Geopolitics OCT-2020

INDIAN AIR FORCE SPECIAL Vol XI, Issue V, OCTOBER 2020  `100

DEFENCE  DIPLOMACY  SECURITY www.geopolitics.in

HOW GOOD IS IAF? With the possibility of a two-front war becoming worrisome and the need to project power in the Indo-Pacific becoming increasingly unavoidable, the Indian Air Force faces today daunting challenges

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EDITORIAL

K SRINIVASAN

WAKING UP TO REALITY A

t one point in time the Indian Air Force was the best air force in the region. Not anymore. As Harsh Pant and Angad Singh argued in a recent piece in Foreign Policy: “The (IAF) has seen its advantage, both qualitative and quantitative, against China and Pakistan narrow dramatically over the past two decades. Even worse, it now faces the challenge of mustering enough aircraft to tackle any possible collusion between the Pakistani and Chinese air forces.” That is the reality.

Justin Bronk of the Observer Research Foundation took the argument one step further with his excellent analysis of the IAF: “The Indian Air Force (IAF) is one of the best funded in the world, however, paradoxically it is one of the most underfunded for its allocated task. In order to defend the country against potential hostile actions and provide deterrence against both Pakistan and China, the IAF is increasingly ill equipped. One of its largest drawbacks in terms of operational efficiency — that it operates more types of fast jet simultaneously than almost any other air force — is also paradoxically an indication of how well funded it is compared to many air forces….”

What Messers Bronk, Pant and Singh have argued are fundamental to the manner in which the services have continued to be run these past six years — a period when it was expected that the ascendancy of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister would see a paradigm shift in the manner in which acquisition and the entire matrix of how our forces are equipped would see a sea change.

That the country is woefully short of its squadron strength, there is huge obsolescence and all the time there is an effort to catch up is to stress the obvious — something that almost

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every defence analyst and expert has now been saying for close to a decade-and-a-half. No wonder when the five Rafales (including two trainers) arrived from France, the TV channels went bonkers as if a two-front war had been sealed signed and delivered. Wow! As the country celebrates the 88th Air Force day, there is much to applaud — the creativity, courage and the steadfastness of our Air Force in spite of the pressures and the less than satisfactory inventory at their command.

Undoubtedly, the Rafale is arguably the best fighter jet in the business. But is it enough?

After all, how does one expect 36 aircraft to dramatically change the landscape? Undoubtedly, its India-specific suite of weapons and their range makes it a formidable war machine.

But they are too few in number. Moreover, as we have argued time and time again, the so-called force multiplier required to keep the rest of the ageing IAF fleet airborne and operationally nimble are missing. The refuellers have seen multiple acquisition efforts and continue to be scrapped and retendered. And this is just one programme. There are many others still winding their way through the byzantine corridors of South Block.

So, here’s welcoming the Rafale and Congratulations to the IAF! But, there is lots more, though, that we need to do.

srini@newsline.in

October 2020

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CONTENTS

IAF SPECIAL

WE ARE PREPARED

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Air Chief Marshall Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria exudes confidence borne out of years of experience and relentless preparation.“We continue to consolidate on our experience and learn lessons from each operation to enhance our capability further,” he said in an exclusive interview with Geopolitics on the eve of Air Force Day.

Managing a two- front war

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The IAF has the bandwidth and the ability of “strategic reach” from the Persian Gulf to the Straits of Malacca.

However, to be a truly formidable air power it needs plenty of more –more fighter planes, more air defence systems and more missiles to manage any two front war.

Quick, efficient acquisition

India’s languid acquisition policy will need to undergo a rapid transformation. Buying quickly and efficiently has to be the mantra especially when there is such a huge shopping list. If the IAF is to be potent, it will also lie in how quickly we acquire.

Being a potent Air Force IAF’s new force structure emphasises on cutting-edge foreign acquired quality and ‘Make in India’ quantity.

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October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

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CONTENTS

INTERVIEWS Boeing: Surendra Ahuja, Managing Director, Boeing Defence India 14 General Atomics: Vivek Lall, Chief Executive, General Atomics Global Corporation 16 IAI: Eli Alfassi, EVP Marketing, IAI

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Saab India: Ola Rignell, Chairman and Managing Director, Saab India 28 Collins Aerospace: Des Baxter, Director (Business Development-Asia Pacific), Mission Systems, Collins Aerospace 34 Lockheed Martin: William L Blair, Vice President and Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin India 36 Rolls-Royce: Kishore Jayaraman, President, Rolls-Royce India and South Asia 39 Pratt & Whitney: Ashmita Sethi, President and Country Head, Pratt & Whitney 46 Rafael: Eli Hefets, Corporate Regional Director, India, Rafael Advanced Defence Systems 49 Thales: Emmanuel de Roquefeuil, VP & Country Director, Thales 56 L&T: Jayant D Patil, Whole-time Director (Defence & Smart Technologies) and Member of the Board, L&T 58 HAL: R Madhavan, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL

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Kalyani Group: Colonel R S Bhatia (Retd.), President and CEO, (Defence & Aerospace), Kalyani Group 68

FOCUS FEATURE Russian Helicopters: Russia presents the latest developments of its helicopter industry at HeliRussia 2020 Navantia: Navantia’s BEST system enables up to 3 weeks underwater operation

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A SPACE FORCE

(52)

Indian Air Force has outlined a Defence Space Vision-2020 to try and harness satellite resources and boost India’s defence preparedness. For this, an Aerospace Command with space expertise and authority will be better equipped to transform India’s vision into real time strategies.

A GIANT LEAP

(64)

When the DRDO successfully testlaunched the HSTDV (Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle) it signaled that it was preparing the country’s next generation cruise missiles and hypersonic delivery systems. Likely to be commissioned into service in the next five years.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

K SRINIVASAN EDITOR

PRAKASH NANDA

VOL XI, ISSUE V, October 2020 DIRECTOR

MANAGING EDITOR

TIRTHANKAR GHOSH CONSULTING EDITOR

M MURLIDHARAN S. VASANTHAKRISHNAN SUB-EDITOR-CUM-REPORTER

AMARTYA SINHA

RAJIV SINGH PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

RAKESH GERA LEGAL ADVISOR

VASU SHARMA SUBSCRIPTION

ALKA SHARMA DISTRIBUTION

SENIOR PROOF READER

RAJESH VAID

DESIGNER

MOHIT KANSAL

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

HEMANT RAWAT

BHUSHAN KOLI For advertising and sales enquiries, please contact : 9810159332, 9810030533 For editorial inputs: geopolitics@newsline.in Editorial and Marketing Office Newseye Media Pvt. Ltd., D-11 Basement, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi -110 013, Tel: +91-11-41033382 / 84

All information in GEOPOLITICS is derived from sources we consider reliable. It is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. Opinions/views expressed by third parties in abstract or in interviews are not necessarily shared by us. Material appearing in the magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part(s) without prior permission. The publisher assumes no responsibility for material lost or damaged in transit. The publisher reserves the right to refuse, withdraw or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the Indian Advertisements Code. The publisher will not be liable for any loss caused by any delay in publication, error or failure of advertisement to appear.

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October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

INDIAN AIR FORCE SPECIAL Vol XI, Issue V, OCTOBER 2020 n `100

DEFENCE n DIPLOMACY n SECURITY www.geopolitics.in

HOW GOOD IS IAF? With the possibility of a two-front war becoming worrisome and the need to project power in the Indo-Pacific becoming increasingly unavoidable, the Indian Air Force faces today daunting challenges

Cover Design: Mohit Kansal The total number of pages in this issue is 76



LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

‘H

it to kill: The artillery saga’ (GEOPOLITICS, September 2020) was an enlightening writeup. Napoleon Bonaparte had once said, “With artillery, war is made”, which has a strong coherency with recent situation that India faces today as the threats of a two-front war looms on its borders. The purpose of the article has rightly emphasised upon the required actions to be taken by the government for the growth of Indian military’s artillery power under the Indian Army’s modernisation drive. Furthermore, it highlights the improvements in navigation and guidance systems (NGS), with highly accurate pre-designated targets hitting capability for minimising civilian deaths on the other side of the fence. The writeup has efficiently addressed the full spectrum of artillery modernisation including the purposes, scopes, challenges, specifications, manufacturing as an utmost requirement, to propel requisite actions thus preparing for the present threat from the immediate neighbourhood. Lastly, the ATAGS should be swiftly inducted into service without any further delay.

Assistant Professor Tulika Mukherjee, Indore

SPECIAL REPORT

HIGH TIME FOR AGNI-VI

INTERCONTINENTAL

BALLISTIC MISSILE Now is the time for the NDA-3 government to prove its political will by swiftly approving the AgniVI thermonuclear ICBM programme which will push India into the elite league of military superpowers like USA, Russia and China. Such a capability will give India tremendous diplomatic leverage at global high tables and will deter big powers from attempting Balkanisation of India during future conflicts, explains AMARTYA SINHA

FOCUS

HIT TO KILL: THE ARTILLERY SAGA At a time when India is increasingly facing the threat of a two-front war on its borders, it will be very apt to conclude that the Indian Army’s artillery modernisation drive requires a tremendous thrust from the government, argues AMARTYA SINHA

155mm X 45 calibre ‘Dhanush’ artillery howitzer during field-firing trials

MOD

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September 2020 www.geopolitics.in

An Agni-V missile being test-launched

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September 2020 www.geopolitics.in

PERSPECTIVE

SPOTLIGHT

‘High time for Agni-VI intercontinental ballistic missile’ (GEOPOLITICS, September 2020) was a very informative read. It was good to know that we are finally overcoming the challenges in order to emerge as a superpower. The author of the article has rightly pointed out how the ballistic missiles that can cover more than 10,000 Kms range with heavier payloads is call for the hour to compete with Chinese JL-2 submarine launched ballistic missiles. Agni-VI is indeed an ambitious project in this scenario. The article also mentioned that AgniVI is capable of bringing some major cities of the world within its range and it will make the superpowers acknowledge India’s rising stature, thus strengthening its chance to be part of elite league of superpowers such as US, Russia and China. Not to mention that a powerful ICBM force will pressurise India’s hostile neighbours to remain within limits. I wish that the government gives the nod to the Agni-VI project soon.

Assistant Professor Arunita Chandra, Kolkata All correspondence may be addressed to: The Editor, Geopolitics, D-11 Basement, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi-110013.

Or mail to: geopolitics@newsline.in

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ARTICLE 370 —

ONE YEAR LATER, HUGE INFRA PUSH IN J&K An Indian-made LCA Tejas multirole fighter jet in flight

THE STORY OF ATMANIRBHARTA IN DEFENCE

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval eating biryani with locals while roaming the streets of Shopian after the abrogation of Article-370

Will the embargo on import and carving out of a separate budget head for local procurement give impetus to indigenisation and self-reliance in a way that the measures taken in the past two decades have not? AMIT COWSHISH attempts an answer

DOORDARSHAN

The abrogation of Article-370 and Article-35A of the Constitution of India has seen an outpour of developmental initiatives in the two newly formed union territories, reports AMARTYA SINHA

O

n August 5, 2019, the NDA3 government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi abrogated Article-370 though a constitutional order and reorganised the state into

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the two separate union territories of Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh. It has now been followed up with notification of new domicile rules. Meanwhile, the union government is also implementing a slew of measures through various

September 2020

D

riven as much by the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar India’ agenda for economic revival, as by the strategic imperative of being selfreliant in defence production, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has prohibited import of 101 items. The list includes not just various types of ammunition which we should have started making in India long ago, but also weapon systems, radars,

developmental initiatives and an upcoming global business summit for ensuring Kashmir’s economic progress in the long run. Following is a sneak peek into the various developmental projects and constructive initiatives which are set

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‘A

rticle 370- One year later, huge infra push in J&K’ (GEOPOLITICS, September 2020) was an eye opener for everyone.

Incidents of violence have reduced significantly in Kashmir valley after August 5 and security forces have achieved major successes against terrorists, according to an Union Ministry of Home Affairs report.

The developmental initiatives in the newly formed union territories of Kashmir and Ladakh are a welcome step. Foreign direct investments will increase. Kashmir already has massive potential in the domain of tourism and hospitality, which will be boosted further. Exports of spices and apples from J&K will significantly which will directly and indirectly benefit Kashmiri farmers. As all Indian laws will automatically apply to the J&K after the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, it will bring the region back to the Indian mainstream. The most important implication of this decision is that the police in the union territory will come under the indirect control of union home ministry.

Mimusha Ghosh, Guwahati

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

‘T

sonars, combat and transport vehicles, naval platforms, helicopters, and aircraft.

According to press release of August 9, 2020, the embargo will come into effect for 69 of these 101 items as early as in December 2020, for another 31 in a phased manner between December of 2021 and 2024, and for a solitary item – Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile – in December 2025. Some of the items on the list like various variants of military

trucks are already being made in India.

A separate budget head has also been carved out of the capital procurement budget for 2020-21 to cater for purchases from the domestic sources. Just to make it clear, capital procurement (or acquisition) budget is not a distinct budget head, but only a notional sub-set the ‘Capital Outlay on Defence Services’, which also includes allocation for acquisition of land, capital civil works, etc., none of which are WIKIMEDIA

September 2020

www.geopolitics.in

he story of atmanirbharta in d e f e n c e ’ (GEOPOLITICS, September 2020) was an interesting article. The writer has prudently stressed upon self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Moreover, it is time for the union government to push the defence modernisation drive with a massive thrust forward. Ambitious programmes like the Agni-VI ICBM along with K-5 and K-6 SLBMs, should also be rapidly concluded with full-range tests of the missiles.

There should also be increased focus on developing and deploying a massive arsenal of nuclear weapons for deterring hostile nations like China. The second planned aircraft carrier project (INS Vishal) should also be speeded up. Advanced projects like the HSTDV should also be put into the fast trajectory for quick deployment. Enough damage has been done due to India’s pacifi st attitude in the past and now it is time to do some radical course correction. The process of robust and rigorous weaponisation of India must continue unhindered in the years to come.

Abheek Bose, Siliguri

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GEO INTERACTS

up the process the MoD revs ru, it is time in progress. off in Bengaluthat still remain a work a 2019 kicks As Aero Indi st IAF’s capacity build-up -2019 SPECIAL to boo

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CMD, Ananth Technologies Ltd

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KISHORE JAYARAMAN

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President, Rolls-Royce, India and South Asia

H RAJINDER SING BHATIA

CEO President and (Defence & Aerospace), Ltd Bharat Forge

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CMD, Saab India

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UDAYANT MALHOUTRA

MICHAEL KOCH Acting Managing Director, Boein g Defense India and Vice President, India, Boeing Defense, Space & Secu rity

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HE LCA MK 1!

Come 2022, Hindustan Aer onautic as a number s Limited will raise the of foreign cou curtain on the he Light ntries show Light Combat Combat Aircraft was a keen interest Aircraft Mar the centre k 1 even of attent to acquire it.

2022 as the ion as HAL set debut

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STEVE GERBER

date for LCA Mark 1 at Aero India. the more advan The The Artificial ced Intelligence may fly in 2023MK2 prototype aspect of the Simul ator points to forward canar and will have future augmented ds as the reality capab differentiato key ilities.

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Following the the induction also announce comp of the Light letion of the final Utility Helico operational pter, clearance for the CMD, BEL transport helico a multi role LCA on Febru pter weigh 20, 2019, ary just 3000 Chairman of kilos. Chair ing R Madhavan HAL Madhavan announced pointed out, man that the LCA today delivery sched “The will For that, it its delivery sched now speed up utility helico ule of the light the defence forces? ule. the demands ofmagic wand. pter and all releva There are now of the ent be able to satisfy system tests nt Will the governm will need more than a wave indications that the well and the are progressing delive helicopter shoul of LCA traine ry schedules make its debut d .” expedited. The r too will be HAL LCA Chair is a threeman said that decade-old progr financial positio the n of the comthe weaponised amme but now pany had improved MK1 versio is ready to on the back n participatin of payments be g in Aero coming in for This will test mass-produced. 2019 projects and H C Tiwari India be funde past . Malaysia HAL production the 2019 defenc d for augm and the UAE capabilities. with s budge are enting storm e believ t.

He delivery sched ed to have shown also the flexibl its own little “LCA ule. e role and decades der book with said that the orterest is 60 per cent inbeen having Highlighting the initiatives to boost investments, Raksha Mantri points toand the thus increase Besides, with es for over five a mix of delive its availability indig- releva in the LCA Mark 1 and enous need to work ies going three new r30 per cent the arme d servic a point where the two nt authorities as a weapo stakeholders programmes platform for of its count s g to contribution of peninsular India for setting up industries in the domain ofmanu aerospace ns and Navyforward for IAF, Army DRDO. These team instead of acting HAL showc facturing includ the Navy.” their sword degeneratin ries have madefrom both its future was robust. ased a billion ing some and awe mainframe finally drawn priorities at The other as a well-k nit extended dia unway to visits is In the shado and parties have Aero In- ment major develo components, structures and avionics.

The excitement 2019. The w of the defence are now outso fuselage parts Banga to the LCA facilities p- Mirage in conflict. of the oppor tunities” of the ne the naval advan in light helico out. aerospace andreplaced lore. urced,” Madh 2000 air crash tragic lt to imagi e ce lator that HAL is a new simuvan said. pter a- has openl In fact, Madhavan associated with the taglin earlier this month It is not difficu HAL is showc Aero vendor being try has been political boom and foldin with a folding the y in talked g MSME indus Banga asing ) an lence in aerospace in partnerChief Minister HD Kumarastion market in the world, the omin t a time when the naabout of at is clearl air show. HAL's lore, HAL HAL Chair (A&D with forthc g rotors will follow ing “the Israel away” may thoughts man also y positioning bicker ings al- Omni the Supersonic oppor tunities i model” where- low this chopper to Dassault Systems. said HAL this stage. “Run “take -off to tion is awaiting the Lok opening session also witnessed wamy referred to the state’s ship withthat by dirty itself for some count addressing CEO, Role Train the onto Whether the or . future do than put will r servic -2019 ries esses with than manu with er Aircraft India e (SPORT) busin smaller ships facture produ feeling intere also affirmed thehad shown not leanings rathe needs of the count ry. st in would Sabha elections and an address by Suresh Prabhu ecosystem in attracting invest- The minister projects. HAL’s a slew of new for India n simulator will in the cts an Navy importing only for dome be a stronger SpetsTechnoExport impor tant are meant tunities”. This India LCA Chairman said allow that althoughinheproviding stic modernisation drives in which he referred to the 20 ments in the aerospace and state’s potential and thus increa Indi- for real time n vital secur ity the Tejas of Rafale or is the most of defence pilot training the court of a billion oppor did not name and also for global marke needs but utility. is foreig n OEMs been arise the state alread Said HAL Chair se its situational countries, to are y on the backfoot, Aero In- per cent monthly growth rate defence sector through 98 per trained manpower the ts.

Whether it combat assess and doing its job and inquiry was hecater tothey Sources told is, there have clearly summ try to man R and Madhavan, industries quest ion. he would not ment comm GEOPOLITICS state dia-2019 kicked-off in Benga- of the civil aviation sector since cent compliance to provisions the aviation sector. Thesaid were that “The ability MiGs or Sukho counter allegations e does not failures private sectorventu ring into the A&D a new assem ent to have telligetraining. The artificial folding rotors and This articl or ed the luru on Wednesday with some the last four years. While refer- of the business reforms action government is slated to conbly line may in- the cause on speculation about allegations achievements t in the present or just certai nly affectthe last the helicopter and boom allow simul nce component of the of the Mirag evaluate the . rays and this has ator allows a fewof hope. The opening cer- ring to the growing number plan. He said that Bengaluru duct more than 450 B2G meetto fit into a e 2000 rs over nt gover nmen crash. sector today more traini for advance ce) sector. of the prese have been quite of all stakeholde has definitely Defen le ings during the course of Aero had been ranked as one of of airports, the Civil Aviation emony came a day after two as & there mora ng to be integrated space While s large es. This purpose A&D (Aero online. s spread acros which is Surya Kiran jets crashed kill- Minister said that 103 airports the leading digital cities in the India in the next five days. couple of decad sis serves no success storie here and there, the mood on the IAF, Such an analy rily the stakeholders — Ninad D Sheth s The closing remarks were an IAF pilot on the out- were already operational in world very recently and had he boom taken a toll protect our nation in sector e ing that accom well as MSME since it is prima whatever is requi red ated to as well as privat skirts of the Yelahanka Air the country while 100 more the potential to attract invest- delivered bytheDefence Minister panies and qualit y mand th public do for afterb of the to the streng in urner Indian Navy. one ing that need the only Force station. page 3 Rafale fighte s as the spite of deplet nment is only MBDA, the missil Continued on Aero India under r jet does platforms. HAL, facture of and the goverrs and they possess no ng multip fighti The show was inaugue company, of le rolls displayed at lies the strong in the manu presence of The main the stakeholde the air show a steep climb and goes into rated by Defence Minister Nira maintained PSU involved in India, has this doma in. the under-devel is an excell helicopters after sales d Services, specia list in metaphor for mala Sitharaman in the presdefence ecosy and aircra ft and generation meteo opment next are the Arme French presen ent The French stem. stakeholders wings of the the air show. ce at ence of Union Civil Aviation reported range r missile with a and various India not justare thus selling the DPSUs The Rafale Minister Suresh Prabhu, Karthat will arm of 130 kilometres major weapo CEO underlined systems; they the Rafale. this presence nataka Chief Minister HD Kuare also provid n Rafale and by back-up servic ing JIM WALKER maraswamy, Union Minister MBDA are that there was firmly rebutting es alone and S not H . the whole any Comp dent, COL defence infras scandal anies like Thale the deal and Vice Presi Sadanand Gowda, Minister of tructu aircraft engin s, asserting that in a lucrative spare re, including mer State for Defence Dr Subhash e E make Custo KAR was ND it r keen SAFR SHAN ANA and a host of to sell more and the emerg parts business smaller comp AN aircrafts should the & Account Bhamre, Chief of Naval Staff ing business make up the anies Indian electronic warfa (RETD), of French presen STANLEY want to enhan government Management Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief These re equipment ce.

LOÏC ce the fleet. include and CMD, Alpha “100 Rafale artificial Aéroc President & for Collinsof Army Staff General Bipin ampu Aquit s intelli s aine, Aerom enabled system gence number,” he would be a nice etals & Alloys Design s.

Managing Air Liquide, said. Rafale Aerospace inRawat, Chief of Air Staff Air , PIEDEVACHE Axon' Cable The Frenc is also looking to sale nologies Director TechGeneral, among h governmen others.

Country Bezhalel Machl Director of Asia PacificMarshal Birender Singh Dhaits naval versio has a large t n noa, Defence Secretary Sanjay dedicated stall handed Over is, President and CEO, Pvt. Ltd The French Head Rosoboronexport Airbus India that ELBIT SYSTE the first Expor presence at Mitra and DRDO Chief Dr G MS expected to grow to Million t Order worth Million Dollars Ltd., Israel, India, & South Asia Sathish Reddy. The show also s of Dollars in Shankar, VSM and which is Continued on the page 3 MBDA Technologies (Retd) Chairman and Manag next 4 - 5 Years to Col. witnessed the presence of repat Aero India.

H. S. ing Director, Alpha Design resentatives from many countries like Ghana, Afghanistan, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Russia and South Korea.

H C Tiwari The programme began with an address by Dr. Subhash Bhamre in which he re- would come up in the next ments in other high-tech sec- Nirmala Sitharaman. Addressferred to recent reforms exe- one decade with an investment tors as well. While referring to ing the 12th edition of the cuted by the Modi government of $65 billion. He also added the A&D sector, he said that show, she said that 200 comin the Aerospace and Defence that 235 new destinations had the Maintenance, Repair and panies were participating in sector. Praising the govern- been recently added under the Overhaul (MRO) sector in Ben- the current edition of the show. ment’s initiatives for boosting UDAN scheme. He said that galuru was one of the largest She stressed on the ‘Make in investments in the A&D sector, the country would require in Asia. A defence manufactur- India’ policy of the government he mentioned recent initiatives 2300 new passenger planes to ing cluster in Mangaluru was and highlighted peninsular Inlike Make in India, Start-up In- cater to the increasing growth also being planned which may dia’s contribution towards setprove to be a catalyst in the di- ting up A&D industries in the dia and innovation for defence in air traffic.

With Karnataka already rection. The Chief Minister said domain of aerospace compoexcellence schemes.

With India poised to be- well-known as an aerospace that the state government had CEO, Dassault Aviation come the third largest avia- hub in the country, Karnataka also set up a centre for excelContinued on page 3 (See Page 3)

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DR. SUBBA RAO

PRABHAT KUMAR BHAGVANDAS

CEO, Rossell Tech sys (Division of Rosse ll India Ltd)

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JITENDRA J JADHAV

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DEFENCE n DIPLO MACY n SECURIT Y

Director CSIR-NAL

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Vol IX, Issue IX,

RUARY 2019

CEO & Managing Director, Dynamatic

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Spokesperson, Global Industry Leader- Aero, QuEST Global

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Head, FFV Ordnance

RM INVITES WORLD TO INVEST IN A&D SECTOR

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ALEXANDER MIKHEEV

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“THERE IS NO SCANDAL WITH RAFALE DEAL”

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“WE ENDEAVOUR TO MAINTAIN OUR EDGE THROUGH MODERNIZATION AND ACQUISITION OF NEW SYSTEMS�

PRO IAF

How do you explain the gradual evolution of the Indian Air Force from being a tactical force to a strategic force, from being defence-oriented to the one aiming at air domination, from having the capability of meeting a single threat at one time to fight a two-front war simultaneously, from protecting territorial assets to guarding India's space assets?

Over the past 88 years, the IAF has evolved

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from a single unit of six Indians flying four fragile biplanes to a modern, combat effective, highly professionalForcewhich is also the fourth largest in the world.

Having successfully defended the country during various wars, the IAF was pressed into service during the Kargil operations and the more recent Balakot strikes. This marked a change in its employment from classic force on force

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employment to more proactive offensive roles with the ability to selectively address concealed targets in difficult terrain deep across the borders of the adversary.

We continue to consolidate on our experience and learn lessons from each operation to enhance our capability further. As we build our assets and modernize the existing ones, we also keenly observe aerospace developments

Commissioned into the Indian Air Force on June 15, 1980, AIR CHIEF MARSHAL RAKESH KUMAR SINGH BHADAURIA PVSM AVSM VM ADC took over as the 26th air chief Chief of the Air Staff on 30 September 2019. An alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy, he graduated with the coveted ‘Sword of Honour’.

He has over 4270 hours of experience on 27 types of fighters as well as transport aircraft and holds the unique distinction of being an Experimental Test Pilot, a Cat 'A' Qualified Flying Instructor and a Pilot Attack Instructor. He completed his Masters in Defence Studies from Command and Staff College, Bangladesh.

In a career, spanning almost four decades, the Air Chief Marshal has held a number of significant field and staff appointments which include Command of a front line Jaguar Squadron, Command of a premier Air Force Station in South-Western sector, Commanding Officer of Flight Test Squadron at Aircraft & System Testing Establishment and Chief Test Pilot as well as Project Director of National Flight Test Centre on Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project. He was extensively involved in the initial prototype flight testing on the LCA. He has flown the Rafale while preparations were on to induct it into the IAF. While acknowledging that the IAF faces many challenges and that its procurement schemes are being prioritised within the budgetary resources to ensure that urgent and critical capabilities are acquired first, he assured PRAKASH NANDA that the Indian Air-Warriors are best in the business. Excerpts of the interview: around the world. We carry out detailed analyses of the geopolitical scenario, and continually refine our threat assessment.

We are keenly aware that our biggest strength is the man behind the machine, and so, apart from acquiring and operating the latest platforms, systems and weapons, we are also refining and updating our training scope and philosophy to ensure our air warriors are the best in the business.

Since the IAF has lesser active fighter squadrons today that its authorized strength of squadrons, how do you propose to manage the gap , particularly when we have only the tardy progress on the fronts of the on Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), MMRCA, FGFA and LCA programmes?

Our fighter acquisition plan has been planned for the next two decades. We expect our fighter squadron strength to improve as the LCAFOC series, LCAMK1A, Rafales and additional Su-30 MKI & Mig 29 aircraft are delivered. The 114 MRFA will further add to this even as enhanced LCA version and fifth generation AMCA

programme takes shape to join us in the next decade.

Apart from the platforms, how do you look at both the level of your technological prowess and the calibre of the human resources(including fighter pilots) at your command?

We constantly endeavour to maintain a technological edge through our modernization plan and acquisition of new platforms and systems. Our training is constantly evolving to maintain proficiency and prowess of our pilots and technicians in order to fully exploit our platforms. We have a continuous professional military education programme which seeks to retain the high quality of technological prowess required by our air warriors.

Now that we have a CDS, do you think that it is time to move towards having integrated commands?

Increasing our integration and jointness is the need of the hour.

Our process for formulating the scope and nature of a joint and integrated

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planning and war fighting structure is underway, and is being supported by all stakeholders.

How do you visualise the IAF remaining one of the potent air forces of the world in the face of inadequate budgetary allocations year after year on the one hand and growing emphasis on indigenous production of assets even if these are time-consuming and technologically- behind (those produced by the foreign vendors) on the other ?

Our budget allocations for ongoing vital procurements and up gradations are in place and the process for placing orders to the domestic industry is on track. We are confident that the recent drive towards indigenization and steps taken to ensure that a domestic aviation ecosystem develops will definitely bring results.

However, this can only happen if the industry, both PSU and private, reorient themselves and work jointly to meet this challenge effectively. In order for us to be truly strategically independent, we must have full control over the technology and intellectual property of our platforms, weapons and systems. 

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DASSAULT RAFALE JETS FORMALLY INDUCTED INTO INDIAN AIR FORCE he first batch of Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft has been formally Ta formal inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on September 10, 2020 at function at Air Force Station, Ambala. Raksha Mantri Rajnath

Singh and French Defence Minister Florence Parly graced the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Raksha Mantri said that the induction of Rafales was a historic moment and a very important milestone in the history of the IAF. He stated that the Rafale deal was a game changer for India’s national security and its induction is a strong message for the world and especially for those who challenge India’s sovereignty.

The first five Rafale aircraft which had arrived at Air Force Station, Ambala from France on July 27, 2020, would be part of 17 Squadron, the “Golden Arrows”.

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All Photos: PIB

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‘BOEING CONTINUES TO GROW A GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE SUPPLIER BASE IN INDIA’ Our sourcing from India stands at $1 billion a year from more than 225 suppliers who are manufacturing critical systems and components for some of Boeing’s most advanced products, says SURENDRA AHUJA, Managing Director, Boeing Defence India, in this interview with GEOPOLITICS Please provide an update on Boeing Defence activities in India including sourcing activities and partnerships with Indian firms?

India is at the front and center of significant opportunities for Boeing.

Boeing has been a strong partner in the mission readiness and modernisation of the country’s defence forces. Our proven portfolio of products and services offer unmatched operational capabilities across the entire mission spectrum.

Today, India has 11 C-17 GlobemasterIIIs, eight P-8Is (with four more on order), 22 AH-64E Apaches (with six more on order) and 15 CH-47F(I) Chinooks, all Boeing platforms.

Our sourcing from India stands at $1 billion a year from more than 225 suppliers who are manufacturing critical

systems and components for some of Boeing’s most advanced products. We are working closely with our suppliers in India to support supply chain health, identify new ways to drive innovation, and deliver greater value to our customers.

Boeing continues to grow a globally competitive supplier base in India, with strong partnerships that are aligned with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited in Hyderabad, Boeing’s joint venture with Tata Advanced Systems Limited, is manufacturing Apache fuselages for customers around the globe. Dynamatic Technologies manufactures the ramp and complex aft pylon for the Chinook heavylift helicopters. Similarly, Rossell Techsys manufactures wire harness and electrical

panel for the AH-64 Apache, and the harness for V-22 Osprey. SASMOS HET Technologies manufactures electrical panel assemblies and wire harness for the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-15 Strike Eagle. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) manufactures F/A-18 gun bay doors and wire harnesses, and P-8I weapons bay doors and identification friend-orfoe transponders. These are just a few examples of the work done by our Indian suppliers.

What is the update on deliveries of Apache, Chinook and P-8I for the Indian armed forces?

Boeing completed the deliveries of all AH-64E Apache and CH-47F(I) Chinook military helicopters to the Indian Air Force (IAF) this year. The final five of the 22 Apache attack helicopters were handed over to the IAF in July. Earlier in March, Boeing handed over the last five of 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to the IAF. The Indian Navy (IN) currently operates a fleet of eight P-8Is with four more on order. The first of the four aircraft will be delivered this year, and the remaining three in 2021.

Now that there are a large number of P-8Is and C-17s in India, how is Boeing looking to involve local Indian personnel and companies in their maintenance?

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BOEING

F/A-18 Block-III Super Hornet

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We are working with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy (IN) to provide operational capability and readiness for the P-8Is, the C-17s and the Head of State aircraft through sustenance contracts and for the Chinook and Apache fleets through warranty support. Ensuring mission

readiness of our customers and providing them seamless services and support on our platforms is an imperative for Boeing.

Boeing’s local sustainment support footprint is enhancing responsiveness on sustainment and training contracts.

Boeing supports the IAF C-17 fleet under the Globemaster Integrated Support Programme (GISP) that maintains high mission capability rates by providing them access to an extensive support network for parts availability and economies of scale.

India’s P-8I fleet is also supported through Boeing’s services business by providing spares, ground support equipment and field service representative support. Boeing’s integrated logistics support has enabled the highest state of fleet readiness at the lowest possible costs.

Since induction, the Indian Navy P-8I fleet has surpassed 29,000 flight hours.

Boeing’s training and support package for the P-8I promises to increase proficiency in a shorter time, while reducing the on-aircraft training time resulting in increased aircraft availability for mission tasking. A 60,000 sq. ft. Training Support and Data Handling Centre is being set up at INS Rajali, Arakkonam (the base for P8I fleet), with a secondary centre at Naval Institute of Aeronautical Technology (NIAT), Kochi.

We are also working with Indian companies to develop capabilities in the country so that they can perform maintenance locally, including heavy checks and supply of indigenous equipment. Airworks Pvt. Ltd., in partnership with Boeing, successfully completed the first heavy maintenance check for the first P-8I in 2019. We plan to continue working with Air Works for similar checks on the remaining aircraft.

Further capability development planning is in the works to support the growing P-8I fleet, improving the local aviation ecosystem while ensuring quicker turnaround for the Indian Navy.

Please elaborate on Boeing's response to the IN fighter RFI and further steps?

Boeing’s F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet offers unique and differentiated advantages to the Indian Navy. The F/A18 is the most advanced, combat proven, multi-role naval frontline fighter and will augment the collaboration between the US Navy and Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean region.

The Indian Navy stands to benefit from the multi-billion dollar investments that has gone into infusing new technologies in the aircraft by the US Navy and by several international customers.

Boeing’s plan is to offer ‘By India, For India’ sustainment programme that will build on other successful sustainment programmes that Boeing is executing for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy today, to sustain the F/A-18 Super Hornets from India. Boeing has responded to the Indian Navy’s RFI and we continue to work with the Navy through the process.

the Royal Australian Air Force and is under 9 aircraft in contract to the U.K.’s Royal Air Force with 2 delivered. Also, as you know eight P-8Is have already been delivered to the Indian Navy, with four more on order. Further, Norway has five under contract, New Zealand has four under contract and the Republic of Korea has six under contract.

The P-8 is a proven long-range multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft capable of maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. A military derivative of the Boeing 737 NextGeneration airplane, the P-8 combines superior performance and reliability with an advanced mission system that ensures maximum interoperability in the battle space. 

What is the reason for Boeing's offer of the F-15 EX to the IAF for its requirement for 114 aircraft?

The Indian Navy and Indian Air Force have distinct operational needs for fighters. While awaiting further definition on the Indian Air Force’s requirements, we have requested a license for the F-15EX so that we’re ready to share the full spectrum of potential solutions across our fighter portfolio when appropriate.

What is the status of global P-8 orders and deliveries and aircraft delivery rate?

In September 2020, Boeing delivered the 99th full production P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the US Navy, with six additional jets used as Engineering Manufacturing Development test aircraft. There is a robust demand for P-8 aircraft. Boeing has delivered 12 jets to

What are the opportunities you’re seeing in the Indian space sector?

We’re proud of India’s recent strides in space exploration and ambitions towards human space flights before August 2022. It is a testimony to the country’s innovation, determination and full embrace of the challenges of space. Notwithstanding our six decades of space experience, Boeing is inspired by what India has achieved and it’s aspirations for the future. We look forward to partnering with ISRO in their endeavours.

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GA-ASI HAS PRODUCED MORE THAN 20 VARIANTS SINCE IT INTRODUCED ITS FIRST RPAS IN 1990 GA-ASI’s new MQ-9B is available as the SkyGuardian and the SeaGuardian for maritime operations. The UK is the launch customer and they requested a special variant, based on MQ-9B SkyGuardian, called the Protector, points out VIVEK LALL,, Chief Executive, General Atomics Global Corporation, in this one-on-one with GEOPOLITICS What is the impact of recent US decisions to ease the sale of high-end UAVs for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI)?

GA-ASI welcomes the announced changes that will alter the treatment of General Atomics’ UAS under US export policy.

We look forward to this announcement leading to approvals for sales to a larger portion of the international market.

India is now said to be looking at an urgent purchase of armed UAVs – has GA-ASI received State Department Clearance for such a sale?

The Trump Administration announced in 2018 that MQ-9B would be the US offering to the Indian Government for all of their RPA requirements.

What does a complete MQ-9 Predator armed drone entail in terms of ground support equipment?

A typical MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) includes an array of ground support equipment, including Ground Control Stations (GCS) and satellite terminals.

What is the maximum altitude from which an MQ-9 Predator can takeoff and what are the latest variants under production?

What are the different variants of the new MQ-9B? GA-ASI has produced more than 20 variants since it introduced its first RPAS in 1990. Some variants are born out of customer-specific requirements. For instance, GA-ASI’s new MQ-9B is available as the SkyGuardian and the SeaGuardian for maritime operations. The UK is the launch customer and they requested a special variant, based on MQ-9B SkyGuardian, called the Protector.

Similar to other turboprop aircraft,

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What are the operational advantages gained by operating UAVs? Long-endurance, low-risk, low-cost and very high Mission Capable Rates.

Who are your MQ-9B customers?

SkyGuardian has garnered significant interest from customers throughout the world. The UK Ministry of Defence selected SkyGuardian for its MQ-9B Protector programme, and recently concluded the production contract for deliveries to the Royal Air Force. The Australian Defence Force under Project Air 7003 selected SkyGuardian. GAASI also signed a contract to deliver SkyGuardians to Belgium.

MQ-9B is GA-ASI’s most advanced RPAS. GA-ASI named its MQ-9B aircraft SkyGuardian, and the maritime surveillance variant SeaGuardian®, which is fitted with a multimode 360-degree field-of-regard Maritime Patrol Radar and optional sonobuoy capability.

MQ-9B development began in 2014 as a company-funded programme to deliver an RPAS to meet NATO’s stringent airworthiness type-certification standard (STANAG 4671). STANAG certification will enable SkyGuardian to operate in civil airspace and better perform border patrol, fire detection and firefighting support, maritime patrol, and resource monitoring missions.

MQ-9B is provisioned for the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid System (DAAS) to

enhance safety of operations in civil and military airspace. The MQ-9B is built for all-weather performance with lightning protection, a damage tolerant airframe, and a de-icing system.

control. The second enhancement expands the cross-wind limits of the MQ9A. The third increases the maximum landing weight for normal and emergency landings.

Please provide an update on the expanded Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC) enhancements provided for MQ-9A?

Why is that important?

As part of the ongoing US Air Force contract for MQ-9A Reaper modernisation, GA-ASI demonstrated three expanded Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC) enhancements this summer that provide the MQ-9A with a dramatic increase in operational flexibility.

One enhancement enables the MQ-9A to land at an alternate or “divert” airfield in which no GCS is present, and under satellite communication (SATCOM)

GA-ASI

maximum attitude for MQ-9 takeoff depends on many factors, such as the density of the altitude, takeoff weight, aircraft configuration, and runway length.

This will enable operational MQ-9A’s to land at alternate airfields, on their own, in case of inclement weather, changing mission requirements, or damaged runways. These upgrades will improve mission-effectiveness tremendously.

With the “divert landing” enhancement, the remote pilot can enter the new landing area coordinates to automatically land at the selected location, or the pilot can overfly and self-survey the divert airfield’s runway using the MQ-9A’s multispectral Electro-

MQ-9B SkyGuardian

Predator-B

optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor to obtain coordinates for automatic landing.

Once uploaded to the MQ-9A’s mission profile, the MQ-9A aircrew enables the ATLC system, which allows the aircraft to automatically maneuver itself into a landing pattern and make the automatic landing.

All three enhancements provide MQ-9A aircrews with increased runway options, as well as expanded weather tolerances that greatly improve mission flexibility, operational availability and time on station. It will also lead to a substantial reduction in aircrew. 

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IAF IN A TWO-FRONT WAR Though the Indian Air Force now has credible “strategic reach� from the Persian Gulf to the Straits of Malacca, it needs more fighter planes, more air defence systems and more missiles to manage a possible joint threat from China and Pakistan, argues Air Marshal ANIL CHOPRA

W

ar clouds continue to hover over Ladakh.

Despite many rounds of meetings at Corps Commander and Brigade Commander level, there is no change in ground position. Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops have taken positions at a few places on the Indian side of Line of Actual Control (LAC). On the other hand, Indian Army (IA) has heavily reinforced its positions with troops and weapon systems. IA currently occupies some important high ground that puts the PLA on the defensive at many points.

Meanwhile there has been a meeting at the Defence Minister's level

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at Moscow where they have shared each others position and shown desire to de-escalate. More important was the meeting between the two Foreign Ministers, again at Moscow, on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, where a five-point plan has been evolved to act as guidance to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas and avoid any action that could escalate matters. The Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC), should also continue its meetings. As per plan, further military level talks are being scheduled.

On the other hand, there have

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

been high level visits to Ladakh by the Indian Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and the Army and Air Force Chiefs. The Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief has also visited some the Eastern Air Command airbases to take stock of operational preparedness. Indian Army and IAF have not only moved operational assets into Ladakh region, but also strengthened forces all along the northern border. Indian Navy is on heightened alert in the Indian Ocean.

IAF has greatly supported move of IA assets including tanks and other mechanised vehicles and equipment by air. IAF Su-30 MKI, Jaguars, MiG 29s and even LCA have moved to some forward locations.

The Indian Air Force has recently deployed its fleet of Apache attack helicopters in Leh PIB

Multiple fronts by China

Expansionist China has all of a sudden opened up multiple fronts.

The COVID-19 pandemic is reeling high across the world; the Hong Kong security law has antagonised the locals and galvanised the world, especially Europe; China is acting strong against both Taiwan and Japan; the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is running into serious debt issues; and there is a wave of uprising in Xinjiang. Among all this China has decided military posturing in Ladakh. After the fi ring incident in Galwan, the PLA had been put on the second highest alert state, implying preparation for war. After what the Chinese did in South China Sea (SCS),

there is a level of general distrust for Chinese strong man Xi Jinping.

USA, Japan, Australia and India are becoming closer and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) is perhaps heading towards a more serious security alliance. World's past experience is that the countries who stood up to Chinese military or diplomatic pressure force them to back off. India has seen this in Doklam and earlier in Sikkim. The same happened with Vietnam.

Defence proportionality- China

End of the Cold war and rise of China realigned the world power equations.

The geo-strategic ‘Centre of Gravity’ has shifted from trans-Atlantic to

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Indo-Pacific. Rising China is of great concern to USA who sees a challenger to its global dominance. United States would want a uni-polar world and a bi-polar Asia, but China is working towards a bi-polar world with uni-polar Asia. India has to fit in this aspiration matrix. Both of India’s neighbours not only have deployed nuclear weapons, but Pakistan has a clearly enunciated ‘fi rst-use’ nuclear policy against India.

China continues to rapidly modernise and make its military more capable through significant defence spending.

At the same time the Indian military preparedness continues to slide due low capital budgets and delayed acquisitions, rapidly shifting the force

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PIB

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting Nimu in Ladakh to interact with Indian troops on July 3, 2020

numbers and capability in China's favour. India’s economy is roughly five times smaller than China’s. The Chinese defence budget is around 3.5 times bigger than India's. Therefore India must use international diplomacy to make sure that such a collusive war does not take place. Meanwhile Indian military must urgently make qualitative and quantitative improvements.

Aerospace operations

dominance-

key

to

all

China has taken the leaf from the American strategic thought and is also convinced that 'who controls the aerospace, controls the planet'. It can thus be seen that they are concentrating the power build up in aerospace technologies.

They are making huge investments in technologies and capabilities related to space, hypersonic fl ight, stealth jets, strategic bombers and airlifters, long range missiles, aircraft carriers, unmanned systems, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities among others. China is also investing heavily in gamechanger technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, advanced materials, cyber, and information warfare. they are spending in excess of $25 billion a year in Defence Research and Development (R&D). India has to factor all this in its

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d A r my a n v e d n ia d n I o T he not only m IAF have al assets into o operation egion, but has als g r Ladakh ned forces all alon s t r eng t he e r n b o r d e r t he no r t h

assessment. For the surface forces to win the war, it is imperative that IAF dominates the air war.

Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)

PLAAF is the second largest air force in the world with 330,000 personnel and nearly 2,800 mainstream aircraft including 1,900 combat planes, 700 of which are fourth generation plus. In the last two decades it has made the great strides in developing airpower capability, albeit, it remains workstill-in-progress. The introduction of fourth-generation fighters, bombers, large transporters, unmanned aircraft,

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

long range air-to-air missiles (AAM) and advanced cruise missiles has transformed it from a defensive force to one that can project Chinese power throughout Asia and its eastern Pacific sea board. Its current modern combat aircraft holdings include 24 SU 35, 76 SU-30 MKK, 130 J-16, 350 J-11, and 500 J-10 fighters. As per Chinese media, PLAAF has inducted nearly 50 fi fth generation J-20 stealth aircraft.

They operate 120 H-6 bombers, and 23 Ilyushin IL-76, 69 Shaanxi Y-8/Y-9 transport aircraft among many others.

China developed the KJ2000 AEW&C with radar and avionics mounted on IL-76 aircraft. China has also developed the KJ-200 by installing a simplified system on board the Shaanxi Y-8. Plans are to modify a Boeing 737-800 to host the radar. KJ-3000, a newer variant with next generation radar is already under development. On April 6, 2015, a new Chinese KJ-500 AEW&C based on Y-9 turboprop airframe (An-12 copy) entered service and will eventually replace the eleven KJ-200s in service.

There are also four export models of the same (DK-03) in Pakistan. Shaanxi Y-9/Y-8 based 20 Electronic warfare aircraft and 4 Tupolev Tu-154 ELINT aircraft are for support roles. Around seven Y-20 strategic airlift aircraft have been inducted. Another 40 have already been ordered. China is reportedly

working on a stealth bomber designated as H-18. 10 Xian H-6 are the main fl ight refueling aircraft (FRA) along with a few IL-78. PLAAF has nearly 150 helicopters include Z-9, Z-18, Mi-8/Mi-17, and Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma.

PLAAF purchased the Russian S-300 surface-to-air missiles (SAM) and produced comparable indigenous the HQ-9. PLAAF has about 192 modern launchers along with 490 legacy launchers. China subsequently acquired six batteries of more advanced S-400 SAM system. Newer bomber variant H-6K can carry six DH-10 cruise missiles or eight long-range air-toair missiles to take on airborne early warning aircraft such as the E-3 AWACS. Currently China has up to 500 DH-10 missiles with a 1500 km range, and part of these is air launched. It has the R-27 semi-active radar/infrared; the shortrange infrared guided R-73; the active radar homing R-77 and the indigenous variant PL-12 air-to-air missiles. The PL-15 AAM has an indigenous active

Pakistan Air Force (PAF)

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electronically scanned antenna (AESA) radar, and a range of around 180 km. It entered service in 2016 and is carried on most modern fighters. Reports suggest that another variant PL-21 may have a range of over 400 km.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is the 7th largest Air Force in the world and the largest in the Islamic world with 450 combat and over 300 other support aircraft. PAF has around 75 F-16 variants with Block 52 being most modern, 150 Mirage-III and V variants, 135 Chinese J-7PG interceptors, and 120 JF-17 fighters (20 Block II and 50 Block III are on order). Many countries like Russia and France denied modern aircraft to Pakistan so as not to antagonise their bigger customer India.

JAS-39 Gripen was denied because nearly 20 percent components on the aircraft are from US suppliers. PAF’s main combat fleet in the long run will be F-16s and JF-17. There are currently 20 front-line squadrons operating from 13 fl ying bases. The numbers will soon go up to 22. PAF's F-16A/B fleet has been upgraded with modification kits by Turkish Aerospace Industries starting 2010. The package included the APG-69 radar, a Joint Helmet Mounted

WIKIMEDIA

Antonov An-32 military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force in Leh

Cueing System, datalink Link-16, new communications, and targeting and electronic warfare systems to Block 52plus level. Pakistan has been in talks with China to acquire more modern fighters including 30 to 40, J-31 Stealth fighters. Russia and Pakistan are talking about possible purchase of Sukhoi Su35 air-superiority multi-role fighter.

PAF has 5 C-130B and 11 C-130E tactical transport aircraft in service.

Four CASA CN-235 transport aircraft are on VIP duties along with three Boeing 707s of PIA. PAF has four IL78 FRA. PAF operates four Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C aircraft. It also has four Chinese ZDK-03 AEW&C aircraft which is a PAF-specific version of the KJ-200 incorporating a Chinese AESA radar similar to the Erieye mounted on the Shaanxi Y-8 transport aircraft.

Pakistan has modified a few C-130s for day/night ISR operations. PAF operates 10 batteries of MBDA Spada 2000 low to medium altitude air defence systems with intercept range of 20 km.

Pakistan has tested the new SPADA 2000 Plus system and may soon place orders for the same. PAF still has a few batteries of old SA-2 high altitude air defence system. Chinese FT-2000 anti-radiation variant of the HQ-9 long range air defence system was expected to be chosen. Pakistan has recently developed armed unmanned combat aerial vehicle named Burraq based on

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Falcon drone technology from Selex Galileo of Italy. China has supplied Pakistan with nuclear technology and assistance, including perhaps the blueprint for Pakistan's nuclear bomb.

Pakistan has Chinese design based short and medium-range ballistic missiles, including the Shaheen series with range up to 2500 km. China has also built a turnkey ballistic missile manufacturing facility near Rawalpindi.

Indian Air Force (IAF)

As per International Institute for Strategic Studies, IAF has around 1700 aircraft and approximately 900 of which are combat aircraft. The aircraft

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

are from a mix of foreign countries and indigenously built. Around 250 air-superiority Su-30 MKIs are in service and fi nal number on order as on date is 272. Twelve more are being ordered. Three squadrons of upgraded MiG-29UPG are the second line of airsuperiority aircraft. IAF is likely to acquire 21 more MiG 29s and upgrade them. There are three squadrons of Mirage 2000-5 Mk II standard. Two squadrons of LCA Mk I are still to get full numbers. 83 (4 Squadrons) LCA MK IA are being ordered and likely to start joining by 2023. 5 Squadrons of SEPECAT Jaguar are being upgraded to DARIN III standard and form the dedicated strike force. The five squadrons of upgraded MiG-21 Bison will stretch till 2024 with gradually depleting numbers. 36 Dassault Rafale aircraft started inducting in July 2020.

The fi rst five along with 11 operational pilots are in Ambala. Five more aircraft and eight more pilots will induct around October. The RFP for 114 MMRCA class fighters, that are partially to be built in India, is expected to be released by end 2020. Order for these may be placed not earlier than 2023. The HAL-DRDO Tejas Mark 2 or Medium Weight Fighter (MWF) is planned to be single engine, 17.5 tonne-class aircraft designed to replace 4th Generation fighters like Jaguar, Mirage 2000, and MiG 29. The same is still at design stage, with a

IAF Sukhoi-30MKI combat jet in flight

target of fi rst fl ight around 2025. The HAL-DRDO Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is still on drawing boards. First fl ight is likely around 2028 and induction around 2035. Two DRDO AEW&C Embraer ERJ 145 has been inducted. IAF continues to operate the three EL/W-2000 Phalcon AEW&Cs and two more are on order. IAF has 7 IL-78 aerial tankers. The strategic lift capability includes 11 C-17 Globemaster IIIs and 17 IL-76. 12 C-130-J are for special operations. Nearly a 100 An-32 are the medium lift fleet. They also have the paradrop and bombing roles. The 56 HS-748 Avros are meant to be replaced

by Airbus C295W to be built jointly with Tatas in India. Order is awaited. IAF operates nearly 240 Mi-17 variants and around 100 Dhruv ALH and Chetak/ Cheetah combinations. Two squadrons of Mi-25/35 attack helicopters are already being replaced by 22 Apache Longbow AH-64E which are already inducted into IAF. Similarly 15 Chinook Ch-47 F heavy-lift helicopters have been inducted. IAI Heron and Searcher UAVs and Harpy UCAVs form the unmanned fleet. Significant number of Israeli Harop loitering munitions anti-radiation autonomous drones have been ordered. Israeli SPYDER is the low-level quick reaction surfaceto-air missile system with medium range. These are complimented by the indigenous Akash air defence missile

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

ia like Russ n s e i r t n u o M a ny c c e d e n i e d m o d e r o t and Fran Pakistan so as n aircraft tonise their bigger to antago - India. JAS-39 customer as also denied Gripen w

system and the existing S-125 Pechora and OSA-AK systems.

Ever since PAF acquired nearly 500 AMRAAM AIM-120C-5 missiles in 2010, they have had a BVR edge over the IAF Russian missile inventory of R-77 and R-27 variants. This came as a stark reality during the aerial engagement on February 27, 2019. Induction of the French Meteor missile (150 Km+ range) with Rafale will outperform the 120 km range AIM-120. The missiles being bought in large numbers will also arm the Mirage 2000 later.

IAF-PAF operational balance

PAF and IAF have had two full-fledged wars in 1965 and 1971. Both these wars

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October 2020

ended in favour of IAF. PAF did not take part in Kargil war. IAF could carry out an unopposed successful deep air strike at Jaba Top near Balakot in Pakistan in February 2019. During the PAF's "Swift Retort" next day, IAF prevented PAF from crossing LoC. Also all the 11 stand-off weapons dropped by PAF did not hit their target. IAF did feel the need for longer range AAMs and encrypted radios. For very long IAF has maintained a numerical edge over PAF of 3:1. With depletion of IAF’s combat squadrons to an all time low of 30, this edge is currently down to around 1.5:1. IAF has clear technological superiority. Once the IAF gets back to the authorised 42 squadrons, the edge could stablise at around 2.0. PAF is inherently an air defence oriented force. As in the past, in a pure Indo-Pak war scenario PAF will be kept head-down by IAF and likely to get a drubbing. In the shadow of nuclear stand-off, a full-fledged war is less likely. In a limited war as a follow-up to a trigger incident or a surgical strike IAF will be much better placed based on its larger weapon inventory, and superior platforms.

China-India operational balance

China has 14 airbases in the Lanzhou and Chengdu regions, which are opposite India. Of the 14, the key bases are Hoping, Bangda, Shiquanhe, Bayixincun and Kongka. There are two airfields in Lhasa. An additional

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WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

four are also being readied which can be made operational quickly. Many of these airfields are at an average altitude of around 4,000 metre, and that affects performance of aircraft. Aircraft would have to trade-off with fuel and payload.

Additional airfields in the Chengdu Military region would require PLAAF to overfly Myanmar. Most of the airfields in Tibet region have now been logistically well connected with eastern and central China. India has chain of airfields from Leh and Nyoma in Ladakh to Chabua in the East. Important airfields for China operations will include Srinagar, Ambala, Sarsawa, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Bagdogra, Hasimara, Chabua and Tezpur among others. More civil airfields in the north-east are being operationalised for IAF use. Most of IAF airfields are in the plains and will not have load carriage restrictions. India has also upgraded many Advance Landing Grounds (ALG) and can now operate larger aircraft even in adverse weather conditions in the North East mountains. The two sides can be called evenly matched on this count. China has a clear edge in the surface-to-surface missiles (SSM) that they are likely to use to strike Indian airfields. IAF is acquiring five batteries of the advanced S-400 SAM system. Also IAF inventory of other SAMs is gradually growing up. With world focus shifted

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An Indian Air Force LCA Tejas fighter aircraft in flight

e design- e s e n i h C s ng ha Pakistan rt and medium-ra the based sho issiles, including up s ballistic mseries with range tire S ha h e e n m w h i c h c o v e r e n to 2500 k India

towards Indo-pacific and the reclaiming of Taiwan being the number one priority for China, Sino-Indian confl ict can at best be localised. Unlike 1962, IAF today is a potent force and will infl ict heavy losses in case of confl ict. Also with Trump administration becoming conservative in trade policies and European economies shrinking, India remains an important market for China with over $100 billion trade.

China-focused infrastructure

Till very recently, all major airbases, radars and other assets were looking West towards Pakistan. Same was the

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

case with Indian Army and Navy. Most eastern airbases were bare runways with no ballast protection shelters, and at best a few Operational Readiness Platforms (ORP). They were mostly used for fighter training and air maintenance operations.

Emerging economic strength, self confidence, doctrinal maturity, allowed IAF to look beyond borders and reach out into the seas beyond Indian Island territories. China's focused concentration on building air power also made India have a rethink on its air strategy. Kargil review report also helped IAF get larger proportion of the capital acquisitions budget and also have importance to strategic assets and combat enablers like the AWACS, Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA), heavy lift aircraft, UAVs and Electronic warfare.

IAF has now deployed front line fighter aircraft like SU-30 MKI and second Rafale squadron will be in the east. The C-130 special operations aircraft, Chinook and Apache also have bases in the eastern sector. India has also to defend itself against a possible sizeable Chinese surface-to-surface missile (SSM) attack.

Inductions of new SAMs including S-400 will help.

Air war across the Himalayas

Air war in the mountains is significantly different than in plains. Altitude has

An Indian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft on landing approach

WIKIPEDIA

its dynamics and penalties on aircraft and weapon systems performance.

Kargil helped IAF understand the dimensions of fighting an air war at Himalayan heights. It was clear that the application of airpower has to be precise and proportionate. The war in Ladakh, or elsewhere on LAC will be somewhat similar for IAF. Airborne and satellite platforms for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations are important. Counter air operations to knock off enemy air assets, air defence of own assets will be the fi rst priority. Interdiction of enemy supply lines and communication nodes will pay dividends. Indian Army will require close air support when engaged in battle. Air mobility of Indian Army assets will be important. IAF would greatly support the Indian Army's ground war. India has clear edge in the number of operational airfields within around 400 kilometres of the area of action. IAF airfields are at much lower altitude allowing better performance and weapon carriage.

China-Pakistan strategic ties

In order to deter India, in the early years of its existence, Pakistan chose to befriend China by ceding nearly 5,000 sq km territory in Baltistan region of North Kashmir as early as 1963, and closing boundary disputes. Military assistance began in 1966, a strategic alliance was formed in 1972, and economic cooperation began in 1979.

China also helped Pakistan build its military industrial complex and acquire technologies for its nuclear weapons and missile programme. It is Pakistan's largest supplier of arms and its secondlargest trading partner. Recently, China began supporting Pakistan's civil nuclear power sector. Military cooperation has deepened, with joint projects producing armaments ranging from fighter jets, tanks, missiles, frigates and submarines.

Pakistani leaders often describe the relations between the two countries as "higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans, stronger than steel, dearer than eyesight, sweeter than honey", and so on. China has an ongoing $46 billion investment in building the strategically important China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that connects Xinjiang region of West China to the China-builtand-operated Gwadar port near Gulf of Hormuz.

Maintaining close relations with China is a central part of Pakistan foreign policy, and China is considered

ng le jets alo e a f a R e iv r f The first perational pilots a e o iv 1 ala. F with 1 d in Amb aft and eight e n o i it s o p ale aircr more Raf ts will be inducted more pilo ctober a r o u nd O

a low-cost insurance against India.

Pakistan, alongside Cuba was the only other country to offer support to China after the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. China supports Pakistan's stance on Kashmir, and Pakistan supports China on Xinjiang, Tibet and Taiwan. The Sino-Pak nexus against India has only strengthened with the implementation of transnational infrastructure projects like the CPEC with significant Chinese security personnel presence.

Two-front war scenarios

Possibility of a two-front war is a reality that India's security hierarchy is fully

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October 2020

conscious about. Such eventually has been spoken of in the Indian parliament. IAF actually practiced twofront war scenarios in its mega exercise: 'Gagan Shakti' in April 2018. "Two-front war is a real scenario, we are not a war mongering nation but there are certain thresholds that shouldn't be crossed, said General Rawat, the then Chief of Indian Army and now Chief of Defence Staff, in July 2018.

Both China and Pakistan have territorial disputes with India, and have chosen to be strategic partners. Given the possibility for collusion between India’s two military adversaries, India has to factor in, and prepare for such an eventuality. Most analysts believe that there could be three situations.

Firstly Pakistan takes advantage of an India-China confl ict. Secondly, China looks at a window of opportunity in an India-Pakistan military engagement to wrest its territorial claims. Lastly, China and Pakistan collude to launch a coordinated attack. Most feel that the fi rst is the only probable case where Pakistan tries to gain ground in Kashmir. Militarily stronger China would not want Pakistan to step in though. Whether such a collusive attack on India ever takes place or not, Indian military needs to fundamentally prepared for such a challenge, which

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IAF

Indian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules lands at Daulat Beg Oldi

will also act as a deterrent.

From the sidelines of the ongoing confrontation, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmoud Qureshi stated that China cannot remain ignorant towards India’s illegal constructions of roads in Ladakh, and warned about India’s aggressive behaviour towards its neighbours that could put regional peace and security at stake. There are many reasons why Pakistan will not enter the fray, but Pakistan is unpredictable, and often behaves like an irrational rogue. China had remained neutral even during Kargil when it actually encouraged Pakistan to withdraw its troops.

China-Pak tie-up gives India a potential two-front theatre in the event of war with either country. Though another school of thought is that China and Pakistan can never push a nuclear India to the corner of a two-front war.

In case of a localised war across LoC between India and Pakistan, China is likely to support Pakistan with military supplies and put diplomatic pressure.

India is now a closer ally of USA and the Americans and Russians will prevent China from entering into a full war.

On the other hand if there were to be a limited Sino-Indian war, known for misadventures, Pakistan army may jump into the fray to avenge their

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h i na elds for C i f r i a t n Importa s will include a, operation Ambala, Sarsaw gra, , Srinagar Gorakhpur, Bagdo pur Bareilly, , Chabua and Tez Hasimarahers a m ong o t

repeated defeats. In such a scenario India will have to balance its forces on both fronts. With Current strength the IAF will fi nd it tough to take on both PLAAF and PAF. IAF requires at least 50 combat squadrons for a possible two front war.

Way forward for the IAF

India cannot match China’s numerical strength, but IAF would provide a sufficiently strong “deterrent force”.

If the IAF continues to deplete in numbers at current rate, it could hit a low of around 26 fighter squadrons, making them highly inadequate for a

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

two-front war. The fi rst priority for IAF is to quickly rebuild the numbers to the authorised 42 squadrons.

The 2020 defence capital budget allotment of `1,13,734 crore ($16.0 billion) is 29 percent shortfall from the requirement. IAF gets `43,282 crore ($6.0 billion). Most of the money will go towards existing capital liabilities on existing schemes, funds for new acquisitions are too few. This year’s defence budget (less pensions) is mere 1.4 percent of the GDP. This needs to go up to 2.5 percent. In a two-front war IAF will require to double the number AEW&Cs to at least 10. IAF also urgently requires more FRA. IAF also has to invest much more in UAVs and UCAVs, AAMs and PGMs. One of India’s assets could be its new BrahMos cruise missile that can be used against multiple targets. IAF now has credible “strategic reach” from the Persian Gulf to the Straits of Malacca, combining fighter aircraft with FRA and AWACS. In view of limited budgets and long wish list, IAF force planners would have to prioritise critical systems to bridge the gap through capability-based planning.

Air Marshal Retd) Anil Chopra, PVSM AVSM VM VSM was a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force who commanded a Mirage-2000 squadron

‘THE MRSAM PROGRAMME IS PROGRESSING AS PLANNED’ The development of the MRSAM system is reflected in the

innovation, creativity and remarkable personal dedication of all those involved in the project, says ELI ALFASSI, EVP Marketing of IAI, in this one-on-one with GEOPOLITICS

How does IAI see the Indian market?

IAI has always been one of the main pillars in supplying strategic & advanced equipment to India, providing cuttingedge technology for land, maritime, aerospace, and homeland security. IAI's systems, such as the unmanned aerial systems (UAS), radars, special-mission aircraft, and air-defence systems, have been in use in India for many years and with high levels of satisfaction from our customers.

We are expected to expand our collaborations with local leading companies, both PSUs and private, in order to integrate strategic state-of-theart systems for India’s Ministry of Defence in various fields, and in accordance with the ‘Make in India’ policy.

What is the latest update on MRSAM programme?

We are very proud of our work over several years on the co-development projects for the MRSAM Air & Missile Defence System along with the DRDO. IAI has had established relationships in India for more than 25 years, and the MRSAM joint development is one of the main and strategic projects of IAI in India, utilising our years of operational experience. The MRSAM is an advanced air and missile defence system that provides the ultimate protection against a variety of airborne threats, for both land and naval scenarios. It was designed jointly with the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) in India and is in use with both the Israel Defence Force (IDF) and the Indian Defence Forces.

The system includes an advanced phased array digital radar, command and control,

vertical launchers, and missiles guided by a highly-advanced seeker. The MRSAM, with its naval and land versions, is part of the elite club of the most successful Israeli defence industry developments in the world. The development of the system is reflected in the innovation, creativity and remarkable personal dedication of all those involved in the matter.

We are constantly working with our partners in India to bring the best operational outcome for the needs and requirements of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The MRSAM programme is progressing as planned, and IAI recently conducted a successful demonstration with our partners at the DRDO and the Indian navy.

works with the various defence agencies, Navy, Air Force, Army & the Coast Guard.

Our cooperation extends to engineering and software departments as well.

In 2020 we are expecting to expand our collaborations with local leading companies, both PSUs and private, in order to integrate strategic state-of-theart systems for India’s Ministry of Defence in various fields, and in accordance with the ‘Make in India’ policy. 

How has been the mutual partnerships with the Indian industry?

During Covid-19 pandemic IAI continued the mutual work in India. We have crews in Bangalore and Delhi to support all the relevant projects. In addition, we proceed the mutual partnerships with the Indian local industries as usual, according to ‘Make in India’ policy.

Successful teamwork is a critical aspect of this strategic endeavor, and IAI has proven its partnership and support through decades of cooperation – in joint research, development, integration, the testing of technology and work sharing.

IAI is engaged in collaborations with many local companies and

How does the Drone Guard system function?

The Drone Guard is a compact lightweight scalable drone detection and disruption system tailored to meet challenges of mini and small size drones and to provide an effective protection suite.

IAI's Drone Guard incorporates advanced adaptive jamming systems which can be used in concert with its detection and identification sensors, or as a continuously operated stand-alone system. The jamming disrupts the drone's flight, causing it either to return to its point-of-origin (‘Return Home' function) or to shut down and make a crash landing.

Indian authorities have shown significant interest in this system which is already in service with several customers.

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27

‘GRIPEN-E DESIGN ENABLES IAF TO MAKE CHANGES IN TACTICAL FUNCTIONS IN A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME’ Saab’s plans for technology transfer programme is more of a capability transfer, going well beyond just the mechanics of transferring technology, including supporting current and future indigenous fighter programmes, explains OLA RIGNELL, Chairman and Managing Director, Saab India, in this interview with GEOPOLITICS How does Saab aim to take advantage of India's recent 'Atmanirbhar' policy, which aims to enhance India's indigenous defence manufacturing base?

India’s quest for self-reliance is critically dependent on technological knowhow and know what. The challenge is to build domestic capability without foregoing cutting-edge systems. The process requires Indian industry to leapfrog technologies and start designing, developing and producing state-of-theart systems in the immediate future.

In addition, such programmes should have significant spill over of technology to non-defence sectors. India needs companies to not only bring but also develop technology in India, thereby creating an eco-system. Sweden, and Saab, have a proven track record of being open to sharing critical technology and working closely with partner countries to build such capability. We call it true transfer of technology. This includes training, transfer of know-how, capability development, and development of a strong supply chain for cutting-edge technology systems.

for technology transfer programme is more of a capability transfer, going well beyond just the mechanics of transferring technology, including supporting current and future indigenous fighter programmes, for example AMCA. All of these would be provided at a competitive cost, covering the entire lifecycle of the aircraft and the systems.

Saab has successfully implemented an extensive ToT and license manufacture programme in Brazil - what from this can be implemented in India?

Saab’s offer will enable Indian companies to take part in the industrial process of the world’s most advanced fighter by absorbing state-of-the-art capabilities and technologies with applications in both the military and civilian sectors.

Kindly elaborate on the technologies and performance of Saab's new X-band Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar?

In April, this year, Saab flew its new Active

Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Xband radar in a Gripen fighter (800) for the first time, at Saab’s Linköping airfield.

The 90-minute sortie was undertaken to test the radar against airborne targets of opportunity and other ground targets as well. We see it as an important step in the development of our new AESA radar. Its modular, adaptable and scalable design allows it to be used for a range of other applications as well. AESA has hundreds of gallium nitride (GaN) transmit/receive modules which help the radar achieve better performance in terms of electronic countermeasures, small target detection, and greater bandwidth. Unlike the GaAs (gallium arsenide) semiconductor used in most radar arrays, GaN generates less heat and allows more power to be transmitted through the array.

Please provide an update on the Arexis features Radar Warning Receivers (RWR) and Saab’s new Electronic Attack Jammer Pod (EAJP), has it been offered to India?

Gripen E

What is the status of Saab's offer for the IAF 114 fighter programme and what are the next steps?

SAAB

We have responded to the RFI with Gripen E which is the latest and most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft to the IAF. Gripen E design enables IAF to make changes in tactical functions in a very short period of time as compared to current methods. Saab has provided a comprehensive ‘Make in India’ offer for long term job creation with substantial production, maintenance and development capability. Our plans

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October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

What are the latest Saab offerings with regards to Ground Combat solutions, for which India has large requirements?

flexibility, offering a higher degree of accuracy, lighter construction and compatibility with future innovations.

Next Generation Light Antitank Weapon (NLAW): NLAW is a unique missile system that has been optimised to defeat tanks and other armoured vehicles. NLAW was developed for the British and Swedish need to give individual soldiers the ability to stop a modern tank in all conflict situations and environments.

NLAW is a top-attack, PLOS-guided, fire-andforget missile, in a disposable launchtube. NLAW is handled and employed by just one person and can be fired from confined spaces. Its effective range is from 20 to 800 metres; well-matched to the individual soldier's ‘fighting distance’. The

maximum firing range is 1000 m beyond which the missile is designed to autodestruct. An NLAW requires no target lock-on or IR signature before firing.

AT4 Family: The AT4 family provides three variations that meet the changing needs of ground forces. Present in more than 15 countries worldwide, the system is combat-proven and provides the extended range required for mission success, including night capacity and confined space capabilities. The product range includes anti-armour, anti-structure and anti-personnel/high explosive roles. With identical handling across all products, the AT4 family offers maximum versatility and ease of use whatever may the task be.

Arexis is Saab’s new Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) product concept supporting fighter aircraft requirements.

It provides the aircrew with essential situational awareness for self-protection due to its RWR, and tactical support via its ISR capabilities. Arexis products are adapted to fighter aircraft installation and environmental requirements. The architecture supports multi-function integration with other fighter aircraft sensors and countermeasures. One version of Arexis will be installed on board the new version of the Gripen fighter, Gripen E/F. Saab carried out the first flight tests with its new advanced Electronic Attack Jammer Pod (EAJP) with successful results in November 2019. The purpose of Saab’s new EAJP pod is to protect aircraft against radars by sophisticated jamming functions, thereby blocking the opponent’s ability to attack them. The first flight marks an important step of the pod’s development programme.

Saab is sharpening its electronic attack capabilities and the new advanced pod is an important element of this development. The EAJP is a strong complement to the built-in electronic attack capabilities of the highly advanced on-board electronic warfare system on Saab’s new Gripen E/F fighter. It can also be used on other aircraft types. The pod forms part of Saab’s Arexis family of electronic warfare systems.

Aid Suite (IDAS) for both the Indian Air Force and Army Aviation Corps variants of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), designed and manufactured

by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). IDAS is a fully integrated multi spectral warning system designed for self-protection of airborne platforms.

IDAS combines radar — laser — and missile approach warning functionality integrated with a countermeasure dispensing (CMD) capability for the deployment of chaff and flare decoys.

On the ALH, IDAS is integrated with an Indian designed and manufactured CMD system.

IDAS is supported by a dedicated mission planning tool known as the Threat Library Management System (TLMS).

in a number of programmes with various arms of the defence forces. Saab has a wide portfolio of products and we are in dialogue with the armed forces and homeland security forces for a whole range of sophisticated equipment, including avionics, air defence systems, advanced surveillance and foliage penetrating radars, camouflage, battle management systems, ground combat systems, naval and coast guard systems, electronic warfare systems and communication equipment among others. Saab is currently pursuing many individual opportunities in the requirements of the Indian defence forces.

All of Saab’s Business Areas are active in India offering hightech solutions and products such as the, EW (Self Protection Systems), Signature Management, Missile & Weapon Systems, Aeronautical Platforms, Sensors, Radars, Maritime Security and Civil Security. 

Some key products that fall under Saab’s Ground Combat portfolio are the CarlGustaf® Systems, AT4 and NLAW. The Carl-Gustaf M4 (CG M4): The Carl-Gustaf system has a long and distinguished history, but that does not stop the system from continuing successes. In 2018 Saab announced its tenth customer for the latest version of the system, the Carl-Gustaf M4. Since the Introduction of the M1 models in 1948, Carl-Gustaf has become one of the most reliable and battle-proven weapons system in modern military history. CG M4 builds on the system’s already notable

What are the other Indian defence programmes that Saab is participating in or will participate in?

We have participated

Kindly elaborate on Saab's contribution to the Dhruv ALH and LCH in terms of EW systems and its manufacture in India?

Saab is providing the Integrated Defence

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29

SHAPING THE IAF’S PROCUREMENT EFFORTS AMIT GUPTA discusses what the IAF needs to procure from other countries and what it can produce domestically to counter a two-front threat

I

ndia thought it had twenty years or more to match the Chinese challenge and its arms acquisitions and weapons production reflected this premise. Acquisitions were conducted in a leisurely manner and production was allowed to deliver new weapons at a glacial pace. Things have changed now. India faces a true two-front threat and events are threatening to boil over into a full-blown war along the IndiaChina border. In such a situation, the role of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be crucial since, of the three armed services, it is the only one that can move rapidly from the Chinese to the Pakistani border and, if India achieves air superiority over Pakistan, it would remove the pressure from the Indian Army, allowing the largest service to concentrate more fully on the challenge from China. The need for 42-45 squadrons is paramount as is the acquisition of equipment that would increase the lethality and capabilities of the IAF.

Pathologies

There have been discernible patterns when one comes across the pathologies that beset weapons acquisition and arms production in India. The late Stephen Cohen used to say that the Indians believe that if they hold out long enough on a weapons deal, they will get an attractive price. Instead, as we saw in the case of the Rafale, the cost of the plane tends to go up. Similarly, it took the IAF 20

30

years to finally acquire the Hawk trainer and by then the price of the programme had more than doubled. If India is to position itself to respond to the China challenge, buying quickly and efficiently are imperatives. The Israelis have made this clear to the India, encouraging the political leadership to sign a deal for the Phalcon AWACS system before the price goes up.

What constrains India in this context is a bureaucratic culture that cultivates languid decision making, which makes weapon systems acquisition a long drawn out and financially painful process. In contrast, other countries work rapidly to evaluate a weapons system, negotiate its purchase, and ink the deal. For example, this author sat in the visitors’ benches in the Australian parliament in 2016 and watched the debate on the acquisition of submarines. A month later, the Australian prime minister signed an agreement with France to build 12 Barracuda-class submarines with the shipbuilding set to commence in 2022. Contrast this with the long delays and slippages that take place in India’s efforts to not only buy, but also produce weaponry.

The bureaucracy and the politicians must recognise that they cannot do business as usual; the strategic environment has become increasingly threatening. If the Indian military were not to perform up to expectations in a future conflict, the blame would lie with the bureaucracy and the politicians for

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

their perfidy.

Secondly, as I wrote previously in this forum, the IAF needs to avoid chasing after big ticket items which do not fit seamlessly into the force structure or serve as multipliers.

This translates to the procurement or production of items like drones, airborne warning and control systems (AWACS), secure communications links, and beyond visual range missiles, all of which will address current shortfalls. For example, in the February 2019 clash between the Pakistani and Indian air forces, the Pakistanis were able to jam the radars and communication links of the Indian Sukhois.

Thus, Wing Commander Abhinandan crossed the Line of Control, despite orders not to do so, because he was unable to communicate with his

A C-17 Globemaster transport plane accompanied by two Sukhoi-30 combat jets, fly over Rajpath at the 70th Republic Day Celebrations in New Delhi on January 26, 2019 PIB

ground controller. The Pakistani Air Force also had better long-range missiles, which allowed its aircraft to stay out of range of the Indian Sukhois.

Thirdly, the IAF (like the other armed forces) is being asked to purchase new weapons at a time when the Indian economy is reeling from the economic devastation caused by COVID-19. The Indian economy contracted by 23.9 percent in the first quarter and most economists expect the country to show a negative growth rate for the entire year. If that happens, it will be difficult to buy big ticket items on the IAF’s wish list, especially those produced in other countries. After all, one of the rationales for buying indigenously has been to avoid wasting precious hard earned currency resources on expensive, imported

weaponry. Furthermore, once the Indian public demands a greater investment in healthcare resources for the country, the politicians will face the classic guns versus butter dilemma.

Fourthly, the politicians have to hold Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) feet to the fire and ensure that the company annually delivers the 16 promised Tejas fighters. HAL has never met the requirements of the IAF in a timely manner, but the company has been secure from criticism because like all public companies in India it not only employs large numbers of personnel, but also the politicians have falsely believed that it provides India with the base to expand its technological capabilities. Former Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, for instance, agreed to the domestic manufacture of a

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October 2020

fighter aircraft (the HF-24 Marut) because he erroneously concluded that it would lead to the development of a civilian aircraft industry that would build airliners.

Instead, as in the case of both the domestically-produced MiG-21 and the Su-30 MKI, aircraft produced at HAL have been more expensive to produce indigenously and their production has never been successfully indigenised.

Instead, critical components are imported, leading to the apt criticism that HAL essentially assembles aircraft.

Nevertheless, HAL has promised to produce 16 Tejas aircraft per year, which was a significant factor for approving the large Tejas contract to keep HAL gainfully employed. But the corporation must deliver if India is going to rise to China’s challenge.

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PIB

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria preparing to fly a sortie in the LCA Tejas Mark-1 fighter jet with 45 Squadron, during an induction ceremony at Air Force Station Sulur on May 27, 2020

What does the IAF need?

Finally, the need for a lot of fighters and the penny-wise pound-foolish approach of India’s decision makers also led to the decision to acquire 21 mothballed MiG29s from Russia and to license HAL to build 12 more Su-30 MKIs. The MiG-29 is a plane with a difficult maintenance record and whatever sweetheart deal the Russians may have offered, it is not clear what will be given with that package and if the aircraft can be delivered in the timeframe stipulated by the contract.

India cannot back out of this deal, so the planes will come and the one silver lining in this purchase is that it keeps HAL quiet.

Ultimately, if the IAF is to successfully meet security challenges from both China and Pakistan in a financially constrained environment, it must properly prioritise its requirements.

The fighter fiasco

The IAF should officially scrap the proposed purchase of another 114 fighters through a separate competition.

Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat stated that the competition was being scrapped and the country would, instead, buy the indigenously built Tejas. A few days later, the Chief of the Air Force contradicted him and said the competition was still on. A “competition” should not take more than a few months because all the planes that have been shortlisted were tested by IAF pilots when the Rafale was purchased.

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s ed n Cohen u lieve e h p te S The late t the Indians be to say tha y hold out long that if then a weapons deal, rice enough o get an attractive p they will

Instead, the IAF and the government should double the Rafale purchase since the infrastructure to field the aircraft has been put in place and the second order would cost less than the first tranche.

And the French meet their delivery dates.

The Rafale is particularly important for the IAF since the plane can be used as a strategic weapons delivery system.

In addition, it is not clear if any of the countries, except Russia, that are seeking to sell aircraft to India have given permission for their aircraft to be used for nuclear missions. India’s nuclear mission is best carried out by the IAF since it allows for the recall of the pilot in case the political leadership decides to call off a nuclear strike. There is also little literature on just how effectively India’s strategic

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

missiles could work in the harsh climatic conditions in the field. For example, just how easy will it be to deploy and launch India’s Agni and Prithvi missiles in the 45 degree plus Indian summers?

The IAF should also be looking at every nation in the world, especially France, for surplus Mirage 2000s since the planes have worked well for the IAF in past combat and in the case of the French Air Force, their Mirage 2000s have low flight hours and are well maintained.

Mirage 2000s can also be bought from Qatar since its air force is modernising.

Qatar had earlier offered the Mirage to India but the price was deemed too high, but now as the Qatari Air Force buys more Rafales as well as the F-15E and the Eurofighter Typhoon it will seek to sell the remaining 9 aircraft that like their French counterparts were also well maintained and have low flight hours.

Put together, 36 additional Rafales, the surplus Mirages, and MiG-29s and Su-30s would give India an additional 6 squadrons to cover for the aircraft that will be phased out in the near future. Where can the IAF get another 10 squadrons to give it the necessary force levels? The answer lies in Tejas and to weaponise some of the Hawk trainers that the IAF uses.

The IAF now has two Tejas squadrons and is inking a deal to acquire an additional 83 aircraft which will be of the Mk1A standard with an improved engine, an Israeli AESA radar, and a beyond visual

range missile capability. But if everything goes according to schedule, HAL will not build the first Mk1As till 2027, with an induction of aircraft into operational squadrons in the 2030 timeframe. What could be done in the meantime, therefore, is to weaponise some of the 123 Hawk trainers that are in the IAF and Indian Navy training squadrons so that they could be used in emergencies. In their place HAL is going to be producing an intermediate trainer, the Sitara, which would cover the shortfall of training aircraft.

In 2017, the government told the IAF to stop discussions with BAE over a weaponised Hawk because of bribery allegations against Rolls Royce, the manufacturer of the Hawk’s engine. Yet, if revived, the programme could provide an easy way to give India a secondary surface to air and air to air delivery capability and create maybe another 2-3 squadrons to add to the IAF’s combat inventory. At the time, one of the rationales for buying the Hawk had been that the plane was a subsonic aircraft and, therefore, could better search for targets in the Himalayas because fast jets could not loiter over an area. Armed with laser guided bombs and short-range missiles, the Hawk would give that kind of ability to the IAF and provide a cheaper alternative for increasing squadron strength.

The quest for airborne early warning

The post-Balakot clash between the Pakistani and Indian air forces made it clear that India required a more comprehensive airborne early warning capability and with this in mind the IAF will be purchasing additional Phalcon airborne radars from Israel and presumably mounting them on Russian IL-76 aircraft. Along with the Phalcon, which while a capable platform is going to cost India close to $800 million for a brace of planes, India should be seeking to build a number of smaller airborne early warning planes that can be put, as the Canadian analyst Rupak Chattopadhyay has argued, on any number of surplus Boeing 737s and Airbus 321s that are available around the world rather than building them in the current configuration on Brazilian Embraer aircraft.

The Boeings and Airbuses would have greater range and, therefore, stay in the air longer.

They would also be cheaper to operate than the IL-76 platforms that are not only gas guzzlers, but also have significant maintenance issues. In fact, the Indian government could pick up Boeings and Airbuses from the grounded fleet of the bankrupt Jet Airways. The Defence

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Indian Air Force IL-76

t r a i ne r s k w a H 3 2 ian he 1 S o m e o f t n t h e I A F a nd I nd i that are ning inventory, i Navy tra weaponised for of should besquadron strength b o o s t i ng IAF

Research and Development Organisation has worked out an arrangement with the IAF whereby they could put a radome on an Airbus C295 (the old Casa 295), but when there is a large market of surplus commercial aircraft available, why not take advantage of the cheaper prices?

Missiles and communications

The post-Balakot skirmish also proved that India needed to have better data links and more capable missiles. The IAF is getting the Meteor missile from France as its long-range missile but as things stand it can only be fired from the Rafale.

For the Su-30s, the Mirages, and the Tejas the indigenously developed Astra missile,

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October 2020

which has a maximum range of 110 kilometers, will bring about the muchneeded commonality of weaponry on Indian platforms. Finally, to add to the indigenously developed Astra the IAF will be getting the long-range R-27 missile for the Su-30s. Put together, this collection of weapons should help address the gap that has emerged between the IAF on the one hand and the Pakistani and Chinese air forces on the other. In the post-Balakot aerial skirmish Indian aircraft also had problems with their operational data links and the Pakistani Air Force had better jamming systems, which energised the IAF to seek Software Defined Radios and better and more secure data links.

Such modernisation efforts will help redress the imbalance between India and the air forces it seeks to deter but for such a force structure to be effective it has to be put in place quickly. Otherwise, the IAF will be hard-pressed to defend Indian airspace in a two-front war.

Indian bureaucrats should take note and not let inertia hurt a much-needed modernisation effort while waiting for lower prices that never come.

Amit Gupta teaches at the USAF Air War College. The views in this article are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the USAF or the Department of Defense

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‘AR-1500 OFFERS SATURN WAVEFORM AND L-BAND OPERATION’ Since no one else operates V/UHF radios in L-band, transmissions are less likely to be intercepted leading to more secure communications, explains DES BAXTER, Director (Business Development-Asia Pacific), Mission Systems, Collins Aerospace, in this interaction with GEOPOLITICS Collins Aerospace has been present in India for more than two decades. What work is done in the defence arena at the Bengaluru and Hyderabad centers?

Collins Aerospace is contributing to international military programmes such as KC390, C295, AW609 and Viking Water Bomber in display and fl ight management software applications.

Other examples include materials and process technology for the AH64, F15 and F16, mechanical support for the F35 and reliability and safety hazard analysis for the B2. We are also involved in the CH47F programme to customise display applications.

The Govt has recently announced a number of solutions for greater indigenous sourcing in India and increased the FDI limits as well.

How does Collins

Aerospace intend to benefit from this?

Collins Aerospace is committed to playing our part to help develop a vibrant, competitive defence industry in India. As such, we are continuing to work with our global supply base and develop new opportunities for indigenous sourcing.

The India aerospace supply base is progressing to develop further capabilities and capacity and its competitiveness on the global stage is critical.

India has large and varied requirements across its armed forces, specifically in the military aerospace domain. What solutions is the company proposing?

Collins Aerospace is committed to India and supporting ‘Make in India’. Today, we have a workforce of approximately 2,500 engineers and a team of programme managers to support our complex operations. We are

actively working with various industry players to make sure our strategy aligns to the country’s policy.

One example of this approach is our ongoing development of open architecture solutions that can be customised by our partners in India.

Collins is a leading supplier for fl ightdeck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, information management and simulator solutions for both commercial & defence systems. We have products that are tightly aligned with India’s future requirements for defence requirements and that includes ejection seats for the fighter aircraft, software defi ned radios, unmanned aircraft systems, inertial measurement units and mission computers.

Collins also manufactures a complete line of shortwave infrared (SWIR) imaging and detection products for defence and commercial applications, including photovoltaic inspection. Our innovative InGaAsbased cameras and systems include fast framing and high-resolution infrared cameras, SWIR line scan images and focal plane arrays. Such cutting-edge technologies enable Collins to deliver the right products for the current needs of the Indian Defence Force.

Last but not least, our AR1500 communication next generation SDR radio is a networked communication

Please provide an update on Collins Aerospace’s next generation combat training solutions?

Collins Aerospace has developed and is investing in a wide variety of next generation combat training solutions designed to make training more available, connected, effective and realistic. Some of these include products like our Griffi n™-2 visual display system which is an important next step in fast jet training realism at an affordable cost and minimal upgrade time. Our most capable solution in our Joint Secure Air Combat Training System (JSAS) family quickly approaches the milestone decision that will move it into the production and deployment phase. The US Navy's Tactical Combat Training System (TCTS) Increment II system is an important step towards true live, virtual, and constructive training. Alongside these offerings, we're continuing our research into cognitive workload and how those insights can be used to create more effective and efficient training.

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October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

Griffin™-2 Visual Display System

solution that enables advanced situational awareness for Indian defence forces. This is the latest generation of our world-renowned military airborne tactical radios that provide secure and real time capabilities for air and ground forces around the world.

The MS-110 is the next generation of the DB-110 airborne reconnaissance system that provides advanced daytime and nighttime wide-area and long-range reconnaissance capability. The MS-110 multispectral airborne reconnaissance system is an evolutionary advancement over the third generation DB-110 that provides multispectral detection capabilities, higher resolution and increased coverage, in a SWAP that is compatible with most tactical fast jets, manned ISR aircraft and the MQ-9 Reaper.

The simultaneous multi-band imagery collection provided by the MS-110 is a war-winning capability that can facilitate enhanced target discrimination, change detection, camouflage, concealment and deception (CC&D) detection and maritime/littoral surveillance. The MS-110 integrates seamlessly into the existing DB-110 reconnaissance architecture, utilising common ground support equipment and exploitation stations. It is compatible with carriage on fast jets (F-16, F-15, F/A-18, Typhoon, Rafale), manned ISR aircraft and MALE UAVs such as the MQ-9 Reaper.

Kindly provide an update on the open architecture terminal being developed by Collins Aerospace for the U.S. Air Force, and its importance to the Company?

Collins Aerospace is developing a Software Programmable Open Mission System Compliant (SPOC) radio for the U.S. Air Force as part of a $18.9 million competitive contract awarded in 2019.

The SPOC radio programme calls for an open-architecture approach to military radio development.

Current datalink and communication waveform technology is being outpaced by adversary offensive electronic warfare capability, which reduces critical connectivity among warfighters and platforms. Traditional radios are designed with highly integrated software and hardware which results in cumbersome, expensive and lengthy upgrade cycles to field new

COLLINS AEROSPACE

What is the capability of the MS-110 recce pod and has it been offered to India - what has made it a preferred choice in SE Asia?

capability. Often, hardware must be refreshed or redesigned to accept the new software adding to the cost and complexity. Existing upgrade cycles take 2 to 3 years before that technology becomes available to warfighters.

To counter adversary capability in an affordable manner, the upgrade cycle must be significantly reduced by deploying radios with architectures based on government owned standards using general purpose processors.

The SPOC radio is a rapid “prototype” effort awarded under the Data Link Enterprise Indefi nite Delivery/ Indefi nite Quantity contract. The programme has completed both major milestones Preliminary Design Review and Critical Design Review on schedule and is scheduled for a laboratory demonstration in the fi rst quarter 2021.

Airborne military communications are vital and now must guard against heavy jamming and other countermeasures.

What are the latest products from the company that can overcome this?

The HAVEQUICK programme was a response to jamming and has remained a vital capability to counter adversaries’ jamming efforts. However, as technology advances and becomes more robust and precise, a new technology was needed and it is rapidly becoming the standard for military communication. SATURN (Second generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO) is the most recent UHF coalition waveform for military airborne operations, defi ned by the Standardisation Agreement (STANAG) 4372. SATURN is a fast frequency hopping waveform that was developed as a replacement for the HAVEQUICK waveform.

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Collin’s has maintained its market lead for waveform development and has successfully integrated SATURN into our Airborne tactical radio products.

Please provide an update on the AR 1500 SDR Airborne Radio?

The AR-1500 stands apart from the pack by offering both SATURN waveform and L-band operation. Since no one else operates V/UHF radios in L-band, transmissions are less likely to be intercepted leading to more secure communications.

What is the key Collins Aerospace equipment on platforms such as the Apache & Chinook helicopters, which are now inducted into the IAF?

Collin Aerospace has supported some of the most advanced aviation platforms in the defence industry. The CH-47F(I) is an advanced multi-mission helicopter for the Indian defence forces. It contains Collin's fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) Cockpit and several other solutions such as landing systems, power and environmental control systems and real time health monitoring characteristics that complement the aircraft's mission performance.

The AH 64E is one of the world's most advanced multi-role combat helicopters in India and Collins has contributed in all segments such as air frames, lighting systems, avionics, engine electronic control unit (FADEC) etc. The other examples are power and environmental systems and landing components as a part of its spectrum of capabilities and readiness to meet the requirements of the Indian Air Force. 

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‘THE F-21 WILL BE A GAMECHANGER FOR THE IAF’ The JVs and partners we have established over the last decade have generated value that in turn has flowed down to Indian MSMEs and start-ups. This has helped create an ecosystem for the defence and aerospace in India, says WILLIAM L BLAIR, Vice President and Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin India in this interview with Geopolitics Lockheed Martin (LM) has been one of the most successful American defence companies in India with orders for the C-130J and MH-60R. What are some of the new products that the company is proposing for the Indian military and what is the status of additional C-130J orders?

Lockheed Martin has a wide span of capabilities across four business units: Aeronautics, Rotary and Mission Systems, Missiles and Fire Control, and Space, and given our commitment to India, we bring to bear all of them to supporting our Indian customers' missions.

India’s selection of the MH-60R “Romeo” multi-mission helicopter provides the Indian Navy with the most advanced anti-surface/anti-submarine warfare helicopter in operation today.

The MH-60R offers the lowest risk and best value option because the aircraft is already in full production and globally supportable. The MH-60R provides a vital capability in the Indo-Pacific region and equips the Indian Navy with a tremendous capability that is ready for operations immediately upon delivery.

We are committed to growing and strengthening our strategic, long-term international defence partnerships with India with offerings such as the F-21 aircraft.

The F-21 will truly be a gamechanger for the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian industry, and India-US strategic ties. We are confident the F-21 is the best solution to meet the IAF’s capability needs, provide ‘Make in India’ industrial opportunities, and accelerate India-US cooperation on advanced technologies. In fact, if selected, the F-21 would be exclusively produced in India.

The F-21 has unique capabilities including, an advanced APG-83 Active

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Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which has detection ranges nearly double that of previous mechanically scanned array radars and the ability to track and attack more targets with higher precision; an Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) System, developed uniquely for India, that provides enhanced survivability against ground and air threats; LongRange Infrared Search & Track (IRST), enabling pilots to detect threats without being detected; Triple Missile Launcher Adapters (TMLAs), allowing the F-21 to carry 40 per cent more air-to-air weapons; and a Dorsal Fairing enabling increased growth capacity and indigenous systems integration in the future.

Another feature of the F-21 is that this will be the only fighter in the world with both probe/drogue and with a boom aerial fuelling capability. This, along with Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs), delivers greater range penetration and loitering

staying power to the Indian Air Force.

Simply put, the F-21 goes faster, stays longer than the competition, and all of this, at the most optimal lifecycle cost for the IAF with the longest service life of any competitor – 12,000 flight hours.

The selection of the F-21 will place India at the epicentre of a $165 billion market for future opportunities with possibilities for expansion of footprints, further development of indigenous capabilities and global supplier relationships.

The F-21 aircraft also complements the IAF’s existing fleet as its fits right in between the Tejas and Rafale to provide an operational gap-filler. Additionally, as the Indian government is talking to both public and private companies for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme, Lockheed Martin has the capabilities to collaborate and support the Indian government for this programme.

LM has worked with Ashok Leyland Lockheed Martin’s F-21 aircraft

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to develop the next generation military vehicle for India and global market.

The vehicle has been field evaluated in various environmental conditions by the Indian customers and has been selected by some of the military users in India. LM’s engineering support, and the cooperative working relationship with Ashok Leyland was instrumental for the success of development and production of indigenous equipment – another great example of the ‘Make in India’ concept.

We’ve also responded to the request for Expression of Interest (EOI) for the India Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH) programme. We look forward to providing this capability to the Government of India and remain committed to fostering technology development, manufacturing and strategic collaboration in India while maintaining high-value, high-skill technical jobs in the US, abroad and across our supply base.

Please contact the IAF for any questions about ongoing and future airlift requirements. Lockheed Martin is ready to support the IAF’s airlift needs and is proud of the partnership that has developed as a result of the IAF’s C-130J acquisition.

Lockheed Martin has been hard at work building partnerships with local Indian suppliers, what has been the response from Indian companies and how can they be integrated into LM's global supply chain?

Lockheed Martin continues to build upon our more than three decades of partnership with India, expand collaborations with local industry to support the foundation of indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem to

support the mission of self-reliance and ‘Make in India’, and further advance India’s strategic security and industrial capabilities.

Our successful joint ventures in Hyderabad — Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) and Tata Sikorsky Aerospace Limited (TSAL), have been instrumental in helping India achieve its goal of developing an aerospace and defence supplier ecosystem, promote indigenous manufacturing and participating in the global supply chain. Located in Hyderabad, the TLMAL facility manufactures major aerostructure components for the C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft. It also manufactures other aerostructure components like the center wing box. Recently, work has also begun to create a first of its kind autoclave capability for composites.

The TSAL facility manufactures aerospace components for commercial helicopters and aircraft and has expanded to include aircraft engine components for aerospace industry companies as well.

As of now, TSAL has delivered 154 S-92 cabins to date. The facility’s machines, manpower and talent are world class.

It produces some of the most advanced aerospace components being used in helicopters.

Nearly 240 suppliers feed into these joint ventures and have benefited from the vision of Lockheed Martin and Tata working together. Both of these ventures are a testament of our partnership with India and Indian industry.

Besides, we have integrated more than 70 Indian suppliers into our global supply chain. We are looking to build on the company’s existing foundation in

India by identifying additional strategic partners from across the country, to include companies of all sizes — large, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups.

We recently joined hands with Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers and Confederation of Indian Industries, two premium industry bodies and the driving force behind defence MSME and ‘Make in India’ for this year’s edition of Virtual Suppliers Conference and Exhibition in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The five-day conference witnessed more than 400 delegates, over 200 companies of all sizes and 62 companies as exhibitors. A total of 65 B2B meetings were held across business areas. The conference provided a platform to drive conversations around partnership opportunities that fuel ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Abhiyaan, strengthen India-US defence industrial strategic ties, particularly ‘Make-in-India’ partnerships into the future.

What will be the impact for LM on the Govt's decision to increase the FDI limit in defence manufacturing from 49 percent to 74 percent?

The increase in FDI to 74 percent will act as an enabler for foreign OEMs such as Lockheed Martin, to further explore avenues for new partnership opportunities with India.

Defence-industrial partnership has long been a hallmark of strategic ties and trust between nations. US and India are natural partners with many shared interests, and we are very encouraged by the positive trend we are seeing in India-US relations, including on the defence-industrial partnership front.

Robust, long-term defence partnerships are built on commitment and trust, which requires investing in people, as well as products and platforms. For example, in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems we have established an industrial base in Hyderabad for over 10 years now where we currently produce C-130 empennages which incidentally the sole supplier of these components to Lockheed Martin globally and has been part of all Super Hercules aircraft since 2010 and a metal-to-metal bonding facility at the same location. To date, TLMAL has manufactured more than 120 C-130J empennages. This bears testimony to our contribution to the development of Indo-US defence industrial partnership.

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The IAF made history in 2013 with its C-130J-30 landing at Daulet Beg Oldie, which is one of the highest landing strips in the world. Legacy C-130 and C-130J operators regularly land at runways in high altitudes or in other complex locations, like the arctic or Antarctica.

The ability to land in environments like Daulet Beg Oldie is a hallmark of the C-130 and further enhanced with the C-130J Super Hercules, which is the most advanced C-130 ever built. The straight wing/turboprop design of the C-130J enables the aircraft to generate the required lift for take-off at the lower speeds necessitated when operating from short, unprepared runways. The C-130 has always excelled in operating in high, hot conditions thanks in large part to the aforementioned straight wing/turboprop design. Compared to legacy C-130s, the C-130J-30 Super Hercules has a 50 per cent faster climb rate to a higher cruise altitude because of its power plant that includes four Rolls-Royce AE2300D3 engines and 24 composite GE/Dowty propeller blades. Legacy C-130s use Alison T-56 engines with four-bladed aluminum props manufactured by Hamilton-Standard.

The IAF flies C-130J-30s, which are the combat delivery version of the C-130J, operated by customers in 24 nations around the world. Every C-130J is built to operate in these types of landing environments, which are core component of tactical airlift.

Kindly provide an update on the support and maintenance packages provided by LM for maintenance of the C-130J and when are they due for major overhaul?

Lockheed Martin partners with C-130 operators around the world to provide support for their Hercules fleets. As the C-130 Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Lockheed Martin outlines support and maintenance recommendations for the C-130 aircraft. In some instances, Lockheed Martin provides support or works with operators and industry partners to provide support. Please contact the IAF for insight on its particular C-130J fleet maintenance.

What are some of the other LM products that would be useful and suited for high-altitude operations in the Indian Himalayas?

The F-21, with all the capabilities we’ve

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PICS: LOCKHEED

The IAF is the only operator to undertake landings with the C-130J at altitudes in excess of 14,000 feet - what are the improvements made to Indian C-130Js to operate at such high-altitudes?

MH-60R “Romeo”

described, would perform well in the highaltitude environment of the Himalayas.

When does Lockheed Martin Space plan to make an entry into the Indian space market, which is currently booming and what are some of its key offerings globally?

Lockheed Martin has enjoyed a long partnership with India and Lockheed Martin Space is excited about the recent developments surrounding India Space and its willingness to open its facilities to support future cooperation and collaborative efforts within the space domain.

Lockheed Martin Space has always had a keen interest in India, and following the recent announcements made by ISRO we continue to closely observe these recent development changes. In conjunction with our Lockheed Martin India team we are now studying potential opportunities that will contribute towards a mutually beneficial outcome.

Lockheed Martin is currently involved in every NASA space mission, including launch and those that support human space flight. We play the role of a lead integrator and in support role with NASA missions.

India has witnessed a tremendous development of the space sector since the launch of Aryabhata in 1975 in the areas of satellite manufacturing, launch, space science and defensive space and there are exciting opportunities for us to support the country in its space advancement programme.

At Lockheed Martin Space we pride ourselves on delivering Mission Assurance to all of our customers and look forward to providing this level of assurance for India Space, in the future.

Kindly

provide

an

update

on

LM's

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

partnership with the Tata Group?

For more than three decades, we have been committed to technology development and strategic collaboration with India.

Through our two JVs in Hyderabad with Tata, we have been supporting ‘Make in India’ and Atma Nirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing for over a decade now.

The JVs and partners we have established over the last decade have generated value flowed down to Indian Tier 1/2/3 large, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups supporting a foundation for the defence and aerospace ecosystem in India. We are fully committed to support the Prime Minister’s vision of self-reliance through supporting the growth of an indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem, advancing the aerospace and start-up ecosystem, and strengthening India’s strategic security and industrial capabilities.

As shared previously, our joint venture with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. in Hyderabad for 10 years produces major aerostructure components for the C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft. This is the sole supplier of these components to Lockheed Martin and is an integral part of our global supply chain.

Our other joint venture is between Tata and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation.

This Joint Venture, established over 10 years ago, manufactures aerospace components for commercial helicopters and aircraft and has expanded to include aircraft engine components for aerospace industry companies as well. It is also fully integrated into the global supply chain.

Our partnership with the Indian aerospace and defence ecosystem coupled with our understanding of user requirements, offers us the unique advantage of being able to rapidly and efficiently realise our blueprint for the F-21 offer. 

‘WE WANT TO MOVE BEYOND ‘MAKE IN INDIA’, TO ‘CREATE IN INDIA’’ Rolls-Royce has been a proponent of ‘Make in India’ for over 60 years, having pioneered the manufacturing partnership model for our engines to be ‘Made in India’ under license by HAL in 1956, points out KISHORE JAYARAMAN, President, Rolls-Royce India and South Asia, in this interaction with GEOPOLITICS What are the investments being made

by RR with regards to new generation technologies for use on its military aeroengines?

Innovation is at the heart of Rolls-Royce.

Throughout its history, Rolls-Royce has pursued ever cleaner, safer and more competitive power–developing ground-breaking technologies and providing the world’s most powerful and efficient aero-engines. Research and technology forms the core of our innovation. Our constant focus is to improve our engineering expertise, high-performance solutions, industry knowledge, and global reach to better serve our customers.

Today, we are also using data to bring together our products, services and digital capability to realise the Intelligent Engine; our vision for the future of aircraft power. The Intelligent Engine of Rolls-Royce will pave the way for the new integrated engine controls, allowing faster and more effective ground support. Creating ‘digital twins’ for physical engines will allow the company to move beyond engine health monitoring – which it has done for many years – and utilise additional aircraft data to provide value-added services to airlines.

In our marine business, we are exploring new methods of ship intelligence and autonomous shipping.

The results will help optimise ship and crew performance. Our defence business is also utilising digital innovation to ensure it can deploy the

right assets to the right places required for military operations.

In India, our Engineering Centres and R2 Data Labs are examples of how we intend to accelerate data innovation.

Today, we are using advanced analytics, industrial Artificial Intelligence and machine-learning techniques to develop data applications that will unlock design, manufacturing and operational efficiencies.

We are also committed to continuously improving the environmental performance of our products and services by focusing on three main areas: further reducing the environmental impact of our products and services, reducing the environmental impact of our business activities, and developing new intelligent technology for future low emissions products whilst enhancing mission capability.

As we move to a low carbon global economy, our engines will become part of broader, hybrid systems with lower emissions and lower environmental impact.

These systems will deliver more power; essentially more electric, more

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intelligent power. We already have extensive experience in providing electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems for naval marine applications.

By leveraging our engineering talent and capability we can unlock new business opportunities and deliver more efficient products and services.

We invest over £1.3 billion in research and development each year, a significant part of which is dedicated to improving the environmental performance of our products, minimising the impact of our engines.

India operates its aircraft in a unique high-altitude environment, what support has RR provided to enable operation of aircraft powered by its engines at high altitudes?

Rolls-Royce engines power a wide variety of aircraft in the inventory of the IAF and Indian Navy–including strategic airlift aircraft C-130J Hercules, powered by AE 2100 operating in high-altitude environments.

The C-130J powered by AE 2100 provides significant performance and operational capabilities for air combat effectiveness.

Some of these attributes include the ability to operate out of 2,000 ft long dirt strips in high mountain ranges. The aircraft can also carry

tons of supplies for more than 3,000 miles and deliver to remote operating bases.

The aircraft has demonstrated reliability and can also has the capabilities to perform in-fl ight refuelling, weather reconnaissance, medical evacuation, search and rescue, para-drops and many other missions.

We continue to provide all operating support for these engines.

Please elaborate on RR offers to restore and rejuvenate the Adour engines that power IAF Jaguar strike fighters?

Rolls-Royce is committed to providing the highest possible levels of support to the Adour Mk 804/ Mk811 in the Jaguar for as long as the IAF chooses to operate them. The Adour Mk804/ Mk811 was made, and continues to be supported, in India today by HAL, with Rolls-Royce spares and support. We look forward to continue to support the programme in the future.

Is RR offering 'Power by the Hour' solutions for its military aero engines in India?

Yes, we are providing power by the hour support in some of fleets fl ying with Rolls-Royce engines under our MissionCare. These include the AE 2100 engines powering the C-130J aircraft

Adour powered Hawk-IAF

What are some of the latest offerings of the company globally, that it is keen to offer to Indian military customers?

Rolls-Royce has an array of best in class defence technology and solutions for the army, air force and navy spanning power systems, automation and support, which are relevant for India at present and in the future as well.

This year in February, at Asia’s biggest defence trade show DefExpo, we displayed our solutions for naval defence. We presented the capabilities of the Rolls-Royce MT30 engine for Navy vessels. Designed for the 21st century and derived from aero Trent technology, MT30 is the world’s most power dense marine gas turbine in service today.

The MT30 offers excellent power density and reliability that allows the ship to operate anywhere in the world without loss of performance or power, with reduced throughlife maintenance. One of the key strengths of MT30 is that it has the power for today and tomorrow so effectively helps to futureproof a platform against the future demands for increased electrical power from system upgrades such as weapons

and the AE 3007 fleet with IAF and CABS. Under this type of contracting, availability for the latter engine type is at nearly 100 per cent. In addition, we have our Field Service Representatives based at the operating stations to provide 24x365 support to the IAF.

Kindly elaborate on the sourcing of indigenous products and services for RR engines in India?

Rolls-Royce has been a proponent of ‘Make in India’ for over 60 years, having pioneered the manufacturing partnership model for our engines to be ‘Made in India’ under license by HAL in 1956. We have been a long-term partner of the Indian Air Force, the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard.

Over the years, we have expanded our supply chain in India through various partnerships, working to strengthen the sourcing ecosystem.

One of the biggest initiatives in this area is our joint venture (JV) with HAL called International Aerospace Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd. (IAMPL), to

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October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

manufacture aero-engine components for the technologically advanced Trent family of civil aero engines. Today, IAMPL is a fully accredited benchmark manufacturing facility within the RollsRoyce global supply chain, operating the latest technologies to the highest levels of aerospace compliance. The JV manufactures more than 130 different aero-engine components used across the Trent family of products.

In addition, Force MTU Power Systems is our joint venture with Force Motors Limited. As part of the jointventure, Rolls-Royce Power Systems with Force Motors will manufacture the MTU brand of series 1600 series engines and generator sets at the Chakan facility near Pune. This project will move the entire production line for the series 1600 from Germany to India, catering to both Indian and global markets.

Rolls-Royce also sources various components from local Indian entities such as Bharat Forge, Godrej & Boyce, Tata and others, with a further goal

Rolls-Royce MT30 engine for Navy vessels

PICS: ROLLS-ROYCE

and sensors.

Having entered service in 2008, MT30 is proven at sea and operating in all conceivable propulsion arrangements across seven ship types– mechanical, hybrid and integrated-electric, with power delivered to waterjets, controllable and fi xedpitch propellers, depending on application.

In addition, our MTU brand showcased the EM 50-2 Integrated Bridge System that forms the central access point for all information that is crucial to safe and efficient ship operation.

India’s defence requirements are evolving, making indigenous development of modern defence hardware and technology a top priority for the government. At Rolls-Royce, we want to build on this and we are working closely with the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, HAL and others to explore opportunities to cocreate products and solutions for the Indian market, as we believe that joint programmes between countries will lead the way in the future.

of sourcing complex commodities from India over the coming years. We work with our supply chain partners to build capabilities and strengthen skills to enable the aerospace sourcing ecosystem here to meet global quality standards.

In the R&D space, our team of highly qualified engineers at the RollsRoyce Aerospace Engineering Centre in Bangalore and the Rolls-Royce Power Systems Engineering Centre in Pune contribute to research and development for global aerospace and reciprocating power generation engine programmes. These include supporting new product design, development, and manufacturing as well as service and repair engineering activities for existing Rolls-Royce engine fleets. Another 1,300 high-skilled engineers work exclusively for Rolls-Royce through outsourced agreements with TCS, QuEST and other engineering service providers.

Has RR made any proposal to offer engines for future Indian programmes

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October 2020

such as the AMCA, Hawki and UCAVs?

We remain keen to participate in co-development programmes with the Indian government, to support indigenisation. We have been manufacturing in India, with Indian partners for nearly 60 years and we have world class component manufacturing facilities here today.

We believe we are well positioned to support India’s future needs. We want to move beyond ‘Make in India’, to ‘Create in India’.

Both India and UK bring significant technological and talent capabilities, as well as synergies that will be critical when developing customised solutions for India’s future defence needs.

Today, as we prepare to rise above the impact of a global pandemic, India has the talent, potential, ingenuity and digital ecosystem to recast the framework of manufacturing and build an Atmanirbhar Bharat. We believe that these will enable an upward spiral in the development of the defence sector in India. 

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BEING A POTENT AIR FORCE

Dassault Rafale fighter jet

RAFALE

IAF’s new force structure emphasises on cutting-edge foreign acquired quality and ‘Make in India’ quantity, writes NINAD D SHETH

A

fterburners glow and brandnew engines almost whistle as the newly acquired Rafale fighter jets takeoff from the Ambala air force base for a “familiarisation sortie” which will soon fi nd them near the site of India's border standoff with China over Laddakh.

Along with the Apache helicopters for target and destroy and Chinook heavy lifts for maintaining a robust supply line and Israeli-made Heron drones, the Indian Air Force is displaying a new and futuristic force structure that can exert power in all

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weather conditions at day as well as at night. This ability to relentlessly project power and execute damage is the real change in the force structure of the Indian Air Force.

The strategic underpinning of these acquisitions is to allow for rapid deterrence and sustainable intervention and offensive abilities in the face of the adversities of Pakistan and China – if need be taking on both at once. The IAF chief said at his annual press conference in October, 2020, “the Indian Air Force is rapidly changing with new capabilities.”

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

The Rafale is of course the marquee acquisition that adds a fresh dimension to the force projection capability of the IAF. The key reason why the Rafale alters the balance of power in the air is in its ability to target with standoff precision.

In both Chinese and Pakistan scenarios the weapon suites, depending on the mission of the Rafale, will give the IAF the quality edge.

AVM Manmohan Bahadur additional director of the center for air power studies puts the meaning of the Rafale acquisition in perspective, “Once we acquire the Rafales in

sufficient numbers the ability of the IAF for force projection given the range of its weapons its radar and avionics and its multirole ability is greatly enhanced.

The aircraft will give the Indian Air Force flexibility and bandwidth for sustained operations across the spectrum of threats that will broaden the strategic options for the planners.”

The meteor missile, Rafale’s primary air to air weapon, has a very long-range rocket and ramjet-powered engine. Its combination with the Rafale weapon system and its tracking and targeting avionics specially enhanced for India add the cutting edge. With an estimated hitting range of 120 kilometers and an 80 kilometer “no escape zone”- several times that of any current MRAAM this is the ace in the pack and rendered both Chinese and Pakistani fighter aircraft open to kill by the IAF. The great thing about this missile is that it does not burn all its fuel at one go it can throttle the engine at launch and re-throttle it later, thus ensuring maximum speed over range and making escape for the target virtually impossible. It is especially important to note that the meteor is effective in operations in dense electronic warfare environments and very difficult to either jam or divert.

In skillful hands this is the one weapon that could change the aerial warfare game once the great aircraft takeoff in formation.

The MICA missile gives the airto-air “Beyond Visual Range” (BVR) interception, combat and self-defence capability, in its IR (heat-seeking) and EM (active radar homing) The MICA can be used within visual range (WVR) and beyond visual range (BVR). Its 80 km range will let the IAF hit targets deep inside enemy territory while staying out of harm’s way.

The Rafale also boasts the hammer (standing for Highly Agile and Maneuverable Munitions Extended Range) it is a modular, rocket-boosted air-to-ground precision guided weapon series, fitted with INS/GPS or INS/GPS/ IIR (imaging infra-red) guidance kits, or with the upcoming INS/GPS/laser guidance. Its 70 km range and ability of deep penetration ground strike mean that a Balakot like operation could be a work from home one given that the aircraft would not need to leave Indian airspace.

It can be argued that had the IAF got the Rafale at the time of the engagement with Pakistan it may not have had to venture anywhere near the

Operational Excellence: Few Points

By Air Vice Marshal Shouvik Roy, VM (Retd.)

 The credo of any Air Force in the world is to maximise its operational excellence.

Towards this, actualisation of perspective plans on fast-forward mode for a versatile Heavy Lift Capability has enabled India to validate that Air Power is all pervasive for the IAF. Performance of the C17 and C130 in diverse roles for the IAF have given the capability to accomplish multifarious tasks on time at the right place anywhere in the world.  Specially designed C130s for the IAF allow required number of troops to be carried for accomplishment of objectives. Sophisticated electronic aids and equipment required in Airborne Operations on these aircraft give them all weather day and night capability, be it in hilly terrains or in the plains. These are top end aircraft in the world giving us significant operational dividends.

They can directly enter the operational area of our country in any front without any intermediate staging. As a result, the recent inescapable deployment in Ladakh and elsewhere have been achieved with professional elan for suitable operational readiness.  The C17 and C130 along with the Heavy Transport Aircraft (HETAC) Il 76 and Medium Transport Aircraft (METAC) An 32 provide a very potent Airlift capability for the IAF. In addition, the global requirements for Humanitarian Assistance for Disaster Relief (HADR) have been met fully because of our airlift capability. Yemen etc. and the movie Airlift vouch for it!!! We can definitely meet demands and requirements in an exemplary manner with laid down SOPs for the purpose.  Having been personally involved towards the induction of C17s and C130 in the IAF, I was asked two decades back whether there was a requirement for us to possess these

border to take down the F-16’s. Indeed IAF ex-chief Dhanoa was on record to say that if the force had the Rafale they could have downed 4-5 Pakistani jets after Balakot.

However even with the great quality advantage 36 rafales are simply not enough. Not may know that like Mirage-2000 before them the

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October 2020

aircraft. Envisaging the expected future scenario, it feels nice that the necessity was realised, leading me to request the Pacific Air Force (PACAF) Commander (who was visiting the Air Force base at Agra, I was commanding during 2007-2009, to urgently send the C17s for the forth coming Indo US exercise (otherwise the aircraft was not coming) for us to consider acquiring them. He said “DONE”. The C17s came and thus the process of inducting them in IAF began. I was invited by the Boeing Company when the first C17 landed in India on the memorable occasion.  First-hand experience allows me to audaciously state that our Air Warriors who keep these aircraft flying ‘From the Ground Up’ are the best in the world. The need now is to utilise these assets strategically and tactically for Effect Based Operations (EBO) to attain favourable end states. Integrated operations in peace time with our force multipliers like Il 78 Flight Refueller Aircraft (FRA) and AWACS are required along with combat aircraft for synergistic packaging to achieve objectives in war.

Besides the requirement of Tactical Airlift and Force Multipliers, the Tilt Rotor V 22 Osprey, (flown in them), will make a huge difference for the regular Air Force and Intelligence agencies.

The V 22 can take off and land like a helicopter and cruise thereafter like a fixed wing aircraft making it possible for getting airborne from Helipads in restricted areas without compromising on operational requirements and be on time over target.  It is surely felt that at this point of time with our heavy lift force structure we can dare to execute apparently Out of the World Missions Impossible in a manner that would seem rather Down to Earth.

French aircraft required minimum modification for nuclear weapon delivery. An Indian force de frappe to be delivered through air power and be survivable will need at least 36 more of these very expensive platforms. The question is moot, will India repeat the mistake with Mirage 2000 and not buy another or we have the budgets and can

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WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

we ask a second-round discount from the French. On that hinges the future of the Indian air force’s air deliverable nuclear deterrence.

The Rafale adds a new edge the SU 30 brings realisable thrust and punches power. India has been working quietly ever since the late Manohar Parrikar started telling the Russians to enhance the serviceability of India’s “upper cut” ability in the form of the Su-30MKI. After a lot of expense for spare parts and on demand performance the air force is now more ready than ever before to put a large number of its core offensive fighter aircraft where they belong- combat ready and in the air. While both Russian supplies and Indian maintained by HAL and others have in the past crippled a large part of the 270 plus Su-30’s over the last two years India has got into the fast mode for the availability of this aircraft which has now risen to 75 percent. This means India can field upward of 200 of these multirole fighter bombers at any time.

This translates into a force structure option of deploying them anywhere across theaters and increases Indian offensive thrust.

The other great change in the force structure is the Indian emphasis on the light combat aircraft, the LCA Tejas.

Frankly it is a gamble – but one worth

44

A C-17 Globemaster on landing approach

uee t h e ma r q d s a s i le a f a R n t ha t a d e acquisitio ension to the forc IAF. fresh dim capability of the er projectionhe balance of pow It alters t with the ability toon in the air h standoff precisi target wit

taking – akin a calculated Vertical Charlie in the dead heat of combat.

If India hopes to have a 42 squadron air force it in real life, it has very little choice but to develop what is a perfectly acceptable aircraft if it can up the number game (that is production) and integrate the follow-up version which will be slightly heavier and thus introduce a whole range of dynamic requirements.

As things stand, both are huge ifs and buts like cricket, strategy is a mind game. India put into the war theater initial operation clearance LCAs. India

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

believes her initial operation (not fi nally configured) aircraft are ready for the pitch, armed with Israel-made derby missiles and Russian R-73’s with perhaps one of the best avionics suits in the class. This sends a message to the enemy that we can ramp up production and are willing and bale to serve at the front. Indeed, the Air Chief echoed this feeling at the October 2020 annual conference where he said that “the Indian Air Force will acquire 450 indigenous aircrafts by the end of this decade.” This clears the path for replacing the MiG-21’s and Jaguars over the next ten years with the LCA. However for 450 LCAs to be a reality, the IAF will have to ensure that deliveries by HAL ramp up. In the fi rst order that the IAF has placed worth over $7 billion with HAL is to deliver 73 Tejas Mk1A fighters and 10 trainers. As currently the HAL is only able to deliver about 20 light combat aircraft per year, this has to triple over the decade for a sustained delivery schedule. Perhaps the likelihood of an export order will speed things up. The follow up model of the LCA, the LCA Mk2 will be larger and will have a more powerful General Electric F-4141-GE-INS6 engine its payload will reportedly be at 3.6 tonnes.

All of these will need significant design changes and accommodation

An IAI Heron UAV in flight

LCA Tejas

MOD

DOD

of a larger airframe and aerodynamic requirements.

The real challenge for the Indian defence establishment is to ensure that the technology required is available in the timeframe that is acceptable even as strategic challenge continue to grow in the neighborhood. Harsh Pant, Professor of international politics at King’s college and an analyst of Indian defence strategy, says, “There is a lot of political capital behind the Tejas. The forces too have realised that you cannot be a great power eternally importing defence equipment. Tejas is a test case for India and the future of its military industrial complex. Over time, there is capability in India and new policies like 74 percent foreign ownership in defence equipment production efforts could in the long run create the right conditions for Make in India weapon systems.”

The changing logistics parameters

One of the basic elements that has defi ned the Indian war effort and readiness on the high Himalayas from theaters such as Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, is the ability of the IAF to deliver high altitude quick turnaround supply chain. Everything from fuel and food to ammunition on to field hospitals and soldiers is airlifted at day and at night.

ill bu d g e t w e c n e f e d India’s at least three r e need to b f the GDP if the Ai its percent o bring to fruition ls.

Force is todly ambitious goa f it undoubte cost money, lots o That will

This is possible because of the recent augmentation of the air force’s heavy and medium lift capabilities.

With the successful induction of C-17 Globemaster, C-130J Super Hercules and CH-47 Chinook, the Indian ability to lift men, women and material has been transformed. From lifting the nearly 50 tonne T-90 tanks that could not be done earlier as IL 76 aircraft did not have that capability, but the Globemasters do to rapidly lifting brigade-sized formations to the front, the IAF’s heavy lift capacity has been transformed. India has also

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October 2020

put one hundred of its workhorses- the AN 32s through a major real to expend their lives. The vintage Avro aircraft are likely be replaced by the Tata Airbus C-295 offering. the Indian Air Force unlike the Chinese are currently unable to produce enough transporters to meet the need of the forces and are working at full capacity India recently unveiled its stealth UAV Ghatak. The country is way behind China in the unmanned system production operation and deployment.

For that to become reality and for UAV swarms to be the new air force normal, India needs to tap in the talents of its private sector and look at a strategic shift.

The Indian Air Force’s new force projection, thus, is a work in progress.

However, all of this will need to be underwritten not just with a vigorous political push but real capital. India’s defence budget will need to be at least three percent of the GDP if the Air Force is to bring to fruition its undoubtedly ambitious goals. After all, at the October 2020 press conference the IAF chief batted for both 114 foreign-made multi role fighters and the LCA Mk2.

That will cost money, lots of it.

The author is a senior journalist and strategic analyst

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‘INDIA IS A KEY STRATEGIC MARKET FOR US’ With the world’s first operational fifth-generation engine-the F119 for USAF’s F-22 and the world’s most advanced fighter engine-the F135, for the F-35, Pratt and Whitney has created advanced propulsion systems that is unmatched and unrivalled explains ASHMITA SETHI, President and Country Head of P&W Could you tell us about Pratt & Whitney's operations in India for military aerospace?

Pratt & Whitney (P&W) is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft and helicopter engines, and auxiliary power units.

With nearly 1500 engines and auxiliary power units in-service on a vast number of aircraft – Pratt & Whitney, for over seven decades, has formed the ‘engine-power’ of India’s civil aviation sector – including regional, general aviation, business jets and helicopters, as well as critical platforms for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Globally, Pratt & Whitney has more than 7,000 military engines in service with 34 armed forces around the world, powering tactical, strategic, mobility and rotary aircraft. Our partnership with India’s Armed Forces is both significant and expanding – from our growing suite of sustainment solutions that keep the f leet mission ready, to our partnerships on local aircraft development programmes, such as the PT6A powered NAL-Saras (MKI).

In India, our dependable F117 engines, that generate 40,400 pounds of thrust, power the IAF’s 11 Boeing C-17 Globemaster IIIs as they carry out military, humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.

India’s young pilots earn their wings on the PC-7 Pilatus

46

trainers that are powered by our iconic PT6A engine.

As both the IAF and Indian Navy (IN) move towards modernisation, there are some key future platforms

in consideration that are supported

by Pratt & Whitney engines, including the PW100 powered Airbus C295 light transport for the IAF and the PW210powered Sikorsky S-76D for the Navy Utility Helicopter. We are confident that our engines are the best choice to power India’s defence aircraft and advancing its mission readiness and capabilities well into the future.

The C-17 Globemaster IIIs have delivered on high altitude operations with heavy loads for India – what makes the F117 engines ideally suited for these operations?

P&W’s F117 engines power the IAF’s f leet of 11 C-17 Globemaster IIIs, the largest such C-17 f leet outside of the United States, in carrying out critical military, humanitarian and peacekeeping missions for the country.

In fact, the C-17 has been used heavily during the COVID-19 crisis for medical repatriation f lights for Indian citizens, and we are proud to power the f leet.

The F117 engines are equipped with a directed-f low thrust reverser capable of being deployed in f light.

On the ground, the thrust reverser can back a fully-loaded aircraft up a two-degree slope. Also noteworthy is the fact that the F117-powered C-17 set 22 world records during qualification testing before achieving Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the U.S. Air Force (USAF).

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

When it comes to MRO and sustainment what kind of innovations are you looking at in India, and globally?

Pratt and Whitney has a comprehensive engine repair and overhaul services and support, that is backed by a global state-of-the-art service network of engine OEM-owned and designated facilities. Globally, we are investing in array of new technologies, developing new service offerings and improving communication to support customers like never before. These initiatives are designed to help customers optimise engine performance and keep their f leets running smoothly. Some of these include data analytics and using real-time intelligence to predict and prevent engine disruptions before they occur.

Our customers’ operational success and mission readiness depends on reliable engine performance, predictable maintenance planning and responsive support.

Through advanced data analytics, Pratt & Whitney delivers more responsive and predictive maintenance services in support of their success, and by helping customers ensure the right information is in place to service engines more quickly, to maintain the highest levels of availability. We understand that no two customers are the same and that they have different engines, aircraft, operational needs and environmental conditions. New data acquisition and predictive analytics tools enable both operators and Pratt & Whitney to make recommendations that reduce operational disruptions and increase aircraft utilisation.

In India, Pratt & Whitney is aligned to the government’s ‘Make in India’ vision of a global maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub in country. To further enhance India’s MRO capabilities, Pratt & Whitney announced Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) as a provider of maintenance services in support of GTFTM (Geared Turbo Fan) operators in India and the surrounding region.

Could you tell us more about the PW100 engines that power the Airbus C295 light transport aircraft? Are there any latest developments with this engine family?

The PW100 engine family powers several aircraft around the world, performing a variety of missions in diverse climates and flying conditions. Our customers for the PW100/150 engines – that include regional airlines, providers of coastal surveillance or humanitarian aid, cargo, fi refighting or defence – count on the reliability of our versatile engines to fly in any environment.

The IAF is considering the Airbus C295 to replace its fleet of Avro 748 transport aircraft. The Airbus

C295, a multi-role transport aircraft is powered by two PW127G engines that deliver industry leading low fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

In India, the short-haul market is dominated by the ATR 72 and Bombardier Q400, respectively powered by PW127M and PW150A engines and we have already delivered more than 400 PW127G engines to Airbus Defence and Space for numerous C295 customers and variants.

What makes the PW127G the best choice for the IAF are the latest materials, design technology and advanced engine control, that deliver impressive dispatch reliability, easy engine operations and ease of maintenance.

F135s on production line P&W

The F117 engine uses technical and material advancements such as second-generation singlecrystal turbine materials, improved cooling management and thermal barrier coatings to lower operating temperatures. These enhancements contribute to the F117’s excellent reliability, durability and time onwing.

Previously, such services were conducted only by international MRO hubs.

AIESL is now part of the Pratt & Whitney GTF MRO network that has nine facilities worldwide, including Delta TechOps in the United States and EME Aero in Poland. AIESL is ready to ramp up GTF engine maintenance, including LPT quick-turns, once travel and business restrictions start to ease.

Additionally, Taj Air’s Mumbai facility maintains Pratt & Whitney’s PW308C

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October 2020

engines.

As India pursues its ambitions of becoming a regional MRO hub – synergies between defence and commercial MRO will be something to look forward to in the future. In fact, the finance minister, Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, had recently announced "Not just civil aircraft but defence aircraft can also benefit from the MRO if we make India a huge hub”.

We welcome this streamlining of defence and commercial aftermarket

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synergies and believe that it will open up economies of scale for the industry, when combined with regional civil aviation schemes.

PW150A engine

Is P&W using technologies like AI, AR/ VR and 3D printing?

As Pratt & Whitney we have access to vast R&D resources, ranging from artificial intelligence and big data to manufacturing breakthroughs, emerging digital technologies and new engine development. We continue to use these to lead the way in bringing more power and improved fuel consumption, delivering nextgeneration engine technologies tailored to meet the needs of our diverse customers, while maintaining the same durability and dependability our customers expect of us.

Looking at the Indian aerospace ecosystem, it is fantastic to see how India has emerged as a hotbed for aerospace startups in recent years. A lot of these startups are developing step-change innovations, specifically in the AI, VR/AR and 3D printing domains. This is a great development for India’s push towards “Aatmnirbhar Bharat” and its vision for creating a robust indigenous aerospace ecosystem. In fact, Pratt & Whitney is currently working with leading aerospace start-ups in country as part of the RTX Innovation Challenge (in partnership with T-Hub, Hyderabad) to develop advanced solutions in the engine inspections domain.

Could you tell us more on any latest developments on the F100 engine family and will they power the F-15EX?

The Pratt & Whitney F100 features industry-leading safety, reliability, and performance, delivering superior capability to the warfighter. That’s why there are more than 3,800 F100 engines in service with 23 air forces around the world.

Pratt & Whitney’s F100 engines have powered thousands of F-15s and F-16s for decades, and is the engine of choice for today’s F-15 and F-16 aircraft.

In fact, the F100 has powered every operational F-15 in the USAF’s f leet since 1972. The engine has benefited from the continued infusion of new technology since its introduction, and offers 5th generation technology in a fully modular architecture. The F100 is currently in production and Pratt & Whitney is committed to supporting

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P&W

the F100 f leet worldwide for decades to come; to include powering the new F-15EX.

India is looking for partnerships with regards to engine development. What assistance can P&W provide - especially for future programmes such as AMCA?

There are some key indigenous fighter jet platforms in various stages of consideration and development in India, including the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). We believe that this is a great step forward in advancing India’s defence and industrial capabilities.

Of course, as makers of the world’s first operational fifth-generation engine, the F119 for USAF’s F-22, and the world’s most advanced fighter engine, the F135, for the F-35, our history and expertise with advanced propulsion systems is unmatched in the world. That’s why we understand that engine performance and development are critical components for advancing any new warfighter platform. At Pratt & Whitney, we are happy to engage with our customers on any opportunities that they see fit for us in the long term.

Does P&W source engine components and services from India?

India is a key strategic market for us and we firmly support the ‘Make in India’

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

and ‘Aatmnirbhar Bharat’ campaigns which translate the government’s vision of India as a global manufacturing hub.

We continue to build on our partnered investments in innovation, research, supply chain and sustainment in India – working with leading Indian suppliers such as Cyient, Quest, Accenture, Avanade and HCL for our engineering, software and sourcing needs.

Pratt & Whitney’s 700 direct and indirect employees across the country, are committed to building capabilities and delivering high value services that help our customers get the best from their next-generation products.

Meanwhile, our sister company Collins Aerospace employs nearly 5000 direct employees in India, who are helping build an end-to-end global manufacturing, engineering and avionics supply chain in India – with factories and engineering centers in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Gurgaon. 

‘OUR SUPPLY CHAIN IN INDIA IS SUPPORTED BY MORE THAN 100 VENDORS’ The nature of our strategic partnerships in India will allow us to expand our offering to the global markets with solutions and products made by our local partners, states ELI HEFETS, Corporate Regional Director, India, Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, in this one-on-one with GEOPOLITICS What are the Rafael Advanced Defence Systems products in use with the Indian armed forces?

For more than two decades Rafael has been supporting the Indian Armed forces with state-of-the-art systems, during which Rafael has stood by India to supply systems at short notice in various operational contingencies, including air-to-ground (SPICE), air defence (SPYDER), ATGMs (SPIKE), SDR communication (Bnet) and more.

Rafael works with the different branches of the Indian military and the Indian security apparatus and has cooperated to integrate its defence systems on the IAF and IN platforms. Just recently, the IAF inducted into service the Litening 4i LDP, integrated to a variety of IAF aircrafts including a comprehensive Depot Level facility, designed by Rafael and established by IAF, consisting of the latest technologies and technical capabilities enabling the IAF operability and independent maintainability. With increasing future challenges emerging,

we believe that our 5th generation systems, will serve a significant benefit and provide an important operational advantage to all branches of the Indian military and allow them to stay ahead of the adversary in various operational arenas.

outstanding and effective performance in both short ranges and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) intercepts. DERBY MK

What are the latest development at Rafael regards air-to-air missiles?

Rafael has been developing AtA missiles for almost 70 years and selling them around the world. Through that Rafael has gained a lot of operational and logistic experience. Rafael's PYTHON-5, a fi fth generation air-to-air missile, provides the pilot engaging an enemy aircraft with a full sphere launch capability. This missile can be launched from very short to beyond-visual ranges with greater kill probability, excellent resistance to countermeasures, irrespective of evasive target.

Another advanced missile is the DERBY, an active radar air-to-air missile that provides fighter aircraft with

What are the Rafael products that the company is keen to offer for manufacture in India?

Rafael has created 2 JVs (KRAS & ARC) fully geared for production of advanced systems such as ATGM, Air to Ground, Air to Air, Air Defence, and Communication, of which we are about to begin production of some 1000 Bnet units towards the end of the year. We are always prepared to discuss further potential in line with our commitment to local production and knowledge transfer. Our aim is to utilise the infrastructure and partnerships to start exports from India as part of our global supply chain. www.geopolitics.in

October 2020

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III is Rafael’s most updated version of LRBVRAAM missile. It has the same air frame and dimensions as the Derby.

The missile enables operational flexibility and multi-shot capability. It can be launched at an enemy aircraft day or night and in all-weather conditions.

The PYTHON-5 IIR air-to-air missile complements the performance of the DERBY medium range air-to-air missile.

Both missiles are already operational in several air forces. The combination of the two missiles on the same aircraft provides maximum operational agility to suit a variety of combat scenarios Together the, PYTHON-5 and the DERBY, offer superior war fighting capability to ensure air superiority for pilots in the 21st century.

Python 5 & Derby are in service in the IAF as part of the SPYDER LLQRM programme. Both are likely to be considered for future inductions in the IAF and the IA, due to their unmatched capabilities.

We are working in coordination with IAF teams and have already completed integration of the BVRAAM DERBY missile on the LCA.

in service. SPICE uses state-of-the art navigation, guidance and homing techniques to achieve the accurate and effective destruction of targets with a CEP of better than 3 meters. Rafael's SPICE Guidance Kits are the ideal answer to the challenges faced by today’s combat aircraft. Converting general purpose and penetration warheads. (SPICE 1000) into precision, stand-off strike weapons with ranges of 60-100km respectively they deliver multiple, simultaneous hits with pinpoint accuracy. The lightest variant of the SPICE family is the SPICE 250, a nextgen Precision Guided Munition with an advanced data link and a stand-off range of 100km. Capable of hitting stationary, relocatable and moving targets on land

allow the targeting, acquisition, and autonomous tracking of moving targets, and a scene-matching algorithm enables fully autonomous, GPSindependent missions with midfl ight path adjustment and minimum collateral damage. Laser-guided bombs (LBGs) do not meet today’s most critical needs, since they are released at short ranges, thereby increasing strike force vulnerability to enemy fi re. GPS-guided weapons also have their disadvantages, with some delivering stand-off capability, but without immunity to GPS countermeasures.

How does Rafael intend to take advantage of India's recent 'Atma Nirbhar' policy,

SPYDER Air Defence System

What are the latest developments regarding the SPYDER air defence system?

SPYDER is a quick reaction, low level surface-to-air missile system designed to counter attacks by aircraft, helicopters UAVs and precision guided munitions. prevailing security environment almost all over the world, where anti national elements can target any vital target to attract public attention, it is important to protect strategic national assets against all types air attacks including UAVs, rockets and other projectiles.

The SPYDER air defence missile is in service with the Indian Air Force. The performance of the missile system has provided AD capabilities to the entire satisfaction of the IAF. SPYDER has been developed to be integrated with multi-spectral sensors (TOPLITE) to ensure better resilience to countermeasures and independent operation against pop-up targets.

Kindly provide a brief on the SPICE family of munitions and their capabilities?

SPICE is a family of stand-off, autonomous, GPS-independent, airto-ground weapon systems, capable of hitting and destroying targets with pinpoint accuracy and at high attack volumes. SPICE is combat-proven and

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and at sea, SPICE 250 uses a common aircraft interface and sophisticated Smart Quad Rack (SQR) with four weapons on each SQR. With this feature, a Su-30 class of aircraft can carry up to 16 Spice 250 PGMs and simultaneously attack 16 independent targets.

Advanced EO/IR technologies

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

which aims to enhance India's indigenous defence manufacturing base?

Rafael has been present in India for more than 25 years. It is a known fact that Rafael pioneered foreign defence investment in India and has established local manufacturing activity in India by forming JV's, which

ALL PICS: RAFAEL

have yielded reciprocal benefits both for the company and for local industry and employment, while generating defence export potential for the Indian economy. We have converted undeveloped areas into manufacturing centers, and in the process have generated employment for hundreds of people spanning a number of fields, all the way from planning, construction, infrastructure, hardware and software, and many more. Our supply chain in India is supported by more than 100 vendors, most of them are MSMEs that have been trained and qualified to supply parts of our systems. We have trained dozens of talented personnel to work in these facilities, such as the ones we established with the Kalyani Group (KRAS) and with Astra (ARC), are manufacturing systems as we speak, and our intention is to expand and develop this cooperation to encompass a variety of other technologies. To that effect we are looking at export options to some overseas opportunities with our local partners based on systems and solutions offered to Indian Armed forces We are ready to co-develop and coproduce systems with the DPSUs like HAL, BEL, OFB and BDL as we look to deepen our stern commitment to India into the next decades.

What are the precision munitions developed

by Rafael for use on helicopters?

Rafael is a leading developer and

Rafael Spike ATGM

manufacturer of the Spike Family of precise, tactical, electro-optical missiles that have ranges of up to 32 km. In addition to being used by ground infantry forces, these missiles are in service on dozens of platforms, both vehicular and aerial, and have been sold to 34 countries around the world, with over 33,000 missiles supplied. For helicopter platforms, Rafael offers the Spike NLOS (Non Line Of Sight) – 32km– 75kg, Spike ER2 (Extended Range)–10km (ground launch), 16km (rotary launch)– 34kg and Spike LR2 (Long Range) – 5.5km (ground launch), 6.5km (rotary launch*) – 13.4kg. Rafael provides a full helicopter armament upgrade package called the SWS Package (SPIKE Weapon System), including both 4th and 5th generation stand-off Precision Guided electro-optical (EO) missiles, EO devices (in different weights and capabilities), Guided/unguided Rocket interface, Command & Control interfaces for pilot situation awareness, HMDs (Helmet-Mounted Displays for cueing of SPIKE Seeker and EOS to pilot head orientation) and even heliborne broadband Digital Data-link for continuous communication among the squadron helicopters. The relative light weight of the SPIKE missiles and simple stand-alone integration capability of Rafael, enable the mounting of SPIKE Missiles on multirole helicopters, thus maximising the helicopter capabilities.

A good example for this is in the ARPIA 4 Project in Colombia, in which Rafael

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October 2020

acted as a prime integrator to integrate SPIKE onto the air force's ARPIA IV Helicopter (Blackhawk UH60). The suite included three types of SPIKE missiles (NLOS, ER and LR), advanced EOS (TOPLITE 3HD), stand-alone HMI, including Moving-Map application, helicopter collision warning application, a digital Data link, as well as integration of the existing 70 mm unguided Rockets and GAU19 Gun to Rafael weapon suite.

Considering that India has been a large customer for Rafael's recce pods – is the company looking to offer them for production in India?

Rafael has established a complete ecosystem for production of E/O solutions such as Toplite, Litening and Recce. A major portion of existing Recce systems was indeed made by Indian companies, and any future contracts will entail the same.

What are the technologies and services that Rafael is looking to from India, in the coming years?

As part of Make II scheme, our local subsidiaries will be bidding for local R&D programmes with our full support.

We look forward to these solutions and technologies developed in India being offered to global customers. The nature of our strategic partnerships in India will allow us to expand our offering to the global markets with solutions and products made by our local partners. 

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THE IMPORTANCE OF A SPACE FORCE

The lift-off of RISAT2BR1 satellite on December 11, 2019 from Sriharikota

ISRO

Looking at the role played by the US Air Force in space-related activities in the past decades, HARINI MADHUSUDAN finds out its relevance for the Indian Air Force in the Indian Space domain

I

n March 2018, President Donald Trump proposed the United States Space Force (USSF) as the sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces and in August 2018, Vice President Mike Pence announced the plan to establish the space force by 2020.

Its primary intention is to hold control over the US military operations in outer space by absorbing the command operations and duties of the Air Force Space Command. Currently, the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) handles most of US military operations in space

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along with the US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) which is a unified command that supports US military operations worldwide through the use of many different types of satellites, cyber and launch operations.

The Air Force Space Command was established in 1982 with three primary mission areas: space forces support, space control and force enhancement with a goal to “provide resilient and affordable space and cyberspace capabilities for the joint force and the nation.� What is the relevance of a separate space force today?

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

What can other space-faring nations take away from this announcement? What can India learn from this?

In the case of India, the armed forces have been considering the establishment of an aerospace command for over a decade now. In the year 2003, the then IAF chief Air Marshall S Krishnaswamy had expressed the need for such a command. In 2006, IAF established the Directorate of Aerospace, visualised with a separate command on navigation, communications and surveillance as major functionalities. However, this did

not articulate due to the government’s strategic concerns. Fast forward 2008, after China had tested its ASAT, defence minister AK Antony announced the setting up of an Integrated Space Cell, recognising the emerging threats to assets and security from the counterspace systems. However, there still remains a lot of unexplored threats in space and countries are advancing with their outer space missions at a very fast pace.

US Space Force

The idea of a separate wing of the military for space in the US has been around since the time of Eisenhower, immediately after the USSR launched its first satellite Sputnik in 1957. The US has the highest number of satellites in space and is also known to invest over $35.9 billion on space-related activities. A designated space force as such would not change a lot in the US activities in space; it would transfer the role played by the Air Force onto a separate, but specific branch.

Over five decades, the debates for the formation of a space force have always been met with bureaucratic resistance. It may not be the case this time. First, it is because the stakes today are different from the time of the Cold War for the USA. Secondly, there is a consistent and strong emergence of private sector activities in space. These private players want to introduce ‘space tourism’, asteroid mining of minerals and a range of other fascinating stuff.

Thirdly, the number of players in space has significantly increased and this not only puts US assets in space at risk but also its dominance. With the growing technology and the ambiguity of the laws that govern nations’ activities in space, the vulnerability of these assets is too high. A space force would, hence, make so much sense not just for the USA but for everyone with a space programme. A similar dedicated force of well trained and equipped individuals who understand the various dynamics will help India too.

Time is right

The “Space Force” could help fuel a $1 trillion economy, said Morgan Stanley after Trump’s announcement.

The bank is roughly tracking 100 private companies that are involved in commercial activities related to space.

It is not just an idea; it represents the need. "Our conversations with various actors (current and retired) in the US government, military, and intelligence communities overwhelmingly indicate

India takes baby steps towards weaponisation of space ith the aim of enhancing the capabilities W of the armed forces to fight wars in space, the government has approved

the setting up of a new agency which will develop sophisticated weapon systems and technologies for the purpose. In June 2019, the Cabinet Committee on Security headed

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the setting up of this new agency called the Defence Space Research Agency (DSRO), which has been entrusted with the task of creating space warfare weapon systems and technologies.

The decision was taken at the topmost level by the government some time ago and the agency has started taking shape under a Joint Secretary-level scientist. The agency would be provided with a team of scientists which would be working in close coordination with the tri-services integrated defence staff officers.

d t he stablishe e, e F A I , 6 In 200 te of Aerospac Directora d with a separate visualise on navigation, c o m ma n d c a t i o n s a n d communi nce as major surveilla lities f u n c t i o na

that space is an area where we will see significant development," a team of analysts led by Adam Jonas, the bank's autos analyst, wrote to Reuters.

"This development could enhance US technological leadership and address vulnerabilities in surveillance, mission deployment, cyber, and AI." Despite the statistics and positive take on the possibility of such a force, there is a lot of technical and financial barriers to it. But why do they want such a force (knowing that they are at least 10 years ahead of all other spacefaring nations out there)? What threatens them?

The US Grand Plans

The space force is an extension of US slow turn inwards. For the past couple

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October 2020

The agency would be providing the research and development support to the Defence Space Agency (DSA) which comprises members of the three services.

The DSA has been created to help the country fight wars in the space.

As it is, India has already carried out the anti-satellite test, demonstrating its capability to shoot down satellites in space. With this missile test, India joined an elite club of three other nations with such capability. The test also helped the country develop deterrence capabilities against adversaries who may want to attack Indian satellites to cripple systems in times of war.

The Defence Space Agency is being set up in Bengaluru under an Air Vice Marshalrank officer and will gradually take over the space-related capabilities of the three forces.

— Geopolitics Bureau

of years, all of US policies indicate a protectionist attitude. ‘We have our assets, our prized possessions, our pride and we would want to protect them.’ Not long ago, in 2016, the US Air Force released an interesting piece on why America should strengthen its first strike capability in space, and its central argument was based on the concept of ‘Weaponisation of everything.’ This is what America fears (at least that is what they say).

This concept, ‘weaponisation of everything’ can be used to explain the behaviour from a lot of cases in the past few years. The concept in simple words means that weapons are no longer simply the traditional tools of war—guns, missiles, warplanes, naval ships and so forth—but everyday objects that can be adapted to damage, destroy or kill. Take the example of a number of truck-related incidents or the fact that one small piece of debris can cause irreversible damage to any satellite on orbit if carefully directed; it makes it tough to even trace the origins of such damage. The threats are real and so are the plans to counter them.

First strike capability would mean that anyone could cause damage and label it as a threat to their assets. It would also mean, launching and placing the unbanned weapons in orbit, to not just attack stuff in space, but to target “from” space. This is going to be the

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also provides significant space for specialisation. Eventually, it moves on to help to create a whole industry around it.

In fact, military organisations worldwide have been increasing their reliance on the assets in space for communications, surveillance and navigation. Space systems include both the satellites that orbit the earth and its ground stations.

These include areas right from education to the smallest things like the spare parts industry or the astronaut suits industry.

A specified force that would defend these interests and businesses would give an irrevocable edge to a country.

Though it is still unclear on how such a force will come about and under what authority and terms they would function, it will successfully set grounds for a stronger debate over the reformation of the Outer Space Treaty. If as in the US where three rogue satellites have also been launched by the private players, private sector joins the scene, it will strengthen a country’s dominance in space and also give it an opportunity to dictate terms in the nation’s favour.

India’s ASAT missile being launched during the successful antisatellite test on March 27, 2019

PIB

Indian Military and Space Systems

inevitable outcome of such a force. First, they protect their assets and eventually it moves towards their interests. One such example is the floating discussions on placing kinetic impactors in orbit.

They do not fall under the criteria of the weapons of mass destruction from the Outer Space treaty (1967). These Kinetic impactors, for example, “Rods from Gods,” (which is a developed and tested weapon) is capable of penetrating hundreds of feet into the earth when launched from a higher altitude, and make it possible to destroy hardened bunkers or secret underground sitesgiving the impact that a nuclear weapon gives sans the fallout.

What about the other countries?

There is a significant role played by the Air Force wing of space-faring nations in their space activities. The idea of

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Air Force ece S U e h t , 6 In 201 an interesting pi its released ca strengthening ce on Ameri e capability in spaas first strik ntral argument w and its ce ‘weaponisation of ba s ed on g’ e v er y t h i n

a separate wing for activities may be relevant programme. It not only divides the roles played

space-related to everyone's conveniently by them but

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

As previously mentioned, India in 2008 announced its plans to create an Integrated Space cell, an agency with the government of India which would coordinate space-based military and civilian systems. This Integrated Space cell was formed in June 2008, and is currently under the command of the Integrated Defence Services Headquarters with the responsibility to coordinate activities of ISRO and the Indian Armed forces.

India began an unmanned RISAT-2, a spacecraft-based radar imaging programme along with the April 20, 2009 TecSAR launch- a copy of the all-weather Israeli radar imaging surveillance programme satellite they had purchased for $200 million. This was intended to be utilised to address defence border security issues for India. This RISAT-2 needs to be seen along with the development of dedicated Military Naval Satellite. In 2013, India launched GSAT7 Rukimini, which is said to be India’s satellite dedicated to military activities.

It is a communication satellite that is mostly used by the Indian Navy.

With over 2000 military dedicated satellites in the orbit, India has only now entered the picture. The Integrated Space Cell, operated since 2008 jointly by the three service arms, the DRDO, and the ISRO, is more of a central information network system than an offensive

LORAX

America’s ASM-135 air-launched anti-satellite missile

military one. We have the CARTOSAT2A(a follow-up optical imaging mission of CartoSat-2, launched in January 2007, representing India's first dedicated military satellite that is funded by the Ministry of Defence, its overall objective being to provide scene-specific spot imagery in high resolution to the Indian Armed Forces) under the jurisdiction of Integrated Space Cell (ISC). It is highly agile and can be steered to facilitate imaging of any area and more frequently.

CARTOSAT-2B, similarly offers multiple spot scene imagery. Now with the successful launch of CARTOSAT-2E in June 2017, India has 13 satellites with military applications.

GSAT-6 is the second strategic satellite mainly for use by the armed forces for quality and secure communication.

Indian Navy uses GSAT-7 for real-time communication among its warships, submarines, aircraft and land systems.

The ISC hence, may have laid the stepping stones to a fully fledged Indian Military Space Command, on similar lines of the US Space Force.

Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites, are placed in polar sun-synchronous orbit and they provide regular data on a variety of spatial, spectral and temporal resolutions. Though most are civil satellites, some have a spatial resolution of 1 metre or below, meaning they could be used for military applications as well.

Another one, Technology Experimental Satellite (TES) is an experimental

Force has r i A n ia The Ind Defence Space ess outlined a 20 to try and harn t Vision-20 esources and boosess. satellite r fence prepared-n India’s de for an aerospace It is time c o m ma n d

satellite to validate technologies in orbit.

It has panchromatic camera capable of producing images of 1 metre resolution.

India also has the anti-satellite capability through its ballistic defence programme.

The Indian ballistic defence programme consists of two interceptor missiles. The Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) for high altitude and the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) for lower altitude interception. PAD was tested in November 2006 and AAD was tested in December 2007. And while India still wants a weapons-free space, the emergence of offensive counterspace systems and anti-satellite weaponry posed new threats which had to be countered. The radar for the BMD system currently has a range of about 800 km

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October 2020

and they plan to upgrade it to 1,500-2,000 km. additionally, two new anti-ballistic missiles to intercept IRBMs are being developed which are expected to cover a range of up to 5,000 km.

India shows a strong conviction in its use of outer space for peaceful purposes and is very rightly upholding this by demonstrating that its spacebased services are for national and societal purposes. As of now, India is against placing weapons of any kind in space. However, for its future, the Indian Air Force has outlined a Defence Space Vision-2020 to try and harness satellite resources and boost India’s defence preparedness. For this, an Aerospace Command with space expertise and authority will be better equipped to transform India’s vision into outcomes. ISRO undoubtedly has impressive capabilities with technology development but it can prove successful only when it is applied at the right time for the right causes. The capabilities of ISRO can be integrated with the surface, air and sea-based systems of the armed forces. The Integrated Space Cell with a few added functions and powers could easily be compared with that of the proposed US Space Force.

The author was associated with International Strategic and Security Studies Programme, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore

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‘THALES ENGINEERING COMPETENCE CENTRES FOSTER R&D AND INNOVATION‘ The future is in digital technologies. Thales identified the trend early and has been investing in digital innovations in particular- connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity- technologies that support businesses, organisations and governments in their decisive moments, explains EMMANUEL DE ROQUEFEUIL, Vice President & Country Director of Thales in India, in this one-on-one with GEOPOLITICS Thales plays a key role on the Rafale and Mirage-2000 for India, please elaborate on contributions for the same?

As a trusted partner to the Indian armed forces, Thales has been supporting them achieve their goals of modernisation and efficient operations. In the field of

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airborne operations, Thales has always provided cutting-edge solutions through innovation and partnerships with the world’s best military air framers.

For decades, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has relied on Thales’ high-end technology solutions for combat aircraft, air defence systems and sensors among others to achieve its big ambitions.

Prominent examples of these solutions include the upgrade of Mirage-2000 fleet and the Rafale omnirole combat aircraft.

Thales’ technology onboard the Rafale combat aircraft enables it to conduct a broad range of missions, day and night, and in all weather conditions. Thales’ contribution in the aircraft includes the active electronic scanning array (AESA) RBE2 multifunction radar, the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite for 360° detection and action modes, advanced man-machine interface with displays in cockpit, missile electronics, the frontsector optronic systems, the CNI suite (communication, navigation, identification) as well as power generation systems and a logistics support component.

The successful upgrade of the Mirage-2000 fleet by Thales and Dassault aviation with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is another successful reference that serves the strategic requirements of the

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

‘Make in India’ programme of the Indian Government. This upgrade enhances the technical-operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force’s Mirage-2000 with the availability of a coherent platform-system combination. These capabilities include longer-range detection across the entire spectrum, improved tactical situation awareness, longer-range weapon firing against multiple simultaneous targets, weapon stealth and an extended operating envelope with the capability to engage ground targets whilst countering airborne threats.

Thales has a large workshare on Rafale for India, please provide an update on the new facility in Nagpur for integration of radars and EW for Rafale?

Embodying the spirit of ‘Make in India’, Thales and Reliance Aerostructure formed a joint venture in 2017 that has been working towards developing Indian capabilities in integration and maintenance of Radar and Electronic Warfare sensors. Situated in the Special Economic Zone of Mihan-Nagpur, this JV is developing skills and activity together, with an Indian local supply chain, for the manufacturing of microwave technologies.

What is the work being done and future plans at the two centres of excellence in India?

With India and other major economies realising the future is in digital technologies, Thales identified the trend early and has been investing in digital innovations in particular — connectivity, Big Data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity — technologies that support businesses, organisations and governments in their decisive moments.

What are the key technological and performance improvements on the new TALIOS recce pod for Rafale and how is it superior to the older Damocles pod?

The omnirole TALIOS recce pod combines targeting and tactical recce capabilities in a single pod. The successor of the Damocles pod, TALIOS has an open architecture, allowing “plug & fight” system for all existing and future fighters.

Also, it delivers unmatched image quality, which includes colour imagery, and disruptive capabilities such as Permanent Vision™ and embedded artificial intelligence that provides combat aircraft pilots and ground forces with reliable situational awareness in real time.

Damocles, TALIOS’ predecessor, is a targeting pod providing powerful laser designation for standoff weapon delivery.

Please elaborate on Thales HMSD (eg Top Owl) products?

With high-level operational performance, comfort, protection and features such as exchange of LOS (Line Of Sight), seamless transition from day to night, augmented reality and more, the Helmet-mounted Sight & Display (HMSD) from Thales such as TopOwl displays flight symbology.

It enhances flight safety and mission effectiveness. It provides pilots with optimum vision capabilities and offers night vision due to the light intensifiers placed on both sides of the helmet. This allows the refraction of an intensified

image of the surrounding superposed on the landscape.

TopOwl offers a 180° view and avoids the tunnel effect found using binoculars.

It replaces conventional night vision googles with an easy and seamless switch

Thales AESA RBE2 radar on Rafale

THALES

The company’s Engineering Competence Centres (ECC) in the Delhi National Capital Region and Bengaluru foster R&D and innovation and are largely driven by digital technologies.

Through the Engineering Competence Centre (ECC) in Bengaluru, which is a first-of-its-kind in India, focussing on both civil and defence activities, this aim is fulfilled. The ECC is currently dedicated to high value-added systems in the fields of Air Traffic Management, avionics, cockpit, flight management, in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems, radar software, airborne Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance tactical management systems. It is also concentrating on the creation of capabilities in advanced hardware technology such as Radio Frequency/ designs for radars and communication equipment, high performance processing units and in airborne digital processing functions.

Thales’ ECC situated in Noida focuses on Digital Identity and Security, and the centre in Gurgaon, which is an extension of this line of business, has a specialisation in artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics.

To support the growth of these centres, Thales plans to hire hundreds of engineers in coming years in India.

What are the Thales equipment on indigenous Indian programmes such as ALH, LCH, LUH, etc?

As per the contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced during Aero India in February 2019, Thales is to deliver 135 2.75-inch (70-mm) rocket launchers to equip 15 Rudra and 18 LCH (Light Combat Helicopter) attack helicopters operated by Indian Armed Forces. The delivery of these solutions is on track and the first of four phases has completed.

40 launchers have been produced in Herstal, Belgium and delivered since December 2019. The order is expected to be completely delivered by 2022. Aimed at boosting the tactical capabilities of the Indian armed forces, these launchers offer best-in-class precision and reliability, providing crews with optimum support during missions.

From conventional rockets to Thales’s laser-guided variant, the huge range of 2.75-inch (70-mm) munitions available for use with the launchers encompasses a broad spectrum of the missions facing today’s armed forces.

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between natural vision and night vision.

With this, the navigation and weapon system information is displayed directly in front of the pilot's eyes thus enabling helicopters to be flown during both day and night. It equips NH90, Tiger, Huey, Rooivalk, T129, and Cobra helicopters and has been chosen by 16 countries for their army, navy and/or air force attack and transport helicopters.

What is the maintenance infrastructure setup in India for existing Thales equipment in the defence sector?

Over the years, Thales has established a strong industrial footprint and strong partnerships with the local industry (public and private) in the country.

It has been closely associated with HAL for over five decades, formed JVs with Bharat Electronics Limited, Reliance Aerostructure Limited and other cooperations including Bharat Dynamics Limited, Kalyani Group and MKU limited. It has more than 50 offset partners (and more than 75 supply chain partners). With these associations, Thales has created a mature and reliable industrial ecosystem that allows it to maintain and support its equipment in use with the armed forces in India and the world. 

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‘WE SEE THE FUTURE BATTLEFIELD TO BE GETTING UNMANNED IN NATURE’ Emerging digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Augmented Reality (AR) and Cyber Security are being increasingly recognised by defence forces across the world, explains JAYANT D PATIL, Whole-time Director (Defence & Smart Technologies) and Member of the Board, L&T in this one-on-one with GEOPOLITICS L&T is better known for its extensive contribution to land and naval systems for the Indian armed forces, what has been its contribution to the airborne component of the armed forces?

L&T Defence has been established in mid-eighties in keeping with the ethos of National Service. The early engagements began with the Indian Navy and DRDO to partner in design and development of Indigenous Systems in pursuit of indigenisation programme resolutely pursued by them.

That explains our extensive contribution to the Land and Naval Forces. Also it is relevant to mention that L&T has been a trusted partner of ISRO for past five decades and has built range of space grade aerostructures for

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super and hypersonic flight conditions besides a host of subsystems for SLV, PSLV, GSLV and GSLV MkIII. We also created a dedicated Technology Centre for building capabilities in design & development, embedded systems and established dedicated production infrastructure for realisation of aero structures whether metallic or advanced Composites, aerospace grade electronics and we have realised and delivered range of aero structures and assemblies.

We have been a tierised partner in the aviation segment and did contribute to the LCA programme in various ways starting from the production of Jigs and fixtures for the

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

composite airframes including AIT of the entire wing set assembly, test stands for engine. We are ecosystem partner in production of a range of Airframes subsystems, Fuselage Composite Structures, Control Surfaces & Stabilisers and Flight control linkages for Advanced light utility Helicopter (ALH) and Light combat Helicopter (LCH). We have also been a partner to ADA in development stage and HAL in production stages for Cockpit electronic LRUs for LCA avionics and test jigs as also life cycle partner for the software embedded in these.

Kindly provide an update on L&T's intention to participate in the 114 aircraft fighter contract through the Strategic Partnership route?

L&T has matured as a major player in the Land and Naval domain by being a development partner to DRDO and Indigenisation partner to the Navy and later years in serial production of multiple equipment, and systems developed with this partnership, as also developed through our own in-house R&D funding.

Leveraging these, L&T graduated into a multidisciplinary System Integrator for System of Systems and Platforms across the value chain to conceptualise from basic User requirements until providing life cycle support through the product life. However, the policy environment was not conducive for similar journey in the Aerospace segment obliging us to become a niche Tier 1 supplier with unique & differentiated capabilities.

While L&T certainly has what it

takes to be a platform integrator having produced aerostructure & missile airframes in metallic and composites domain, Weapon launchers, missile electronics, avionics, developed Industry 4.0 capabilities for the Navy’s Surface Combatants and Under Water Platforms and combining it with weapon and sensor integration capabilities across Land and Naval platforms are as relevant to the Aerospace segment. However based on our market assessment, policy implementation and opportunities in the pipeline, we are content being focussed on being a niche Tier 1 manufacturer for current Aircraft and Helicopter platforms.

How well placed is L&T to offer the Indian armed forces, solutions that make use of AI, Big Data, 3D printing and AR/VR? We see the future battlefield to be getting unmanned and multi domain in nature and that it will be fought more from stand-off ranges. Towards this we have been focussing on development of a range of unmanned platforms across land, naval-surface, underwater and aerospace domains. In each of these domains we have realised products, some by becoming a development partner to specific DRDO programmes and many more on our own in-house R&D roadmap.

We had realised a solution and proven it by powering up and driving a BMP-II remotely in 2013-14 for a DRDO programme, built a range of unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), tracked and wheeled, capable of carrying defined payloads. In the Naval domain we are midst testing of an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) “Adamya” and a larger UUV “Amogh” for mine hunting role with a capability to dive to 1000m depth. On Surface we are testing our Unmanned Surface vehicle (USV) solution and combined with our warship design and construction capability can integrate it in to various classes of smaller boats that the Navy could imagine they have a use for. In Aviation domain we have a 1/3rd scale model of a MALE UAV flying with our own Flight Control System (Avionics) and controls as also realised a Manoeuvrable Expendable Aerial Targets (MEAT) which is under flying trials and have offered it to Armed Forces under a Make II programme. Few of these Unmanned systems are fully developed, while some are under development including swarm technologies for collaborative autonomous operation.

Emerging digital technologies such

What are some of the key defence manufacturing processes and technologies that have been mastered by L&T? L&T has been globally known for metallic manufacturing across industrial sectors in heavy manufacturing and precision manufacturing domains. We hold global benchmarks in both these domains and our IP in metallic manufacturing is an impressive list of tens of thousands of process-procedures across metallurgical compositions/alloys and dissimilar material combinations, that brought us in to the Strategic Sector as an manufacturing partner for ultrahigh strength materials used in Space Launch Vehicles and Rocket motor manufacturing to light metals and exotic alloys in Titanium, Aluminium, Nickel based, as also a wide range of nonferrous materials.

Leveraging our heritage of being at the forefront of metallic manufacturing, we began our journey in manufacturing in advanced composites two decades back.

Over this we developed basic design, material characterisation, process formulation, and host of special processes to produce parts of exacting requirements in advanced composites, having mastered very critical process like Uni – Bi directional wide Tape Winding, Filament Winding, Pre-Preg Layups, Wet Layup, Vaccum assisted Resin transfer Moulding, Vacuum assisted Resin Infusion Moulding, Vacuum Bagging, Autoclave Curing, machining, through thickness Non-destructive testing of layered composite materials, Vacuum sputtering of exotic metals on composite, etc to name a few. We today produce Advanced Composite Airframes and Canisters for BrahMos, Heat Shields for our Space Launch Vehicles, ultra-light deck panels for Payload mounting, Aerostructures for Aircraft/helicopter/UAV/UCAV, Sonar Domes etc to name a few.

We have also recently added capabilities in Resin Film Infusion technology for monolithic large skin panels and 4 Axis Filament winding process for Composite Motor casing for job size as large as 2.5 m Dia x 5 m Long. On the new technology front we leverage Additive manufacturing for extremely complex integral parts for Defence Products and have been among the early users to produce parts in exotic metallurgies using wire-feed additive manufacturing process.

Industry 4.0 practices has been developed over past two decades and adopted across our manufacturing complexes for producing complete platforms such as warships, submarines and armoured systems, weapon launch systems to missile airframes.

as Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Augmented Reality (AR) and Cyber Security are being increasingly recognised by Defence forces across the world as technologies that will play a dominant role in modern national security and next generation warfare. Integration of IIoT in defence has created emergent disciplines such as Internet of Battlefield Things (IoBT).

Building on earlier military concepts such as Network Centric warfare (NCW) through the exploitation of AI and IIoT and integrating combatants via terrestrial, underwater, aerial and spacebased sensors with weapon platforms into one unified information grid provides the much desired Augmented Reality platform to simulate various combat conditions. The vast amount of data generated will enable decision support systems for holistic command and control and efficient deployment of war fighters and assets, increasing both the lethality and survivability in the

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battlefield.

L&T-NxT is the digital technology arm of the L&T Group. It leverages leading edge digital technologies such as IIoT, Data Analytics, AI/ML, AR/VR/MR, Edge Cyber Security, GeoSpatial Engineering, Robotics Process Automation (RPA) and Blockchain to deliver innovative digital solutions for global customers.

L&T-NxT’s digital solutions for the defence industry spans across Industry 4.0 solutions for enhanced Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) of defence manufacturing units; tracking movement of men, equipment and materials; availability, condition monitoring and predictive maintenance of critical equipment; Fleet & Logistics monitoring, Augmented and Virtual Reality based training and assisted operations & maintenance solutions.

While all these are developed and deployed in real life equipment and systems, our Armed Forces need to find ways to leverage the availability of such solutions by innovating on acquisition

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processes that enable them to do so.

Draft DAP 2020 shows a promise in that direction to expedite acquisition of technology solutions that was just not possible earlier given the process limitations.

L&T’s Indigenously Developed Manoeuvrable Expendable Aerial Target Undergoing Flight Trials

Contribution to LCA Tejas & HAL Helicopters: L&T has been involved in realisation of various aero structures and assemblies for subsonic, supersonic and hypersonic flying objects for LCA, range of Missile programmes and the aerospace systems.

L&T has delivered a major aero structure module like entire Wing set for an Indigenous Fighter Aircraft (LCA Tejas), first of its kind in the country. The wingset has undergone successful flight trials and inducted into existing LCA fleet of IAF. As development partner to ADA, L&T provides integrated design-tomanufacture-to-lifecycle solutions in Avionics and have developed a wide range of LRUs (Line-Replaceable unit).

L&T has designed, developed, Qualified Airworthiness and manufactured LRUs like Environment Control and Fuel Monitoring System (ECFM), Cockpit Interface Unit (CIU), Video Cards (VC) of Mission Computer, and Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for the LCA Programme. We have till date manufactured and supplied more than 100 Airborne LRUs and 500 On board SRUs for LCA Tejas Programme.

For HAL helicopter programmes, L&T has produced a wide range of Composite parts (>11,000 aerostructure parts) and subassemblies, LRUs for the ALH, LUH & LCH platforms. To name a few Environment Control Unit for Integrated Life support system, developed the Onboard oxygen systems and Integrated Stand by Units, Video cards, Cockpit Avionics Displays, Flight Control System linkages.

Contribution to AMCA & UCAV: As long standing development partner to ADA, L&T developed Avionics LRUs for current LCA programme continue to be part of future telescoping development platforms including AMCA. As software driven systems the LRUs provide requisite flexibility for such integration with appropriate mods. We look forward to partnering ADA in the AMCA programme, in a role ADA deems fit for a

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L&T

Please provide a detailed update on the contribution of L&T for the LCA programme, HAL helicopters and DRDO AMCA and future UCAV, BrahMos programme and other indigenous missile programmes?

trusted partner like L&T. L&T is in the domain of Unmanned Aerial Systems and Aerial Targets and are currently working with DRDO on various developmental programmes; particularly with ADE. L&T had long back obtained technology for production of Lakshya 2 APTA from ADE. Thereafter, we invested in manufacturing facilities and skill creation for realisation of Aerial Targets and UAVs. We look forward to contribute to ADE for UCAV programme as Development cum Production partner leveraging our aerospace, FCS as well as weapon integration track record, as also having a track record of serially producing UCAV airframe modules for a FOEM based on their design.

Contribution to BrahMos and Other Indigenous Missile Programmes: As development partner to BrahMos and DRDO, we have been deeply involved in Brahmos missile programme and have enormously contributed in developing and platform integration of Naval Launchers, Fire control systems across Naval platforms, as also serial production of Airframe modules in Advanced Composites and Composite Launch Canister, reloading systems, etc. Over the development journey we developed production technologies with support of DRDO, suiting imported raw Materials, began serial production and continued our development journey to substitute these with indigenously sourced raw materials for the serial production and scaling up production of Composite airframes as well as Canisters, as part of the programme

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vision. Today we concurrently produce different versions of the launch canisters as well as airframes in serial mode from two of our production complexes.

BrahMos development journey has been that of an exemplary partnership that asked for long term development commitment and capital investments from development partners but assuring long term partnership for serial production phases as the programme evolved.

We have been a long term development partner to DRDO across the Missile development programmes starting with IGMDP in 1987 till date as value creator having been production partner to ISRO’s Satellite Launch Vehicles across the range.

Over the nearly three and a half decades of journey we have come to respect each other for the strengths we pool in together and off course it is DRDO that handheld us in our early decade of involvement in the Defence Sector and as we matured from B2S to B2R development models over the years, from metallic materials to advanced Composites & sonic-supersonic systems to hypersonics.

L&T has matured in serial production of Missile and Aerospace Vehicle Airframes, integrated propulsion airframes and subsystems and have to its credential track record of delivering 5000+ Sub-systems over past 5 years.

What will be the impact of the Govt's decision to increase the FDI limit in defence manufacturing from 49 per cent to 74 per cent?

As we see, FDI right up to 100 per cent

was always allowed in Defence but for holding beyond 49 per cent it needed scrutiny by the parent Ministry. The recent pressnote 4 dated 17th Sep 2020 relaxes the investment through automatic route up to 74 per cent but with multiple checks and balances introduced in the system and made applicable to new Companies while existing companies need approval even to raise stake upto 49 per cent given the strategic nature of this sector and the security considerations involved.

Given that our acquisition system in Defence cannot guarantee placement of sustained orders has been one of the show stopper for inflow of FDI in the Defence Sector. Another being the fact that the Foreign Companies hardly own/ control the technologies completely as these are developed with funding from their Govt and that restricts the free flow of technology and hence infrastructure investment through FDI. Recent liberalisation announcements

by Indian Govt including import ban and ease of exports however will see some action in getting FDI in this sector.

However, allowing foreign owned/ controlled companies to freely compete with the fledgling Defence Sector in the Private Sector, that remained small over past two decades given dominance of monolith PSUs and continuing policy support to them in the past, will kill the Private Industry, especially MSMEs. This calls for some checks and balances in terms of participation in Buy Indian category programmes (Buy Indian IDDM, Buy Indian, Buy & ‘Make in India’ and Make) being brought in to seek that “Control” must be in Indian hands irrespective of ownership to avoid making India vulnerable at a point of crisis and crunch times experienced multiple times

by India in past six decades.

On the other hand, Chinese isolation and global initiatives to cutting supply chain dependence on China coupled with lower Income Tax, host of incentives and dramatic improvement in ease of doing business and export facilitation will evince a lot of interest in export oriented manufacturing of Defence as well as Dual use products through the liberalised FDI regime.

What we do expect is FOEMs teaming up with Indian Companies with equitable ownership leveraging the latter’s knowledge and familiarity with the regulatory and operations domain to run manufacturing units that still call for host of clearances and perform within ambit of labour-friendly laws in India.

What have been the latest developments at L&T MBDA Missile Systems (LTMMSL) and will production of the ASRAAM in India commence?

L&T MBDA Missile Systems Limited (LTMMSL), our JV company is firmly on the path of ‘Make in India’ and has embarked on building significant capacity and capability within the Country. LTMMSL has setup a dedicated facility for assembly, inert integration of missiles and testing of missile subsystems and missile weapon launch systems. The facility is spread over 16,000 sq. meter plant in a Special Economic Zone at Coimbatore node of the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor.

LTMMSL has received a few export orders from the parent to facilitate capability and skill development and the new facility shall start delivering state-of-the-art weapon systems, Missile Launchers and Airframe segments, including control actuation units, within the current Financial year.

LTMMSL has responded to Indian Navy’s Buy Global RFP for Vertically Launched Surface to Air Missiles & Missile systems leveraging the strengths the parent companies pool in together.

The company is looking to participate in ATGM programmes of the Indian Army (Infantry & Mechanised Forces) with MBDA’s proven 5th Gen missile system, the only one of its kind in the Global Defence scene.

What are the company's offerings being proposed under the Buy (Indian – IDDM), Buy (Indian), and Buy & Make (Indian) categories for Defence Procurement?

L&T is currently looking at few major Buy (Indian – IDDM), Buy (Indian) & Make programmes viz. Close-in weapon system (CIWS), & High Power Radar (HPR) for Indian Air Force, Range of combat engineering systems, and Manoeuvrable Expendable Aerial Target programmes for the Indian Army, and series of warship programmes for Indian Navy as well as Indian Coast Guard.

Besides, we look forward to the P75(I) submarines RFP under the Strategic Partnership Policy as lead programme.

CIWS is complete sensor to weapon suite, with Surveillance RADAR, Tracking RADAR, Command, Communication & Fire Control systems, and Firing Units, i.e. Guns with smart ammunition. L&T is the lead integrator in this programme having conceptualised complete system as an in-house solution leveraging L&T’s years of experience in range of Air Defence systems like Akash, Trishul

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October 2020

developmental programme, MRSAM, QRSAM, and upgrade of L-70 and Zu-23 Gun programmes. We have indigenously developed the Firing Unit, Command, Control and Communication system and integrating a Radar suite from a long standing FOEM partner with sizeable subsystems built by us.

For the HPR L&T plays a role of lead integrator adding more than 60 per cent by value share within country. L&T is indigenously developing Power systems, Cooling systems, Antenna structures, TR Modules, Processing Hardware, Displays, Servo Positioning Systems. We are also participating in RFP for Manoeuvrable Expendable Aerial Target (MEAT) under Make-II category. The prototype for MEAT has been realised and is currently undergoing internal trials to be ready for Field Evaluation Trials by the User over coming months.

Our range of Combat Engineering Systems have been inducted by the Indian Army. These have been among series of development programmes we pursued with DRDO. Also Design and Build capability in Shipbuilding is well known having delivered 59 vessels to Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy ahead of schedules. We look forward to delivery of three more vessels in coming two months.

Our LTMMSL joint venture is committed to develop and supply various missiles and missile systems to meet the growing potential requirements of the Indian armed forces. The major opportunities being pursued are the antiship missile systems for costal batteries.

LTMMSL is offering the latest generation Exocet MM40 Block 3C Anti-Ship missile System to the Indian Navy. We plan to set up the supply chain in India and achieve more than 50 per cent indigenous content in the programme including maintenance and life extension of the Missile through its life cycle.

What has been the progress of the MoU with Ideaforge for drones and allied systems for defence use?

L&T has signed a Non-Exclusive MoU with Ideaforge to pursue opportunities including leveraging L&T’s global reach & connect, for Market ready products. L&T’s contribution would be adding value in system integration, ruggedisation and solutioning. We are exploring some opportunities in the Middle East, with market ready products from IdeaForge. Additionally, we expect to grow our solution offering over times to come. 

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‘AROUND 70 PER CENT OF IAF AIRCRAFT ARE SUPPORTED BY HAL FOR LIFETIME’ To maintain the operational relevance and fleet serviceability of aircraft/helicopters for around 30-40 years of exploitation, platforms need to be upgraded with latest avionics, communication systems and sensors, explains R MADHAVAN, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL, in this interview with GEOPOLITICS What is the current order book at HAL and what is the financial health of the company?

HAL’s current order book will be sufficient for the next two and half to three years.

Ideally, it should be for at least five years for any aerospace industry, considering the lead time of production. However, orders for 83 LCA MK1A and 15 Nos of LCH are in final stages of conclusion, which will substantially boost the current order book position. The order book is going to be strengthened further as Defence Acquisition Council has approved the acquisition of 12 SU-30 MKI and 106 HTT 40 Basic Trainer aircraft.

By end of the year, our order book is expected to cross `1.0 lakh crore, which will be fairly healthy.

What is the status of orders for LCA MK1A and Light Combat Helicopter?

The order for LCA Mk1A is under final approval from

the government. As far as LCH order is concerned, the contract is in final stages.

What is HAL's role in production of LCA MK1A and what will be the role of Indian pvt sector industry?

HAL has partnered with numerous Indian MSMEs and other companies for the development, manufacture and upgradation of LRUs/rotables pertaining to complex sub-systems of LCA-Tejas.

HAL will primarily carry-out integration and flight testing of the aircraft.

It is planned to source major structures like wing, front fuselage, central fuselage, rear fuselage and other structural assemblies from the private partners, as being done for LCA Mk1.

It is pertinent to mention that HAL has been instrumental in nurturing

a competitive Aerospace and Defence (A&D) industry base in India by way of partnering with private industries (including MSMEs) for production as well as for Design and Development of products and technologies.

Kindly elaborate on the status of HTT-40 basic trainer?

HTT–40 programme was taken up by HAL with internal funding. Two prototypes have been built and more than 400 flights have been carried out so far. Flights were carried out for systems certification, performance evaluation and handling including stall/spins. Stall characteristics have been achieved successfully. The aircraft has also demonstrated its ability to enter, sustain six turn spins and recover using conventional controls. The fine tuning of spin characteristics is in progress. The aircraft is in final stages of development phase. A team of test pilots from ASTE have also flown the aircraft for basic assessment.

What is the progress on the indigenous engine development programmes of HAL?

a) 25 kN Turbofan Engine (HTFE-25): Design and development of a 25kN thrust class turbofan engine, which can be used on Basic/Advanced military trainers, on small business jets and also having large UAV applications is under progress at HAL. The engine can be used on a fiveton weight class aircraft in single engine configuration and on aircraft of up to nine-ton weight class with twin-engine configuration. Two core engines have been produced so far and are undergoing development trials. Cumulatively, over 400 runs have been completed on Core1 and Core-2 engines so far. HTFE-25 successfully completed cold light up at 14°C with spark igniters and achieved 100 per cent max speed with and without IGV modulation. HTFE-25 engine was also tested successfully with a Technology

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HTT-40 basic trainer

includes PBL (Performance Based Logistics) contract for five years. The maintenance contract would commence from the date of first delivery of helicopter.

Please mention some of the key private sector contributions to HAL aircraft programmes?

HAL has been instrumental in nurturing a competitive Aerospace and Defence

b) 1200 KW Turbo Shaft Engine (HTSE-1200): The 1200KW Turbo shaft engine would be used as power plant for three to sixton category helicopters. One technology demonstrator of HTSE-1200 engine in jet mode and one engine in power mode have been built. The power mode engine is presently under testing. A cumulative of over 300 runs have been completed successfully so far.

Effusion Cooled Combustor and High Efficiency Compressor were developed for HTSE-1200 engine and successfully tested on the engine. Directionally Solidified Gas Generator (GG) Turbine blades were also successfully developed for the engine. Single crystal blades and engine control unit FADEC are being developed indigenously. The engine has been tested for light-up and successfully achieved max speed of 100 per cent in Jet mode. Sea level trials of the jet mode engine is completed and currently the power mode engine is in performance testing on the test bed at Bengaluru.

What is the role played by HAL in the MRO of IAF aircraft?

Around 70 per cent of Indian Air Force aircraft are supported by HAL for lifetime that include fighters, trainers, transport, helicopters and UAVs. In addition to providing maintenance support for all aircraft and engines manufactured by HAL, the Company also supports fleet not manufactured by HAL such as Mirage, AN-32, TM 333 2B2 Engine etc.

To maintain the operational relevance and fleet serviceability of aircraft/helicopters for around 30-40

When will HAL complete production of LCA MK1 FOC aircraft order for 20 aircraft?

Final Operational Clearance (FOC) for fighter variant was issued to HAL on February 20, 2019. The fighter version of LCA FOC is planned to be completed during 2021-22. In June 2019, the provisional design document for LCA Twin Seat Trainer was provided and deliveries of the trainers will commence after three years.

years of exploitation, platforms need to be upgraded with latest avionics, communication systems and sensors.

HAL has undertaken upgrade of several platforms like Avro, Dornier Do-228, MiG 27, MiG-21 BIS, Hawk, Jaguar and Mirage.

In addition, HAL is also supporting IAF in terms of extending engineering support for customised modification of any of their platforms, for obsolescence management, life extension studies, etc.

Is HAL offering Performance By the Hour (PBH) maintenance contracts for any of its aircraft?

HAL has signed a contract with Coast Guard for supply of 16 ALHs which

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LCA Tejas

HAL

F/A-18 Block-III Super Hornet

demonstrator of Servo based Fuel Measuring Unit (FMU).

HTFE-25 Core engine has completed sea level trials. Endurance testing of the Core engine is in progress. The full engine (without afterburner), technology demonstrator, is slated to be trial tested in 2020-21.

(A&D) industry base in India by way of partnering with private industries.

With more than 2000 registered subcontractors, currently substantial workload of HAL’s man-hours is outsourced while optimally utilising the in-house capacity. Some of the important contributions from the private industries include:  Structural work packages for Su-30 MKI and LCA like fuselage, wing, rudder, flaperon, Air intake etc.  MGB housing, Gears and Harness for ALH HAL has been engaging the private organisations (including MSMEs) even in design and development of products and technologies. Some of the Avionics systems like Smart Cockpit Display system for LUH, control and Display unit and Multifunctional display system of LCH, Solid State Flight Data Recorder for SU-30 MKI have been successfully developed by the private industries.

The company has created an R&D Corpus with 10 per cent of operating profit after tax, which is being utilised both for in-house development and to encourage R&D in the private sector. HAL is aiming to be a lead integrator, primarily through robust private partnership, while retaining its core competencies to ensure inclusive growth. 

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AMARTYA SINHA explains why hypersonic cruise missiles are a massive force multiplier

A GIANT LEAP 64

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T

he Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) created history on September 7, 2020 when it successfully test-launched the much-awaited HSTDV (Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle). The technology is the basic prototype of India’s next generation cruise missiles and hypersonic aircrafts. “The DRDO has today successfully flight-tested the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle using the indigenously developed scramjet propulsion system. With this success, all critical technologies are now established to progress to the next phase,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a

A deadly capability in the making

An Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet launches a BrahMos-A air-launched supersonic cruise missile (ALCM) during a trial

BRAHMOS

statement soon after the execution of the flight.

“DRDO with this mission, has demonstrated capabilities for highly complex technology that will serve as the building block for next-generation hypersonic vehicles in partnership with industry,” an official statement from DRDO endorsed and further validated the test-fi ring results. The historic fl ight witnessed India joining the elite league of three other global superpowers (United States of America, Russia and China) which have successfully demonstrated a working scramjet engine-powered hypersonic cruise missile prototype.

HSTDV will be one of the most devastating tactical-level hypersonic cruise missiles in India’s arsenal when it is commissioned into service with the Indian Armed Forces in the next five years. Powered by an indigenously developed scramjet engine and capable of flying at speeds of up to Mach 12 (14,817 kms an hour), it can evade any kind of current generation antiaircraft and anti-missile systems in the world due to its high-hypersonic terminal velocity.

The prototype tested on September 7, 2020 was a 5.6-metre-long aerial glide vehicle featuring a flattened octagonal cross-section with midbody stub-wings and raked tailfins along with a 3.7 metre rectangular section for air intake. The scramjet engine was located under the mid-body with the aft-body serving as part of the exhaust nozzle. Two parallel fences in the forebody were meant to reduce spillage and increase thrust. Part span-flaps were provided were provided at the trailing edge of the wings for rollcontrol. A deflectable nozzle cowl at the combustor end was capable of deflecting up to 25 degrees to ensure satisfactory performance during power-off and power-on phases of the flight. Surfaces of the airframe’s bottom, wings and tail were made up of Titanium alloy, while Aluminum alloy comprised the top surface. The inner surface of the doublewalled engine was Niobium alloy and the outer surface was made from Nimonic alloy.

After designing and ground testing of technologies related to engines, hot-structures, aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics were complete, the work was completed on mechanical and electrical integration, control and guidance systems along with their packaging, checkout system, HILS (Hardware in Loop Simulation) and launch readiness.

The case for hypersonic missiles

Nations often aim at developing credible weapon systems that would strengthen their non-conventional or conventional deterrence. Credibility is ensured when states possess weapons that can reach targets on time. Weapon systems that are capable of evading enemy missile defence systems further strengthen deterrence by ensuring that the weapon systems are credible. One of the biggest challenges for states has been to develop weapon systems that could reach time sensitive and mobile targets that requires weapon systems with greater speeds. The concept

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of ‘Prompt Global Strike’ whereby the United States plans to develop a family of weapon systems that can reach any part of world within an hour is precisely to address the issue of reaching time sensitive targets. The need to reach time sensitive targets in a timely manner was realised in 1998 when the US Tomahawk cruise missiles were fired against terror hideouts of Osama Bin Laden but in vain as by the time the missiles were fired, Laden had already escaped.

Hypersonics, therefore is emerging as an option to reach time sensitive targets.

Hypersonic weapon systems will travel at speeds of Mach 5 and above that require a massive technological breakthrough.

Work on such technologies took place in the United States during the times of Cold War. Progress was made on scramjet technology that would provide the basis for developing hypersonic systems as these missile systems require scramjet engines rather than depending on ramjet ones. Not only the United States, but Russia and China have also been working on both hypersonic cruise missiles as well as hypersonic technology vehicles (HTVs) or rather hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) on a war footing. HTVs and HGVs can be mounted atop long-range ballistic missiles to enable them to evade enemy missile defence systems. Unlike the United States that is developing conventional HTV technology, Russia and China have progressed with nuclear capable ones.

It is a known fact that China and India have territorial disputes and to add to this, both the countries possess nuclear weapons that can be delivered by sophisticated ballistic missiles. If China develops a capability, India will need to follow suit in order to maintain the stability-instability paradox. Deterrence whether conventional or nuclear is usually strengthened when there is parity between two adversaries as otherwise, it could lead to conventional or nuclear blackmailing by the state which possesses more capable weapon systems than the adversary. In addition, the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) does not mention the nuances of hypersonic systems and to add to it, China is not a party to the MTCR also. Hypersonics carry little or no payload for the system to fall under the MTCR restriction category of 500kg payload and above. Thus, technology control regime also can do little do prevent the development of such deadly weapon systems. Hence, for India, the only way to strengthen its deterrence vis-à-vis China is to develop similar

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WIKIMEDIA

Scaled down model of HSTDV (Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle), India’s first ever hypersonic cruise missile prototype

systems as ‘defence by denial’ strategy to defend against hypersonic systems would be a cumbersome and expensive and not a full proof process for India.

India is already making progress towards a hypersonic version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. In June 2019, India also conducted a test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV). The trial failed to provide fruitful result when the Agni-I on which the HSTDV was mounted atop failed to reach the desired altitude. The missile lost control midway and hence, the HSTDV could not undergo the successful trial. But now the success of the second test of HSDTV on September 7, 2020 has instilled new rays of hopes among the scientific and strategic community.

Scramjets are Supersonic Combustion Ramjet engines that allows for improvement over the ramjet-powered propulsion modules and ideally suited for air-breathing technologies. Air breathing technologies use atmospheric oxygen as oxidisers. Since the technology would use atmospheric oxygen as oxidiser, there is no hassle to carry oxidisers with it. Air breathing technology makes the weapon system lighter and capable of carrying greater payload at greater ranges. Tandem boosters may be used for BrahMos-2 in case they are canister launched.

ISRO is reported to be using hydrogen as fuel that is easily flammable resulting

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t he mo s t f o e n o e ill b HSTDV wng tactical-level devastati ic cruise missiles s hyperson arsenal when it i with in India’s oned into service commissi n Armed Forces the India

in small amount of energy required for ignition that help it burn faster resulting in generating huge thrust. However, many systems like the US designed X-51A Wave Rider uses hydrocarbon fuel that is denser than hydrogen fuel and suited for scramjet engines.

In fact, the successful flight test of the scramjet technology in 2016 was viewed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as an important development for its Air Breathing Propulsion Project. In this flight test, according to ISRO, critical technologies such as ignition of air breathing engines at supersonic speeds, air intake mechanism and fuel injection systems were successfully demonstrated. During

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the flight test, ISRO was able to handle several challenges akin to hypersonic and scramjet systems including supersonic combustor, development of materials withstanding very high temperatures, computational tools to simulate hypersonic flow, ensuring performance as well as engine operability during varied range of flight speeds, thermal management and ground testing of engines.

If India manages to develop successfully the HTVs or HGVs that could be mounted atop the solid propelled Agni-class of missiles, it will provide a greater deterrence vis-a-vis China as well as Pakistan. China and Pakistan would find it difficult to neutralise the weapon system during times of war. Agni forms the backbone of India’s land based nuclear deterrence, and HTVs on Agnis would strengthen nuclear deterrence, and since the missile could be difficult to be intercepted it would strengthen India’s posture of ‘credible minimum deterrence’ and doctrine of ‘no-first use’ as well.

Agni-series missiles fitted with multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) and HTVs would provide greater scope for ensuring nuclear deterrence vis-a-vis China. HTVs will also have less or no adverse effect on the range of the missile, thus, letting the range of the missile intact as opposed to other countermeasures like MIRVs, depressed or lofted trajectory of ballistic

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

A model of the upcoming Indo-Russian BrahMos-2 hypersonic cruise missile

missile that significantly reduce the range of the missile.

With India and Russia also moving closer to their joint venture of developing hypersonic BrahMos cruise missile called the BrahMos-2. According to BrahMos Aerospace, the hypersonic weapon’s immense destructive power will result from massive kinetic energy making it best suited to target hard and deeply buried targets. A weapon system that strikes a target at Mach-6 will always create greater impact than the weapon system striking its target at Mach-1. In the coming decade, BrahMos will be able to strike targets at Mach-7 speed.

The hypersonic version of the cruise missile will not use the same engine ramjet engine used by the supersonic missile but will be replaced by scramjet ones. In fact, many sources claim that the BrahMos-2 can use the same scramjet engine as used in the Russian Zircon hypersonic cruise missile system. The supersonic missile has been modified over the years to be able to be fitted into ships, submarines, combat aircraft and also can also beground-launched. It would be a matter of time to see how successfully India can make the hypersonic version of the cruise missile capable of being launched from the sea, air and ground.

The hypersonic version of BrahMos will have a strike range of 600km with the ability to manoeuvre through hostile air and missile defence systems. The weapon may have stealth technologies as possessed by the supersonic cruise missiles. According to Late President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, “In the emerging network centric warfare scenario, the fast development of hypersonic missile systems will be necessary to maintain our force level supremacy.” Long range hypersonic systems, according to Kalam, will not only deliver payloads, but can

return to base after mission leading to reusable class of cruise missile. Given the geographical proximity between India and Pakistan and ability of hypersonics to remain undetected, their quick response and high manoeuvrability provide not just tactical advantage to India but also a huge strategic boost.

Defence against hypersonic cruise missiles

While the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) is reported to be capable of defeating hypersonic cruise missiles, its success rate is yet to be known.

Technologically, defeating hypersonic cruise missiles would be a herculean task.

In addition, there is no known defence against HTVs or HGVs. Space-based weapon systems may be used to defeat these technologies, but they are still at their nascent stage of development in the United States. In fact, space-based assets may remain confined to warning, launch detection, surveillance, acquisition and tracking rather than the actual task of interception, though the United States has ventured into a ‘Glide Breaker’ for space-based interception. Laser-based weapon systems are being developed to defeat a ballistic missile at its boost phase itself so that the counter measures like HGVs find no scope to function.

While hypersonic or even very highspeed interceptors could be a solution, how far they will be credible can only be known if they are developed. Kinetic energy interceptors and directed energy weapons (DEWs) can become a solution to defeat hypersonic cruise missiles, but that too is also at an experimental stage.

Other options to defeat them may include particle beams and non-kinetic weapons.

Cyber and electronic attacks could help to attack networks (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance that support such

www.geopolitics.in

October 2020

hypersonic weapon systems and their functioning. Destroying the launch platform is another ideal solution, however, launch platforms themselves would have their own countermeasures against enemy defence systems.

The future unfolds

Possessing these technologically advanced weapon systems will always increase India’s status and prestige at global high tables. It will provide massive strategic and tactical gains against Pakistan and China. HSTDV will be capable of carrying conventional, nuclear, and thermonuclear warheads up to unspecified ranges. If India develops scramjet-propelled manoeuvrable hypersonic atmospheric re-entry vehicles that can be fitted atop the Agni-V and the upcoming Agni-VI ballistic missiles in the near future, such HGV (Hypersonic Glide Vehicle)-based warheads can be installed as MIRV (Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicle) strike packages in the payload-fairing of long-range ballistic missiles, thereby massively enhancing the weapons’ ranges. Moreover, other than the next generation cruise missiles, the technology can also be applied for developing low-cost space-launchers on the lines of SSTO (Single-stage-to-orbit) and TSTO (Two-stage-to-orbit)-based spaceplanes in the not too distant future.

With the second test of HSTDV being dubbed a roaring success, DRDO is also in the process of stepping into the next level of hypersonic aerospace propulsion research with a third test being planned in the first quarter of 2021. The third test (codenamed- HS-03) may witness the launch of a modified booster with slow burning propellant. There is no going back from here, and the process of technology development and weaponisation should continue unabated. 

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‘KALYANI GROUP HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE PIONEER OF ‘MAKE IN INDIA’’ For achieving true Atmanirbharta, it is important that India creates a reputation for creating distinct and original IP rather than being a mere manufacturing hub, states COLONEL R S BHATIA (RETD.), President and CEO, (Defence & Aerospace), Kalyani Group, in this interaction with GEOPOLITICS What are the opportunities Kalyani Group views because of the Govt of India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to bolster Indian defence equipment manufacturing industry?

Hon’ble Prime Minister’s clarion call for Atmanirbhar Bharat, with defence manufacturing as its focal point, has renewed our motivation to strive for increased indigenisation.

Pivoting around Atmanirbhar Bharat, the forward-looking MoD machinery has announced slew of measures in the last few months to boost self-reliance in Defence Production. The government is also targeting over $5 billion exports in the next five years. These present huge opportunities for domestic companies including ours. Kalyani Group has always been the pioneer of ‘Make in India’ even before it was the buzz word. Our unique and wide range of indigenously developed Artillery Guns and Protected Vehicles are testimony to our efforts to achieve self-reliance. For achieving true Atmanirbharta, it is important that our country becomes a technology holding, IP owning entity rather than a mere manufacturing hub. Towards this, we are focusing on niche technologies like development of Aero Engines, special Ammunition like FSAPDS, weapons control systems (WCS), Command & Control Systems (CMS), high-end Turbo chargers, Artificial Intelligence-based solutions and Defence Electronics. We are confident that these will have huge addressable opportunities in the path of India becoming Atmanirbhar.

products from our focus verticals like Artillery Guns, Small Arms, Air Defence, Ammunition and Marine Solutions. We are highly confident of suppling superior quality indigenously made solutions to our armed forces.

What are the areas of interest related to the airborne component of the Indian armed forces?

At programme level, Kalyani Group’s flagship company BFL is participating in IAF’s CIWS programme, which is headed for FET this year. BFL has tied up with leading global OEMs to bring the niche technology of 40mm gun and radars to India. BFL is also key competitor in Indian Navy’s Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH) programme under Strategic Partnership model. At component level, we have extensive experience in manufacturing and supplying critical components for the aerospace sector including Jet engine parts, Aircraft Structural components, Under Carriage and Transmission Systems.

Our customer base includes major OEMs such as Safran, Rolls

Which are the products/platforms of opportunity within the 101 items for import embargo for Kalyani Group?

Many of the products/platforms listed in the imports embargo list are either being already made by us or are well within our capabilities to be developed and manufactured by us. These are

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October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

Royce, Boeing, Liebherr, UTAS and HAL. We have the capability for indigenisation of critical mechanical items particularly parts utilised in aero engines, gear box and landing gear. We can also contribute in life extension and upgrades related to aero engines and transmission systems.

We are already supplying many of these critical components to HAL.

What are the investments and key defence product portfolios built up by Kalyani Group

in the defence sector?

not maintaining social distances, body temperature, and many other activities.

Over a period of about eight to nine years we have created a very large portfolio, which spans across Artillery Guns, Protected Vehicles, Air Defence Systems, Ammunition, Small Arms and Defence Electronics. We are now well poised to venture into additional fields of Marine products - with primary focus on propulsion systems, small Jet Engines, Product improvements/upgrades, etc. To deliver these solutions, we are continuously enhancing our engineering expertise, integration advantage, and innovation capabilities. Accordingly, the investments made by the group are towards world class manufacturing facility along with dedicated R&D centres which can be utilised to build and thereafter manufacture next-generation weapons and defence systems.

Apart from complete platforms, what are the key technologies and manufacturing processes within the Kalyani Group that can be used in the defence sector?

ATAGS

Please provide an update on Bharat Forge's Kalyani Group’s plans to manufacture ammunition in India?

Kalyani Group has been long time supplier of ‘ammunition empties’ to the Indian Armed Forces. We have supplied over 2 million ready to fill shells – from 81mm to 155mm across variants; and have been partner to HEMRL, ARDE and BDL for development of various shells, rockets bodies and bombs bodies. We have successfully executed export orders for 70mm empty rocket warheads and 500kg bomb bodies. We were also active participants in various ammunition tenders of MGO branch – which were unfortunately withdrawn. Presently, we are participating in the 155mm Artillery Ammunition programme of MoD. Along with these regular ammunition, Kalyani Group is now focusing on special ammunition like FSAPDS and are the manufacturing partner to DRDO for their indigenously developed 120mm FSAPDS Mark II. It is the first time in India that a Private Sector Company was entrusted with it and has successfully manufactured any FSAPDS. In fact, BFL manufactured 120mm FSAPDS Mark II was successfully test fired last month attesting our first-time right record. We are also participating in MoD’s Make-II programme for 125mm FSAPDS.

What is the update on newly launched products such as Health Risk Monitoring System (HRMS)?

We are in talks with a number of enterprises-companies, schools, which

What is the status of the various MOUs signed by Kalyani Group at Defexpo 2020?

All the announced collaborations are progressing very well. Initially, COVID played spoilt sport because physical meetings dried up and people were unable to travel. But as virtual work and online meetings became the new normal, we are back on track with our partnerships, especially on segments like small arms and vehicles.

Hopefully, we should be able to announce another joint venture by the end of the year.

have shown interest in installing HRMS at their location. There has been a lot of excitement generated over HRMS, which is an AI based solution that enables companies and institutions to comply with safe reopening norms. It is a very effective system which can detect and inform violations for not wearing masks,

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October 2020

Technology and innovation have been the cornerstones of Kalyani Group story.

We possess deep sector-specific technical expertise supported by in-house experts and fungible manufacturing facilities augmented by Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 excellence standards.

This enables us to seamlessly integrate technology with customers and ensure sustained new product development. The focus now is to advance our research and enhance

our capabilities. For this, we have invested in creating defence technology/ research ecosystem at our R&D centres – Kalyani Centre for Technology & Innovation (KCTI) and Kalyani Centre for Manufacturing Innovation (KCMI), two defence incubation centers and acquiring stake in defence start-ups. The aim of these defence incubation centres is to imbibe technologies and build competencies in Augmented Reality (AR), RF Systems, INS, Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, etc. Alongside this, we are also making several innovations in nanotechnology, composites, and working in the areas of material sciences, technology innovation and breakthrough innovation. While all these are still in nascent stage, they hold immense potential for multiple future growth opportunities.

Kindly elaborate on Kalyani Group's partnership with DRDO and DPSUs?

The group has, over the years, built a strong relationship with DRDO and DPSUs. Our biggest programme with DRDO so far has been ATAGS. We are also working with them on small arms, FSAPDS ammunition, penetrator air bombs and many other programmes. In the component space, we are a regular supplier of engine parts, transmission parts and running gear components to OFBs. In many cases, we are the sole private industry supplier.

We are also expanding our engagements with DPSUs like BEML, BEL, and various shipyards. 

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RUSSIA PRESENTS THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS OF ITS HELICOPTER INDUSTRY AT HELIRUSSIA 2020 The XIII International Helicopter Industry Exhibition: HeliRussia, became one of the rare aero industry expos in times of the general lockdown of the global exhibition world due to COVID-19 pandemic, as Russian Helicopters holding company showcased its major commercial projects like Ansat and Ka-32A11BC multipurpose helicopters, while Rosoboronexport presented the export lineup of Russian military helicopters

Ansat light helicopter

T

he exposition of the Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec State Corporation) was centered on Ka-32A11BC multipurpose helicopter and the light multipurpose Ansat helicopter with new optional equipment.

"For the industry, it is especially important to observe the safety of workers in continuous production, remote training of specialists and maintenance of equipment, the development of medical aviation and specialised options to effectively fight the coronavirus. That is why the specialists will focus on the Ansat light helicopter, certified for the installation of a special medical module and equipped with an expanded range of optional equipment", said the CEO of the Russian Helicopters Andrey Boginsky on the eve of the expo.

Ansat's emergency landing system is designed to keep the helicopter afloat

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in the event of an emergency landing on water. Ballonets provide buoyancy of the helicopter for 30 minutes. Equipping with this system will allow Ansat to fly to the facilities of oil companies located at a considerable distance from the coast and to participate in search and rescue operations over the water surface, said the producer in its official press-release.

An additional fuel tank is designed to increase the ferry range of the helicopter. Moreover, from 2021 the Ansat modification with enlarged main fuel tanks will be available to customers.

The volume of the main fuel system will be increased by 20 per cent, which will increase the flight range by 135-km. Thus, when using an additional fuel tank on the upgraded Ansat, the maximum flight range will exceed 750-km.

"The Ansat helicopter project is actively developing in accordance with the needs of our customers. We do not

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

stand still and respond to the requests of partners, making our products more competitive and convenient in operation", said Andrey Boginsky.

Ka-32A11BC is a multirole helicopter designed for special search and rescue operations, building tall structures, transporting cargo internally and on an external sling, logging, medevac and complex fire-fighting missions, as well as patrol and law enforcement support operations. Among its main advantages the producer names coaxial design and the absence of a tail rotor, high load capacity, low operating costs, extended service life.

At HeliRussia, a brand-new Mi-38 heavy utility helicopter was showcase by one of the commercial operators. Mi38 can carry cargo and passengers, and can also be used as a search-and-rescue helicopter and flying hospital, as well as for offshore missions. Russian Helicopter

says, Mi-38 is able to operate in a wide range of climates, including maritime, tropical and cold environment .

Ka-32A11BC multipurpose helicopter

Aero engines

Online contract with India

UEC-Klimov signed during the HeliRussia 2020 its first international full life cycle contract with Sky One Airways, one of the Indian commercial operators of helicopters. The ceremony took place online.

Sky One Airways' Mi-172 passenger helicopters are equipped with TV3-117 turboshaft engines (developed by UECKlimov).

According to the pilot five-year life cycle contract, the engines will be provided with overhaul, mid-life repairs and extension of service life indicators.

UEC-Klimov will supply Sky One Airways with up-to-date operational and technical documentation, while the Indian

F/A-18 Block-III Super Hornet

VK-2500PS is the latest development in the VK-2500/TV3-117 engine family equipped with an anti-surge protection system and a brandnew FADEC-type digital electronic control system.

The overhauled and assigned service life is two times higher than that of its predecessors company's engineering and technical staff will undergo training courses under the programmes of the Russian company's training center, reported the Russian producer.

Military export

Rosoboronexport presented at HeliRussia the export lineup of Russian military helicopters .

"Despite the current global difficulties, we assess the rate of contracting and replenishing the order book for Russian rotary-wing aircraft projected for the coming years as good. The world market isn’t saturated yet; quite the opposite, this niche is expanding, mainly due to

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October 2020

ROSOBORONEXPORT

Rostec's United Engine Corporation (UEC) showcased its helicopter powerplant segment 2500PS-03 and TV7117V turboshaft engines developed and produced by St. Petersburg based UECKlimov and intended respectively for Mi171A2 and Mi-38 helicopters.

VK-2500PS is the latest development in the VK-2500/TV3-117 engine family equipped with an anti-surge protection system and a brand-new FADEC-type digital electronic control system. The overhauled and assigned service life is two times higher than that of its predecessors.

The basic application of VK-2500PS is civil Mi-171A2 helicopter (certified in India in 2019). In 2019 the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of India had certified VK2500PS-03 engine.

The brand-new TV7-117V engine powers the latest Russian Mi-38 heavy utility helicopter. As the developer points out, the main advantages of the engine are: the latest FADEC automatic control system, low rate of the specific fuel consumption, the ability to start and operate the engine at high altitudes, high reliability, operation on condition. The engine can be used in air temperature range from -60 ºC to +50 ºC and at flight altitudes from 300 m to 6500 m.

UEC earlier reported offering the operators of the Soviet/Russian-made helicopters to enhance the efficiency of their powerplants by replacing earlier TV3-117 engines with more modern VK-2500 engines. The option can give Mi-17 and other helicopters of this weight class higher capabilities in mountainous regions and areas with hot climate.

the versatility of helicopters, which can be used by law enforcement and civil structures everywhere, primarily in emergencies," said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport.

According to the official information of the arms exporter, in the helicopter segment, Rosoboronexport's partners are represented by more than 70 countries in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific region, Latin America, Africa, CIS and Europe, where Russian rotorcraft are in service with army, counter-terrorism and special forces units, law enforcement agencies and emergency services.

"Mi-8/17 series military transport helicopters, the world market’s bestsellers, have been most in demand and therefore most widespread in the world in their class for many years. Attack helicopters such as the Mi-35, Ka-52 and Mi-28, modernised with regard to experience of their actual use in "hotspots" of the planet, are gradually filling their niche. Foreign partners traditionally show great interest also in the Mi-26T2 heavy-lift helicopter, which is the absolute champion in its class", reported Rosoboronexport.

The company reminded of the most recent developments in the domain of the helicopter export, including the signing of the first export contract for the supply of Mi-38T multi-mission helicopters and the establishment of a joint Russian-Indian enterprise to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters. 

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Navantia S-80P submarine

F

ollowing a survey of international companies with background in Lithium battery technologies, and with focus of next-generation batteries for future submarines, Navantia has awarded SAFT a contract to cooperate in a R&D project called BALIT, considering Navantia’s design for P75(I) India as baseline design for implementation of the new batteries.

Navantia’s proposal for India’s Project-75(I), the most important and strategically significant naval programme being undertaken by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), is based on the S-80P class, currently under construction by the Spanish Navy in Cartagena, Spain, with the first unit launched during the first quarter 2020, therefore providing a lowrisk and modern design, very close to the Indian Navy requirements.

The main innovation in Navantia S-80P submarine is the last-generation AIP system developed by the company in cooperation with Abengoa and Collins Aerospace, which name is BEST (BioEthanol Stealth Technologies). This

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Navantia´s proposal for India’s Project-75(I), the most important and strategically significant naval programme being undertaken by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), is based on the S-80P class

system enables up to 3 weeks underwater operation with low-consumption profiles. The combination of such AIP system, together with next-generation Lithium-Ion Battery (LIB) systems is complementary, since LIB systems are ideal for full speed scenarios facilitating quick entering or exit from warfare scenarios. Long underwater patrol periods combined with high speed possibilities bring tactical capabilities to a new level.

BALIT aims to develop and integrate prismatic Lithium Manganese Iron

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

NAVANTIA

NAVANTIA’S BEST SYSTEM ENABLES UP TO 3 WEEKS UNDERWATER OPERATION

Phosphate (LFMP) cells. Main advantages of these batteries:  Higher energy density and discharge voltage than other LIB technologies developed during the last decade  Excellent safety performance and greatly increased thermal stability, significantly improved overcharge tolerance  LFMP LIB battery life cycle profile is superior to previous technologies thanks to its excellent structural stability, close to lithium iron phosphate, significantly superior to ternary material  Excellent high temperature cycling stability, superior to Lithium ion manganese oxide,  Outstanding electrochemical performance under low temperature  Compatible with the future solid state batteries, permitting easy replacement by such technology when available.

The schedule of Navantia and SAFT is completing the first stage of the study in the next 12 months. 

geopolitics www.geopolitics.in

s c i t i l o p o e G

tion Digital Edi e on l b a l i a v a now s.in c i t i l o p o e www.g .com r e t z g a m . www For any query please contact: alka@newsline.in 9953252521

DEFENCE  DIPLOMACY  SECURITY

RIGHT ANGLE

INDIA’S AIR POWER

I

t is assuring indeed that at a time when the country is in a war-like situation in Ladakh because of China’s sinister designs, the Chief of Indian Air Force (IAF) R K S Bhaduria is confident that he can take on any challenge from China.

“The matrix of the threat facing the country is complex. We are fully prepared to take on any challenges from China and are deployed strongly to deal with any contingency”, he said on the eve of the 89th IAF Day Celebrations on Oct 8. On the prospect of Pakistan joining hands with China and thus resulting in a two-front war, the Air Chief asserts that “the IAF is prepared for any conflict. There is no question that China can get the better of us. We are ready for two-front wars. If China decides to use Pakistan for attacking us, it would mean a collusive threat and the IAF was ready to tackle it.”

In his exclusive interview with this publication, the Air Chief has explained how the IAF has learnt valuable lessons from its service during the Kargil operations and the more recent Balakot strikes and how these lessons marked a change in “its employment from classic force on force employment to more proactive offensive roles with the ability to selectively address concealed targets in difficult terrain deep across the borders of the adversary”.

Given the constraints under which it functions, Prakash the IAF’s confidence and determination are all the more laudable. After all, there is a big gap between the desirable and actual strength of the IAF. We might have inducted the highly sophisticated fighter combat Rafales, but then we are retiring more fighter aircraft after completion of their total technical life than the replacements we are inducting into the IAF. As a result, to maintain the combat capability of IAF, MiG-29, Mirage-2000 and Jaguar aircraft are undergoing midlife upgrade. But that is not the real solution, which, in turn, lies in the induction of more Su-30 MKI, LCA (Tejas I and II), Rafale and more medium multirole combat aircraft.

And yet, if the IAF Chief is ready to face any challenges to the nation, including a two-front war from China and Pakistan, it is because of what he has rightly said - the experience. To begin with, unlike the IAF whose latest offensive combat experience was in 1999- Kargil War, the Chinese Air Force (PLAAF) has not fought a major war since the Korean War in 1950s. In the Kargil War, as many experts have pointed out, the IAF rapidly adapted to the air campaign’s unique operational challenges, which included enemy positions at elevations of 14,000 to 18,000 feet, a stark backdrop of rocks and snow that made for uncommonly difficult visual target acquisition, and a restriction against crossing the Line of Control that borders with Pakistan. Without question, the effective asymmetric use of IAF airpower was pivotal in shaping the war’s successful course and outcome for India.

It is true that China has augmented its Air Power immensely in Tibet by building more airfields and deploying more aircraft, but the IAF will have an initial advantage over the PLAAF, as unlike ours, the Chinese planes will be taking off from high altitude airfields and hence would carry less amount of ordinance and fuel payload, affecting its performance. But then, modern air combats no longer witness much direct air-to-air fights (known as “dog-fighting” in military parlance) between the comparable military powers. “The era of dog-fighting is

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largely over,” says Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute, specialising in combat airpower. “Modern air combat is almost entirely decided by situational awareness [from radar and other sensors] and missile technology,” he adds. On the missile front, Indian position is not that bad. Not to speak of the Intermediate and long ranges Agni–series, BrahMos cruise missiles can change the nature of air power considerably. With a speed of Mach 2.8, that translates to 952 meters per second, these missiles make virtual radars of the enemies defunct in the sense that even if they are detected at a range of 30 kilometres, they will give the enemy less than 30 seconds before they are tracked, illuminated and shot down. The result could be that the BrahMos missiles can cause incalculable damage to the enemy’s defences, tanks, air bases, ships, and command and communication centres, a task which, earlier, was assigned to a fighter pilot with jet fighters.

However, it is debatable whether the IAF is a match to PLAAF in other aspect of the modern air warfare – strategic space assets such as surveillance, reconnaissance, communication, targeting, electronic warfare and navigation. Unlike India, China has many more dedicated low-earth and navigation satellites to multiply the power of these assets. They can neutralise our superior fighter Nanda aircraft.

Be that as it may, any assessment of the IAF cannot be limited only to its prowess in only safeguarding the Indian skies. Going by “the basic doctrine” of the IAF, as enunciated in 2012, its “vision” is “to acquire strategic reach and capabilities across the spectrum of conflict that serve the ends of military diplomacy, nation building and enable force projection within India’s strategic area of influence”. Obviously, the IAF must be capable to manifest power outside the borders of India.

Is the IAF comfortable to pursue this vision in an intellectual environment that continues to highlight a continental view of external threats, in which the Army will have the dominant role? Take, for instance, the ‘Joint Training Doctrine Indian Armed Forces – 2017’, which says that “India’s threats primarily emanate from the disputed land borders with our neighbours” and thus is much narrower and more traditional in scope than of the IAF (even the Indian Navy).

This “vision-differences” among our three services explain perhaps why the service-centric structure of India’s higher defence management remains problematic. As I have argued once in this space, despite the creation of the much-delayed post of Chief of defence Staff to be a unified source of strategic and operational planning for our military, the ‘synergy’, ‘integration’ and “jointness” amongst the three Services and other stakeholders leading to an enhanced efficiency and optimum utilisation of resources remain only a notion in concrete terms.

We are yet to take a call on the concept of integrated commands and debate over it remains ambiguous. No wonder why the Air chief was at his diplomatic best in his interview with us that “our process for formulating the scope and nature of a joint and integrated planning and war fighting structure is underway, and is being supported by all stakeholders.”

October 2020 www.geopolitics.in

prakashnanda@newsline.in

RNI No. DELENG/2010/35319

RAMPAGE

Pushing Stand-Off Weapons Precision to the Limits

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