your company A HIGHLY DEPENDABLE AND technologies and local procurement of ceremony, IAF Chief Air Chief Singh said that the induction New Delhi: Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal
in particular in the field concerned? GLOBALLY ACCEPTABLE MILITARY all governmental tenders under 200 Marshal RKS Bhadauria said, of the jets will ensure that India Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, launched a mobile
Your views. TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTION crores would aid in the growth of the “The Rafale aircraft along with is able to maintain peace in the application ‘MY IAF’ at Air Headquarters in New
India is a vast country in terms of fledging defence product development the skills of the 17 Squadron of region and ensure stability. He Delhi on August 24 as part of Digital India initiative.
both area and population, so for sector in India. As a defence start-up the ‘Golden Arrows’ will form said that the Indian Air Force’s The application developed in association with
any policy or scheme announced by the is important to note that self-reliance in such announcements coming from the a lethal combination and will deliberate and swift action Centre for Development of Advanced Computing
government, it will undoubtedly defence is a marathon, not a sprint. It is government are surely a healthy sign challenge our adversaries.” near the LAC displays their (C-DAC) provides career related information and
consume a lot of effort, time and not as simple as using the Infinity for growth and we are super excited for The Air Chief Marshal also commitment towards national details for those desirous of joining the Indian Air
infrastructure to start bearing fruits. It Gauntlet and wishing all of the problems the future.  lauded the government for security. Force (IAF).

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WATER REPLACES OIL AS STRATEGIC

RESOURCE IN 21ST CENTURY
Water is fast replacing oil as strategic resource, and competition increasing much faster than the
over limited water resources is one of the main concerns for the world’s population in the same
time period. Demand for water
21st century. Water is a central element in global affairs and the is projected to grow by over 40
development agenda, with wide implications for international per cent by 2050. An estimated
peace and security 1.8 billion people will soon live
in countries or regions with
water scarcity.
“Conflicts over water arise from the fact that under conditions An Intergovernmental Panel
of increasing scarcity, competition levels also increase.” on Climate Change (IPCC, a UN China-built Hydropower project on River Brahmaputra
–Anthony Turton, Trained Scientist specialising in water resource management as a strategic issue
Body) special report on climate
change adaptation states that
there has been a three-fold generational debt that will be hard ABSOLUTE
population increase in the past to repay. The uncontrolled and
WATER SCARCITY
By PRACHITA SINGH SAXENA IS ALREADY
century and a six-fold increase rapacious exploitation of oil has AFFECTING
in water consumption globally. If led to unintended consequences MORE THAN 500

W
ater is a precious natural resource and it has the potential to be one trends in population and energy and we are continuing on a similar MILLION PEOPLE
of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. According to the United use continue, it could leave a trajectory with water. Ironically, IN MORE THAN
Nations estimates, more than half the global population will live in 40 per cent gap between water our unmindful use of oil fuels the 30 COUNTRIES.
water-stressed or water-scarce countries by 2025. Studies point out supply and demand by the year crisis in water. Burning of fossil THE ROLE OF
that India, along with China, France and the US, will have no drinking 2030. The effects of climate fuels has led to global warming, WATER SCARCITY
water by 2040 if consumption of water continues at the current pace. change coupled with population the melting of glaciers and ice caps, IN CREATING
Changes result from continued economic growth and modernisation growth are expected to drive and the early snowmelts that will PRECONDITIONS
in these countries, including an increase in irrigated farming, rising competition for water, potentially cause the climate to fluctuate in a OF DISCONTENT
industrial production, expanding consumption by the growing middle exacerbating political tensions in way that brings too much rain in
AND
DESPERATION—
class and particularly in China, raising animals for a more meat-centric parts of the globe. The reports some places and too little in others. PRECURSORS
diet—will place even greater pressure on water supplies. Macro says nuclear power and coal—the In addition, the move to replace TO VIOLENT
challenges such as climate change and pollution will further strain most “thirsty” power sources— oil with biomass-based fuels will Aerial view of Mekong River CONFLICTS—
freshwater resources. should be eventually replaced intensify water use, not so much ARE WIDELY
with more efficient methods, for sustaining our life and this ACKNOWLEDGED
especially renewable sources like
wind and solar.
planet but to sustain our lifestyles.
The above mentioned offers an
water has incrementally begun to
override oil as a commodity. Water
INTERNATIONAL WATER
Limited availability and WATER – THE ELIXIR OF LIFE insight into what oil once ‘was’ and has replaced oil as the resource GOVERNANCE
increasing demand always
results in conflicts to control the Absolute water scarcity is
WATER – THE NEW OIL how water has now become a most
sought after commodity. Countries
that nation-states must have, if
they have to prosper. Fresh water Understanding water in a
resource. Growing pressure on already affecting more than The oil crisis confronting the world across the globe have displayed has now come to the fore as a vital strategic context depends firstly
global water resources is having 500 million people in more than today is much like the looming a renewed interest in water and component for internal political on understanding the norms
major impacts on our social, 30 countries. The role of water crisis in water, with depleting that too with an increasing amount security, extramural expansion and realities of international
economic, and environmental scarcity in creating preconditions supplies, unequal distribution and of threat-of-force. Whether the and geo-political stability. Water river use and governance.
well-being. Future wars could of discontent and desperation— access, and the inevitable spectre frictions over oil will continue at is soon replacing oil as a precious The right to use the water of a
be fought to control water or precursors to violent conflicts— of rising costs and increasing the current rate is a moot point commodity and positioned itself in border-crossing river involves
water could be the new weapon are widely acknowledged. Global conflict around the sharing of this and does not need defining further a manner that water wars in future a combination of control–in-
for war among nation states, in water use almost tripled in the vital natural resource. As with oil, here, as what is of importance, have transformed into a probability, fact and control-in-law. From
this century. second half of the 20th century, water exploitation raises an inter- in contemporary times, is how rather than a possibility. a real-politik perspective, the

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WHETHER THE
FRICTIONS
most important control is de
facto, which depends entirely
CHINA’S AGGRESSIVE CONTROL across the country to control the
water resources. Mekong River
by the use of water systems as a
weapon and as a political goal.
OVER OIL WILL
CONTINUE AT THE
on geography. Simply put, it OF WATER RESOURCES flows from China to South East Conflicts can further be a result
is better to be upstream than Asia. Approx 11 dams are built of pollution affecting the quality
CURRENT RATE downstream. But even if China is the only country in the on this river to control the fate of the water supply. Not having
IS A MOOT POINT
possession is nine-tenths of the world today that has territorial of 60 million people. Similarly, water evenly distributed among
AND DOES NOT
NEED DEFINING law, international water law still ambitions. It follows the SUN four dams are constructed on people and countries creates
FURTHER HERE, has a role to play. Though, there ZU principle of expanding the Brahmaputra River which flows an imbalance among those who
AS WHAT IS OF is no formal UN Convention frontiers by coercive economic into China for a brief period and share supplies, particularly in
IMPORTANCE, IN on water sharing, customary and military power. Towards that is lifeline of India and Bangladesh. developing countries.
CONTEMPORARY international water laws set grand strategy, it first controls With this network of dams, it can In the four-year Syrian civil
TIMES, IS HOW forth an allowable water usage the natural resources, then builds create floods and droughts in these war that has claimed 150,000
WATER HAS framework, taking into effect infrastructure to control these countries, at will. It can starve lives and displaced almost nine
INCREMENTALLY multiple factors including resources and exploit them. countries to death and damage million people, water has been
BEGUN TO historic use, volume of water Thereafter, it sends traders to do the ecosystem beyond repair. That used as weapon by all the parties
OVERRIDE OIL AS contributed by each country’s the trade followed by security clearly indicates the importance of to conflict, including Assad
A COMMODITY
territorial rivers, population size for its traders. Then, it coolly water as a weapon in 21st century. government. Using water as a
and future needs. Of particular amends the maps showing that We all know that China does not weapon to weaken people is a
significance here is the legal area as its own, citing some historic hesitate to use all the weapons in tactics used not only in Syria, but
preference given to the first state reasons or weird logic. Thereafter, its armory and water is the latest also in the West Asia and Africa,
to “use” water by building dams, forces are sent to safeguard the in its arsenal. China is battle ready including Iraq, Egypt, Israel and Yarmuk River
diversion projects, irrigation or territory so claimed by china. for water wars in 21st century and Botswana. A US report, released in
other engineered infrastructure Trying to present as superpower, world should take a note of it. 2012, had said that beyond 2022,
works. The treaties of water nobody has the guts to challenge the use of water as a weapon of which have the potential of water badly enough, they will THE CIVILISED
sharing between nation states
provide it the legal structure. There
its hegemony. It has done that
with Pakistan and now doing it
WATER WARS IN 21ST CENTURY war or a tool of terrorism will
become more likely, particularly
outright hostilities. In the absence
of clearly defined international
resort to force to obtain it.
For centuries, war and conflict
WORLD
UNDER UN
are more than 400 freshwater- with Nepal. Increasing instances of use of water in South Asia, West Asia and rules and treaties, the situation has been tied to the protection STEWARDSHIP
SHOULD TAKE
sharing agreements and treaties China is the start point of 11 as a weapon of war in ongoing North Africa. The report had is often interpreted by dominant of water resources. With the risk
NOTE OF
inked since the nineteenth century. rivers that flow into 18 countries. conflicts is now a new worry for also warned that the upstream nation states to their advantage. of water shortages around the THIS RISING
However, the inconvenient truth It is the only country to have such the United Nations and other nations—more powerful than Therefore, there is a need to world becoming more and more POSSIBILITY OF
is that participation in water- control of water resources that agencies which till now had been their downstream neighbours due improve legal validity of regulations of an issue, water has become the WATER WARS IN
sharing agreement remains almost serve other countries. China is working to provide better water to geography — will limit access to control water and have better weapon, in certain conflicts in NEAR FUTURE
optional. building large number of dams all and sanitation facilities to these to water for political reasons water resource governance, at many regions around the world. AND MAKE
countries. Conflicts often arise and those upstream countries global level so that water does not “Water Wars” are becoming REGULATIONS
when there is unequal distribution will regulate internal supplies to become a weapon in the hands of inevitable in the world’s future, TO LEGALISE
of resources and people are suppress separatist movements high and mighty nations. among countries, that share the LEGITIMATE AND
deprived of basic human needs, and dissident populations. same water source. International FAIR USAGE OF

CONCLUSION
resulting in demands for improved law has proven itself inadequate in THIS NATURAL

WAY AHEAD
RESOURCE BY
services or opportunities, including defending the equal use of shared
ALL THE LIVING
security, recognition, acceptance, Water as a resource is very water supplies. The civilised world BEINGS, SANS
fair access to political institutions, Competition over limited water comparable to oil. It is under UN stewardship should FRONTIERS,
and economic participation. resources is one of the main essential for all daily human take note of this rising possibility OTHERWISE THIS
There has been much concerns for the 21st century. activities. Water is becoming of Water Wars in near future ECOSYSTEM
speculation over what causes Water is a central element in a very valuable commodity, and make regulations to legalise WILL TAKE
conflicts over water. The conflicts global affairs and the development yet freshwater resources are legitimate and fair usage of this A SELF
arise over who has the power agenda, with wide implications for unevenly distributed among natural resource by all the living DESTRUCTIVE
to control water and therefore, international peace and security. developing countries. This beings, sans frontiers, otherwise COURSE
control the economy and Nations are now moving to geo- scarcity in water has triggered this ecosystem will take a self
population. Conflicts can be caused strategically and geo-politically panic in countries that already destructive course.
by water use which includes assert themselves and hold what have little access to water, let
military, industrial, agricultural, they perceive as ‘their’ water alone reliable water supplies. –The writer is a scholar of Strategic Affairs,
domestic and political uses. supply. Complete ownership of This desperation usually cannot having Masters in International Relations
from Christ University and has been
Through the military and political this trans-boundary resource is be resolved by negotiations. If associated with United Service Institution
Jordan River falling on disputed territory of Israel-Syria border
uses, conflicts can be accelerated causing intra-regional tensions, governments or rebels want of India (USI), New Delhi-based strategic
think tank.

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PRODUCTION OF EITAN AFV

It will also be equipped with
smoke dischargers and integral
60mm mortar, providing indirect
fire capability, that includes high

ADVANCED VERSION BEGINS, TO

explosives, illumination, and
smoke effects.
The IDF is evaluating equipping
the Eitan with anti-tank missiles

BE OPERATIONAL BY 2021 END

like the Spike LR made by Rafael
that has a range of 2.5 miles.
The prototypes carried
different sensors that gives
the three men crew a real time
situational awareness. These were
According to the IDF, the Eitan can travel at a speed of 55 can carry a squad of nine fully- tested in a long series of field tests.
equipped soldiers in its fighting Brig. Gen. Paglin said: “The 30
miles/h and that gives it a major advantage when forces have compartment. The vehicle has mm gun placed on the special
to be transferred from one battle area to the other rear ramp access and roof hatches. turret has an elevation of 70
According to the IDF, the degrees which gives it a lot of
Eitan can travel at a speed of 55 advantages while the Eitan is used Eitan 8x8 APC
By ARIE EGOZI miles/h and that gives it a major in urban warfare. This elevation

T
advantage when forces have to be allows the gunner to deal with
EL AVIV. Series production of the new very advanced Eitan 8x8 APC transferred from one battle area high placed targets like enemy EITAN IS
has begun but upgrade programs are already being evaluated. “This to the other. soldiers using all types of anti-tank ISRAEL’S LATE
armored personnel carriers (APC) will perform some very important The Eitan is 26 feet long and weapons, which are very popular ENTRY INTO THE
missions in combat,” an Israeli official told Raksha Anirveda. 10 feet wide. It weighs 30 tons among terror organizations.” WHEELED APC
According to Israel Ministry of Defense (IMoD) and the Israel Defense and this weight includes the As mentioned, the turret is TYPE OF COMBAT
Forces (IDF), the Eitan is the most advanced 8X8 APC currently ballistic armor and the active designed to carry the 30 mm gun VEHICLES. THE
operational. Some prototypes have been in use in different combat armor systems. The prototypes and some auxiliary systems, but
WHEELED TYPE
HAS BECOME
formations of the IDF. carried different sensors that give according to Brig. Gen Paglin, A FAVORITE IN
the three men crew, a real time after the Eitan is fielded in great MANY ARMED
situational awareness. numbers “other systems may be FORCES. THIS IS
“The Eitan has improved fire the wheeled APC type of combat The basic turreted Eitan attached to the turret. It always DUE TO SPEED
power by carrying the Rafael vehicles. The wheeled type has platform is likely to be used for happens after a combat platform AND FLEXIBILITY
Spike LR anti-tank missiles, and become a favourite in many moving infantry in the battle is introduced into service; new Israeli Spike ATGM in action with German Army
improved protection by carrying armed forces. This is due to speed field, command and scout roles, operational demands are being
the Elbit Systems Iron Fist active and flexibility. while the turret less variant met with new systems.”
protection system,” Brig. Gen. Guy The Eitan will be built in three will be used to support specific The Ministry looks at the export munitions to defeat threats at a in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.
Paglin, head of the Merkava tank variants – an APC, a command configurations including weapon option very seriously. After the safe distance from the defended The second type, which is
and the Eitan APC says. vehicle and an infantry combat carriers (mortars etc.), combat IDF ground forces are equipped combat vehicles. sometimes called low intensity
The operational need for an 8x8 vehicle, equipped with an engineering, recovery and with enough Eitans, the export The system provides 360-degree warfare, is now the most imminent.
APC was realized especially after unmanned turret mounting a casualty evacuation. option will be on the table “there is protection coverage for close- This fighting will involve great
the Protective Edge operation in 30mm cannon and Spike missiles. The IMoD is the main contractor an export potential,” said the high range scenarios in both open numbers of infantry soldiers
2014. During this operation, the Other configurations are expected of the Merkava 4, Namer and now ranking officer. terrain and urban environments. that will have to move fast and
IDF used the little inventory of to follow. of the Eitan. The directorate uses As mentioned, the Eitan will Its low size and weight, versatile safe from one area to the other,
the Israeli made tracked NAMER The displayed IMoD some 200 Israeli and American carry the Elbit Systems Iron Fist high-performance, negligible while protecting themselves and
and old M-113. To increase the vehicles show different armor subcontractors. active protection system against residual penetration and ease of inflicting casualties to the enemy.
protection level of the old M-113, configurations, with an ‘Iron Fist’ Eitan will be equipped with an anti-tank rockets and missiles. integration position IFLD as an To get ready for the future,
they were loaded with sand sacks. active protection system installed unmanned turret developed by This system was selected in optimal active protection solution the IDF decided to build a multi-
Eitan is expected to become on the variant with the unmanned the IMoD to the specific missions a competition against the Rafael for any fighting vehicle. dimensional unit – the aim to
operational at the end of 2021, turret. The vehicle is powered by a of this advanced APC. The turret Trophy. The Israel Defense Forces are produce heavy and very accurate
replacing the half-century-old 750 hp engine and has a maximum will carry 12.7mm heavy machine The Iron Fist uses independent getting ready for two main types of fire power to defeat the enemy as
M-113 APC. road speed of 90 km/h. Operated gun and an ATK 30mm automatic optical sensors, tracking radar, war – the one with Iran which is fast as possible.
Eitan is Israel’s late entry into by three crew members Eitan cannon. launchers and countermeasure far away from Israel, and the other At the beginning of 2019,

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ADVANCED ACUMEN INTO NOVELTY DRIVEN BUSINESS MODEL

Novel strategy envisages business in a way that others did not see or think as possible or probable

By PRIYAM MOHANTY

N
ovelty in process, novelty in product and novelty in planning are three
basic elements of any distinctive and successful business model that leads
to exceptional business growth and strong financial performance. Novelty
is an integral constituent of any business core strategy which is built in line
with the organization’s offerings and its value proposition.

Priyam Mohanty
Founder & CEO of Tzar Aerospace Research Labs

“Talent hits a target no one else can

Israel’s Merkava tank in battle-ready mode hit. Genius hits a target no one else
can see.” Novel strategy envisages
business in a way that others did
“THE EITAN HAS IMPROVED FIRE POWER BY CARRYING weapons systems to get the not see or think as possible or
THE RAFAEL SPIKE LR ANTI-TANK MISSILES, AND ultimate target- take this target probable. In today’s Cambrian
IMPROVED PROTECTION BY CARRYING THE ELBIT out and I mean out completely,” explosion of new business models
SYSTEMS IRON FIST ACTIVE PROTECTION SYSTEM” the source said. and organisational forms it is this
Brig. Gen. Guy Paglin, Head of the Merkava tank and the Eitan APC
The very close cooperation imaginative genius that leads
between the unit and the air to success. Leadership needs
the task to build the unit was writing an advanced and evolving force has been demonstrated the courage and perspective
assigned to the commander of concept in response to ground recently in a joint exercise the to look for novelty beyond the
the 98th Division, Brigadier threats, rapid organisation to air force is a full partner in the “known” strategy.
General Finkelman, one of the elite meet the goals and schedules set multidimensional unit and is an Startups are more focused on a
commanders in the IDF who also by the Chief of Staff, advanced integral part of the force building The novelty or the original idea is not Each business model defines a specific differentiated business approach
specializes in combat methods. and effective capabilities against and the competence building. only being consistent with the emerging ecosystem, which is assimilated within with a competitive edge to it
Lt. Col. E with extensive the enemy, combat methods to The unit combines air crews, market trend, but also accomplish the the business plan to create a sustainable and are driven by novelty while
operational experience and a deep streamline combat and shorten UAV operators, and special air commercialisation aspect of its product business model. This ecosystem incumbents strategise as per the
understanding of target hunting deadly cultural damage schedules, force fighters along with the portfolio. The business model should comprises of skill development, historical data and experience.
and ground maneuvering in built- and Operation based on accurate leading squadrons representing differentiate itself from the competition, technology development, product Firms should avoid immunisation
up areas was elected to command real-time intelligence. the range of aircraft in the Air defines its market fit with purpose and development, after market support and to novelty and continuously
the unit, along with another Lt. According to an IDF source, the Force’s possession, head of the creates customer expectation. It also creates engineering services. refurbish the existing strategy tools
Col. from the Air Force’s Shaldag unit’s commanders were able to participation division, Brig Gen value to the customer, generates welfare for The true power of a business model to gain a competitive advantage.
unit, which specializes in air-to- prove that command and control Noam Riff said after the exercise. the society and addresses the challenges of is harnessed by inculcating a working Some of the most effective and
land liaison forces and special systems and data transfer could be How will the new APC fit into the growing world. culture which drives problem solving efficient tactics and techniques
commando operations. combined between fighter pilots, the new unit and the new type Recent advances in communication skills, develops process models, innovative followed by highly performing
As part of the establishment intelligence and ground forces in of warfare? Is the wheeled APC and technology, taking into account the products and systems, provides orientation organisations include technology
process, outstanding fighters a way that would detect terrorists the right platform for such “fast emergence of the Internet, introduction towards market gap or creates a new mapping coupled with research
and officers were carefully and a rapid and accurate attack on and strong” offensive? The IDF is of Artificial Intelligence enabling market, demonstrates interpersonal skills direction, location mapping,
selected from among the air an unprecedented scale. currently studying these issues organizations to rapidly decline their such as self driven abilities with exploring business mapping along with
crew members with knowledge “The unit has been able to and the result may bring to the operating costs and overheads, big data quotient mind set, learn and unlearn calculative risk while raising funds
and experience in operations with develop methods that will help installation of more advanced driven decision making etc. have given attitude coupled with critical thinking, and in later stages etc.
ground forces. the IDF to locate targets in enemy systems on the new Eitan. rise to disrupted entrepreneurship and scientific research abilities. -The writer is Founder and CEO of a
Among the goals set by territory and attack them almost -The writer is an Israel-based accentuated possibilities for designing German philosopher Arthur Bhubaneswar-based aerospace technology
Finkelman when the unit set out: immediately with a variety of freelance journalist. differentiated business models. Schopenhauer was quoted as saying, start-up Tzar Aerospace Research Labs.

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Force which primarily composed

of Tibetan resistance fighters from
Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR)

INDIA’S SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE:

and are followers of Dalai Lama.
The primary task of SFF is
defence against People’s
Liberation Army (PLA) Ground

A FORCE TO RECKON WITH

Force as well as conducting
clandestine intelligence gathering
and commando operations along
the Chinese Theatre. Chushi
Gangdruk leaders were contacted
for recruitment of Khampas into
this new unit. An initial strength
Special Frontier Force has played an important role in multiple military operations, starting of 5000 men, mostly Khampas
from 1971 India-Pakistan war to the 1999 Kargil battle largely functioned under the were recruited at its new Mountain
Training Facility at Chakrata.
shadows. Now is the time the government should give the SFF a lead as it has already The SFF has played an important Nehru taking stock of situation in border area of northeast during 1962 war (File photo)
drawn first blood from the PLA role in multiple military operations
— from the 1971 India-Pakistan
the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and war to the 1999 Kargil battle —
By SRI KRISHNA later, the Research and Analysis but has largely functioned under
Wing (RAW), India’s external the shadows.
t is the mine blast killing a Tibetan in the ongoing India China standoff intelligence agency and is not part Such is the secrecy around

I
along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, which has brought the of the Indian Army but functions the SFF that a member of Tibet’s
Special Frontier Force (SFF) created almost 58 years ago after the Sino- under their operational control Parliament-in-exile reportedly
Indian War in 1962 to the limelight once again. Among the major reasons with its own rank structure, charter said after Nyima’s death that it was
for the creation of this Force on November 14, 1962 was to conduct covert and training infrastructure. about time India acknowledges the
operations behind Chinese lines in the event of another Sino-Indian War. It falls under the authority of role they play.
Directorate General on Security Not much is known about the
in Cabinet Secretariat headed force, but military experts say it
The Force known as Division as an artillery officer by an Inspector General (IG), comprises men as well as women,
‘Establishment 22’ or just ‘22’ in Europe during World War who is selected from the Major and receive the same training
due to its first Inspector General, II is based in the Uttarakhand General rank of the Indian Army offered to elite commandos.
Maj. Gen. Sujan Singh Uban, who hill station of Chakrata and put that reports directly to the Prime According to those having Lt Gen Niazi and Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora during 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War (File photo)
commanded the 22nd Mountain under the direct supervision of Minister’s Office (PMO). knowledge of this force said both
The need for such a force men and women soldiers in the SFF Defence Staff, said the Indian Army serve voluntarily and are gainfully THE PRIMARY
was suggested by General KS are “highly motivated and trained follows a concept of deploying employed in the terrain that they TASK OF SFF
Thimayya, who was the Army special forces personnel”. Their scouts regiments comprising local are suited for,” he said. IS DEFENCE
chief between May 1957 and training is akin to that imparted residents for mountainous and Asked about the dual control AGAINST
May 1961, but was not initially to commandos and Special Forces. border areas. of the SFF, he said, “We have PEOPLE’S
accepted by Prime Minister “They are trained extensively “This is because local residents different forces under different LIBERATION
Jawaharlal Nehru and Defence in various aspects of mountain are most suited to work and verticals. The central armed ARMY (PLA)
Minister VK Krishna Menon. warfare and are mostly deployed operate in high altitude and police forces involved in border- GROUND FORCE
By the end of 1962, after as part of India’s defence against rugged terrain with harsh climate,” guarding duties don’t come under AS WELL AS
immense lobbying by the China, but details of most of he added. the Ministry of Defence (MoD) but
CONDUCTING
CLANDESTINE
Intelligence Bureau Chief Bhola their operations are classified,” “They also have knowledge of under the Ministry of Home Affairs INTELLIGENCE
Nath Mullick and World War they said. ground and customs and language. (MHA). The SFF has a separate GATHERING AND
II veteran Biju Patnaik, Nehru The SFF personnel are elite We have Arunachal scouts, Dogra control because it also has Tibetan COMMANDO
government finally ordered the forces known to be trained in high- scouts, among others. Similarly, in refugees and involves another OPERATIONS
raising of this elite commando altitude warfare and are excellent the Ladakh region, because they country. However, when they ALONG THE
unit and specialised mountain mountain warriors. know the terrain well. The SFF operate, they all work in synergy CHINESE
divisions called Vikas Battalion Lt Gen. Satish Dua (Retd), also has a substantial percentage with each other.” THEATRE
Then Prime Minister Jawarlal Nehru meeting Army jawans during 1962 India-China war (File photo)
later renamed Special Frontier former head of the Integrated of Tibetan refugees who want to According to information, China

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protested over the Indian Army’s associated Communist Party China has ruthlessly oppressed
predominantly ethnic Tibetan SFF networks like the Global Times and dominated for 70 years, and
securing tactical heights in late following the daring SFF operation continues to subjugate after taking
August along the southern bank in the critical Chushul sector, it over their homeland in 1950.
of the Pangong Tso lake, along the seems that Beijing’s irritation But what is even more
disputed LAC in eastern Ladakh. and frustration over it stems only intrinsically galling for the
From various statements by partially from being militarily seemingly redoubtable PLA, is that
Chinese officials in Beijing and out-manoeuvred in the ongoing they were effortlessly bested by
see-saw face-off between the rival soldiers owning enduring fealty to
ACCORDING TO INFORMATION, CHINA armies since early May. the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso,
PROTESTED OVER THE INDIAN ARMY’S Senior Indian security and whose authority and standing
PREDOMINANTLY ETHNIC TIBETAN SFF military analysts believe that Beijing has spent years denigrating
a major proportion of Chinese and vilifying, but without total
SECURING TACTICAL HEIGHTS IN LATE ire and frustration emanates vindication.
AUGUST ALONG THE SOUTHERN BANK more from being outflanked “The essentially Tibetan SFF’s
OF THE PANGONG TSO LAKE, ALONG THE by a force comprising mainly success in the military action
DISPUTED LAC IN EASTERN LADAKH Buddhist Tibetans, a community along the Pangong Tso lake on
the night of August 29-30 has
Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane in a recent visit to Ladakh heightened nervousness among
senior Chinese leaders who remain
intrinsically nervous about Tibet,
Buddhism and the Dalai Lama,” Pangong Tso lake at LAC in Ladakh sector
said former head of RAW and
a Chinese specialist Jaiyadeva border issues, does it mean China
Ranade. The Chinese leadership can also “support insurgencies SFF Himalayan Expedition leader Captain
Manmohan Singh Kohli of Indian Navy
fears this could provide some in the northeast”. Unconsciously,
fillip or incentive to Tibetans Qian also frenziedly derided
to unite and resist the PLA in Tenzin’s death as an indicator
their oppressed homeland, added that the SFF was not ‘special’ and
Ranade, who currently heads the far from being elite.
Centre for China Analysis in New At the time of its raising in the
Delhi. early 1960s, Communism was
The Amsterdam-based anathema to the US and President
European Foundation for South John Kennedy seized upon the
Asian Studies, or EFSAS, concurs. SFF as potential fifth columnists
In its September 4 newsletter, to undermine Chairman Mao
it declared that China was wary Zedong’s suzerainty over newly
of a “peaceful uprising being occupied Tibet. The Chinese were
encouraged within Tibet…and if yet to launch their ‘Sinicization’
India continues to be repeatedly to ethnically, culturally, societally
provoked by China at the LAC, it and linguistically dominate Tibet
may be forced to reconsider the and the world naively believed the
reticence it has historically had to Plateau could be liberated. ‘dedicated’ facility at Sarsawa near But before it eventually
rake up the Tibet issue”. Consequently, the Central Saharanpur which still operates. concluded, the CIA joined
The Chinese Communist Intelligence Agency (CIA) joined The CIA equipped the SFF with hands with the IB in 1965 to
Party mouthpiece, Global Times, hands with the IB earlier, and M-1/2/3 sub-machine guns and lead an expedition of largely SFF
reacted hysterically to the SFF, the RAW later, to instruct SFF continued to work alongside the personnel to the 23,640 feet high
by calling its personnel the Indian personnel as a lightly equipped and RAW, training the Tibetans till the Nanda Devi peak in the Garhwal
Army’s ‘cannon fodder’. Apropos armed guerilla force in mountain early 1970s, when Delhi’s relations Himalaya, a year after China had
of no provocation, Qian Feng, craft, rock climbing, infiltration, with Washington soured under successfully conducted its first
director of the National Strategy sabotage and irregular warfare. President Richard Nixon who nuclear test in Xinjiang province.
Institute at Tsinghua University in In 1964, the SFF began began cosying up to China after his Their classified electronic
Beijing, stated that “if India openly their airborne training at Agra, first visit to Beijing in 1972. The intelligence (ELINT) mission: the
Army jawans celebrating Kargil war victory (File photo)
supported Tibet secessionism” on later transferring to their own CIA association thus ended. installation of a nuclear-powered

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Indian Army troops movement in Galwan Valley on India-China border 

DEFENCE STARTUP ECOSYSTEM CZECH MINISTRY OF DEFENCE CHOOSES RAFAEL
A DECISIVE STEP TOWARDS DEFENSE-BUILT SPYDER AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM
ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT: DEFMIN

New Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched

the Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC 4) during the Haifa, Israel. The Czech Ministry of Defence has informed the Israel
iDEX event, featuring the initiatives aimed at expanding Ministry of Defense (IMoD) of its decision to equip its military with an
the horizons of Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) Israeli air defense system produced by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
ecosystem in New Delhi on September 29. Speaking on Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz, speaking on the development,
the occasion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the said: “We thank the Czech government for their partnership and the
“INDIAN ARMY FOLLOWS A CONCEPT OF to try and recover the device, clandestine counter insurgency iDEX initiative stands out as one of the most effective and decision to equip their military with Israeli air defense systems. This
DEPLOYING SCOUTS REGIMENTS COMPRISING including the plutonium operations including Bluestar in well-executed defence startup ecosystem created in our is another significant step in strengthening security relations between
LOCAL RESIDENTS FOR MOUNTAINOUS AND capsules that were purportedly Punjab in 1984 and several in country and it would be a decisive step towards achieving our two countries, and it is also great news for Israeli defense industries
BORDER AREAS. THIS IS BECAUSE LOCAL half the size of the atomic bomb Kashmir, acting primarily as an self-reliance in the spirit of the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign. during such a complex period.”
RESIDENTS ARE MOST SUITED TO WORK AND dropped on Hiroshima and with IB and RAW ‘hit-squad’. iDEX4Fauji initiative and Product Management Approach Following an international tender process, which lasted several years,
OPERATE IN HIGH ALTITUDE AND RUGGED TERRAIN longevity of over 100 years, For several decades its (PMA) guidelines were also launched by the Defence Minister the Czech Ministry of Defense informed the Directorate of International
WITH HARSH CLIMATE” nothing was found. Varied recruitment was from among during the event. Each of these initiatives is expected to Defense Cooperation (SIBAT) in the Israel Ministry of Defense, of its
-Lt Gen Satish Dua (Retd), former head, Integrated Defence Staff
(IDF), Ministry of Defence, Government of India
accounts claim that the entire Tibetan refugees scattered facilitate iDEX-DIO to scale up the programme qualitatively decision to equip its military with Israeli air defense systems.
equipment was buried in snow across India in some 40 formal and quantitatively. iDEX4Fauji is a first-of-its-kind initiative, On September 25, the Czech government approved the launch of
following an avalanche, but settlements and dozens of informal launched to support innovations identified by members of the procurement negotiations for four Israeli Surface-to-Air Python &
sensing device to monitor future thereafter the entire Nanda Devi communities. In recent years, Indian Armed Forces and will bolster frugal innovation ideas Derby or SPYDER batteries, within the framework of a government-to-
Chinese nuclear activity. area has virtually been closed many Tibetan exiles are unwilling from soldiers/ field formations.  government (GTG) agreement between the two countries. Israel was
Just short of the summit the for decades, supposedly for to join the SFF so the shortfall selected as the sole supplier for the project and the expected agreement
climbing party, carrying the environmental reasons. has been made up by recruiting between the countries’ defense ministries is estimated at hundreds of
monitoring device weighing
some 56 kg, including a 10-feet-
Another expedition on a similar
mission was launched in 1967 that
Gurkhas.
Interestingly, in 1975
INDIAN NAVY LAYS KEEL FOR THIRD millions of dollars.
SPYDER is a quick reaction, low-to-high surface-to-air missile system
high antenna, was hit by a
blizzard. Expedition leader
successfully placed an analogous
device on the nearby 22,500 feet
instructions allegedly proscribed
the SFF from being deployed
STEALTH FRIGATE OF PROJECT 17A designed to counter attacks by a variety of aerial threats including
aircraft, helicopters and UAVs. The system provides effective protection
Captain Manmohan Singh high Nanda Kot peak, but due within 10 km of the LAC, unless New Delhi. Vice Admiral S R Sarma, Chief of of valuable assets, as well as first-class defense for maneuvering forces
Kohli of the Indian Navy opted to recurring snow storms it was under specific instructions. These Materiel (COM) and Controller Warship Production and located in combat areas. The SPYDER system includes a radar system
to save his team and hid the rendered blind and an SFF team, reportedly emanated after the Acquisition (CWP&A) of the Indian Navy and V L Kantha produced by Elta, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
device that included a generator led again by Kohli retrieved it a Force was allegedly conducting Rao, Additional Secretary (Defence Production) laid the Ariel Karo, EVP marketing and business development at Rafael, said:
and its fuel comprising seven short while later. ‘unsanctioned’ cross-border raids keel for the third ship (Yard- 12653) of the prestigious “We are very proud to have been selected to provide SPYDER systems
plutonium capsules in a special In the intervening decades, and localised guerrilla operations. P17A class stealth frigates on September 10. The keel to the Czech Republic through a GTG process. The decision to select
container, in an unmarked cave. the SFF participated successfully Perhaps, it is time now to give laying ceremony was conducted through an e-platform SPYDER, developed and produced by Rafael, is a significant vote of
When Captain Kohli returned in the Chittagong Hill Tracts the SFF its lead, since its already in the presence of Vice Admiral R B Pandit, Chief of confidence in our proven air defense capabilities demonstrated over the
with another expedition, also during the 1971 Bangladesh drawn first blood from the PLA. Staff, HQWNC and Vice Admiral Narayan Prasad (IN years through a variety of solutions that span from Iron Dome, David’s
comprising SFF personnel, the Liberation War with Pakistan –The author is a senior journalist and Retd.), CMD, Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL). Sling, and the SPYDER air defense system, in service and combat-proven
following year in May 1966, and thereafter in numerous media consultant. in different countries around the world.”

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RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

GEOPOLITICS: WEST ASIA www.raksha-anirveda.com

ISRAEL COUNTERS IRAN’S SURGE

missile detection X band radar
system in the south of Israel and
share with Israel data collected by
their spy satellites.
The decision on what battery will

IN BALLISTIC MISSILE ARSENAL

launch can be made also using the
communications network between
the batteries with the no need to
go through the central command
center. This sequence was tested
successfully in the recent intercept.
Israeli Air Force (IAF) Arrow-2 The decision was made and the
Israel has begun its counter-efforts of anti-missile defense anti-ballistic missile battery saw incoming surface - air missile that
system and introduced Arrow-3, the most advanced suspicious blips on the screen in assumed a ballistic trajectory, was
version of the Arrow ballistic missile interceptor, into the front of him. destroyed.
There was no time for further Israel has a four layered rocket
service in response to Iranian efforts towards ballistic consideration and a second later, and missile protection system that
missiles arsenal upgrade an Arrow-2 missile was launched is operational and being upgraded
from its canister. Seconds later loud continuously. The Arrow 2 and 3 An Israeli Iron Dome missile
explosions were heard in Eastern are the upper layers of a system
By ARIE EGOZI Israel near the border with Jordan. that is designed to defend Israel

T
Minutes before the sequence from rockets and missile. The has a range of 1,650 and 1,950 km the ground. “This is made by the EITAN IS
EL AVIV. Iran has stepped up efforts to upgrade its ballistic missiles of events began, IAF fighter jets Rafael “Iron Dome” has intercepted respectively. Another long range missile itself.” ISRAEL’S LATE
arsenal – this is to achieve greater range, accuracy and lethality. The latest attacked a convoy that carried hundreds of short and medium ballistic missile is the Sajil. The So the Israeli four tiered rocket ENTRY INTO THE
development forced Israel to make an effort to improve the efficiency advanced weapons made in Iran, range rockets during the “Protective Iranians claim that it has a 2,000 and missile protection system WHEELED APC
of its multi layered rocket and ballistic missile defence system. The and was in Syrian territory on Edge” operation in Gaza in 2014. km range. is in place and being upgraded TYPE OF COMBAT
Israeli Arrow-3, the most advanced version of the Arrow ballistic missile its way to the Hezbollah terror One layer above is the Rafael- Israeli experts say that the continuously, according to the VEHICLES. THE
interceptor, is now being introduced into service. organization in Lebanon. Raytheon “David Sling” designed to Iranians sometimes use different developing threat. And recently, the WHEELED TYPE
HAS BECOME
When the fighter aircraft were intercept longer range rockets and names for the same missile, but they laser as a weapon against rockets is
A FAVORITE IN
on their way back to base, a Syrian cruise missiles. All these system agree that with foreign help mostly on the table again. MANY ARMED
unit launched a Russian made SA-5 are either fully operational or one from North Korea, the Iranians After it was pushed aside, in FORCES. THIS IS
This was inducted into surface to air missile that missed step from it. have “made a big leap forward.” favor of the Iron Dome rocket DUE TO SPEED
the service after this missile the Israeli aircraft. Syria is equipped with old Scud Aries Herzog, who headed the interceptor, the Laser Beam that can AND FLEXIBILITY
successfully completed a 10-day But the big heavy missile B/C/D ballistic missiles and the Israel Missile Defense Organization do the same mission and probably
series of tests in Alaska, in which continued its trajectory with a Iranian effort is to upgrade them (IMDO) in the Israeli Ministry better, and with lower costs, is on
it intercepted by hard kill, three projected hit point inside Israeli and manufacture newer versions of Defense (IMoD), says that the its way back. In recent months,
targets simulating ballistic missiles territory. The Arrow-2 operator in Syria to protect them from night Arrow-3 is the most advanced Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
in different trajectory scenarios. had a few seconds. The Israeli attacks by Israel. interceptor in the Israeli arsenal. and Rafael are working hard to
The very complex series of interceptor hit the Syrian missile But the major ballistic threat While the Arrow-2 has a accelerate the development of a
tests was performed jointly by the armed with a 200 kg warhead. It is from Iran. This country has a proximity fuse that detonates the laser system that can shoot down
Israel Missile Defense Organization exploded over Jordan. This was big arsenal of long range missiles. warhead, the Arrow-3 is designed rockets and mortar shells.
(IMDO), in the Israel Ministry of the first operational intercept by While some report in the Iranian as a ‘hit to kill’ interceptor. A kill According to IAI, a prototype
Defense (IMoD), together with the an Arrow-2 anti-ballistic missile. press about new versions of existing vehicle is ejected from the main of laser cannon for intercepting
US Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The Arrow batteries are missiles are considered false, the missile and maneuvers itself until mortar shells and similar
The Arrow-3 weapon system interconnected to one command experts say that this country can it achieves a kinetic kill with the short-range threats is in a very
developed by Israel Aerospace centre which can decide what launch a massive ballistic missile incoming enemy missile. advanced stage of development,
Industries (IAI) is designed to battery or rather what launcher attack on Israel. The Arrow-3 will intercept and successful experiments have
intercept expo-atmospheric will achieve the best results after an The Shihab-3 was the first outside the atmosphere. It is much already been carried out. In recent
ballistic missiles. incoming missile is detected by the intermediate range ballistic missile smaller and lighter than the Arrow-2 years, the defence industries in
For Israel protection against “Green Pine” phased array radar that was built by Iran’s military, and has super maneuverability. Israel and the United States have
ballistic threats is not just a and its advanced versions like the a local clone of the No Dong from Herzog emphasized that the been working to develop a laser-
theoretical issue. Notably, at 2.40 “Super Green Pine” (SGP). North Korea. Its first version has a “End Game” when the kill vehicle based defence system, which is
AM on March 17, 2017, the officer Detection is also performed range of 1,300 km. Soon after, Iran goes for the final impact, is not considered to be the one that will
Arrow-3 fly out test
in front of the radar display of an by the Americans, who have one came with two new models, which dependent of any sensors on change the battlefield.

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GEOPOLITICS: WEST ASIA

The Nautilus was a Tactical High-
Energy Laser, or THEL. In 1996,
the United States and Israel agreed
to cooperate on the development
and production of the Nautilus. The
demonstrator in 2000 managed to
shoot down 28 Katyusha artillery
rockets and five artillery shells.
On November 4, 2002, THEL shot
down an incoming artillery shell.
The prototype weapon was very big
and heavy, and could not get smaller
mainly because of the specifications
of the Laser generator. The program
was discontinued in 2005. The
opposition to the laser weapon in
David’s Sling weapons system Stunner missile launch during final milestone test Israel brought to the development
of the Iron Dome and David’s Sling.
A few years ago, Rafael presented But after the last Gaza operation An Israeli very senior source said
the first model of a laser gun called in 2014, Iron Dome became a “star”, that it was a mistake to stop the
an “iron beam” designed to respond mainly because its high kill rate. development of a laser based rocket
to shells fired from a range of up With recent developments – interceptor “now there is a growing
to five miles from the border, and the capability to launch salvos of number of experts that understand
Iron Dome has difficulty coping rockets from Gaza and the more the mistake that was made and
because of the short time that passes dangerous threat – the 1,40,000 ready to re start the development
from the moment the launch is rockets accumulated by the , with the more advanced building
detected until it hits. According to Hezbollah in Lebanon, the laser blocks available today.”
IAI, the main advantage of the laser gained again its place of honor. One indication to the renewed
is a fast reaction time, and therefore It became obvious, that the laser effort to develop laser systems to
such a system is good for dealing solution is on the table again, knock out rockets of the sky, is the
with short-range munitions such very seriously. The Iron Dome Rafael “Drone Dome” system.
as mortars. and the David’s Sling systems are According to the Israeli company
The US army and the IDF now deployed on both borders to “Drone Dome” has 360° circular
understand that this system has protect against the rockets, but coverage and is capable of detecting,
additional advantages over missile- sources say that in case of massive tracking, and neutralizing drones
based defence systems, since its rocket attacks, and in many cases using a low-intensity laser beam.
arsenal of ammunition never ends, the need to launch more than one A spokesperson for Rafael said
and the cost of launching a laser interceptor, the situation will be that the company is developing
beam is very low compared with stretched to a critical point. defense systems based on lasers.
an Iron Dome interception missile According to some estimates, “The Drone Dome is an example.” He
that is estimated to cost tens of in order to intercept such a large did not give any more details about
thousands of dollars. number of rockets, the IDF will have other systems in this category.
The issue became very urgent to fire a huge number of more than There are many indications that
after a few months ago, the Hamas 30,000 interceptors from the Iron laser as a rocket killer is high on the
terror organization in Gaza, launched Dome system, and the astronomical Israeli agenda again, and that the
460 rockets into Israel, some in big price of these could reach billions of opposition that was very strong in
salvos of 30- 40 rockets. dollars. That is the basis for the new the past exists, but is weaker, much
Israeli projects for developing interest in a laser system that can kill weaker. It can be assumed that next
these systems, partly in conjunction rockets, with a few dollars price tag, year the first tests with an electrical
with US partners, were shut down in attached to each laser pulse. laser will be conducted in Israel, with
2007, when it was decided to focus In the past, Israel and the US US officials following the process
on the home-made Iron Dome. Then, cooperated for the development of and results.
too, some senior figures continued to the Nautilus, a laser “cannon” that -The writer is an Israel-based
criticize the Iron Dome. could kill rockets. freelance journalist.

108 www.raksha-anirveda.com
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IN CONVERSATION www.raksha-anirveda.com

What steps are being taken

to revive the civil aviation
sector in the post-lockdown
period?
All efforts have been
made to reduce the
impact of the pandemic on the
aviation sector. Some of the
measures taken to support the

W
ith the civil aviation sector aviation sector include:
having taken a major • Resumption of domestic
hit due to the pandemic operations in a calibrated
COVID 19, Minister of manner. Initially only one third
State for Civil Aviation (33 per cent) of the summer
schedule 2020 was allowed,
(Independent Charge) which was subsequently
Hardeep Singh Puri is increased to 45 per cent on
confident that the steps taken by his June 26 and then to 60 per cent
Ministry will put the sector back on on September 2.
rails in the coming days. • Detailed guidelines and
In an interview to Sri Krishna, Standard Operating
Procedure (SOP) for all major
Consulting Editor, Raksha Anirveda, stakeholders, i.e. airlines,
he spoke on a wide variety of airports, ground handling passengers permitted to EXCLUSIVE AIR-LINKS OR AIR BUBBLES HAVE
issues ranging from a calibrated agencies are issued to ensure take the connecting flight to BEEN ESTABLISHED WITH COUNTRIES WHICH
recommencement of domestic air safe air travel. their final destination, when
• Adequate care taken to ensure exemption from institutional
INCLUDE AFGHANISTAN, BAHRAIN, CANADA,
operations to establishing exclusive
that cargo terminals at all major quarantine is granted on the FRANCE, GERMANY, IRAQ, QATAR, MALDIVES,
air links or “Air Bubbles” with several
airports were operational, basis of a negative RT-PCR NIGERIA, UAE, UK AND US
countries, though these are temporary whenever required. test report.
arrangements aimed at restarting • GST rate reduced to five per • Pre-packed snacks / meals/ links or Air Bubbles have
passenger services while regular flights cent for domestic Maintenance, pre-packed beverages been established with
remain suspended. Repair and Overhaul (MRO) allowed to serve on domestic countries which include
Edited excerpts: services with effect from flights depending on the Afghanistan, Bahrain, Canada,
April 1. duration of flight. France, Germany, Iraq, Qatar,
• Encouraging Indian carriers • In-flight entertainment, Maldives, Nigeria, UAE, UK
to increase their share in wherever available allowed to and US. These are temporary
international air cargo traffic. be switched on during travel. arrangements aimed at

‘WITH CALIBRATED RECOMMENCEMENT

• Route rationalisation in the • RT-PCR testing at the entry restarting international
Indian airspace in coordination airports for the arriving passenger services while
with Indian Air Force (IAF) for international transfer regular international flights
efficient airspace management, passengers permitted on a remain suspended due to

OF DOMESTIC AIR OPERATIONS LOAD

shorter routes and reduced pilot basis. COVID-19.
fuel burn. • Air Suvidha portal launched
• With the gaining of experience, for filling of Self Reporting
RECOMMENCEMENT OF
RCS-UDAN FLIGHTS
certain amendments / Form by all International

FACTOR EXPECTED TO REACH PRE-COVID

updation in guidelines carried Arriving Passengers to India
out to facilitate passengers. and also for processing
• The undertaking from the exemption requests from • RCS operations also resumed
travellers about not having institutional quarantine from May 25. Operation of

LEVELS BY YEAR END’

tested COVID positive during requirement from passengers Regional Connectivity Scheme
last two months has been fulfilling prescribed (RCS) - UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam
reduced to last three weeks. conditions. Nagrik) flights were allowed
• International arriving • Air Bubble- Exclusive air- without the restrictions.

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IN CONVERSATION www.raksha-anirveda.com

AIR INDIA • General instructions issued to Memorandum (PIM) in January of domestic air operations, the the AAI and in turn it is able to
IS UNDER ensure the continued benefit of 2020 for inviting Expression of load factor has increased and it make investment for
FINANCIAL air connectivity to small cities/ Interest (EoI) from the interested is expected to reach pre-COVID development of airport
DISTRESS AND towns. As per the guidelines, bidders, the deadline has been levels close to the end of the infrastructure in Tier-II and Tier-
THE DEBT OF all the operational RCS routes extended up to October 30. year. Ministry is reviewing III cities. Privatisation reduces
THE COMPANY in Priority Areas (North periodically recommencement the need for public sector
IS NEAR TO
What is the status of
RS 60,000 CRORE. East Region, Hilly States and of air operations in consultation investment and channelises the
THE DEBT Islands), Helicopter Routes, International flights to and with airlines and airport scarce resources of the
BURDEN IS routes with Zero VGF, routes from India? operators and initiating government in social sectors.
UNSUSTAINABLE. up to 500 km Stage Length For international travel, necessary steps wherever
THE PROCESS OF were permitted to resume exclusive air links or “Air required. What impact the pandemic
DISINVESTMENT operations. Bubbles” have been established With steady increase in has had on aviation sector?
OF AIR INDIA • Bank Guarantee requirement with Afghanistan, Bahrain, passenger traffic, revenues of Aviation sector
IS ON AND THE of SAOs reduced to 20 per cent. Canada, France, Germany, Iraq, airlines are bound to improve. including airlines is
GOVERNMENT IS • UDAN 4.0 launched and 78 new Qatar, Maldives, Nigeria, United Private carriers have badly affected due to COVID-19.
COMMITTED TO routes identified and approved Arab Emirates (UAE), United substantial domestic market Based on the information
DISINVEST AIR under first phase of UDAN 4.0, Kingdom (UK) and the United share and carry about 85 per received from the stakeholders,
INDIA
focusing on North Eastern States (US). These are temporary cent of the total domestic the impact of COVID-19 on
States, Hilly areas and Islands. arrangements aimed at restarting traffic. The government aims to aviation sector and losses
passenger services while regular operationalise 100 additional accrued on account of non-
What is the status of Air flights remain suspended. airports by 2024 taking total operation of flights are as under:
India? operational airports beyond 200. i. There have been regulatory
IAir India is under What role do you foresee With such huge infrastructure, restrictions on flight operations
financial distress and for private carriers in India it is expected that demand for leading to severe curtailment • Under RCS-UDAN, NER comes Effect of Atmanirbhar DELHI AND
the debt of the company is near in the post COVID-19 periods? air services will increase. So in operations and sub-optimal under Priority Area. Bharat on aircraft industry? MUMBAI
to Rs 60,000 crore. The debt Aviation sector the role of private carriers to aircraft utilisation. • Higher VGF (Viability Gap Rationalisation of air AIRPORTS
burden is unsustainable. The including airlines is cope with the expected rise in ii. The international traffic has Funding) have been offered for space is one of the major WERE LEASED
process of disinvestment of Air badly affected due to COVID-19. demand becomes critical. The reduced from 93,45,469 Priority Areas in RCS-UDAN. components of “Atmanirbhar OUT UNDER
PUBLIC PRIVATE
India is on and the government With suspension of domestic air number of aircraft in Indian sky during March-July in 2019 to • Till third round of bidding Bharat”. Unveiling of the fourth
PARTNERSHIP
is committed to disinvest Air operations, the liquidity of the is also expected to double in next 11,55,590 during March-July under RCS - UDAN, nine tranche of the COVID-19 economic (PPP) IN 2006.
India. After the issue of airlines was hit adversely. With few years. So the private carriers 2020. airports, 11 heliports and measures as part of the AAI HAS EARNED
Preliminary Information the calibrated recommencement are going to have a major role iii. The revenue of Indian carriers two water aerodromes have ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan REVENUE TO
in the Indian aviation scene has reduced from Rs 25,517 been identified and are being (‘Self-reliant India Mission’) THE TUNE OF RS
and they are going to be the crore during April-June 2019 developed in NER. would reduce travel time and save 29,000 CRORE
prime movers in the foreseeable to Rs 3,651 crore during April- • 42 new routes identified and on fuel and thereby benefitting FROM DELHI
future. They will have to deal June 2020. approved under first phase airlines. AND MUMBAI
with the challenges posed by the iv. The revenue of airport of UDAN 4.0 in NER. RCS Cell Reducing GST on Maintenance, AIRPORTS
pandemic. operators has reduced from Rs is in the process of awarding Repair and Overhaul (MRO) DURING THE
5,745 crore during April-June the routes to Selected Airline services in India from 18 per cent PERIOD 2006-07
TO 2019-20. THE
What would be the benefits 2019 to Rs 894 crore during Operators (SAOs). to five per cent is another major
EXPERIENCE
of privatisation of airports? April-June 2020. • Proposals for use of Dornier step taken by the government. INDICATES THAT
Delhi and Mumbai 228 sent to DoNER for funding This would facilitate setting up of PPP BRINGS OUT
airports were leased Any measures to make for expenditure related to air MRO facilities in India and greatly OPERATIONAL
out under Public Private North East Region more connectivity and development/ benefit Indian carriers. This is AND
Partnership (PPP) in 2006. AAI attractive for private airlines? upgradation of infrastructure. effective from April 1. PROFESSIONAL
has earned revenue to the tune of RCS-UDAN: Ministry of • As per Route Dispersal Allowing AAI airports on PPP EFFICIENCY IN
Rs 29,000 crore from Delhi and Civil Aviation (MOCA) Guidelines, airlines to allocate basis is also expected to bring MANAGING
Mumbai airports during the launched the Regional Connectivity 10 per cent of trunk routes in much needed investment AIRPORTS
period 2006-07 to 2019-20. The Scheme (RCS) - UDAN (Ude Desh (Category-I routes) to the in airport infrastructure. This
experience indicates that PPP ka Aam Nagrik) on October 21, routes connecting NER. Also, will help in creating airport
brings out operational and 2016, which aims at making flying airlines to operate one per infrastructure in the Tier-II
professional efficiency in affordable for masses. cent of the trunk routes to the and Tier-III cities helping in
managing airports. This has also • RCS - UDAN is a market driven routes connecting airports increasing air connectivity in
resulted in increased revenue for scheme. within NER. the regions.

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CIVIL AVIATION NEWS www.raksha-anirveda.com

ROLLS-ROYCE COMPLETES GROUND-TESTING OF TECHNOLOGY BOEING WINS MORE 737-800BCF ORDERS,

analysed to improve performance

CIVIL AVIATION MINISTRY ISSUES

wherever possible.

SET TO POWER THE WORLD’S FASTEST ALL-ELECTRIC PLANE

Rob Watson, Director – Rolls-
GUIDELINES ON DOMESTIC AIR
TRAVEL, SAYS AIRLINES CAN
Royce Electrical, said: “Rolls-Royce
is committed to playing a leading
role in reaching net zero carbon by
LAUNCHES NEW FREIGHTER CONVERSION LINES

S
EATTLE. Boeing announced a firm order from an unidentified customer
DECIDE BAGGAGE LIMITATION
2050. The completion of ground-
testing for the ACCEL project is a for two 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF), as well as agreements
New Delhi. In a move aimed at increasing great achievement for the team and to open additional conversion lines in Guangzhou, China, and Singapore
passenger comfort, the Ministry of Civil is another important step towards a to meet strong market demand. Based on the popular Next-Generation
Aviation (MoCA) has issued revised world record attempt. This project 737, the 737-800BCF offers operators newer technology, lower fuel
guidelines for domestic air travel, giving is also helping to develop Rolls- consumption and higher reliability than other standard-body freighters.
airlines permission to decide baggage Royce’s capabilities and ensure that
limitation as per their respective policies. we remain a leader in delivering the
“The matter with regard to check-in electrification of flight, an important
baggage has been reviewed based part of our sustainability strategy.”
on the feedback/inputs received from Bremont, will be the official timing
concerned stakeholders. Considering partner for the all-electric speed
the convenience of the passengers, it record attempt. The British luxury
has been decided to amend the existing watch maker has also helped develop

N
provisions in this regard and baggage ew Delhi. Rolls-Royce planes, our transport of the future will the design of the plane’s cockpit
limitation would be as per the airlines’ has completed testing be powered by clean, electric sources which will feature a stopwatch, while
policies,” the ministry noted in an official of the ground-breaking – with companies like Rolls-Royce the company has machined canopy
order. When domestic flight resumed technology that will developing the tech to help meet our release parts at its Henley-on-Thames
operations from May 25 after a gap of two power the world’s fastest net zero ambitions. The completion manufacturing facility. The first flight
months due to the nationwide Covid-19 all-electric plane. All the of ground-testing for the government- is planned for later this year and we
lockdown, the ministry had allowed only technology has been backed ACCEL project is not only a are aiming to beat the current all- Primarily used to carry express cargo line demonstrates our ability to
one check-in baggage and one hand tested on a full-scale step towards an exciting world record electric flight world record early next on domestic or short-haul routes, the quickly respond to market trends and
baggage per passenger. replica of the plane’s core, called an attempt, but a leap towards developing year. Half of the project’s funding is airplane is capable of carrying up to 23.9 requirements and is a testament to the
Currently, airlines have been ‘ionBird’, including a 500hp electric all-electric and hybrid-electric planes provided by the Aerospace Technology tonnes (52,800 pounds) and flying up to skill and professionalism of the entire
allowed to operate not more than 60 powertrain powerful enough to set that one day could ferry large numbers Institute (ATI), in partnership with the 2,000 nautical miles (3,750 kilometers). GAMECO-Boeing team,” said GAMECO
per cent of their pre-Covid domestic world speed records and a battery with of passengers around the world.” Department for Business, Energy & The 737-800BCF now has 134 orders and General Manager Norbert Marx. Boeing
flights. International flights, meanwhile, enough energy to supply 250 homes. The dedicated team have tested Industrial Strategy and Innovate UK. commitments. will also add a second conversion line
have been under suspension since The plane is part of a Rolls-Royce each and every component of the Mark Scully, Head of Technology “The freighter conversion program is for its widebody converted freighter, the
March 22. Only flights under the Vande initiative called ACCEL, short for system including: for Advanced Systems & Propulsion an excellent way to double the life of an 767-300BCF, at ST Engineering’s facility in
Bharat mission and air transport ‘Accelerating the Electrification of • Running the propeller up to full at the Aerospace Technology airplane and provide operators with an Singapore. The second line is scheduled to
bubbles are operating. Flight’. Our ACCEL project team speed (approximately 2,400 rpm) Institute, said: “The significance of economical way to replace less efficient open later this year.
includes key partners YASA, the electric using the most power-dense battery reaching this milestone should not freighters,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior The world’s most efficient freighter in
motor and controller manufacturer, pack ever assembled for aircraft be underestimated. The ACCEL team vice president of Commercial Sales and its class, the Boeing 767 freighter family
and aviation start-up Electroflight. propulsion. When at full power is pioneering the integration of high- Marketing for Boeing. “By working with offers the lowest operating costs per
The team has been developing the during the flight-testing phase, it performance batteries, motors and our partners to add freighter conversion trip and allows airlines to develop new
technology while adhering to the will propel the aircraft to more than drives to deliver an electric propulsion capacity, we look forward to meeting the opportunities in the long-haul, regional
UK Government’s social distancing 300mph setting a new world speed system in an ambitious flight test strong demand in this market segment and feeder markets. The 767-300BCF has
and other health guidelines and the record for electric flight. Over 6,000 programme. These technologies and and helping our customers scale their virtually the same cargo capability as the
systems will soon be integrated into cells are packaged in the battery for the systems integration needed to operations.” 767-300F production freighter with up to
our ‘Spirit of Innovation’ plane. There is maximum safety, minimum weight utilise them hold great potential for The new 737-800BCF line at Guangzhou 56.5 tonnes (124,600 pounds) of payload
a long history of iron-birds in aviation and full thermal protection. future sustainable aviation, which Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and flying up to 3,350 nautical miles
for testing propulsion systems ahead • Since January, our engineering is why the ATI is proud to support Company Limited (GAMECO) is scheduled (6,190 kilometers). The Boeing freighter
of flight, but in this case we have and test pilots have spent many the project.” The ACCEL project is a to open in early 2021, marking the MRO’s family, which includes production and
named the test airframe ‘ionBird’, hours optimising the system and series of firsts for Rolls-Royce as we second conversion line for the market- converted freighters, provides more
after the zero-emission energy source developing operating procedures for journey towards net zero carbon by leading 737-800BCF. To date, Boeing has than 90 percent of the world’s freighter
propelling the aircraft. electric flight. 2050. It is the first Rolls-Royce project delivered 36 737-800BCF to more than 10 capacity, offering an unmatched selection
UK Business and Industry Minister • Generating GBs of data every hour to use offsetting to make the whole operators across four continents. of capacity and capability with superior
Nadhim Zahawi said: “From trains to of operation which the team have programme carbon neutral. “The addition of the new production economics in every freighter size.

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AIRBUS’ ORDERS BY AUGUST 31

AIRBUS HELICOPTERS, HTM-HELICOPTERS TO BECOME FIRST BAE SYSTEMS SELECTED TO PROVIDE FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM ISRAEL’s ISRAIR AIRLINES PLANS
STANDS AT 370 AIRCRAFT OPERATOR TO USE NEW H145 FOR OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONS FOR NEW AERION SUPERSONIC AS2 BUSINESS JET TO BEGIN DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM
onauwörth, Germany.

D
Airbus Helicopters and
HTM-Helicopters have
TEL AVIV TO ABU DHABI
signed a contract for the By ARIE EGOZI
purchase of two additional
H145 helicopters. HTM Tel Aviv. Israeli airlines are expecting
will be the first operator to use good business on the new routes to
New Delhi. Airbus’ 2020 gross orders the new five-bladed H145 in the the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Israeli
by August 31 totalled 370 aircraft with Offshore Wind segment. aerospace companies also expect
net orders of 303 after excluding the The delivery of the first maintenance work of passenger airlines
year’s cancellation. The company has helicopter, a four-bladed H145, and a cargo hook. operated by some Gulf States. Israeli
also registered one new order for an is scheduled for the fourth quarter this Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E airline Israir Airlines, commonly known as
ACJ320neo. However, there is no year, while the second aircraft, a five- engines, the H145 is equipped with full Israir plans to begin offering direct flights
cancellation for ACJ320neo in August. In bladed H145 will be delivered mid next authority digital engine control (FADEC) from Ben Gurion Airport to Abu Dhabi
the month of August itself, Airbus delivered year. The four-bladed H145 will also later and the Helionix digital avionics suite. next month.
a total of 39 aircraft spread out among 35 be upgraded with the new five-bladed It includes a high performance 4-axis The airline said it would begin

N
A320 Family aircraft including the first rotor system by HTM’s maintenance autopilot, increasing safety and reducing ew Delhi. BAE Systems “We are delighted to expand our operating the flights immediately, pending
A321neo to Gulf Air, two A330 including organization. pilot workload. Its particularly low has received a contract long-standing relationship with BAE final approval from Israeli and Emirati
the first A330-900 to Portuguese carrier The two new aircraft will be acoustic footprint makes the H145 the from Aerion Supersonic Systems and for them to join our authorities. No exact date for launching
Orbest and two A350. Airbus’ backlog operated from HTM’s bases at quietest helicopter in its class. to supply the flight control growing team of globally-renowned the route was given, though several
of aircraft remaining to be delivered as Norden-Norddeich, Emden, Borkum The new upgrade of the H145 boasts system for its new AS2 technical partners who will support reports have speculated that the direct
of August 31 stood at 7,501 comprising and Helgoland. For their missions, several new features that will allow supersonic business jet. bringing the AS2 to production.” line would start next month.Israir will
524 A220s, 6,091 A320 Family aircraft which include passenger transport customers to enhance their operations: BAE Systems will design, BAE Systems’ active inceptors operate the flight with the airline’s Airbus
(including 6,034 A320neo Family), 319 to and from wind farms and hoisting The innovative five-blade bearingless develop, and integrate will provide AS2 pilots with static 320 for flight duration of just three and a
A330s (including 285 A330neo Family), technicians to the wind-turbines, the rotor increases the useful load by 150 a fly-by-wire flight control system, and dynamic tactile force feedback half hours. The development came after
558 A350 XWBs and nine A380s. two helicopters will be equipped with kg, further enhancing the mission including active inceptors, for the in the palm of their hand. Unlike a Saudi Arabia and Bahrain approved the
a powerful hoist, floatation equipment, capabilities of the aircraft.  new aircraft. passive system, the active inceptor flight to use their airspace.
“We are leveraging decades of includes electronic controlled One-way tickets will go on sale for
US$299 and a four-day vacation package
TO SUPPORT WIDE-RANGING ACTIVITIES IN JAPAN NAKANIHON AIR REINFORCES
expertise and advanced technologies actuators that send tactile feedback to
to architect a flight control system the pilot through the flight stick. The including lodging at a five-star hotel will
cost just US$699, the airline said.
UTILITY CAPABILITIES WITH NEW H215 ORDER
that will enable the future of flight,” feedback warns pilots of structural or
said Ehtisham Siddiqui, vice president aerodynamic operating limits – giving “There is no doubt we can expect
and general manager of Controls and them improved situational awareness great demand for Abu Dhabi flights,”
Tokyo. Nakanihon Air, one of Japan’s is a member of the Super Puma helicopter Avionics Solutions for BAE Systems. to maintain a safer, more stable flight. said Israir President Uri Sirkis. Israeli
largest helicopter operators, has ordered family, known for its high availability rate, “We are proud to be collaborating Aerion’s AS2 private jet is the first companies that offer maintenance work
one H215 heavy helicopter to shore up performance, and competitive operating with Aerion Supersonic on this next- supersonic aircraft to use only synthetic for aircraft like Israel Aerospace Industries
its capabilities for utility and aerial work. cost. Equipped with state-of-the-art generation flight control system for the fuel and reach supersonic speeds (IAI) also expect work as a result of the
Currently operating 45 Airbus helicopters, technologies, the rotorcraft consists of AS2 aircraft.” without the need for an afterburner. normalisation agreements with the UAE
Nakanihon Air specialises in activities two versions — one tailored for multi- The new flight control system The business jet will enhance point- and Bahrain. 
covering emergency medical services, role operations and the other for aerial adds to BAE Systems’ more than 40 to-point travel with a maximum speed -The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist
electronic news gathering, as well as work and utility missions. There are years of experience developing and of Mach 1.4 – approx. 1,000 miles
passenger and goods transportation in currently 28 helicopters of the Super integrating fly-by-wire systems. The per hour – at 57,000 feet. The AS2
Japan. The air services company also Puma family in Japan flown by civil system builds on the company’s proven will commence production from the
runs an Airbus-approved maintenance operators, parapublic operators, and the core technology, but uses smaller company’s new global headquarters
centre for H135 helicopters, while major Ministry of Defense for various search and lighter components to allow for and manufacturing and research
inspections of the operator’s existing and rescue missions, coastguard integration on the AS2 aircraft. The campus – Aerion Park – in Melbourne,
Super Puma fleet are performed at operations, fire-fighting, as well as system will comprise active inceptors, Florida, in 2023. The flight control
the manufacturer’s Kobe maintenance Private and Business Aviation and primary flight control computers, system development will be conducted
facility. The twin-engine, heavy-lift H215 commercial air transport missions.  actuator control units, and remote at BAE Systems facilities in Endicott,
electronics units. New York, and Rochester, UK.

116 www.raksha-anirveda.com 117

RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

HELIRUSSIA 2020 www.raksha-anirveda.com

RUSSIAN HELICOPTERS’ MULTIPURPOSE

CHOPPERS ON DISPLAY AT HELIRUSSIA 2020
The 13th edition
of HeliRussia
2020 exhibition on an external sling, logging,
provided an medevac and complex fire-fighting
missions, as well as on patrol and
excellent to support during law enforcement
opportunity for operations. The main features of
the helicopter this multirole helicopter is it has
coaxial design and the absence of
industry to a tail rotor mean that it is compact,
showcase high power, highly manoeuvrable
and very easy to handle. Having
their products, high load capacity, it can carry
discuss various up to five tonnes on its external and cold environments. The modification of a helicopter
sling. It is equipped with the latest technical solutions deployed in with a medical module was
issues and avionics systems. The chopper the Mi-38 give the helicopter received. Ansat is certified
join forces to is very economical – with low superior maximum payload, for use in the temperature
face the new operating costs, and an extended passenger capacity and key range from -45 to +50 degrees
service life of 32,000 flight hours. performance indicators to other Celsius, as well as for operation
challenges of The Ka-32A11BC can operate helicopters in its class. in highlands. In 2019, the
the future efficiently in dense urban areas, Federal Air Transport Agency “THE ANSAT
difficult to access mountainous
and forested regions, and can
ANSAT MULTIPURPOSE certified an increase in the
fuselage resource of the Ansat
HELICOPTER
PROJECT IS
oscow. The Russian Helicopters Holding Company, part of the Rostec aviation and specialized options to also land on small vessels, drilling HELICOPTER light helicopter to 16,000 hp. ACTIVELY

M
State Corporation, presented its civilian products at the 13th International effectively fight the Coronavirus. platforms and on un-prepared, “The Ansat helicopter project is DEVELOPING IN
Helicopter Industry Exhibition HeliRussia 2020, which was held at Crocus That is why the specialists will hard to access sites. The company too presented Ansat actively developing in accordance ACCORDANCE
WITH THE
Expo IEC from September 15 to 17. focus on the Ansat light helicopter, multipurpose helicopter fitted with the needs of our customers.
NEEDS OF OUR
certified for the installation of
a special medical module and MI-38 HEAVY UTILITY with additional equipment - an
internal fuel tank and ballonets
We do not stand still and respond
to the requests of partners, making
CUSTOMERS.
WE DO NOT
The Russian Helicopters holding’s “The HeliRussia exhibition is equipped with an expanded range HELICOPTER within the framework of the our products more competitive and STAND STILL
exposition featured Ka-32A11BC an excellent opportunity for us to of optional equipment,” said HeliRussia-2020 International convenient in operation. By the AND RESPOND
multipurpose helicopter and discuss with the participants of the Russian Helicopters Holding CEO Also at the HeliRussia the brand- Exhibition. Ansat is a light twin- end of the year, we plan to submit TO THE
the light multipurpose Ansat Russian helicopter market all the Andrey Boginsky before the event. new Mi-38 heavy utility helicopter engine multipurpose helicopter, a new generation Ansat prototype REQUESTS OF
with new optional equipment. issues that have accumulated over Major Display During HeliRussia has been presented on the open the serial production of which is for testing. In addition to a wide PARTNERS,
Also at the exhibition were the year, to join forces in the face 2020: ground. The multirole Mi-38 deployed at the Kazan Helicopter range of optional equipment, this MAKING OUR
presented a new SP-32 water of new challenges. The COVID-19 can carry cargo and passengers, Plant. According to the certificate, helicopter will receive an upgraded PRODUCTS

KA-32A11BC
tank designed for the modernized epidemic has become one of them. including VIPs, and can also be the design of the helicopter allows fuel system with increased MORE
COMPETITIVE
Ka-32A11M helicopters. As part For the industry, it is especially used as a search-and-rescue it to be quickly transformed capacity, the latest avionics for
AND
of the modernization, it is planned important to observe the safety of The Ka-32A11BC multirole helicopter and flying hospital, as into both cargo and passenger instrument flights, as well as a CONVENIENT
to install new avionics, more workers in continuous production, helicopter is designed for special well as for offshore missions. versions with the ability to carry lightweight fuselage with expanded IN OPERATION”
powerful VK-2500PS-02 engines remote training of specialists search and rescue operations, The Mi-38 can operate up to eight people. use of composite materials,” Andrey Boginsky
and an improved fire extinguishing and maintenance of equipment, building tall structures, in a wide range of climates, In May 2015, an addendum said Russian Helicopters CEO Russian Helicopters
system on the helicopter. the development of medical transporting cargo internally and including maritime, tropical to the type certificate for the Andrey Boginsky. CEO

118 www.raksha-anirveda.com RAKSHA ANIRVEDA OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020 119

RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

APPOINTMENTS www.raksha-anirveda.com

AIR MARSHAL VR CHAUDHARI ASSUMES VICE ADMIRAL DINESH TRIPATHI BOEING APPOINTS MARC ALLEN CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER
COMMAND OF WESTERN AIR COMMAND ASSUMES CHARGE AS DIRECTOR HICAGO. The Boeing environmental, social and governance

C
Company on September 17 priorities, stakeholder-oriented
GENERAL NAVAL OPERATIONS
N
ew Delhi. Air Marshal named B Marc Allen as chief reporting and company performance.
VR Chaudhari AVSM strategy officer and senior Operating within the Enterprise
VM took over as Air New Delhi: Vice Admiral vice president, Strategy and Operations, Finance and Sustainability
Officer Commanding- Dinesh K Tripathi on August Corporate Development, organization, Raymond will lead a
in-Chief of Western 13 assumed charge as reporting to President and team that collaborates across Boeing’s
Air Command, Indian Air Director General Naval CEO David Calhoun. The company also commercial, defense and services
Force (IAF) on August 1. He Operations (DGNO). He is an announced Christopher Raymond as the businesses and its enterprise functions
succeeds Air Marshal B Suresh alumnus of National Defence company’s chief sustainability officer, Christopher Raymond B. Marc Allen in support of the company’s commitment
PVSM AVSM VM ADC. Academy Khadakwasla a newly created position reporting to to responsible and inclusive business
Air Marshal VR Chaudhari and was commissioned Executive Vice President, Enterprise overarching strategy, including long-term practices and positive global impact.
was commissioned into into Indian Navy on July 1, Operations and Chief Financial Officer planning; global business and corporate Raymond first gained responsibility
Fighter Stream of the 1985.The Flag Officer is a Greg Smith. The appointments are development; and strategic investments, for Boeing’s sustainability strategy in
IAF on December 29, specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare, effective October 1. acquisitions and divestitures. April 2020 when his role leading strategy
1982 as a Fighter Pilot. and has served on frontline warships of the Navy as Allen, first appointed to the company’s As Boeing’s first chief sustainability was expanded to integrate corporate
In a distinguished career Signal Communication Officer and Electronic Warfare Executive Council in 2014 as president officer, Raymond will be responsible for development and deepen the company’s
spanning nearly 38 years, Officer, and later as the Executive Officer and Principal of Boeing International, will now take further advancing Boeing’s approach focus on environmental and social
the Air Officer has flown Warfare Officer of Guided Missile Destroyer INS on responsibility for the enterprise’s to sustainability that is focused on considerations. 
wide variety of fighter Mumbai. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College,
and trainer aircraft in the
inventory of IAF. He has a
Wellington, where he was awarded the Thimmaya
Medal, Vice Admiral Tripathi has attended Naval Higher MV RAJA SEKHAR JOINS LORENZO MARIANI APPOINTED MANAGING DIRECTOR, MBDA ITALIA
flying experience of more than
3800 hrs, including operational
distinguished service, the Air
Marshal was awarded Vayu Sena
Command Course and Naval Command College at the
US Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island in 2007- BEL AS DIRECTOR (R&D) New Delhi. Starting from September 1, Lorenzo
Mariani has become Executive Group Director
term performance of the
company. This includes
flying on MiG-21, MiG-23 MF, Medal (VM) in January 2004 08, where he won the Prestigious Robert E Bateman Bangalore. MV Sales & Business Development of MBDA and all activities related to the
MiG 29 and Su-30 MKI fighter and the Ati Vishist Seva Medal International Prize. Raja Sekhar Managing Director of MBDA Italia. Reporting whole product life cycle,
aircraft. In recognition of his (AVSM) in January 2015. took charge directly to Eric Béranger, the group’s Chief and for understanding
as Director Executive Officer, he also becomes a member precisely what customers
VICE ADMIRAL MA HAMPIHOLI TAKES CHARGE (Research & of MBDA’s Executive Committee. Mariani require and developing

VICE ADMIRAL S R SARMA ASSUMES CHARGE AS COMMANDANT, INDIAN NAVAL ACADEMY

Development)
of Navratna
succeeds Pasquale Di Bartolomeo following his
appointment as Leonardo’s Chief Commercial
the most compelling solutions to meet these
requirements. As Managing Director of MBDA

AS CHIEF OF MATERIEL, INDIAN NAVY

New Delhi: Vice Admiral MA Defence PSU Officer. As Executive Group Director Sales & Italia, Mariani will be the senior representative
Hampiholi on July 27 took charge BEL on September 1. He was working Business Development, Mariani will guide an of the company in Italy. He will lead MBDA’s
as Commandant of the Indian Naval as Chief Scientist of BEL’s Central integrated multi-national team responsible for relationship with both the Italian customer and
New Delhi: Vice Admiral S R Sarma on Academy (INA) from Vice Admiral Research Laboratory (CRL)-Bangalore, generating the order intake to sustain the long the Italian industrial community. 
September 1 assumed charge as the Chief Dinesh K Tripathi, who served a and Officer on Special Duty (OSD)
of Materiel (COM) of the Indian Navy. He successful tenure of over 13 months. at BEL’s Corporate Office, before
replaces Vice Admiral GS Pabby, who Vice Admiral Tripathi took over as his elevation. Raja Sekhar joined BOEING APPOINTS DANDRIDGE TO LEAD COMPANY’S COMMUNICATIONS
superannuates on completion of an illustrious the Commandant of Indian Naval BEL’s Ghaziabad Unit on February 1, CHICAGO. US aerospace and defence Boeing’s communications, including
naval career spanning close to four decades. Academy on June 12, 2019 last year. 1985, as Probationary Engineer after major Boeing on September 9 named Ed business unit communications,
The Admiral officer is a post graduate in During his tenure, the Academy saw marked transformation in completing B. Tech in Electronics Dandridge as the company’s senior vice corporate communications, media
Computer Science and Engineering from infrastructure and training facilities. Under the Flag Officer’s & Communication Engineering president and chief communications relations, public affairs, leadership
IISc, Bengaluru and a distinguished alumni of leadership, on November 12, 2019, INA was bestowed with the from Sri Venkateswara University, officer effective September 28. Dandridge communications, employee
Naval Higher Command Course. During his President’s Colour for rendering 50 years of yeoman service Tirupati. In a career spanning over succeeds Greg Smith, who has served as engagement and corporate branding,
illustrious career spanning over three and a in shaping Naval leaders for Indian Navy, Coast Guard and 35 years, he has worked in various interim chief communications officer since as well as channel and content
half decades, he has served onboard Indian Friendly Foreign Countries. Vice Admiral Tripathi was accorded capacities and gained rich experience July in addition to his role as executive marketing. Dandridge joins Boeing
Naval Ships Vindhyagiri, Rana, Krishna and Mysore in various capacities. In a warm send off, with the traditional ‘Pulling Out’ ceremony. in diverse technologies of BEL. He vice president of Enterprise Operations and from AIG, where he served as global chief
recognition of his distinguished services, the Vice Admiral was awarded the Vice Admiral Hampiholi is an alumnus of the National Defence was instrumental in the indigenous chief financial officer. Dandridge will report to marketing and communications officer, AIG
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). He is also Academy, Khadakvasala; Defence Services Staff College, development of state-of-the-art Boeing President and CEO David Calhoun and General Insurance, since April 2018. Dandridge is a
a recipient of Lt VK Jain Gold Medal in 1994. Wellington, the erstwhile College of Naval Warfare, Karanja Thermal Imager-based Sights and will serve on the company’s Executive Council. seasoned global executive and recognized industry
and the prestigious National Defence College, New Delhi.  Systems in association with IRDE. In this role, Dandridge will oversee all aspects of leader with more than 25 years of experience. 

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RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

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AIR FORCE COMMANDERS’ CONFERENCE: IAF SAAB CALLS INDIA’S NEW DEFENCE FDI MODEL OF ENCOURAGING INDIGENOUS
REVIEWS PREPAREDNESS, DELIBERATES ON ENHANCED INVESTMENT UP TO 74% “VERY ATTRACTIVE” DEFENCE PRODUCTION, INDIA TO
PRODUCE NEXT GEN FIGHTER JETS
B
ew Delhi. Swedish company SAAB

ROADMAP FOR NEXT DECADE has said that 74 per cent Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI) in defence

AMID INDIA-CHINA FACE-

is a “very attractive model”
but wanted clarification whether the

OFF AT LAC, GOVT REACHES

Strategic Partnership (SP) model of the
Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP)

OUT TO ARRANGE NEW

comes under it. In a virtual interaction New Delhi: In keeping with encouraging
with the media, Mats Palmberg, Head indigenous private sector in defence

EQUIPMENT FOR IAF of SAAB’s Gripen India campaign, said

his company is planning to set up an is underway, then INAC will be set up.”
industry, India is likely to produce its
next generation of fighter jets in a private
New Delhi. As the Sino-Indian border advanced industrial body, the Indian “This will enable the Original Equipment sector-led joint venture, which could
standoff continues along the Line of Actual Aircraft Company (INAC). “If the Gripen Manufacturers (OEMs) have control over require investments of over Rs 2,500
Control (LAC), the government is reaching fighter is selected by the Indian Air Force the setup and they can take responsibility crore from the selected company but
out to arrange new equipment for the Indian (IAF) in the 114 fighter tender which and also meet customer expectations.” would catapult it into a select league
Air Force (IAF). The Defence Acquisition capable of manufacturing cutting
edge aeronautical systems. India’s
Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister
Rajnath Singh, and including the three
TO STAND GUARD AGAINST CHINA AT LAC, INDIA IN TALKS WITH US TO BUY ADVANCED MQ-9 UAV leading aerospace manufacturer and
service chiefs and Chief of Defence Staff, New York. With China continuing to adopt an state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics
General Bipin Rawat, is expected to clear aggressive posture towards India, Washington’s Ltd (HAL) is currently working out the
ew Delhi. With the continuing tension along the Sino-Indian ground-based, high-frequency radios. About sale of advanced weapons system show its costs involved and the structure of the

N
border on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the three-day Air Force 160 are likely to be procured. The Defence commitment to New Delhi’s security, said a senior planned JV for the production of the fifth
Commanders’ Conference (ACC) which concluded on July 24 had a Research and Development Organisation’s US State Department official. “At a time when generation Advanced Multirole Combat
series of discussions and reviews on operational preparedness and (DRDO) smart anti-airfield weapon— India is facing substantial security challenges, the Aircraft (AMCA), with an ambitious
strategies for countering security threats envisaged across the entire presumably, bombs to destroy runways and growth in our defence partnership is exceptionally target for 2028. 
spectrum. They discussed the current situation and thereafter carried hangers— is also ready. The development important. This partnership includes defence
out a thorough review of the IAF’s transformation roadmap for the
next decade.
trials are over and production issues will be
discussed. Also under discussion is DRDO‘s
sales, particularly our offers of advanced
US weapon systems as a demonstration of our commitment to Indian security and MOD SIGNS `591.34 CR
unit repair vehicle for the Arjun tank. This is sovereignty,” the official told reporters on September 30. CONTRACT WITH ALPHA DESIGN
TECHNOLOGIES FOR MISSILE AND
a small (only Rs eight crore) but significant
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at Air project. The manufacture of ammunition for
Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Naval Staff
(CNS) Admiral Karambir Singh
Headquarters on matters of jointness
and integrated war fighting. The Chief
Pinaka multi-barrelled rocket launchers is
also on the agenda. The private sector will be IN A BIG BOOST TO INDIGENOUS DEFENCE PRODUCTION HAL ROLLS OUT 300TH ALH DHRUV RADAR SYSTEMS UPGRADE

B
and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal invited to produce Pinaka ammunition while engaluru. In evolution from ALH New Delhi: Ministry of Defence (MoD)
General MM Naravane addressed RKS Bhadauria reviewed the status and the Ordnance Factory Board will also make yet another Mark-I to Mark-IV has signed a contract worth Rs 591.34
the Conference and interacted with issues related to all Commands as well some. This has happened after the DRDO major fillip to has been phenomenal crore with Bengaluru-based Alpha
the Commanders as well as the as branches. developing a shell with better propellant. indigenous and is a boost to the Design Technologies Ltd (ADTL) for
programme, 300th indigenous design the upgrade/ digitisation of 16 Russian

DTC DELIVERS UNSURPASSED SUBTERRANEAN COMMUNICATIONS

Advanced Light and development of versions of Pechora Missile and
Helicopter (ALH) helicopters,” he added. Radar Systems. Pechora Systems,
HAMPSHIRE, England. DTC Communications Inc. (DTC) has delivered MANET Mesh radios for a Dhruv rolled out The Roll-out certificate in service at present, are already 30
successful End-User trial in a subterranean / underground and Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) environment. from HAL hangar of the 300th helicopter plus years old and there are lots of
DTC radios live streamed 6 dismounted Video and Voice feeds from the P4 Basement of a shopping in Bengaluru on was handed over to obsolescence and spares / repair /
mall to L2, some six floors above, and to a Command Post 400m outside. Juan A. Navarro, CEO, DTC, September 29. Speaking on the occasion, R GVS Bhaskar, Chief Executive Officer, maintenance problems, which will be
says “This was truly great work by our “Make-in-India” partners Brij Systems Limited and Exicom Madhavan, CMD, HAL said ALH never looked Helicopter Complex by YK Sharma, solved by the upgradation. The project
Technologies India LLP.” DTC’s technology delivers Mission Critical, Secure, Tactical Data, Video and Voice comms providing real- back from the day when the prototype took Additional Director General (South Zone), will be undertaken by Alpha Design in
time Shared Situational Awareness (SSA) for Assault Teams and Special Operations. The OEM solution was designed and engineered its maiden flight on August 30, 1992 and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality partnership with Russia and would be
specifically for Exicom Technologies in the DTC UK facility. has evolved into a world class helicopter Assurance (DGAQA) at a programme held completed in four years time.
with its unparalleled performance. “The at HAL’s Helicopter Division.

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RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

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INDIA CONCLUDES BILATERAL NAVAL EXERCISES

WITH AUSTRALIA, BANGLADESH, JAPAN, RUSSIA
By PK GHOSH Warfare Corvette and INS Khukri, an
indigenously built Guided-Missile Corvette

N
ew Delhi. Against the backdrop of aggressive Chinese stand in South were participated along with Bangladesh
China Sea and to keep the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) specially the Indo- Naval Ship (BNS) Abu Bakr, a Guided-
Pacific safe and secure, Indian Navy went into several bilateral naval Missile Frigate and BNS Prottoy, a Guided-
exercises namely with Australia, Bangladesh, Japan and Russia in the Missile Corvette.
month of September and early October. India and Bangladesh have a close,
long-standing relationship covering a wide
spectrum of activities and interactions,
The joint naval exercise between was concluded on October 5. Exercise which has strengthened over the years. Japan has also increased in scope and NAVY-2020 with its all weather ally inter-operability built up by the two
Indian Navy (IN) and Royal Australian Bongosagar, whose first edition was held The people of India and Bangladesh also complexity over the years. Advanced Russia. The latest edition of bilateral naval navies over the years and also to enhance
Navy Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in 2019, is aimed at developing inter- share close cultural bonds and a shared level of operations and exercises planned exercise, which was held in the Bay of understanding and procedures for multi-
concluded in the East Indian Ocean operability and joint operational skills vision of democratic society and a rules- during JIMEX 20 are indicative of the Bengal coincided with Defence Minister faceted maritime operations.
Region (IOR) on September 24. through conduct of a wide spectrum based order. This edition of exercise continued upswing in Indo-Japanese Rajnath Singh’s visit to Moscow. Ex INDRA The exercises assumed significance
The two-day exercise involved of maritime exercises and operations. Bongosagar assumes greater significance defence relations and continued efforts NAVY epitomises the long-term strategic on the back of Chinese aggressive
participation of HMAS Hobart from the In this edition of exercise Bongosagar, since it is being conducted during Mujib by both the governments to work closely relationship between the two navies. posture in the South China Sea as well as
Australian side and Indian Naval Ships ships from both the navies participated Barsho, the 100th birth anniversary of for a more secure, open and inclusive This exercise has matured over the years to ensure the free navigation of water in
Sahyadri and Karmuk. In addition, an in surface warfare drills, seamanship Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. global commons, in accordance with with increase in scope, complexity of the Indian Ocean Region. They were also
Indian MPA and helicopters from both evolutions and helicopter operations. Bongosagar and IN – BN CORPAT, international regulations. operations, and level of participation. well within Prime Minister Narendra
sides participated in the exercise. Alongside ‘Bongosagar’, the third undertaken over three days, reflect the In early last month, India took part The primary aim of exercise INDRA Modi’s vision of Security and Growth for
The exercise, aimed at enhancing (3rd) edition of Indian Navy – Bangladesh priority that Indian Navy accords to the in the two-day 11th edition of INDRA NAVY-2020 was to further consolidate All in the Region (SAGAR). 
interoperability, improving Navy Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) Bangladesh Navy as part of Prime Minister

WORLD DEMAND FOR RUSSIAN ARMORED VEHICLES REMAINS

understanding and imbibing best was also conducted in Northern Bay Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR (Security
practices from each other, involved of Bengal, wherein IN and BN units And Growth for All in the Region). Besides BOEING, HONEYWELL AEROSPACE,
advanced surface and anti-air exercises undertook joint patrolling along the Australia, Japan, which is a Quad member ROLLS-ROYCE REACH AGREEMENT FOR STEADILY STRONG, SAYS ROSOBORONEXPORT DIRECTOR GENERAL
including weapon firings, seamanship
exercises, naval manoeuvres and Cross
International Maritime Boundary
Line (IMBL). Conduct of CORPATs has
nation, also went into the fourth edition of
India – Japan Maritime bilateral exercise
H-47 CHINOOK HEAVY-LIFT HELICOPTER Moscow. Rosoboronexport, part of the
Deck Flying Operations. PASSEX is strengthened understanding between JIMEX 20 which concluded on September REQUIREMENTS Rostec State Corporation, has supplied
regularly conducted by IN with units of both the navies and instituted measures 28. JIMEX, which is held biennially, Berlin. Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace 3000+ tanks and vehicles based on
friendly foreign navies. to stop conduct of unlawful activities. commenced in January 2012 with special and Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd have them abroad, including artillery,
The second edition of India-Bangladesh Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kiltan, an focus on maritime security cooperation. reached an agreement to provide in- engineering and other weapon systems
bilateral naval exercise ‘Bongosagar’ indigenously built Anti-Submarine Naval cooperation between India and service support of the T-55 engine and military equipment over 20 years
should the government of Germany of its activity in the international
select the H-47 Chinook for its Schwerer arms market. “The equipment
Transporthubschrauber (STH) heavy-lift designed by the Russian school of
helicopter requirement. Since the forming tank building, which celebrated its
of the Chinook Germany Industry Team 100th anniversary this year, receives
in 2018, originally comprised of nine acclaim of foreign specialists every
German companies, Boeing continues to year. The latest products from Rostec armored vehicles – are in high demand
build a strong industry team to provide the holding companies – Armata and around the world. In a number of
Luftwaffe with local long-term services T-90MS MBTs, BMPT Terminator countries, armored units equipped
support, maintenance and training of the tank support fighting vehicles, Sprut- predominantly with Russian vehicles
Chinook over the next several decades. SDM1 light amphibious tanks, TOS-1A became the backbone of the national
In addition, Boeing’s industrial plan will heavy flamethrower systems, Msta-S armed forces,” said Alexander Mikheev,
foster German economic growth while self-propelled howitzers, a broad Director General of Rosoboronexport
creating highly skilled jobs in country. lineup of engineer vehicles based on and Deputy Chairman of the Russian
tank chassis and many other domestic Engineering Union.

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GOA SHIPYARD BEGINS AMID SINO-INDIAN STANDOFF; INDIA PLANS TO ACQUIRE EXPEDITING DEFENCE DEALS WITH
PRODUCTION OF STEALTH MQ-9B SKY GUARDIAN, UPGRADE HERON OTHER COUNTRIES, GOVERNMENT
FRIGATES FOR NAVY, DOES AWAY WITH OFFSETS FOR
DELIVERY LIKELY BY 2026 New Delhi. With the
continuing standoff along
the Sino-Indian border G-TO-G AGREEMENTS
New Delhi. Goa Shipyard Ltd, September for almost five months,
21, commenced production of the two guided India has decided in New Delhi. In a move to speed up defence
missile frigates, which are being built in favour of the weaponised deals with countries, the government has
collaboration with Russia’s Yantar Shipyard MQ-9B Sky Guardian done away with offsets for government to
for the Indian Navy. GSL expects to deliver drone from the US and government defence deals as the policy has
the first ship to the Navy by 2026. Though to upgrade its existing failed to bring critical technology into the
the frigates are based on a Russian design, Israeli Heron fleet with country and has resulted in loading extra
they will have significant indigenous content, satellite communication costs on contracts, an official said. The
including an Indian-built radar, sonar systems capability in an attempt new Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP),
and sensors, communication suites and anti- to enhance its range cleared by the Ministry of Defence (MoD)
ship BrahMos missile systems. Initiating the as well as surveillance on September 28, has done away with the
production process, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, capabilities. The face-off need of foreign companies investing at
Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar said that the
frigates would help the Navy meet maritime
between the Indian Army and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has spurred the Indian private
sector and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to start manufacturing VIETNAM BOOSTS SURVEILLANCE OF COASTLINES, least 30 per cent of the contract value in
the Indian manufacturing sector if the deal
challenges. India and Russia entered into a
government to government agreement for
short-range tactical drones as well as anti-drone systems to boost border defences. The three
services have come to a conclusion that India should opt for a weaponised drone rather than ORDERS ISEA-25HD FROM ISRAEL’S CONTROP is being processed under the government to
government or single vendor case.
four stealth frigates, with two being built in the 22 reconnaissance and surveillance Sea Guardian drones approved in 2017 by the US

BOEING DELIVERS SOCOM’S

Russia and two at Goa Shipyard. The stealth administration for supply to India, according to highly placed sources. Hanoi. In a development aimed at heightened electro-optics, has been an active player in
frigate project is the largest contract in GSL’s intelligence gathering in its costal areas, Vietnam for several years; and in 2017 it had

FIRST NEXT-GEN CHINOOK

history and represents a quantum leap in the Vietnam has awarded a contract to Israel’s won a contract for the supply of electro-optic

RAFAEL DISPLAYING VARIETY OF LAND, AIR AND

shipyard’s capabilities.  Controp for the supply of observation and and infrared payloads.

DRDO BEGINS PREPARING FOR

surveillance systems for new ships built in
Vietnam and India. The latest move also
In the latest deal, Controp is slated to supply
the iSea-25HD, a lighter version of iSea30 and HELICOPTER
CONTACTLESS CONFLICTS OF FUTURE, NAVAL TECH PROWESS AT HEMUS 2020 underscores Hanoi’s increased assertiveness
in securing its coastal lines. The Israeli
company, which specializes in lightweight
iSea50, which has been designed such that the
entire system is contained in a single unit for
medium-sized boats.
PHILADELPHIA. Boeing is delivering new
technologies and performance improvements
PLANS STAR WARS-STYLE WEAPONS Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. is all set to showcase its to US Special Operations Command (SOCOM)
with the Block II Chinook helicopter. Boeing’s
land, air and naval technology prowess at HEMUS 2020 International Defense and
Philadelphia team recently delivered the
New Delhi. In a
major step towards
Services Exhibition at Plovdiv in Bulgaria from September 30 – October 3. The company
also congratulated Bulgaria for holding the exhibition. At HEMUS 2020, Rafael will ROHDE & SCHWARZ OFFERS PORTFOLIO FOR PRECISE AESA TESTING first MH-47G Block II Chinook to SOCOM on
time. “This delivery marks a major step for
tackling future war exhibit a variety of its solutions, for air, land and naval applications, with special focus
scenarios with focus on Bulgaria’s defense programs and requirements. This includes the country’s planned New Delhi. In order to reduce the Chinook program,” said Andy Builta, vice
on space wars, the 8X8 combat vehicle program, offering a complete package of systems to enable and complexity, costs and efforts president and H-47 program manager. “The
Defence Research enhance full ground combat vehicle survivability, maneuverability and lethality. for TRM testing, Rohde & new Chinook will give US Special Operations
and Development Schwarz concentrates on test Forces significantly more capability for
Organisation (DRDO) is planning a national and measurement solutions to extremely challenging missions and will enable
programme on directed energy weapons maximise the performance of AESA them to conduct those missions on the future
(DEWs) like high-energy lasers and high- designs with highest precision battlefield.” The company is on contract for 23
powered microwaves, which are increasingly instruments and automation of more MH-47G Block II Chinooks, having signed
being considered crucial around the world for complex test scenarios. Modern a contract with SOCOM in July. Boeing has
the contactless conflicts of the future. The active electronically scanned array more than 4,600 employees in Pennsylvania
national programme will have short, medium (AESA) radars are a strong focal point of the global aerospace and defense industry. The performance supporting Chinook, the V-22 Osprey, MH-
and long-term goals, with the eventual aim of state-of-the-art AESA radar systems depends strongly on the performance of the individual 139A Grey Wolf and a number of services
being to develop different DEW variants of up transmit-receive-module (TRM) assembled in the antenna array. Rohde & Schwarz offers new test and engineering efforts. Including suppliers
to 100 kilowatt power, in collaboration with and measurement solutions for TRM performance validation, enabling the customer to maximize their and vendors, Boeing’s activities support an
the domestic industry, sources said. radar system capabilities. estimated 16,000 jobs in Pennsylvania.

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CAG REPORT AFTERMATH: NEW FIGHTER JET ENGINE COMPLEX AMID INCREASING BORDER
COMING UP, FRENCH ASSISTANCE LIKELY ON RAFALE OFFSETS TENSION AT LAC, ARMED
New Delhi. Undeterred by the questions raised FORCES SOUND ALERT OVER
CHEETAH, CHETAK HELICOPTERS
by government auditor Comptroller and Auditor
General of India (CAG) over non-completion
of high end technology transfer as part of

DRDO HANDS OVER AHSP

the Rafale fighter jet offsets deal, there are
reports that a new fighter jet engine complex

RESPONSIBILITY OF PINAKA
spearheaded by the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) is in the

WEAPON SYSTEM TO DGQA

works, with advanced discussions on for a

NRDC, NAL TO INCUBATE AEROSPACE

completely new engine for future Indian fighters with a French manufacturer. The new engine
complex is being set up as a national mission to develop a 110 kilo newton powered engine

ENGINEERING START-UPS
New Delhi. An important milestone was for the future class of advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) and could produce the engine
achieved on September 25 when Authority within seven years of starting work.
Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) responsibility
of Pinaka weapon system was handed over New Delhi. With increasing tension along
by Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) to Directorate General
IAI SIGNS DEAL TO ACQUIRE 50 PER CENT EQUITY IN UAV New Delhi. Start-ups are the initiative to bring innovation in mainstream. The action
plan is to focus on simplification and hand-holding. Another important aspect of start-
the Sino-Indian border in Eastern Ladakh,

DEVELOPER BLUEBIRD AERO SYSTEMS

the armed forces have once again sounded
Quality Assurance (DGQA). AHSP transfer ups is industry-academia partnership and incubation. Looking at these aspects National
the alarm over their ageing and virtually
marks successful establishment of production Research Development Corporation (NRDC) and Council of Scientific and Industrial
obsolete Cheetah and Chetak helicopters,
of Pinaka rockets, Launchers, Battery Command Research-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) joined hands to establish an
Tel Aviv. Israel Aerospace stressing that the ‘total technical life’ of
Posts, Loader Cum Replenishment and Innovation cum Incubation Centre with external private funding to promote start-ups in
Industries (IAI) on September these light utility choppers will begin ending
Replenishment Vehicles as well as successful the emerging area of Aerospace technologies. Under this programme start-ups in the
24 signed an agreement from 2023 onwards. They have urged the
establishment of Quality Assurance processes. area of Aerospace engineering would be incubated, mentored and supported for product
to acquire 50 per cent government to fast-track two long-pending
AHSP handing over took place at ARDE, and prototype development and their validation. The agreement was signed by Dr. H.
of the equity of BlueBird ‘Make in India’ projects to build such
Pune wherein the documentation required by Purushotham and Dr. Jitendra J. Jadhav, Director, CSIR-NAL and was exchanged by
Aero Systems. BlueBird, light utility helicopters as well as ensure
various Production agencies, Quality Assurance the representatives of both the organisations in the presence of Dr. Shekhar C Mande,
a leading UAV developer Defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd
agencies, Maintenance agencies and Users Secretary Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Director General
and integrator in the small (HAL) delivers its own under-development
were formally handed over by ARDE, HEMRL CSIR, R Vaidheeswaran, Joint Secretary, DSIR and other senior officials of CSIR and
tactical arena, has been choppers in requisite numbers within the
and VRDE to CQA (A). NAL at CSIR Headquarters, New Delhi.
providing its solutions to required time-frames.

INDIA TO ORDER 2 MORE

Israeli forces and worldwide
customers for close to two decades. As part of the transaction, IAI is acquiring the

ISRAELI PHALCON ‘EYES IN

holdings of Piramal Technologies SA from India, as well as additional shares from
Fiberless Access and Ronen Nadir. Ronen Nadir will continue to hold 50 per cent of MAKE IN INDIA BOOST: MOD SIGNS CONTRACT WORTH RS 409 CRORE WITH INDIAN COMPANY
SKY’ FOR US$1 BILLION
BlueBird shares and serve as the company’s CEO.
FOR SUPPLYING MULTI-MODE HAND GRENADES
New Delhi. With high costs having been the DRDO IDENTIFIES 108 PLATFORMS FOR INDUSTRY TO DESIGN, DEVELOP New Delhi. In a boost to the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative in the
stumbling block for acquisition of “Falcon”
aircraft, India is now finally going to seal the AND MANUFACTURE TO ACHIEVE ‘ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT’ defence sector, Acquisition Wing of Ministry of Defence (MoD) on October 1
inked a contract with M/s Economic Explosive Ltd (EEL) (Solar Group), Nagpur
long-pending of about US$1 billion deal to New Delhi. In keeping with Prime Minister for supply of 10,00,000 Multi Mode Hand Grenades to the Indian Army at an
acquire two more “Phalcon” airborne warning Narendra Modi’s call for self reliance or ‘Atmanirbhar approximate cost of Rs 409 Crores. These grenades will be replacing the hand
and control system (AWACS) aircraft from Bharat’, India’s Defence Research and Development grenade design of World War-II vintage, in use with the Indian Army.
Israel. According to sources, the acquisition Organisation (DRDO) has taken several initiatives The Multi-Mode Hand Grenade has been designed by DRDO/ Terminal
of the two AWACS, with the Israeli Phalcon to strengthen the indigenous defence ecosystem. Ballistic Research Laboratories (TBRL), and is being produced by M/s EEL,
early-warning radar system mounted on As part of this, a DRDO delegation met Defence Nagpur. The Grenades have a distinctive design, in that, they can be used in
Russian Ilyushin-76 heavy-lift aircraft, is Minister Rajnath Singh on August 24 to apprise both offensive and defensive modes. This is a flagship project showcasing
all set to get the final nod from the Cabinet him about 108 systems and subsystems which have public-private partnership (PPP) under the aegis of Government enabling
Committee on Security (CCS) after extensive been identified for designing and development by “Atmanirbharta” in cutting edge ammunition technologies and accomplishes
inter-ministerial consultations. the Indian industry only. 100 per cent indigenous content.

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L&T-BUILT SEVENTH AND LAST OFFSHORE PATROL F/A-18 SUPER HORNET IS UNDERGOING SKI JUMP TRIALS
VESSEL FOR INDIAN COAST GUARD LAUNCHED FOR INDIAN NAVY
Kattupalli (TN). In an impressive New Delhi. Boeing has been flying an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet off a
function at Larsen and Toubro ground-based ski jump at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland
Ltd (L&T Ltd) shipbuilding at as part of a demonstration effort for the Indian Navy to show that the
Kattupalli in Tamil Nadu, the aircraft can operate from short take-off but arrested recovery configured
AMID ESCALATING SINO-INDIAN BORDER Indian Coast Guard seventh (STOBAR) aircraft carriers, such as the INS Vikramaditya and the future
TENSION, INDIAN ARMY SEEKS ICVS Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV)
was launched on October 6 in
INS Vikrant. “Boeing and the US Navy are in the beginning phases of
operating an F/A-18 Super Hornet from a ski jump at Naval Air Station
WITH NIGHT VISION keeping with maritime tradition Patuxent River to demonstrate it is STOBAR compliant for the Indian Navy,”
by Hema Somanathan, wife of Dr Justin Gibson, a Boeing spokesperson, said. 
New Delhi. As the border tension with China TV Somanathan, IAS, Secretary
continues, Indian Army has sought upgrade of (Expenditure), Ministry of
its ageing BMP-2/2K infantry combat vehicles
(ICVs) with better fire power as well as night-
Finance.The OPV is the last in the
series of OPVs being built by L&T Shipbuilding
will enhance its operational, surveillance, search
and rescue capability. SECOND BATCH OF 4 RAFALE FIGHTERS TO ARRIVE NEXT MONTH: SOURCE
fighting capabilities. The ageing Russian-origin under the contract signed between Ministry of The OPV would be utilised for day and night
BMP vehicles, which have anti-tank missiles, Defence and L&T, Ltd on March 30, 2015. It was patrol/ surveillance along with anti-terrorist/ New Delhi. The second batch
cannons and machine guns but suffer from night- the first time that the contract for building an anti-smuggling operations in Exclusive Economic of Rafale fighter jets — likely
blindness, have also been deployed along the OPV Class of Vessel was awarded to a Private Zone (EEZ) and Coastal Security. The Vessel will to be four in number — is set to
Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh Shipyard, i.e. in line with the Government’s have two Navigation Radars and ultra-modern arrive at the Ambala Air Force
to counter the build-up by the Chinese People’s policy of “Make in India”. technology including sophisticated navigational Station in October as part of the
Liberation Army (PLA). The OPV is likely to be inducted into and latest communication system which are Rs 59,000-crore deal with the
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in March 2021 after capable of operating in tropical conditions. The French government, according
to indications. “The next set of
UNSC REFORM BEING “HELD
completion of extensive trials and testing for expected life span of the ship is more than 25
the equipment and machineries fitted onboard. years. The ship would be manned by 102 crew, fighters, which are likely to be

HOSTAGE” AND USED AS A The length of the OPVs is 98 metres and including 14 Officers and 88 Subordinate Officers four in number, will arrive in the
country in October,” a source said.
“CONVENIENT SMOKESCREEN” BY
breadth 14.8 metres with gross tonnage of 2,100 and Enrolled Personnel. Despite the restriction
tonnes. The endurance of the vessel is 5,000 and constraints faced by Industries across the Five Rafale jets, including two twin-

SOME NATIONS: INDIA nautical miles at cruising speed. The cruising

speed of the ship is 12-14 knots and maximum
world due to COVID-19, the coordinated efforts
of ICG Overseeing Team with L&T Shipbuilding
seaters, had landed on July 27 at
the Ambala Air Force Station, home
of the first squadron of the French
United Nations. India has sought
tangible action to achieve the long-delayed
speed of 26 knots can be achieved. The ship will
be fitted with indigenous 30 mm 2A42 gun and
have resulted in timely launching of the Vessel.
This milestone will ensure timely delivering of fighters. DEFENCE MINISTER LAUNCHES
reforms of the United Nations saying that two 12.7 mm gun. The ship has been designed the Vessel to ICG which is the need of hour in NAVAL INNOVATION AND
intergovernmental negotiations on Security to carry integral Twin Engine Helicopter which today’s existing security scenario. INDIGENISATION ORGANISATION
Council reform are being “held hostage”
and used as a “convenient smokescreen” by
INDIAN ARMY ISSUES TENDER FOR 7.62MM AMMUNITION FROM PRIVATE SECTOR
New Delhi. Defence Minister
countries that do not wish to see any changes GOVT GRANTS PERMANENT COMMISSION TO WOMEN OFFICERS IN INDIAN ARMY New Delhi: In a move to take Rajnath Singh on August 13
in the most powerful organ of the multilateral forward the long-delayed process launched the Naval Innovation
organisation. India also underlined that it will New Delhi. Ministry of Defence (MoD) of opening up ammunition and Indigenisation Organisation
take steps to see how the goal can be realised has issued the formal Government manufacture to the private (NIIO) through an online webinar.
in the next session of the UN General Assembly Sanction Letter for grant of Permanent sector, the Indian Army has Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi
(UNGA). In a letter to the President of the Commission (PC) to Women Officers issued a Request for Information Adityanath and other dignitaries
74th Session of the General Assembly of the in the Indian Army paving the way (RFI) for procurement of five were also present at the event.
world body Tijjani Muhammed-Bande, India’s for empowering Women Officers to different types of 7.62mm caliber The NIIO puts in place dedicated
Deputy Permanent Representative to the shoulder larger roles in the organisation. ammunition to meet the annual structures for the end users to
UN, Ambassador K Nagaraj Naidu, conveyed The order specifies grant of PC to Short requirement for the next 10 years. interact with academia and industry
New Delhi’s strong disappointment over Service Commissioned (SSC) Women The RFI was issued by the Army’s towards fostering innovation and
the decision regarding roll-over of the inter- Officers in all ten streams of the Indian Army i.e Army Air Defence (AAD), Signals, Engineers, Master General of Ordnance, and indigenisation for self-reliance in
governmental negotiations (IGN) on UNSC Army Aviation, Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), Army Service Corps (ASC), Army gets particular focus following the 101 negative import list announced by the Defence Ministry defence in keeping with the vision
reforms into the next session of the General Ordnance Corps (AOC), and Intelligence Corps in addition to the existing streams of Judge that includes a range of ammunition. of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Assembly that begins in September. and Advocate General (JAG) and Army Educational Corps (AEC).

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BUSINESS CONGLOMERATE EDGE TO ACQUIRE LOCKHEED MARTIN SHARES IN WEST ORDNANCE FACTORY TIRUCHIRAPPALLI
ADANI ENTERPRISES ACQUIRES ASIA’S LEADING MRO PROVIDER AMMROC LAUNCHES STABILISED REMOTE
51% STAKE IN PLR SYSTEMS CONTROLLED GUN
Abu Dhabi, UAE. EDGE, the Abu
Dhabi based advanced technology
group for defence and beyond,
on July 24 announced that it
has entered into a conditional
agreement to acquire the remaining
40 per cent stake currently held
by Lockheed Martin Corporation
and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin

Mumbai. Adani Land Defence Systems

Company, in Advanced Military
Maintenance Repair and Overhaul GERMAN DEFENCE AND SECURITY ELECTRONICS PIONEER New Delhi: The Ordnance Factory of
and Technologies, a subsidiary of Adani
Enterprises Ltd (AEL), acquired 51 per cent
Center (AMMROC). AMMROC is the leading provider of military Maintenance, Repair, and
Overhaul (MRO) services in the West Asia region. Both Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky have HENSOLDT DEVELOPS SELF-PROTECTION SYSTEM MUSS Tiruchirappalli (OFT) has launched an
indigenously manufactured weapon named
equity shares of PLR Systems from Fouraces been shareholders in AMMROC since its inception in 2010, helping to develop military operation stabilized remote controlled gun (SRCG).
Systems. The transaction was completed by skills and capabilities within the country.  Taufkirchen, Germany. Germany-based HENSOLDT, a pioneer of technology and innovation in A dedicated assembly and testing facility
way of a cash transaction with one of the the field of defence and security electronics, has developed Multifunctional Self-Protection System were also opened for manufacturing the
existing shareholders of PLR, Adani Enterprises (MUSS). MUSS is a soft kill-based active protection system (APS). “We have fundamentally revised weapon here. Defence Minister Rajnath

IN A FIRST, NAVANTIA LAUNCHES CORVETTE FOR SAUDI ARABIA

announced. PLR Systems, incorporated in and repositioned our technology,” explained Dr Oliver Rudow, Head of Business Line Countermeasures Singh launched the weapon through video-
2013, is engaged in manufacture and supply of & Ground Protection Systems. conferencing on August 10 as part of
indigenously manufactured defence equipment Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (self-reliant

MOROCCO, NETHERLANDS, AND INDIA TO GAIN LONGBOW FIRE

to the armed forces in India and other countries. Riyadh. Spanish shipbuilding major Navantia India mission).
The statement said, PLR Systems’ authorised successfully carried out at 17:22 hours (local time)

CONTROL RADAR FOR AH-64E APACHE HELICOPTERS DEFENCE MINISTER

share capital is Rs 13 crore and paid-up share on July 22 the launching of AL-JUBAIL, the first of
capital stands at Rs 12.04 crore.  five corvettes built for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces
(RSNF). The ceremony was held in slipway number
LAUNCHES BEML’S
GRSE CONTINUES STRONG 2 at the San Fernando shipyard, and was chaired ORLANDO, Florida. The US Army recently awarded

PERFORMANCE IN 2019-20; REVENUE

by the Commander of RSNF, Vice Admiral Fahad
Bin Abdullah Al-Ghofaily; by the Chairwoman of
LONGBOW Limited Liability Company (LBL), a joint
venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman INDIGENOUS PRODUCTS
Navantia, Susana de Sarriá; by the Acting CEO of SAMI, Eng. Walid Abukhaled; and by Corporation, four Foreign Military Sales contracts to
FROM OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES the Admiral of Logistics Support Bay of Cadiz of Spanish Navy, Vice Admiral Ricardo A.
Hernández López (Alardiz).
provide the AH-64E Apache helicopter AN/APG-78
LONGBOW Fire Control Radar (FCR) to Morocco,
STANDS AT RS 1433.30 CRORE Netherlands, UAE and India armies. The addition of

BOEING, MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES PARTNER ON STATE OF THE

Morocco, the Netherlands and India armies expands
Kolkata. The performance of Garden Reach the LONGBOW customer base to include 16 foreign militaries and 14 nations. UAE is updating from
Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE),
a Government of India Undertaking under ART UPGRADES TO JAPAN’S F-15J FLEET the AH-64D to the AH-64E aircraft. These contracts are a direct result of the five-year production
requirements contract the US Department of Defense awarded to LBL in 2016.
the Ministry of Defence (MoD) continued to

DRDO SUCCESSFULLY FLIGHT TESTS HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGY

be strong and the company’s revenue from TOKYO. Boeing and Mitsubishi Heavy New Delhi: Rajnath Singh Defence Minister,
operations stood at Rs. 1433.30 crore during Industries (MHI) recently signed a Direct GoI today launched BEML’s Indigenously

DEMONSTRATOR VEHICLE
the year 2019-20 as compared Rs. 1386.42 Commercial Sale agreement to support designed & developed products such as
crore over the corresponding period in the upgrades to Japan’s F-15J fleet. The BH150E 150 Ton Dump Truck; BE1800E
previous year thus resulting in a percentage contract is part of a larger $4.5 billion 180 Ton Electrical Excavator; BD50HST
increase of 3.38 per cent. The result was modernization program, announced by the US New Delhi: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully demonstrated Heli-Portable Dozer; and Medium Bullet
declared at GRSE’s 104th Annual General Government in October 2019. The upgrades the hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology with the flight test of Hypersonic Technology Proof Vehicle ‘GAUR’ (MBPV) coinciding
Meeting (AGM) held on September 11 through will introduce state-of-the-art electronic Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) at 1103 hours from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler with Atmanirbharta Saptah. The launch
VC/OAVM. The Meeting was attended by Rear warfare and weapons. An all-new advanced Island, off the coast of Odisha on September 7. The hypersonic cruise vehicle was launched using a ceremony was done virtually in the presence
Admiral VK Saxena, IN (Retd), Chairman & cockpit system, running on the world’s most proven solid rocket motor, which took it to an altitude of 30 kilometres (km), where the aerodynamic of Secretary Defence and Secretary Defence
Managing Director and other Directors, along advanced mission computer, will deliver heat shields were separated at hypersonic Mach number. The cruise vehicle separated from the launch (Production) among others.
with shareholders. pilots enhanced situational awareness. vehicle and the air intake opened as planned.

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RUSSIAN HELICOPTERS SIGN CONTRACT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF BIG BOOST TO ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT INITIATIVE: BEML
MODERN SHIP-BORNE HELICOPTER BAGS ORDER FOR HIGH MOBILITY VEHICLES WORTH `842 CR
Moscow. Russian Helicopters holding
Bangalore. BEML Ltd, a leading defence equipment manufacturer and
company (part of the Rostecstate
a ‘Schedule A’ company of the Government of India under the Ministry
corporation) has signed a contract with
of Defence (MoD), received a prestigious order from Ministry of Defence
the Russian Ministry of Defense for the
(MoD) for the supply of 330 High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) for Pinaka
THAI ENVOY ANNOUNCES THE ROYAL development of a modern ship-borne
helicopter. A signing ceremony was held as
Project at an approximate cost of Rs 842 crore. Pinaka is a multi-barrel
THAI ARMY’S PURCHASE OF 600 TATA part of the International Military-Technical
rocket launcher developed indigenously for the Indian Army and produced
in India with the involvement of Public Sector and Private Sector Defence
MOTORS DEFENCE TRUCKS Forum “ARMY-2020”, which is taking place
in the Patriotic Park of Recreation and
Industries. The multi-barrel launcher system is mounted on the highly
rugged BEML truck, much acclaimed for its off-road mobility and would
Leisure “Patriot” in the Moscow Region.
New Delhi: The announcement by Prime provide the Indian Army with vital manoeuvrability on the battlefield. 
Minister Narendra Modi of ‘vocal for local’
signals that products be made competitive
vis-a-vis global brands. Tata Motors – India’s
JINDAL ALUMINIUM INCREASING FOCUS ON DEFENCE, AEROSPACE SEGMENTS: MD MOD ISSUES CLARIFICATION ON INDIGENOUSLY MANUFACTURED ITEMS
leading auto brand – seems to have solidified the
brand’s stance for the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative,
Bengaluru: As the government is
focussing on Atmanirbhar Bharat
AMONG NEGATIVE LIST FOR IMPORTS
by manufacturing high-end military support or self reliance in the defence
vehicles not just for the country, but one that fits New Delhi: A day after releasing 101 items of defence equipment which would be embargoed, the
sector with encouragement to Ministry of Defence (MoD) clarified that after release of the negative list of items, certain queries
the purpose of international defence deals. More private sector putting embargo on
recently, Thai ambassador to India Chutintorn have been received with respect to inclusion of some of the items like the light combat aircraft
101 defence items, India’s largest LCA Mark 1A, Pinaka rocket system and Akash missile system, which are manufactured in India. An
Sam Gongsakdilauded India’s Atmanirbhar aluminium extrusion firm Jindal
Bharat initiative by announcing the purchase of official defence ministry release highlighted that systems like LCA MK 1A, Pinaka rocket system,
Aluminium, which controls over 30 Akash Missile System, etc. are developed with qualitative requirements framed by Defence Forces.
600 Tata motors military trucks. per cent of the domestic market, is
increasing its focus on the defence
Such systems are also available in the international market. BEML SIGNS MOUS WITH IIT,
ELBIT-BUILT MULTI-ROTOR VTOL MINI and aerospace segments, says a senior company official. The Rs 3,000-crore Bengaluru-based KANPUR & NASSCOM-COE
UAS ‘THOR’ PASSES MULTIPLE TESTS company with 52 years of history is also the second largest maker of aluminium flat rolled
products, producing 50,000 million tonnes of rolled products, giving it 10-12 per cent of the
FIRST ROCKETS PRODUCED BY PRIVATE SECTOR SUCCESSFULLY TEST FIRED New Delhi: BEML teamed up with

BEFORE DELIVERY TO SOUTHEAST

IIT – Kanpur in the field of UAV
market; and 1,20,000 million tonnes of extruded products per annum. New Delhi: In keeping with the government’s recently announced Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Make in India and NASSCOM – CoE (Centre of
ASIAN NATION got a major boost as the first ever rockets fully manufactured by the private sector were successfully Excellence) for AI & IoT related
INDO-US DTTI: BENGALURU START UP TO DEVELOP AIR LAUNCHED DRONES FOR ARMED FORCES test fired by Indian Army, signalling that single source dependency on Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) will
soon be a thing of the past. The Pinaka rockets were tested at a firing range in Pokharan on August 19
areas in the virtual presence of
Rajnath Singh Defence Minister on
New Delhi: In a boost to indigenise defence industry, and achieved the desired results by accurately hitting targets. The rockets have been manufactured by August 14. Chief of Defence Staff,
a Bengaluru-based start-up is part of the first Indo-US the private sector after a technology transfer agreement with the Defence Research and Development Gen. Bipin Rawat, PVSM, Secretary
technology collaboration project in the aerospace Organisation (DRDO). (Defence Production) and other
sector and will work with the US Air Force Research senior officials were present on the
Labs to develop future air launched drones for the
armed forces. NewSpace Research and Technologies BEL UPGRADES ATDS MAAREECH MANUFACTURING FACILITY WITH AN EYE occasion. Dr. Deepak Kumar Hota,
CMD BEML exchanged the signed
Tel Aviv. THOR, a multi-rotor Vertical Take-
off and Landing (VTOL) mini Unmanned
Pvt Ltd, a start-up that lists itself as a 46 member
team, is part of a project selected under the Indo-US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative
ON ‘ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT’ copies with Sanjeev Malhotra,
CEO NASSCOM and Professor A R
Aircraft System (UAS), manufactured by Elbit (DTTI) to develop air launched unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Harish, Dean, IIT Kanpur after signing
Bengaluru/ New Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath
Systems successfully completed a series of the MoUs. BEML will collaborate
Singh on August 10 inaugurated through Video
environmental qualification tests ahead of RS 1 LAKH CRORE BOUNTY FOR HYDERABAD DEFENCE, AEROSPACE SECTOR Conference the upgraded, state-of-the-art Maareech
with IIT Kanpur for joint indigenous
development of Pilotless Target
the delivery of more than a thousand of units Integration Facility. Gowtama M V, Chairman &
to an army in Southeast Asia. Company was Hyderabad: With the government banning import of 101 weapons, platforms and equipment, Aircraft and tactical Unmanned Aerial
Managing Director, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), on
awarded a US$153 million contract to provide a the defence and aerospace sector of Hyderabad, which is key to India’s plans to become self- Vehicles. Both the organizations will
the occasion gave a presentation to the Defence Minister
networked multi-layered UAS array to an army sufficient in defence manufacturing, is poised to bag orders worth over Rs 1 lakh crore in the synergize respective capabilities and
on Advanced Torpedo Decoy System (ATDS) Maareech.
in Southeast Asia, including more than 1,000 next couple of years, said G Satheesh Reddy, secretary of the department of defence R&D and undertake feasibility study, design &
This initiative by BEL is in accordance with Prime
THOR VTOL mini-UAS, as per announcement chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) during a virtual conclave development, testing & validations of
Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar
made on October 6 last year. on “Make in Telangana” organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). UAV & PTA.
Bharat’, a self-reliant nation.

134 www.raksha-anirveda.com RAKSHA ANIRVEDA OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020 135

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DELENG19655/F-2(R-6)PRESS2018
Vol 2, Issue 11, Oct-Dec 2020

88TH
ANNIVERSARY

CAN PVT ENTITIES HIT

TARGET IN SMALL ARM
DEVELOPMENT?
It is to wait and watch
if private entities hit
the target in small
arm development as
government gives
a go ahead to their
entry

China’s Belligerence: FM’s Reform Package Interview: Ariel Karo,

The Big Picture for Atmanirbharta EVP, Mkt & BD, RADS
India needs to discern China’s Success of reform package to Rafael fully committed to Indian
intent and larger strategic depend on how effectively systems Armed Forces technological
signals emanating from Beijing and procedures are implemented edge and operational readiness