IADN Strategic Focus (December 2022)

EMPOWERING STRATEGIC MINDS SINCE 2012

The IADN is a leading Independent Defence and Strategic news and information-providing website. It is a ‘Not-forprofit’ ‘self-sustaining’ ‘non-partisan’ ‘knowledge building’ website providing exclusive, non-partisan in-depth news and analysis on leading defence strategic and security-related issues about India.

The IADN was founded in March 2012 by Mr Shantanu K. Bansal. It can be called a unique venture which has played an instrumental role in taking defence and strategic issues to a wider audience. Before IADN, the issues related to defence and security were limited to the interest of some scholars the and government, the IADN took the initiative to enlighten the public about the prevailing security situation of the country hence assisting the much-needed ‘strategic culture.’ Having been inspired by IADN many such news and analysis platforms mushroomed across the open domain.

With extreme efforts, the IADN was able to transform itself into an open information & knowledge sharing platform. Time and again through its unique way of reporting, it has touched upon minds across the world hence providing a way for better policy orientation in the sector it serves. Today IADN is backed by a strong, ever-growing community of more than 5 lakh followers hence having a prominent say on the leading issues of National Interest.

The IADN has a spotless record, it has the intact quality of reporting as it should be. The team of editors, content writers and graphic designers from various backgrounds, represents every region of India- North, South, West and East reflecting the true spirit of India. Our serving/veteran team members have got the opportunity to associate with leading companies, institutions and government organisations.

Editorial Board

Advisory

A Series of Newly Tested Platforms

AD-1 INTERCEPTOR BMD PHASE-2 TESTED

The AD-1 Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) interceptor missile was successfully test-fired from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on November 02, 2022.

The flight test was carried out with the participation of all BMD weapon system elements located at different geographical locations. The AD-1 has a large high-altitude kill bracket. The AD-1 is a long-range interceptor missile designed for both low exoatmospheric and endo-atmospheric interception of long-range ballistic missiles as well as aircraft.

It is propelled by a two-stage solid motor and equipped with an indigenously-developed advanced control system, navigation and guidance algorithm to precisely guide the vehicle to the target.

During the flight test, all the subsystems performed as per expectations and were validated by the data captured by a number of range sensors including Radar, Telemetry and Electro-Optical Tracking stations deployed to capture the flight data.

The BMD Phase-2 will include two types of interceptors. AD-1 and AD-2, the development of which is expected to conclude by 2025 end. With this, India will then have the capability to target incoming ballistic missiles of range up to 5000 kilometres.

Currently, the induction of Phase-1 is in the process which includes AAD and PDV interceptor missiles.

AGNI III TEST-FIRED

Medium Range Ballistic Missile Agni III was successfully test-fired on 23rd November. This system can carry a payload of 2.5 tons to a large range of 3000-5000 km. The missile completed the test, covering its full range, and all of its test goals were achieved.

The successful test was part of routine user training launches carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command. The launch was carried out for a predetermined range and validated all operational parameters of the system.

Multiple Agni-III ballistic missiles are operational for nuclear deterrence in India.

BRAHMOS ER TESTED BY INDIAN ARMY

Indian Army successfully test-fired an Extended Range Brahmos missile from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 29th November. Earlier this month, India had issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), indicative of a missile test, for 29 November and 1 December. The missile can hit targets at a range of 450 km or more.

Acquisition of New Weapons, Parts and Collaborative Developments

INDIGENOUS ATAGS PASSES VALIDATION TRIALS

The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is a 155mm, 52-calibre heavy artillery gun jointly developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), the Pune-based laboratory of DRDO, in partnership with Bharat Forge and TATA Group. The indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) jointly with the private industry crossed a milestone this week by completing the validation trials towards meeting the specifications of the Army.

DRDO WORKING ON PHOTONIC RADAR TO DETECT

STEALTH OBJECTS

The DRDO has made significant progress in Photonic Radar development. Soon to realise the integrated Photonic Transmit Receive modules along with Photonic Distribution Network. Photonic Radar can detect stealth objects with better accuracy than traditional radars. Photonic Radars use a photonic system to generate much higher bandwidth signals, enabling radar that can detect smaller objects more precisely, and even be used to monitor patient vital signs in hospitals.

INDIA'S BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENCE (BMD) IS MATURING

AS AN EFFECTIVE INTERCEPTION SYSTEM

India has successfully test-fired a Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) interceptor missile off the Odisha coast. This system is capable of shooting down missiles and aircraft over a long range. The threat of drones equipped with killer missiles, fighter jets and explosives in China and Pakistan is increasing. To deal with this, India is now getting an impenetrable security cover and is building its ‘Iron Dome’ like Israel. India is advancing its BMD system with the S-400 air defence system received from Russia. In the latest test, BMD’s AD-1 interceptor missile successfully achieved its target. The BMD system is designed in such a way that even a nuclear attack can be thwarted. Let us know what is AD-1 missile and how India is preparing its indigenous Iron Dome for a protective cover.

INDIA CAN DESTROY HOSTILE ENEMY MISSILES FIRED FROM 5,000 KM AWAY: DRDO

With the launch of the ballistic missile defence interceptor AD-1, India can now detect and destroy enemy missiles fired at it from 5,000 km away. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Thursday said India can now detect and destroy enemy ballistic missiles fired at it from 5,000 km. This comes a day after it launched the newly developed missile defence interceptor AD-1. The missile AD-1 is part of the phase 2 development programme of the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) shield and can destroy both ballistic missiles and low-flying fighter aircraft.

IAF UPGRADING RADAR COVERAGE ALONG CHINA BORDER

IN EASTERN LADAKH, NORTHEAST

India is upgrading its radar coverage along the border with China from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh as the Indian Air Force is moving ahead with over Rs 10,000 crore plans to further enhance the capability to monitor activities across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as well as various other regions towards it. The force is in the process of installing new radars to keep an eye on Chinese Air Force activities in the Ladakh sector.

MOD ISSUES RFP FOR PROCUREMENT OF 10 AERIAL

TARGETING SYSTEMS (ER) ALONG WITH 120 LOITER MUNITIONS

MoD intends to procure 10 sets of Aerial Targeting Systems (Extended Range) along with 120 Loiter Munitions under the "Buy Indian" category through a Fast Track Procedure under an emergency procurement process from prospective bidders. An aerial Targeting System is a vehicle-mounted canister, pneumatically-VTOL launched system with range and endurance to carry out intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition and accurate engagement of High-Value Targets in all spectrums of warfare.

INDIAN ARMY ISSUES TENDERS TO BUY 62,500 BULLETPROOF JACKETS FOR FRONTLINE TROOPS

Amid the threat of the use of steel core bullets by terrorists in India, the Indian Army has issued tenders for acquiring 62,500 bulletproof jackets (BPJs) for its frontline troops which would be able to protect them from such bullets. The Ministry of Defence has issued two separate tenders for these jackets under Make in India including one for 47,627 jackets under the normal route and the other one for 15,000 jackets under emergency procurement procedures which would be finalised in the next three to four months, Indian Army officials said.

CENTRE APPROVES COMMON COMMUNICATION PLAN

RAMPING UP COASTAL SECURITY

FOR

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved a common communication plan for coastal security that envisages integrating marine law enforcement agencies into a single network for better coordination and seamless exchange of mission-critical information. The plan will be able to integrate all coastal security agencies in a common communication network with a dedicated spectrum for the purpose, a senior Indian Navy official has said. The dedicated spectrum will use a common band and it will be a “big step” in terms of boosting coastal security.

PISTOLS

The Defence Acquisition Council has accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 5,000 9x19 Machine Pistol under Buy (Indian) category through the Fast Track Procurement route.

BHARAT ELECTRONICS TO DEVELOP BOMB DEFUSAL ROBOTS IN COLLABORATION WITH

DRDO

The government is looking to privatise banks, has divested from the national carrier Air India and has also unsuccessfully attempted to privatise state-owned oil company Bharat Petroleum. On the other hand, the list of Navratna companies, or public sector firms which have a greater economy, has expanded to 14 and they are thriving. One such Navratna Bharat Electronics, which operates in the aerospace and defence sector, has signed a pact with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), to set up labs in four cities.

BEL

LAB FOR TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY

Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has inked a pact with DRDO, which enables it to manufacture and supply Digital Radar Warning Receivers to the Indian Armed Forces. BEL has signed a Licensing Agreement for the Transfer of Technology (LATOT) with Combat Aircraft Systems Development and Integration Centre (CASDIC), a laboratory under the DRDO, for the transfer of technology of the Digital Radar Warning Receiver.

NAL

ational Aeronautics Laboratories has released a Request For Proposal (RFP) for the selection of a production partner for 'productions, supply, marketing & after sales support for CSIRNAL’s indigenous Hansa-3 (NG) aircraft. An RFP has been issued as a Two-Stage Bid (Technical & Commercial) by CSIRNational Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) from established aircraft and allied engineering companies.

IAF PROCURES ELECTRIC VEHICLES TO REDUCE CARBON

FOOTPRINT

The Indian Air Force on Tuesday inducted a fleet of electric vehicles in keeping with the government's initiative on the introduction of green mobility. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari flagged off the first batch of 12 electric vehicles in the presence of other senior officers and staff. "To achieve a reduction in carbon footprint and keeping with the government of India's initiative on introduction of green mobility, the IAF has inducted a fleet of Tata Nexon electric vehicles," the IAF said in a statement.

While the IAF inducted its first LCHs at Jodhpur on 3 October this year, the Indian Army had quietly raised its first unit of the made-in-India attack helicopter — 351 Army Aviation Squadron — at Bangalore in June. The squadron is now deployed at Missamari in Assam, not far from the Air Force Station in Tezpur, which hosts Su-30MKI fighters of the IAF.

INDIA DEPLOYS NEW DOCKS, UPGRADES SPEEDBOATS FOR

PANGONG TSO PATROL

The Army has deployed new landing docks and speed boats for patrolling the Pangong Tso Lake in Eastern Ladakh matching the Chinese deployments on the lake located close to 14,000 feet. This is part of an overall capability enhancement and infrastructure development taken up by India since the 2020 standoff in Eastern Ladakh to plug deficiencies and catch up with Chinese build-up along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

IAF PROCURES ELECTRIC VEHICLES TO REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT

The Indian Air Force on Tuesday inducted a fleet of electric vehicles in keeping with the government's initiative on the introduction of green mobility. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari flagged off the first batch of 12 electric vehicles in the presence of other senior officers and staff. "To achieve a reduction in carbon footprint and keeping with the government of India's initiative on introduction of green mobility, the IAF has inducted a fleet of Tata Nexon electric vehicles," the IAF said in a statement.

COCHIN SHIPYARD (CSL) TO BUILD INDIA'S FIRST HYDROGEN

FUEL CELL CATAMARAN VESSEL

The introduction of the zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell passenger catamaran vessel in Varanasi will pave the way for the reduction in the usage of fossil fuels and thereby further reducing the emissions in India’s national waterways.

DRONE PILOT TRAINING CENTRE TO COME UP IN

PRAYAGRAJ

The Naini Aerospace Limited (NAL), which makes looms (electrical wiring harnesses) and stub wings (part of a wing on certain aircraft that lies next to the fuselage) of the light combat aircraft (LCA) TEJAS, will soon also train youngsters to fly drones which have multiple uses in different sectors.

BHEL'S DEFENCE UNIT IN HARIDWAR GETS A CERTIFICATE TO MANUFACTURE NAVAL GUNS

The defence production unit of BHEL, Haridwar, has been given a 'Self Certification Status Certificate' for manufacturing naval guns for the Indian Navy. The certificate was given to BHEL Managing Director Amit Gupta by Rear Admiral Sanjay Sharma, Additional Director General, Quality Assurance, said Acting Director of BHEL, Haridwar, Praveen Chandra Jha.

TWIN ENGINE CARRIER-BASED FIGHTERS FOR THE NAVY COULD BE INDUCTED BY 2031-32

As indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant gears up for aviation trials, the project to develop a Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), to operate from carriers in the near future is taking shape. The project under development is expected to get approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) by mid-2023 and TEDBF could be inducted into the Navy by 2031-32, according to officials from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).

KALYANI STRATEGIC SYSTEMS GETS HOWITZER EXPORT ORDER WORTH USD 155 MILLION

In a major success for the Indian firm, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited on Wednesday announced receiving an order worth USD 155 million for supplying howitzers. However, the Baba Kalyani-owned company did not disclose the buyer except for clarifying that it was in a non-conflict zone. The country which has ordered these guns is reportedly Armenia

TESTING & EVALUATION FACILITY FOR SONAR SYSTEMS OF INDIAN NAVY LAUNCHED BY DRDO

Giving impetus to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and India’s ‘Make in India’ commitment, Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) launched the Hull Module of Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation & Evaluation (SPACE) facility at Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) Kochi recently. It is a state-of-the-art testing and evaluation facility for sonar systems developed for use by the Indian navy onboard various platforms, including ships, submarines and helicopters.

INS VIKRANT'S AIR WING GETS A BOOST, ONBOARD TESTING FOR THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM

‘REZISTOR-E

RADAR’ BEGINS

The Indian Navy has begun testing the mooring capabilities of the Rezistor-E radar complex that is manufactured at JSC NIIIT-RK (named after chief designer A.M. Breygin), which is located in Chelyabinsk in the Russian Federation. This complex is responsible for automating the processes of navigation and landing of aircraft. This is being done in an effort to kickstart the air wing of the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which was made entirely in India. The company’s general director, Dmitry Breygin, stated on November 1 to the Russian publication URA that the subsequent stage of inspections will be finished by the month’s end.

INDIAN ARMY ISSUES RFP FOR 250 ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES (ATV)

The Ministry of Defence, Government of India, intends to procure 250 quantities of All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) under emergency procurement through the Fast Track Procedure (FTP) under Buy (Indian) category and seeks participation in the procurement process from prospective bidders. The ATV provides individual, all-terrain mobility to deployed Special Operations Forces in austere locations and across a myriad of special operations missions. The vehicles are extremely flexible and internally transportable within rotary wing assets, and they allow fully combat-equipped SOF operators to move around the battlefield rapidly in terrain not easily navigated by larger, heavier vehicles.

INDIAN ARMY GO-AHEAD FOR INDUSTRY-FUNDED DEVELOPMENT OF LOITERING MUNITIONS, DRONE KILL SYSTEMS

UNDER MAKE-II CATEGORY

The Indian Army November 4 announced the approval of five Industry-funded prototype development programs under the Make-II category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure. These programs include the development of medium-range loitering munitions, terminally-guided munitions for 155 mm artillery for precision strike capability, hard-kill anti-drone systems and hi-frequency Man Packed Software Defined Radios.

INDIAN ARMY REGISTERS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (IPR) OF NEW COMBAT UNIFORM

The process for registration of the new Camouflage Pattern and Design of Improved Combat Uniform to establish ownership of the Indian Army has been completed by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademark, Kolkata, the Ministry of Defence said.

US OFFERS TO DEVELOP AMCA JET ENGINE AGAIN WITH INDIA

The US has revived an offer to cooperate with India on the development of jet engine technology which could be used to power the MK-2 variant of India’s futuristic Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). General Electric (GE) of the US, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of jet engines, has submitted a proposal for the co-development of a 110 kN thrust engine with Indian agencies for the stealth fighter.

PRIVATE FIRM JOHNNETTE DEVELOPING HALE UCAV

Indian Private Firm Johnnette is developing JF-5 HALE UCAV. It uses Turboprop Engine, Max Flight altitude -40000Ft, Weight -5,600 kg, and can carry a wide variety of Sensors & missiles/weapons. range8,500 km, can operate in - 30 to + 55-degree Celsius reports Varun K on his Twitter handle. Johnnette JF-5 is a High-Altitude Long Endurance Strategic Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle capable of conducting operations that are performed with fighter jets. Its unique design and speed increase its survivability in higher-threat environments and provides customers with an expanded quick-response armed reconnaissance capability.

COUNTER-DRONE EQUIPMENT DEPLOYED IN KASHMIR; TERRORISTS SHORT ON WEAPONS

Around 300 terrorists are present in Jammu and Kashmir, while 160 more are waiting to sneak into India from across the border, a top Army commander said on Tuesday. However, the security situation in the Union Territory has undergone a major change after the abrogation of Article 370, said General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi.

FIVE NEW ADVANCED NAVIGATION SATELLITES FOR STRATEGIC NEEDS

The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, NavIC, will soon be expanded as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is building five more advanced navigation satellites with a focus on meeting the country’s strategic sector needs. More importantly, an indigenously developed rubidium atomic clock will be part of the new satellites. ISRO Chairman S Somanath told this daily, “One of the four atomic clocks onboard the first navigation satellite to be launched next month or by end of this financial year will be a desi one.”

DRDO IS LIKELY TO TEST THE PULSE DETONATION ENGINE

SOON

The DRDO will soon start testing its Pulse Detonation Engine in an Aerospace configuration. Test facilities and gigs are under development. Once completed the system will be used to incorporate PDE in cruise, antitank missile propulsion, and unmanned aerial vehicles. A paper issued by the DRDO said the engine can be used in cruise and anti-tank missile propulsion, unmanned aerial vehicles. After the basic engine, the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), a unit of DRDO, is now working on an air-breathing multi-tube, multi-cycle pulse detonation engine.

SYSTEM DELIVERIES TO IAF

Indian company Gurutvaa Systems has despatched the first bulk production lot of its Dronaam counterunmanned aerial system (C-UAS) to the Indian Air Force (IAF) reports Janes. Sandeep Dawkhar, vicepresident of Gurutvaa Systems, said that the first lot of Dronaam C-UAS was recently despatched. He added that before the despatch, a team of officials from the IAF's Directorate of the Air Staff Requirements approved the C-UAS production lot at the company's facility in Pune, Maharashtra.

INDIAN

NAVY

LAUNCHES

NEW SURVEY VESSEL INS ‘IKSHAK’

The Indian Navy launched ‘Ikshak‘, the third of the four survey vessels (Large) project, being built by GRSE/L&T launched at Kattupalli, Chennai. “She made her first contact with water of Bay of Bengal at 1040 hrs at the Launch Ceremony graced by the VAdm MA Hampiholi, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command," the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

ARTILLERY GUN-EXTENDED RANGE (MAG-ER)

KSSL showcased 155 mm/52 calibre MAG-ER in India's Defence Expo 2022. According to the company, MAG-ER weighs less than 8 tons and has a firing range of 41 km. India's Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) has developed a 155 mm/52 calibre ultra-light howitzer (ULH) called mountain artillery gunextended range (MAG-ER) reported international defence website, Janes.

AIR FORCE TO ORDER WORTH ₹1,400 CR FOR INDIGENOUS ANTI-RADIATION MISSILES

As India is looking towards more indigenously developed defence systems, the Indian Air Force decided to take one more step in that direction with a proposal worth Rs. 1,400 crores for the acquisition of Rudram's Next-Generation Anti-Radiation Missiles (NGARM). The senior officials from the defence establishment informed that the missiles are crucial for search and destroy operations in enemy territories.

INDIAN NAVY TAKES DELIVERY OF THE SECOND DESTROYER OF PROJECT 15B MORMUGAO

The second ship of Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyers, Y 12705 (Mormugao), being built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), was handed over to the Indian Navy on Thursday, the Ministry of Defence said in a press release. The contract for four ships of Project 15B was signed in January 2011. This project is a continuation of the Kolkata class destroyers, which were part of Project 15A and were commissioned in the previous decade. On 21 November, the project’s lead ship, the INS Visakhapatnam, was commissioned into service with the Indian Navy.

DRDO DEVELOPING DIFFERENT SOLID

ROCKET MOTORS

The DRDO is developing different Solid Rocket Motors for increasing the range of Missiles. Throttle control-based Solid Rocket Motor which is under R&D. Hybrid (Solid + Liquid) Rocket Motor (already developed by ISRO). About 3 pulse Solid Motor development has started after dual pulse motor (under prototype fabrication). Conceptually, solid rocket motors (SRMs) are simple devices with very few moving parts. An electrical signal is sent to the igniter which creates hot gases which ignite the main propellant grain (see image below). The propellant contains both fuel and oxidizer; therefore, these devices can operate in the vacuum of space. Thrust is developed as the high thermal energy of the combustion gases is converted to kinetic energy in the exhaust. The simplicity of SRMs makes them an attractive choice for many rocket propulsion applications. Because there are few structural components, the SRM is efficient in that the vast majority of its weight is usable propellant. SRMs can be ignited at a moment’s notice and don't require tanking of liquids before operation. On the downside, their efficiency (specific impulse) is generally lower than liquid systems, and they cannot be readily throttled. Once ignited, the motor will burn to extinction unless special provisions are included to terminate thrust during the middle of a firing.

IAF MI-35 ATTACK HELICOPTERS UNDERGOING OVERHAUL,

TO ADD SIX YEARS OF LIFE

The single squadron of Mi-35 attack helicopters in the Indian Air Force (IAF) is undergoing a complete overhaul in Russia which will extend these helicopters’ lifespan by six years keeping them in service beyond this decade, according to defence sources. “The overhaul is being done in two batches. The first batch is currently in Russia and once they are done, the second batch would be sent. The entire overhaul should be completed by mid-2023,” a defence source said. The overhaul of each batch takes around six to eight months, the source stated.

IResearch Associate in Indo-U.S. relations at CUTS International WDC Center. He writes about geo-political security and diplomatic affairs. He is former associate International Relations at the Vivekananda Global University. Follow him on Twitter/@puru_354 ndia has started to transform towards becoming a major defence manufacturing hub and a major exporter. As the uptrend seen to upscale indigenization process around the globe, India believes in doing the Indian way, and not the mundane western way. Providing a defence ecosystem for incubating “Make in India, Make for the world”, the latest defence reforms are encouraging the private domestic and international players to play a proactive role. Nations from Africa, Latin and Caribbean regions along with Central and South-East Asian nations have already started to enquire and place orders for the indigenously built equipment and have become the top destination for landing India’s exports.

Purushendra Singh

India envisions becoming a major defence exporter by 2047, the year India celebrates its 100 years of Independence. To turn this vision into an accomplished mission, India has to forge defence partnerships with like-minded nations and look towards co-producing and comanufacturing, specifically with technologically advanced nations and leading defence manufacturers. This would have a multiplier effect on the economy overall, along with creating many required jobs, providing security to the global world, producing lethal and non-lethal weapons of the latest technology and lastly, helping in maintaining a rules-based order.

India has traditionally been exporting defence equipment to many countries including Italy, Israel, Egypt, Poland, Armenia, the Philippines, and most of the neighbouring states. According to SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institution) data on international arms transfer trends, roughly 50 per cent of India’s defence exports from 2017 to 2021 were to Myanmar followed by Sri Lanka at 25 per cent. This shows that India is not just concerned about its security but acts as a security provider in the South Asian region.

Thus far, the exports have been petty military hard wares, bulletproof helmets, pellets, mosquito nets, and small arms and ammunition. This is changing, especially with the roll-out of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), 2020 which introduced the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. Now, the onus lies in scaling up indigenous industries and producing high-value defence products while balancing the traditional requirements. India is aware that the world is facing a wavering geo-political shift each day and as a responsible nation, it can provide the much-required balance, stability and security in these fractured times. As witnessed in the present decade, the military misadventures first in Nagorno-Karabakh and then in Ukraine, have shown glimpses of what future wars would look like. Various defence experts claim these to be only teasers of what the future holds. India needs to look at producing indigenously advanced weapons in all domains as wars are becoming hybrid, and there will be a higher demand for emerging technology weapons worldwide. Space is being elevated to the latest domain alongside land, water and air.

India while celebrating its 75th Independence Day this year from the ramparts of the Red Fort marked a new beginning. The celebrations were marked with a ceremonial 21-gun salute, it was the first time indigenously developed equipment was used. The weapon used is an Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). The same gun system has now bagged an export-

“India has traditionally been exporting defence equipment to many countries including Italy, Israel, Egypt, Poland, Armenia, the Philippines, and most of the neighbouring states.”

order worth $ 155 million. The gun is now being manufactured by the homegrown Kalyani group, originally the Americans were the sole manufacturer of this weapon.

In central Asia, India has signed a deal with Armenia over the selling of the indigenously built multi-rocket launcher system ‘Pinaka’ and Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘Nag’. The former marked the very first export order for an indigenously built defence system. Nigeria and Indonesia are also in the line to purchase the ‘Pinaka’.

Armenia is now looking at procuring another indigenously built ‘Akash’ Surface to Air Missile (SAM) system and has RFPs (Requested for Proposal). Armenia has also ordered arms worth 250 million USD which included Pinaka MBRL, ATGMs and a range of ammunition. With this Armenia became the first export success for India’s Pinaka MBRLS. Recently, it was also reported that Armenia has also purchased 155.5 million USD worth 155mm artillery systems from India's private firm Kalyani.

Armenia is presently in a geopolitical fix with Azerbaijan and Turkey. There were also reports that India had offered weapons to Armenia during the Nagorno-Karabakh War. India offered small arms, ammunition, etc. under deferred payment but Armenia could not arrange for air transporters to airlift them.

Armenia is now looking at procuring another indigenously built ‘Akash’ Surface to Air Missile (SAM) system

\ It was the year 1961 when HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), an Indian state-owned aerospace and defence company-built India’s first fighter-bomber aircraft HAL HF-24 Marut. Continuing with the journey, the HAL produced the first ‘Tejas’, a single-engine – Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) which became operational in 2016 and was inducted for use in the air force and naval forces. After competing with other LCAs from countries such as South Korea and China, it became Malaysia’s first choice which has requested a proposal for 18 twin-seater Tejas. The defence minister has renewed the pitch for cutting import dependence and boosting domestic manufacturing. Inviting domestic players to produce cost-effective and latest state-ofthe-art technologies is aimed at increasing exports drastically. The Indian defence Minister has invited other countries and private companies to co-produce and co-manufacture defence products. This has been reflected in the recent ‘Defexpo’22’ held in Gujarat, which showcased only ‘made in India’ equipment. The Indian industry as well as Foreign OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin were also a part of and showcased joint-venture and jointly produced equipment.

On a similar note, a general uptrend in the increase of overall defence budgets by the nations such as Egypt, Japan and Germany is a point in case the growing reliance on security. India should be looking at exporting to developed and developing nations alike as the pockets have become deeper and countries are desperate to safeguard their sovereignty by all means. India possesses the capability and responsibility which is required to manufacture and export to other nations.

India faces a constant threat from two-border ends and has substantially increased the value of exports by six-fold since 2014. This is the rationale behind the priority given to security by achieving self-sufficiency and self-reliance. India is the fifth largest economy, boosting its industrial and manufacturing prowess and transforming towards a ‘Modern Atmanirbhar Bharat’ which is driven by the ‘Atma Shakti’ of Indigenousness for a free, secure and prosperous world.

India has come a long way from buying the best in the world to selling the best indigenously produced equipment and still lies a long road ahead. To achieve the target of 5 US billion dollars of export by 2025, India would continue to cater to emerging nations, and neighbours and also look out for prospective new buyers [End]

The Earnings From The Exports Would Have Multiplier Effects: -

Increase the foreign exchange reserves

boost to MSMEs and private players

India could look towards buying arms which are scarce or would be the immediate need of the military such as twin-jet fighter planes and dieselelectric submarines

produce critical and emerging technologies

become a net security provider

Founder of IADN. He has more than 10 years of experience in research and analysis. An award-winning researcher, he writes for the leading defence and security journals, think tanks and in-service publications. He has been a senior consultant to the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), Shimla and Helicopter Training School (HTS), Hyderabad.

About ninety per cent of India’s trade by volume and eighty-five per cent of oil imports for India come by sea. The security of the Indian Ocean has occupied a vital place in India’s national security concerns, more of now as India has risen on the world stage. The Indian Navy has been trying to achieve Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) throughout the key areas of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) which require great investment in the Indian Navy’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

After the launch of the Indian Navy GSAT-7 (Rukmini) communication satellite in 2013 to have a network-centric enabled navy; the induction of P8I aircraft from US and the upgradation of IL38s from Russia, the Navy had got a leap in the Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) domain but the government have to undertake more efforts to enhance and optimize its surveillance through development and procurement of more systems, especially space and airbased ISR systems.

This not only becomes important due to increasing Chinese involvement in the IOR but also due to the complex geostrategic significance of IOR which abounds the presence of almost all major navies from around the world. Therefore, India needs to commission more surveillance ships; develop space-based advanced surveillance systems for Wide Area Surveillance (WAS) of the IOR and induct long-rage UAVs in large numbers.

As oceans are a common good of humanity, therefore it goes without saying that India also needs to deepen its partnership with other littoral states and like-minded nations operating in the IOR for better maritime cooperation enabling better operational fluidity in the region with the long-term objective to make a favourable regional framework in the IOR.

ENABLING SENSORS-TO-SHOOTERS FROM SPACE

In the year 2018, fourteen People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships were spotted by the Indian Navy and in 2019 as many as seven PLAN ships were spotted operating in and around the Indian Ocean. Admiral Sunil Lanba notes that PLAN deployments in the Indian Ocean on average a year comprise of seven to eight ships. PLA Navy is active in the Indian Ocean since December 2008 however PLAN’s submarine deployments in the Indian Ocean began in the year 2013. PLAN submarine deployments are monitored every 24 or 48 hours with maritime patrol aircraft locating the surface support ships. The course of action to intercept Chineseorigin boats and follow them throughout their tenure in the region shall make it easy for the Navy to counter these vessels at the time of conflict.

In strategic terms, the prevention of littoral states from becoming a possible base country for the PLAN is the highest priority for India in the region followed by enhancing MDA. India needs to achieve full MDA throughout the key areas of the IOR. This requires great investment in surveillance capabilities. China has in place the full spectrum of space military capabilities to fight and win local wars under informatized conditions as enunciated by its leaders. China has been strengthening its ISR capabilities through multi-domain capabilities ranging from traditional Sub-surface, Surface, Air and the new Space domain.

India which now has a Net-Centric Operations (NCOs) capable navy should be exploring new frontiers to use space-based technology for meeting the ever-increasing needs of C4ISR in modern operations. As of now, India has not been able to make use of the space domain to enhance its MDA capabilities. Kartik Bommakanti, Associate Fellow at Observers Research Foundation (ORF) notes that India’s fundamental deficiency is that it has not adequately exploited space sensors for MDA and ocean surveillance to the extent that China has. China, for its part, uses the term ‘infromatization’ instead of MDA, which broadly covers the entire range of the information spectrum, including Command Control Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) in the maritime domain.

The space-based reconnaissance capabilities are required for WAS of key regions as well as safeguarding the country’s borders and coastlines with near-real-time coverage on Pakistan and rest of the South Asia, while in north China especially the Tibetan plateau and the distant South China Sea (SCS). In absence of such capabilities in times of conflict, India would need to depend on other nations to assess adverse movements of the opponent military. This also makes analysing China’s reconnaissance capabilities covering India, important. The three sorts of satellites provide a great boost to PLAN’s WAS capabilities which include the Earth Observation Satellites, Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Positioning Navigation Timing (PNT) satellites which are generally known as GPS.

It is important to note that only satellites cannot achieve the precision location of ships or any other military target to enable target acquisition but it only provides approximate area location thereby significantly reducing efforts of terrestrial sensors based on ships and aircraft having narrow range and detection capabilities to engage the targets. Although the spacecraft does not make the terrestrial sensors insignificant since the satellite only provides approximate location there is a requirement of terrestrial sensors based on sub-surface, surface and aerial platforms to correlate data and find the exact location and the motives of the target.

A group of ELINT satellites since having a coverage radius of about 3,500 Km. can provide the area location of the target in a region, thereby focusing the constellation of imagery satellite on that area one can gain the approximate location of the target within some minutes. Other terrestrial sensors based on ships, aircraft, submarines etc. are required to find the exact location of the target and its motive.

All military and civilian vehicles from a bus to planes as well as precision weapons like cruise missiles require guidance through PNT services to hit the target. Some missiles and UAVs are capable of loitering over combat areas to find the target. The success of the missile hit is based on the level of Air Defence sophistication of the opponent. For instance, the Barak-8 missile deployed on modern Indian Destroyer like INS Kolkata can even hit missiles coming at a supersonic speed.

Therefore, ‘precision warfare’ today is not just about a single hit but constant engagement capabilities over some time to exhaust the defensive capabilities of the opponent at sea. All this makes multi-domain surveillance capabilities important in today’s warfare, especially spacebased. They are less susceptible as compared to terrestrial systems, having wider coverage and hence can significantly shorten the Information-Decision-Action (IDA) cycle.

“Ultimately, the goal is not to create perfect situational awareness, but rather to leverage the most important commodity to a commander—time—to think through multiple concepts of operations (ConOps) which can be used to jump-start subordinate planning as battlefield conditions and objectives become more apparent…”

Admiral Scott H. Swift (Retd.), U.S. Navy

ACHIEVING UNDERWATER

DOMAIN AWARENESS (UDA)

In future, due to China’s aid, countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh besides Pakistan will operate a fleet of submarines which in turn would enhance the complexities of policing in the region but it is a quite worrying situation that the Indian Navy still doesn’t have Medium Lift Helicopters that can be decked on ships having helicopter hanger facility. They are said to be a key asset to conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations at sea. The absence of an ASW helicopter dilutes submarine detection capabilities which can enhance the chances for a ship to get hit by a submarine. Hence, India is procuring 24 MH-60 Romeo helicopters from the U.S., on an emergency basis.

India must also focus on manufacturing a greater number of ASW corvettes and minesweepers. These ships will try to fill critical gaps which India faces in terms of submarine strength vis-à-vis China which wants to have the strength of 99 submarines by 2030. The PLAN is augmenting its littoral warfare capabilities, especially in the South China Sea with high-rate production of the JIANGDAO-class corvettes (Type 056), more than 70 have entered service. The latest variant is for ASW with towed-array sonar.

Beyond 2030, China may build more than 60 of this class, ultimately replacing older PLAN missile-armed patrol combatants. There are many places in the IOR where water is shallow. In shallow waters, the detection of submarines and mines is especially problematic therefore India in future is looking to build about 16 Anti-Submarine Warfare-Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWC).

Major navies across the world are developing a network of sensors to include ships, submarines, buoys, satellites and unmanned underwater gliders for sub-surface WAS. To make the surveillance system work, China is using or adapting a lot of existing technologies. For underwater surveillance, it is installing a network of underwater sensors similar to the American Cold War Era SOSUS (Sound Surveillance System). South Korea began building a coastal SOSUS system after 2010 to deal with North Korean (and, by implication, Chinese) submarines off their coasts.

It is reported that a network of China’s underwater sensors has been extended to the Indian Ocean, as there is also the presence of some SOSUS sensors in the ocean. The system works by gathering information about the underwater environment, mainly water temperature and salinity. These underwater passive sonars listen to everything and sent their data via cable to land stations. From there it is sent back to a central processing facility, via satellite link.

The US is also working on its new underwater sensors systems akin to its SOSUS system which China is trying to replicate. One such system is known as Deep Reliable Acoustic Path Exploitation System (DRAPES) and another as a Surveillance Towed Array Sonar System (SURTASS) which consists of a small fleet of civilian crewed ships that carry sensitive towed listening (passive) arrays that can detect submarines from distances. The new detection technologies, from low-frequency sonar to flashing LEDs plus big data computing to enhance the faint signals they pick up — are making submarines easier to detect.

It is unclear whether the PLA can have the capability to collect accurate targeting information and pass it to launch platforms in time, for successful strikes in far sea areas beyond the first island chain. The such system might not be viable for the far seas such as in the IOR unless and until it is supported by a robust precision strike delivery system, nearby to the target. China’s major focus has shifted to developing unmanned platforms for sub-surface missions, its defining attribute is the ability to extend combat operations into the adversary’s A2/AD zone without risking the integrity of onboard systems or putting its own force in harm’s way.

These vehicles can perform a variety of non-lethal actions: active surveys of shallow water littoral regions, detection and monitoring of mines; jamming enemy communications; providing acoustic intelligence; conducting oceanographic and hydrographical surveys; providing submerged communications to the undersea platforms. In future, the weaponisation of such Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) is no bridge too far hence making them Lethal Autonomous Weapons (LAW).

“The advent of improved sensors and processing will make below-water warfare more like warfare above the water.”

Clark, Senior fellow at Centre Strategic Budgetary Assessment (CSBA)

Bryan

Reconnaissance in the Grey Zone

The boundaries of war have extended into the land, sea, air, cyber, and brain domains enabling intelligentized warfare, and giving rise to a more striking feature of integration between military and non-military domains. Hence, the boundary between peacetime and wartime has got increasingly blurred and especially when it comes to the sea.

There are many threats which can come from non-state actors as well which may be instigated by a state to carry out deliberative attacks on national soil or assets at the sea. India has a long coastline to defend which stretches to 7516.6 Km. The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks showed that if the non-state actors of minuscule numbers are given the right training and resources, they can be transformed into a killing machine.

Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in its report the Indian Ocean Region: A Strategic Net Assessment notes that a confrontation with terrorists at sea remains far more likely than a major engagement against the PLAN… The glaring example is the Sea Tigers, the maritime suicide units of LTTE in Sri Lanka, this group was able to conduct repeated large-scale attacks against the Sri Lankan Navy using fast attack crafts, swarming tactics, vessel-borne IEDs and mines placed in harbours and sea lanes by divers.

Hence, it would not be wrong to say that Pakistan can apply state resources towards organising, staffing, training and equipping a maritime asymmetric force since terrorism remains part of its national policy, while still maintaining a semblance of plausible deniability should the group undertake such attacks.

On the other hand, the dramatic expansion of the PLA Marine Corps (PLAMC) is also a concern to the security of IOR. By 2020, the PLANMC could have consisted of 7 brigades with more than 30,000 personnel. The PLAMC can be dispatched to far-flung installations like the Gwadar in Pakistan, and the new PLAN base in Djibouti which is already having the presence of these troops. As per some estimates, it is reported that the PLA Djibouti base can hold about 10,000 troops.

Reportedly, the insurgent groups based in Pakistan and Myanmar have close links with China. China’s inroads into Myanmar, especially its alliance with insurgent groups based in Myanmar are a case of concern. The real asymmetric threat doesn’t come just from non-state actors but also Underwater Unmanned Vehicles (UUVs)/ Autonomous Unmanned Vehicles (AUVs). The AUVs which are built by China apparently for civilian purposes can be operated through ports in Pakistan and elsewhere. It is possible that such operations can be considered by China upon Andaman and Nicobar Islands and other locations having important installations. Such AUVs 26

"We have received intelligence that the underwater wing of Jaish-e-Mohammed is being

trained for

attacks”

Admiral Karambir Singh (then CNS) (August 27, 2019)

can be further utilised for conducting artificial manoeuvres at sea, enabling Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) at sea.

The Island territory of India is vulnerable therefore the security of the islands is also important. The Island Information System geo-portal and Holistic Development of Island Scheme for the security and development of vulnerable islands have been undertaken by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). India must plan for fully utilising its island territories both on its East and West coast for strategic purposes, trade as well as tourism for better blue-water economic growth as well as security in the region. Besides military threats, threats like smuggling, illegal trafficking, natural disasters like oil spills, Illegal Unreported and Unregulated fishing (IUU) Etc. must be countered by employing better Technical Intelligence (TCHINT) resecures. Similarly, India should develop active marine operations capabilities in the grey zones in IOR and beyond. According to an Intelligence Bureau Audit in 2016, out of 13 major and 227 minor ports in India, 187 had little or no security at all. It was also highlighted that there is no statutory body which can oversee compliance with required security standards which need to be implemented and ensured by these ports. Coastal large-scale X-ray, gamma-ray machines and radiation detection devices for scanning incoming ships to identify any hazardous material like Nuclear Biological Radiation and Chemical (NBRC) material must be installed at major ports. The report also stated that there are 6 different ministries and 15 different organisations which are dealing with India’s coastline and maritime security which needs to be synergised at all levels.

“Emphasis on obtaining a complete picture of the situation is highly unrealistic. Such a picture is not only difficult but, in most cases, impossible to achieve, and the expectation of it is fraught with many dangers... One of the distinguishing traits of the successful commander is the ability to act quickly on incomplete knowledge of the situation... This is especially the case at the operational and higher levels, where one’s commanders are forced to make some assumptions about not only the current situation but also trends several weeks or even months ahead."

Prof. Milan Vego, US Naval War College taught operational art to three gen. of U.S. Navy

UNRESTRICTED FLOW OF INFORMATION MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS SOURCES

Sea Surface

Sub-Surface

The Indian Navy Maritime Security Strategy states “the MDA will be developed using all sources, including aircraft, both manned and unmanned, ships, submarines, Special Forces (SF), ground and space-based assets, information and cyber systems. MDA will shape and support actions during the conflict, enable disruption of the adversary’s Information Decision-Action (IDA) cycle, and contribute to the generation of battle-space dominance”.

In the coming years when India would strengthen WAS capabilities for greater MDA with longrange ASCM in services such as Nirbhay, the extended-range Brahmos missiles and supersonic missile launched torpedo with a range of more than 700 Km, India’s conventional deterrence in the IOR would significantly increase. Chinese assets in IOR would also remain vulnerable to the Electronic Counter Measures (ECMs) capabilities of the Indian Navy since PLAN ships will require to frequently communicate with the home base as operating in an extra-regional environment with a centralised hierarchy in power. It will require the Indian Navy to invest more in ECM capabilities throughout the IOR. This also becomes important to break PLA informatization initiatives.

In the near future, the surface, underwater, and aerial sensors can be integrated with spacebased satellites which can provide real-time coastal security monitoring capabilities, supported by A.I. and big data analytics solutions enabling real-time database management or better say big blue ocean data. The Indian Navy would require to provide greater emphasis on expertise in integrating information sources from space, sub-surface and surface sensors as well as integrated data management and analysis to cater to real-time operational needs with help of A.I. and data analytics tools [End]

Technologies Which Are Changing The Battlefield In Indian And Beyond

FRANCE, GERMANY, AND SPAIN AGREE ON THE NEXT PHASE OF FIGHTER JET DEVELOPMENT

France, Germany and Spain have reached an agreement over starting the next phase of the development of a new fighter jet dubbed Future Combat Air System (FCAS) a 6th generation fighter aircraft, Europe’s largest defence project at an estimated cost of more than 100 billion Euros, as reported by Reuters. The aircraft is being developed by Team Tempest led by BAE Systems, a UK-based aerospace company. The team also comprises industry partners including Leonardo, an Italian aerospace company, MBDA UK, a division of European missile systems provider MBDA, and Rolls-Royce.

INDIA LOOKS TO DEVELOP INDIGENOUS ENGINE FOR ITS DOMESTICALLY MADE MALE

UAVs BY 2024

As per the DRDO, the ‘learning curve’ of the Kaveri engine project has provided an impetus towards the import substitution and has helped enhance the indigenous content of this class of engine to 80 per cent.

IAF AIRSHIPS, DRONE TECH, QUANTUM COMMUNICATION: IIT-DELHI POWERS SLEW OF INVENTIONS

Be it the Indian Army, Air Force or in the field of drone technology, IIT-Delhi is working closely with DRDO and the government. In an exclusive interview with IANS, the Director of IIT-Delhi, Ranjan Banerjee, talked about a few such initiatives. “IIT-Delhi has developed a lightweight bullet-proof jacket. Recently Indian Air Force signed an MoU with IIT-Delhi for various development projects to support the requirement of the IAF. We are looking for a technical textile. Indigenous fire resistance suits. We have airships, we are working with DRDO for the material of these airships. We are also working on quantum technology and quantum communication. In Sonipat (Haryana) we are creating a drone facility, including drone pilot training, and drone simulation, we are planning next year to start M.Tech in robotics.”

PAKISTAN’S CHINESE SUPPLIED RADAR TO COUNTER

INDIA'S India’s military advantage and asymmetry over Pakistan when it comes to space-based platforms will be comprehensively tested as and when Pakistan acquires the cutting-edge SLC-18 space surveillance active phased array radar from China. Put on public display for the first time at the ongoing China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai (Guangdong) that ends on Sunday (Nov 8-13), the 10-metre tall SLC-18 radar is reported to be very effective in detecting and tracking multiple Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites in all situations and circumstances. The huge advantage is that it comes at a very cheap price.

CHINA SHOWCASES HYPERSONIC WEAPON NEAR TAIWAN, U.S. CONCERNED IS FALLING BEHIND

The United States completed tests for four different hypersonic weapon prototype systems this past summer, with one failure and three successes. Securing wins in hypersonic weapons development has been a major priority for the U.S. Defence Department in its quest to catch up to China, which recently launched a hypersonic glide vehicle in an exercise near Taiwan, and Russia, which used hypersonics for the first time in warfare in Ukraine.

IRAN DEVELOPS HYPERSONIC BALLISTIC MISSILES THAT

CAN PUNCH THROUGH ALL AIR DEFENCES

Iran's Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force Brigadier General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh on Thursday said that the country has developed advanced hypersonic ballistic missiles capable of penetrating air defence systems, IRNA News Agency reported. Speaking on the 11th death anniversary of General Hassan Tehrani Moqaddam, Hajizadeh said that IRGC produced advanced hypersonic ballistic missiles to pass through developed air defence systems.

INDIA SEEKS TO DEVELOP ITS EJECTION SEATS

The ejection seat market is dominated by a few companies, just five. They are Collins Aerospace (USA), Martin Baker (UK), NPP Zvedza (Russia), Aerospace Life-support Industries (China) and Aero Vodochody Aerospace and Zlin Aircraft (Czech Republic). However, it is Martin Baker that maintains a position of clear dominance, holding more than 75% of the market, which can lead to conditions, restrictions and even blockages when exporting indigenous aircraft from growing aerospace industries, such as South Korea or India.

INDIA EMERGES AS LEADER OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE

IN THE GEOSPATIAL SECTOR

India is not only a bright spot amid looming uncertainty in the global economy with the forecast of a 6.1 per cent growth as compared to China's 4.4 per cent, European economies near 0.5 per cent and the US around 1 per cent next year. It is also fast emerging as one of the most important leaders of technological change, especially in the arena of digital technology and other frontier technologies.

THE SKYROOT AEROSPACE SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES ITS VIKRAM-S ROCKET

Vikram-S, the country's first privately developed rocket, was successfully launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on November 18 at 11:30 am. Developed by space start-up Skyroot Aerospace under its mission 'Prarambh', the launch was held at ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The rocket reached an altitude of 89.5 km and attained a range of 121.2 km as planned.

AGNIKUL TO LAUNCH ITS FIRST ROCKET BY YEAR-END

Space start-up, Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos, is targeting its first rocket launch in a sub-orbital mission by the end of this year. The ISRO on Friday said: “Agnikul received its first Flight Termination System (FTS) from ISRO on November 7 with the support of IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre). The official handing over event happened to mark the culmination of multiple rounds of interactions about interfacing, handling and using these systems on Agnikul’s launch vehicle ‘Agnibaan’.”

From The Field of Space And Space Technologies

ISRO'S SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES PSLV-C54 ROCKET WITH

EOS-6 AND 8 OTHER SATELLITES

ISRO's successfully launched its PSLV-C54 rocket with EOS-06 (Earth Observation Satellite) and Eight Nano-satellites into two different Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits (SSPOs). The Primary satellite (EOS-06) was successfully separated in Orbit-1 into a precise orbit. Subsequently, orbit change was accomplished by using two Orbit Change Thrusters (OCTs) introduced in the Propulsion Bay Ring of the PSLV-C54 Vehicle. The Passenger Payloads (PPLs) under Orbit-2 operations of the remaining 8 satellites were completed reported ISRO.

AGNIKUL COSMOS INAUGURATES INDIA'S FIRST PRIVATE

ROCKET LAUNCHPAD, MISSION CONTROL CENTRE

Agnikul Cosmos, a space technology start-up based in Chennai, inaugurated India's first-ever privately designed and operated launchpad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The facility, designed by Agnikul and built in collaboration with the ISRO and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), is divided into two sections: the Agnikul launchpad (ALP) and the Agnikul mission control centre (AMCC). They are separated by a distance of 4 kilometres.

ISRO DELIVERED FLIGHT TERMINATION SYSTEM (FTS) PACKAGES TO AGNIKUL

Agnikul Cosmos, a space technology start-up based in Chennai, received its first flight termination system (FTS) on 7 November 2022, from ISRO, with the support of IN-SPACe. The official handing over event happened to mark the culmination of multiple rounds of interactions about interfacing, handling and using these systems on Agnikul's launch vehicle "Agnibaan", in the presence of the Director, VSSC and INSPACe teams.

ISRO COMPLETES MAJOR DEVELOPMENT TEST OF ITS GAGANYAAN PARACHUTE

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, where many Gaganyaan activities are progressing, conducted a major development test “Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test, or IMAT “ of its crew module deceleration system at the Babina Field Fire Range (BFFR) in the Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh. This test marks a significant milestone toward realising the nation's ambitious Gaganyaan project.

INDIA'S HEAVIEST ROCKET LVM-3'S PAYLOAD CAPABILITY WAS ENHANCED

WITH A SUCCESSFUL ENGINE TEST

The ISRO's heaviest rocket LVM3-M2 lifts off from a launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, in Sriharikota. The rocket successfully placed 36 broadband communication satellites of OneWeb, on ISRO's maiden commercial mission. The payload capability of India's heaviest rocket LVM-3 has been enhanced by up to 450 kg with a successful engine test, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation.

ISRO PLANNING TO LAUNCH UP ITS SPACE STATION BY 2035

India is planning to launch its space station by 2035. For this ISRO has presented a plan to the industry. ISRO is trying to put heavy payloads into orbit and make reusable rockets. Such a rocket is called the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) ISRO Chairman S Somnath said the space agency is working on the design of the rocket and would like the industry to partner with it in its development.

ISRO SET FOR 1ST RUNWAY LANDING OF INDIA-MADE SPACE

SHUTTLE

The Indian Space Research Organisation is set for the first runway landing experiment (RLV-LEX) of its made-in-India Reusable Launch Vehicle - Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) from an aeronautical test range in Karnataka's Chitradurga district, with its Chairman S Somanath indicating that weather is being monitored.

AGNIKUL COSMOS SUCCESSFULLY TEST FIRES SEMICRYOGENIC ROCKET ENGINE

Rocket manufacturing start-up, Agnikul Cosmos on Tuesday said that it successfully test-fired a secondstage semi-cryogenic engine. According to Agnikul Cosmos, the single-piece, fully 3D printed, second-stage rocket engine powered by semi-cryogenic fuel "Agnilet" was test fired at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), part of the ISRO.

BANGALORE-BASED SPACE START-UP PIXXEL TO SEND ITS THIRD HYPERSPECTRAL SATELLITE ‘ANAND’

In April this year, Pixxel became the first Indian company to put a commercial satellite in space on a Falcon9 rocket of the maverick billionaire Elon Musk founded SpaceX. Bangalore-based satellite start-up Pixxel is 35

gearing up to launch its third hyperspectral satellite into space. To be called ‘Anand’ (meaning joy), the earth imaging satellite will be launched into space on the ISRO’s workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) on November 26 from the national space agency’s spaceport at Sriharikota off Andhra Pradesh coat.

ADITYA L-1 FOR SOLAR QUEST WITH PSLV ROCKET

Buoyed by the success of the PSLV-C54 mission on Saturday, ISRO chairman S. Somanath said the PSLV will be used for a mission to the sun, to deploy the Aditya-L1 satellite, a coronagraphic spacecraft to study the solar atmosphere, next year. The spacecraft will be placed in a halo orbit around the first Lagrange point, L1, of the Sun-Earth system. A satellite around the L1 point has the major advantage of continuously viewing the sun without occultation or eclipses.

Covering International and Geopolitical Matters

PAKISTAN APPOINTS ASIM MUNIR AS NEW ARMY CHIEF

Asim Munir has taken the charge of Pakistan Army by replacing Qamar Javed Bajwa, who had to hold the position for two consecutive terms. Asim Munir has earlier headed Pakistan’s spy agency ISI and Military Intelligence wing. The appointment has created chaos between supporters of former Army chief Bajwa and his opponents since there were rumours heated up for Bajwa’s re-appointment as Army Chief.

RUSSIA ADJOURNED BILATERAL TALKS WITH THE UNITED STATES

The Russian government has announced the bilateral meeting that was about to be held between the United States and Russia is postponed due to unknown reasons. The official statement came from the Russian Foreign Ministry said "The session of the bilateral coordinating committee on the Russian-American START Treaty, previously scheduled to take place in Cairo between November 29 and December 6, will not take place on the dates indicated”.

IRAN SHOWS OFF ITS NEW SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILE

Iran’s new longer-range surface-to-air missile Sayyad 4B has unveiled during a ceremony by the Iranian Defence Minister and Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Defense Force (IRIADF). The Sayyad 4B missile is equipped with Iran’s Bavar-373 air defence system that will be capable of hitting a target within 300 km of range.

PROTESTS WAGE UP IN CHINA AGAINST “ZERO-COVID POLICY”

The ongoing protests in China are taking heat against the Chinese government’s zero-covid policy. According to the sources, the Chinese government is forcefully ceasing people and violating human rights by taking advantage of the zero-covid policy. The protesters are showing their anger in the streets of Shanghai and other prominent cities in China by holding blank papers. Slogans of “freedom” and “step down Jinping” are raising in the protests.

UNITED STATES TO SUPPLY MISSILES TO FINLAND

The Department of Defense of the United States has announced the supply of its “air-to-air” and “air-tosurface” missiles to Finland after the tension between Russia and Nordic countries arises again. The supply of “AIM 9X Block II” tactical missiles and “AGM-154” Joint Stand-Off weapons will be soon delivered to Finland as per the US sources

JAPAN PLANS TO INCREASE THE DEFENCE BUDGET BY TWO PER CENT

The Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida has announced that Japan will increase its defence budget by two per cent by 2027. The announcement has come after Chinese aggression in waters near Japanese territory and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The series of missile launches by North Korea has also played a key role in the decision.

UNITED KINGDOM INCREASES MILITARY SUPPORT TO UKRAINE

The United Kingdom has announced the delivery of 10,000 artillery rounds along with a search and rescue helicopter to Ukraine. The decision has come from the cabinet of the newly appointed PM of the United States, Rishi Sunak. As per the sources, the United Kingdom is also supplying winter kits to Ukraine so that Ukrainian forces can counter Russian threats even in the heavy cold.

INDIA-SINGAPORE AIR EXERCISE

The multi-national Naval Exercises including India, Japan, USA and Australia (members of QUAD) have successfully culminated in Japan. The 26th edition of the multinational maritime exercise MALABAR 22 culminated in the seas off Japan on 15 November 2022. This edition also marked the 30th anniversary of the exercise and was hosted by the JMSDF.

The Indian Navy was represented by Eastern Fleet ships INS Shivalik (Stealth Frigate) and INS Kamorta (Stealth ASW Corvette) led by Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. Malabar series of exercises began in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between the navies of India and the US and gained further prominence with the joining of the navies of Australia and Japan.

India participating in international and bilateral military exercises

The sea phase of MALABAR 22 was conducted over a period of five days near Yokosuka and witnessed live weapon firings, surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare drills and tactical procedures. Another

highlight of the sea phase was the conduct of the War at Sea exercise which enabled all four navies to consolidate interoperability and hone their tactical skills.

The high-tempo exercise saw the participation of eleven surface ships including a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier with its integral air elements, along with four long-range maritime patrol aircraft, integral helicopters and two submarines. The exercise also involved the exchange of 'Sea Riders' between various participating ships.

Apart from operational drills and exercises, the bilateral logistics support agreements between the participating countries were validated during this edition of exercise Malabar. The exercise helped enhance our understanding of each other’s operational methodologies and ability to cooperate to tackle myriad maritime challenges.

INDIA-FRANCE NAVY EXERCISE

French Navy Ship Aconit, one of the five La Fayette Class frigates of the French Navy was on a goodwill visit to Mumbai from 28 Oct to 02 Nov 22. The ship's crew had professional and social interactions with personnel of the Indian Navy. The visit culminated with an exercise at sea with a warship of the Western Fleet. The frigate had earlier visited Visakhapatnam in 2015. La Fayette Class are stealth frigates of France. France has a presence in the Indian Ocean. France is an important partner to India for maintaining stability in the IOR.

INDIA-SINGAPORE AIR EXERCISE

F-16 C/D Fighting Falcon from Singapore conducted an aerial exercise with IAF. Su30MKI, Mig29UPG, Tejas MK1 and Jaguar aircraft participated from the side of IAF.

This is the 11th edition of the exercise between the two countries. The aircraft were based at Kalaikunda AFB. The exercise underscores the strong and longstanding relationship between India and Singapore in the domain of defence cooperation. It seeks to provide the participating contingents with an opportunity to share valuable operational knowledge, experiences and best practices while strengthening the professional bonds between the two Air Forces.

It also provides a chance for India to test its indigenous fighter LCA Tejas against the F-16C/D which is also the leading fighter aircraft of India's adversary Pakistan.

INDIA-AUSTRALIA NAVAL EXERCISE

A Maritime Partnership Exercise involving Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ships HMAS Adelaide (a Landing Helicopter Dock) and HMAS Anzac (a Multi-Role frigate) and Indian Navy Ships INS Jalashwa (Landing Platform Dock) and INS Kavaratti (a stealth ASW corvette) along with their embarked helicopters was held in the Bay of Bengal from 02 to 03 Nov 2022. The exercises included tactical manoeuvres, helicopter landings and amphibious operations, which signified the high degree of interoperability between IN and RAN.

The RAN ships HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Anzac visited Visakhapatnam from 30 Oct to 01 Nov 2022. This was part of Australia’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022 (IPE 22). The Australian Defence Forces were hosted by the Eastern Naval Command. Ships of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet as also personnel from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force participated in various joint activities.

The harbour phase included a wide range of professional interactions including experience sharing, joint planning activities and friendly sports exchanges. The successful completion of the exercise marks another milestone in the growing India-Australia military interactions.

GARUDA VII INDIA-FRANCE AERIAL EXERCISE

The joint exercise conducted between Airforces of India and France saw a very wide range of activities. It also witnessed the chief of the French Air and Space Force fly in Su30MKI of IAF. And IAF chief flew in the French Rafale.

Airbus A-330 MRTT refuelled IAF fighter jets during the exchange to demonstrate interoperability between the forces. LCA Tejas MK1 also participated in the exercise.

HAL LCH Prachand also participated in the exchange. This was the 1st exercise of the newly inducted attack helicopter. Apart from the LCA and LCH, the IAF contingent consisted of Su-30 MKI, Rafale and Jaguar fighter aircraft, as well as Mi-17 helicopters. The IAF contingent also includes Combat Enabling Assets like Flight Refuelling Aircraft, AWACS, AEW&C and Garud Special Forces.

French contingent consisted of four FASF Rafale fighters and one A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft.

The 18th edition of the Indo-US joint training exercise “YUDH ABHYAS 22” was conducted in Uttarakhand this month. Exercise Yudh Abhyas is conducted annually between India and USA to exchange best practices, Tactics, Techniques and Procedures between the Armies of the two nations. The previous edition of the exercise was conducted at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska (USA) in October 2021.

The US Army soldiers of the 2nd Brigade of the 11th Airborne Division and Indian Army soldiers from the ASSAM Regiment will be participating in the exercise. The training schedule focuses on the employment of an integrated battle group under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate. The schedule will include all operations related to peacekeeping and peace enforcement. The troops from both nations will work together to achieve common objectives. The joint exercise will also focus on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Troops from both nations will practice launching swift & coordinated relief efforts in the wake of any natural calamity.

To derive full benefit from the professional skills & experiences of both armies, a Command Post Exercise and Expert Academic Discussions (EAD) on carefully selected topics will be carried out. The scope of the Field Training Exercise includes the validation of integrated battle groups, force multipliers, establishment and functioning of surveillance grids, validation of operational logistics, mountain warfare skills, casualty evacuation and combat medical aid in adverse terrain and climatic conditions. The exercise will involve exchanges and practices on a wide spectrum of combat skills including combat engineering, employment of UAS/Counter UAS techniques and information operations.

The exercise will facilitate both Armies to share their wide experiences, and skills and enhance their techniques through information exchange. This is the 1st time in contemporary history that the USA Army will be less than 100 kilometres from the borders separating PLA of China.

BETWEEN INDIA AND MALAYSIA STARTED IN KLUANG, MALAYSIA

The joint Military drill between India and Malaysia has commenced with the Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army and the Royal Malay regiment of the Malaysian Army taking participation. The exercise is said to be part of the annual training program which is traditionally taken place between the two countries for decades.