SP's Land Forces 05-2008

Issue 5 • 2008

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SP’s

LandForces P U B L I C AT I O N

ROUNDUP

T h e O N LY j o u r n a l i n A s i a d e d i c a t e d t o L a n d F o r c e s

Recurrent and tiring rounds of talks, agreements and discussions minus a significant breakthrough, or even the possibility of one, indicate that the border conflict has all the ingredients of becoming a major spoiler in Indo-China relations.

5

DR MONIKA ? CHANSORIA

EEdi t orial d itorial

LT GENERAL (RETD) PRAN PAHWA

Unmanned ground vehicles hold great significance for militaries around the world, particularly the way in which military force is applied against insurgents in counter-insurgency operations.

India’s response to the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai has revealed glaring weaknesses. The country’s counter terrorism mechanism must be forged on lessons learnt in the past. We need to build on the existing strengths and not hesitate to throw out the dead wood.

LT GEN (RETD) VK KAPOOR ?

9

? KUMAR SANJAY

Ex c l u s i v e I n t e r v i ew

Photographs: SP Guide Pubns

Independent India’s history has weathered challenges that would have fragmented nations with lesser intrinsic strength or national will.

Reeling under the devastation unleashed by terrorists in Mumbai, the country is once again passing through one such complicated phase when the national security calculus is hugely impacted upon by a large number of imponderables. External security along India’s western border is adversely affected by an impoverished and destabilised Pakistan pervaded by Taliban, al-Qaeda and other home grown variety of terrorists. Jihadi groups in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, sponsored, trained and funded by Islamabad, are active in Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India through her western and eastern borders.

A never too friendly China is progressively and relentlessly continuing with its military modernisation. Their pace and scope of military transformation have increased in recent years fueled by acquisition of advanced foreign weapons, continued high rates of investment in domestic defence and science and technology industries, and far reaching organisation and doctrinal reforms of the armed forces.

The third major challenge emanates from within. Addressing the National Integration Council on October 13, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said: “In the recent past, we have been witnessing signs of increasing fissiparous tendencies in areas like the Northeast, Jammu and Kashmir, in Orissa and Karnataka, in Assam and some other parts of our country... We see ethnicity and religion being used as arguments to stir divisions.”

Fact is, politics—rather than effective governance—has sullied the administrative milieu in India. Even as the country reverberates with the gunshots that devastated and immobilised denizens of Mumbai for close to 60 hours, politicians of all hues and allegiances have begun to draw public ire by indulging in diversionary tactics and inflammatory rhetoric. Sadly, the nation’s top brass seems oddly out of sync with the nation’s aspirations and helpless in the face of the anger of its outraged citizens. The government has so far failed dismally in instilling confidence in the people in its ability to appropriately access and address the gravity of the situation. India has the political talent to provide this type of leadership but first, political parties will have to shed their pettiness and come together to steer the nation to its logical destiny.

EDITOR

AN SP GUIDE

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In This Issue

10

Vo l 5 N o 5

‘Growing

Chinese

influence worrisome’ General Deepak Kapoor took over as the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on October 1, 2007. On the completion of a year in office, he spoke to SP’s Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal and Editor of SP’s Land Forces Lt General (Retd) V.K. Kapoor, sharing his thoughts and perceptions on the security challenges facing the nation and modernisation of the army.

Excerpts.

Lt General (Retd) V.K. Kapoor 5/2008 SP’S LAND FORCES

1

SP’s: As the COAS, what in your perception are the security challenges facing the nation, in general, and the Indian Army (IA), in particular?

COAS: The global security architecture is gradually shifting towards multi-polarity in power equations with a discernible shift in the global centre of gravity to Asia.

However, this region is beset with myriad problems and conflicts marked by deeprooted distrust and rivalries. Countries in our immediate neighbourhood are also undergoing varying forms of instability.

On the other hand, the nature of warfare is changing and evolving rapidly, with 4th Generation Warfare (4 GW) and asymmetric threats coming to the fore. Terrorism, proxy war, militancy and insurgency are forms of irregular and 4 GW, which will be increasingly employed by non-state actors to exploit the vulnerabilities of ‘stronger’ states and military powers. This will pose a major threat to the country in the future and will increasingly take ingenuous forms and means to constantly challenge the expertise of security forces.

The epicentre of global terrorism being in our neighbourhood, coupled with the threat of asymmetric warfare presents special security challenges for the nation. Nonconventional threats transcend interstate boundaries in the region, and these threats could be targeted at our economy, technology, culture and morale. A conventional conflict in the future is, therefore, likely to be accompanied by a large number of such 4 GW manifestations. India, therefore, faces unique challenges—ranging from ‘Traditional Land Centric Threats’ necessitating multi-front obligations, to ‘asymmetric threats’, including its proxy war manifestations, combined with other internal security challenges.

“The current phase of the proxy war in J&K has shown considerable improvement compared to the previous years...

However, lately there has been a spurt in grenade attacks by terrorists on soft targets. The violence level is likely to increase in the period of run up to the Assembly elections.” and weapon procurements. What were the objectives of your visit to Russia in the last week of June 2008 and what was achieved?

COAS: To state that our political relationship with Russia is strained would not be a correct assessment. On the other hand, the primary objective of my visit to Russia was to consolidate the existing military-to-military relations and build a personal rapport with the senior hierarchy of the Russian Army, as also to identify areas of joint interest and cooperation for the future. This visit also provided me the opportunity to convey our legitimate concerns to the Russian military hierarchy on contractual obligations and its related fallouts, as affecting us.

SP’S: Given the evolving global geo-political situation, beginning with Presidential election in the US that may pave the way for an early pullout from Iraq, enhanced turbulence in Afghanistan owing to resurgence of Taliban, changes in Nepal and

this context, our focus is to ensure that the IA modernisation and capability upgradation continue to keep pace with ongoing threat assessments and enunciated national security requirements.

SP’s: You recently spoken of the need to strengthen our capability in space warfare keeping in view the growing capability of China in the regime of space warfare.

What, if any, has been the progress on a tri-service basis in this regard?

COAS: Space is emerging as a vital fourth dimension of warfare. Space applications would enhance the functional efficacy of the Services in many areas. This includes use of space for communications, weather forecasts, avalanche warnings, navigation, disaster management and so on. The army is the largest user of such space applications.

The growing importance of space has necessitated the Indian armed forces take appropriate initiatives for optimum exploitation of space. Various space initiatives by the IA include the formulation of Army Space Vision 2020, creation of Army Space Cell at Perspective Planning Directorate at Army Headquarters, conduct of space related training, enhanced representation in different space related organisations and building of related capabilities.

SP’s: What is the current operational situation in J&K? Considering the fluidity in the political situation in Pakistan how do you see the insurgency situation and the status of ceasefire unfolding in the future?

COAS: The ceasefire on the Line of Control is holding with some aberrations. Lately, there have been a number of incidents of ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops deployed on the Line of Control. The cur-

Though a civilian government has been installed in Pakistan, the political situation remains uncertain. The security situation in North West Frontier Province, Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Balochistan is precarious. Support from across the border to the ongoing proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir continues, despite disclaimers to the contrary. Terrorist infrastructure across is intact and infiltration attempts by terrorists are made regularly. We may witness an upsurge in violence levels as we approach the Assembly elections.

SP’s: China continues to speak with two voices, one moderate and one menacing.

How do you view China’s incursions along the line of actual control and its deliberate attempts to influence events in the countries in India’s immediate neighbourhood?

COAS: In the context of reports of Chinese incursions, it needs to be understood that the India-China border is not formally demarcated and both countries have their own perceptions of the LAC. Troops of both countries patrol upto their respective perceptions which are perceived as incursions.

As part of Confidence Building Measures Agreement, there are mutually accepted mechanisms and procedures to prevent escalation of situations and maintain peace and tranquility along the borders. As of now, these mechanisms are working well. Chinese attempts to increase its arc of influence in countries in our neighbourhood are cause of concern. We are keeping a close watch on the developments and appropriate steps are being taken to secure our interests.

SP’s: Considering that China is India’s most formidable challenge in the future and in view of its close strategic ties with

SP’s: What are the aims and objectives of defence cooperation with various nations?

Which are the nations with whom the IA is currently exercising at levels higher than platoons and companies?

COAS: Military-to-military cooperation between India and other friendly countries has helped in not only familiarising with available technologies and best practices, but has also enhanced mutual understanding with friendly foreign countries. I view the gains accruing to us from this aspect in terms of developing mutual trust and confidence, and the capability to operate along side other armies to undertake international military engagements. This is also the basis for addressing shared concerns over threats like terrorism, extremism and militancy.

Besides, such interaction also helps us keep abreast of latest developments world wide in technology and doctrinal concepts. Our focus remains on engaging with countries in our immediate and strategic neighbourhood, as also with leading world powers to strengthen defence relationships thereby promoting peace and stability in the region.

Joint exercises, at company level, are only being conducted with select friendly foreign countries. In the recent past, such exercises have been conducted with the US, UK, China and Singapore. Gradually the level will be enhanced over a period of time.

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SP’s: Have the exercises with armies of friendly countries in any way impacted the operational philosophy of the army?

COAS: Our operational philosophy is developed to cover the peculiar circumstances, threats and challenges that we face as a nation. It, therefore, is unique to meet our operational requirement. What we gain from these joint exercises and training is an exposure to each other’s best practices and techniques, as also generate confidence to operate alongside, under a UN charter, as and when so mandated by the government.

SP’s: Lately our political relations with Russia have been strained which would undoubtedly impact military relations

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SP’ S L AN D FO RC E S 5/ 2 0 0 8

its growing proximity to China, and the turmoil in Sri Lanka, what in your view are the implications for India’s security interests? What role and responsibility do you see for the IA? Is the army structured and organised to contend with the regional challenges effectively?

COAS: The situation in Afghanistan remains critical, as the Taliban continues to strengthen its ranks and step up attempts to disrupt the reconstruction process.

Long term commitment of the US and International Security Assistance Force to ‘stay the course’ is likely, as Afghanistan is the key to the ‘War on Terror’. We also have very strong and traditional ties with all our other neighbouring countries. However, some of these continue to be afflicted by internal security problems, which, owing to trans-border ethnic affinities, have the potential to spill over into our country. These can have resultant security ramifications for India. We, therefore, need to keep a continuous watch on the situation in our immediate neighbourhood. The IA, as an important constituent of Comprehensive National Power, has an important role to play in ensuring peace and stability in the region.

This calls for the need to keep the armed forces ‘ready and relevant’ at all times. In

rent phase of the proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir has shown considerable improvement compared to the previous years. The levels of violence in 2007 were about 55 per cent lower as compared to that of 2006 and the trend continues in 2008. However, lately

“India faces unique challenges—ranging from ‘Traditional Land Centric Threats’, to ‘asymmetric threats’, combined with other internal security challenges.” there has been a spurt in grenade attacks by terrorists on soft targets. The violence level is likely to increase in the period of run up to the Assembly elections.

There is simmering discontentment in the state which could be exploited by separatist groups and militant factions impacting the overall security situation. The army, whenever required, will assist the civil administration to bring the situation under control.

Pakistan, to what extent is the IA prepared to confront this challenge? Does the IA have the capability to fight China and Pakistan simultaneously? What are the major voids in the IA in the Eastern sector that need to be addressed?

COAS: As an emerging power with focus on economic growth and military modernisation, China seeks to assert it’s centrality in the Asian Security Order. Therefore, the qualitative and quantitative quotients of its military profile are bound to grow which should not be a reason for undue alarm.

We need to, however, continuously appraise China’s growing economic and military capacities. We are doing precisely that while ensuring that our responses are firm and measured.

It will not be possible for me to spell out precise operational details, however, it would suffice to say that the Government of India is aware of Chinese infrastructural developments and force accretions as also the nuances of a possible collusive threat in concert with Pakistan. With the improvement of infrastructure and ongoing plans of accretions and modernisation of our armed forces, the eastern theatre remains adequately equipped and prepared to respond to any threat to our national security. SP

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BMS enables operational planning, establishes a common language across all combat elements and allocates boundaries and areas of responsibility tories etc. Such information can automatically be sent to the brigade, where it is used to create real-time situational reports at the headquarters. When used with mechanized infantry units, BMS systems can be detached from the vehicle to support dismounted infantry operations. In this application, wireless (WiFi) links are vital for the integration of the services available on the vehicle, its crew and the dismounted element.

Israeli system

Photographs: Nexter

In Elbit’s Battlefield Enhanced Smart Training architecture, the BMS is embedded with simulation and debriefing capabilities. This approach enables combined training of live, simulated and virtual forces, at multiple locations and different levels (battalion, brigade and other units).

A command and control vehicle with networked onboard computers

Enhanced Capability When embedded in armoured fighting vehicles or infantry combat clothing, a BMS becomes the basic level of the tactical C4I network LT GENERAL (RETD) V.K. KAPOOR

I

nternal unrest, together with global and regional disturbances, could give rise to a horde of violence and conflicts posing serious threat to the security and stability in India’s neighbourhood. Ethnic and sectarian violence, insurgencies, narcotics/drug wars, illegal immigration, religious fundamentalism, terrorism (local and international), territorial disputes over unsettled boundaries, conflicts due to great power rivalries, proliferation of nuclear weapons, WMD falling into the hands of terrorists, wars to secure resource areas, and piracy and terrorism at sea, on land and in the air are a few of the portended disasters.

India, therefore, has to adopt a more pragmatic approach towards its military capabilities in the future. The differing nature of the above conflicts and emerging trends in the battlefield environment requires flexibility, mobility, quick-response capability and exploitation of the technology spectrum to secure war winning advantages in future military endeavours.

WWW.SPSLANDFORCES.NET

Modern technology

Historically, countless examples illustrate that technology is one of the principle factors that drives change in the method of war fighting and India is facing an entirely new technology era, generated through advancements in the field of miniaturisation, digitisation, material science, bio-technology, sensor technology, stealth, communications and information technology. India needs to integrate new technologies as warfighting systems. The dominant technology trends are in the field of long range precision firepower, integrative technologies, stealth technologies, and Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technologies.

Advances in the field of communications, computers, command & control, information and interoperability (C4I2) have provided

military capabilities to view the battle space as one composite whole and thus be tackled jointly or singly by any weapon of any service which is within range. Inter-operability will be the essence for the different C4I2 systems of the three services (army, navy and the air force). Network-enabled warfare, at the unit level, has certain distinct characteristics that need to be understood to comprehend the impending change in the method of war waging at the tactical levels of a battalion/regimental level battle/combat group.

General architecture

A Battle Management System (BMS) is designed for the battalion/regimental level battle or combat group. It enables operational planning, establishes a common language across all combat elements and allocates boundaries and areas of responsibility. It automatically updates the intelligence within the battle/combat group and distributes target information and alerts to all concerned.

Thus, it enables flexible planning and operation. When integrated with on-board networked computers, every platform becomes a networked sensor and a shooter. Weapons can be slaved by remote users, to remote sensors, therefore, empowering the system with more flexibility. This ensures faster tempo of operations, and effective employment and distribution of firepower without risking fratricide. A BMS integrates built-in navigation and communications functions which are fully integrated with the platform, on-board sensors and weapons.

When embedded in armoured fighting vehicles, or infantry combat clothing, a BMS becomes the basic level of the tactical C4I network. BMS systems commonly rely on information collectively gathered by the unit’s combat echelons (tanks, APCs, reconnaissance and surveillance elements, and so on) to populate its databases with information

The Israeli Defence Force has trainers for battalion combat team. The Merkava Mk4 main battle tank has on-board trainers for, providing full simulation environment for commander and the gunner. It supports training from the individual tanks up to the combat team level.

US Army system

Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) system provides the US Army software and hardware tools that support operational situations at the brigade level and below, down to the individual soldier and for the single platform level. The system integrates subscriber sets covering the brigade’s entire area of interest, including Bradley or Stryker combat vehicles, M-1A2 (Abrams Main Battle Tanks), AH-64D attack helicopters, OH-58D and Black Hawk helicopters, artillery and combat support elements. The system’s coverage extends far beyond the line of sight and visual communications ranges provided by

about the location, status and intentions of own and enemy forces. Specific targets are marked on the BMS displays, providing clear and specific situational pictures to each subunit, allocating tasks and coordinating fire and maneuver over a large area, without the need for visual coordination.

The integration of own force tracking further improves situational awareness and minimises the risk of fratricide. Displays used on AFVs must have high intensity illumination, to overcome direct sunlight as well as very low illumination, for night operations. Operation usually supports touch screen or pushbuttons, activating a limited number of preset functions, with an embedded pointing device and virtual alphanumeric keyboard. This layout is designed to meet the requirement of operation with full combat gear, in harsh hot, cold and humid conditions, including under full NBC protection suits.

To minimize clutter, BMS units are set to filter information, presenting a limited data set including local units, and targets relevant for immediate engagement. Yet, for planning, situation analysis and providing a broader view when necessary, BMS can present larger views of the area, supporting automated functions of terrain analysis, route planning, generating of orders, status reports, A soldier reads a map on his hand held display maintain tracks of inven-

Continued on page 8

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SP’S LAND FORCE S 5/ 2 0 0 8

Counter Ter rorism

Glaring weaknesses

Editor-in-Chief Comments

HOUR OF RECKONING

I

ndia’s financial capital Mumbai was struck once again by terrorists. The difference from earlier attacks in 1993 and 2006 was that instead of planting bombs at vital places and in trains to ensure maximum casualties and derive utmost publicity, this time it was a suicide mission led by a well-trained and suitably equipped fidayeen squad of 10 terrorists from Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), all from Pakistan, who apparently had planned the mission well in advance and had complete details of the intended targets. The terror strikes which began on Wednesday, November 26 at about 9.30 pm were finally defeated by November 29 morning after nearly 62 hours of battle by the security forces.

The places targeted included Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), Leopold Café, Nariman House and the hotels, Triden-Oberoi and Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel. With TV channels adopting a proactive role in capturing every action and retaliation, the nation watched stunned as the gory details unfolded in the minutest detail.

Sinister intentions

The pattern of the Mumbai attacks, the targeting pattern and the subsequent killing spree suggest the following aims/intentions: • To strike at India’s global and financial heartland which is Mumbai • To strike at foreigners (tourists and business personnel) especially from the US, Europe and Israel who would be easy to locate and target in India • To club India with the western world for Islamist terrorism due to India’s growing relations with the US • To show to the world that India is not a safe investment destination • To hit India’s commercial relations with the West and the rest of the world • To reveal the notorious softness of the Indian state, that it is incapable of looking after its own interests, and, therefore, does not deserve a place in the UN. • To provoke an Indian reaction and perhaps cause an India-Pakistan conflict.

The weak Indian response

India’s response to the terrorist attack can be assessed in the light of terrorist actions, which highlight our weaknesses and are briefly analysed. The major weaknesses and

in India’s response

Counter terrorism mechanism must be forged on lessons learnt in the past. We need to build on the existing strengths and not hesitate to throw out the dead wood.

LT GENERAL (RETD) V.K. KAPOOR

Photograph: www.cbc.ca

In the context of the devastating terrorist attack on Mumbai on 26/11—most unpredictable and horrifying—it is time for our government and administration to: • respect human lives • take a realistic stock of the situation • analyse the country’s standing in terms of: - pre-emptive measures to prevent recurrence - identification of deficiencies that undermine our capability to defend our nation, our boundaries and protect the lives of our citizens - analysis, identification and corrective action in the areas of administrative failures - evaluation of existing apparatus with a view to assess whether it needs overhaul or total replacement with mechanisms, systems and organisations capable of neutralising the newly emerging threats that have totally overwhelmed our security establishments, thereby raising serious doubts about their viability and relevance • learn the right lessons from Washington’s response to 9/11 as India has been reduced to a soft target • place demands on the defence industry to provide through advanced technology, effective deterrence and the capability to pre-empt acts of terrorism • adopt pro-active policies to identify and annihilate terror groups with evil designs against India • rigorously implement measures to protect innocent lives from the bullets of remorseless assassins Expressing our shock and outrage at this ghastly and dastardly act of terror, we at SP’s extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. May the country rally around this crisis and find the will to build the shield that will protect our nation from such violently divisive and decadent forces.

Jayant Baranwal Editor-in-Chief

some remedies are enumerated in the succeeding paragraphs.

Intelligence failure: This can be examined in three phases: • Preparatory Phase: Thorough preparation and audacious execution by the terrorists indicate deliberate planning, advance information of intended targets and assured logistics support by some local contacts or sleeper cells. This preparation would have involved a period of at least a few weeks if not months and to that if we add the aspect of training the terrorists themselves it indicates a colossal failure of India’s intelligence agencies.

• Movement Phase: The movement of the terrorists from their home base (Karachi) to their ultimate destination is also a dismal story of failure of India’s intelligence agencies. No specific information could be gained even after they were launched from their home base in Karachi. They were for a couple of days at sea, on their mother ship after which they transferred to a hijacked Indian fishing trawler and subsequently to dinghies in which they moved to the city’s shores. They remained undetected throughout. This also underlines the quality poor quality of India’s maritime surveillance of its 7,516 km of open coastline.

After the terrorists moved inland, they divided themselves into smaller groups and headed for their respective targets.

Here, notwithstanding the personal bravery of many individuals, the helplessness of Bombay’s police force was obvious. Lack of information, poor command and control, and inadequately armed policemen led to a chaotic situation where groups of just two to three terrorists simultaneously operating in four to five places were able to literally paralyse Mumbai.

• Combat Phase: The story of the combat inside the hotels will perhaps emerge slowly. However, it is clear that security forces were operating blindly inside the hotels clearing one room after the other, perhaps on each floor, which not only gave more time to the terrorists to mow down the hostages/guests but perhaps emboldened them in their actions.

Lack of surveillance inside the hotels: Mutual back slapping and praise notwith-

standing, the fact remains that a nation of over a billion people, one that counts itself among the fastest growing economies of the world and has dreams of sitting at the high table at the UN, could not get rid of a few terrorists quickly enough. Expansive, highprofile hotels, which are likely targets of the terrorists, must be fitted with surveillance devices which can be viewed from a central control room and which are networked to the police control rooms and to the mobile command post set up for the crises.

Delayed response: It seems that the NSG took nearly nine hours to reach Mumbai. This delay allowed the terrorists to embed themselves in their respective areas. This may have been one of the reasons why it took so long in finally eliminating just a few terrorists. It is evident that a force like the NSG must have its own transportation means including fixed wing aircraft and helicopters and ground mobility in the form of all terrain vehicles (ATVs).

State police forces: The three officers of Mumbai Police—ATS Chief Hemant Karkare, Addition Commissioner Ashok Kamathe and encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar—who were shot dead on November 26 were undoubtedly the pride of Mumbai’s police force. However, astonishing as it may seem, our police forces are neither trained nor equipped to tackle real terrorists. Counter terrorism requires battle hardened soldiery or highly experienced personnel in counter terrorist operations. Those who have had experience of fighting foreign terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir are the most suited because they know and understand all tricks of this trade. The tactics employed by the terrorists in Mumbai are akin to the tactics employed

by Pakistan trained terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian Army, especially its Special Forces units, are experts in this field, even better than the NSG whose Special Action Groups comprise army officers and jawans, but the organisation is headed by a police officer for some quaint reason. Such unnecessary dilutions reduce the response and effectiveness of an organisation.

Remedial measures

Police reforms: Strengthening, modernisation and training of police forces in all states, as well as the Central police forces, is a necessity. The concept of the “beat constable”, who

was always the key functionary to feed the intelligence community must be revived.

Strike forces: Units must be raised for each metropolis on the pattern of Indian Army’s Special Forces (SF) and these units if they comprise army personnel can be turned over in peace time with other SF units in insurgency areas to keep them honed for battle at all times.

Need for unified command: India needs to evolve for a clear cut chain of command for counter terrorist operations especially where a plethora of forces are likely to be mustered.

A command chain along with a mobile command post with necessary communications and other facilities are essential.

Revamp the National Security Council: Currently headed by a police officer, M.K. Narayanan, with two deputies and an advisor from the intelligence community, this organisation has failed to perform with distinction. Sorely in need of action-oriented professionals, it is instead teeming with members of the chattering community and “file pushers”. The National Security Advisor has to be a credible centralised authority who appreciates the magnitude of the task and is able to enforce accountability. A retired service chief or a suitable senior officer or even a dynamic police chief with operational expertise should be able to restore sanity to this doddering body.

Form a federal agency: From media reports it seems that India is planning to amend the national security act to constitute the National Security Authority, whatever that means. If it is going to be another toothless organisation, like the National Disaster Management Authority, then let us not have it. A federal agency would be useful if it is patterned on the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the US with similar powers.

Induct new technologies: The central counter terrorist force in the country needs networked communications with all concerned. They will require actionable intelligence before launching the operations, together with precision firepower, rapid reaction capability and night fighting aids and ability to track the terrorists. At present, the NSG lacks most of these capabilities.

Improve quality of leadership: We need political leadership which can lead this great country through the most formidable internal and external security challenges which India faces. India has the political talent to provide this type of leadership but will the political parties shed their pettiness and come together to steer the nation to its natural destiny?

In conclusion

The fidayeen attacks in Mumbai have once again alerted the nation to the dangers that lie ahead. Clearly there was failure of India’s intelligence and security mechanism and the security units were slow to respond, which means that the whole system really needs to be revamped. The country now needs to put its act together. Counter terrorism mechanism must be forged on the lessons learnt in the past. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. We need to build on the existing strengths and not hesitate to throw out the dead wood. SP 5/2008 SP’S LAND FORCES

5

I n dustr y Speaks

‘Chinook ideal for

army mountain outposts’

Dr Vivek Lall, Boeing IDS India Country Head, talks to SP’s Aviation on the company’s strategies and collaborations to capture the Indian market

WWW.SPSLANDFORCES.NET

Dr Vivek Lall: A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing IDS (www.boeing.com/ids/) is one of the world’s largest space and defence businesses.

IDS operates in India as part of Boeing India, which has a New Delhi office staffed with 14 employees whose numbers will increase commensurate with India’s growing defence and space needs. Countrywide, there are approximately 30 Boeing employees.

Boeing IDS has a rich portfolio of products and services to offer India, such as the combatproven F/A 18 E/F Super Hornet multi-role combat fighter, the P-8I multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft, the heavy lift CH-47F and MH-47G Chinook helicopters, and the combatproven attack helicopter, the AH-64D Apache Longbow. The IDS portfolio extends to the C-17 Globemaster III strategic lift cargo plane, and C4ISR platforms and Airborne Early Warning & Control Systems. IDS is also a leading provider of aerospace support systems and networkcentric operations that have high relevance to India’s requirements.

Until recently, India relied on indigenous capabilities and non-US suppliers for its defence requirements. But improved relations between Washington and Delhi have forged a stronger alliance between the two countries and created the opportunity for defence acquisitions from US manufacturers.

Boeing has established important relationships with suppliers in India and is actively pursuing technical and business partnerships with Indian companies and institutions. In February 2008, The Boeing Company and Tata Industries Limited agreed on a plan to form an Indian joint venture company that will initially include more than $500 million (Rs 2,440 crore) of defence-related aerospace component work in India for export to Boeing and its international customers.

In December 2007, Boeing IDS President and CEO Jim Albaugh had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aerospace Limited to bring as much as $1 billion (Rs 4,885 crore) in exportable defence aerospace work to India. In February 2007, at Aero India, Boeing signed an MoU with Larsen & Toubro Limited, India’s largest engineering and construction company, for joint exploration of business opportunities in India’s defence sector. In November 2006, Boeing and General Electric jointly hosted a suppliers’ conference in Bangalore that was attended by more than 40 Indian companies.

Boeing’s Phantom Works has instituted a Strategic University relationship with the Indian Institute of Science to design a “wing of the future”, using advanced materials and manufacturing concepts. Boeing anticipates there will be additional significant partnerships with Indian businesses and institutions going forward.

About Boeing IDS

Boeing IDS is a $32.4 billion (Rs 1,58,280 crore) business headquartered in St. Louis, MO with 72,000 employees worldwide. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the

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SP’ S L AN D FO RC E S 5/ 2 0 0 8

world’s largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world’s largest satellite manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for US missile defence; one of NASA’s largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.

IDS is divided into three capabilities-driven businesses: • Precision Engagement and Mobility Systems – This business includes Airborne ASW/ISR, Global Mobility Systems, Global Strike Systems and Rotorcraft.

• Network and Space Systems – This business includes combat systems; com-

Photograph: Boeing

SP’s: What is the company profile of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (IDS)?

The heavy lift CH-47F Chinook

mand, control and communications (C3) networks; expendable launch programmes; missile defence systems, network programmes; space and intelligence systems; and space exploration.

• Support Systems – This business includes maintenance modification and upgrades; integrated logistics services; and training systems and services.

In addition to its three businesses, IDS has an Advanced Systems unit, which is linked with Boeing’s Phantom Works organisation, whose mission is to develop new technologies.

The unit manages advanced programmes, pursues new business and executes new programmes prior to their reaching the system design and demonstration phase.

About The Boeing Company

Boeing (http://www.boeing.com) is the world’s leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft, with capabilities in rotorcraft, electronic and defence systems, missiles, satellites, launch vehicles, and advanced information and communication systems. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people in 70 countries.

SP’s: Where is the Boeing office located and who are the company’s key officials in India?

Dr Vivek Lall: Boeing India is headquartered in the Eros Corporate Tower in Nehru Place, New Delhi. Boeing Commercial Aircraft Sales is represented by Senior Vice President Dinesh Keskar.

SP’s: What are the products the company would like to promote in India in the next five to 10 years?

Vivek Lall: P-8I: The P-8I is the world’s most advanced anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare plane, offering India the reach, speed, technology and endurance necessary to protect 7,000 kilometers of coastline, and to extend beyond India’s shores to protect crucial international shipping lanes.

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet: The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet offers India the most advanced see-all, do-all combat fighter in production today, capable of defending the nation from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean with unmatched lethality, pilot safety and the promise of more than 30 years of US Navy-funded upgrades.

CH-47 Chinook: The CH-47 Chinook offers India a powerful workhorse helicopter, as capable in supporting the Indian Army in rugged high altitude outposts, as it will be helping build India’s infrastructure and transport life-saving relief supplies to victims of natural disasters.

AH-64D Apache: Apache Longbow is the most lethal rotorcraft platform ever to enter production, with the force needed to protect the soldier by taking the fight to the adversary with technical superiority, which translates to technical overmatch when compared to threat systems that Apache Longbow crews might encounter.

Harpoon: Harpoon, the world’s most successful anti-ship missile, features autonomous, reliable, all-weather, lethal, over-the-horizon capability.

C-17 Globemaster III: The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is designed to fulfill military and humanitarian airlift needs well into the 21st century.

Network Centric Operations: Boeing IDS is developing and integrating a number of transformational programmes, systems and systems-of-systems that will provide its customers with new network-centric warfare capabilities.

SP’s: Which are the Indian companies with whom you have tied up/likely to tie up for any joint venture/collaboration/offset arrangements? What are the focus area(s) of these tieups/ ventures?

Vivek Lall: Boeing cannot divulge the names of specific companies we have tied up with because that information is competition sensitive. However, we can tell you that the Super Hornet industry team has tied up with 37 strategic Indian companies across a breadth of disciplines in the aerospace domain, including design, engineering, parts manufacturing and aerostructures.

SP’s: What is your company’s policy regarding Transfer of Technology?

Dr Vivek Lall: Transfer of Technology is a requirement requested as part of specific programmes in India. For instance, the MMRCA Request for Proposal (RFP) contained a requirement for Transfer of Technology to support the licenced production of the chosen MMRCA platform. In such cases, Boeing will review the requirements and determine if they can be met.

If so, Boeing will develop a competitive bid and enter into the competition.

“Boeing has established important relationships with suppliers in India and is actively pursuing technical and business partnerships with Indian companies and institutions.”

SP’s: What are the future strategies and business plans for establishing your company in India during the next decade?

Dr Vivek Lall: Boeing’s plan in India is to develop a long-term partnership to strengthen all aspects of India’s aerospace capabilities— civilian and defence—in the 21st century. Being the world’s largest aerospace company we are uniquely positioned to bring to bear the depth and breadth of human talent, technical expertise and a variety of aerospace and defence resources that will help India strengthen its selfreliance and leadership in the fields of national security, civil aviation, defence and space technologies. We will not only provide world class product offerings to help India grow, compete globally and strengthen its national security, but also build a strong infrastructure base to support, maintain and upgrade these offerings.

We have developed the flexibility to bring to India a uniquely Indian solution.

Boeing is confident that the Indian Industry has the capability and expertise to absorb significant amounts of new aerospace work that will materialise over the next few years. It may take some time as Indian companies adapt and grow into their new roles and responsibilities, and we will work with them. But the combination of established and experienced state-owned defence companies, along with emerging private sector companies (both large and small), should provide a strong foundation for a successful industry base for this significant increase in defence production. We are already working to establish the groundwork that we believe will lead us to success by early engagement of Indian industry, both public and private. We have and will continue to contribute to help India meet its goal by entering into partnerships that are mutually beneficial to India and to Boeing.

SP’s: What is your media policy? What line of action you would like to adopt to put across your view points in the media?

Dr Vivek Lall: We continue to reach out to the Indian media, mainstream and defence publications, to ensure that they are fully briefed on Boeing Integrated Defence Systems.

We hold regular briefings, roundtables and news conferences with our senior executives, and have sent reporters to tour our facilities in the US and become better informed about IDS products and services. We will use Defexpo and Aero India as additional venues to showcase IDS products and services and work with all media to further their understanding of the benefits we believe Boeing IDS can bring to India’s defence capabilities. SP

Gunning for

A r tiller y

Looking back

The history of self-propelled guns can be traced back to the Thirty Year’s War in the early 17th century when Horse Artillery, considered to be the precursor of the selfpropelled artillery, came into existence. Light field guns were towed by crew mounted horses. The gunners were trained to quickly dismount, deploy the guns and provide instant fire support to cavalry and act as a flexible

The history of selfpropelled guns can be traced back to the Thirty Year’s War in the early 17th century when Horse Artillery, considered to be the precursor of the self-propelled artillery, came into existence reserve. The Russian army organised small units of horse artillery, composed of only lighter 3- and 2-lb guns, distributed among cavalry formations in the early 18th century.

They inflicted serious losses to Prussian units in the Seven Years’ War. Russian artillery inspired Frederick the Great to organise the first regular horse artillery unit in 1759. Other nations quickly realised the capability of the new arm and by the start of the French Revolutionary Wars in 1790s, Austria, Hannover, Russia, France, England and Sweden had all formed regular units of horse artillery. The arm was employed throughout the Napoleonic Wars and remained in use throughout the entire 19th century and into the first half of the 20th century, when advances in weapon technology finally made it obsolete.

First World War

Seen in 1917 during the First World War the first self-propelled gun was Gun Carrier Mark I. It was based on the British Mark I Tank and carried a heavy field gun. The gun could either be fired from the vehicle or removed from it and set up on the ground. In effect, the carrier replaced the use of a separate horse team or internal combustion engine powered artillery tractor.

The next major advance was the Birch Gun developed by the British for their motorised warfare experimental brigade after the end of the First World War. This mounted a field gun, capable of both the usual artillery trajectories and high angle anti-aircraft fire, on a tank type chassis. It was designed and built to support an all arms team capable of operating alongside the tanks.

Second World War

During the initial phases of the Second World War, virtually all artillery was being moved around by artillery tractors or horses.

While the German Blitzkrieg doctrine called for rapid support of armoured units, during the invasion of Poland and France, this was provided by the Luftwaffe using Stuka divebombers effectively acting as artillery and conventional towed howitzers.

However, at the outbreak of World War II, all major nations developed self-propelled artillery which would be able to provide indirect support while keeping pace with advancing armoured formations. Some early attempts were often no more than a field gun or anti-tank gun mounted on a truck—a technique known as carrying portee. These were mobile but lacked protection for the crew. The next step was to mount the guns on a tracked chassis and provide an armoured superstructure to protect the gun and its crew. These were usually lightly armoured vehicles with open-topped hull; US M7 Priest, British Sexton (25 pdr) and German Wespe being typical examples.

The Soviets chose a different route. They developed a series of versatile assault guns with indirect fire capabilities (example ISU152). However, the most important breakthrough was the development of the famous Soviet Katyusha self-propelled multiple rocket launchers which were un-

LT GENERAL (RETD) R.S. NAGRA

armoured trucks with a simple rocket rack on the back; a cheap and crushingly effective weapon.

Particularly prolific with designs, the Germans developed lightly armoured selfpropelled anti-tank guns using captured French equipment (example, Marder I) and light tank chassis (Marder II, Marder III). These led to better protected tank destroyers, built on medium or heavy tank chassis such as the German Jagdpanzer IV, German Wespe 105mm SP Gun used in WW II Jagdpanther, Soviet SU85 and SU-100, which were in fact tanks withlery can disperse and avoid counter battery out turret. These had the advantage of being fire much more quickly and effectively and relatively cheap to build compared to proper if desired more frequently than previously tanks but at the expense of flexibility. possible. In conjunction with modern logistic systems (where the self-propelled gun’s sysPost-Second World War tems can track and report on ammunition After the end of the Second World War, consumption and levels) with similar navigathough assault guns were discarded in tion systems and palletised load delivery/liftfavour of main battle tanks, self-propelled ing capabilities, rapid displacement can occur artillery remained important and continued without significant disruption to firing misto develop alongside the general purpose field sions as it is possible for the ammunition train gun. It played a significant role throughout to keep up with the guns. the Cold War era conflicts and in the recent The maximum range of modern guns in Gulf Wars.

155 mm/52 calibre category is 30 km with Modern self-propelled guns have underthe standard round, about 35 km with base gone many upgrades; the most significant bleed rounds, and at least 40km with assistbeing the high level of automation, state-ofed projectiles. In April 2006, a PzH 2000 is the-art chromium-lined barrel, auto loadreported to have fired assisted shells (Denel ing, digital fire control/ ballistic computers, V-Lap) over a distance of 56 km with a probencrypted digital communication system able maximum range of over 60 km. with computer controlled frequency hopping to avoid enemy electronic warfare, elevating and traverse mechanism with sensors The key advantage of for correct alignment, a new chassis and self-propelled over towed electronic systems. Other upgrades are the artillery is that it can ability to self survey firing positions using GPS and inertial navigation systems thereby be brought into action providing a capability to the gun to send much faster—an ability grid location and altitude to the battery fire direction centre. This capability allows especially useful in individual guns to disperse over a wide area mobile warfare and still deliver rounds on target at the same time as other guns in their battery.

A modern battery of six guns, each firing Modern capa43 kg projectiles with a burst firing speed of bilities increase four rounds per minute, can deliver over a gun survivabilmetric tonne of ordnance per minute for up ity many fold as to four minutes. This is an immense weight modern self-pro- of fire which can be delivered with very pelled artilhigh accuracy.

With automatic loading system, a self-propelled gun can fire up to six rounds in quick succession which will land near simultaneously on the target; a procedure called Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact. This is achieved by firing shells at different trajectories so that the first round has the longest flight time and the last round, the shortest. SP

ISU-152 SP Gun of Soviet origin

(To be continued.)

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Photograph: Wikipedia

A

ny gun mounted on a motorised, wheeled or tracked chassis is called a self-propelled gun (SPG).

These are usually used for longrange direct or indirect fire support on the battlefield. In the past, self-propelled artillery has included direct fire vehicles, such as assault guns and tank destroyers. However, modern self-propelled artillery vehicles are generally lightly armoured, too light to survive in direct-fire combat, and superficially resemble tanks. These protect crews against shrapnel and small arms.

The key advantage of self-propelled over towed artillery is that it can be brought into action much faster—an ability especially useful in mobile warfare. Conversely, towed artillery was and remains cheaper to build and maintain. It is also lighter and can be taken to places that self-propelled guns cannot reach. So, despite the advantages of the self-propelled artillery, towed guns remain and will continue to remain in the arsenals of modern armies.

The first instalment of this series on the self-propelled gun delves into history and traces its origins

Photograph:www.walkarounds-airforce.com

G6 155mm Howitzer of South African origin

Photograph: Wikipedia

mobility

Enhanced Capability

Continued from page 4

previous command and control systems. The system relies on advanced communications devices, which integrate position navigation and reporting capability with the help of GPS. Some battlefield identification capability is embedded to generate instant alerts in situations where engagement between friendly forces is at risk.

FBCB2 is designed to support commanders at lower echelons with real-time situational awareness, target identification and graphical combat area displays. The system’s situational awareness component displays the geographical location of all weapons, platforms, soldiers, command posts and other facilities based on actual locations reported automatically by the system’s subscribers in near-real time. The system is used in conjunction with the Army’s Tactical Internet (TI) and legacy Army Tactical Command and Controls System (ATTCS) to link to the Army Battle Command Systems (ABCS).

Operating at division level and above, ABCS collects information from both the operation center and the individual units, processes a common operational picture (COP) and disseminates it through FBCB2 computers to all levels of command, thus ensuring improved situational awareness, coordination and joint/combined operations and support.

national will. An effective and technologically sound IT force along with robust communication networks has been created to facilitate real time sharing of information and quick decision making so as to achieve information superiority. A road map has been formulated by which the army can progress steadily towards being a potent IT force.

“We have identified the development of C4I2 systems as a major thrust area for modernisation of our army. Development and fielding of automated operational and information systems for various levels of operations, from the Army Headquarters to Battalion headquarters to individual soldiers, are in progress. Command Information and Decision Support System, Artillery Command, Control and Computer System (ACCCS), Battlefield Support System, Air Defence Control and Reporting System and BMS are the major projects under development. Integrated together with requisite communications, these systems will provide near real time ‘Sensor to Shooter’ links to make army a network centric force.”

BMS, in the Indian context, will be a system providing situational awareness to a

unit/subunit/detachment commander and networking him down to an individual soldier or a tank. It will be addressing the command control and information needs of the Tactical Battle Area and will be a building block in the overall network centric warfare architecture. It will be a situational awareness system having a terrain platform in the form of Geographical Information System and tools for data fusion and passage of information.

It is currently in the inception (study) stage of development as opposed to some other systems, such as the ACCCS, which are being fielded for trials.

Future Infantry Soldier as a System (FINSAS) will be a part of the BMS for the infantry. The infantry soldier has to a have multi-terrain, multi-environment capability to fight as an autonomous combat platform networked into the overall war fighting system architecture. The FINSAS project is aimed at giving the infantry soldier exactly this capability, thereby enhancing lethality, mobility, survivability, situational awareness, sustainability and battle command, so as to improve his operational adaptation. FINSAS perceives the soldier as a part of the system—a multi-mis-

In the Indian context, BMS will be a system providing situational awareness to a unit/subunit/ detachment commander and networking him down to an individual soldier or a tank sion, multi-role war fighter consisting of the individual soldier along with his integrated soldier system set that contains numerous modular but integrated components.

Rapid deployment and frequent manoeuvre of forces would require the soldier to rely more on information superiority to locate, identify, track and effectively engage opposing forces while at the same time ensuring higher degree of own survivability. FINSAS will focus on requirements specific to the Indian context of terrain, adaptability, tactical doctrines and so on. SP

French Army Systems

GIAT industries have developed SIT, also known in its export configuration “Finders”.

This is a BMS, developed as part of a comprehensive combat vehicle digitisation programme. It is deployed with French Army AMX-10P and Leclerc tanks, and is expected to be fielded with the future VBCI armoured infantry carriers. A large number of SIT units are currently deployed with the French and UAE armies. The system is designed to support units up to battalion level.

The system runs on militarised or ruggedised PC workstations operating under Window OS. Each unit uses common software modules shared by all systems, and role-specific modules developed for every type of application or vehicle including

FINSAS perceives the soldier as part of the system—a multi-mission, multi-role war fighter with his integrated soldier system set that contains numerous modular but integrated components reconnaissance, armour, armoured infantry carrier, light armoured vehicle, command post vehicle, and so on. These specific modules enable the system to integrate with the vehicle’s navigation, communications, optronics and weapon systems. All systems use common tactical terminals and graphical displays.

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Indian Army developments

Currently, the Indian Army is organised, equipped and trained for traditional, Second and Third Generation, industrial age, low and medium technology, conflicts and for counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations. The nature of wars, in the future, is going to compel us to think big but with smaller, more manoeuvrable, more precise, more agile and networked forces.

Director General of Information Systems of the Indian Army Lt General P.C. Katoch in a recent interview to SP’s Land Forces said: “The Indian Army is in a phase of transition from conventional warfare to information enabled warfare, that is, from platform centric to network centric warfare. The full realisation of any such revolution is possible only with technological development, organisational adaptation and, most importantly, a

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robots and these are still being used in Iraq.

Meanwhile, MAARS, an advanced version of SWORDS developed by Foster-miller, is at present awaiting field-trial by the US military. Mounted with more powerful M240B medium machine gun, MAARS has been designed from the start to carry lethal or less-than-lethal weapons.

O perations

Quest for

Killer Robots

US- Small unmanned ground vehicles (SUGV)

Unmanned ground vehicles hold great significance for militaries around the world, particularly the way in which military force is applied against insurgents in counter-insurgency operations SANJAY KUMAR

T

he US military’s combat causalities in Iraq and Afghanistan—over 4,000 in Iraq since Washington launched military operations against that country on March 19, 2003 and nearly 550 in Afghanistan—occurring mostly due to hidden improvised explosive devises (IED), has intensified research in such technology that can be leveraged to minimise causalities on the battlefield. As militaries around the globe absorb combat lessons from military operations in these two countries, it is becoming increasingly evident that real-time intelligence and surgical strikes are two crucial components for success in any counter-insurgency (CI) operations, in particular in situations where terrain and human habitation provide the insurgent almost unhindered freedom to strike at will.

Mounting combat causalities in Iraq and Afghanistan have compelled the US military to hunt for alternate strategies so as to reduce physical risk to soldiers engaged in CI operations. With the twin objective of reducing casualties as well as increasing combat effectiveness, the US military has fielded over 4,000 various unmanned systems in Iraq and Afghanistan. Equipped with an array of sensors, including thermal imaging, nightvision optics and laser target designators, unmanned systems by and large have proved their military worth in Iraq and Afghanistan by saving precious human lives while improving battle efficiency across the entire spectrum of military operations.

Drone aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), because of their ability to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance as also the ability to provide close air strike support to ground troops, have grown in popularity with other militaries as well; as such there is now a growing trend among militaries across the globe to be equipped with this emerging technology, considered by many as a force multiplier. Leading advance research in UAV technology, the US military is already toying with the idea of developing an unmanned stealth fighter—a Sixth Generation fighter. In fact, the US military’s interest in robotic technology for military purposes is not something new and has been there for almost 40 years now.

Compared to UAVs, development of ground-based robots, or unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), has been rather slow, although military importance of UGV technology has been increasing rapidly commen-

surate with the rise in insurgent activities globally. Despite growing requirement for unmanned systems to take on dangerous combat missions in CI operations, weaponisation of ground robots has so far remained in uncharted territory. But this scenario is poised for a radical change as many nations are now involved in developing the technology for arming ground-based robots, with the US Department of Defence (DoD) being the most significant player. Networked, weaponised and completely autonomous robots capable of carrying out multiple tasks with the least of human interaction top the agenda for future capability development by the US forces.

Future Combat Systems (FCS) programme, the US Army’s largest transformation initiative to date, envisions three distinct types of UGVs for deployment along with other systems on a shared platform in future battlefield. These include the Armed Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV), Multifunction Utility/Logistics and Equipment (MULE), and the small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV).

Armed Robotic Vehicle: Currently in design and development phase, the first prototype is expected to be ready by 2010. UK-based BAE System is developing two versions of the ARV: the Assault variant and the Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition variant.

Multifunction Utility/Logistics and Equipment (MULE): Developed by Lockheed Martin, the MULE includes three variants: Assault (Light), Transport and Countermine.

The first prototype delivery is expected by the third quarter of 2010.

Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV): These are lightweight, portable ground robots made by iRobot for a large number of missions, including reconnaissance and explosive detection and disposal.

Current progress on FCS, however, does not exude much confidence about its deployment in CI operations in any foreseeable future, particularly in places like Iraq. A February 2007 Congressional Budget Office report highlighted potential vulnerability of the UGVs being developed under the FCS against roadside IED explosions. The report states, “Current technology does not permit the construction of lightweight combat vehicles that match or surpass current vehicles in reliability and in vulnerability to enemy weapons.” However the army continues to deploy various prototypes for field-trials and the FCS may be said to have sufficiently moved from the conceptual stage.

Photograph: www.defensereview.com

Photograph:iRobot

Talon: The predecessor

SWORDS UGV

MAARS, an advanced version of SWORDS developed by Foster-miller, is at present awaiting field-trial by the US military SWORDS: First Generation device

In June 2007, the US military deployed for the first time in Iraq three armed UGVs— Special Weapons Observation Remote DirectAction System (SWORDS)—each equipped with an M249 light machine gun. What may be described as first generation device, these UGVs, however, never fired any shot in real combat, although they were used for surveillance and sentry duties in Iraq by the US Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

Manufactured by Massachusetts-based Foster-Miller, SWORDS is basically a modified version of Talon UGV. Although controversies abound in the blogsphere as to the exact cause for the pull-out of SWORDS from combat missions and, subsequently, plugging funds for further deployment of SWORDS, the manufacturing company maintains that the US Army funded for only three

Earlier in February 2002, the US Special Forces used Talon, the first-ever UGV deployed for intelligence-gathering, against the Taliban and Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan. Subsequently fielded in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, Talon robots have carried out more than 80,000 counterIED missions.

Approximately 2,000 Talon UGVs are at present deployed in multiple theatres, including the European Command, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Central Command.

Improved Landmine Detection System, iRobot PackBot, MARCbot, xBots and so on are among other ground-based robots which proved their worth for the US military in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Others in the race

Besides the US, Israel too has evinced strong interest in the development of UGVs with military applications. The Israeli Defense Forces recently procured its first UGV, Guardium, designed for border patrol missions. Developed by Gnius, a joint venture established by Israel Aerospace Industries and Elbit Systems, Guardium is an all-terrain combat UGV for land forces. Equipped with a wide array of sensors, the Guardium carries lethal or less-than-lethal weapons which can be directed and operated from the Main Control Centre.

Joining the race for killer robots, the South Korean military too intends to deploy Intelligent Surveillance & Security Guard Robot SGR-A1 along the Demilitarised Zone between South and North Korea. Developed indigenously by Samsung Techwin, the SGRA1 will supplement human efforts at border patrolling, overcoming the limitation of human soldiers resulting from severe weather condition or fatigue.

Taking cue from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of the US DoD, which has been organising Grand Challenge autonomous vehicle race since 2004, Singapore recently organised a nation wide contest to build a robot that can operate autonomously in urban warfare conditions.

Indian Army’s growing interest

In India, despite a strong case favouring development of UGVs, given the long history of insurgency in the country, accentuated recently by the growing tide of Maoist insurgency in many parts of the country, no focused research has begun in this direction as yet. The Indian Army, however, certainly has a growing interest in robotic applications given that a significantly high number of causalities suffered by the security forces in India are due to IED explosions. Back in 2006, while inaugurating a new complex for the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Prime Minister stated that India planned to raise a robot army during the 11th and 12th Plan Period.

Robotics, in the form of UGVs, holds great significance for militaries around the world, particularly the way in which military force is applied against insurgents in CI operations. At the same time, a reverse trend is equally dangerous, as was pointed out by Professor Noel Sharkey. A robotics expert at the University of Sheffield, Professor Sharkey, while delivering a keynote address to the Royal United Services Institute on February 27, succinctly warned “it may not be long before robots become a standard terrorist weapon to replace the suicide bomber”. SP The writer is a research assistant in USI-CS3.

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D i plomacy

Hollow Optimism

Recurrent and tiring rounds of talks, agreements and discussions minus a significant breakthrough, or even the possibility of one, indicate that the border conflict has all the ingredients of becoming a major spoiler in Indo-China relations

DR MONIKA CHANSORIA

N

otwithstanding economic convergences, strategic divergences have perpetually been a prime source of conflict between India and China. Topping the agenda of Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s four-day official visit to China in June 2008, economic interests were somewhat overshadowed by the seemingly ceaseless border dispute in India’s eastern sector. Expectedly, the Indian External Affairs Minister and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi vowed to resolve the border dispute through productive means in the coming future.

presence of populated areas in Arunachal Pradesh would not affect Chinese claims on the boundary.” Conversely, according to the Indian viewpoint, this statement has been viewed as a renouncement of Article VII of the Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles signed during Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to India in April

be established, the unsettled frontier has remained mostly passive primarily owing to the agreements signed in 1993 and 1996.

Article III of the Agreement between the Government of India and the Government of People’s Republic of China relating to the Confidence-building Measures in the Military Field along the LAC signed on

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Jiechi told the visiting Indian dignitary that trade and diplomatic ties would keep improving with cooperation between the two countries. Official Xinhua Agency quoted Mukherjee as responding: “We will have to resolve these differences through negotiations in a constructive and forward looking manner. Our boundary is peaceful and we are determined to keep it so. We have evolved mechanisms and have gained experience to maintain peace and tranquility in our border areas.”

Nonetheless, this sense of optimism is undermined by interactions between the two Asian giants in the past. Since the mechanism of the representatives of both governments was established in 2003, as many as 11 rounds of talks on settling disputes yielded scarce progress. After over a dozen meetings of the Joint Working Group commencing from 1988, the only affirmative outcome has been the exchange of maps for the least contentious central sector—the borders of Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh with Tibet.

In many respects, the Sino-Indian border addresses the issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity and unless and until the issue is settled, Beijing’s ties with Delhi would always remain uncertain and capricious. Guogji Zhanlue’s observation that “Beijing should not adopt any hasty step or make big compromises on principles” because this issue “if approached in a hurry, could impact the respective rise of the two nuclear powers”, underlines the said intention. A significant Chinese concern is that a border settlement, without major Indian territorial concessions, could potentially augment India’s power position and thus impact harmfully upon China’s rise within Asia and beyond. Therefore, in terms of military action, India in the short term would need to ensure that there are no violations of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) through effective border control and management while maintaining a forceful conventional posture, in order to meet the Chinese threat in the eastern sector. Further, India must step up its diplomatic efforts to seek early resolution to the territorial dispute, particularly the immediate delineation of the LAC physically on ground and map.

The border issue is a major sticking point and the Chinese time and again have brought up the Arunachal boundary dispute for instance during Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi’s meeting with his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee in June 2007 when Yang said, “The mere

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Illustration: Ratan Sonal

Economic convergence vs strategic divergence

2005, which states, “In reaching a border settlement, the two sides shall safeguard populations in border areas.”

India reportedly conveyed to China in June 2007 that it could not be pushed beyond a point on the boundary dispute when Pranab Mukherjee publicly rebuffed Beijing by affirming, “New Delhi would not part with populated portions of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Any elected government of India is not permitted by the Constitution to part with any part of our land that sends representatives to the Indian Parliament.” China incessantly raises the issue and carefully seems to strategise its statements as was done prior to the visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao in November 2006 when Delhi and Beijing engaged in a vocal row owing to the statement made by Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Yuxi, who said in an interview, “The far northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh was part of Chinese territory. In our position, the whole of what you call the state of Arunachal Pradesh is Chinese territory and Tawang (district) is only one place in it and we are claiming all of that— that’s our position.”

Border conflict: A potential flashpoint

The Arunachal Pradesh border has very much been a probable flashpoint between the two sides and the dispute in question arose as a consequence of a sour border conflict between India and China way back in 1962. Thereafter, Beijing continues to stake its claim to about 96,000 sq km of Indian Territory in Arunachal Pradesh. Although, a detailed formal ceasefire line is yet to

November 29, 1996, states the two sides would agree to reduce or limit their respective military forces within mutually agreed geographical zones along the LAC to minimum levels, compatible with the friendly and good neighborly relations between the two countries and consistent with the principle of mutual and equal security.

Despite the 1996 agreement, several incidents of Chinese intrusions at Asaphi La and elsewhere in Arunachal Pradesh have been reported periodically Further, the two sides were expected to reduce or limit the number of field army, border defence forces, paramilitary forces and any other mutually agreed category of armed force deployed in mutually agreed geographical zones along the LAC to ceilings to be mutually agreed upon. Moreover, the 1996 agreement envisages the removal of tanks, combat vehicles, surface-to-surface missiles and anti-aircraft missiles from the vicinity of the LAC. It also bars division strength (15,000 troops) military exercises near the border.

However, in spite of these protracted deliberations on the territorial dispute, the actual progress on ground has been rather scant thereby illustrating a different picture

altogether because there has been only marginal reduction of troops on the border.

Besides, despite the 1996 agreement, several incidents of Chinese intrusions at Asaphi La and elsewhere in Arunachal Pradesh have been reported periodically.

In conclusion

Indisputably, China’s growing power and influence in Asia is a strategic challenge for India and sooner or later, Delhi and Beijing’s political and economic interests and aspirations are bound to clash. In this respect, China’s new military strategy would play a crucial role in that it focuses on fighting limited, short-duration conflicts along its periphery, including economically important maritime areas. These changing realities call for a smaller, more versatile and mobile military, with a markedly improved yet limited capability to operate beyond China’s territorial boundaries.

According to Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal, Director of the Center for Land Warfare Studies, “It is in India’s interest to focus its diplomatic efforts to expedite the delineation of the LAC on the IndoTibetan border for two reasons. Firstly, in conventional weapons and present force levels, the Indian Army is in a position of strength along the LAC. Secondly, the gap between India and China in overall military potential, particularly the gap in strategic weapons, is increasing rapidly in China’s favour.” Moreover, Brigadier Kanwal asserts, “China’s capability of building up and sustaining 20 to 25 divisions in Tibet over two summer seasons is all likely to go up to 30 to 35 divisions by 2010-15, as the logistics system is continuing to improve.

Hence, in later years, China is likely to be even less inclined to accept Indian perceptions of the LAC.” India remains actively committed towards reintegrating its periphery with the framework of regional economic cooperation, and seeks greater international status and influence appropriately matching its budding economic power. What’s more, India would always be keen to keep a close tab on China’s march towards making a bid for regional primacy by virtue of its expanding economic and military clout in Asia and beyond. The emerging sense that comes out fair and clear from the above situation is that even though, the economic convergences between Beijing and New Delhi are playing a very crucial role in giving novel connotations to the relations between the dragon and the peacock, the strategic divergences that appear to be in the backseat, indubitably will impact upon the future relations between the two nations and could well prove to be a major hiccup vis-à-vis smooth sailing of bilateral ties.

The Chinese leadership remains intent at keeping alive the border dispute as a tactical pressure point against India, thereby compelling Delhi to ponder as to whether Beijing is serious about engineering a resolution to the border dispute. The recurrent and tiring round of talks, agreements and discussions minus a significant breakthrough or even a possibility of the same, seem to point that the border conflict has all the ingredients of becoming a major spoiler in Indo-China relations. SP The writer is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies.

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal

News i n B r i e f Russia submits ToT documents for T-90 tanks to India

Transfer of Technology documents for indigenous production of T-90 tanks have been received from Russia. Some more technical data relating to manufacture of gun barrel and armour plates are yet to be received. The matter was discussed during the meeting of Indo-Russian Working group on shipbuilding, aviation and land system in August. The Russian side agreed to deliver the specification of T-90 gun barrels by December 2008. As for armour plates, these have been developed indigenously. This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

class, providing survivability, advanced mobility, mission flexibility, rapid availability and vehicle commonality. The RG33 is a family of mine-protected ambush vehicles manufactured

by BAE Systems. RG33 series vehicles provide survivability against improvised explosive devices, medium machine gun or small arms fire and mine blast protection at a level equal to or exceeding currently fielded mine-protected vehicles. The vehicle incorporates a monocoque V-shaped hull incorporating design features based on leveraging knowledge gained in recent and ongoing conflicts. The crew and passenger survivability features include blast-resistant seats, transparent armour and protected interior stations.

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NATO voices concern about Russia’s missile plans

In response to Washington’s missile defence plans, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on November 5 announced the deployment of conventionally armed ballistic missiles in Kaliningrad, which borders US allies Lithuania and Poland. The Russian leader said Iskander missiles were being deployed to “neutralise” the threat from planned US missile interceptors in Poland and radar facilities in the Czech Republic. The US wants to deploy the shield in the central European nations by 2011-2013 to ward off potential attacks by so-called “rogue” states such as Iran. Russia has denounced the plan as a threat to its own security. Current Iskanders, which carry conventional warheads and which NATO calls SS-26 Stones, are supposed to have a range of up to 280 km. But the updated version Russia aims to deploy between 2009-2015 could reach close to 500 km. Russia has in the past expressed its intention to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty signed between Moscow and Washington in 1987 that bans missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 km. Russia and the NATO have not held regular talks since Moscow’s confrontation with Georgia.

■ BEL pays 207% dividend; BEML pays 120%

Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), paid its highest ever dividend of 207 per cent for 2007-08. BEL Chairman and Managing Director V.V.R. Sastry presented the 147 per cent final dividend cheque of Rs 89.21 crore to Defence Minister A.K. Antony. In February, the company had paid Rs 36.41 crore as 60 per cent Interim Dividend. BEL recorded a turnover of Rs 4,102.54 crore and Profit After Tax of Rs 826.74 crore during 200708. Meanwhile, Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) has declared 65 per cent Final Dividend for 2007-08 in addition to the Interim Dividend of 55 per cent paid in March. With this the Mini Ratna Defence PSU has paid a total dividend of 120 per cent for financial year ending March 2008. A dividend cheque of over Rs 14.6 crore to the effect was presented to Defence Minister A.K. Antony by BEML Chairman and Managing Director V.R.S. Natarajan.

■ BAE Systems offers RG33 mine protected vehicle to US marine

The RG33 is a family of mine-protected vehicles manufactured by BAE Systems. The RG33 4×4 and 6×6 are in production in the US for the US Marine Corps mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle programme. BAE Systems manufactures three of the US Marine Corps’ five variants of MRAP vehicles: the Caiman, the RG31 and the RG33. The RG33 is manufactured in several configurations including the Category I, 4×4 Wheel Drive, Category II, 6×6, the heavy armoured ground ambulance and the special operations command vehicle.

The RG33 series is in the medium weight

Three versions of EC665 Tiger helicopter for France, Germany

The EC665 Tiger helicopter is being developed for France and Germany in three configurations: UHT multi-role fire support for the German Army and HAD multi-role combat and HAP combat support for the French Army.

Tiger is being built by Eurocopter, a subsidiary of the European Aeronautics Defence and Space company formed by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace of Germany, Aerospatiale Matra of France and CASA of Spain. Tiger can be equipped with four MBDA Mistral or Raytheon Stinger air-to-air missiles. The first flight of the aircraft was in 1991. Serial production began in March 2002 and the first flight of the production Tiger HAP for France took place in March 2003. France has ordered 80 aircraft (40 HAP combat support and 40 HAD multirole combat). The first HAP version was delivered in March 2005. Germany has ordered 80 combat support aircraft and the first UHT Tiger for Germany was delivered in April 2005. Total procurement is planned to be 120 for France and 120 for Germany.

■ Bionix infantry fighting vehicle for Singapore armed forces

The Bionix infantry fighting vehicle was developed by Singapore Technologies Automotives (now Singapore Technologies Engineering) and has been operational with the Singapore armed forces since 1999 in the form of the

US Army contract for Raytheon-Boeing joint air-to-ground missile The US Army has awarded Raytheon Company and Boeing a $125 million (Rs 625 crore) contract for the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) programme. The contract funds a 27month technology development programme to develop and fire three prototype missiles with fully integrated tri-mode seekers. “There is an urgent warfighter need to field this system and meet future needs,” said John Weinzettle, Raytheon’s JAGM Programme Director. “The goal of the Raytheon-Boeing JAGM team is to deliver an affordable, reliable and complete system solution that can be integrated into the programme’s six required aircraft.” The JAGM programme will produce a single missile solution for rotary- and fixed-wing platforms and unmanned aircraft. It is designed to defeat moving and stationary targets at extended ranges in all weather conditions.

Incorporating mature, advanced seeker and missile technologies to the programme, the Raytheon-Boeing JAGM team also has decades of fixed- and rotary-wing integration expertise.

The expected JAGM in-service date is 2016, and Raytheon is the prime contractor. “The Raytheon-Boeing JAGM team offers the US Army, Navy and Marine Corps an outstanding track record of performance in weapons programme development, while delivering reliable products on time and on cost,” said Carl Avila, Director, Advanced Weapons, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. SP

Bionix 25 and Bionix 40/50. Bionix II (BXII) entered service with Singapore Armed Forces in October 2006 and was jointly developed

by ST Engineering, the Defence Science and Technology Agency and the Singapore Army.

BXII is also produced in a command variant.

Other vehicles in the Bionix family are the armoured recovery vehicle, fitted with a 25t winch and 30t crane, and armoured vehicle launched bridge, fitted with an MLC30 bridge that can be launched under armour or by remote control.

■ LSVs for hit-and-run raids and low-intensity guerilla warfare

The changing face of warfare has spawned new requirements for vehicles. While there is still an overwhelming requirement to protect troops from mine and roadside bomb attack using highly armoured patrol vehicles, there is also a need for much smaller, lighter, relatively unarmoured vehicles to transport small bodies of men over short range for strike and reconnaissance missions. The light strike vehicle (LSV) was born for fast hit-and-run raids, scouting missions, special forces support and low-intensity guerrilla warfare. A number of versions of this ‘dune buggy’ type of vehicle have been produced, notably the Blackwater LSV (US) and the Spider LSV from ST Engineering (ST Kinetics) of Singapore (adopted by the Singaporean armed forces).

Other forces using this type of LSVs include US Marines, US Army, Greek forces, Mexican Army, and forces of Oman, Portugal and Spain.

■ Liquid body armour for soldiers in the US

The new technology being developed in the US for its soldiers is liquid armour for Kevlar vests.

This type of body armour is light and flexible, allowing soldiers to be more mobile without hindering the use of weapons. The key component of liquid armour is a shear thickening fluid (STF), composed of hard particles suspended in a liquid. The liquid, polyethylene glycol, is non-toxic and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. Hard, nano-particles of silica are the other components of STF. This combination of flowable and hard components results in a material with unusual properties. During normal handling, the STF is very deformable and flows like a liquid. However, once a bullet or fragment hits the vest, it transitions to a rigid material, which prevents the projectile from penetrating the soldier’s body. To make liquid armour, STF is soaked into all layers of the Kevlar vest. The Kevlar fabric holds the STF in place, and also helps to stop the bullet. The saturated fabric can be soaked, draped, and sewn just like any other fabric. The goal of the technology is to create a new material that is low cost and lightweight which offers equivalent or superior ballistic properties as compared to current Kevlar fabric, but has more flexibility and less thickness. Among the many applications being considered include a soldier’s sleeves and pants, areas that are not protected by ballistic vests but need to remain flexible.

A pp oi n tm e nt s • Lt General Noble Thamburaj, SM, ADC will take over as Vice Chief of Army Staff on January 1, 2009.

• Lt General Pradeep Khanna, VSM, ADC, will take over as GOC-in-C Southern Command on January 1, 2009.

• Lt General J.K. Mohanty, UYSM, SM, VSM, will take over as GOC-in-C Central Command on January 1, 2009.

• Lt General Ram Pratap, VSM, has taken over as DGAD ON December 1.

• Lt General M. Sabharwal, AVSM & Bar, VSM, has taken over as Adjutant General of the army on December 1.

Editor Lt General (Retd) V.K. Kapoor Assistant Editor Arundhati Das Senior Technical Group Editor Lt General (Retd) Naresh Chand Contributing Editor Air Marshal (Retd) V.K. Bhatia Sub-Editor Bipasha Roy Contributors India General (Retd) V.P. Malik Lt General (Retd) Vijay Oberoi Lt General (Retd) R.S. Nagra Lt General (Retd) S.R.R. Aiyengar Air Marshal (Retd) Vinod Patney Major General (Retd) Ashok Mehta Major General (Retd) G.K. Nischol Brigadier (Retd) Gurmeet Kanwal Brigadier (Retd) S. Mishra Rohit Sharma Europe Andrew Brookes (UK) USA & Canada Lon Nordeen (USA) Anil R. Pustam (West Indies) South Africa Helmoed R. Heitman Chairman & Managing Director Jayant Baranwal Admin & Coordination Bharti Sharma Design Associate Art Director: Ratan Sonal Graphic Designer: Vimlesh Kumar Yadav Published bimonthly by Jayant Baranwal on behalf of SP Guide Publications Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, recording, electronic, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publishers.

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