RAKSHA ANIRVEDA, (PURSUING SELF RELIANCE IN DEFENCE)

Vol 3, Issue 12, Jan-Mar 2021

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Vol 3, Issue 12, Jan-Mar 2021

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Editor & Business Director Ajit Kumar Thakur Editorial Director PK Ghosh Consulting Editor Vinay Shukla Sri Krishna Ramesh S Advisory Board Amb Smita Purushottam, IFS (Retd) Amb Vishnu Prakash, IFS (Retd) Air Marshal M Matheswaran (Retd) Lt Gen PC Katoch (Retd) Lt Gen PR Shankar (Retd) Lt Gen AB Shivane (Retd) Maj Gen JS Kataria (Retd) Cmde Ranjit B Rai (Retd) Cmde Anil Jai Singh (Retd) Cdr KP Sanjeev Kumar (Retd) Dr Mathew Simon Amit Cowshish Sameer Joshi Dr Punit Saurabh International Roving Correspondent Arie Egozi Legal Advisor Ramesh Sharma Creative Director Md Moeen Aijaz Design & Layout Design Cubicle For Advertisement contact us: ajitk.thakur@gmail.com ajit@raksha-anirveda.com rakshaanirveda@gmail.com For any complaint and query contact us: info@raksha-anirveda.com ajitk.thakur@gmail.com Raksha Anirveda is printed and published by PBG Media Ventures Published, Edited & Printed by Ajit Kumar Thakur on behalf of ‘PBG Media Ventures’ 649/4, Konark Residency, Nambardar Colony, Burari, Delhi -110084 Printed at: Star Print-O-Bind, Star House, F-31, Okhla Industrial Area Phase-I, New Delhi-110020 Editor: Ajit Kumar Thakur All disputes are subjected to the jurisdiction of Delhi Mobile: +91-9910252485 Disclaimer: Views expressed are those of individual authors and do not represent any policy of this publication.

-Editor

RESPONSE ‘Raksha Anirveda’ editorial team looks forward to receive comments and views from the readers on the content of the magazine.

COVER GRAPHICS: ANGAD MAOLANKAR

Editorial INDIA WILL HAVE TO GO FULL THROTTLE IN THIS NEW DECADE The Raksha Anirveda team wishes all its readers a vibrant new year 2021 – one that brings robust growth through innovative ideas and successful endeavours.

The terrible and mind-boggling experience of the past year is behind us now. It brought an end to many things and gave rise to some unimaginable innovations. The year 2021 is special for us as it marks the third anniversary of our magazine at the start of the third decade of the 21st century. And for India, it’s another opportunity to let go off its balancing act for now and change its track, be attentive and alert, initiate permanent corrective measures taking note of the imbalances and myriad challenges, and reverse the course of its perilous economic downslide.

The geopolitical world has witnessed tectonic shifts. The intensified power tussle between the US and China has proven that the current world order is still a bipolar one. For India to emerge as a real global power in the ever-changing, complex world order, the path ahead will be a tightrope walk. It will have to overcome the multifaceted challenges it faces now.

Moreover, how India counters its security and non-security threats this decade, including a looming two-front war with China and Pakistan, will decide its fate as a real global power.

With changing times, democracies around the world are experiencing multiple fissures. The absence of consensual decision-making is taking its toll as nations find it difficult to align national interests with their global ambitions.

Historically speaking, India’s priorities

have always been safety and survival while being in a comfort zone. Moreover, the inability of the current Indian leadership to listen to other viewpoints and surrounding itself with people who eventually don’t speak out has resulted in a blurred understanding of the real challenges. This has to change now considering the multiple threats to its sovereignty. India has to shed its cocoon and rise to the occasion through good governance and economic development.

One hopes the country will make practical and realistic efforts to ensure steady economic progress that empowers it to face the ever-growing challenges from the Sino-Pak nexus. Similarly, a recalibrated and innovative approach in foreign policy is required to counter China’s sinister manoeuvring in the sub continental neighbourhood. India has to refocus and think long term to overcome the biggest fallacy of its planning – the belief and assumption of its planners that the outcome will follow their plan. In reality, a plan is just a best-case scenario.

The real game-changer will be an economic policy that embeds defence as a key growth driver; a financial planning where the allocations are realistic for a cohesive, wellintegrated national security requirement.

Also, it goes without saying that a welldefined national security policy will be a force-multiplier for India’s power projection globally.

We have put in sincere efforts to make the Aero India 2021 edition a special one for our readers. Hope you will find it interesting, insightful and worthwhile. Just don’t forget to share your feedback with us.

Jai Hind!!.

Ajit Kumar Thakur Editor & Business Director

Contents

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY - MARCH 2021

RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

DRONE SWARMS: THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN WARFARE

Advances in drone swarming, the next evolution of robotic warfare, are mostly classified, though governments have given glimpses of their progress over the years. The question is not if, but when and where drone swarms will be utilised as part of a mature concept of operations (ConOps)

p14 Deepening Defence Ties in a Changing Global Order p18 Air-To-Air Missiles: India’s Window of Vulnerability p24 Battlefield Energy, ‘Oil of Space’ and Rebalancing p28 Indo-French Strategic Cooperation Need of the Hour for Regional Stability p32 IAF’s C-295 Transport Aircraft Project Has Many Long Range Goals p36 Fund Shortage: Indian Navy Faces Hobson’s choice between Third Aircraft Carrier and SSNs p44 At 20 Indo-Russian Strategic Partnership Falls Victim to Hostile Narratives p54 Re-evolving SAARC with a Strategic Vision p58 Halting The Dragon’s March Through Unconventional Means p62 Securing India through Futuristic and Disruptive Technologies p70 A Paradigm Shift in Nature And Spectrum of Future Wars p80 IAF Needs At Least a Dozen More Powerful AWACS

P86 AERO INDIA 2021

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LEAD STORY

p108 Boeing Makes Strong Pitch for F/A -18 Block III Super Hornet for Indian Navy p110 Look to Increase India Defense Cooperation and in Talks with Potential Partners p112 Indian Army to Play a Decisive Role in the New Decade p114 Appointments

P117 CIVIL AVIATION SECTION p126 News Round Up p130 In News

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If we want private players in defence production to invest their money and talent on a long-term basis, then the Ministry of Defence must ensure a credible and stable ‘level playing field’ through critical policy reforms

The company’s“Value Proposition” to India starts from Production to Transfer of Technology for fulfilling the requirements within the country, explains Yoav Har-Even, President and CEO of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd

Dr Vivek Lall, Chief Executive, General Atomics sharing his insights on how India-US relations grown over the years in terms of defence and strategic footprints, and GA’s support to India’s Indigenization journey

Startups and MSMEs to play a significant role towards India’s journey into making a vigorous defence ecosystem, opines Mwiven MD while appreciating Government’s latest initiative to promote the sector

Airbus takes immense pride in being a partner to India’s growing aerospace industry and Make in India is at the centre stage of it’s strategy. Remi Maillard, Airbus India President describes about company’s India connection

Institutional Reforms Must for ‘Big Leap’ in Defence Self-Reliance

Rafael’s Approach to India Production & Technology Transfer

EMALS, AAG Power to Startups, MSMEs to Play Airbus’ Support to Support India’s Nex-Gen Pivotal Role in Building Indian Armed Forces Aircraft Carrier Indian Defence Ecosystem Modernisation

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RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

OPINION: DIPLOMACY THIS DECADE

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FROM TURMOIL TO CLARITY: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN THE NEW DECADE India’s foreign policy will have to respond to the meta-trends by crafting an approach that is more than just the sum of its bilateral and multilateral engagements

By HARSH V PANT

W

Chinese President Xi Jinping with then US President Donald Trump

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e enter a new year and a new decade of the 21st century as the world around us is evolving at such a rapid pace, with a scale and scope often difficult to comprehend. For scholars and pundits, older paradigms have ceased being adequate in guiding their analyses about the national and global political environment. Policymakers, for their part, are being forced to respond in real time to the challenges coming from multiple dimensions.

The year that has just passed was a reminder that history can be made up of events — and their consequences — beyond anyone’s control.

The world was blindsided by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has not only taken lives and livelihoods but is accentuating the trends that were already visible in the last few years: changing global balance of power, weakening multilateral institutions, growing disenchantment with the global economic order, and challenges to the extant normative consensus.

The year 2021 therefore is beginning with a certain clarity which only the turmoil of 2020 could have made possible.

Consequently, key aspects of the global order this year will be sculpted by the legacy of the year gone by. And perhaps no other factor will have as much of an impact on international affairs as China’s foreign policy trajectory under President Xi Jinping. Xi has already veered away from his predecessors in carving a more ambitious and aggressive approach to the external world.

As the COVID-19 outbreak reached pandemic proportions, he used the crisis as an opportunity to expand China’s geopolitical footprint across the world — from the South and East China Seas to the Himalayas, from Europe to the West Asia. As Xi lays down a blueprint for a new world order hinged on the Chinese Communist Party’s worldview, the rest of the world will be anxiously looking for a greater balance in the global matrix.

For much of the rest of the world, such anticipation extends to the wait for the Biden administration in the United States to set out its own foreign policy agenda.

Joe Biden has come to power at a time when America is divided on the fundamental values it has historically espoused. And while Donald Trump will soon be leaving the White House, Trumpism is alive and well. American leadership is in great demand precisely at a time when the country’s ability to deliver on its global commitments is at its weakest because of fraying domestic consensus.

Yet one area where there is emerging consensus not only in the US but globally as well is the challenge that China poses to US interests and to the global order. The US-China contestation is shaping up as the epochal

Mr Xi with Russian President Vladimir Putin

geopolitical contest of the coming years. Even if Biden decides to engage China after assuming the presidency later in January, it is unlikely to change the longerterm trajectory of this bilateral relationship. The sharpening of their tensions will be accentuated in the domains of trade and technology — the two areas that have been driving the global economic order in the last several decades.

Attempts by key global actors toward trade and technological decoupling are setting the stage for a conflict that is challenging the fundamentals of globalisation as we have known it since the early 1990s. An ongoing backlash against globalisation is likely to gain further momentum, especially as the costs of global integration are seemingly rising by the day.

Already, there is a recalibration happening across the West where even mainstream political parties have been changing their longheld positions on issues such as trade and migration. It is unlikely, however, to be restricted to the West. As the world becomes more fragmented — from

An image depicting multi-nation relations

supply chains to connectivity initiatives — shoring up support for globalisation will only become more difficult.

This fragmentation will influence the future of global multilateralism. While most nations continue to profess their abiding faith in multilateralism, the institutional manifestations underpinning the extant order are getting hobbled by their internal contradictions. Indeed, a global health pandemic should have been the high point of the search

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OPINION: DIPLOMACY THIS DECADE

UNSC meeting

THE ABILITY AND WILLINGNESS OF INDIAN POLICYMAKERS TO MAKE USE OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES WILL NOT ONLY DETERMINE INDIA’S GLOBAL FOOTPRINT BUT WILL ALSO OUTLINE THE TRAJECTORY OF GLOBAL POLITICS IN THE COMING DECADE

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for a collective solution; instead, it has turned out to be its nadir.

Not only is China challenging an order that it believes was created in its absence, but even the US, which was its most important founder, seems dissatisfied with the status quo.

The same liberal order that has arguably been central to maintaining peace and prosperity worldwide for more than seven decades is proving incapable of finding equitable and effective solutions to today’s common challenges. This signals a remarkable retreat: a fragmented global order is emerging not only in traditional spheres of global governance but also in those areas where new norms are needed to be set — such as space, cyber and emerging strategic technologies.

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The most consequential theatre of this emerging geopolitical and geoeconomic jostling will be the Indo-Pacific, which is already the centre of gravity of global opportunities and challenges – a process that will hasten in the near future. For all of China’s attempts to discredit the idea of the Indo-Pacific, its unprecedented acceptance -- from Western Europe to the far shores of the Pacific — merely shows that its time has come. The churn in this maritime geography will see a strengthening of “coalitions of the willing” in the absence of any formal institutional architecture and in light of an intensified major power contestation.

The other geography that is key to unlocking the global geopolitical chessboard will be Eurasia, where the SinoRussian entente is producing new realities and can profoundly shape the global balance of power. While unlikely to result in a formal alliance, the ChinaRussia relationship is disproving some of the initial skepticism about it. Its future trajectory will not only shape the geopolitics of the heartland but will also push other major powers into reacting in ways that will upend

some of the traditional calculus as we know them. And then there is the West Asia, a region that tends to hog the global limelight. The Abraham Accords have managed to overturn a number of assumptions about regional politics, opening up new possibilities in the region, both for cooperation and renewed conflict.

Indian foreign policy will have to respond to these meta-trends by crafting an approach that is more than just the sum of its bilateral and multilateral engagements. The year gone by was an inflection point in India’s China policy as it made clear for New Delhi the choices that it faces in the coming years and decades. But the crisis with China continues, even as the world’s expectations for India to play a larger global role are heightening.

An aspirational India in the third decade of the 21st century will no longer be satisfied with sitting on the margins; it is eager to play in the big league. Like the rest of the world, India will have to deal with its health and economic crises in 2021. At the same time, however, it will also have opportunities to mould global discourse and outcomes, whether with its purported role as the “pharmacy of the world,” or as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

The ability and willingness of Indian policymakers to make use of these opportunities will not only determine India’s global footprint but will also outline the trajectory of global politics in the coming decade.

The article was earlier published (https:// www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/turmoilclarity-international-relations-new-decade/) on Observer Research Foundation portal.

-The writer is Director of Studies and Head of Strategic Studies Programme at ORF. The views expressed above belong to the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda

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RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

STRATEGIC DIPLOMACY

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DYNAMICS OF MILITARY DIPLOMACY IN THE ASIAN SUBCONTINENT Interestingly, Asia as a continent is increasingly becoming the focus of interest for the United States and the world since it is home to 40 per cent of the world GDP, 65 per cent of global population, and accounts for seven largest militaries with six declared nuclear states

Indian Army jawans with the national flag

trade, competing territorial claims, and consequent demands for military force is creating a new Indo-Pacific “Ring of Fire” of potential conflict flashpoints principally surrounding India and SCS. The perceived Chinese hegemonistic aim appears to stymie the growth of India as a global power while taking full control over the SCS.

STRATEGIC SECURITY SITUATION IN SOUTH AND EAST ASIA

India

By MAJ GEN G SHANKARNARAYANAN (RETD)

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he growing dominance of China and its intimidating stance in the Asian subcontinent has fuelled its expansionist tendencies across its land borders and costal frontiers. Over the years China’s visible coercive and threatening activities along the Sino-Indian Line of Actual Control (LAC) and in the South China Sea (SCS) has led to a partial destruction of the strategic balance in the region. On land, China has moved steadily to take full control over the territory and its restive minority population in Tibet, defend its ground lines of communication to Central Asia via Pakistan through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) strategy, and exert increasing pressure on its border with India.

At sea, China has increased its maritime presence and influence from the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea through Taiwan,

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South China Sea (SCS), the Indian Ocean to Djibouti and other parts of eastern Africa. From a geo strategic perspective, the confluence of

The ongoing border intransigence with China is vexed with a sense of political and military insecurity borne out of the visible military asymmetry in numbers and technology besides its collusive intent with Pakistan. That notwithstanding, India is today juxtaposed between a global economic and political power in being and a regional nuclearised military power whose war waging potentials transcend these seemingly debilitating military inequalities. While the hard fact of China’s military modernisation and increasingly aggressive foreign policy cannot be wished away, it can be militarily confronted given the current political will

and defence preparedness.

However for an enduring peace, it is incumbent that India should endeavour to bridge this capability imbalance with military diplomacy as an instrument of state craft.

Therefore from a regional strategic security standpoint China shall be the principal adversary as we stretch into the next decade.

At the same time there will be a marked escalation in the ongoing terrorist and irregular threats, as well as perceived conventional and nuclear threats from lessformidable regional opponents.

While border provocations, with the potentials for escalation, require a challenging and equally befitting response, it calls for a robust military capability to deal with such incursion besides being prepared to counter any possible escalation. In this regard India today is at the threshold of a credible deterrence against China.

However it needs to build on it to reach a level where it can translate into a limited punitive deterrence that is capable of imposing reasonable destructive costs in men and material. The capability should preferably be intrinsic but considering the prohibitive cost

and time factor it can be acquired through “military alliance’.

In the Indian context a visible shift in the defensive mindset of the political class is allowing for greater military flexibility in calibrating such responses, made possible by acquisition and development of weapon systems with increased standoff ranges, warhead lethality and precision engagement. Air power, long range artillery, weaponised Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) /drones, maritime dominance and space based deterrence shall be significant contributors. That notwithstanding the focus should be on global military alliances as part of defence diplomacy that shall play a dominant role in checkmating a belligerent adversary. It represents a collective show of force with shared interest against a common enemy and will act as a deterrent besides allowing the flexibility of leveraging military strengths in times of conflict.

Japan

Japan’s regional security threats, stems from China’s relentless attempts to change the status quo of the sea area around the Senkaku

IN THE INDIAN CONTEXT A VISIBLE SHIFT IN THE DEFENSIVE MINDSET OF THE POLITICAL CLASS IS ALLOWING FOR GREATER MILITARY FLEXIBILITY IN CALIBRATING SUCH RESPONSES, MADE POSSIBLE BY ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT OF WEAPON SYSTEMS WITH INCREASED STANDOFF RANGES, WARHEAD LETHALITY AND PRECISION ENGAGEMENT Islands by coercion and North Korea’s belligerent behaviour contingent on its nuclear missile programs and the abductions of Japanese citizens. Thus Japanese foreign policy and security perceptions have undergone a perceptible and steady change to include India within its ambit of security alliance. These actions may be viewed as a significant step in India’s growing international politico-security profile to not only act as a regional stabilising factor addressing hard security concerns against China and North Korea but also to dispel Japan’s maritime insecurities that emerge from its quest for assured energy supplies and security of its large maritime interests as a trading nation.

Towards this end India‘s bilateral summit has spelt out concrete steps on a range of global and regional security issues including maritime cooperation in the Indo-

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RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

STRATEGIC DIPLOMACY THESE ACTIONS MAY BE VIEWED AS A SIGNIFICANT STEP IN INDIA’S GROWING INTERNATIONAL POLITICOSECURITY PROFILE TO NOT ONLY ACT AS A REGIONAL STABILISING FACTOR ADDRESSING HARD SECURITY CONCERNS AGAINST CHINA AND NORTH KOREA BUT ALSO TO DISPEL JAPAN’S MARITIME INSECURITIES THAT EMERGE FROM ITS QUEST FOR ASSURED ENERGY SUPPLIES AND SECURITY OF ITS LARGE MARITIME INTERESTS AS A TRADING NATION

Pacific region where the influence of China is growing. Revival of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) signals deeper defence cooperation.

Australia

India and Australia, against the backdrop of their frosty relations with China, unveiled a shared vision for maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, as a counter to the growing Chinese military assertiveness. As a sequel to Chinese border incursion with India and strained relations with Australia, after Canberra pitched for an international probe into the origin of the Coronavirus pandemic which is widely believed to have started in China’s Wuhan city, the India-Australia relations touched a new level with both the countries elevating their ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”, that includes a reciprocal access to military bases namely the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA).

The MLSA will allow militaries of the two countries to use each other’s bases for repair and replenishment of supplies besides facilitating scaling up of overall defence cooperation. India has

Quad nations foreign ministers at a meeting

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already signed similar agreements with the US, France and Singapore.

The inclusion of Australia in MALABAR, the annual India-JapanUS maritime exercise is reflective of the regional credibility of QUAD which in the limited sense may be classified as an extension of India’s defence diplomacy where joint exercises and capability matching are a part.

Taiwan

China’s aggressive military probing has been going on for years — an unending stress test for the democratic island of Taiwan. But in 2020, the threat has taken on a new intensity wherein Taiwan had to scramble fighters to intercept Chinese warplanes flying towards or even into Taiwan’s airspace.

With China, cracking down on freedom fighters in Hong Kong, accused of sweeping repression against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, expanding in the South China Sea, and clashing with India in the Himalayas, Taiwan seems to be next on the line.

Whereas Taiwan, despite flourishing into a vibrant, hightech democratic society since its split from mainland China, is yet to be recognised as an

independent state and is dwarfed

by China’s sheer size and military capability. Crucially, the military gap between China and Taiwan widens every year. Although it is under Washington’s military commitment, these are highly ambiguous. More recently China’s border clashes with India have evoked anti-Beijing sentiments among the Indian public which has led to a growing sense of solidarity with the pro-independence movements in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Close on its heel is the US legislations for the support of Taiwan. However, India’s approach has been one of caution but soon could change if the border intransigence continues.

Vietnam

Vietnam considers the AsiaPacific region, including Southeast Asia, to be not only its own living space, but also a centre for dynamic development that occupy an increasingly important geo-economic, geo-politic and geo-strategic significance. Most importantly, it recognises the region as a boiling cauldron where great powers compete for influence. China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the US Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy among others, are mechanisms for these powers to exert control.

From a strategic standpoint Hanoi considers disputes in the South China Sea as one of the most destabilising elements that threaten regional stability. More explicitly than ever in the recent past, Vietnam has endured Chinese assertiveness, including unilateral and power-based coercion, violation of international law, militarisation, change in the statusquo and infringement over its sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.

While it does not call out China by name, it is clear that Vietnam reflects fears of Chinese

encroachment and reaffirms its long standing strategy of “four-nos and one-depend.” This means no military alliances, no siding with one country against another, no foreign military bases, and no using force or threatening to use force in international relations; but, “depending on circumstances and specific conditions, Vietnam will consider developing necessary and appropriate defence and military relations with other countries.”

It represents the flexibility and resilience long embedded in Vietnam’s foreign policy and significantly expands the spectrum of strategic choices by giving the military more room to manoeuvre.

The strategic necessity of dealing with an aggressive China brings India and Vietnam closer together.

Vietnam has been emerging as a pivotal state in India’s Act East policy, which can be reflected in multiple dimension of cooperation including defence cooperation.

Cambodia

Although the current marriage of convenience with China yields economic benefits today, this trend could potentially drag Cambodia into Beijing’s geopolitical tutelage and, as a result, threaten its national security interest in the long run, if not properly strategised.

Internally, the influx of Chinese immigrants has fuelled criminal activities and alienated local and foreign tourists from other countries. Economically, Cambodia is now one of several countries around the world whose debt to China amounts to more than 25 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP).

Diplomatically, Cambodia’s reputation on the world stage has suffered a number of setbacks.

The military agreement between Cambodia and China in Ream Naval Base is another sign of Phnom Penh’s unhealthy drift

Four-nation naval display at Malabar exercise

to Beijing. If true, this naval outpost will put Cambodia in an uncomfortable position vis-àvis neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam, who have beefed up their armed forces in recent years besides impacting the existing regional security architecture in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific as a whole. While Indo Cambodian relations are cordial it needs to build its relations with India, to avoid overdependence on China.

Cambodia has to invigorate the Indian card to balance China’s economic and geopolitical influence in Cambodia as well as in Southeast Asia.

Singapore

The island nation has maintained its ties with Washington and Beijing without provoking the ire of either side. But as US-China relations deteriorate and tensions grow in the South China Sea, Singapore’s balancing act is proving to be amorphous. However, Singapore’s long-standing relationship with the United States is a classic exposition of the island nation’s foreign policy – taking the world as it is, and seeking to entrench American power and presence in the region for the collective good. Singapore has also sought

to involve as many major powers in the regional balance, so that no power can dominate, Singapore and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Its position of not “choosing sides” between Beijing and Washington comes as a natural evolution of its balance-of-power approach. Its relation with India also continues on similar lines while maintaining a strong military diplomacy for its security preparedness.

Indonesia

The recent tensions between China and Indonesia in the Natuna islands, has once again put the spotlight on this flashpoint, and is expected to continue with a range of ongoing Indonesian reactions. But importantly it reflects Indonesia’s inability to deter Beijing’s incursion into Jakarta’s waters. While Indonesia technically does not consider itself a claimant in the South China Sea disputes, it is an interested party to safeguard regional stability, and uphold international law, including the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as the world’s largest archipelagic state. Indonesia’s traditional approach to the South China Sea can be best summed up

THE INCLUSION OF AUSTRALIA IN MALABAR, THE ANNUAL INDIA-JAPANUS MARITIME EXERCISE IS REFLECTIVE OF THE REGIONAL CREDIBILITY OF QUAD WHICH IN THE LIMITED SENSE MAY BE CLASSIFIED AS AN EXTENSION OF INDIA’S DEFENCE DIPLOMACY WHERE JOINT EXERCISES AND CAPABILITY MATCHING ARE A PART

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STRATEGIC DIPLOMACY

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US President Joe Biden

SPECIFIC TO INDIA, IN EITHER SCENARIO A MILITARY ALLIANCE WITH US WILL SIGNIFICANTLY ALTER THE STRATEGIC IMBALANCE BESIDES LOWERING THE THRESHOLD OF CONFLICT AND PREVENTING LARGE SCALE FORCE RELOCATION OVER LAND, SEA AND AIR BY CHINA

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as a “delicate equilibrium”, seeking to engage China diplomatically on the issue while at the same time pursuing a range of security, legal, and economic measures designed to protect its own interests.

While Indonesia has taken actions in response to periodic incursions into Indonesian waters, including shoring up military capabilities related to the Natuna islands and launching diplomatic protests, there has been no tangible impact. Instead Chinese incursions have continued episodically. In fact China’s deliberate efforts at cyclical incursions and escalations to test responses have also posed a huge issue for South China Sea claimant states, be it Malaysia, which traditionally prides itself on having a special relationship with Beijing, or Vietnam, which remains the most capable of standing up to China.

Thus with Chinese incursions continuing unabated the South China Sea is heating up to be a global flashpoint. The issue of China’s aggressive posturing in eastern Ladakh and South China Sea figured in the recent ministerial

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talks between India and Indonesia who have agree to expand defence ties and technology sharing.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) - THE CHANGING FUNDAMENTALS OF US-CHINA RELATIONS

Currently, the United States and China are engaged in an intensive and costly trade war that, even if resolved through negotiations, is unlikely to provide the basis for long-term stability. Instead, it may carry the seeds of future confrontation. In fact, bureaucratic processes on both sides are straining to keep up with the growing diversity and complexity of the relationship that is global in scope and consequence. As China emerges as a global power the confrontation seems more belligerent and challenging US interests.

Interestingly, Asia as a continent is increasingly becoming the focus of interest for the United States and the world since it is home

to 40 per cent of the world GDP, 65 per cent of global population, and accounts for seven largest militaries with six declared nuclear states. Thus, in the twenty-first century, Asia is the focus of power dynamics, and economic globalisation. Ironically China’s aggressive posturing in Eastern Ladakh and coercive actions in the South China Sea is a destabilising factor that has necessitated global intervention with US bearing the mantle. Thus Asia’s growing economic importance and China being a major power, its behaviour has assumed even greater significance for the United States and the world particularly when US China relations have sharply deteriorated.

Beijing and Washington traded blame over the Coronavirus pandemic, remained locked in a trade war, competed over 5G networks and other technologies, and clashed over rights abuses in Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan, among other issues. The latest is the contentious issues of US legislations in support of Taiwan and Tibet. The Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 and Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020 include economic sanctions against China for appointing the next Dalai Lama while the other seeks to strengthen Washington’s ties with Taipei.

Beijing has resolutely opposed both bills since Taiwan and Tibet were China’s issues of territorial integrity. However, be that as it may, it is clear that South and East Asia are emerging as global flash points with China taking the centrestage.

CONFLICT SITUATION WITH INDIA

In the Indian context the border skirmish by China followed by large scale troop mobilisation

and continued belligerent and provocative stance all along the northern borders, tending to precipitate a war, has been one of its kind since the conflict of 1962. From a broader strategic perspective it gives an impression that China is testing waters to assess India’s retaliatory stance given its military asymmetry with India. On the contrary the bold and resolute action on the part of the Indian Army to occupy dominating heights in the face of Chinese provocative incursions thwarting large scale Chinese build up has been demonstrative of the country’s resolve to deal with such incursions politically and militarily.

It has also sent a clear message that India is now capable of retaliatory actions and is being viewed as a stabilising factor in the region.

However under the prevailing geo strategic situation, this may be a quick fix but in a conflict situation between India and China, two scenarios emerge: an escalation of a border dispute along the LAC reminiscent of the 1962 Sino-Indian War, or a maritime clash in the Indian Ocean.

The former is China’s attempt in seeking a broader reordering of the political-military status quo in the region. The approach might be more deliberate and expansive which will present India with an unpleasant dilemma of either a counterattack and potentially escalate a conflict against a superior foe, or accept a loss of territory and the political ramifications that shall ensue.

However by a careful use of terrain, weather and tri-service combined arms force application it is possible to achieve disruption, dislocation and destruction of the Chinese military over time.

In physical terms it will entail a border engagement supported by capability incapacitation using long range weapons systems

and irregular warfare, followed by force relocation to augment resources thereby creating positions of strategic advantage vis a vis China. From a maritime perspective India on the other hand maintains virtually all its forces in the Indian Ocean Region, while most of China’s forces are east of Malacca. This will put a great deal of pressure on China to either keep its Indian Ocean forces as a fleet in being, or to rapidly link its western and eastern forces.

This, in turn, will put pressure on India to prevent these outcomes.

Therefore, control of several major chokepoints including the straits of Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok gives India the unique opportunity to operate on interior lines to prevent China from gaining maritime superiority in the Indian Ocean.

MILITARY DIPLOMACY AT PLAY

Specific to India, in either scenario a military alliance with US will significantly alter the strategic imbalance besides lowering the threshold of conflict and preventing large scale force relocation over land, sea and air by China. Consequently it will allow India with a unique opportunity to delay and attrite Chinese forces while denying them the ability to achieve its military and political objectives through aggression.

It is here that we clearly see the importance of military diplomacy which goes beyond the accepted principles of peacetime military collaboration and humanitarian assistance.

The formation of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue an informal strategic dialogue between India, US, Japan and Australia with a shared objective to support a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific Region is an effective counter to China that seeks to threaten the region. Military diplomacy is

in fact enshrined in the wider diplomatic exchange. It is aimed at regular summits, information exchanges and military drills between members to outweigh the military superiority of China thereby limiting its hegemonestic tendencies. In due course QUAD must enhance the scope to include most of the aggrieved states whose interests have been impinged by China.

CONCLUSION

The fact that the world is viewing China as the sole perpetrator of the Wuhan Virus, there has been a significant relook to allow for a strategic, political and economic isolation of China. In fact, QUAD is emerging as a dominant security structure vis a vis China. Hence the scope and engagement with QUAD should include all the ASEAN nations and must be escalated to the next level of military diplomacy that will serve to stymie China’s aggressiveness besides acting as an effective counter against any brazen act of aggression. Military diplomacy of QUAD should also strategise to neutralise the military imbalance in the region with a clear mandate of collaborative military assistance thereby achieving conflict termination in favourable terms should the need arise. Herein lay the state craft of leveraging shared military capability of likeminded countries with common National challenges. A strategy that has found favour with Washington under President elect Joe Biden who is looking to build a coalition of likeminded partners and allies with shared interests and values to confront China - a step in the right direction.

MILITARY DIPLOMACY OF QUAD SHOULD ALSO STRATEGISE TO NEUTRALISE THE MILITARY IMBALANCE IN THE REGION WITH A CLEAR MANDATE OF COLLABORATIVE MILITARY ASSISTANCE THEREBY ACHIEVING CONFLICT TERMINATION IN FAVOURABLE TERMS SHOULD THE NEED ARISE

–The writer is a former GOC-Indian Army and presently a Strategic Consultant & Principal Advisor. Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda

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OPINION

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DEEPENING DEFENCE TIES IN A CHANGING GLOBAL ORDER Apart from internal integration of security imperatives and apparatus within the country, India has to actively think of issue-based security and technology alignments with prominent likeminded strategic partners across the desired security spectrum

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and EAM S Jaishankar with their US counterparts during 2+2 dialogue

By AMB ANIL TRIGUNAYAT

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he World is in disarray. Multilateralism at its lowest point and Unilateralism dictating the international discourse especially as the sole hyper power under US President Donald Trump created a paradigm shift with his destabilising Twiplomacy for friends and foes alike. Covid-19 engineered a global recession and unprecedented economic downturn. China has been flexing its expansionist muscles. Sino-US Trade wars and implicit conflictual relationship threatening to enter Cold War 2.0 of a different genre. State sponsor terrorism and asymmetric warfare from our western and northern borders is a contiguous reality. Fact that Sino-Pak axis becoming toxic in the region poses tremendous security challenges for India.

Generally economy and security are becoming two sides of the same coin the prospects of protectionism, unilateralism and

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a closed mindset have become a common phenomenon. IndoPacific has become a new theatre of geo-strategic competition that has

direct ramifications for India. In such a scenario, even though India is averse to traditional alliance structures it will be forced to enter into issue based alignments by reaping the congruence of economics of objectives and polity of threat perceptions in accordance with the common denominator being the mutually beneficial matrix of strategic and reliable choices.

Maritime issues, whether considered hard or soft, traditional or non-traditional impact the Blue Economy of nations, including landlocked nations, with spin-offs at the regional and global levels.

Therefore, in order to pursue a sustainable and secure Blue Economy, there is a need to ensure a stable, secure and peaceful Maritime Environment.

India has over 7,500 km coastline and we have seen the worst attacks of 26/11 that were mounted from the sea. Moreover, India’s trade and energy security through the Strait of Hormuz and Arabian Sea is dependent on our capabilities to provide a sustained protection and response mechanism in accordance with our maritime doctrine driven for securing our national interests.

Oceans are not restricted by any boundaries and with the concept

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu

of Indo-Pacific gaining traction, India’s Act East Policy, the SAGAR initiative and the more recent Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) there is a need to look beyond the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and explore the Indo-Pacific Region. Mechanisms like IONS, Anti-piracy operations, IORA and bilateral and multilateral interoperability arrangements with friendly countries like US, Japan, Australia, France , UK and Germany who have devised IndoPacific strategies and doctrines acquire much greater salience. At the same time we have to maintain our primacy in the region be it on land, air or sea beginning with our extended neighbourhood by following a policy of “Concentric Circles of Security Perimeter” which should not only ensure our security but should assure the security of our partners. Military Capability and political intent and will to exercise this benign power are essential ingredients for India.

World and global power equations are going through a churn. Newer challenges are posed for the concerns of defence and security, technology and economy, and changing alliance

structures as well as big power rivalries. Cyber security and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have become the new norm across the spectrum and need constant upgradation to deal with hitherto unknown challenges. Terrorists use disruptive technologies better than the Nation States. Non-State Actors have been embedded and nurtured by some states including in our region and serve as instruments of their foreign policy. Hence, a comprehensive security architecture including the traditional and non-traditional dimensions must be built in which international collaboration with friendly countries has a central role at least until “Atmanirbharta” becomes a reality. Of course, we must secure ourselves internally and externally. No one is going to do it for us unless we wish to be subjected to the geo-politicostrategic games of major powers.

Only the strong can demand and enforce peace and security.

In the changed global scenario and emerging world order China and its proxies like Pakistan (both nuclear power states) play a truant role in India’s strategic matrix .Therefore, it is imperative

Mr Modi with then US President Donald Trump

MECHANISMS LIKE IONS, ANTI-PIRACY OPERATIONS, IORA AND BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL INTEROPERABILITY ARRANGEMENTS WITH FRIENDLY COUNTRIES LIKE US, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA, FRANCE, UK AND GERMANY WHO HAVE DEVISED INDO-PACIFIC STRATEGIES AND DOCTRINES ACQUIRE MUCH GREATER SALIENCE that India’s defence and security doctrine should not only attempt to have a non-conventional edge or parity but also ensure nuclear deterrence capability and tweak its doctrine accordingly. There is a greater likelihood of a two-front war for which India needs to have military and technological gear up. For same reasons India figures prominently in the South Asia and Indo-Pacific strategic calculus of USA whose key objective is to keep the South China Sea lanes and Indo-Pacific free for navigation.

Japan and Australia have been facing the Chinese brunt and expansionist policies whereas India not only had to fight a war with China but also continues to remain a major challenge and illegal occupant of her territories.

China’s “String of Pearls” and possible militarisation of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) strategy, economic and technological

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OPINION A COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY ARCHITECTURE INCLUDING THE TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL DIMENSIONS MUST BE BUILT IN WHICH INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION WITH FRIENDLY COUNTRIES HAS A CENTRAL ROLE AT LEAST UNTIL “ATMANIRBHARTA” BECOMES A REALITY

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edge and adventurism pose a peculiar threat to India’s security and sovereignty. Hence, India responded to US overtures positively and has expanded to conduct “Malabar “exercises with Japan and Australia in the context of QUAD and the Indo-Pacific.

It has signed nearly all major agreements ensuring exchange and interoperability with the US be it Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement or LEMOA (2016), Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement or COMCASA (2018) and Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement or BECA (2020) as an extension to General Security of Military Information Agreement or GSOMIA (2002) and Civil Nuclear Agreement of 2008.

India may have to overlap its reciprocal access arrangements with Japan, Australia as well as both have nationalised security arrangements with the US to meet its growing security challenges.

France, UK and Germany are other three major countries looking at the Indo-Pacific rather seriously and France and UK do have adequate maritime presence and arrangements in the region and key understandings with them could help in meeting

India’s objectives for ensuring its comprehensive security within the context of Strategic Partnership. At the same time India will have to continue with its ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ to work closely for their economic and security development to avoid being pulled down in the regional context. Subregional connectivity projects under the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) initiative and the Bay of Bengal Initiative

PM Modi with then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe

Narendra Modi and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed during the former’s visit to UAE

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for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) must be accorded highest priority.

In West Asia we have crucial stakes and hence India has to work for acquiring strategic depth through mutually beneficial projects and partnerships in bilateral and trilateral domain.

Likewise in Africa we have to carry on with our development, defence and digital partnership directly and with likeminded democracies.

Russia is a unique partner but at odds on the Indo-Pacific construct which it considers as a containment against China and where it feels its own strategic interest might be adversely affected especially as it does not feel that US-Russia relations will improve anytime sooner especially under Biden Presidency. It causes some perception problem for India for which Russia is her special and privileged partner and supplier of technologies and over 70 per cent of its conventional arms and ammunition including nuclear submarines. Even a S-400 missile shield will soon be there.

More importantly Moscow

remains New Delhi’s major partner in civil nuclear energy and space cooperation and one of the few countries which agree to transfer the military technology whether we have been able to use it effectively is debatable. BrahMos missile is a credible exception.

Russia’s suspicion of India’s closeness to Washington and US’s suspicion of India’s closeness to Moscow are difficult to leverage as Russia-China strategic partnership has the potential to become a military alliance if pushed or threats perception exceeds their threshold. What we can leverage is a truly transactional relationship and India’s market strength and potential with anyone who is eyeing India’s huge defence pie.

Technology will underwrite the 21st century hence Indovation is extremely important. But given the systemic malaise it might be a while. Hence as argued by C Rajamohan, ‘The time is now ripe for Delhi to consider coalitionbuilding as a major tool of its tech-diplomacy. India has figured quite prominently in the US and Western discourse on building new coalitions to promote and regulate advanced technologies.

The size of India’s market as well as its technological capabilities make it an attractive partner in the effort to build “technology coalitions of the capable and willing.” Likewise the growth of autonomous weapons systems and ongoing militarisation of outer space have created an urgency to step up India’s comprehensive strategic doctrine. The “Artemis Accords” must be seriously examined. In the domain of across the board technological revival and adaptation, Israel can become an effective strategic partner and a conduit for joint research and development especially as “Abraham Accords’ also open up new vistas of cooperation.

Multi-nation naval ships during Malabar exercise

Naval ships in column during Malabar 2020

Recently speaking at Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA)/ Forum for Integrated National Security (FINS) External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar aptly noted, “To my mind, adequately securitising foreign policy is for mean absolute imperative…, there are the daily security challenges of long borders and large sea space.

The thinking and planning of a polity that operates in such an uncertain environment naturally should give primacy to hard security.”

Hence apart from internal integration of security imperatives and apparatus within the country India has to actively think of issuebased security and technology alignments with prominent

likeminded strategic partners across the desired security spectrum. It would require advocacy and an ongoing SWOT analysis of available strategic space and workable initiatives as the strategic autonomy and national interest are ensured. For contending with the emerging global dynamics India has to work through its strategic calculations and more integrated matrix of economic strength, smart military capability, astute diplomacy, firm leadership and conviction combined with its philosophy of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam.

CHINA’S “STRING OF PEARLS” AND POSSIBLE MILITARISATION OF ITS BORDER AND ROAD INITIATIVE (BRI) STRATEGY, ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL EDGE AND ADVENTURISM POSE A PECULIAR THREAT TO INDIA’S SECURITY AND SOVEREIGNTY. HENCE, INDIA RESPONDED TO US OVERTURES POSITIVELY AND HAS EXPANDED TO CONDUCT “MALABAR “EXERCISES WITH JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA IN THE CONTEXT OF QUAD AND THE INDOPACIFIC

-The writer is a former Indian Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta and is a Distinguished Fellow at the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) and a commentator on Foreign Policy issues

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ABSOLUTE POWER

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chips that are at the heart of air-toair weaponry. It is the quality of the chips that determines the missile’s accuracy. But while other (usually large) missiles can compensate for their lack of accuracy with sheer explosive power or speed, air-to-air missiles are harmless if they are not accurate. Because they have to be slung under the wings of aircraft, and at least four such missiles are needed for an effective engagement, airto-air missiles have to be small.

This is why the Russians were exceptional at building massive ballistic and anti-ship cruise missiles, but lagged behind in airto-air missiles.

Fighter aircraft are not weapons but weapons platforms, and without longrange missiles and radars, the IAF is under utilising these powerful aircraft that were built for air dominance.

Therefore, at this juncture, IAF has two simple fixes, either it replaces underperforming R-77s with better imports or develop its own BVR missiles

AIR TO AIR CLASHES IN THE SUBCONTINENT R-77 Missile Systems on display

AIR-TO-AIR MISSILES: INDIA’S WINDOW OF VULNERABILITY

By RAKESH KRISHNAN SIMHA

O

n the afternoon of December 12, 1971, at the peak of the India-Pakistan War, two Lockheed F-104 Starfighters of the Pakistan Air Force crossed the Gujarat border on their way to attack the forward airbase at Jamnagar. Indian Air Force radar units detected the intruders and scrambled a couple of MiG-21 interceptors to deal with the threat. As the first Pakistani aircraft dived in towards the airfield, a patrolling MiG-21 pilot spotted the attacking aircraft and got after him. The second MiG-21 went after the wingman. Realising he was up against a much superior aircraft, he made his escape back into Pakistan.

His captain, however, wasn’t so lucky. Observing the MiG on his tail, the Pakistani F-104 broke off the attack, 18

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turned and tried to shake off its pursuer.

However, the Indian pilot pulled the MiG-21 into a tighter turn well inside

the enemy plane and launched a Vympel R-3 (NATO codename AA-2) air-to-air missile. It missed.

The Pakistani attempted to get away using sheer speed but realised the MiG21 was equally fast. The desperate chase now took them over the shark-infested waters of the Arabian Sea. This time, instead of using missiles, the Indian pilot took aim with his cannon and fired a long burst. Flashes on the F-104’s metallic surface indicated a direct hit. Seconds later the American-built aircraft spun out of control and crashed into the sea.

The Indian Navy sent a couple of search vessels, but the pilot was never found. At that speed, when a plane impacts water, it is like hitting concrete.

RUSSIA’S TECH PROBLEM The dogfight from 1971 illustrated the importance of superior training and weaponry.

A warplane is only as good as its air-to-air weapons. While the MiG-21 was without doubt a highly capable aircraft in the right hands, its weakness was the R-3 missile. It was an exact copy of an AIM-9 Sidewinder airto-air missile that became lodged in a Chinese MiG-17 without exploding. And like all knockoffs, it simply wasn’t as good as the original. There’s a very easy explanation for Russia lagging behind the West in air-to-air missile development.

The Soviet armament industry had suffered a 70-year technology embargo which made it difficult for Moscow to acquire microprocessors or computer

The IAF enjoyed an extended period of air superiority in beyond visual range (BVR) combat with the induction of the MiG-29 Fulcrum in 1985. The value of an excellent dogfighter armed with a long-range weapon was proven in the 1999 Kargil War when the Fulcrum (equipped with the 30

km range R-73 missile) prevented PAF F-16s from coming to the aid of the Pakistan Army which was taking a pounding from the Indian Army and Air Force.

According to a Strategy Page report, “While a number of IAF aircraft took part in the Kargil campaign, it was the cover provided by the MiG-29 Fulcrum armed with BVR missiles that exposed the PAF’s plight. While PAF fighters did fly combat air patrols (CAP) during the conflict, they stayed well within Pakistani air space.” On occasions, IAF MiG29s armed with the R-73 missiles were able to lock on to PAF F-16s, forcing the latter to disengage.

“The Pakistanis had no answer to the 30 km range R-73. In the absence of a PAF threat, the IAF was able to deliver numerous devastating strikes on intruder positions and supply dumps.”

However, the IAF’s BVR edge eroded with the PAF’s acquisition of the AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile (AMRAAM). In 2006, Pakistani inked a deal for 500 of these Mach 4 missiles with a range of over 100 km. The AIM-120C

IAF’S BVR EDGE ERODED WITH THE PAF’S ACQUISITION OF THE AIM-120C AMRAAM. IN 2006, PAKISTANI INKED A DEAL FOR 500 OF THESE MACH 4 MISSILES WITH A RANGE OF OVER 100 KM. THE AIM-120C INCORPORATES A DATALINK TO GUIDE THE MISSILE TO A POINT WHERE ITS ACTIVE RADAR TURNS ON AND MAKES TERMINAL INTERCEPT OF THE TARGET

Amraatm Missile System

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incorporates a datalink to guide the missile to a point where its active radar turns on and makes terminal intercept of the target.

Once the missile closes in on the target, its active radar guides it to intercept. This feature, known as “fire-and-forget”, frees the aircrew from the need to further provide guidance, enabling the aircrew to aim and fire several missiles simultaneously at multiple targets and break a radar lock after the missile seeker goes active and guide themselves to the targets.

The missile also features the ability to “Home on Jamming”, giving it the ability to switch

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over from active radar homing to passive homing – homing on jamming signals from the target aircraft. Software on board the missile allows it to detect if it is being jammed, and guide on to its target using the proper guidance system.

The February 2019 dogfight over J&K (which resulted in the loss of a MiG-21 and as yet unconfirmed kill of an F-16) shows that Pakistani pilots who previously did not have the courage to enter the MiG29’s missile envelope, are now emboldened to take a shot at even the vastly more powerful Sukhoi Su-30 MKI. After the dogfight, IAF sources told leading aviation writer Vishnu Som that the R-77’s range is well below its advertised range of 80 km.

CONTRASTING ACQUISITION POLICIES

A study of Indian and Pakistani air-to-air missile purchases provides a peek into the contrasting acquisition styles of the two air forces. In early 2006, the PAF ordered 500 AMRAAMs

as part of a US$650 million deal to equip its F-16 fighters. This was Pakistan’s payoff for agreeing to join America’s so-called “War on Terror”. The PAF got the first three F-16s on July 3, 2010 and the first batch of AMRAAMs on July 26, 2010. Here’s how the IAF went about getting its most powerful aircraft and the missiles to arm it. India inked a deal to buy the Su-30MKI in 1996, receiving significant numbers of the aircraft starting 2006. However, it was only in 2014-15 that it received 500 R-77 missiles, which have a range of 80 km. To be sure, India didn’t have much of a choice back then as it was treaty bound to order Russian missiles.

PROBLEMS WITH THE R-77

Since Russian air-to-air missiles are not in the same class as the American ones, they are unlikely to achieve a single shot kill. Russian fighter pilots are therefore trained in the practice of attacking targets by firing pairs of missiles with different homing systems. As well as the radar guided version, the R-77 is also offered with a terminal infrared homing seeker.

In theory, attacking targets with different homing systems complicates defensive actions for the target aircraft. If a radarguided missile is fired at an enemy jet aircraft outside the no-escape attack zone, the target aircraft may be able to escape through emergency manoeuvre. This is when the infrared missile makes its move – once the jet aircraft turns to escape, the engine nozzle is exposed, and the infrared characteristics are exposed.

In practice, no Russian pilot has ever achieved a kill by firing multiple missiles with different homing systems. This is due to the fact that IR seekers typically have less range and less resistance to

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN

Meteor Missile System

l In 2010, the PAF got 500 AMRAAMs, with an over 100 km range, giving it an edge in BVR combat.

poor weather than radar seekers, which may limit the successful use of mixed seeker attacks unless the IR missile is initially directed by radar or some other means.

This isn’t to say that Russia is totally outclassed in the air-to-air category. Russia developed longrange, radar-guided air-to-air missiles like the R-33 and R-37, both of which are carried on the MiG-31 Foxhound interceptor and have ranges varying from 150-300 km. But these Russian weapons are bulky and are not carried by smaller fighters, and are primarily meant to shoot down bombers and surveillance aircraft.

An important factor to note is that the Russian defence sector is under Western sanctions since 2015, which makes procuring the latest computer chips a huge headache for Moscow. Being good innovators, the Russians have developed their own microprocessors in-house but these chips are not in the same class as the ones built in the West or Japan. This weakness will continue to impact the Russian defence industry for many years to come.

CHINESE THREAT – PLA’S PL-12

Meanwhile, because of Financial Action Task Force

(FATF) sanctions, Pakistan will probably not be able to buy any more AMRAAM missiles for its F-16s. However, a new threat is looming in the shape of the PL-12, a Chinese knockoff of the R-77. According to experts, the BVR missile is a high priority air-to-air weapons programme for China’s military industry.

The PL-12 has an operational ceiling of 21 km and a maximum range of 70 km. It has a homeon-jam mode that allows it to passively track and engage an emitting target, without ever using its own active radar or a radar from the launch aircraft.

While currently it is a poor copy of a subpar Russian missile, the Chinese are known for aggressive improvements that can produce a reasonable quality weapon within a few iterations. If they are able to enhance its range and bring the missile to the prototype stage, it won’t take them long to flood the global market with cheap PS-12s.

IMMEDIATE ALTERNATIVES

After the J&K dogfight, the IAF has belatedly realised air superiority is not just about having top guns or powerful Sukhois or advanced Rafales. Fighter aircraft are not weapons but weapons platforms,

and without long-range missiles and radars, the IAF is under utilising these powerful aircraft that were built for air dominance.

The IAF has two simple fixes: one, replace the underperforming R-77s with better imports, and two, develop its own BVR missiles.

The most likely candidates are the French Meteor and Israeli Derby. First up, the IAF wants to replace some of its R-77s with the I-Derby ER. The Israeli missile has achieved a reputation for reliability as well as being easy to adapt to new aircraft and easier to maintain.

Moreover, Derby costs less than the R-77 and American AMRAAM. The extended range variant of the missile, manufactured by Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, has an estimated range of 100 km at Mach 4 (4,900 kph).

The only problem could be from the Russian side. If an Israeli missile is installed on the Su-30 MKI, it would involve handing over secret documentation about the aircraft to the Israelis. Without Russian approval, this would lead to a breach of the co-producer license agreement.

However, according to Strategy Page, India’s purchasing clout can get Russia to give the

l Four years later, India bought an inferior weapon, the R-77 that had 20 km lower range than the AMRAAM. l Five years later, in February 2019 dogfight, India still had the same old R-77. As a result, the air dominance Su-30MKI was forced to go into defensive mode, and was unable to engage the F-16s. l In 2019, after seeing the performance of the AMRAAM in the J&K dogfight, India imported 400 more R-77s.

Whether it is the same old version or the new improved 120-160 km range R-177RVV-AE-PD is not known yet. l All things remaining the same, 10 years later the PAF continues to have the BVR edge.

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MBDA’s Meteor Missile System

IAF CHIEF, AIR CHIEF MARSHAL RAKESH KUMAR SINGH BHADAURIA, HAD ON FEBRUARY 28 LAST YEAR SAID THAT THE FORCE IS LOOKING AT REGAINING THE UPPER HAND IN AIRTO-AIR MISSILE CAPABILITIES THAT WAS “ALLOWED TO SLIP” AMID A “STRUGGLE” TO ACQUIRE MISSILES IN A PROCESS THAT HAS LASTED 15 YEARS

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green light. “Russia can try to enforce the Su-30 purchase agreement, which stipulates Russia must approve the use of any non-Russian equipment on the Russian designed Su-30.

India has the economic clout (as a major Russian customer who has a lot of quality and service complaints) to defy the Russians and has increasingly done so. Russia has not been able to improve the quality of their weapons and the level of service that Western manufacturers (like Israel) provide. For example, adapting the Su-30 fire control system to handle Derby is not easy but it is technically possible and the Israelis have a track record of success in dealing with situations like this. This is especially true if they are doing it for a major customer.”

IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, had on February 28 last year said that the force is looking at regaining the upper hand in air-to-air missile capabilities that was “allowed to slip” amid a “struggle” to acquire missiles in a process that has lasted 15 years.

The IAF chief was referring

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to the Meteor which boasts a range of 150 km. However, the missile is meant for exclusive use with the Rafales, and France isn’t keen for it to be mated with the Su-30 MKI. This is understandable as the Meteor represents the acme of French air-to-air missile engineering and they aren’t exactly keen to have the missile be inspected by the Russians as the mating would have to be done by Sukhoi.

This means, the Meteor will be restricted to the Rafale and since India has ordered just 36 of these super expensive fighters, there won’t be enough Rafales to offer combat in all sectors along the borders. So the IAF is basically down to the Derby and the indigenous Astra.

DESI AMRAAM

On September 19, 2019, the first Made in India air-to-air missile, Astra, was flight-tested successfully from a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, along with almost 50 other public and private organisations, the missile has a range of nearly

110 km at Mach 4.5 (5,555 kph).

On January 13, 2020, the IAF announced: “Astra has been integrated with Sukhoi-30MKI and will be integrated with the Mirage-2000, Tejas and MiG-29 in the future.”

The Astra fills up the critical air-to-air missile gap vis-a-vis Pakistan, which was exposed during the post-Balakot aerial confrontation over J&K. An IAF spokesperson says it is capable of engaging “both short-range targets at a distance of 20 km and long-range targets up to a distance of 80-110 km” at varying altitudes.

While stocking up on potent missiles such as the Meteor and Derby, India should not only keep improving the Astra but also work on further short and long-range variants of the missile. Incremental improvements will ensure the Astra remains a viable option for the IAF. Otherwise, it’ll be back to the old ways of perennially resorting to imported weapons.

–The writer is a globally cited defence analyst.

His work has been published by leading think tanks, and quoted extensively in books on diplomacy, counter terrorism, warfare and economic development. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda

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RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

STRAIGHT DRIVE

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BATTLEFIELD ENERGY, ‘OIL OF SPACE’ AND REBALANCING We need to think out of the box - technologically and practically to solve the exponentially increasing battlefield energy requirements. The current system will be an unsustainable nightmare.

If we think of ‘High Altitudes’ as ‘Space’, the answer lies in water!

By LT GEN PR SHANKAR (RETD)

R

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EBALANCING IMPERATIVES: Energy Guzzlers. Indian Armed Forces are rebalancing to the North. Infrastructure development will continue.

Good news. Across the LAC, China is ‘Solidifying Tibet’. Hereafter, the areas adjoining the LAC will see elevated troop levels even if there are no hostilities. The number of troops to be maintained permanently in extreme High altitudes will nearly double (including IAF personnel).

It also means an increased logistical load year on year. In these areas Energy is required to power battle field systems (weapons, surveillance platforms, networks), transportation and most importantly for human sustenance. High Attitude operational areas and battle fields are Energy guzzlers due to rarefied atmospheres, lack of oxygen and inefficient engines.

Energy requirement of the battle field will keep increasing with modernisation. Till now the single point answer to meeting Energy

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requirements in high altitude areas has been fossil fuels – kerosene, petrol and diesel. Not anymore.

Advanced Winter Stocking.

Presently an intricate and complex system is in place to ensure that the required fossil fuels are sent up from the plains through a time tested procedure called the Advanced Winter Stocking. In this system, the complete requirement of energy for one year is stocked from plains in high altitude in about three-four months of the ‘Road Open’ period. It involves multiple legs, modes and transfers. It is a

complicated, laborious, tenuous, and extremely expensive process.

Environmental degradation is high. This will now have to be doubled. We are exacerbating a nightmarish and unsustainable process. The answer is to find energy in situ.

The High Altitude Problem. The problem in High altitudes is that other energy options - Hydro, Solar or Wind are unreliable and available only for part of a year.

Significantly Hydro and Solar energy are inadequate in winter, when needed most. Continuing to burnfossil fuels is extravagantly costly and intensively polluting.

To give an idea of cost. The landed cost of kerosene at any post in the Siachen was Rs 2,400, when a litre costed Rs 15, a decade back. That is a whopping 160 times increase.

Today it should be around Rs

4000/litre. All posts in Eastern Ladakh which have now been added are in that variety. Can we bear this burden hereafter at inflated costs? So what do we do?

Turn to technology. I got this idea when I was studying about energy requirements in space being met through the Hydrogen - Fuel Cell system.

FUEL CELLS AND HYDROGEN SYSTEM

‘Oil of Space’ in High Altitude.

Space applications need enormous energy which is created out of water, hydrogen and oxygen.

In fact water is called the ‘Oil of Space’. Simply put, Hydrogen and Oxygen are used in space to create energy. They are derived from water (which incidentally is not available in space). The entire business of lunar landings is all about the search for water; which is then converted into energy for further exploration and sustenance. Just think. High Altitudes are as desolate as space but have water! Hence we must exploit this resource and not look outside. I am convinced that since we have to deploy large number of troops in High altitudes and also be able to sustain people through development, the only way forward is to take a technological leap by using water for energy - Fuel Cells and the Hydrogen system. Let me elucidate this further.

Fuel Cells. Fuel cells can provide power for systems as large as a utility power station and as small as a laptop computer. A fuel cell combines hydrogen with oxygen to produce electrical power. It works similar to batteries, but never runs down or needs to be recharged. It has a cathode and an anode separated by an electrolyte.

In a fuel cell, the electrode is not consumed, and the cell can produce

electricity as long as hydrogen and oxidizer levels are maintained.

With hydrogen as fuel, heat and water are the only by-products.

Fuel cells are of many types : proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), regenerative fuel cell (RFC) systems, alkaline fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC), phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC), molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) and solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). They can run indefinitely, as long as they are supplied with a source of hydrogen and a source of oxygen (usually air).

Efficiency. Fuel cells are less efficient than electric batteries.

However, present day fuel cells are comparable with internal combustion engines. IC engines convert fuel into kinetic energy at roughly 25 per cent efficiency.

A fuel cell, by contrast, can mix hydrogen with air to produce electricity at up to 60 per cent efficiency.

Hydrogen. Hydrogen can be produced cost-effectively through electrolysis by splitting water into its constituent hydrogen and oxygen atoms or from LNG. Currently only two per cent of the world hydrogen production is from water electrolysis. 98 per cent is produced from natural gas.

We have to focus on electrolysis.

Electrolytically produced hydrogen is presently costly.

It will need initial investment in hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure. The scarcity of infrastructure is the largest obstacle to the adoption of hydrogen technology. This process is getting cheaper with time.

International Efforts. The Toyota Mirai, the most popular Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), sells world-wide. UAE’s first hydrogen station has been opened by Toyota.

In Japan, 100 refuelling stations have already been established, and the government aims to

have 800,000 FCEVs on the road by 2030. Cost of Hydrogen is expected to reduce by 90 per cent by 2050. Hydrogen technology is being contemplated for a range transport market segments and other applications. Hydrogen trials have been conducted on everything from public buses and forklifts to trains, planes and boats. In Europe, the ‘EU Turbines’ group was to make their gas turbines run with 20 per cent hydrogen gas initially (it was to be completed by 2020). They want to develop turbine technology to allow all manufactured units to run, or be retrofitted to run, on 100 per cent hydrogen gas, and be carbon-neutral, by 2030. All major gas turbine manufacturers are currently developing gas turbines that could combust 100 per cent hydrogen, for power applications as a decarbonized alternative to natural gas. These are just examples to highlight international efforts.

Falling Cost of Hydrogen Systems.

The cost of hydrogen is falling due to improvements in water electrolysis and hydrogen fuel cell technology. The Paris-based International Energy Agency expects the cost of producing hydrogen to fall by a further 30 per cent by 2030. It might fall even faster. Since 2010, the cost of electrolysis has fallen about 60 per cent (from between $10/kg and $15/kg hydrogen to as low as $4/kg). By 2030 costs could fall another 60 per cent. As investment in hydrogen infrastructure grows, net costs will continue to fall.

However hydrogen will only be “relevant in regions constrained in renewables potential and situations where alternatives like fossil fuels with are not an option.” This is a ready-made high altitude scenario. For an assumed import price of $3/ kg of hydrogen (international

HIGH ATTITUDE OPERATIONAL AREAS AND BATTLE FIELDS ARE ENERGY GUZZLERS DUE TO RAREFIED ATMOSPHERES, LACK OF OXYGEN AND INEFFICIENT ENGINES. ENERGY REQUIREMENT OF THE BATTLE FIELD WILL KEEP INCREASING WITH MODERNISATION. TILL NOW THE SINGLE POINT ANSWER TO MEETING ENERGY REQUIREMENTS IN HIGH ALTITUDE AREAS HAS BEEN FOSSIL FUELS – KEROSENE, PETROL AND DIESEL. NOT ANYMORE

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STRAIGHT DRIVE

SINCE WE HAVE TO DEPLOY LARGE NUMBER OF TROOPS IN HIGH ALTITUDES AND ALSO BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN PEOPLE THROUGH DEVELOPMENT, THE ONLY WAY FORWARD IS TO TAKE A TECHNOLOGICAL LEAP BY USING WATER FOR ENERGY - FUEL CELLS AND THE HYDROGEN SYSTEM

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average cost), power produced from hydrogen turbines could cost about $140/MWh. In comparison, Lazard’s November 2019 levelized cost of energy (LCOE) analysis suggests unsubsidized natural gas combined cycle generation today costs between $44/MWh and $68/ MWh (approx. three times costly).

Strengths and Challenges.

Hydrogen and fuel cell systems are very reliable, quiet in operation (no moving parts) and need very little maintenance. They are modular and scalable. They occupy less space when compared to wind or solar systems, and can be sited both outdoors and indoors. Fuel cells are pollution free when run on pure hydrogen. They are more efficient than combustion engines.

Fuel cells can be refuelled, which is faster than recharging. A fuel cell gives more bang per energy buck than a similarly-sized battery. Fuel cell systems are lighter even taking into account hydrogen storage. The main challenges of fuel cells are price, cost of producing hydrogen and need for pure fuels. Hydrogen is difficult to store. It must be heavily compressed in order to fit into a practical container. Hydrogen gas requires high-pressure fibrecomposite tanks. Liquid Hydrogen

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BUSINESS INITIATIVE

requires keeping its temperature down to cryogenic levels. However if it the system is in a ‘consume as you produce’ mode the costs will reduce. Hydrogen is mass produced in USA. The technology has been around for over half a century.

ANALYSIS

We need to think out of the box technologically and practically to solve the exponentially increasing battlefield energy requirements.

The current system will be an unsustainable nightmare. If we think of ‘High Altitudes’ as ‘Space’, the answer lies in water! Compare costs. The current cost of fuel in high altitudes should be around 60-70 times on an average at the delivery point. Hydrogen based energy would be far cheaper and less complex even now including infrastructure. The cost of fossil fuels keep inflating whereas the hydrogen economy is deflating. In the long term, the pollution free, fuel cell-hydrogen system wins hands down. The technology is established. It needs to be adapted, It also needs a multi-agency approach at national levels since there are wider implications than

just for the Armed Forces. From a national perspective this should be a civil military fusion project led by the Armed forces. Do we have a choice in not following this route? Of course we have. We can remain primitive.

It is my recommendation that an inter-departmental pilot project be started in Leh under the aegis of the Army. In about a year or so we will have gained enough experience to scale it up. It is also cautioned that fuel cells cannot be deployed everywhere and are not the ultimate solution. We have to eventually have to look at an energy mix in which fuel cell energy share is expanding. Use of some fossil fuels and naturally renewable energy systems will continue. Most importantly we need to start somewhere.

HOPE

This is not a flight of fancy. I do hope someone with sense in the decision matrix reads it and takes action.

MY FEAR

The Chinese will read this and pick up the idea. They will implement it while we keep humping kerosene like cavemen to Siachen and revel in burning it in soot filled bukharis which will choke our lungs and continue to degrade our environment. The day Global Times puts out a video showing off their fuel cell deployment ahead of us will be a sad day for me.

Jai Hind.

-The writer was India’s DG Artillery. He is highly decorated and qualified with vast operational experience. He contributed significantly to the modernisation and indigenisation of Artillery. He is now a Professor in the Aerospace Department of IIT Madras and is involved in applied research for defence technology. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda

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HENSOLDT GROUP’S CORE COMPETENCE IS TO RECOGNIZE AND DETECT THREATS AND TO PROTECT END USERS

H

ENSOLDT has been pursuing innovative ideas which translate into technologies for the protection of forces across the globe and into a successful business for over 125 years. The company is present in Germany, France, South Africa and UK and having several global footprints including India.

The Indian Armed Forces have been undergoing rapid technological transformation to meet the ever expanding need of air superiority. HENSOLDT Group reaffirms its commitment to support the Indian Armed Forces by offering a state-ofthe-art ‘Make-in-India’ detect and protect sensors suite to improve ISR as well as the safety and operational effectiveness of Indian Helicopter platforms.

At Aero India 2021 we wish to highlight our flagship products for Indian Helicopter platforms in particular Airborne Missile Protection suite (AMPS), Maritime Patrol Radar (PrecISR 1000), Electro Optical Gimbal (ARGOS), Datalink (Lygarion), IFF Transponder (LTR400), ELINT (Kalaetron Integral), Data recorder (LCR), DVE Solutions and Mission Management System (Sensor agnostic) and to highlight our Integrated Airborne Solutions.

Our Integrated Airborne Solution (IAS) and sensor suites for helicopters provide l Reduced integration and certification risk for Tier 1&2 customers l Tailormade to customers needs l HENSOLDT to take responsibility not just for one single element, but to cover the whole mission chain providing the following customer benefits: l Guaranteed equipment interoperability l Reduction of complexity, time to market, risk and cost l One interface to the operator, improved ergonomics, harmonized HMI

l Reduction of operator workload l Interoperability during Joint / Combined Operations l Endurance of operational continuity 24/7 l Improved Situational Awareness in real-time l Continuous ISTAR SRV/RECCE product delivery during all mission phases l Extensive communication performance (Intra/Extra up to Joint/Combined, MUMT) l Highly optimized presentation of information with GIS tool and the use of HMD l Simplified and easy-to-use system design l Ensuring enhanced ISTAR capability (on-/off-board) l Considerable increase of ISTAR products and its distribution in a netted (non-) hostile environment (COMINT, ELINT, SIGINT, Radar images) Platform selfprotection by missile/IR sensors and counter action

Innovation is an essential part of our company DNA; for the benefit of our customers!

HENSOLDT is a pioneer of technology and innovation in the field of defence and security electronics with more than 150 years of heritage from companies like Carl Zeiss, Airbus, Dornier, Messerschmitt and Telefunken. Based in Taufkirchen near Munich, the company is a German Champion with strategic leadership positions in the field of sensor solutions for defence and non-defence applications.

HENSOLDT develops new products to combat a wide range of threats based on innovative approaches to data management, robotics and cyber security. With more than 5,500 employees, HENSOLDT generated revenues of €1.11 billion in 2019. HENSOLDT is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since September 2020, where it is part of the SDAX share index. www.hensoldt.net RAKSHA ANIRVEDA JANUARY - MARCH 2021

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RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

SECURITY COOPERATION

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INDO-FRENCH STRATEGIC COOPERATION NEED OF THE HOUR FOR REGIONAL STABILITY

IAF’s Rafale fighter aircraft

The enhanced Indo-French security co-operation offers an opportunity to address much wider issues, which would look into the present status of global order and define India’s status in international politics as well

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with French President Emmanuel Macron

By SRI KRISHNA

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n the South Asian region, India appears to us as a factor of stability,” said French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian in a speech on Indo-French Defence and Strategic Partnership in July 2013.

Indeed, India is seen as crucial partner to ensure a balance in the region irremediably dominated by an increasingly powerful and aggressive China.

The Chinese have in present situation, when the deadly COVID 19 virus which had its origin in Wuhan, started adopting a tough posture along the Sino-Indian border in Eastern Ladakh and South China Sea flexing its muscles on the maritime front.

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The partnership with India is therefore seen as a boon for France in order to weigh more on the front of strategic policies and the regional stability. Besides, the fight against International terrorism is a priority for both governments, considering that there has been increasing terrorist attacks in France while India has been battling this menace which is being encouraged by its neighbour – Pakistan.

It will be significant to note that Pakistan is carefully scrutinised by the French anti-terrorism services, due to which India appears as a key partner. The Minister of Defence of the French Republic Florence Parly affirmed that his country was “ready to share with India the military lessons drawn from its actions against terrorism. High risks exist beyond Mali in the other countries of the Sahel region and the entire geographic axis that runs from Pakistan to the North Atlantic.”

India has a big territory and must therefore deal with multiple threats on its borders, especially with China and Pakistan. These two neighbours have nuclear weapons and spend a large part of the State resources on military purposes.

So, France sees the defence partnership as an opportunity to become the official supplier of India, which has bought military equipment, aircraft (Mirage

A submarine on display during India-France joint patrol

2000), submarines (Scorpène class), and missiles. More recently, India bought 126 Rafale Multirole Medium Range Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for which negotiations had been on for several decades.

The first five aircraft have already arrived in India, and are to be deployed along the SinoIndian border. French President Emmanuel Macron’s 2018 visit to India oversaw the release of the ‘Joint Strategic Vision of IndiaFrance Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Macron recognised “the crucial role that the multi-dimensional IndiaFrance strategic partnership will play in ensuring peace, security and stability and in bringing robust economic growth and prosperity” to the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

This led to comparison with visit of American President Barack Obama in 2015, which saw the release of a separate statement on the “US-India Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region.”

However, the India-France statement focussed solely on the Indian Ocean and even identified France as a “State of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA),” given its overseas territories of

Boeing’s Chinook aircraft

La Réunion, Mayotte and French Southern and Antarctic Territories.

Another similarity between the trajectories of India-France and India-US ties has been the recent surge in defence trade. As per data from 2013-17 (compared with the previous five years), the US recorded an increase of 550 per cent in its arms exports to India.

In the same timeframe, France recorded an increase of 572 per cent. Hardly moving towards the envisaged dynamic of coproduction and co-development, the India-US case included India’s

purchase of platforms like AH-64E Apache helicopters and CH-47F Chinook helicopters.

But, in the French case, the surge came at the hands of India’s 2016 purchase of the Rafale multirole fighter aircraft and the reinvigoration of the delayed

FRANCE SEES THE DEFENCE PARTNERSHIP AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME THE OFFICIAL SUPPLIER OF INDIA, WHICH HAS BOUGHT MILITARY EQUIPMENT, AIRCRAFT (MIRAGE 2000), SUBMARINES (SCORPÈNE CLASS), AND MISSILES. MORE RECENTLY, INDIA BOUGHT 126 RAFALE MMRCA FOR WHICH NEGOTIATIONS HAD BEEN ON FOR SEVERAL DECADES RAKSHA ANIRVEDA JANUARY - MARCH 2021

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Indian Navy’s P-8I inflight

Project-75 for technology transfer of Scorpene submarines. France’s support on the latter has been critical, in view of the US having tight restrictions on the export of submarines, a reduction in India’s dependence on Russian platforms due to threat of sanctions, and China outnumbering India with its operational fleet of submarines.

In addition, Project 75 is at the core of the Modi government’s push to cement India’s position as a submarine building nation, in sync with its ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.

In late 2019, at an event hosted by the Observer Research Foundation, French Navy Chief Admiral Christophe Prazuck announced that India and France were in talks to hold Joint Patrols in the Indian Ocean.

Subsequently, early this year, the two nations conducted a Joint Patrol from the Reunion Island,

FINALLY, THIS TRAJECTORY OF INDIA-FRANCE PARTNERSHIP STEMS FROM SUBSTANTIAL POLICYLEVEL CONVERGENCES AND IS NOT MERELY THE PRODUCT OF NASCENT CONVERSATIONS AROUND EUROPEAN “STRATEGIC AUTONOMY” OR INDIA’S INTENT TO DIVERSIFY ITS PORTFOLIO OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS 30

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India, France Hold Annual Strategic Dialogue New Delhi. India and France held their annual Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on January 7. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval led the Indian delegation while the French delegation was led by Diplomatic Advisor to the French President Emmanuel Bonne. The last edition of the Strategic Dialogue was held in February 2020 in French capital of Paris.

The two sides held discussions on a variety of issues including counter-terrorism, cyber-security, defence cooperation, maritime security, regional and global issues and cooperation in the IndoPacific region. Both sides reaffirmed the high priority they accord to the India-France strategic partnership and highlighted the convergence of views between the two countries.

Following the Dialogue, Bonne also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, and met Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. He also addressed the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) on "France and India: Partners for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

During the meeting with PM Modi, the Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction on the progress both countries have made on key aspects of the India-France Strategic Partnership, including counterterrorism, cyber-security, defence and strategic cooperation, and other areas of cooperation.

Bonne also briefed the Prime Minister on India-France cooperation on various regional and global issues, including maritime and multilateral cooperation.

French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain was also present during Bonne-led meetings with Indian leadership.

with French Navy personnel aboard an Indian Navy P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft.

In addition, the India-France partnership has swiftly developed an appetite for lateral expansion, with the initiation of the IndiaFrance-Australia trilateral. Since its announcement by President Macron in 2018, the “ParisDelhi-Canberra axis” has been institutionalised with the three partners finalising agreements on reciprocal access to each other’s military bases.

This bears significance for extending cooperation to the eastern flank of the Indian Ocean.

In addition to France’s Reunion island, which provides access to the western/ southwestern Indian Ocean, partners will now have reciprocal access to the eastern/ southeastern Indian Ocean with Australia’s Cocos Islands (near the straits of Sunda, Lombok, and Ombai-Wetar) and India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands (which overlook the strait of Malacca). Finally, this trajectory of India-France partnership stems from substantial policylevel convergences and is not merely the product of nascent conversations around European “strategic autonomy” or India’s intent to diversify its portfolio of strategic partnerships.

India’s decision to conduct Joint Patrols with France and not the United States fits squarely within India’s precedent of practicing its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy for maritime cooperation. With France’s “resident power” status in the Indian Ocean, India then did not technically depart from its long-standing policy precedent.

Furthermore, one may argue, France’s engagement in the Indian Ocean stems from it having real ‘skin in the game.’ Wherein, its overseas territories render the region to be a matter of sovereignty

The then Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurating IFC-IOR at Gurugram

even for Paris. At the same time, the common prioritisation of the region does not seem to impede French acceptance of India’s natural providence over the Indian Ocean Region.

For instance, towards India’s gradual emergence as a net security provider in the region, India set up the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) to “engage with partner nations and multinational maritime constructs to develop comprehensive maritime domain awareness and share information on vessels of interest.” Headquartered in Gurugram, France was the first country to post its Liaison Officer at the IFC-IOR. India-France defence ties have stemmed from a complete alignment of outlooks. Both countries for instance, have long championed a definition of the Indo-Pacific which extends to the shores of East Africa.

The convergence with France has led to India expanding its footprint, with Paris reportedly facilitating New Delhi’s desire to post a Navy Liaison Officer at the

Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC) in Madagascar. In addition, in view of India’s continued interests in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, France is also expected to oversee India’s inclusion in the European Maritime Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz (EMASOH) — which is headquartered at the French military base in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The enhanced Indo-French security co-operation offers an opportunity to address much wider issues, which would look into the present status of global order and define India’s status in international politics as well.

The French have identified common interest with India in terms of defence, internal security and nuclear energy. This vision largely influenced in shaping the Strategic Partnership. The cooperation in defence has always been seen as a priority for the French government.

- The writer is a senior journalist and media consultant. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda

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GUEST COLUMN

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IAF’S C-295 TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT PROJECT HAS MANY LONG RANGE GOALS AMIT COWSHISH

T

he Ministry of Defence (MoD) seems all set to award the $2.5 billion contract for 56 EADS CASA C-295 transport aircraft to Airbus Defence and Space of Spain.

These aircraft will replace the Siddeley (HS) Avro-748 transport aircraft that have been in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) since the 1960s and are overdue for retirement. The exact stage at which the proposal is poised is unclear, but some media reports, quoting unnamed officials, indicate that the contract is awaiting financial approval and will be signed very soon.

The contract would require 16 aircraft to be delivered in a fly-away condition by Airbus within two years of its signing. The remaining 40 will be made in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in collaboration with, and with technology transfer from, Airbus and delivered to the IAF over the following eight years. There is a possibility of the Indian Coast Guard’s requirement of six aircraft being clubbed with the 40 aircraft to be made in India.

For Airbus it would be a bittersweet end to years of ambivalence on MoD’s part, not least because it has had little success

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The MoD’s decision to keep HAL out of contention for the project was an uncharacteristically bold move. The objective of this decision that later came to be known as the ‘Avromodel’ was to create a parallel capacity in the private sector to manufacture aircraft in winning defence contracts in India in recent years. Even the C-295 deal has gone through many crests and troughs. In 2014, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) – the highest decision-making body in the MoD on acquisition matters, headed by the defence minister – even questioned the need for acquiring the aircraft for which the tenders had been floated only the previous year after extensive deliberations. This was not the only turbulence faced by the project.

In October 2013, Praful Patel, then the Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises in the UPA government, had unsuccessfully questioned the MoD’s decision to keep the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) out of the project. The project ran into difficulty again when Airbus emerged as the sole bidder much to the MoD’s discomfort.

Some media reports even questioned the commercial viability of the project, ignoring the fact that the tender had been floated after the industry expressed a great enthusiasm for the project during pre-bid consultations with the IAF.

IT IS A SAD COMMENTARY ON INDIA’S DEFENCE ACQUISITION PROCEDURES THAT THE PROJECT TOOK ANOTHER SIX YEARS TO REACH THE PRESENT STAGE. STILL, THE AWARD OF THIS CONTRACT WILL BE A SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS

These hurdles were overcome in July 2014 when the late Arun Jaitley, then heading the DAC while holding the additional portfolio of defence, gave the go-ahead to proceed with the single bid that had been received from Airbus.

It is a sad commentary on India’s acquisition procedures that the project took another six years to reach the present stage. Be that as it may, the award of this contract will be a significant development for a variety of reasons.

First, keeping HAL out of contention for the project was an uncharacteristically bold decision on the MoD’s part. The objective of this decision that later came to be known as the ‘Avromodel’ was to create a parallel capacity in the private sector to manufacture aircraft. The Strategic Partnership Model (SPM) adopted by the MoD in 2017 has a similar objective, but its procedural complexity, and the government’s decision to rope in the public sector undertakings for some of the flagship projects, has steered the SPM away from its basic objective. The C-295 project scores over the SPM in this regard by letting in the private sector in a major

acquisition-cum-manufacturing project under the ‘Buy and Make’ category.

Second, it is an affordable project with the expenditure being spread over 10 years or more. The returns on this investment cannot be measured only in terms of the much-needed capability it will deliver to the IAF. Going by some reports, the indigenous content in the aircraft manufactured in India is expected to go up to 60%, which will benefit the smaller Indian companies in the project’s supply chain, apart from the invaluable manufacturing capability TASL, as the Indian Production Agency (IPA), would acquire in the process.

Third, the initial numbers may be small but as Airbus Chief Executive Dirk Hoke said last November, IAF’s requirement could eventually grow up to ‘at least 150 and beyond’ and the prospect of the aircraft being exported from India looked bright.

Considering that only 179 aircraft are currently in service in 15 countries, the claim may sound a bit ambitious, but it cannot be dismissed as fanciful.

It is ‘a new-generation tactical airlifter in the light and medium segment’, with a range of 2,000 nautical miles (with 6.0 tonnes of payload) and capability to remain airborne for 11 hours. It has a load capacity of 71 troops, 50 paratroopers and five pallets. These features make it a strong contender for replacing the IAF’s fleet of 132 Russian AN-32 transport aircraft in due course.

The C-295 aircraft can also be used for VIP transport, medical evacuation, and other humanitarian missions. Some experts believe that Airbus and TASL could jointly design a variant of the aircraft customised

for transportation and tourism.

Ultimately, it is the versatility and affordability of the aircraft that not only opens opportunities for it in India but also provides it a competitive edge in the export market. This should help the MoD achieve the ambitious export targets it has set for the Indian defence industry.

Lastly, this was the first case – and probably the only one so far – under the ‘Buy ULTIMATELY, and Make’ category in which IT IS THE the foreign vendors were VERSATILITY AND allowed to select an IPA AFFORDABILITY of their own choice from the private sector, subject OF THE AIRCRAFT to some bare minimum THAT NOT conditions being met. This ONLY OPENS was a sharp departure from OPPORTUNITIES the practice of the IPA being nominated by the MoD. FOR IT IN INDIA Although the procurement BUT ALSO procedure did not prevent PROVIDES IT A a private sector IPA being COMPETITIVE EDGE nominated, the MoD never gathered sufficient courage IN THE EXPORT to do so, opting instead to MARKET nominate one or the other defence public sector undertaking as the IPA in

‘Buy and Make’ cases to avoid any controversy.

Letting the foreign vendor select the IPA relieves the MoD of the arduous task of nominating an entity to undertake indigenous production. It also allows the vendors to choose their partners on commercial considerations rather than being forced into a tie-up they may not be comfortable with.

Though the provision allowing the foreign vendors to choose the IPAs was included in the Defence Procurement Procedure 2016 and is also a part of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, it is intriguing why the MoD has not made it the default option in ‘Buy and Make’ cases.

Looking back, the C-295 acquisition project was a pathbreaking move. It was affordable, ensured private sector participation in a big project, allowed flexibility to the foreign vendor in selection of the IPA, had export potential, and, above all, met the IAF’s requirement. Hopefully, there will be no further impediments.

– The author is Ex-Financial Advisor (Acquisition), Ministry of Defence

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With the challenges of a three-decade long development behind us, the IAF’s order of 123 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft from HAL forms the foundation for the Indian aerospace defence industry to transform into a major exporter

LCA-TEJAS: AGGRESSIVE EXPORT STRATEGY VITAL FOR ATMANIRBHARTA

By AIR MARSHAL M MATHESWARAN (RETD)

O

n 13th January, India’s CCS (Cabinet Committee on Security) chaired by the Prime Minister, cleared the procurement of 83 LCA Mk 1A for the Indian Air Force (IAF) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for Rs 48,000 crores. This follows the earlier order of 40 Mk 1 aircraft by the IAF, thus making a total of 123 aircraft production run for HAL. This order is the culmination of a long-expected demand for series production of the indigenous fighter aircraft and is a huge boost for the Indian defence industry.

With an increasing focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), the national leadership needs to ensure that this is just the beginning of a wellcrafted strategy. Aerospace capability is vital for India to become self-sufficient in critical technologies. The success of the manufacturing program of the Tejas is a vital national requirement.

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However, it is prudent to keep in mind a few lessons from the past to ensure mistakes are not repeated.

India’s first indigenously designed fighter, the HF-24, more than half a century ago was an exceptional achievement, given the state of technology and conditions that existed then. It was one of the best designs in the

world at that time but became a victim of the Cold War geopolitics as India faced technology denials, particularly for aero engines. Although the aircraft served the IAF well, it was handicapped by underpowered engines and was phased out prematurely in less than two decades of operations. Despite its well-proven design, there was a lack of strategic continuity of persisting with followup designs and upgrades. A further handicap was India’s self-defeating policy of banning armament exports.

Contrast this with France’s national strategy, articulated by its leaders immediately after 1945, wherein the defence industry and armament exports formed the most critical component of rebuilding their economy. The logic

was clear – defence industry and armament exports had a vital role in nation-building in terms of science and technology, education and skills, research and economic development. The French defence industry, which was dependent on American assistance and license production till the 1950s, achieved its complete self-reliance by the 1960s when they became a major exporter of arms to over 100 countries.

The Tejas has taken more than three decades to series production. With the challenges of long development behind us, the IAF’s order of 123 aircraft forms the foundation for the Indian aerospace defence industry to transform into a major exporter. The Tejas should form the linchpin of our export strategy. It is important to recognise the various factors that are present now that can work for this strategy. Some of these are: l The HF-24 was developed and manufactured entirely by HAL. Although HAL produced 143 aircraft, there was practically no participation by the private sector due to government policy, and hence an aeronautical ecosystem was absent. In contrast, the Tejas enjoys a completely different environment.

While HAL has played a major role in its development, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Ministry of Defence has involved over 500 institutions and private and public industries in the design and development process. This has ensured that today we have a vibrant ecosystem waiting to take off. lEarlier, there was neither an incentive nor any intention to work towards an export strategy. Thankfully, this policy has been reversed. An aggressive export strategy is vital for India’s technology growth and self-reliance. lIndia did not follow the principles of successive-variants approach to ensure continuity of development and upgrade strategy. It is vital that the Tejas program follows this strategy to ensure continued improvements and remain competitive. l HAL’s role as the overall system

ILLUSTRATION BY: ANGAD MAOLANKAR

THE ACE

integrator and the delegation of majority of the work to its subcontractors is a major transformation that is vital for success. It will allow HAL to focus more on product improvements, product support, and control over its supply chain. This will ensure it meets its timelines. lAdhering to derivative model strategy is the best way to ensure continuous refinement and upgrades. Besides, it allows the industry to build a huge database of user feedback. Mk 1 and Mk 1A are thus the right way forward. Similarly, Mk 2 and TEDBF are worthwhile developments as they derive their foundational design and proven technologies from the Tejas. Similarly, the AMCA development will benefit immensely from such a strategy.

If strategized properly in terms of cost, timely delivery and product support, the Tejas can become an excellent export prospect even though the global fighter market is ruthlessly competitive and is exceptionally difficult for new entrants. This requires an integrated effort that combines foreign policy, military diplomacy and aggressive defence marketing and cooperation.

Since the Mk1/1A incorporate critical

equipment that are of foreign origin (for example the GE engine), it makes eminent sense to create risk-sharing partnerships with these companies to ensure successful exports.

Effectively, this 4/4.5 generation aircraft should be pitched as the best value for money to a large number of countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America. While the Mk 1 and 1A becomes the most affordable and best value for money high-performance aircraft, the trainer by itself has immense potential. The Tejas trainer is an ideal aircraft for the LIFT (Lead-In Fighter Trainer) role for all air forces.

Export of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft is vital for the Indian aircraft industry and the establishment of a vibrant aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. A successful export strategy could result in a production run of 400500 additional fighters. This would energise the industry, develop a huge pool of highly skilled manpower, and boost the quality of Indian aircraft manufacturing. In turn, it would accelerate the development of nextgeneration aircraft such as the AMCA, UAVs/UCAVs, and maybe even the development of a bomber. In sum, export strategy for the LCA-Tejas must start at the earliest, now that the IAF’s order for 83 Mk-1As s a reality.

–The writer is an AVSM VM PhD (veteran), was the former DCIDS (PP & FD) at HQ IDS. He is the President of The Peninsula Foundation (TPF), a policy think tank based in Chennai

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SPOTLIGHT

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FUND SHORTAGE: INDIAN NAVY FACES HOBSON’S CHOICE BETWEEN THIRD AIRCRAFT CARRIER AND SSNs As the fund crunch persists, Indian Navy is left with Hobson’s choice of Third Aircraft Carrier or SSNs. However, both are necessary for the Navy to have following China’s aggressive expansionist stance in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean Region

By CMDE RANJIT B RAI (RETD)

F

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ollowing the incursion by China’s PLA into Ladakh in early 2020, India’s economic resources will be stretched to revive country’s economy after the deleterious effects of the Covid pandemic. India’s budget on February 1 will have to attend to the distress of the poor, but, the needs of national security must not be neglected. Security of the nation is the Sovereign’s first duty scripted into the Arthashastra.

It is also a fact of history, that the rise and fall of nations have a direct co-relation to their maritime power.

If India is to rise to its potential, it has to become a recognised maritime power even if India has a powerful land Army, and a potent Air Force with a missile force and nuclear arsenal for deterrence.

India’s security planners have to shed India’s traditional continental outlook and the Government should wisely allot funds to the Navy by scripting India’s national interests and think out challenges, especially those posed in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) via the collusion of China and Pakistan that the Army Chief Gen MM Naravane stated on January 15 on Army Day this year. That collusion is existent and growing.

India’s nuclear arsenal does

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provide deterrence against nuclear neighbours and, undersea nuclear power is the best form of nuclear deterrence which is provided by India’s fledging home built nuclear powered SSBN submarines led by 6,500 tonne INS Arihant (Slayer of Enemies) with 750 km nuclear tipped K-15/ B-05 missiles, and to be followed by Arighat (Blessed attacker) this year. The Navy’s surface combatants and aerial maritime power with P-8Is provide attack and surveillance capability, and the Navy is the best form of dissuasive action against nations to project power in peace and to show the flag. That is where an aircraft carrier like a mobile airbase plays an important role.

An aircraft carrier is a valuable military instrument to project tactical air power over distances

including air interdiction, antisurface warfare (ASuW), and offensive and defensive counter-air.

In operational scenarios, an aircraft carrier and SSBN submarine task forces invariably operate with submarine killer submarines (SSKs) with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) or submerged nuclear submarines (SSNs) in the fore with missiles. India’s Navy will need both is the message of this article and funds will have to be found.

(See strength of the PLA (Navy) in diagrams attached).

Lord Mountbatten, India’s Viceroy and Governor-General till August 15, 1947 who had commanded the victorious Allied South Eastern Forces in World War II and UK’s Chief of Defence Staff from 1959 to 1965, ensured that India was provided an aircraft carrier INS Vikrant with Sea Hawk fighters and Alize ASW planes in 1961 looking to the needs of maritime India. INS Vikrant played a vital part in the 1971 war in the East to hasten Pakistan’s surrender. Three aircraft carriers were included in the Navy’s first Naval Plan, as one for each coast and one in refit. But funds were never

provided for the three aircraft carriers and Navy’s budget, the lowest of the three services, has waxed and waned.

Presently Indian Navy is operating 43,500 tonne INS Vikramaditya (Ex refurbished Gorshkov) with short take off

MiG-29K fighters with a 14 degree ramp and recovery by wires, called a STOBAR carrier. From 1987 to 2017, the Navy operated the STOVL carrier INS Viraat combining short take-off with vertical landing Sea Harrier fighters. A 35,000 tonne STOBAR IAC-1 Vikrant is building

at Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) since February 2009 is awaiting sea trials. The Navy tried to design such a complicated big platform, instead of the tested Navy’s ‘leap frog’ principle to buy a design and then build future larger platforms on that design, as proved by the Leander INS Nilgiri in the 1970s bought out from Yarrow UK and the Arihant design from Rubin in Russia in the 1990s. Air Force has similarly struggled with the LCA and the Kaveri aero engine deigns and Army with the Arjun tank.

China’s PLA (N) has extensively bought and copied designs and employed Russian designers.

US Navy has 11 aircraft carriers.

China has two plus two more in building. UK has two and France and Italy have one each. Brazil, Russia and Korea are building carriers and navies are converting helicopter carriers to operate VSTOL F-35 JSF fighters. That is where the debate for acquisition of aircraft carriers and SSNs must begin in India as it has a direct corelation to the Navy’s allocation of the defence budget which Admiral Karambir Singh lamented has been slashed from 18 per cent to 13 per cent after the 2017 Doklam crisis. Orders for four LPDs were cancelled and submarines delayed.

IF INDIA IS TO RISE TO ITS POTENTIAL, IT HAS TO BECOME A RECOGNISED MARITIME POWER EVEN IF INDIA HAS A POWERFUL LAND ARMY, AND A POTENT AIR FORCE WITH A MISSILE FORCE AND NUCLEAR ARSENAL FOR DETERRENCE

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SPOTLIGHT

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INDIA & CHINESE NAVIES:

Increase in Tonnage of Successive DDG Classes

8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0

Rajput/Ranvir Class Visakhapatnam Class Luhai Class (Type 051B) Luyang-II Class (Type 052C)

Delhi Class Luda Class (Type 051) Sovremenny Class Luzhou Class (Type 051C)

Kolkata Class Luhu Class (Type 052) Luyang-I Class (Type 052B) Luyang-III Class (Type 052D)

CHINESE NAVY: GROWTH IN DDGs & FFGs 300000 China DDG China FFG

250000

200000

16 x Luda 02 x Luda 01 x Luhai 02 x Sovremenny 02 x Luhang-1 16 x Luda 02 x Luda 01 x Luhai 01 x Sovremenny

13 x Luda 02 x Luhu 01 x Luhai 04 x Sovremenny 02 x Lugyang-1 02 x Luyang-2 02 x Luzhou

7 x Luda 02 x Luhu 01 x Luhai 04 x Sovremenny 02 x Lugyang-1 06 x Luyang-2 02 x Luzhou 03 x Luyang-3

2 x Luda 02 x Luhu 01 x Luhai 04 x Sovremenny 02 x Lugyang-1 06 x Luyang-2 09 x Luzhou 12 x Luyang-3

150000

100000

50000 30 x Jianghu 04 x Jiangwei-1 10 x Jiangwei-2

29 x Jianghu 04 x Jiangwei-1 10 x Jiangwei-2 02 x Jiangkai-1

25 x Jianghu 04 x Jiangwei-1 10 x Jiangwei-2 02 x Jiangkai-1 07 x Jiangkai-2

12 x Jianghu 04 x Jiangwei-1 10 x Jiangwei-2 02 x Jiangkai-1 20 x Jiangkai-2

05 x Jianghu 04 x Jiangwei-1 10 x Jiangwei-2 02 x Jiangkai-1 24 x Jiangkai-2

0 2000

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2005

2010

In the early 20th century the saying went; “The Sun Never Sets on The British Empire,” and it was the capability of Britain’s maritime power that included aircraft carriers that enabled it to rule its Dominion from the seas including the Indian sub-continent.

Today India and Pakistan are maritime adversaries and both are endowed with maritime geography to exploit IOR and the Persian Gulf

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2015

2020

respectively, where 50 per cent of energy supplies of the world, flow.

In 1965 China settled its border with Pakistan by taking 3000 sq km of the Shaksgam Valley in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) with long term maritime ambitions to seek entry into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, called the Great Game. China for its use has built a port at Gwadar and is constructing a submarine base at Ormara as part

of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China has leased a captive port and jetty in Djibouti to challenge the Indian Navy’s prominence in the IOR as the net security provider.

As of writing, the Indian Armed Forces are on alert and engaged in defending PLA’s designs in Ladakh and in Bhutan’s Doklam since 2017. China has committed to supply warships and submarines to Pakistan to vitalise Pakistan’s maritime power and may even base aircraft carriers as floating bases and submarines in the IOR. That is Indian Navy’s challenge and strategic planning must begin with allocation of funds and plans to meet it. It takes years to build ships.

India has mastered building of conventional and nuclear submarines. Professor Gabler’s Design Institute at Kiel and Lubeck in Germany and Krilov near Moscow trained officers and nuclear crews at Vladivostok. It is with this confidence the Defence Acquisition Council in 2018 sanctioned six SSNs in Atmanirbhar, that Navy believes in and Vice Admiral P Bhasin, former DG ATV nuclear submarine project, has insinuated that a SSN design can be a variant of the S-2/ Arihant SSBN minus the vertical launched missiles. The displacement can be reduced to about 4,500 tonnes. As SSNs will not be available the continued leasing of more Project 971 Akula SSGNs like Chakra makes sense. Government has not released costs of nuclear submarines but data is available with ATV and MoD which claims India makes nuclear submarines cheaper than in other countries.

a large 65,000 tonne catapultassisted take-off carrier with arrested recovery (CATOBAR).

Navy began planning under USA’s Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) in earnest. Vice Admiral SPS Cheema as FOC-in-C West took a delegation to Ingalls Huntington Yard in New Port, USA where USS Gerald Ford was being completed. Media even named the IAC-II, Vishal as the decisions on propulsion--nuclear, electric or conventional were ongoing with aircraft selection.

RFIs for fighters and letters of request (LoRs) for designs to BAE Systems, DCNS, Lockheed Martin and Rosoboronexport were sent.

On May 31, 2016 Navy Chief Admiral RK Dhowan said the

Government was yet to freeze the design specifications. There was even speculation that USA may sell or lease India an aircraft carrier, but that could be in the confidential regime that BJP subscribes to. Unfortunately plans for IAC-2 and funds have been shelved by MoD and no progress has been made on six SSNs or an RFP for six SSKs putting the Defence Ministry in a Catch-22 situation to choose from.

As India moves towards power status, it will increasingly come under scrutiny by regional and extra-regional actors as the world’s largest democracy to decipher India’s strategic aspirations and intentions for partnerships. The QUAD is a

good indicator and on January 5, 2021 USA’s Assistant NSA Robert Obrien has declassified the 2018 Secret document titled US Strategy Framework for IndoPacific that depicts USA leans on India and Japan to contain China.

Now eyes are on President Biden’s China policy.

In conclusion, Indian Navy needs to be taken out of the Hobson’s choice it faces between an aircraft carrier and SSNs which means the choice becomes “no choice at all.” Navy needs both and long term funds must be found.

–The writer is former DNO and DNI and Curator of IMF Maritime Museum at C-443 Defence Colony (Basement), New Delhi. He is a prolific writer and commentator on naval issues. The views expressed are his own.

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THOUGHT POT

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INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS MUST FOR ‘BIG LEAP’ IN DEFENCE SELF-RELIANCE If we want private players in defence production to invest their money and talent on a long-term basis, then the Ministry of Defence must ensure a credible and stable ‘level playing field’ through critical policy reforms

By R. CHANDRASHEKHAR

T

he Indian defence sector was opened up to the private sector about two decades ago with the aim of achieving self-reliance in its requirements of defence stores. Yet, even to this day, the country’s dependence on imports to meet its shortfall in armament and defence equipment continues, with India still ranking among the world’s largest defence importers.

While several private players have no doubt entered the Indian defence manufacturing space, the sector remains largely government-controlled and incapable of meeting the requirements of its armed forces.

A lesson learnt from the experience of previous wars is that during a crisis India has been compelled to reach out to its partner nations for emergency supplies, and in such situations,

these countries have either not stepped up to meet our requirements or have charged us heavily for critically needed supplies. Such situations have the potential to limit foreign policy

options besides impacting the overall trade and commerce matrix.

A nation’s expectations from the defence industry are threefold: To ensure that its armed forces are at all times equipped to match the firepower of the adversary; that there are requisite surge capacities to sustain extended periods of intense operations; and, that the capacities and competencies of the industry are aligned to and developed in tandem with the requirements of future wars.

The need for institutional and policy reforms to bolster and streamline defence production is obvious. Despite a number of ‘reforms’ being initiated in the recent past, the question still remains as to why the ‘big leap’ in defence manufacturing seems a distant dream. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors that continue to impede the effective growth of the defence sector. In this backdrop, it is imperative to identify and address the fault lines in the governmentindustry meeting ground. Some of these are discussed below:

WORK CULTURE IN THE MOD HAL’s LCA Tejas

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Defence production is a longterm commitment in terms

of both investments and time.

The need is to nurture longterm partnerships for results to fructify. Countries like the US, UK and France who are leading in defence manufacture have developed an ‘inclusive’ culture of their governments working with the private sector. An ambience of mutual trust and frequent exchanges to identify and resolve emergent issues is necessary and needs to be institutionalised. Every collaborative endeavour needs to be viewed as an individual opportunity and such issues specific to that contract must be addressed on a case-by-case basis with provisions for leeway to resolve specific matters rather than through application of general rules and regulations. In effect, the procurement process needs to be more open, industry-friendly and professionally managed.

NEED FOR CONSISTENCY IN POLICIES

Every change in government brings its own set of new policies, and therefore, like in every other ministry, the MoD too has a plethora of policies with scope to change goal posts frequently and in an unexpected manner.

The Raksha Udyog Ratnas (RURs) policy came up in 2006. Then there was the ‘Make-1’ policy followed by the Strategic Partnership initiative.

The crux of all these policies was to create private sector ‘Champions’ who can compete with the Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) that are already champions. However, the RUR was discarded and ‘Make-

DRDO 155mm x 52 Cal ATAGS

1’ followed, which too is effectively discarded now. Therefore, if we want private players in defence production to invest their money and talent on a long-term basis, then a credible and stable ‘level playing field’ is a requisite.

HARNESSING INNOVATIONS

As far as innovation in defence production is concerned, the potential of the private sector to achieve manufacturing excellence has to be tapped. The Defence Innovation Organisation and the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence), in particular the recently announced iDEX-2 are ambitious initiatives to select and incubate start-ups. However, the process of commercialisation and award of long-term contracts need attention in the context of harnessing private talent.

DESPITE A NUMBER OF ‘REFORMS’ BEING INITIATED IN THE RECENT PAST, THE QUESTION STILL REMAINS AS TO WHY THE ‘BIG LEAP’ IN DEFENCE MANUFACTURING SEEMS A DISTANT DREAM

NEED FOR A LONG-TERM VENDOR POLICY There is no long-term vendor policy for defence PSUs (DPSUs) at present. Mostly, policies are oriented towards short-term or annual tenders. So, there is only that much and no further that a manufacturer would invest into a short-term procurement. Without stable, long-term vendor policies, joint ventures with world class companies are next to impossible and also become a roadblock for the industry being integrated into the global value chain. The need is for DPSUs to have strategic

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THOUGHT POT

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private sector – L&T, Bharat Forge (Kalyani Group), Private Shipyards (ABG, Reliance) etc., which remain under-utilised. The overarching principle in the government’s approach to the private defence sector should be to consider such production capabilities in the country as ‘national assets’.

NEED FOR AN ‘INDIAN DEFENCE FINANCE CORPORATION’

WITHOUT STABLE, LONG-TERM VENDOR POLICIES, JOINT VENTURES WITH WORLD CLASS COMPANIES ARE NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE AND ALSO BECOME A ROADBLOCK FOR THE INDUSTRY BEING INTEGRATED INTO THE GLOBAL VALUE CHAIN partnerships with MSMEs to build a world-class ecosystem.

CAPABILITY MAPPING

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It is a known fact that the ‘Make1’ initiative did not take off on the expected and much-flaunted lines. The reason for that being bureaucratic lethargy and policy flaws. For instance, take the case of an ammunition manufacturing contract being outsourced to the private sector but which later got caught up in red tape. Even the share price of the prospective company shot up when the proposal was announced, but nothing much materialised on the ground. Such situations have the potential to dissuade other prospective investors and must be

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avoided at all cost. And that will be possible only with a comprehensive capability mapping of the private sector.

STOP IMPORTS WHERE MANUFACTURING CAPABILITY EXISTS

It is a well known fact that we are still importing some products for which manufacturing capability exists within the country. There is a need to identify such items and their imports should be discontinued after incentivising local capacities. The negative list of defence import items as drawn up by the MoD requires to be expanded with corresponding measures to promote local production of those items.

PRODUCTION UNITS BE CONSIDERED AS ‘NATIONAL ASSETS’

To take the ‘enhance local capabilities’ argument further, the fact is that there are an impressive number of national assets in the

By its very nature, private production cannot sustain unless cash flows are maintained. The MoD has substantial pending payments to the private industry.

By modest estimates, roughly Rs 2 lakh crores is the fiscal requirement of the ministry to put in place a sustainable defence industrial infrastructure with requisite capacities. Suggestions have been made from the industry to create an Indian Defence Finance Corporation on the lines of the Indian Railways Finance Corporation that can raise money through bonds. By making the bonds redeemable over 10 years or so, the government could facilitate funding to achieve self-reliance by helping the industry through its take-off stage.

It needs no emphasis that the MoD’s quest should be to build up capabilities for effective national security, a cause that brooks no delay. Both the government and the private sector must realise and understand the criticality of the core purpose of their joint endeavour. The time has also come for an apex-level guidance document on National Security that would form the basis for planning by all stakeholders to make their decisions and draw up roadmaps.

-The writer is a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).

Views expressed are his own.

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MUSINGS FROM RUSSIA

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AT 20 INDO-RUSSIAN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FALLS VICTIM TO HOSTILE NARRATIVES

Russian M-35 fighter jet

As we see once claimed to be pride of Indian diplomacy – Indo-Russian strategic partnership has become a prey of rival, mutually-exclusive narratives with little exposure of facts in the public domain and a bilateral summit postponed due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and slow decision making process has benefited India’s detractor like Pakistan and China

By VINAY SHUKLA

F

or the first time since year 2000 when they entered into Strategic Partnership, India and Russia skipped their annual summit last year, which was also the 20th anniversary year of the declaration signed in New Delhi in October that year during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s maiden visit to India. Despite the global disruption due to COVID-19 pandemic, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Moscow twice to attend the Red Square parade to mark the 75th anniversary of Soviet victory in the Eastern Europe during WW-II in June, and later to participate in conference of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers in September.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin

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In the back-to-back meeting of foreign ministers of SCO External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar visited the Russian capital. On the sidelines of these conferences they also had one to one talks with their Chinese counterparts amid standoff of their armies in the Himalayas, which checked the further escalation of confrontation between New Delhi and Beijing along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Many observers had

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Russia

Ka-226T

Kalashnikov gun

lauded it as Moscow’s mediation effort between its two strategic partners. It was indicated that the regular bilateral summit will take place in October during President Putin’s India visit.

On October 7 last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called President Putin to greet him on his birthday and expressed his readiness to welcome the Russian leader in India at the earliest for annual summit held alternatively in both nations.

“Prime Minister expressed his keenness to welcome President Putin in India, as soon as possible after the normalisation of the public health situation,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in New Delhi said in a statement.

These are verifiable facts. Here begins the narrative at times hostile to Indo-Russian Strategic Partnership which in 2010 was adorned with “Privileged” to single it out when Moscow

Kalashnikov AK-203 automatic rifle

and New Delhi signed the declaration in 2000, it was only one strategic partnership, later almost every nation started to use term ‘strategic partnership’ in bilateral relations.

Senior BJP MP Dr Subramanian Swamy in an OP ED published by Sunday Guardian in October declared that Russia is not a friend of India and cannot be trusted in confronting China.

This publication unleashed a flood of narratives and counternarratives, in a statement Russian ambassador Nikolay Kudashev declared that his country is not only a friend of India but also a ‘soulmate’ on the backdrop of growing speculations about Moscow-Islamabad-Beijing axis.

However, a media report quoting a “source” claimed that irked by New Delhi’s stand on US-led Quad of Australia, India and Japan – Moscow has cancelled the summit. In his annual press

conference for the international media on January 18, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov said he was aware of the discourse in India over his earlier statement on Quad, mostly among Prime Minister Modi’s critics. The two sides may not always meet eye to eye, 100 per cent on all issues but the leaders of both nations have wisdom to overcome any difficulties.

“I know that in India this issue is very actively discussed.

And I know that India is not going to move this IndoPacific cooperation in a way that would be not positive and not constructive. I say so in much detail because some of my previous statements on this issue have been widely discussed in the Indian media which I believe is not very friendly towards the Indian government, but we don’t want any misunderstanding with our friends, the Indian people: we are friends with India. We are doing our utmost to make sure that India and China, our two great friends and brothers, live in peace with one another,” Russian Foreign Minister underscored.

“I am sure we will have deeper strategic partners in future…

Originally, it was strategic partnership, later (2010) on India’s request it was renamed

“I AM SURE WE WILL HAVE DEEPER STRATEGIC PARTNERS IN FUTURE… ORIGINALLY, IT WAS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP, LATER (2010) ON INDIA’S REQUEST IT WAS RENAMED ‘PRIVILEGED’ AND WITH THE MODI GOVERNMENT ‘SPECIAL’ WAS ADDED TO ITS TITLE” Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

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MUSINGS FROM RUSSIA

S-400 Air Defence System

PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN WANTS A RESULT ORIENTED SUMMIT BUT SOME OF THE DEFENCE DEALS INCLUDING JOINT PRODUCTION OF 200 KAMOV KA-226T MULTI-ROLE UTILITY HELICOPTERS FOR THE INDIAN ARMY AND IAF SIGNED IN 2015 AND JV FOR THE PRODUCTION OF LATEST VERSION OF KALASHNIKOV AK-203 AUTOMATIC RIFLES ARE STILL HANGING IN BALANCE. EARLIER PM MODI AND PUTIN HAD AGREED TO JOINTLY INAUGURATE RIFLES PLANT AT KORWA DURING RUSSIAN LEADER’S INDIA VISIT

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‘privileged’ and with the Modi government ‘special’ was added to its title,” Mr Lavrov noted that it covered the whole spectrum of bilateral ties including defence and technology.

Sources in Moscow observed that summit between Indian and Russian leaders could not be held online due to the sensitivities of issues usually discussed at the highest level. It is noteworthy that due to Covid-19 restrictions in both countries high-level Russian delegations led by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister could not visit New Delhi to finalise economic and defence cooperation agenda. President Vladimir Putin wants a result oriented summit but some of the defence deals including joint production of 200 Kamov Ka226T multi-role utility helicopters for the Indian Army and IAF signed in 2015 and JV for the

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production of latest version of Kalashnikov AK-203 automatic rifles are still hanging in balance.

Earlier Prime Minister Modi and President Putin had agreed to jointly inaugurate the rifles plant at Korwa (UP) during Russian leaders India visit for the summit.

However, the Russian military industrial complex, unlike the Soviet centralised MIC is mostly corporatised and delays in closing commercial contracts has financial impact on its shareholders and one can often see stories planted in private media advocating sale of hi-tech weapons to Islamabad as India is fostering and deepening defence ties with the US. Leading business daily the Vedomosti proposed to offer Pakistan the weapon system rejected by the Indian armed forces such as MiG35 fighters and S-400 air defence system if New Delhi succumbs to US CAATSA threat.

“Exclusive consideration of the military-political interests of India was possible as long as India was equally exclusive with commercial interests in Russia.

However, all this does not mean that Moscow should not take into account Indian interests at all On the contrary, Russia must

enforce compliance with the highest degree of delicacy of the current military balance between India and Pakistan. For example, you can confine ourselves to offering Pakistan only those weapons systems, the purchase of which were refused by the Indian military, considering them not good enough for the armed forces of their country. These can be MiG-35 fighters, Mi-28 combat helicopters of various modifications, short-range antiaircraft systems,” Dr Konstantin Makienko, Deputy Director of Moscow-based private defence think-tank Centre for Analyses of Strategies and Technologies (CAST) wrote in Vedomosti which in 1999 was launched as a JV between the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times.

As we see once claimed to be pride of Indian diplomacy – IndoRussian strategic partnership has become a prey of rival, mutuallyexclusive narratives with little exposure of facts in the public domain and a bilateral summit postponed due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and slow decision making process has benefited India’s detractor like Pakistan and China. Fishing in muddy waters the various quarters here to some extent have been successful in strengthening the narrative that India has betrayed strategic partnership with Moscow and Russia has no alternative to forging stronger alliance with Islamabad and Beijing. This would remove restraints in sharing top of the line defence technology with China like Iskander missiles and potent air defence systems to Pakistan, still withheld due to possible use against India.

Probably this is the aim of the subtle campaign to leave India high and dry.

- The writer is a Moscow-based independent analyst. Views are personal.

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THE LONG SHOT

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DRONE SWARMS: THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN WARFARE

Advances in drone swarming, the next evolution of robotic warfare, are mostly classified, though governments have given glimpses of their progress over the years.

The question is not if, but when and where drone swarms will be utilised as part of a mature concept of operations (ConOps)

By SAMEER JOSHI

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OMETH THE SWARM: In early January 2018, Russian operators manning the extensive air defence (AD) network at Russia’s Khmeimim air base in western Syria spotted 13 incoming drones at low level. As the Russians engaged these drones with EW and SHORAD (Short Range Air Defence) systems, it was clear to them that they were witnessing a new genre of a collaborative drone attack.

The Russians shot down seven drones and jammed the remaining six in the nick of time. While the Islamic State and Afghan Taliban have used drones to deliver explosive payloads, the failed attack on Khmeimim that evening was disturbing to close observers of drone warfare as the first recorded instance of a mass-drone attack by non-state actors in a combat operation. More drone attacks happened on the Russian facilities in Syria all through 2018, 2019 and 2020, with over 150 drones disabled by Russian AD in Syria till date.

On 14 September 2019, over two dozen massed drones in two waves attacked the state-owned Saudi Aramco oil processing facilities at Abqaiq and Khurais. Analysis of satellite images of the Abqaiq facility before and after the attacks showed 19 individual strikes. What was noteworthy is that the Saudi air defence, including the potent MIM-104 Patriot and Crotale NGs missiles failed to stop these waves of drones and cruise missiles. This demonstrates how a group of drones and cruise missiles coming from multiple directions can escape undetected for long and overwhelm conventional air defences.

While the US and Israelis have extensively used drones in varied

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operational roles over the years, a glimpse of how warfare could evolve in future with the use of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) was truly highlighted

by Turkey in Syria and Libya, and by Azerbaijan against Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh war in 2020. The coordinated usage of armed drones and loitering munition (also known as a suicide drone or kamikaze drone) against tanks and air defence systems via electronic networks was very effective. This was especially showcased in the Azerbaijani strikes to knock down Armenian S-300 and SHORAD networks, as well as 200 plus military vehicles in the tactical battlefield area (TBA). This engagement is an order of magnitude higher from similar Russian use

of UAVs in Ukraine from 2014 onwards, where networked UAVs working with Russian ground based offensive weapons systems were able to eliminate major Ukrainian army columns and supply depots. With the world taking note of these milestone events where smaller nations are exhibiting advanced warfighting capabilities, the military drone use will expand rapidly, dominated by rampant induction of surveillance and attack UAVs across the globe.

Here Israel, Turkey, Russia and China are providing an effective and alternate industrial base to challenge the domination of the West in proliferation of advanced drones and allied technologies.

However, the drone assaults on the Khmeimim air base and Saudi oil facilities, as well as coordinated use of drones in Ukraine, Syria, Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh display early flashes of evolution in future aerial warfare towards the concept of what is known as drone swarming. In particular, the mass drone attacks on Russian forces in Syria have highlighted the rampant danger that unmanned aircraft in a group increasingly pose, even in the hands of non-state actors. Such small drone teams, collaborating

Improvised UAVs with PETN bomblets were used to attack Russian targets in Syria as part of a swarm

together, offer a game-changing capability for not only larger nations like the US, Russia and China, but also small nations and non-state players, who will use the drone swarms in a highly asymmetric role. Significantly, low-cost unsophisticated drones working together and aiming for target saturation through numbers impose a high cost penalty on the air defence elements. While defences may be able to fend off a handful of these improvised drones executing a very loosely coordinated attack, a near peerstate competitor can field a much advanced, denser, more nimble, adaptable, and networked force.

DEMYSTIFYING DRONE SWARMING

So what exactly is a drone swarm?

Swarm robotics is an approach to the coordination of multiple autonomous robots as a system which consists of a large number of mostly physical robots, controlled by minimal human intervention.

These exhibit collective selforganising (SO) behaviour through interaction and cohesion between robots, as well as interaction of robots with the environment.

Massive swarm drone strike on Saudi oil facility demonstrates destructive potential of autonomous weapons in the hands of non state players

Swarming algorithms are empowered by biological studies of swarm behaviour of insects, fishes, birds and animals. Swarming R&D across the world is focussed on development of distributed artificial swarm intelligence capability, commodification of technology for lesser cost impact and increasing state of autonomy between the agents in a swarm. While massed drones in spectacular light shows are all controlled centrally, in a true swarm each of the drones flies itself following onboard AI to maintain formation and avoid collisions with algorithms mimicking nature – there is no true leader and follower, with all agents in a swarm having their own ‘mind’ and able to undertake collective decisionmaking, adaptive formation flying, and self-healing. The benefit of such a swarm is that if one drone drops out — and a few appear to crash — the group can rearrange itself to continue undertaking the mission till the last UAV in air.

Over time, as militaries have incorporated greater communications, training and organisation, they were able to fight in an increasingly sophisticated manner, leveraging more advanced doctrinal

An Armenian S-300 SAM battery near Stepanakert (inset) showing damage from a mass drone strike by Azerbaijan’s Israeli made Harop loitering munition UAVs

forms, with each evolution superior to the previous. Today militaries predominantly conduct manoeuvre warfare.

Here swarming would be the next evolution in warfare – with the swarms exhibiting the decentralised nature of melee combat, along with the mobility of manoeuvre warfare. They have varied levels of autonomy and artificial intelligence. The autonomy extends military reach into the well defended battle space, operating with greater range and persistence than manned systems; while artificial intelligence ensures dangerous and suicidal missions, thus allowing more daring concepts of operation (CONOPs). Both provide greater success in face of

IN A TRUE DRONE SWARM EACH OF THE DRONES FLIES ITSELF FOLLOWING ONBOARD AI TO MAINTAIN FORMATION AND AVOID COLLISIONS WITH ALGORITHMS MIMICKING NATURE – THERE IS NO TRUE LEADER AND FOLLOWER

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THE LONG SHOT • • • • •

Highly decentralized nature of melee combat Mobility of manoeuvre High degree of self organization and cohesion Allows a large number of individual elements/agents to fight collectively Has different organization and communication requirements than manoeuvre warfare-since the number of simultaneously manoeuvring and fighting individual elements is significantly larger.

Characteristic of a drone swarm

increased threat levels and rapid penetration of contested airspace.

This switch to the unmanned is happening all across the world.

And the most preferred route for delivery of kinetic and non-kinetic payloads is via air. Traditionally, in airpower-heavy militaries like the US, air operations have relied on increasingly capable multi-function manned aircraft to execute critical combat and non-combat missions over the decades. However, improved adversarial abilities to detect and engage these aircraft from longer ranges are driving up the costs for vehicle design, operations and replacements. Thus the ability to send large numbers of small unmanned air systems (UASs)

Swarms exhibit the decentralized nature of melee combat, along with the mobility of manoeuvre warfare.

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Drone Swarms exhibit biological behaviour to maintain cohesion and self-healing ability

with coordinated and distributed capabilities could provide militaries across the world with improved operational footprints at a much lower cost. These, embedded with manned elements, will effectively saturate adversary targets as a ‘system of systems’.

Here, Manned and Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) acts as a forcemultiplier with autonomy and collaboration and the warfighter’s role transforming to commanding, rather than controlling a swarm.

Once unleashed, an armed and fully autonomous drone swarm (AFADS) with distributed AI will locate, identify, and attack targets without human intervention.

While new technologies and in particular AI and edge computing

will drive drone swarms, the key element is still going to be the swarming software. Collaborative autonomy with emergent swarming software has developed rapidly and is proliferating in all segments of drone swarm research and testing, as well as next generation unmanned loyal wingman programs.

MILITARY SWARMING ACROSS THE WORLD

The US is the world leader in swarm technology and has commenced a host of swarming UAV and munition initiatives. It demonstrated the Perdix swarm in 2017. A trio of F/A-18 Super

Loyal wingmen will work as swarms and will be commanded by manned platform through MUM-T protocols

Hornet fighters release a total of 103 Perdix drones in air. The drones formed up at a preselected point and then headed out to perform four different missions.

Three of the missions involved hovering over a target while the fourth mission involved forming a 100-meter-wide circle in the sky. The demo showed Perdix’s collective distributed intelligence, adaptive formation flying, and selfhealing abilities.

There are many uses for such a drone swarm. The drones could be released by fighters to provide reconnaissance for troops on the ground, hunting enemy forces and reporting their location.

They could also jam enemy communications, form a wide-area flying communications network, or provide persistent surveillance of a particular area. They could be loaded with small explosive charges and attack individual enemy soldiers. In air-to-air combat, they could spoof enemy radars on aircraft, ground vehicles, and missiles by pretending to be much larger targets.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the US has also showcased the X-61A Gremlin air launched drones. The idea behind DARPA’s Gremlins program is to turn cargo aircraft like the C-130 into a mother-ship capable of launching and retrieving swarms of small drones. This would open up a world of possibilities to the military, allowing deployment of swarms of small, inexpensive, reusable drones with different sensors and payloads from legacy aircraft. The US Navy and Marine Corps’ Low-Cost UAV Swarming Technology (LOCUST) program, which fires small UAVs from a tube-based launcher to conduct a varied class of missions, is another swarm development underway.

The US Army is also working on drone swarms and Reinforcement

The X-61A Gremlin air launched re-usable asset will have a variety of swarm UAV roles teaming up with legacy planforms like C-130 and recovered back in air

THE IDEA BEHIND DARPA’S GREMLINS PROGRAM IS TO TURN CARGO AIRCRAFT LIKE THE C-130 INTO A MOTHER-SHIP CAPABLE OF LAUNCHING AND RETRIEVING SWARMS OF SMALL DRONES

The Perdix Swarm UAS demo in 2017 is a significant capability demo

Learning (RL) based AI algorithms for use in TBA in multi-domain battle scenarios, where swarms will be dynamically coupled and coordinated with heterogeneous mobile platforms to overmatch enemy capabilities.

The US is also experimenting with collaborative smart munition delivery using the Cluster UAS Smart Munition for Missile Deployment where the payload can be launched and deployed from a GMLRS or ATACMS platform. The payload consists of multiple deployable smart UAVs capable of delivering small

explosively formed penetrators (EFP) to designated targets. The USAF’s Golden Horde – part of the Vanguard initiative to develop next generation offensive technologies – will network munitions like Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) together to operate cooperatively after launch according to a set of predetermined rules and thus increase effectiveness.

Further, the USAF’s ‘Skyborg’ initiative aims to design and deploy an artificially intelligent fleet of loyal wingman unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAV). The Kratos XQ-58A, the Sierra 5GAT &

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THE LONG SHOT

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A Kratos X-58A Valkyrie loyal wingman flying with F-22 and F-35 manned fighters

Russia’s S-70 Okhotnik loyal wingman with a Su-57 fighter

Boeing’s ATS are undergoing development trials as part of the Skyborg initiative. These will operate as swarms in MUM-T mode, flying at high speed alongside fighter jets and carrying missiles, ISR and EW technology.

The aircraft will be expected to target and shoot down enemy aircraft and survive against SAMs in contested airspace.

On the other hand, the UK may have the world’s first operational swarm drone unit by the middle of 2021 to perform tasks including suicide missions inside enemy lines and overwhelming adversary air defences. The Royal Air Force’s No. 216 squadron has been tasked to test and deploy future drone swarm capability. The UK has also announced the Project Mosquito, which is a part of the RAF’s Lightweight Affordable Novel Combat Aircraft (LANCA) unmanned loyal wingman program. This aims to fly a networked unmanned wingman by 2023.

The UK has also tested an autonomous swarm of drones each carrying a variant of Leonardo’s BriteCloud expendable active decoy as an electronic warfare payload. Using the BriteClouds, which contain electronic warfare jammers, the drones were able to 52

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launch a mock non-kinetic attack on radars acting as surrogates for a notional enemy integrated air defence network.

Airbus in France also has demonstrated for the first time collaborative remote carrier (RC) wingman technology towards the Future Combat Air System (FCAS)/ Systeme de Combat Arien du Futur (SCAF) program.

The Russians have had extensive experience operating collaborative drones and countering the same in Ukraine and Syria. The last decade has upscaled UAV efforts in Russia and it aims to induct a large component of robotic vehicles in its military by 2025. It has an initiative called the ‘Flock 93’, which aims to operationalise a highdensity swarm in coordinated saturation strike missions. Originally proposed by the Zhukovsky Air Force Academy and private industry, the concept involves simultaneously launching more than a 100 drones, each armed with a 5.5 pound warhead. The Russians have also tested the S-70 Okhotnik UCAV in loyal wingman roles with its fighter jet fleet to penetrate adversary air space. A lighter loyal wingman project with the designation Grom has also been unveiled by Russia in 2020. The Russians are aware of the lead in swarm autonomy which the US and China have, and are engaged in R&D and product development initiatives to close the gap in these niche areas in the coming decade.

The Chinese are the closest in matching the high-density drone swarm capability of the US and in many ways are replicating the US R&D initiatives with development of AI empowered autonomous drone swarms. Recently, the China Academy of Electronics and Information Technology (CAEIT) tested a 48 x tube launched drone swarm of CH-901 UAVs. The CAEIT in the past has demonstrated a 200 unit drone military swarm in 2017. Chinese companies have also demonstrated impressive swarms of 1,000 plus drones using quad-copter-type drones for large public displays, which however are ground-controlled and do not have distributed intelligence.

The Chinese are undertaking integration of their existing UAV fleet in a robust collaborative autonomy role with the military.

It also has a loyal wingman AVIC 601-S ‘Anjian’ under development, which will operate with the fourth and fifth generation PLAAF fighters platforms. Whatever the goals and state of China’s drone swarms developments are, its capability and potential threats are definitely real and evolving rapidly.

Other nations developing swarm technology are Israel, where details on such initiatives are closely guarded. However, given the nature of Israeli operational UAV usage over the years, there are reasons to believe that it is matured and has been deployed on its fleet of UAVs and loiter munitions, some of which have been proven disabling Syrian AD networks. Interestingly, IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) offers a smartphone-based swarming command and control capability for worldwide sales.

Turkey, which has proven mature MALE UAV capabilities in Syria and Libya through locally made platforms like the TB-2, also has various swarm drone

initiatives. Primary amongst them is the Kargu quad copter, which can be employed in kinetic attack roles in the TBA. Iran is another middle-eastern nation that has used drones in groups operationally. Iran has embraced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as a major pillar of its military strategy.

Iranian authorities use drones for two main purposes: surveillance and attack.

Iran has the ability to conduct missions over the horizon and in most weather conditions. These include drones with the ability to drop bombs or launch missiles and return to base and ‘kamikaze’ drones that seek targets of opportunity.

Iranian authorities have had more success with the latter as was visible in the Saudi oilfield strikes in 2019, where Iranian made drones and cruise missiles were used. While baseline collaborative autonomy may be available, both Iran and Turkey may not have true distributed intelligence ability amongst their swarms. But their efforts are a clear indication of how the technology is maturing and proliferating.

INDIA’S SWARM DRONE ODYSSEY

In India, the Indian Air Force has been pioneering swarm drone research & development with its Meher Baba initiative since 2019. This is geared towards in-depth humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. On the other edge of the spectrum, the Indian Army showed off a mature offensive capability with a swarm of 75 autonomous drones with distributed intelligence and edge computing, destroying a variety of simulated targets with kamikaze attacks during India’s Army Day parade in New Delhi in January 2021.

In the demo, scout drones investigated the targets, then attack and mother-ship drones released payloads and explosiveladen kamikaze drones, which carried out the attacks. Western commentators noted several significant features of the Indian Army demonstration comparing it to the US effort around drones, which often emphasises a large homogenous swarm.

An artist impression of the HAL ALFA-S air launched swarm drone system

They pointed out India’s work, which showcased a heterogeneous swarm effort for the first time in the world in public using a ‘system of systems’ approach while employing a large variety of low cost drones, as the probable way forward in this domain.

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India has unveiled the Air Launched Flexible Asset (ALFA-S) air launched swarming drone system as part of its next generation Combat Air Teaming System (CATS). This is a unique program that utilises a network of air launched remote carriers and swarming units to penetrate contested airspace. The USAF’s Air Force Research Laboratory is collaborating on aspects of the ALFA-S with India. Another component of HAL’s CATS program is the Warrior loyal wingman asset. This is geared for air defence and offensive strike missions and will be employed in a MUM-T role with India’s Tejas LCA and the upcoming AMCA fifth generation combat aircraft.

What is noteworthy is that India is well driven by the power of indigenous research and the government’s Make in India push to embrace disruptive technologies that are at par with similar efforts happening across the world.

DRONE SWARMS: THE FUTURE IS NOW

It is pertinent to note that while drone swarms may not be ready as an end state

“INDIA IS WELL DRIVEN BY THE POWER OF INDIGENOUS RESEARCH AND THE GOVERNMENT’S MAKE IN INDIA PUSH TO EMBRACE DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES THAT ARE AT PAR WITH SIMILAR EFFORTS HAPPENING ACROSS THE WORLD ‘product’, proliferation of basic swarming technology is inevitable in the coming decade across the world. Here, advances in drone swarming, which is the next evolution of robotic warfare are mostly classified, though governments have given glimpses of their progress over the years. The question is not if, but when and where drone swarms will be utilised as part of a mature concept of operations (ConOps).

Swarming ConOps, a red herring for most nations, can only be matured with clinical and robust field trials utilising hundreds of heterogeneous swarming units. It is this ‘scale and associated cost’ borne by the end user that will determine a dynamic adoption, meaningful operationalisation and acceptable timelines of induction towards exploited usage of swarms as true agents of warfare. It is here that countries like the US and China have a distinct advantage over the rest of the world towards deployment of swarm drone capabilities across the spectrum of missions, at a scale that will tilt the balance in their favour in the digitally contested airspace of tomorrow.

–The writer is an Ex IAF Mirage 2000 fighter pilot who writes on Aerospace & Defence subjects

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STRATEGIC DIPLOMACY

Strategic agenda of SAARC should be proper policy formulations for the security of entire region and combated effort to restrict fundamentalism and expansionism

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RE-EVOLVING SAARC WITH A STRATEGIC VISION

By SHIBDAS BHATTACHARJEE

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uring the two World Wars as well as in the Cold War era, formation of blocks and axis of nations got enhanced. The saga has been continuing in some form or other. Formation of South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) was such an effort to bring the nations of the sub-continent on common platform. Established in 1985, SAARC has completed more than 35 years. This is true that the organisation was formed keeping in view non-military requirements of the member nations. But the incidents like former USSR intervening Afghan affairs enhanced the process of formation of SAARC considering larger security issue of the region.

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Similarly, in the formation of SAARC, former Bangladeshi President Ziaur Rahman who is considered one of the prominent strategists and diplomats of that era took a pivotal role although President Rahman was assassinated before the official formation of SAARC. The reason Pakistan became a part of this organisation is also very important.

Pakistani leadership looked the effort of formation of SAARC as an India-dominated block against Pakistan. Chemistry between Bangladeshi President Ziaur Rahman and Pakistani President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq was an important reason. Actually, Ziaur Rahman dictated Pakistani policy at that time. Similarly, considering all-weather friendship between China and Pakistan, Beijing also wanted Islamabad to be a part of the organisation so that interests of China remains secured in South East Asia.

This prelude is important as this outlines the fact that although mutual co-operation among different SAARC nations is said to be the prime reason behind formation of the organisation, strategic agenda of some nations like Pakistan and China and agenda of the ambitious leader like Ziaur Rahman played important role in the evolution of SAARC that we know today. This is not wrong if these factors were behind formation of this block. Every nation has legitimate right to address strategic agenda. But point is: SAARC as an important block of the region has never responded to the strategic issues and concerns of the region and its larger interests so far.

SAARC has been playing the monotonous string of civil cooperation since inception, which has already become irrelevant in the changing global order.

This demands necessary coursecorrections. In fact, in this age of open economy, investment by large nations and other related activities, economy of underdeveloped and developing nations has achieved at least minimum security. But the economic agenda of the large nations posing substantial threat to the strategic interests of the region. Security interests of different SAARC nations are

getting challenges from Pakistan and China. Beijing-Islamabad nexus is a threat for entire civil society of the region including that of Pakistan as well. All these demand SAARC to be pro-active and the organisation needs to calibrate effective strategic agenda.

After all, co-operation becomes meaningless if threat of larger magnitude remains unaddressed.

Now what should be the strategic agenda of SAARC? Well, strategic agenda of this organisation should be proper policy formulations for the security of entire region and combated effort to restrict fundamentalism and expansionism. In fact, all stakeholders are facing the challenges to build security shield against the terror activities going on in the name of religion.

Similarly, for the SAARC nations, Chinese strategy of expansion and dominating internal affairs are viable challenges. It has been India, which has raised these issues so far. But all member States of SAARC need to heed the reality that India’s stand in this context is logical and farsighted one.

However, the given situation puts more responsibility on India’s shoulder in case of making larger consensus in this context. However, here question will arise “how?”

In fact, all the stakeholders of SAARC shares common value and legacy with India. Except Pakistan, India has maintained steady relationship with other member States and apart from historical legacy, there are factors like democracy, human rights, mutual co-operation, understanding and

SECURITY INTERESTS OF DIFFERENT SAARC NATIONS ARE GETTING CHALLENGES FROM PAKISTAN AND CHINA. BEIJINGISLAMABAD NEXUS IS A THREAT FOR ENTIRE CIVIL SOCIETY OF THE REGION INCLUDING THAT OF PAKISTAN AS WELL. ALL THESE DEMAND SAARC TO BE PROACTIVE AND THE ORGANISATION NEEDS TO CALIBRATE EFFECTIVE STRATEGIC AGENDA

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STRATEGIC DIPLOMACY

SAARC AS A MULTI-LATERAL ORGANISATION CANNOT REMAIN SILENT SPECTATOR. AGENDA OF SAARC; ENSURING MUTUAL BENEFITS CAN NO LONGER BE HARNESSED WITHOUT A PROPER STRATEGIC ROADMAP TODAY. SAARC IF NOT NATO CAN FOLLOW THE FOOTPRINT OF EU, ASEAN, ARAB UNION AND QUAD

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others bring other parleys nearer to India. In this context, present regime of Bangladesh can be a reliable comrade of India. After all, India was the real architect of Bangladesh that boldly took stand in favour of Bangladeshi masses against autocratic rule of Pakistan.

Under the rule of present democratic regime of Bangladesh, the country has evolved afresh and with new image. Countries like Nepal and Bhutan are virtually heaving on Indian oxygen. India contributed a lot in stabilizing Sri Lanka and Maldives. Both these island nations seem gradually

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understanding the formidable risk and the larger intensity of taking shelter in the lap of China and providing Beijing opportunity to make strategic inroads particularly in the vulnerable Indian Ocean Region (IOR). India made lot of endeavoures and sacrifices to rebuild war-ravaged Afghanistan.

Even a section in Pakistan, particularly liberal community living there ratify India’s stand.

After all, it will be wrong to see Pakistan only through the prisms of puppet civil regime, army and the ISI. Perhaps, this was the reason

Prime Minister Modi invited all the SAARC leaders to his swearing in ceremony in 2014. However, things have not materialised so far. But during this time, India improved relationships with almost every nation and evolved as an important stakeholder in global strategic affairs. India’s special relationship with US, EU, Britain, Africa and the organisations like ASEAN and QUAD in particular can deliver larger mutual benefits to all the SAARC members. Hyping on zero tolerance against terrorism will hardly suffice. Similarly, stand against insurgency and congenial relationship with China cannot co-exist as China always tries to penetrate Left-wing extremism in the periphery.

Naturally, SAARC as a multilateral organisation cannot remain silent spectator. Agenda of SAARC; ensuring mutual benefits can no longer be harnessed without a proper strategic roadmap today.

SAARC if not NATO can follow the footprint of EU, ASEAN, Arab Union and QUAD. All these organisations emphasise securing economic needs and aspirations with strong strategic presence. Therefore, initiation should be made with reaching consensus among SAARC nations. India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Afghanistan together must make combated effort. This will send clear message to rest of the SAARC members and China as well. There are possibilities, and need to identify potentialities which will help SAARC evolving afresh; a viable strategic block enabled to face new age challenges to enlarge the scope of co-operation addressing basic needs of member States and larger strategic and security interests of the region.

–The writer is a Guwahati-based strategic affairs expert. The views are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda

RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

RAZER’S EDGE

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SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1948, THE MODERN STATE OF ISRAEL HAS CONDUCTED SEVERAL MILITARY OPERATIONS, APART FROM FIGHTING SEVEN RECOGNISED WARS IN THE COMPLEX ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT

HALTING THE DRAGON’S

MARCH THROUGH UNCONVENTIONAL MEANS For months now, Indian armed forces have hunkered down to tackle any military situation with China at the border in Ladakh. It’s a stalemate that could end in war or a strategic retreat by the aggressor. But as history has shown, China only understands force. Can India and its allies deliver a crippling blow to the dragon and rewrite its Art of War manual?

By RAMESH S.

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o deal with a bully, you have to look him in the eye. And, sometimes, give him a bloody nose as well. Much has been written about the Chinese “endgame” in Ladakh – about how the dragon may be plotting something bigger; about how India also holds a few aces up its sleeve; or how the Indo-Pacific grouping of the Quad will eventually encircle China and trap it in a cul de sac; and so on and so forth. But all this is in the realm of speculation. At the end of the day, it’s a war of nerves between two large militaries face-to-face in the freezing terrains of the Himalayas.

What happens next is anybody’s guess, but a bit of the chronology first. As the situation escalated suddenly in mid-June last year, resulting in casualties on both sides in the Galwan Valley, India moved the obvious pieces on the chessboard – military, diplomatic and trade actions – in a bid to halt the dragon’s march. But did India also move some invisible pieces on the chessboard, just in case? We will never know.

What we do know is that the

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world can’t take a full-fledged war in this day and age, anywhere.

Technology has turned the concept of conventional warfare on its head, where any future war or even a short-duration localised conflict would mostly be contactless, hi-tech and furious in intensity. The full might of infantry, mechanised units, air and naval power, along with satellite and cyber space, will come into play only when that ‘localised theatre’ expands or

spirals out of control into a longdrawn conflict. In this context, some strategists say the Chinese aggression can be halted through collective and collaborative efforts of global powers. The formation of the Quad and the war game exercises in the South China Sea and the Malabar naval drills in Indian waters are a pointer in that direction.

At the same time, these strategists do not rule out the possibility of joint efforts by the CIA, Mossad, RAW and other agencies to spring some unexpected blows to China. As a clue, they cite Israel’s clinical operation to eliminate Iran’s top nuclear scientist recently. Israel, which has always maintained that a nuclear Iran is a threat to its existence, neither denied nor accepted responsibility for the November 2020 assassination of 59-year-old Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.

But the fact remains that at least

five top Iranian nuclear scientists have been eliminated since 2010, and Teheran has always blamed arch enemies Israel and the US for these targeted killings.

So what does the Israeli method achieve, you may ask, and how is it relevant in the IndiaChina context? First, when Israel “removes” a high-ranking Iranian nuclear scientist, it results in a

setback to Teheran’s clandestine uranium enrichment programme by several years. The killing of a top scientist also creates a sense of fear and dissuades the second rung from joining the state’s nuclear bomb project. Besides, think of the morale of the enemy’s armed forces when a tiny nation clandestinely knocks out your top brains one by one.

To be fair, the Israeli example is an extreme one when compared with the deep states of other global powers. The covert involvement of the CIA, KGB and MI6 in regime changes on foreign soil and tackling global terrorists and arms and drug syndicates are well documented in spy fiction and films. But none of that compares with what the Israelis have done to protect their statehood. Since its establishment in 1948, the modern state of Israel has conducted several military operations, apart from fighting seven recognised wars in the complex Arab-Israeli conflict. Its most famous Operation Entebbe, a counter-terrorist rescue mission by the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) at Entebbe airport in Uganda on 4 July 1976 to save over 100 Jewish hostages and crew of Air France flight 319, has been glorified in half a dozen films and documentaries.

Until recently, not much was known about Israel’s numerous covert operations to neutralise terrorists and enemy targets in the Arab world. But the advent of online streaming platforms gave the world a glimpse into the clinical precision and ruthlessness of the Israeli secret services with the making of Fauda (Chaos), a TV series based on real-life events that premiered in 2015.

More recently, a New York Times bestseller, Rise And Kill First-The secret History of Israel’s Targeted Assassinations, by journalist and military analyst Ronen Bergman,

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RAZER’S EDGE claims to be the first definitive history of the Mossad, Shin Bet, and the IDF’s targeted killing programmes.

While the book itself is pretty exhaustive, the cover descriptor is good enough to give a sense of what it captures: “From the beginning of its statehood in 1948, protecting the nation from harm has been hardwired into Israel’s DNA. Targeted assassinations have been one of the most frequently used weapons that its armed forces and intelligence community have relied upon to thwart the most serious threats... tells the riveting inside story of the targeted killing programs: their successes, failures, and the moral and political price for the men and women who executed the missions.”

IN HOW MANY WAYS AND HOW MANY FRONTS WE DEAL WITH THE CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER OF THE CHINAPAK NEXUS, WILL BE A MATTER OF PURE SPECULATION

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“With revelatory accounts of key operations, Rise and Kill First is based on hundreds of unseen sources, from prime ministers... to high-level figures in the country’s military and intelligence services: the IDF (Israel Defence Forces), the Mossad (the world’s most feared intelligence agency), Caesarea (a ‘Mossad within the Mossad’ that carries out attacks on the highestvalue targets), and the Shin Bet (the internal security service that implemented the largest assassination campaign ever,

to counter suicide terrorism).

Bringing us deep into the heart of Israel’s most secret activities, Bergman traces, from statehood to the present, the gripping events and ethical questions underlying Israel’s targeted killing campaign – which has shaped the Israeli nation, the Middle East and the world.”

The Israeli example above was only to illustrate the lengths to which a nation can go to protect its sovereignty. So where does India stand on this front? How much depth do we have? What is our past record in covert operations? In how many ways and how many fronts we deal with the clear and present danger of the China-Pak nexus, will be a matter of pure speculation. But suffice to say, over the years, India has developed and mastered the art of deception to be ranked among the best. Apart from a formidable military power, we have the Special Forces and a plethora of intelligence agencies, both military and civilian, to safeguard a country with such vast borders as ours.

Head to head, machine to machine and missile for missile, we can match up to China and Pakistan in a two-front conventional war. We will not venture into the nuclear option here, as the end result is well known, where nobody wins. So what is the X-factor that will save the day for us? It has to be the killer Special Forces units and the counterintelligence wings.

Let’s look at some of the ‘invisible pieces’ on the chess board to get an idea of the game at play and where it is going.

Whatever little has come out in media reports, merely hint at the deployment of the Indian Army’s lethal Special Forces (SF) in forward locations in Ladakh.

These reports came out last

July, after the Galwan incident.

Whether the SF will be given any operational role remains to be seen, but their acclimatisation in the forward areas provides an option to the politico-military leadership, given their function as a strategic deterrent. Like most Special Operations Forces (SOF), the operational details of India’s SF are also kept in the dark.

Given their growing importance in foreign policy, the evolution of India’s SOF has been discussed in a 2016 study paper published by Brigadier Deepak Sinha (Retd.) and Ramesh Balakrishnan in the Observer Research Foundation, an independent public policy think tank based in New Delhi. The two authors have defined SOF as “all those forces that are especially selected, organised, trained and equipped for tasks that have an impact at the strategic level and are beyond the remit of conventional forces.”

Last July, ORF researcher Siddhant Hira wrote an article based on the 2016 ORF issue brief on the employment of India’s special Operations Forces. Here he described their categories of operations as follows: “Special Operations Forces conduct ‘clandestine’ and ‘covert’ operations. Clandestine means military operations while covert is intelligence operations.

Military operations involve reconnaissance, surveillance and ‘direct action’, the details of which are eventually released to the public. Intelligence operations, however, include ‘snatch and grab’ and assassination operations that cannot be attributed to any actor.”

The ORF article lists the various Special Forces units under different wings of the military and civilian security establishment as follows: “Each service of the Indian Armed

EACH SERVICE OF THE INDIAN ARMED FORCES INCLUDES A SPECIAL FORCES COMPONENT: THE MOST COMMONLY UTILISED IS THE ARMY’S PARACHUTE REGIMENT – PARACHUTE (AIRBORNE) AND PARACHUTE (SF)

Forces includes a Special Forces component: the most commonly utilised is the Army’s Parachute Regiment – Parachute (Airborne) and Parachute (Special Forces).

Similarly, the Navy has the Marine Commandos (MARCOS) while the Air Force has the Garud Commando Force (Garuds). The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has the National Security Guards (NSG) under it, whose Special Forces components include the 51st and 52nd Special Action

Groups (SAGs), the former for counterinsurgency and the latter for anti-hijack operations.

There is also the Special Frontier Force (SFF) controlled by India’s external intelligence agency – the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) – reporting directly to the Cabinet Secretariat, under the control of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).”

So, this is what we have and this is what we are capable of. And we are not factoring in the faceless and nameless elements that are perhaps already deployed for their unconventional role in countering the dragon’s expansionist agenda.

-The writer is a senior journalist and a Consulting Editor with Raksha Anirveda.

The views expressed here are his own

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INSIGHT: MIL-TECH

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SECURING INDIA THROUGH FUTURISTIC AND DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES Meeting our National security objectives despite these gaps and our budget constraints require that most cost-effective technologies must be selected that create maximum multiplier effect for our military, and most debilitating effect on our adversary by threatening its most valuable assets Indian Army soldiers guarding at LAC

By RAJESH UPPAL

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ndia’s security threats range from ‘two-and-a-half’ front war comprising of coordinated aggression by Pakistan in the West, China in the North and internal insurgencies in J&K, North East and Maoist / Naxalite violence, growing Chinese Navy activities in the Indian Ocean and COVID-19 pandemic. While India is effectively dealing with challenges of Internal Security, Pakistan and COVID-19, it requires effective strategy to counter China which has large economic, military, technological and manufacturing lead over India, and emerging as Global leader in many military and commercial technologies.

Meeting our National security objectives despite these gaps and our budget constraints require that most cost-effective technologies must be selected that create maximum multiplier effect for our military, and most debilitating effect on our adversary by threatening his most valuable assets. We require Quantum jump in innovation and speed of innovation to develop cost effective, offensive and defensive

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multifunctional platforms, weapons and systems, adaptive against counter strategies.

India’s ASAT testing provided deterrent to China counter-space capabilities, which needs further enhancement to MEO & GEO orbits, killer microsatellites and Directed Energy Weapons development.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space robotics will enable both defensive and offensive capabilities.

China’s deployment of Stealth Fighters requires System of System solution to detect and guide missiles including VHF / UHF/ L-Band Phased Array Radars on AWACS, UAVs and Mobile platforms. China’s large arsenal of missiles requires matching with our long-range, loitering missiles and Vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft.

China’s large drones and drone swarms are grave threat. India has already demonstrated Antidrone systems, thrust on counter drone swarm technologies development like long-range high-power microwave directed energy weapons.

Chinese naval threat including submarines require multi-static sonar, AUVs for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), swarm of smart mines, swarm of small missile boats, and swarm of Missiles to sink Aircraft carrier that will

threaten its Naval presence in Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Chinese border incursions require development of long range non-lethal weapons to warn advancing PLA soldiers, for example Stun grenades launched from drones, microwave weapons to make them dizzy and sick and millimeter wave weapons to cause burning sensation.

Artificial Intelligence, the biggest military multiplier in all domains of warfare, needs application in every weapon, platform, Network, and from Soldier to Military enterprise. AI integrated with 5G and Military Internet of Things (IOT) will enable smart bases, soldier healthcare, battlefield awareness, C4ISR and fire-control systems. In fire-control systems, sensor networks with digital analytics will enable fully automated responses to real-time threats and deliver firepower with

pinpoint precision and Networked Munitions to track mobile targets or be redirected in flight.

Ever-increasing cyber-attacks and cyber warfare campaigns demand development of Autonomous Cyber AI for Defence and AI-driven extreme cyber weapons. Electronic Warfare systems adaptive against threats, scalable from Jamming to Electronic Attack to target Space, Ground and Sea targets using land, air and sea-based platforms while hardening our own platforms and weapons.

Future Soldiers require enhanced lethality, survivability, situational awareness and network capability including wearable nano sensors, mixed reality goggles, integrated teams with unmanned ground and Air vehicles including manportable swarming munitions.

Intelligent multi-domain capability integrated into platforms,

DRDO’s ASAT system

weapons, and C4ISR Networks generating automatic intelligent responses, attacking adversary in its most vulnerable areas, and overcoming counter-measures.

Thrust on propulsion technologies including electric, hypersonic and nuclear will be enabler of Next generation platforms and weapons in all domains. New materials and electronics and that can function in extreme environments such as Hypersonic flights, Deep-space environments. Metamaterials are enabling military sensors, antennas, optical, radar and acoustic cloaking, and wireless charging.

China is competing against US

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INSIGHT: MIL-TECH

for full range of Quantum domain i.e. Quantum (Communication, Computers and Sensors). This includes race for Quantum supremacy in Quantum computers which cost hundreds of billions of dollars, and whose military utility is yet to be established. Indian Military for maximum multiplier effect needs to provide thrust

INDIAN MILITARY FOR MAXIMUM MULTIPLIER EFFECT NEEDS TO PROVIDE THRUST ON QUANTUM SENSORS INCLUDING QUANTUM RADARS TO DETECT STEALTH AIRCRAFT, QUANTUM MAGNETOMETER FOR SUBMARINE DETECTION AND QUANTUM COMMUNICATIONS FOR TAMPER PROOF BATTLEFIELD COMMUNICATIONS. ALL EXPENSIVE TECHNOLOGIES LIKE QUANTUM COMPUTING NEED TO BE PURSUED THROUGH INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS WITH OUR ALLIES TO REDUCE COSTS 64

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on Quantum sensors including Quantum radars to detect stealth aircraft, Quantum magnetometer for submarine detection and Quantum Communications (QKD) for tamper proof battlefield communications.

All expensive technologies like Quantum Computing need to be pursued through International collaborations with our allies to reduce costs.

Commercial technology innovations drive and precede military innovations by many years. One way to enhance the speed of innovation is to start early in exploiting Cloud computing, 5G, big data analytics, autonomy, robotics, photonics, synthetic biology, 3D printing

to quantum technology. Military needs to act while these emerging technologies are launched commercially, importing and making them available to Indian Scientists to develop their military use cases as well as develop countermeasures.

For example, emerging Terahertz technologies will provide revolutionary capabilities including Secure 6G communications, Chemical and Biological Agent detection and anti-stealth ultra-wideband radar. Countermeasures include jamming Terahertz, fooling AI, damaging quantum communications by laser. New Countermeasure centre needs to be established to access military impact of every new commercial technology and dissecting every adversary system and developing effective countermeasures against them.

Neuro-cognitive technologies enhancing our Soldiers combat effectiveness physically, perceptually, and cognitively and degrading adversaries.

Synthetic biology for biological and chemical defence, bioproduction of military drugs, materials, food, fuels, and sensors to gene manipulation for building super soldiers.

3D printing to manufacture parts, ammunition, drones, naval vessels, fighter aircraft to food and human organs and Implementing Industry 4.0 and Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) in Defence Industry is need of the hour.

Ultimately, in Defence exports, if Chinese exported weapons have poor quality, we need to develop Quality as a weapon. –The writer is Founder Director of International Defense Security & Technology Inc., a non-profit organisation in San Jose California (www.idstch.com). He was also Director (System analysis, Safety, Quality and Reliability), DRDO, New Delhi. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda

RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

IN CONVERSATION

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OUR APPROACH OF “VALUE PROPOSITION” TO INDIA INCLUDES PRODUCTION & TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FOR DOMESTIC NEEDS: RAFAEL PRESIDENT AND CEO What is the importance of the Indian market for Rafael?

For over 20 years, RAFAEL has stood side-by-side with India and its armed forces, and has regarded the Indian industries and the various branches of the military as partners. As such, RAFAEL has provided the most advanced systems that give India the much needed force multiplier to carry out its missions in facing current and future challenges. The systems that Rafael provides are combat proven and integrate easily with Indian military platforms.

Rafael has a rich history of collaboration with India’s defense industries, resulting in multiple joint ventures, subsidiaries, and strategic tie-ups with leading DPSUs. These partnerships, over past two decades, have led Rafael to invest over US$250 million in the country through its Make in India initiative.

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oav Har-Even is President and CEO of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd (RADS). Before joining Rafael in 2015, he served in Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for 34 years in various capacities including the Head of IDF’s Operations Directorate. Prior to that, he was commander of the 319th Division and head of the GOC Army Headquarters.

In an exclusive interview to Arie Egozi, International Roving Correspondent, Raksha Anirveda, Yoav HarEven, President and CEO of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd, threw light on Rafael Defense’s strategic tie ups in India, and the company’s futuristic plan of expansion to be in sync with Make in India program. Edited excerpts:

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Can you tell us what is the total annual value of Rafael in the Indian market?

We are not able to provide numbers, however I can say that our activity is cross-service, and that we have received orders for a variety of solutions required to address current and future needs of the Indian military, and that we are doing so in full cooperation with the different entities involved, as well as with our industrial partners in the country.

How is the company getting ready for further tightening of the Make in India policy? Are activities such as the establishment

Rafael Spyder Air Defense System

of subsidiaries in India planned within this framework?

Rafael has been a longstanding defence partner of India and has displayed in action its growing interest in Make in India. It has already shown its commitment to local production, knowledge transfer and industrial cooperation, having already worked with different branches of the Indian armed forces and Indian security institutions and been successful in providing them with state-of-theart systems in various operational contingencies, including air-to-air, air defence, ATGMs, targeting and reconnaissance pods, SDR communication etc.

Over time RAFAEL has also signed joint venture contracts with leading Indian defence companies like Kalyani Group (KRAS) and Astra Microwave (Astra Rafael Communication System).

These strategic technology partnerships and joint ventures have led towards substantial and effective transfer of technology

RAFAEL HAS A RICH HISTORY OF COLLABORATION WITH INDIA’S DEFENSE INDUSTRIES, RESULTING IN MULTIPLE JOINT VENTURES, SUBSIDIARIES, AND STRATEGIC TIE-UPS WITH LEADING DPSUS. THESE PARTNERSHIPS, OVER PAST TWO DECADES, HAVE LED RAFAEL TO INVEST OVER US$250 MILLION IN THE COUNTRY THROUGH ITS MAKE IN INDIA INITIATIVE

Armed Force’s personnel in action with SPIKE ATGM

to India, enhancement of local production and skills, building and working on projects with superior calibre, and have laid the necessary infrastructure to facilitate export activity. This kind of activity has widened supply chains, and is playing an important role in supporting India’s economic stance, especially post-Corona, creating employment, and bolstering its efforts to become a significant exporter of technology.

Will Rafael be willing to transfer technologies to India?

Not only is Rafael willing to do so, it has actually done so, and was the first international company to transfer technology to India.

Rafael continuously works to form JVs and industrial cooperation in line with the Make in India policy. Rafael has been working steadily to create Technology Partnerships or

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IN CONVERSATION

Kalyani Group CMD Baba Kalyani with Rafael Defense executive during an agreement

NOT ONLY IS RAFAEL WILLING TO DO SO, IT HAS ACTUALLY DONE SO, AND WAS THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL COMPANY TO TRANSFER TECHNOLOGY TO INDIA. RAFAEL CONTINUOUSLY WORKS TO FORM JVS AND INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION IN LINE WITH THE MAKE IN INDIA POLICY

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Joint Ventures with major Indian companies to address various projects and has created structures to ensure technological transfer to India, which will also serve as an important pillar in propelling India to be part of a global export supply chain.

Our approach of “Value Proposition” to India includes Production & Technology transfer for domestic needs and along with our partners we are exploring potential export markets.

In what sections of the Indian market does Rafael see the biggest potential?

India presents immense potential in every techno-military aspect, and Rafael is there to address these needs and requirements, spanning from air defense, with systems such as the SPYDER, tactical missiles for all services and platforms, ground, air and naval, with our SPIKE ATGM’s, broadband communication with the BNET SDR technology, aerial systems ranging from airto-air missiles to ISR and attach

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pods (Reccelite and Litening), air-to-ground munition (SPICE) naval systems to provide 360 degree protection for vessels, including the Barak 1 naval defense system, and many more.

One of our advantages is the ability to tailor-make solutions to match the user’s specific requirements, and the ability to deliver our products quickly, without making any quality compromises.

Has there been greater competition in the Indian market recently, especially from American companies that have realized the potential?

Competition has been intense for many years now, and certainly now with defense budgets becoming less certain for the coming years, companies all over the world are competing for their share in the international market, and that obviously includes India. Rafael is well-positioned due to more than 20 years of cooperation with our Indian partners, our diverse portfolio, which makes us a reliable one-stop-shop, and of

course our willingness and proven track record of establishing local cooperation in the way of technology transfer and local manufacturing.

Is India a potential market for upgrades and if it is how is the company getting ready to enter this section of the market?

There is certainly going to be an upward trend in countries leaning towards upgrading their platforms, and less procurement of new platforms. This was true before COVID-19 and it has been amplified due to the crisis.

Rafael’s track record in platform upgrades is well-known, and in the past few years we have been selected for a number of upgrade programs around the world, both for helicopters and land-based platforms. Our rich portfolio, along with our multi-disciplinary engineering capabilities, experience and local presence (JVs), offer significant value both in terms of dialog with the user, and our ability to tailor-make solutions to fit their requirements.

RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

FUTURE WAR : THE EMERGING TREND

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other hostile actions designed to weaken a state. Strategic futurists have speculated that this may take the form of cyber attacks from unidentified sources, engineered economic crisis, bio-warfare or even manmade natural disasters.

Thus, it’s safe to presume that a nation may be at war without even knowing about it and also not knowing precisely who the enemy is. Contemporary wars require a much more integrated use of all elements of national power. They may last longer than previous wars, involve more civilian casualties and entail rapid action by combatants. Some of the key factors of future conflicts are highlighted below:

War may not be an obsolete concept, as some analysts suggest, but there is certainly a massive shift in the nature and spectrum of war. Moreover, the relevance of military might as a “Force of Deterrence” will never be obsolete

HIGH-TECH WAR: The

next war will be high tech and

A PARADIGM SHIFT IN NATURE AND SPECTRUM OF FUTURE WARS

By MAJ GEN C.P. SINGH (RETD)

N

ew Delhi. War has been the most effective instrument of national power for furthering national interests. When we talk about future wars, we must realise that there is a profound distinction between the wars of the past, present and future. Though greatly prepared with the revolution in military affairs, most of the armies may face future wars as unprepared.

If we assume that war will remain a complex and minimally predictable event, the structures and tactics we employ will enjoy greater success.

Revolution in military affairs in the last few decades dictates that the spectrum of war needs to be reassessed 70

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so that the devastation caused by war can be correctly visualised by decisionmakers, before taking the hard decision.

RELEVANCE OF WAR Looking back to the origins of human warfare, it’s clear that conflict was deeply related to protection of home or family, and subsequently for tribes or nation state dominance. After the Second World War, the national boundaries have almost been firmed in and there are very few disputed borders in the world with exceptions like India having unresolved borders with Pakistan and China. Using force to alter frontiers is

emerging technologies could prove revolutionary. Artificial Intelligence is going to alter the decision-making to a great extent.

Future military commanders may be armed with “psychotechnology” to alter the beliefs, perceptions, and feelings of enemies. The coming decades are also likely to see the proliferation of robots around the world and in many walks of life. Future developments will have robots advance to the point of combat use, challenging human resources in war fighting.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS WILL HAVE ROBOTS ADVANCE TO THE POINT OF COMBAT USE, CHALLENGING HUMAN RESOURCES IN WAR FIGHTING

an outdated concept in the 21st century. Some analysts even suggest that the concept of war itself is obsolete. In my view, though war is not obsolete, there is certainly a paradigm shift in the nature and spectrum of war. However, the relevance of military might as a “Force of Deterrence” will never be obsolete.

PARADIGM SHIFT IN WARFIGHTING

The opening decades of this century have revealed that, in principle, war has become unattractive not only politically but also economically for the developed countries. Let’s take a look at the nature of future conflicts in the 21st Century. The opening salvos of future wars may not be armed attack, but a range of

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FUTURE WAR : THE EMERGING TREND UNPRECEDENTED DEATH AND DESTRUCTION: One

thing is a certainty that the fire and fury in the next war will be of a very high intensity. The rapid pace of technology in war fighting will take future wars to the next level of destruction.

The high intensity of future wars where lethality is delivered with high precision will result in heavy devastation The enormity of this destruction has to sink into the decision makers, aided by various models and statistics because war should be avoided at all costs. It’s easier to start a war but very difficult to then control and end it.

BLENDING CONVENTIONAL, IRREGULAR AND CYBER WARFARE, HYBRID WARFARE CAN BE USED TO DESCRIBE THE FLEXIBLE AND COMPLEX DYNAMICS OF THE BATTLE SPACE

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MULTIDIMENSIONAL INTEGRATED WAR: The

nature of modern and future wars makes it imperative to fight in an integrated manner.

The future armed conflicts will be raging in a battlefield ranging from sea to aerospace. The Navy and Air Force will, therefore, be vital components of the next multidimensional war. Modern warfare necessitates waging battles in an integrated manner with structures created to support such a strategy. True jointmanship would lead to synergised military effectiveness and maximisation of combat power. An enhanced level of jointness amongst the three services is a prerequisite for the future. Jointmanship is characterised by trust and confidence, mutual respect for each other’s capability and cooperation, leading to a win-win situation.

HYBRID WAR: Hybrid Warfare

is a military strategy that blends conventional, irregular and cyber warfare. Hybrid warfare can be used to describe the flexible and complex dynamics of the battle space. In the last few decades, the destructive power of strong conventional and nuclear capabilities has resulted in weaker states and non-state groups adopting sub-conventional warfare to achieve their political objectives. Conventional conflict is increasingly intertwined with subconventional conflict. The hybrid threat construct is a sophisticated amalgamation of unrestricted threat activities that have resisted the laid down rules of war-fighting.

CYBER WARFARE: Future

war may see attacks via computer viruses, worms, logic bombs, and Trojan horses rather than bullets, bombs, and missiles. Information

Then Prime Minister AB Vajpayee with others during Pokhran nuclear test (File photo)

technology might provide a politically usable method to damage an enemy’s national or commercial infrastructure, to attain victory without having to defeat military forces.

Cyber attacks might erode the traditional advantage large and rich states hold in armed conflict.

Private entities might be able to match state armed forces.

FIRE AND MANOEUVRE: In

Hybrid warfare model

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a short-duration, intense, hightempo war, the ability to fight the contact, depth and deep battle simultaneously will shape the battlefield in a non-linear manner to facilitate manoeuvre and ultimate defeat of the enemy. Fire and manoeuvre will dominate all future wars at tactical levels.

Similarly, lethal weapon loads delivering TNT at targets with micro-precision will shape the battlefield to make the victory smoother for forces to win the

contact battle. The precision weapons will shape the battlefield of the 21st century by degrading the enemy’s defensive capabilities and thereby enabling extended manoeuvres. Speed will be one of the most important determinants and its need will dictate more agile mechanised forces with very high degrees of mobility and speed to facilitate multifront, decentralised, high-tempo operations with “cascading” effects. Strategic speed to switch forces from one theatre to another will be an equally important determinant of success in future armed conflicts.

B A T T L E S P A C E TRANSPARENCY: Electronic

means of intelligence and deception started developing during the mid-20th century. The emergence of hi-tech military technology gives us the ability to get a real-time picture of the battle-

THE EMERGENCE OF HI-TECH MILITARY TECHNOLOGY GIVES US THE ABILITY TO GET A REAL-TIME PICTURE OF THE BATTLE-SPACE, MAKING IT MORE TRANSPARENT space. These advancements in ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) technologies are therefore making the battle-space more transparent. There would be instances of ISR resources of one service providing information for execution by the weapon platforms of the other, thus predicating the need for evolution of seamless joint systems. We are also in the process of inducting UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and using satellites for military communication, surveillance and navigation.

UNDECLARED BIO OR CHEMICAL WARFARE: The global spread of the COVID-19

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FUTURE WAR : THE EMERGING TREND LIVE MEDIA COVERAGE:

Future conflicts will be covered live by the media and dished out to us on a platter in the comfort zone of our drawing rooms. With the advancement of technology, the media coverage of war will beat any fiction thriller or action film.

The war will be streamed live like a cricket match. Every citizen will become a master strategist and tactician passing verdict over the military leadership’s decisions.

It can also be harnessed as a tool for psychological warfare. On the positive side, the live coverage will help the public to see the horrors of war and its devastation. This may lead to outrage from peaceloving global citizens to end the war, at the earliest.

CONCLUSION ON THE POSITIVE SIDE, THE LIVE COVERAGE WILL HELP THE PUBLIC TO SEE THE HORRORS OF WAR AND ITS DEVASTATION

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pandemic foreshadows an even darker future, one for which we need to prepare. Although it appears that COVID-19 is a natural pandemic and not a man-made virus, that may not be the case in future. Rogue states like Pakistan and North Korea along with non-state terrorist organisations are already picking up the idea. Future developments in genomics promise sophisticated biological weapons like the advent of geneediting techniques could allow states to develop pathogens that are more lethal, targeted in their effects and difficult to detect and treat. The experience of the current pandemic can give us an insight into future biological and chemical warfare challenges.

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NUCLEAR BACKDROP:

With the proliferation of nuclear capability, and the remote yet attendant danger of its catastrophic use, there are differing perceptions on whether there is any space for conventional conflict between nuclear powers. Since the May 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests, India and Pakistan have been through a limited war, making clear that the nuclearisation of both countries has not made conventional war an obsolete concept. Notwithstanding the nuclear deterrence in place, there is adequate strategic space for India to respond to a Pakistani misadventure, which might arise out of its miscalculated and misplaced perceptions. Nuclear capability may limit the objective, scope and intensity of the war, but the nuclear threshold would not be as fragile and low as made out.

Of course, nuclear sabre-rattling by irresponsible states like North Korea and Pakistan will continue.

It is almost certain that the next war in the 21st century will be intense, may be short, having global spread and high in destruction. It may start without any notice with various subversive methods and the nation not even aware of the adversary. The political decision makers and strategic-military mandarins of the world will have to relearn the art of weaving force into statecraft as a force of deterrence and coercion. Even after the carnage of World War I and II, and the rising number of casualties in wars, the nation states do not budget the value of human lives that will be lost. It’s easy to start a war but difficult to control it. Therefore, it is always better to avoid use of force because whoever wins, humanity and development will be the first casualty.

– The author is a scholar-soldier (Retd), an avid reader and prolific writer. He is also a social activist, career consultant and a motivational Speaker of repute. The views expressed by the writer are personal.

RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

IN CONVERSATION

“THERE IS ONGOING INTEREST IN BRINGING EMALS, AAG CAPABILITIES TO SUPPORT INDIA’S NEXT GENERATION AIRCRAFT CARRIER”

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Vivek Lall, Chief Executive, General Atomics Global Corporation

ivek Lall is Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation at its headquarters in San Diego, California. A Leading IndianAmerican aerospace and defence expert Dr Lall has been instrumental in major bilateral defence deals between India and US worth around US$18 billion. Dr Lall has conducted his doctoral work in collaboration with NASA. In an interview to Ajit K Thakur, Editor, Raksha Anirveda, Dr Vivek Lall showered his insights on decade long India-US relations apart from India’s Demand for Indigenization in regard to acquisitions of new weapons and platforms. Excerpts: India-US defence and strategic relations have been transformative and has evolved vibrantly over last more than one decade. You, being associated with USIBC and close to the US government for long, were instrumental in a few big decisions taken in regard to

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India-US strategic relations.

Now with Joe Biden being US President; what will be the shape and direction of these bilateral relations?

Your viewpoint.

US-India relations in the present day are the result of decades of dedicated

efforts by both countries to overcome traditional regional mindsets and economic goals. This is validated by the volume of trade and technology transfer existing today between the two largest democracies in the world. It is universally recognized that India and the USA are natural partners and have similar aspirations for betterment of the world order. Indeed, with Joe Biden at the helm of the US Government, we fully expect this trend to continue.

General Atomics diverse portfolio of first-of-kind electromagnetic aircraft launch and recovery systems, multimission rail gun weapon systems, satellite systems, and integrated power and energy technologies are helping revolutionize the way military forces address

complex challenges and protect against evolving threats. Kindly elaborate?

There is on-going interest in bringing EMALS and AAG capabilities to support India’s next generation aircraft carrier.

Our respective governments will continue discussions and any coordination of potential demonstrations to bring these systems to the fleet as India formulates plans for its future carrier fleet.

We have made several significant announcements in the past year that illustrate how our history in developing a variety of disruptive nuclear technologies is providing a path of innovation to address new market opportunities in advanced materials, energy and space. In early 2020, GA’s Nuclear Technologies and Materials (NTM) division was integrated into GAEMS, providing us with greater synergies and support to focus on growing Earth and space energy system opportunities, including in-space propulsion and power systems.

In fact, GA-EMS recently delivered a concept for a NASAfunded study for a Nuclear Thermal Propulsion reactor to power future astronaut missions to Mars. GA-EMS also announced it is collaborating with Framatome Inc. in France to develop a new helium-cooled 50-Megawatt electric (MWe) Fast Modular Reactor (FMR) concept that will produce safe, carbon-free electricity and can be factory built and assembled onsite to reduce costs and enable incremental capacity additions.

The GA-EMS-led team will be able to demonstrate the FMR design as early as 2030.

In view of dynamically changing geo-political global order and especially

the aggressive stance by China at LAC, India’s arms and weapons systems purchase pattern has changed towards multiple source be it France, Russia, Israel and the various unmanned and naval systems from the United States. Recently, US approved India’s request for purchase of worth $90 million military equipment and services of cartridges, Radar systems, Night vision devices. Do you think the new trend in India’s defence purchase will assist in further strengthening of India-US defence cooperation? Throw some light on it with the status of progress on various projects?

India’s defence purchases have been

sourced from multiple countries for over decades now. The system of global sourcing, followed by rigorous field evaluation, makes India one of the toughest defence markets to break into today. This is exacerbated by the need for absolute transparency in all stages of the acquisition. With regard to new acquisitions, we are also witnessing a steady demand for ‘Indigenization’, under the ‘Make in India’ category.

With the above trends, defence projects now must incorporate market opportunities for the Indian defence and aerospace industry, which is natural, as newly inducted equipment will require a substantial incountry ecosystem to be useful for the Indian military over

US-INDIA RELATIONS IN THE PRESENT DAY ARE THE RESULT OF DECADES OF DEDICATED EFFORTS BY BOTH COUNTRIES TO OVERCOME TRADITIONAL REGIONAL MINDSETS AND ECONOMIC GOALS. THIS IS VALIDATED BY THE VOLUME OF TRADE AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER EXISTING TODAY BETWEEN THE TWO LARGEST DEMOCRACIES IN THE WORLD

GA-ASI completed the first flight of the Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), the fourth MQ-9B SkyGuardian air vehicle produced

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IN CONVERSATION INDIA’S DEFENCE PURCHASES HAVE BEEN SOURCED FROM MULTIPLE COUNTRIES FOR OVER DECADES NOW. THE SYSTEM OF GLOBAL SOURCING, FOLLOWED BY RIGOROUS FIELD EVALUATION, MAKES INDIA ONE OF THE TOUGHEST DEFENCE MARKETS TO BREAK INTO TODAY. THIS IS EXACERBATED BY THE NEED FOR ABSOLUTE TRANSPARENCY IN ALL STAGES OF THE ACQUISITION

GA-ASI’s SeaGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft was used for a series of flight validations with the Japan Coast Guard.

The flights were conducted in the Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, Japan

its service life. As you will be aware, the recent inductions of ships, submarines, transport aircraft and equipment have large components being sourced by the Indian defence industry, public or private sector. This is very encouraging for foreign OEMs as it helps to not only reduce sustenance costs, but also opens up new markets for regional sourcing and supply.

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What is your assessment of global impact of COVID-19 in general and on India in particular regarding defence and aerospace business?

Like a lot of companies, GA has had to adapt the way we work to continue production and maintain the activity of our design offices and deployment sites in support of our customers.

Except for production, flight operations and customer-site

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deployment activities, we use remote work very widely and effectively.

Individual social distancing and protective measures, like those applied throughout the world, have helped to limit the impact of COVID in production, logistics, and operations activities. We believe that our measures have not only kept our workforce protected from COVID, but have avoided any significant delays to our product development and customer support.

Taking note of the recent induction of two SeaGuardian drones on lease

by Indian Navy, kindly provide insights into General Atomics’ India-specific plans.

Is GA looking for collaborative approach to make headway in Indian market in terms of providing technological solutions that

too with the emergence of AI, neuroscience, block chain, etc.?

GA, being a technologycentric organization, is excited with the huge opportunity that India presents, whether it’s unmanned aerial vehicles, electro-magnetic systems, or nuclear energy.

India’s technological growth since the early 2000s has been a source of inspiration for many. As the strength of India’s Navy continues to grow, solutions such as surface and subsurface surveillance, search and rescue, antisubmarine warfare, and maritime law enforcement become increasingly relevant to secure priorities. GA certainly hopes to bring its expertise to Indian shores very soon in a concentrated form. We have been working with various Indian agencies on these aspects, and the future looks promising.

The scale and scope of Aero India is expanding year after year. What are your plans to make an impactful presence at the biennial airshow? Kindly elaborate with planned product and services that will be on display and to be showcased?

Aero India is a great opportunity for General Atomics to showcase its extensive Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) lineage and the Electromagnetic Systems (EMS) Group, which includes products such as the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Aircraft Arresting Gear (AAG).

GA looks forward to the varied opportunities provided by our interactions with the Government of India and industry partners during Aero India.

RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

ANALYSIS

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IAF NEEDS AT LEAST A DOZEN MORE POWERFUL AWACS

Given their massive surveillance and command capabilities, these radar planes are considered as key force-multipliers in modern aerial warfare. But this is one critical tech area where the Indian Air Force is lagging behind China, and even Pakistan

By ATUL KUMAR

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he world of defence has by now woken up to the advanced technological changes that have completely altered the nature and dynamics of modernage military conflicts, especially the aerial battles. And this technological upheaval in the battlefield isn’t just about stealth fighters or airborne drones, but more about state-of-the-art systems like multi-mission airborne radars that are a part of this revolution.

Today’s airborne radars are highly capable of detecting, tracking, and identifying hostile targets in the presence of threats from advanced electronic jamming and air-defence systems. These airborne computers are game-changers in any battlefield as they can distinguish actual targets even in unfavourable situations and complex physical surroundings, such as mountainous terrain and hostile maritime domain.

Given their critical role, every major air force in the world today deploys the powerful and unusual multi-mission airborne radars known as the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Surveillance Systems. Primarily, the AEW&C payload operates as the critical intelligence 80

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and control centre for air-defence missions.

Given their massive surveillance and command capabilities, these radar planes are considered as the key force-multipliers in modern aerial warfare.

More importantly, these networkcentric airborne computers function as the key component of the C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) umbrella of a military force and provide an enviable edge in both offensive and defensive missions.

Once airborne, the sensor payload allows the radar aircraft to detect and track with pinpoint accuracy over a hundred genuine targets, such as low-flying combat jets, cruise missiles, UAVs, warships and land

targets from hundreds of miles away.

Interestingly, the computer can see even the enemy warplanes getting airborne from their respective airbases.

Given the above facts, it is rather alarming that the IAF, the fourth largest air force in the world with a fleet of around 1,700+ aircraft, has just five operational AEW&C systems at present. Shockingly, these numbers are even smaller than the Pakistan Air Force, leave alone China.

The PAF maintains a numerical edge over the IAF in this critical segment by almost 2:1, even though the overall size of the PAF fleet is less than half of the IAF. On the other hand, the air force of China’s massive People’s Liberation Army has the numerical advantage of 6:1 over the IAF. Accordingly, the IAF still needs over a dozen more of these giant radar-planes to cover both fronts in the shortest possible time. Therefore, apart from weakening fighter strength, this indeed is another critical shortage that needs to be fixed as soon as possible.

IAF air operations are currently being supported by three large 360-degrees Elta’s massive Phalcon AEW&C antennas mounted on Russian Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft. They are the leading “eyes in the sky” of Indian Air Force. Given their significant capabilities, India could soon sign a deal worth US$1 billion to acquire two more Phalcon airborne radars from Israel. Besides, two smaller India-made ERJ-145 Netra AEW&C planes are also with the IAF to support its vast spectrum of aerial missions. Currently, this mini desi AWACS are being used as an integral component of all missions and exercises executed by the IAF. For instance, they had been extensively utilised during the ‘Balakot Airstrike’ by the IAF. A third ERJ145 Netra AEW&C that has been flying

with the air force will soon rejoin the fleet once the Bengaluru-based Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) completes the upgrade of the aircraft.

The last two years have been particularly challenging for India and its forces – first the Balakot Airstrike in Pakistan in retaliation for the Pulwama terror attack in February 2019, followed by the massive mobilisation in 2020 to counter the Chinese incursions in Ladakh. The AEW&C planes came into prominence in both instances, and affirmed their critical role during air operations. The upsurge in aerial missions has also compelled the IAF to think even more aggressively about its depleting strength, both in terms of Fighting as well as Surveillance capabilities. So, in a bid to keep pace with its rivals, the IAF has moved forward with plans to expand its limited AWACS fleet.

Last month, in a major move to expand Indian AEW&C fleet, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired

by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved Rs 10,500 crore projects to develop six new ‘eyes in the sky’ for the air force. These new AWACS computers will be indigenously designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and

CABS, which is the nodal agency for the AWACS project.

Interestingly, the new DRDOdeveloped airborne AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array is a type of phased array antenna), will be mounted on the used Airbus A319/ A320 commercial airliners from India’s national carrier Air India. Equipped with improved AESA technology (GaN instead of GaAs), enhanced set-up and an upgraded suite of AI-enabled sensors (IFF, ELINT, COMINT, SPS, etc.), the new A319/A320 AEW&C would be much superior to the existing desi ERJ-145 Netra AEW&C. Besides, they are likely to operate on L-band, unlike the C-band used by the ERJ-145 Netra. This will significantly improve the effectiveness of the airborne command and control capabilities of the system. The azimuth coverage of the ‘A320 AEW&C’ would also be much higher (approx between 300° and 360°), compared to the Netra Mk-1 (ERJ-145 AEW&C), whose antenna provides only 240°+ azimuth coverage in the air. These new ‘A320 AEW&C’ of IAF will be developed as “Netra Block-2.”

This new project for six A320 AEW&C systems will save huge time and money as sourcing of aircraft from governmentowned Air India would not pose much problem. These readily available Air India

planes will be revamped into the special mission vehicles by the OEM (Airbus) facility in Europe where they will get a complete makeover to accommodate DRDO’s new enhanced AESA payload.

According to a Livefist report, the AESA payload on upcoming Block-2 AEW will also be a “Netra-styled” antenna.

As per the DRDO’s plan, it is looking to deliver the first two systems within 48 months of placement of contract for aircraft modification with the OEM. More interestingly, it is targeting the delivery of all six aircraft to the IAF within six to seven years, which is indeed a quick turnaround compared to industry standards. However, the project is awaiting final approval from the cabinet committee on security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Once inducted, this AWACS will empower the IAF’s surveillance as well as battlefield strategy for another 25-30 years.

Apart from this, earlier the DRDO was also thinking of the Airbus C-295 turboprop aircraft as a better costeffective solution for its new-generation airborne AESA antenna. Therefore, last year at the DefExpo in Lucknow, CABS also unveiled a model of the C-295 AEW&C fitted with its Netra-styled AESA. As both the IAF and DRDO moved ahead with this Rs 10,500 crore ‘Netra Block-2’ programme, the bigger ‘A-330 AEW’ deal seems to have fallen off the radar.

Rs 5,100 crore deal to acquire two Airbus A-330 aircraft for the heavier DRDO-developed AESA radome, was in the pipeline since 2015 and waiting for the final CCS approval. With additional tanker capability for refuelling, the dualrole A-330 based AEW&C systems would be much more capable than the ‘Netra Block-2’ and other AEW&C systems flying in the region today. They would be in the league of giant AEW&C systems such as the IAF Phalcon, PLAAF KJ-2000, Beriev A-50, etc. Therefore, the termination of the ‘A-330 AWACS’ would be a big setback for the Indian Air Force.

–The writer is a Defence Journalist-Analyst. He has done essays for multiple Defence and Security publications. Views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda

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STARTUP ON RECORD

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STARTUPS ALONG WITH MSMES TO PLAY A PIVOTAL ROLE IN BUILDING A ROBUST INDIAN DEFENCE ECOSYSTEM, SAYS MWIVEN MD

IT IS STARTUPS WHICH ARE ALIGNING AND COLLABORATING WITH MSMES FOR SELF RELIANCE IN DEFENCE. STARTUPS WORK OUT OF PASSION. PRODUCT OFFERING COST FOR A STARTUP IS VERY LOW AS LABOURERS, VENDORS AND EVEN OTHER RESOURCES ARE FOUND LOCALLY

By PK GHOSH

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ew Delhi. Startups along with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are going to play a pivotal role in building a robust Indian Defence Ecosystem, said Managing Director (MD) of a Tamil Nadu-based Indian startup in defence. “We are happy that the Government of India recently has allowed startups to be part of building Indian defence ecosystem. We have an emotional and passionate connect towards this journey,” R Jayaraghavendhar, MD, Mwiven Infra Tech Pvt Ltd told in an exclusive interview to Raksha Anirveda.

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As far as self-reliance is concerned, Indian startups contribute around 30 per cent of the Indian ecosystem, and the recent policy initiatives of the government allow more startups to come.

“Startups in general and Mwiven being a startup in particular have no choice but to be design specific. Being design specific is the only thing for us,” observes Jayaraghavendhar.

“We have our own internal creation, with our own tools and designs. We are protecting our country. We have different approach working with local vendors. This way we are trying to design for Indian theatre,” the Mwiven MD said.

Mwiven is a technology-driven startup, and plans to create a lot of products. With the easing of policy initiatives, startups are adopting Indian defence market which is very significant.

Earlier, there was a mindset that the defence is an area of ‘No

Go Place.’ There are bureaucratic and procedural delays. But, if we see the other side of the coin, it is actually not, said Jayaraghavendhar.

It is startups which are aligning and collaborating with MSMEs for self reliance in defence. Startups work out of passion. Product offering cost for a startup is very low as labourers, vendors and even other resources are found locally.

He said the mantra for the startups is patience and perseverance, and there will be a time when startups will be the starting point and others will follow in the run up to build a robust Indian defence ecosystem.

Today’s battlefield scenario has altogether changed. It’s not the time of conventional warfare. Urban areas are coming up, and therefore there is a need of urban platforms.

Now the war scenario is being changed from conventional to unconventional. There is a need of smaller, lighter platforms which are quick and intelligence loaded. It is more on defence rather on deterrence. “Therefore our objective is to develop and design platforms which are smaller in size. We are all set to support in building strategic defence force,” Jayaraghavendhar commented.

Now is the time of ultra-light

Light Armoured Vehicle with 4 channel Anti Armour Missile Systems

platform, and our ‘COBOTIC’ is developed with the philosophy of ‘Intelligence driven by human, that means having intelligence but is human controlled.

COBOTIC is nothing but collaborative robotic network.

“This is the time of collaborative environment, where progressive information sharing happens. So we are looking for the platform that is C4ISR based, which is an intelligence-driven mechanism. We are switching from bigger to smarter, and there comes the utility of COBOTIC,” noted Jayaraghavendhar.

Earlier there was no access of area, and wars were fought in a conventional way resulting in heavy loss and collateral damages.

Today’s defence mechanism is of reconnaissance, surveillance with access of area.

Keeping in view of that Mwiven’s USP is to make small and smarter Indian terrain platform.

“We have 10 year agreement with SRPC Joint-stock Company (JSC). We have collaboration and are working on second generation

anti-tank missile, and with value addition our company is upgrading the existing systems.

Mwiven is working towards adding Optics and making these second generation anti-tank missile accessible and friendly.”

“As far as orders are concerned, yes we are working with Indian Army and the Ministry of Defence.” For Make 1 or say Make 2, we manufacture locally and supply Made in India platforms,” Jayaraghavendhar said.

“The reason for signing up with SRPC JSC is that being a startup company we need to collaborate. We have a licensing agreement, and we can deliver a better product at competitive cost.”

Startups are scalable companies. They need Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to deliver a strategically strong product. Startups out of necessity need to tie-up with SMEs, auxiliary units, and the best part is that allowing the startups to make cluster, which

is an absolutely organic process.

On the other end, SMEs also look at the same way and coexistence happens.

Defence ecosystem invariably builds economy and other resources, and startups have very active role to play in creating the ecosystem for the same.

“We have just been sanctioned as a design and development agency for defence platforms by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India. We are an agency for modern warfare development which is future combat ready,” Jayaraghavendhar quipped.

“Our design philosophy is to design a product or service which has a shelf-life of at least 15 years, which can show its prowess after 15 years of manufacturing. Every shot counts and it should count after 15 years. Our process is small but a robust one,” he said.

Appreciating Government’s conscious decision, he said it is good that the Government understood the need of the hour and allowed the private companies to enter into defence sector, and therefore the design and development process has become robust.

“For us, two common things are there-first, ‘design for future’ keeping in mind the urban combat process, and second is ‘safety’ i.e. why have

“THE MANTRA FOR THE STARTUPS IS PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE, AND THERE WILL BE A TIME WHEN STARTUPS WILL BE THE STARTING POINT AND OTHERS WILL FOLLOW IN THE RUN UP TO BUILD A ROBUST INDIAN DEFENCE ECOSYSTEM” R Jayaraghavendhar, MD, Mwiven Infra Tech Pvt Ltd

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STARTUP ON RECORD

BUSINESS INITIATIVE

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SCHIEBEL’S STATE-OF-THE-ART CAMCOPTER S-100 UAV: A UAV FOR NUMEROUS MISSIONS ®

Recently for the first time in Europe, a rotary wing UAS Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER® S-100 UAV was made fully operational and connected to the defence system of an amphibious helicopter carrier

Remote Controlled Combat Module

Anti Aircraft Gun

DPP-2020 WHICH HAS NOW BECOME DAP 2020 IS ONE OF THE BEST POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT. THIS POLICY BASICALLY INSULATES STARTUPS FROM BIGGER PLAYERS. WITH THIS, STARTUPS ARE LEGALLY PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN MAKE IN INDIA POLICY

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we designed the product.”

In next 5-10-15-20 years, there will be low tempo warfare, where small-passive attacks exist. Thus, the war scenario now is more unconventional in nature. It is combinational and collaborative where our product performs and delivers.

“If we don’t sweat, he will bleed. Mwiven’s fundamental philosophy is to understand that your mistake will kill someone.

Therefore we work to protect the guy who is protecting us.

This way we develop a culture of responsibility in our organisation.”

“Mwiven is a startup of accountability. We inculcate seriousness in our work. We

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are more specific to our credo.

We develop a culture to be accountable to people’s life.

Although it is a difficult job, but we at Mwiven inculcating a culture of responsibility and accountability.”

There is no Indian expertise for Indian startups in comparison to the developed countries like US, UK. No defence ecosystem is here. Mwiven has a policy to keep 20:80 ratio between experts and freshers. “We induct freshers, we train them. We get them understand the meaning of joining a company. So there are definite protocol, process and discipline,” said Mwiven Infrastructure MD. “Defence needs lot of innovation. There is a need of design thinking. Future combat has to be future driven. Our company wants to be that change where we at least can create an ecosystem,” Jayaraghavendhar added.

He said DPP-2020 which has now become DAP 2020 is one of the best policy of the Government. This policy basically insulates startups from bigger players. With this, startups are

legally permitted to participate in Make in India policy.

“Earlier there was problem, now EODB has been regularised and this is a sea change which is allowing startups to be partner in the process. Now I can proudly say I am a startup and I am in defence.

It is actually surprising to see that the Government taking younger generation in problem solving.”

It is indeed a big thing that such a big democratic country with 50 lakh army allowing startups to be part of a robust Indian defence ecosystem. It is just a tip of the iceberg; more startups will join in next 10 years, and will deliver state-ofthe-art defence platforms. Stigma of Indian projects/ products in defence will change.

DAP 2020 and all other policies are relevant, which is significant in this crusade. Yes, Covid certainly has impact on industry but with ease we are progressing. “Acceptance is going to take time, the exploration has started,” Jayaraghavendhar concluded.

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russels. Schiebel is an Austria-based company that manufactures mine detectors and helicopter UAVs. Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER® S-100 Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) is currently in use in five continents with 33 customers. More than 350 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have flown a total of 100,000 hours so far. The S-100s small footprint makes it the ideal solution for small ships and it has operated from more than 30 different ships with 10,000 maritime flight hours and 2,000 deck landings to date.

The overall maximum payload capacity is 50kg and the multi-role, multi-domain asset has the ability to carry multiple sensors or other payloads such as cargo. One of its capabilities includes Manned-Unmanned Teaming, which was demonstrated in cooperation with Airbus and its H145 helicopter.

The S-100 achieved a Level of Interoperability (LOI) 5, which means it can be fully controlled from the operator in the helicopter, from takeoff to landing,

receiving all information on board the manned aircraft.

Most recently, the French Navy acquired four additional S-100 UAVs, which will be integrated on their Mistralclass amphibious helicopter carriers Tonnerre and Mistral. The initial two S-100s were already fully integrated on their helicopter carrier Dixmude. This was the first time in Europe, a rotary wing UAS was made fully operational and connected to the defence system of

an amphibious helicopter carrier.

In August 2020, Schiebel together with Nordic Unmanned carried out the world’s first full-scale offshore UAV delivery from shore to an active oil and gas installation for Equinor. The demonstration simulated the scenario of an urgent requirement for spare parts at the gas production Troll A in Norway.

The CAMCOPTER® S-100 successfully carried out the long-range delivery and the demonstration also included an aerial platform inspection as well as a simulated search and rescue mission.

Meanwhile in Australia, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has been operating the CAMCOPTER® S-100 since 2018. Currently, the RAN UAVs are fitted with Schiebel’s proprietary heavy fuel engine, the S2. Given the single fuel policy adopted by the world’s navies, the heavy fuel engine is Schiebel’s alternative option to its current propulsion unit.

Another client of note is the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

Schiebel was awarded a contract from EMSA back in 2018 and has flown many missions for them so far. The operations include maritime surveillance, coast guard functions, search and rescue as well as emission monitoring. In 2020, the S-100 was operated for EMSA in France, Denmark, Croatia and Finland.

The proven system is ideally suited for land and maritime operations and its flexible and versatile capabilities allow Schiebel’s customers to utilise the UAV for numerous operations, be it at land or sea.

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AERO INDIA 2021

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CURTAILED AERO INDIA 2021 YET SPIRITED

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the planning of Aero India 2021 and decided to curtail it making it a three day affair focussed on the business end while the public would have to see the show in a virtual mode

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The show being held in the shadow of the pandemic that is sweeping the globe will be restricted only for business. A show which has always attracted massive public attendance of upwards of 2.5 lakh daily on show days, the 13th edition of Aero India 2021 which is a big attraction in the southern Indian city has now been reduced after a review meeting by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh taking into consideration the prevailing health scenario due to the pandemic Covid-19.

This move comes in the light

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By SRI KRISHNA

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ew Delhi/Bengaluru. The long awaited showpiece of India’s biennial 13th edition of Aerospace and Defence Show Aero India 2021 has been curtailed for three days from February 3 to 5 unlike the usual five days in the Southern city of Bengaluru with strict Covid 19 protocols for the participants with even the possibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi giving a miss due to the pandemic.

of the concern by the health and family welfare department of Karnataka government which organises the show and is in charge of the local arrangements. It was worried over possible crowding at the venue, given that the show was scheduled from February 3 to 7 — around the same time when experts believe the state could be battling a second wave of Covid-19 infections. A total 14 countries had agreed to participate in the prestigious event, and in detailed meetings, experts have suggested the government ban

public participation at the event but according to latest reports only two countries - US and France - have confirmed their coming for the event. Singh reviewed the planning of Aero India 2021 and decided to curtail it making it a three day affair focussed on the business end while the public would have to see the show in a virtual mode.

The Department of Defence Production apprised the Minister that the event conforms to current international guidelines for exhibitions and that it is planned

to be a business focused exhibition.

“The event has witnessed tremendous interest with the space being sold out and 500+ registered exhibitors. In view of the challenges due to Covid-19, the Defence Minister directed that the event be held for business days only from February 3 to February 5, 2021 with the essence being to achieve traction for the aerospace and defence industry which has faced numerous challenges in the year 2020 due to lockdown and embargo/restrictions on travel,” the Ministry of Defence has said in a statement. Senior representatives of foreign missions in New Delhi were briefed in early October about Aero India 2021 well in advance with a view to encourage the presence of their leaders and senior most decision makers and thereafter formal invites have been extended.

Aero India 2021 promises to showcase India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities as also seek investments in India with a series of policy initiatives in defence such as increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to 74 per cent through automatic route, the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 (DAP 2020), revised offset guidelines to promote Investment in India for co-development and co-production as also formulated the draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020 (DPEPP 2020) during the pandemic period of 2020.

Though the show would be focussed only on the business end, the government would be making all out efforts to attract foreign companies and countries to invest in Indian defence sector

in keeping with the slogan of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Singh said that the Aero India 2021 would provide the much needed platform for boosting India’s resolve to be among the top five countries of the world in aerospace and defence manufacturing and the show is symbolic of India’s will to be a leader among leaders.

“Atmanirbhar Bharat was the centrepiece of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and that India’s Aerospace and Defence sector has matured and is continuously exploring mutually beneficial partnerships with friendly countries to set up industries in India for Indianmanufactured defence equipment for India and for the world,” Singh said. He asked Indian missions be impressed upon to coordinate the efforts for the event and impress upon the leadership and industry captains of the foreign countries to participate in Aero India 2021 at a senior level so as to dive deep into the strategic and business opportunities available in India.

Despite the constraints due to the pandemic, the response to the show has been very encouraging as according to available figures there is a total of 517 exhibitors of which 448 are Indian and 69 foreign with booked space being 93 per cent with only one per cent available.

As part of the run up to the mega event, the Defence Ministry conducted a series of webinars from December 17, 2020 by leading luminaries and themed on contemporary defence and aerospace topics. The webinars were streamed worldwide.

The topics of the Webinars were of academic interest and relevance to the Defence, Aerospace and Security Industry and also to the academia and student fraternity.

In a briefing to the media, Air Commodore Shailendra Sood, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Yelahanka said “we are in a fluid situation due to the pandemic. Many foreign countries that had registered earlier are withdrawing due to the situation.

Only the US and France have

TILL DATE, 532 EXHIBITORS HAVE REGISTERED FOR THE EVENT. BUT ONLY 75 ARE FOREIGN FIRMS, A FAR CRY FROM THE LAST EDITION’S 165. SEVEN OF THE FOREIGN BOOKINGS ARE

BY THE USBASED LOCKHEED MARTIN AND ASSOCIATE COMPANIES

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AERO INDIA 2021 confirmed participation and we will get a clear picture only by this month end.”

Spectators will be limited, though the show promises to be magical, with steel birds hitting the Bengaluru skies. For the first time, Surya Kiran jets and Sarang helicopters will perform a combined display of aerobatics.

The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), which lost one of its pilots after two jets collided during a practice sortie last edition, will be back with a boom.

The advanced multi-mission helicopter Chinook, and advanced multi-role combat helicopter Apache, which were inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2020, will also debut at the show.

Besides, 41 aircraft including Dakota helicopter, Sukhoi and Tejas fighters will perform, while 63 aircraft will be on static

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display. Display of foreign aircraft is also expected.

Preparations for the 13th edition of Aero India began almost five months ago. “We have put in place safety measures to follow Covid-19 guidelines. No one can enter the venue without an RTPCR report dating 72 hours prior to February 3. We have set up isolation centres and anyone with symptoms or fever will be taken there,” Air Commodore Sood said.

In addition to participating in the air display, the Sukhoi Su-30 and the Mi-17V5 are also part of the security contingent and will carry out combat patrols around the event.

The Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor which is going to be a part of the show for the first time with more than 463 defence-related companies will be a major stakeholder. The show

offers a unique platform to the international aviation sector to bolster business.

Though it has indeed disappointed the aviation buffs in the southern city which had been badly hit by the pandemic, but, the virtual show has brought much cheer to them outside as they would be able to watch the airshow of Aero India 2021 unfold live on multiple online and television platforms. The show would also focus on fighter aircraft by leading companies in the wake of the ongoing border tension with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.

Another area of focus would be drones which is now being increasingly used and strong plea for a National Commission on Drones was made at a recent webinar conducted by the Ministry of Defence and trade body FICCI,

and is part of a series of webinars to be held as a run up to this Aero show. However, reports say that though the turnout would be much lower due to the restrictions and the show being focussed only on the business end, hundreds are expected to flock to Yelahanka to watch the fighters and aerobatic teams taking to the skies, staying outside the periphery of the Air Force Station.

To maintain social distancing, the number of individuals permitted in any hall, stall/ booth and toilet/washroom will be restricted. A total of 61 aircraft were on display at the last edition, with the aerobatics dominated by the British Yaks with four Yakovlevs and the Sarang helicopter formations.

The spotlight was on the Rafale.

But symbolising the focus on civil aviation, an Airbus-330neo aircraft stood out as the first civilian mainstream aircraft at the airshow. The B-52 bomber’s flypast, the C-295 and the F-16 also made their presence felt. On the last day of the show, seven Suryakirans had returned to display a much lauded aerial tribute for the pilot killed.

Despite the Covid-19 crisis, India’s premier aerospace show will see participation of top global companies, with the venue at the Yelahanka airbase in Bengaluru fully sold out as manufacturers line up to showcase their latest products. Defence Minister Singh, who has been personally monitoring the preparations in the run up to this prestigious event in India’s defence calendar specially in the Aerospace sector, is expected to go for an onsite review of the venue later this month.

The show is expected to see major announcements under the Make in India initiative with special focus on start-ups.

An India pavilion that will

showcase indigenous products that can be exported to friendly foreign nations will be the centrepiece of the show, with aircraft, missiles and other aeronautical products on display. The show will also host a conclave of defence ministers of the Indian Ocean Region this time.

Kicking off on February 3 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station, the airshow will stay alive only for three days unlike the full five days.

The event will be mainly businessfocussed.

Till date, 532 exhibitors have registered for the event. But only 75 are foreign firms, a far cry from the last edition’s 165.

Seven of the foreign bookings are by the US-based Lockheed Martin and associate companies.

With the pandemic impacting the major countries like US, Russia, France, UK, Germany, Spain and Brazil, many foreign delegates are likely to stay away. According to reports, there would be focus on even fighter aircraft by leading companies in the wake of the ongoing border tension with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.

A meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New

Delhi had decided to reduce the number of show days. This was to ensure adequate social distancing within the venue and promote safe interactions among the business delegates from the defence and aerospace industries. Thermal scanners at all entry points, strict enforcement of no-mask-no-entry rule, sanitisers everywhere and all other Covid-mandated rules will be in force at the airshow venue.

While a majority of the participants will be Indian companies, officials said the response from global manufacturers had also been enthusiastic, with most major ones booking space at the venue. From major defence manufacturers to startups, a record 530 firms are expected at the biennial event. Major foreign participants include companies from the US, Russia, France and Israel that have set up shop in India in recent years and already have joint ventures underway with Indian manufacturers. The number has, however, slipped from 167 foreign companies in the 2019 show to over 70 this time given the Covid crisis, but all large players will be represented.

“WE ARE IN A FLUID SITUATION DUE TO THE PANDEMIC. MANY FOREIGN COUNTRIES THAT HAD REGISTERED EARLIER ARE WITHDRAWING DUE TO THE SITUATION. ONLY THE US AND FRANCE HAVE CONFIRMED PARTICIPATION AND WE WILL GET A CLEAR PICTURE ONLY

BY THIS MONTH END” Air Commodore Shailendra Sood, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Yelahanka

– The writer is a senior journalist and media consultant

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AERO INDIA 2021: MOD’S WEBINAR CUM EXPO SERIES GIVES LEVERAGE TO AERO INDIA Ministry of Defence in association with industry bodies of CII & SIDM and FICCI in the last three months organised a series of webinars in the run up to Aero India 2021 to promote aerospace and defence manufacturing in India on the lines of government’s initiatives of Make in India, Self-reliance and ‘Atmanirbharta’

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ew Delhi. In a major push to support Atmanirbharta and to promote an innovation ecosystem, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India (GoI) held a series of webinars in the run up to Aero India 2021. The webinars were held in association with the industry bodies of Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Indian Army along with SIDM conducted an outreach webinar for startups in emerging technologies in which 89 startups pitched their indigenously developed innovations, ideas and proposals to Indian Army through virtual presentations during the webinar from December 17 to 28.

The proposals proposed by these startups focused on Drones, Counter Drones, Robotics, Autonomous Systems, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum computing, Blockchain technology, 3D printing, Nanotechnology and Medical applications.

The webinars, organised by the Army Design Bureau (ADB), received a massive response where 13 proposals were shortlisted for further examination based on their viability and applicability for the Indian Army. Prospective users and domain specialists from Army Headquarters and Army Training Command attended the event.

In another set targeting global outreach, India held webinars cum virtual expo with Australia, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal and Nigeria. The webinars were held in last three months of November, December and January, which were part of Aero India 21 series of webinars.

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defence export target of US$5 billion in the next five years. Indian Ministry of Defence held a webinar with Australia in early December under the theme “Indian Defence Industry Global Outreach for Collaborative Partnership: Webinar and Expo.” High Commissioner of India to Australia, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to India and senior MoD officials from both sides participated in the webinar and spoke about bolstering the relationship between the two nations on defence production and manufacturing ecosystems.

Indian companies BEL, HAL and other private entities made company and product presentations on major platforms. From Australian industries Quintessence Labs, Memko, Mil-Spec Manufacturing, Prism Defence and Sentient Vision made company presentations.

The webinar was attended by more than 140 delegates and above 100 virtual exhibition stalls from Indian companies and 12 virtual stalls were set up by Australian companies in the expo.

In the webinar cum expo between India and Indonesia, key officials from both sides participated and spoke about need to leverage opportunities for modernising armed forces and indigenisation of the defence industry.

Indian defence and aerospace companies including L&T Defence, Ashok Leyland Limited, Bharat Forge, Tata Aerospace and Defence, MKU, Goa Shipyard Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited made company and product presentations on major platforms/ equipment. From Indonesian side the companies like PT. Pindad, PT. Pal, PT. LEN, PT. Dahana and PT. Dirgantara made their presentations.

More than 150 participants and above 100 virtual exhibition stalls were set up in the webinar cum expo with Indonesia.

The webinar cum expo with Maldives was held with the theme of ‘Joint Indo Maldives High Level Defence Engagement.’ During the webinar, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) made a detailed presentation on their requirements and 11 Indian defence companies including Bharat Electronics Limited, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), Mahindra Defence System Ltd, MKU Limited, SMPP, Ordnance Factory Board, Bharat Earth Movers Limited, Zen Technologies Ltd, Larsen & Toubro and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd highlighted their capabilities, product offerings and solutions.

Chief of Defence, MNDF Major General

Abdulla Shamaal; High Commissioner of India to the Maldives Sunjay Sudhir and other senior MoD officials from both sides participated in the webinar. The webinar was also attended by more than 375 participants and 41 virtual exhibition stalls have been set up in the expo.

The theme of webinar was a bit different “Exploring Synergies and Strengthening Defence Cooperation with Nepal” when India held the webinar cum expo with Nepal. Embassy officials from both the sides participated and envisaged close, cordial and multidimensional relationship between the two nations which is based on goodwill, mutual respect and appreciation of each other’s aspirations and sensitivities.

During the webinar 12 Indian Defence Companies--Ashok Leyland, BEML, Bharat Electronics Ltd, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, L&T Defence, Mahindra Defence Systems Ltd, MKU Ltd, OFB, SSS Springs, Talk PRO Radios, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Yaman Technologies Pvt Ltd made company and product presentations on major platforms that India can offer.

More than 100 participants took part in the webinar and above 100 virtual exhibition stalls were set up in the expo.

In the webinar with Nigeria, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Additional Secretary (Defence Production), Indian MoD, High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Acting Head of Nigerian High Commission in India and Senior MoD officials from both sides participated in the webinar and spoke about warm, friendly and deep-rooted relations between both the nations. Indian companies such as BEL, BDL, GSL, HAL, TASL, Solar Industries, MKU, Mahindra Defence, L&T, Bharat Forge, Ashok Leyland, made company and product presentations on major platforms / equipment in the webinar.

More than 150 delegates participated in the webinar and 100 virtual exhibition stalls have been set up in the expo.

Notably, in all the major webinars with these friendly foreign countries, Indian side was represented by Sanjay

Jaju (IAS), Joint Secretary, (Department of Defence Production), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, who highlighted India’s historical relations with these countries and suggested the modalities of cooperation in bilateral relations, co-production and co-development in defence and aerospace sector.

In the last leg of webinars conducted recently in the run up to the 13 edition of biennial premier airshow, the focus of the webinar was on “Making India Self Reliant in Aerospace Manufacturing” where the participants felt that there was need to work towards making India a more vibrant and sustainable hub in this sector.

The webinar was organised by the industry body FICCI in association with the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). It was addressed by prominent members from government and the aviation sector. Civil Aviation Secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola emphasised that the state governments must play an important role in aerospace components manufacturing.

State policies on investment, taxation, and labour should attract manufacturing units from all over the country.

He said that it is now time to move from generics to specifics as far as aerospace manufacturing is concerned and that the aerospace industry ranges from R&D and design, manufacturing to MRO. According to available data, the Indian MRO market was estimated at US$800 million in 2011 and was expected to grow to over US$1.5 billion by 2020. However, currently India

constitutes one per cent of the global MRO market worth US$45 billion.

The experts felt that easing of policies has been done to develop aerospace and defence sector in India over the years.

However, a lot of works needs to be done in this direction.

In the recent webinar marking 25 years of Indian Army-Industry partnership, where the government’s focus on Atmanirbharta in the defence sector received support from both Army and Industry, but apart from serving officer, industry captains were of the view that “rules governing defence procurement needs to be made more user friendly and flexible and that a waiver clause must be there.”

“Indigenous defence industry is a big enabler for self-reliance and capability building and is a prerequisite for maintaining our strategic influence and freedom of action,” Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General MM Naravane said.

To mark the occasion, an MoU between the Indian Army and SIDM was inked to provide further impetus to indigenisation under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and to achieve strategic independence by reducing dependence on foreign origin equipment.

This MoU was signed on the occasion of 25 Years of Army-Industry Partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Collaboration between the Indian Army and industry started in 1995 with the indigenisation of spares and has progressed to major defence platforms and a wide range of weapons and equipment.

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AIRBUS PREPARES FOR STRONG PRESENCE AT ‘AERO INDIA 2021’

Airbus is at the forefront of the ‘Make in India’ campaign and the several defence projects that Airbus is participating in holding the promise of thousands of new jobs, skilling of people, technology absorption and supplier ecosystem development

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Airbus will exhibit at Stand B.2.6 in Hall B. On display will be scale model of the C295 – medium transport aircraft and there will be digital display of the A330 MultiRole Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. From Helicopters, there will be scale models of the H225M – the combat-proven multi-role helicopter and the AS565MBe Panther – the all-weather, multirole force multiplier.

A special attraction will be the S850 Radar on a digital platform, a high-power satellite offering extensive SAR capabilities,

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ew Delhi. Airbus will showcase a wide selection of its advanced sustainable aerospace technologies and services at the prestigious ‘Aero India 2021’ exhibition to be held in Bengaluru from February 3 to 5. The display will include Airbus’ cuttingedge innovative products along with its customer services and training capabilities. A section will be dedicated to highlight the company’s strategic local industrial partnerships focused on developing a sustainable aerospace ecosystem in the country.

including the monitoring of a high number of targets with frequent revisits and enhanced performance in a single pass.

“Airbus’ participation at Aero India is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the rapid modernisation and indigenisation of the Indian aerospace and defence sector,” said Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India & South Asia.

“The exhibition is a foremost platform to highlight innovations and technological advancements

achieved in this sector, and we are proud to be able to showcase our best products and services to the show.”

Visitors to the Airbus pavilion can learn about the company’s ongoing ‘Make in India,’ ‘Skill India’ and ‘Startup India’ initiatives.

Airbus is at the forefront of the ‘Make in India’ campaign and the several defence projects that Airbus is participating in holding the promise of thousands of new jobs, skilling of people, technology absorption and supplier ecosystem development.

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ew Delhi. At stand B2.1b at Yelahanka Air Force Station during threeday Aero India 2021, Thales will present its flagship capabilities that support the modernisation plans of the Indian armed forces. The spotlight will be on Thales’ ‘Make in India’ commitment and contribution towards building of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by way of local partnerships and design & development. Visitors at the Thales stand will be able to experience cutting-edge technologies across civil and defence aerospace as well as land and naval defence including its latest airborne surveillance radar, the AirMaster C, for the first time in India.

Led by its commitment to ‘Make in India’ policy of the Government of India, Thales is all set to participate in the upcoming 13th edition of Aero India – India’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition – in Bengaluru from February 3-5. Thales’ stand B.2.1b in Hall B will provide the visitors a chance to witness the latest cutting-edge technologies across civil and defence aerospace as well as land and naval defence along with a special feature

on its efforts towards ‘Make in India.’

At Aero India 2021, Thales will showcase its airborne optronic capability the targeting and reconnaissance pod TALIOS that combines targeting and tactical reconnaissance capabilities in a single pod which will be able to embed artificial intelligence in the future, and also a range of rockets for fixed and rotary wing military aircraft.

This year, Thales will also bring

the latest addition to its family of airborne surveillance radars, the AirMaster C, to the air show. With this new product, Thales offers an optimised surveillance solution for a broader array of platform types and operators, ensuring they benefit from the highest levels of mission performance as they face the new challenges ahead.

Among the other demos for the tri-forces, systems like SYNAPS software defined radios, armaments, small arms, counterUAV measures and air defence solutions such as STARStreak (for which a teaming agreement has been recently signed between Thales and Bharat Dynamics limited) will take the centre stage.

Some of the other highlights at Aero India this year will include military and civil avionics, Air Traffic Management Systems that support today’s growing domestic and international travel requirements, among others.

“Driven by the purpose to build a future everyone can trust, we remain resolute in our commitment to the ‘Make in India’ vision of the Government of India. Since inception of our operations in the country, we are proudly supporting the modernisation efforts of the Indian armed forces and helping them to prepare, achieve and maintain tactical superiority over any form of threat.

Aero India 2021 provides us with an opportunity to present our latest and advanced technologies that serve the needs of the country’s defence forces, and strengthen our local partnerships. We are excited to be part of it,” said Emmanuel de Roquefeuil, Vice-President and Country Director, Thales in India.

Backed by the rich legacy of close to seven decades in India, Thales continues to innovate and accelerate digital transformation to serve the needs of the Indian market as well as globally.

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US DEFENSE MAJOR LOCKHEED MARTIN REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING INDIA’S SECURITY AND INDUSTRIAL CAPABILITIES AT AERO INDIA The company to showcase its product portfolio across Aeronautics, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Missiles and Fire Control businesses

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ew Delhi. US Defense Major Lockheed Martin is showcasing its diverse portfolio of defence capabilities and solutions at the 13th edition of Aero India 2021 taking place in Bengaluru, Karnataka from February 3-5. The company’s exhibit this year includes a broad span of state-of-the-art capabilities, including the F-21 aircraft, MH-60R “Romeo” multi-mission helicopter, the S-76D helicopter, and the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

Lockheed Martin India.

“We see tremendous strength and opportunity in India’s defence industry ― both public and private including start-ups and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Aero India serves as an excellent platform for us to explore new partnerships and strengthen existing ones.”

William L. Blair Vice President and Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin, India Lockheed Martin’s presence at the show will be in strict accordance with COVID-19 protocols laid down by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and State Government to ensure the safety of employees and visitors.

The prime attraction at the

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“Aligned with the Indian government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Abhiyaan and the ‘Make in India’ initiative, we look forward to participating in Aero India 2021 and reinforcing our commitment to supporting the growth of an indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem while continuing to deliver our best capabilities to support the Indian MoD and Services,” said William (Bill) Blair, vice president and chief executive,

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Lockheed Martin’s stand is the F-21 fighter aircraft, which is on offer to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The company is leveraging both 4th and 5th generation technologies to offer the best solution to meet or exceed the IAF’s capability needs, provide Make in India industrial opportunities, and accelerate India-US cooperation on advanced technologies, including but not limited to fighter aircraft.

The F-21 demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s commitment in delivering an advanced, scalable single-engine fighter to the IAF — For India, From India.

The Indian Navy’s most recent rotary wing acquisition, MH-60R “Romeo” SEAHAWK® helicopter, also occupies a prominent place at Lockheed Martin’s Aero India display. The MH-60R is the world’s most advanced maritime helicopter and brings vital antisubmarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities to the IndoPacific region.

The MH-60R is the latest thread in the stories of Lockheed Martin and US-India partnerships. In fact, it is the largest contract Lockheed Martin has ever signed with India.

The first batch of the MH-60R helicopters will deliver to India in 2021.

The S-76D helicopter has an unmatched record of safety and reliability. The S-76D helicopter delivers the safety, reliability and efficiency customers have come to expect from the S-76 family of aircraft, but with faster cruise speed and more efficient fuel burn.

In all roles, including the difficult Search and Rescue role, it has been incredibly well received providing a stable, low workload, reliable platform and speed, for when minutes matter. With S-76-class helicopters working for customers all over the world on a diverse set of operations, it’s well positioned to meet growing global customer needs.

On display at the show is India’s workhorse, C-130J Super Hercules airlifter, represents a strong legacy of partnership between India and the US. The IAF has been extensively using its fleet of 12 Super Hercules for humanitarian efforts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to support the movement of troops and material to support regional military operations.

All C-130Js now built and delivered around the world have major components manufactured in India through Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), a joint venture located in Hyderabad that has the distinction of being the single-global source of C-130J empennage assemblies.

As part of the Javelin Joint Venture, Lockheed Martin also produces the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system. This versatile and effective one-man-

portable and platform-employed multi-target precision weapon system provides capability to defeat a broad spectrum of close combat threats on the modern battlefield.

Using fire-and-forget technology, the weapon guides itself to the target without external commands, allowing soldiers to take cover or reposition. With a range of 65 meters to 4 kilometers in most operational conditions, as well as the ability to operate through adverse weather and battlefield obscurants, Javelin can be deployed in a variety of environments and conditions.

Lockheed Martin has nearly

240 suppliers — including MSMEs that feed into its two joint ventures, TLMAL and Tata Sikorsky Aerospace Limited — that benefit from the vision of Lockheed Martin and Tata working together.

Lockheed Martin has integrated more than 70 Indian suppliers, including MSMEs, into its global supply chain.

At the show, the company representatives will discuss partnership opportunities with Tier 1 suppliers and prospective Indian industry partners that strengthen India-US defence industrial ties and “Make in India” opportunities.

“ALIGNED WITH THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT’S ‘ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT’ ABHIYAAN AND THE ‘MAKE IN INDIA’ INITIATIVE, WE LOOK FORWARD TO PARTICIPATING IN AERO INDIA 2021 AND REINFORCING OUR COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING THE GROWTH OF AN INDIGENOUS DEFENCE MANUFACTURING ECOSYSTEM WHILE CONTINUING TO DELIVER OUR BEST CAPABILITIES TO SUPPORT THE INDIAN MOD AND SERVICES” William (Bill) Blair, Vice President and Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin India

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PBS INDIA: SOLUTIONS FOR AEROSPACE

PBS India to showcase its wide range of design and manufacturing solutions for Aerospace industry at Aero India 2021

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BS INDIA is an Indian designer and manufacturer of aircraft engines, auxiliary power units (APU), environmental control systems (ECS), specific custom-made aircraft solutions, cryogenics and investment casting products. PBS INDIA is a part of PBS GROUP, a Czech engineering manufacturer that operates globally in aerospace, precision casting, precision engineering, cryogenics and energy. With more than 200 years

20 YEARS OF COOPERATION WITH MIL PBS has implemented thousands of APUs in total. Last year, the company celebrated the 20th anniversary of cooperation with the manufacturers of Mil helicopters for which it developed the Safir 5K/G MI APU. This APU has been designed for Russian Mi-8, Mi-17 and Mi-171 helicopters, which are among the most successful helicopters in the world in terms of both the number of units sold and the number of countries in which they fly. You can find the Mi-17 in more than 60 countries, including the Indian Air Force.

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of history, it belongs to the oldest engineering brands in the world.

The ability to design, construct, manufacture and test the entire product is a significant competitive advantage, as is the ability to adapt products to specific customer requirements. Complete in-house production is a guarantee of the highest quality and reliability of its products.

PBS has been developing and supplying small turbine drive units for the aerospace industry

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for half a century. The company celebrated the 20th anniversary of cooperation with the manufacturers of Mil helicopters.

PBS mainly supplies the Safir 5K/G MI auxiliary power unit (APU), which triggers the main engines of a significant number of Mi-17 helicopters. PBS continually works on modifications of existing products, but the company also develops other devices for new types of helicopters as well as jet aircraft and UAVs.

PBS APUs are especially suitable for civil and military helicopters, training and light combat planes, and business jet planes.

Applications in ground military forces or marine applications are also feasible. They are incorporated into various configurations not only in several types of helicopters, but also in training and combat planes.

Currently, PBS is following up on previous cooperation with the development and supply of several systems for the new generation of this aircraft, designated for example as Czech aircraft as L-39NG, L-159 and others. This includes the environmental control system,

some fuel system instruments, the EMG-200 starter generator, and other devices.

TURBINE ENGINES

PBS corporation is the world’s wellknown turbojet engine supplier.

The very high quality and reliability of PBS jet engines are reflected in the fact they have been installed in over 1,300 aircraft worldwide.

With certification to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards, their quality makes them stand out from competing engines in their category. Due to their reliability and weightto-thrust ratio are suitable for use in the military industry and any UAV and UCAS projects. The worldwide recognized turbojet engine PBS TJ100 belongs to the 4th generation of this type of engine and PBS INDIA supplies the complete range of these engines throughout India.

PBS CONTINUOUSLY INVESTS IN DEVELOPMENT AND HAS HIGH QUALITY TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING CAPACITIES AVAILABLE. THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE PBS TURBOJET ENGINE FAMILY IS TJ100P AN OIL-FREE VERSION OF THE FAMOUS PBS TJ100 ENGINE

DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATIONS

PBS continuously invests in development and has highquality technical support and development and testing capacities available. The latest addition to the PBS turbojet engine family is TJ100P - an oil-free version of the famous PBS TJ100 engine. The company continually extends the time limits of overhauls for the Safir 5K/G MI, thus increasing its competitiveness.

The Mil Mi-171A2 has attained certification in India of the type for civilian use issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of India and PBS CS-M1V environmental control system for the new type of Mi-171A2 helicopter is another example of successful development. This system can heat and cool simultaneously, not only in the cockpit, but also in the cargo space of the helicopter.

CRYOGENICS AND INVESTMENT CASTING PBS investment casting foundry with more than 50 years’ experience focuses mainly on blades and segments of stationary gas turbines, turbocharger wheels for automotive, impellers and guide wheels for aircraft engines, spinner discs for the glass industry and femoral components for the healthcare sector.

PBS is also a reliable supplier of compressors, pumps and helium expansion turbines for the cryogenic industry and very low temperatures from 4 to 150 K.

Learn more about PBS INDIA products and solutions on www. pbsindia.com and come to visit us in our Bengaluru office (No. 303, ‘Pushpak, MES Ring Road, Jalahalli Village). We’ll be pleased to meet you at our stand at Aero India 2021 exhibition to discuss our products and services for aerospace.

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IN CONVERSATION

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AIRBUS ACTIVELY SUPPORTING INDIAN ARMED FORCES MODERNISATION, NATION’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH VARIOUS PROGRAMMES: PRESIDENT, AIRBUS INDIA

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émi Maillard is the President of Airbus India and Managing Director of South Asia region. Rémi, 40, joined Airbus in 2008 and has held several leadership roles. He started his career at Airbus Helicopters, leading a transformation programme for the company’s Research and Development activities. Prior to joining Airbus, Rémi worked as an Associate Director with a consulting firm specialising in industrial strategy.

Rémi holds degrees in Engineering and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées in Paris.

In an interview to Raksha Anirveda, Airbus India President Remi Maillard speaking expressively detailed out on Airbus’ Make in India programme besides the company’s planning on Aero India participation. Excerpts:

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How is Airbus contributing to the ‘Make in India’ programme?

Airbus takes immense pride in being a partner to India’s growing aerospace industry. ‘Make in India’ is in the front and centre of our strategy. Today, every Airbus aircraft that is built incorporates parts or technologies that are developed in India. Airbus’ local footprint in sourcing, engineering, innovation, maintenance and training services is a testament to our commitment to developing the local ecosystem. We have a strong local industrial collaboration and we are playing an important role in stimulating growth for our partners and increasing their competitiveness in the global value chain of Airbus.

Airbus is actively supporting the modernisation of India’s armed forces as well as the nation’s industrial development plans through a number of programmes.

Airbus C295 multi-role transport aircraft

The C295 has been offered to replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing Avro fleet. Airbus Defence and Space and Tata will jointly execute the project as a ‘Make in India’ initiative. Airbus has also partnered with Mahindra Defence to produce the AS565MBe Panther under the Strategic Partnership (SP) policy to modernise the Indian Navy’s fleet.

The execution of these projects will create thousands of jobs in India and catalyse the local supplier base, creating new capabilities to support the indigenous production of military equipment.

What is Airbus showcasing at Aero India?

The 13th edition of Aero India is a much awaited event since the beginning. It is a unique platform for the aviation industry to bolster business. The exhibition will showcase the latest advancements and achievements in the Indian aerospace and defence manufacturing. Airbus is an active participant in ‘Make in India’ efforts and will showcase some of the latest products and innovations from its

global portfolio at Aero India 2021. At the Airbus booth, there will be scale models of the highly versatile C295 – a medium military transport aircraft, the H225M – military version of Airbus’ H225 helicopter and the AS565MBe Panther – an allweather, multi-role medium aircraft along with a digital display of the multi-role tanker transport aircraft, the A330 MRTT. How do you think Covid-19 has impacted commercial aviation in India?

Covid is definitely the gravest crisis our industry has ever faced. There is not one single player in the market that is immune to the crisis, be it an airline, a lessor, an MRO, a training centre, an airport, an equipment supplier or an aircraft manufacturer. It is a long-term crisis. Given how deep the crisis is, recovery in aviation will be long and a full comeback will take years specifically when it comes to international flights.

The future of the Indian aviation industry is very promising because of the strong local fundamentals. That is why, in parallel to the efforts of catalysing a safe traffic recovery, there is a need to work on strengthening the foundations for India to become a world leader in the civil aviation industry. This is only possible by further developing the domestic market, turning India into an international hub, growing the MRO and training eco-systems as well as stimulating the Helicopter business.

The Regional Connectivity Scheme will indeed play a major role in the growth of the domestic market.

Also, the coming years will bring in innovation to match anything in the history of aviation with the development of zero-emission aircraft and the decarbonisation of the entire aviation sector. Airbus recently announced three concepts for the world’s first carbon-free commercial aircraft that could enter service by 2035.

THE FUTURE OF THE INDIAN AVIATION INDUSTRY IS VERY PROMISING BECAUSE OF THE STRONG LOCAL FUNDAMENTALS. THAT IS WHY, IN PARALLEL TO THE EFFORTS OF CATALYSING A SAFE TRAFFIC RECOVERY, THERE IS A NEED TO WORK ON STRENGTHENING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR INDIA TO BECOME A WORLD LEADER IN THE CIVIL AVIATION INDUSTRY

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IN CONVERSATION

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AERO INDIA TO FEATURE – BRAHMOS MISSILE – A KEY ARROW IN INDIA’S DEFENCE QUIVER The highly versatile BRAHMOS missile system has given a major fillip to the nation’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” mission and at Aero India 2021, the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile is all set to captivate the visitors

AIRBUS BIZLAB, WHICH IS A GLOBAL AEROSPACE ACCELERATOR IS BRINGING TOGETHER START-UPS AND AIRBUS “INTRAPRENEURS” TO TRANSFORM INNOVATIVE IDEAS INTO VALUABLE BUSINESSES MORE QUICKLY. SO FAR, 11 SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS HAVE BEEN SIGNED BETWEEN START-UPS AND AIRBUS TEAM AND SUBSIDIARIES

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AS565 MBe Panther

What makes India unique?

The Airbus story in India is that of a longstanding relationship of collaboration and symbiotic growth. India’s strength lies in its talent, its ability to scale volume and the presence of perhaps the largest engineers and Information Technology (IT) partner ecosystems in the world.

For Airbus, India is not just a large, fast-growing market for aerospace products and services.

It is a base, a strategic resource hub for emerging technologies, world-class talent and research and development that powers the aerospace sector.

The engineering centre in India underscores Airbus’ efforts to maximise value from its global footprint, including from India where a remarkable IT and engineering talent pool

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is complementing Airbus’ European partner ecosystems.

Over the years, the team has developed the competency to perform architectural, system installation and sizing trade studies on new and incremental Airbus commercial and helicopter programmes.

The R&D team plays a key role in demonstrating emerging technology readiness levels and developing innovative solutions for design and development of current and future aircraft and rotorcrafts.

Airbus Bizlab, which is a global aerospace accelerator is bringing together start-ups and Airbus “intrapreneurs” to transform innovative ideas into valuable businesses more quickly. So far, 11 successful partnerships have been signed between start-ups and Airbus team and subsidiaries.

What kind of technical skills does Airbus has?

The India Engineering Centre has strong capabilities in structural analysis, loads, aerodynamics, avionics software design and testing, system design and testing, simulations, Machine-learning, Artificial intelligence, digital mockup, system installation and data analytics. These capabilities are critical factors in the design and production of high-performance aircraft.

In addition, Airbus Information Management Centre inaugurated in September 2019 is focused on ERP operations, engineering and product lifecycle management as well as digital capabilities that include big data, advanced analytics, Internet of Things, Cloud and DevOps, API development as well as cyber security.

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he BRAHMOS – recognised as the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile – will feature at the mega event, Aero India 2021, promising to captivate the crowd once again. The world-class BRAHMOS weapon system comes with a lethal trident-like combination of speed, precision plus power and has emerged as the “ultimate game-changer” for India. The 2.5-tonne missile, operationalised in the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, has established itself as a major force multiplier in modern-day complex battlefields with its impeccable land attack, anti-ship capabilities and multi-role plus multiplatform abilities.

The stealthy killer has a range of 290 km and rams its targets at a maximum velocity of Mach 2.8 after cruising at altitudes varying from a mere 10 m to 15 km. The BRAHMOS missile can be fitted in ships, mobile launchers, submarines and aircraft against land and sea targets.

BrahMos Aerospace, the JV entity between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPOM, is exhibiting the air, land and sea variants of the powerful weapon system at the biennial event, pegged to be Asia’s premier air show: Land based system: The Indian Army has become the first army in the world to have a regiment of supersonic cruise missiles with advanced capabilities.

The mobile land-based configuration of BRAHMOS has achieved several advancements over the years in the form of

Block I, Block II and Block III variants with each having its own distinct potentiality to hit and destroy enemy target.

Air launch system: The BRAHMOS air version has given the Indian Air Force (IAF)

with a much-desired capability to strike from large stand-off ranges any target at sea or on land with pinpoint accuracy by day or night irrespective of weather conditions. The advanced BRAHMOS air-launched cruise missile (ALCM), after undergoing a series of successful launches from the Su30MKI platform, was successfully inducted into the IAF’s Tigersharks Squadron.

Ship based system: The quick strike missile is operational on all front-line Indian naval platforms. The missile can be fired from both vertical and inclined launchers. In addition to surface ships, the Indian Navy plans to deploy BRAHMOS on submarines.

Traversing the futuristic weapons systems, BrahMos Aerospace is developing the Hypersonic version with a capability to fly at an ultra-high speed of Mach 5-7. Other displays at the BrahMos pavilion will include the BRAHMOS-NG, along with various indigenously developed system and the full scale airborne missile with the SU-30MKI at the outdoor display alongside the actual Mobile Autonomous Launcher with 3 missile configuration.

This highly versatile BRAHMOS missile system has given a major fillip to the nation’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” mission with the weapon system providing the Indian Armed Forces a distinct prowess to vanquish any enemy in the contemporary conflict scenario.

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IN AUDIENCE

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BEL IS FAST EXPANDING GLOBAL PRESENCE, PUTTING BEST FOOT FORWARD TO GIVE THRUST TO EXPORTS WORLDWIDE: DIRECTOR, MARKETING

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nandi Ramalingam is the Director (Marketing) of Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

Before her elevation to the current position, she was General Manager (Milcom) at BEL-Bengaluru. Mrs Ramalingam joined BELBangalore in March 1985 after completing her BE in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore. She was awarded the Executive Excellence Award.

In a candid conversation with Raksha Anirveda, Mrs Ramalingam spoke at length on plans to increase BEL’s global presence. Excerpts:

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What are your plans on increasing BEL’s exports?

How do you plan to increase your global presence?

BEL is fast expanding its global presence, putting its best foot forward to give a thrust to exports worldwide. All-out efforts are being made to tap new markets across the globe. In a bid to develop new markets in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), BEL has operationalised overseas marketing offices in Oman, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. BEL has expanded its Singapore and New York Regional Offices to handle marketing activities.

BEL is also thinking of establishing similar offices in Nigeria, Brazil, Armenia and Kazakhstan.

The Government is encouraging defence exports through many policy initiatives and has set a target of Rs 35,000 crores by 2024-25. BEL has identified Exports and Offsets as one of its thrust areas and has drawn up plans to offer its select products and systems to various export markets.

The Company has put in efforts for increasing its business opportunities in South East Asia, Europe, West Asia, Africa and North America through constant engagement with customers and is also working closely with other Indian companies and local partners in the respective countries as part of maximising its geo-strategic reach and increase its global footprint.

Akash Weapon System

Weapon Locating Radar

Air Defence Fire Control Radar

What are the products that you export and to which all countries do you export?

BEL has been exporting products such as Communication Systems, Coastal Surveillance System, Missile Systems, Radars, Electronic Warfare Systems, Electro Optic Systems and Electro Optic Fire Control Systems, Radar Finger Printing System, Naval Systems, Radar Warning Receivers, Electronic Voting Machines and various other equipment to US, UK, Russia, Italy, Brazil, Germany, France, Israel, Indonesia, Honduras, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa and many other friendly countries. BEL achieved Export sales of US$48.59 million during FY 2019-20.

Some of the other products and systems which are being promoted for exports include Homeland

Security solutions, Smart City solutions, Border Protection systems and Coastal Surveillance System. Having established a Coastal Surveillance System (CSS) for a few neighbouring countries, BEL is interacting with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for supply of CSS to other friendly countries.

Recently, the Government approved the export of the indigenously developed Akash Missile System to friendly foreign countries.

How do you plan to tap the Offset clause for exports?

BEL is also focusing on Offset as a potential avenue for revenue generation.

BEL is interacting with many foreign OEMs to meet Offset obligations in various RFPs of the MoD, on account of the Offset policy incorporated in the Defence

Procurement Procedure (DPP).

BEL has identified contract manufacturing (build to print and build to spec) for foreign OEMs and partnerships in the form of Transfer of Technology of the latest systems and solutions as areas of emerging export opportunities. Efforts are also on to establish long term supply chain relationship with global players.

How is your Company gearing up to realise the Government’s Atmanirbhar initiative?

Defence has been identified as a core sector to boost the Make in India vision of achieving US$5 billion Exports.

Major initiatives by BEL towards Make in India/Atmanirbhar Bharat include strong thrust on R&D, Collaborative R&D, Defence

IN A BID TO DEVELOP NEW MARKETS IN THE IOR, BEL HAS OPERATIONALISED OVERSEAS MARKETING OFFICES IN OMAN, VIETNAM, SRI LANKA AND MYANMAR. BEL HAS EXPANDED ITS SINGAPORE AND NEW YORK REGIONAL OFFICES TO HANDLE MARKETING ACTIVITIES

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IN AUDIENCE BEL’S MAJOR INITIATIVES TOWARDS ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT INCLUDE STRONG AND COLLABORATIVE THRUST ON R&D TO CREATE AN ECOSYSTEM TO FOSTER INNOVATION, AND TECH DEVELOPMENT IN DEFENCE

BY ENGAGING ACADEMIA, INDUSTRIES, START-UPS AND INDIVIDUAL INNOVATORS

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Innovation Organisation incorporated by BEL and HAL to create an ecosystem to foster innovation, and technology development in Defence by engaging R&D institutes, academia, industries, start-ups and individual innovators. To promote the Make in India initiative, BEL has established Make in India Display Cells, appointed Nodal Officers for Outsourcing & Vendor Development in all its Units and updated its policies and procedures. BEL has implemented the Make-II Policy of GoI and issued several EoIs to Indian vendors. The Company has been putting in efforts to create a strong vendor base in India and has currently more than 21,000 vendors including domestic vendors and MSMEs. BEL is extending its Test facilities for use to private industries.

BEL is pursing development/ production opportunities with DRDO under DPP model for

Video Teleconferencing Encryptor - Aviation version

Marine VHF Radio

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various indigenous development/ production programmes. The Company has entered into partnerships / strategic alliances with foreign OEMs as well as major Indian industries to address large and strategic programme requirements, leveraging its complimentary capabilities and assuming the role of a Lead integrator / Tier-1 partner for indigenous manufacturing. BEL is constantly exploring possibilities of forging JV Partnerships.

BEL successfully rolled out 30,000 ICU ventilators within a record time for treating

SDR manpack

Covid-19 patients and make India self-reliant in high-end medical equipment. The project involved substantial import substitution within a short period of time. Post Covid, A separate vertical called Medical Electronics Division has been opened to focus on networked and remotely operated solutions with latest technologies like IoT, AI, Cloud-based services, e-diagnostics and online healthcare services.

Can you throw some light on the key growth drivers for BEL going ahead?

Existing business segments such as Radar & Missile Systems, Communication & Network Centric Systems, AntiSubmarine Warfare & Sonar Systems, Tank Electronics, Gun Upgrades, Electro-Optics, ElectroExplosive and Electronic Warfare & Avionics systems will continue to drive BEL’s growth in the coming years.

BEL has been putting in continual efforts to diversify into several new areas in both Defence and non-defence to sustain growth.

Some of the areas BEL is focussing on in Defence are Next Generation Weapon Programmes, ElectroOptics, Airborne Radars, Arms & Ammunitions and Explosives, Unmanned Systems, Night Vision Devices, Inertial Navigation Systems solutions for various platforms, Helmet Mounted Display Systems, Counter Measures Systems for Airborne Platforms, Composites, etc.

In the last 5 years, BEL’s turnover from non–defence business has been around 15 per cent to 20 per cent of the total turnover. Some of the areas being focused upon in non-defence are Air Traffic Control Radars, Space Electronics, Spacegrade Solar Cells, Satellite Assembly & Integration, Railway and Metro Solutions,

Anti Drone Guard System

Drone Detection Radar

400 W Air Cooled Fibre Laser

Software, Electric Vehicles (Liion Battery Packs, Fuel Cells, Charging Stations), Homeland Security and Smart City businesses, Smart Metres and healthcare electronic equipment including ICU Ventilators to combat COVID-19.

What is your current order book size? What is the growth in order book you expect in coming quarters?

BEL’s order book as on 1.12.2020 is more than Rs 52,000 crores. BEL has been consistent in order acquisition year-on-year. The Company has orders worth over Rs 8,000 crores in the pipeline. All-out efforts are being made to tap new markets across the globe.

What are the latest products and systems that you are planning to exhibit at Aero India 2021?

At Aero India 2021, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will showcase state-of-the-art products and systems spanning every domain of its business. The products and systems on display during the Aero India 2021 are clustered as Airborne & Space Application, Satellite and Space Application, Products and Systems for Self-Reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), High Performance Computing & Artificial Intelligence Systems, Land and Naval Products and Systems, Communication and Laser based Products, NonDefence/ Diversification and Outdoor Display Products.

In addition to the above, BEL will also showcase its R&D capabilities by launching/ demonstrating some of its new products/ technologies. The entire set of state-of-art equipment on offer will be a force multiplier for any Defence force.

THE COMPANY HAS ENTERED INTO PARTNERSHIPS / STRATEGIC ALLIANCES WITH FOREIGN OEMS AS WELL AS MAJOR INDIAN INDUSTRIES TO ADDRESS LARGE AND STRATEGIC PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS, LEVERAGING ITS COMPLIMENTARY CAPABILITIES AND ASSUMING THE ROLE OF A LEAD INTEGRATOR / TIER-1 PARTNER FOR INDIGENOUS MANUFACTURING How do you see the Government policy of 74 per cent FDI through automatic route impacting the business?

The current FDI policy of 74 per cent through automatic route is permitted for industries applying for fresh licence.

Nevertheless, BEL considers it to be a positive step towards establishment of some niche technologies in the country. BEL with its long experience in the Defence sector has developed certain core strengths which is its USP to stay competitive in this sector.

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SPOTLIGHT

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MOS DEFENCE SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK VISITS ONEOF-ITS-KIND HUGHES PRECISION FACILITY IN GOA Hughes Precision is the first private sector company in India, which has set up military grade ammunition manufacturing facility in Goa. The plant was set up in a record time of 12 months despite COVID related restrictions and lockdowns

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asco da Gama. Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Shripad Yesso Naik visited newly-built one-of-its-kind state-of-the-art facility of M/s Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd located in Verna Industrial Area, Goa on December 5. He was accompanied by his wife. Hughes Precision is the first private sector company in India, which has set up military grade ammunition manufacturing facility in Goa. The plant was set up in a record time of 12 months despite COVID related restrictions and lockdowns.

The facility has been set up with the objective of fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” for the world.

The plant is fully operational

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and manufactures a range of calibres starting from 9x19 up to 12.7x108mm. It is one of the most modern ammunition manufacturing facilities in the world, and has been set up to

deliver NATO quality ammunition to military and paramilitary forces in India as well as abroad. The company has installed state of the art highly automated ammunition

assembly equipment for highspeed production of ammunition.

Hughes Precision has also invested in the best ammunition inspection system, which uses lasers and cameras to ensure that the manufactured ammunition is free of any defects and is up to the NATO standard.

Since this is the first and only defence related manufacturing facility in Goa, and so is the reason the Minister decided to pay a visit.

He was given a tour of the entire facility as well as the completely underground firing range where the ammunition is tested using sophisticated equipment and computers.

The MoS Defence was very happy to see that such a sophisticated manufacturing facility has been setup in his home state of Goa, which in general is only associated with leisure activities and not the defence manufacturing. He was even happier to note that the unit is focused on the international market and will be exporting a significant part of its production to international customers.

As the Prime Minister has set a very aggressive target for defence exports from India, the Hughes Precision facility would be contributing though in a small way towards meeting that target.

Taking his own interest, the Minister interacted with employees of the facility and was pleased to note that around 80 per cent of the staff belonged to Goa

itself. Skill development is given very high priority in Hughes and even most of the production people coming from other industries they are learning ammunition manufacturing at Hughes.

He spent lot of time interacting with Hughes Management to understand the difficulties they are facing in their day to day activities especially in getting clearances

from the government departments.

During the interaction, the Minister seemed very keen to ensure that the private companies which have taken the plunge and invested large sum of money to make the PM’s dream of Atmanirbhar Bharat are able to function smoothly and deliver the products that India needs without any bureaucratic or procedural delays.

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BUSINESS PITCH

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BOEING MAKES STRONG PITCH FOR F/A -18 BLOCK III SUPER HORNET FOR INDIAN NAVY The successful demonstration of Boeing’s ability of its F-18 Super Hornet fighter jets to land on Indian naval aircraft carrier is the culmination of two years of study and simulations in close interaction with the Indian Navy

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ew Delhi. Having carried out an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet off a ground-based ski jump at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland as part of a demonstration effort for the Indian Navy in August, US Defense and aerospace major Boeing made a strong pitch for the aircraft on December 21. The demonstration at Patuxent river was to show that the aircraft can operate from short take-off but arrested recovery (STOBAR) configured aircraft carriers, such as the INS Vikramaditya and the future INS Vikrant.

Ankur Kanaglekar, Head, India Fighters Sale, Boeing Defense, Space and Security

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Talking to the media at a virtual conference, Ankur Kanaglekar, Head, India Fighters Sale, Boeing Defense, Space and Security said “the induction of this aircraft would be a force multiplier for the Indian Navy,” and it would have immense value considering that India would be having two aircraft carriers.

He said there are two variants of the Super Hornet. One is the twoseater which can also operate as

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a capable trainer aircraft and the other is the single seater.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh has also been vigorously pitching for a third aircraft carrier so the procurement of these aircraft would boost the air power of the Navy.

Considering the prevailing situation on the borders with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh and the tension along the Line of

Control (LOC) with Pakistan and the moves by China to increase its naval power, there is indeed an imperative need for boosting the maritime strength.

The successful demonstration of Boeing’s ability of its F-18 Super Hornet fighter jets to land on Indian naval aircraft carrier is the culmination of two years of study and simulations in close interaction with the Indian Navy.

“The first successful and safe launch of the F/A-18 Super Hornet from a ski-jump begins the validation process to operate effectively from Indian Navy aircraft carriers,” said Kanaglekar.

The F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet would not only provide superior war-fighting capability to the Indian Navy but also create opportunities for cooperation in naval aviation between the US and India, he said, pitching it as a “lynchpin” for cooperation between Indian and US navies.

Kanaglekar also highlighted the ability of F/A-18 to interface with the Navy’s P-8I as a “force multiplier” and also with other platforms under induction.

The Navy has also contracted 24 Lockheed MH-60R multi-role helicopters with deliveries to begin next year.

As part of Boeing’s proposed “By India, for India” sustainment program, the Block III Super Hornets could be serviced in partnership with the Indian Navy as well as India and US based partners throughout the lifecycle of the aircraft, Kanaglekar said.

This would further develop advanced expertise in aircraft maintenance in India, resulting in higher availability of the aircraft, at competitive pricing and reduced risk for the Indian Navy.

The Indian Navy is currently evaluating responses from aircraft manufacturers received in response to a Request for Information (RFI) floated in 2017 for 57 twin-engine deck-based fighters. However, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently offering to develop a twin-engine deck based jet, the Navy is in the process of cutting down the number of fighters from 57 to around 36.

The Navy’s sole aircraft carrier in service INS Vikramaditya and the under-construction Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC)-I Vikrant both have a ski-jump with a

Boeing P-8I

Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet

STOBAR mechanism.

Boeing and the US Navy proved recently that the F/A-18 Super Hornet can operate from a “ski jump” ramp, demonstrating the aircraft’s suitability for India’s aircraft carriers.

The F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet will offer the Indian Navy value in the form of advanced warfighter technologies at a low acquisition and affordable cost per flight hour because of its ease of maintainability design and durability.

The Indian Navy stands to benefit from the multi-billion dollar investments made towards

new technologies in the Super Hornet by the US Navy and several international customers.

This includes advanced network technology, longer range and low-drag with conformal fuel tanks, long-range detection with Infrared Search & Track, enhanced situational awareness with a new Advanced Cockpit System, improved signature reduction and a 10,000+ hour life.

Boeing is on schedule to deliver next-generation Block III capabilities to the US Navy in 2021 and by 2024, one squadron per carrier air wing will consist of Block III Super Hornets. Making the platform the US Navy’s dominant force in the skies, the Super Hornet provides the most weapons at range in the US Navy’s fighter inventory, including five times more air-to-ground and twice the air-to-air weapons capacity.

Boeing’s advanced aircraft and services play an important role in mission-readiness for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.

The company has strengthened its supply chain with 225 partners in India and a joint venture to manufacture fuselages for Apache helicopters, and annual sourcing from India stands at $1 billion.

THE F/A-18 BLOCK III SUPER HORNET WILL OFFER THE INDIAN NAVY VALUE IN THE FORM OF ADVANCED WARFIGHTER TECHNOLOGIES AT A LOW ACQUISITION AND AFFORDABLE COST PER FLIGHT HOUR BECAUSE OF ITS EASE OF MAINTAINABILITY DESIGN AND DURABILITY

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IN CONVERSATION

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WE LOOK TO INCREASE INDIA DEFENSE COOPERATION AND IN NEGOTIATION WITH POTENTIAL PARTNERS, SAYS IAI EVP MARKETING

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olonel (Res.) Eli Alfassi is Executive Vice President (EVP) Marketing of Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd (IAI) since 2017. Prior to become EVP Marketing, he was Corporate Vice President India Operations.

After completing 28 years of service in Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in various command and staff roles, he joined IAI in January 2004. Col (Res.) Alfassi also served as IDF’s military attaché in India and headed the Israeli Ministry of Defense delegation to India for five years.

His key responsibilities include overall planning, development and execution of IAI’s marketing initiatives and other major activities.

Alfassi holds a Bachelor’s degree in history from Tel Aviv University, and a Masters in Political Science and National Security from the University of Haifa.

In an interview to ARIE EGOZI, International Roving Correspondent, Raksha Anirveda, Colonel (Res.) Eli Alfassi dwelt upon IAI’s future marketing plan for India. Edited excerpts:

What is importance of the Indian market for IAI? This market is very important for us. In the past, we delivered our systems to all the arms of the Indian armed forces. This includes the early warning Phalcon aircraft, missiles, radars and satellites.

The Barak-8 naval missile is a joint program of our company and the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD). We currently have industrial cooperation agreement with almost 100 Indian companies.

How IAI organized its operations to meet the requirements of the Make in India policy?

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We are involved in over 100 projects in India.

Some of the developed systems have been supplied; others are in different development stages. We are also involved in contract to serve some of our operational systems used by India.

The Barak-8 is our flagship program. The main activity of this program is now in India, with Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) as main contractor.

We have entered our Make in India activities in 2005, and since have increased it.

Do you plan to extend your cooperation with Indian companies?

Yes, and we work on that all the time. We have major agreements with BEL and HAL and we look to increase this cooperation and establish new ones. We are negotiating with some potential new partners right now.

When a Request for Proposal (RFP) is issued for a certain system, we get in touch with an existing partner in India, or talk with a new one, in an effort to submit joint proposals.

With existing activity, and big potential how has IAI organized the technology transfer to local companies?

This is on the table, as recently we won some new contracts. We streamlined the technology transfer to Indian companies.

What are the main segments in which IAI see the biggest potential in the Indian market in the coming years?

We are competing on supplying additional early warning aircraft, and in this we have identified potential in space activities, radars of different types, communication systems, EW and additional missile systems.

Many companies from different countries have

THIS MARKET IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR US. IN THE PAST, WE DELIVERED OUR SYSTEMS TO ALL THE ARMS OF THE INDIAN ARMED FORCES. THIS INCLUDES THE EARLY WARNING PHALCON AIRCRAFT, MISSILES, RADARS AND SATELLITES. THE BARAK-8 NAVAL MISSILE IS A JOINT PROGRAM OF OUR COMPANY AND THE INDIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (MOD). WE CURRENTLY HAVE INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH ALMOST 100 INDIAN COMPANIES identified the big potential in the Indian market. Do you see a growing competition especially from American companies?

The growing competition is a fact.

Many companies identified India as a strategic market, and offer existing systems but also future ones. The competition, especially with the American companies is not simple, as the US is a world power, with the political potential every agreement with an American company brings.

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PHOTO FEATURE

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INDIAN ARMY TO PLAY A DECISIVE ROLE IN THE NEW DECADE Indian Army is ready to play a decisive role in the third and new decade of 21st century.

With regular assessment of operational preparedness and combat readiness, the Army is ready to meet any eventuality and prepared for two front wars with China and Pakistan. Army modernisation is also on the anvil and it is taking all out efforts to close the technological gap of the service, and keeping with this modernisation drive, demonstration of advanced drones was the major attraction of this year’s Army Day. Raksha Anirveda brings you a photo feature of the celebration of 73rd Army Day:

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APPOINTMENTS

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LT GEN TARUN KUMAR AICH TAKES OVER AS NEW DG NCC

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ew Delhi. Lt Gen Tarun Kumar Aich on January 1 took charge as the 33rd Director General, National Cadet Corps (NCC) – the premier youth organisation of the country.

Lt Gen Aich was commissioned into the 16th Battalion of the MADRAS Regiment in June 1986.

He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakvasla and the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. He is a Postgraduate and holds an M Phil in Defence and Strategic Studies from the Madras University.

The General Officer has a rich and varied experience

of serving in different terrains. He has commanded his Battalion in the Siachen Glacier and in the intense counter terrorism environment of the Valley Sector in Kashmir. He has commanded a brigade in the Western Theatre, which is part of a Strike Corps.

LT GEN HARPAL SINGH APPOINTED ENGINEER-IN-CHIEF OF INDIAN ARMY

Chandigarh: Lt Gen Harpal Singh appointed as the next Engineer-in-Chief of the Indian Army effective December 1, 2020. He succeeds Lt Gen SK Shrivastava.

Prior to new assignment, Lt Gen Harpal Singh was Director-General, Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA) Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Harpal Singh was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers in December 1982. He commanded a Border Roads Task Force in Jammu and Kashmir and has also served as the Chief Engineer of BRO’s Project Dantak in Bhutan, Chief Engineer (Navy), Mumbai and Chief Engineer Eastern Command.

As Engineer-in-Chief at Army Headquarters, he will be responsible for the functioning of the Combat Engineers that provide field support to operational formations.

VICE ADMIRAL SANDEEP NAITHANI ASSUMES CHARGE AS CONTROLLER WARSHIP PRODUCTION AND ACQUISITION New Delhi. Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, AVSM, VSM, assumed charge as the Controller Warship Production and Acquisition on December 21.

A graduate of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Pune, he was commissioned into the Electrical Branch of the Indian Navy on January 1, 1985. The Admiral is a Post Graduate in Radar and Communication Engineering from IIT Delhi and a distinguished alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and the National Defence College (NDC). He has held various challenging appointments during his illustrious naval career spanning over three and a half decades.

The officer has served onboard the aircraft carrier Viraat in various capacities. Vice Admiral Naithani tenanted important appointments in Naval Dockyards at Mumbai and Visakhapatnam and in the Staff, Personnel and Materiel Branches of Naval Headquarters. The Admiral also commanded the premier electrical training establishment of the Navy, INS Valsura.

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RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES APPOINTS MARIE R. SYLLA-DIXON AS CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER

Waltham, Massachusetts. Raytheon Technologies announced that Marie R. Sylla-Dixon has joined the company effective January 4 as chief diversity officer (CDO). Sylla-Dixon will report

directly to Chief Executive Officer Gregory Hayes and serve as a member of the company’s executive leadership team.

As CDO, Sylla-Dixon will be responsible for leading Raytheon Technologies’ diversity, equity and inclusion strategy.

The role will integrate initiatives across the four pillars of talent management, community engagement, public policy and supplier diversity, and shape externally how the company shows up in its communities.

Sylla-Dixon joins Raytheon Technologies from T-Mobile US where she spent 11 years, most recently serving as vice president for government and external affairs, leading T-Mobile’s DE&I efforts and community outreach through the company’s recent merger with Sprint.

Sylla-Dixon holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Hampton University and a Juris Doctorate from the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law.

CHICAGO. Boeing Company board of directors on January 15 announced that Lynne Doughtie has been elected to the board, replacing Caroline Kennedy who has resigned following three years of dedicated service.

Doughtie, 58, retired from KPMG in 2020, after serving as US Chairman and CEO since 2015. One of the world’s leading professional services firms, KPMG operates in 147 countries and territories employing more than 219,000 people. She will serve on the Audit and Finance committees.

As the first woman to be elected US Chairman and CEO of KPMG, Doughtie served as a member of KPMG’s Global Board and Executive Committee.

Doughtie has been recognized by Fortune’s Most Powerful Women, Crain’s

New York Business’ 50 Most Powerful Women in New York, Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People, the National Association of Corporate Directors’ 100 most influential people in the boardroom, and Glassdoor’s list of Top CEOs.

BOEING ELECTS LYNNE DOUGHTIE TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JEREMY TONDREAULT NAMED PRESIDENT OF PLATFORMS & SERVICES SECTOR, BAE SYSTEMS

London. BAE Systems has named Jeremy Tondreault as president of the Platform & Services sector effective January 4. With this appointment, Tondreault also joins the senior leadership team of BAE Systems, Inc., led by president and CEO Tom Arseneault.

During his 25 years with BAE Systems, Tondreault has held leadership roles in two sectors of the company, including vice president of operations for the Electronic Systems sector and most recently vice president and general manager of the Combat Mission Systems business.

Tondreault succeeds Guy Montminy, who will remain as a legacy fellow with the company until his planned retirement later in 2021. The Platforms & Services sector is a leading provider of tracked and wheeled armored combat vehicles, naval guns, naval ship repair and modernization, artillery and missile launching systems, precision strike munitions and ordnance, and other technologies for US and international customers.

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APPOINTMENTS

ROLLS-ROYCE APPOINTS DAN ANTAL, GENERAL COUNSEL – DEFENSE AND RRNA ashington DC. Rolls-Royce on January 11 announced the appointment of Dan Antal as General Counsel for Defense and RollsRoyce North America (RRNA). In this role, Dan will be a key member of the Defense and General Counsel Leadership teams and will be based in our Washington, DC office.

In addition, Dan will join the RRNA Board, be accountable for oversight of our Special Security Agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense and provide in-country leadership for the General Counsel teams across the United States.

Prior to joining Rolls-Royce, Dan most recently served as Senior

Vice President, General Counsel – Civil Group for Leidos. He has extensive experience across the Defense & Aerospace industries and has led a range of General Counsel functions including Legal, Company Secretariat, Special Security Agreements and Risk.

New Delhi. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd (RADS) has appointed Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Moshe Lipel as Executive Vice President of Finance and Control. Lipel will replace David Vaish, who is retiring after 15 years as the company’s CFO.

Moshe Lipel holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Bar Ilan University, specializing in Finance. He has served in a number of positions is Israel’s defense establishment, including as financial advisor to the Chief of Staff of the IDF, and as head of the Defense Ministry’s budget department. For the last 13 years, Lipel has served as CFO of Elta Systems Ltd., an IAI subsidiary.

President and CEO of Rafael, Yoav Har-Even, congratulated Lipel on his appointment and noted that Lipel brings with him vast experience and a deep understanding and knowledge of the various bodies and organizations with which Rafael works, and expressed confidence in his success.

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RAFAEL ADVANCED DEFENSE SYSTEMS NAMES NEW CFO

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BOAZ LEVY APPOINTED IAI’S CEO Tel Aviv. Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) Board of Directors has nominated Boaz Levy as IAI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Levy succeeds Maj. General (Res.) Nimrod Sheffer, who stepped down as CEO on October 31. Boaz Levy’s career at IAI spans over 30 years. In 1990 he joined the company as an engineer for the Arrow Project and in 1999 became the project’s chief engineer.

From 2006 to 2010 he headed the Barak-8 program, which evolved into one of the world’s most advanced air defense systems and became one of IAI’s most significant growth engines. Over the years, Levy has pursued groundbreaking technological developments that are cornerstones of Israel’s defense. Several of those programs have won the Israel Defense Prize presented annually by the President of Israel to people and organizations who made significant contributions to the defense of the State of Israel. Levy is also responsible for some of the largest defense export sales in Israel’s history, including the sale of the Barak Weapon System worth over US$6 billion.

Born in 1961, Levy is married and a father of two. He graduated from the Technion Israel Institute of Technology as an aerospace engineer with M. Sc. in Systems Engineering.

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CIVIL AVIATION NEWS

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DOMESTIC FARE CAPS TO REMAIN IN PLACE UNTIL NEXT FEBRUARY: CIVIL AVIATION MINISTER To decide what the fare caps will be on any route, the government divides routes by time of the flight. Section one contains flights under 40 minutes, two contains flights from 40 to 60 minutes, three contains flights from 60 to 90 minutes, and so on until section seven

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EW DELHI. Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said that domestic fare caps will remain in place until next February.

The government has had a price floor and ceiling on all routes since flights restarted in May. However, he also signalled that the fare caps could be removed if passenger levels reach pre-COVID levels before February.

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India enacted a price floor and ceiling on all routes when domestic flights restarted in May after a two-month pause.

The reason for this was twofold: the first was to prevent astronomical fares due to pentup demand, and the second was to ensure airlines were able to cover high costs during the pandemic.

Airlines usually price tickets based on demand, which means last-minute and the last few seats cost drastically more than those booked in advance when the flight is empty. However, price caps prevent airlines from engaging in price wars and protect passengers from surge fares.

Puri told the media that the price caps for the lucrative Delhi-Mumbai route were Rs 3,500 and Rs 10,000.

Additionally, 40 per cent of the seats must be sold below the midpoint of the fare cap, i.e. Rs 6,750 in this example.

Low demand means that these fare caps likely aren’t hurting revenues noticeably but rather preventing airlines from dropping fares to unsustainable levels. While this could impact airlines if demand picks up, Puri has already said the caps will be removed when demand reaches pre-COVID levels (which he estimates could be as soon as the end of the year.

To decide what the fare caps will be on any route, the government divides routes by time of the flight. Section one contains flights under 40 minutes, two contains flights from 40 to 60 minutes, three contains flights from 60 to 90 minutes, and so on until section seven, which has flights from 180 to 210 minutes in length.

Based on the section, the price floor in between Rs 2,000 and Rs 6,500, while the price ceiling is between Rs 6,000 and Rs 18,500. This means that no domestic flight in India can cost over Rs 18,500, regardless of demand on the route.

While the caps may be in place, passengers may notice fares are slightly higher. This is due to certain taxes and extras

FOLLOWING COVID PANDEMIC AIRLINES ARE IN LOW DEMAND. LOW DEMAND MEANS THAT THESE FARE CAPS LIKELY AREN’T HURTING REVENUES NOTICEABLY BUT RATHER PREVENTING AIRLINES FROM DROPPING FARES TO UNSUSTAINABLE LEVELS (seats, meals, etc.) since the fare cap is only on the airfare price. But passengers can be sure to not face a last-minute shock due to the price.

India has seen domestic traffic recover well since flights resumed in May. Passenger numbers have crossed the 50 per cent mark, reaching a high of 1,80,000 daily passengers this month.

With India’s daily cases also dropping, we could see flight numbers continue to pick up over the winter months. Fare caps are here to stay until a substantial recovery is made, but the impact on airlines may not be much. With airlines still losing millions every month, strong demand, and not high fares, will be the priority.

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STAKEHOLDERS SHOULD WORK TOWARDS MAKING UDAN SCHEME SUSTAINABLE ON ITS OWN: CIVIL AVIATION SECRETARY The airlines should undertake marketing initiatives so that more and more people can take benefit of the UDAN scheme, and the airlines can become self-sustainable

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UDAN HAS CREATED A VIRTUOUS CIRCLE WHEREIN THE UDAN ROUTES FEED THE NATIONAL NETWORK AND THE NATIONAL ROUTES FURTHER CREATE NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY, WHICH THEN GENERATE DEMAND FOR MORE REGIONAL ROUTES

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EW DELHI. Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) Secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola has stated that the stakeholders should work towards making the UDAN scheme sustainable on its own and improve its efficiency. During a video conference to commemorate the UDAN day on October 21, he said that UDAN scheme has established the importance of travelling by air for common man specially to far flung areas.

Kharola congratulated the stakeholders and UDAN team for making the scheme successful with untiring efforts. He urged the airlines to undertake marketing initiatives so that more and more people can take benefit of the UDAN scheme. Senior officials from AAI, DGCA, MoCA and airlines also joined the video conference.

Kharola said that one of the most important features of the scheme is that different agencies collaborated and synchronised their efforts towards the success of the scheme. He added that UDAN has created a virtuous circle wherein the UDAN routes feed the national network and the national routes further create new opportunities for the people across the country, which then generate demand for more regional routes.

Arvind Singh, Chairman, AAI said that AAI is committed to build the infrastructure required for the UDAN scheme across the country.

Ms Usha Padhee, JS, MoCA

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thanked the stakeholders for their combined efforts and continuous support in making the UDAN scheme a success.

She added that Government of India has acknowledged the contribution of UDAN initiative and identified 21st October 2020 (the day on which the UDAN Scheme document was first released) as UDAN Day. RCS-UDAN, “Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik” is a Government of India’s flagship program

which aims to provide affordable, economically viable and profitable air travel on regional routes. This Regional Connectivity Scheme offers unique opportunity to a common man to fly at an affordable price.

UDAN has played a major role in adding new airports and routes to the aviation landscape of the country. 50 unserved and underserved airports (including 5 heliports) with 285 routes have been added under UDAN across the length and breadth of India. As the implementing agency, AAI has an ambitious plan to develop at least 100 airports/waterdromes/ heliports by 2024 under the Scheme.

GOVERNMENT CHANGES RULES FOR AIR INDIA BIDDING PROCESS, EXTENDS TIMELINE TO GARNER MORE INTEREST Post changing the rules, the government now is inviting bids at enterprise value, on an equity and debt basis

Of the enterprise value quoted by bidders, 15 per cent will be given in cash to the government and the remaining 85 per cent will be taken on by the bidder as debt.

“This gives more leverage to bidders for participation in the process,” Puri said via his Twitter account on October 29 after the press conference.

The deadline for the sale has also been extended again, he says.

According to the ninth corrigendum issued by India’s Department of Investment and Public Asset Management, expressions of interest (EoIs) will now be sought up to 17:00 (local time) on December 14 and the government will inform qualified interested bidders by 17:00 (local time) on December 28.

This is the second attempt by the government to sell Air India. It had originally planned to sell a 76 per cent stake in 2017. When that was unsuccessful, the government changed track, announcing at the start of 2020 that it was now planning to sell its

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EW DELHI. Government of India (GoI) has changed the rules for the Air India bidding process and again extended the timeline, hoping to garner more interest in a sale of the carrier. It is now inviting bids at enterprise value, on an equity and debt basis, civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced on October 29. Previously, the government had said that any bidder would have to absorb debt of Rs 230 billion. The change means bidders will set the amount of debt that they can absorb, ministers explained at a media meeting.

entire 100 per cent stake and reducing the amount of debt bidders would have to take on to Rs 230 billion from Rs 330 billion.

The deadline for the current sale process has been extended several times this year amid industry disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Puri also noted that domestic traffic levels in India have been recovering.

He said that daily domestic passengers were now close

THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW PLANNING TO SELL ITS ENTIRE 100 PER CENT STAKE AND REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF DEBT BIDDERS WOULD HAVE TO TAKE ON TO RS 230 BILLION FROM RS 330 BILLION to 1,74,000 a day, up from around 30,000 when domestic operations restarted on May 25.

He said: “Between Diwali [on November 14] and the end of the year, we should be looking at figures that resemble pre-Covid levels.”

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INDIA WITNESSES 56% FALL IN DOMESTIC AIR PASSENGER TRAFFIC IN 2020 New Delhi. There was a fall of 56 per cent in India’s domestic air passenger traffic in 2020 from a year earlier with Covid-19 lockdowns and subsequent reduced capacity by airlines. Domestic passenger traffic last year totalled 63 million compared with 144 million in 2019, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said. December traffic of 7.3 million fell by 44 per cent from 13 million a year earlier.

Government is planning to allow domestic airlines to increase flight capacity and forecasts air traffic returning to pre-pandemic levels in two to three months, civil aviation ministry officials said. Indian carriers were barred from flying for nearly two months until the end of May and international travel is still restricted.

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AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA OBSERVES AVIATION SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK 2020

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ew Delhi. Airports Authority of India (AAI) commenced Aviation Safety Awareness Week 2020 from November 23 to 27. The weeklong celebration is being observed at all airports and ANS locations managed by AAI across India.

Arvind Singh, Chairman, AAI, requested all Regional Executive Directors & Airport Directors to be proactive and to devote time personally for monitoring safety performance of their respective region/station. Singh further stressed that during Covid-19 situation in spite of reduced flight movements, it has been observed that wildlife/ bird menace has increased at airports.

Safety preventive measures should continue unabated irrespective of traffic volume.

To raise awareness on Aviation Safety, AAI will undertake various employee engagement programmes at the airports and ANS stations like reviewing of documents and

facilities, mock exercises, preventive maintenance etc. Various social campaigns too will be rolled out to raise awareness on the issue.

Banners and posters are being displayed across AAI offices and operational centres to educate both external and internal stakeholders on the significance of the Safety Awareness Week.

Maneesh Kumar, Deputy Director General (DDG), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has emphasised to achieve long term objective of zero fatality by the year 2030 as envisaged by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in its Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP-2020-22) through better managed safety systems of stakeholders.

In order to make people of surrounding community aware about their role in ensuring safety of aircraft operation in local airport, Airport Directors will be organising awareness programme in schools/ colleges on role of local residents in aviation safety.

BOEING COMMITS TO DELIVER COMMERCIAL AIRPLANES READY TO FLY ON 100% SUSTAINABLE FUELS SEATTLE. Boeing is setting an ambitious target to advance the longterm sustainability of commercial aviation, committing that its commercial airplanes are capable and certified to fly on 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuels by 2030.

Boeing has previously conducted successful test flights replacing petroleum jet fuel with 100 per cent sustainable fuels to address the urgent challenge of climate change.

According to the Air Transport Action Group, US Department of Energy and several other scientific studies, sustainable aviation fuels reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80 per cent over the fuel’s life cycle with the potential to reach 100 per cent in the future.

Today, sustainable aviation fuels are mixed directly with conventional jet fuel up to a 50/50 blend — the maximum allowed under current fuel specifications. In order to meet aviation’s commitment for reducing carbon emissions by 50 per cent from 2005 levels by 2050, airplanes need the capability to fly on 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuels well before 2050. Boeing’s commitment is to determine what changes are required for its current and future commercial airplanes to fly on 100 per cent sustainable fuels, and to work with regulatory authorities and across the industry to raise the blending limit for expanded use.

ISRAEL’S BRITANNICA ANNOUNCES WIZZ AIR EXPANDING USE OF FOX TRAINING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Tel Aviv. Israeli company Britannica Knowledge Systems, a provider of integrated training and readiness management solutions, announced that WIZZ AIR is expanding their use of the Fox Training Management System (TMS) and is utilizing Fox to implement Evidence Based Training (EBT). Fox enables Wizz Air, Europe’s fastest growing and greenest low-cost airline to improve the efficiency and compliance of their training operations as they ramp up for the coming uptake in air travel. According to Britannica, the Fox TMS is now up and running at Wizz Air, despite the hurdles presented by the pandemic. Fox has enabled the creation and update of a variety of training programs and curricula across the entire fleet.

AIRBUS UNVEILS HELICOPTER FLIGHTLAB TO TEST TOMORROW’S TECHNOLOGIES

Marignane. Airbus Helicopters has started in-flight tests on board its Flightlab, a platform-agnostic flying laboratory exclusively dedicated to maturing new technologies. Airbus Helicopters’ Flightlab provides an agile and efficient test bed to quickly test technologies that could later equip Airbus’ current helicopter range, and even more disruptive ones for future fixed-wing aircraft or (e)VTOL platforms. Airbus Helicopters intends to pursue the testing of hybrid and electric propulsion technologies with its Flightlab demonstrator, as well as exploring autonomy, and other technologies aimed at reducing helicopter sound levels or improving maintenance and flight safety. The Flightlab is an Airbus-wide initiative, which reflects the company’s approach to innovation focused on delivering value to customers. Airbus already has several well-known Flightlabs such as the A340 MSN1, used to assess the feasibility of introducing laminar flow wing technology on a large airliner, and the A350 Airspace Explorer used to evaluate connected cabin technologies inflight.

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CIVIL AVIATION NEWS AAI HANDS OVER LUCKNOW AIRPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE TO ADANI GROUP ON 50 YEAR LEASE

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NORMALISATION AGREEMENT: MORE FLIGHTS TO BE OPERATIONAL BETWEEN ISRAEL AND GULF STATES IN COMING MONTHS el Aviv.

Expected traffic between Israel and the Gulf states that recently signed normalization agreements with Israel bring more airlines to operate flights on these routes.

Hungarian lowcost airline Wizz Air is launching Tel Aviv – Abu Dhabi flights from next month. The move was expected as Wizz Air has a hub in Abu Dhabi.

Operations will commence on the new route on February 12, with four weekly flights and from March 1, Wizz Air plans operating daily flights. From late November four carriers began flying on the Tel Aviv – Dubai route – flydubai, Arkia, Israir and El Al. 67,000

ISRAEL’S IAI AVIATION GROUP ENTERS INTO LINE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH BAHRAIN’S GULF AIR

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New Delhi. After having won the right to run six airports for 50 years, Adani group were given Lucknow airport for the same period by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on the midnight November 2. The AAI had handed over the Mangaluru airport to the group on October 30 midnight. The central government in February 2019 privatised six major airports of the country — Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Guwahati. After a competitive bidding process, the Adani group won the rights to run all of them for 50 years.

FIRST DIRECT FLIGHT OPERATIONS FROM KALABURAGI TO HINDON FLAGGED OFF passengers flew from Israel to Dubai in December. Wizz Air will be the first to operate on the Tel Aviv – Abu Dhabi route although the distance between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is only 100 kilometres. Etihad Airways is expected to launch Tel Aviv – Abu Dhabi flights from mid-March. Emirates also plans to launch Tel Aviv – Dubai flights.

BUDGET AIRLINES SPICEJET, VISTARA TO START 4 NON-STOP FLIGHT OPERATIONS TO DHAKA New Delhi. Private sector budget airlines SpiceJet and Vistara from November 5 will have non-stop flights to Dhaka from Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata. The introduction of the new non-stop flights to Dhaka is part of the new air bubble pact signed recently between India and Bangladesh. Budget airline SpiceJet has introduced three non-stop flights to Dhaka from Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata, while Vistara will have one flight from Delhi. On October 17, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had announced that India and Bangladesh had sealed an air bubble pact, and both the nations will soon operate 28 non-stop flights per week. After the air bubble arrangement between the two countries, SpiceJet announced the launch of eight new flights between India and Bangladesh starting November 5. SpiceJet will soon add Chittagong as its 11th international destination. Earlier, SpiceJet had introduced a non-stop flight between Guwahati and Dhaka, but stopped it after a couple of months of operation. SpiceJet is optimistic that there will be good demand on flights to Bangladesh.

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KALABURAGI, KARNATAKA. First direct flight operations from Kalaburagi, Karnataka to Hindon Airport, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh were flagged off on November 18 under the RCS-UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik). The officials of Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) were present at the launch. Commencement of the flight operations on the Kalaburagi – Delhi (Hindon) route is in line with the commitment and perseverance of MoCA and AAI to enable the country with better air connectivity under the UDAN scheme. Till date, 295 routes and 53 airports including five heliports and two Water Aerodromes have been operationalised under the UDAN scheme.

BOEING FORECASTS LONG-TERM RESILIENCE AND RETURN TO GROWTH FOR WEST ASIA AVIATION SECTOR

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates. Boeing anticipates demand for 2,945 new airplanes in the West Asia valued at US$685 billion over the next two decades, as the industry recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic in the medium and long term. The projection is part of Boeing’s 2020 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), an annual forecast of 20-year demand for commercial airplanes and services. The 2020 CMO reflects the impact of the pandemic and Boeing’s view of near-, medium- and long-term market dynamics globally and regionally. Commercial aviation and services markets will continue to face significant challenges earlier in the 20-year forecast, while showing resilience and a return to growth trend over the longer term. Over the next 20 years, passenger traffic growth in the West Asia is projected to increase by an average of 4.3 per cent per year, above the global average of four per cent growth per year. The West Asia commercial fleet is expected to reach 3,500 by 2039 – more than doubling the current 1,510 airplanes – to address replacement needs and growth, according to the CMO. Globally, with key industry drivers expected to remain resilient through the forecast’s 20-year period, the commercial fleet is expected to return to its growth trend, generating demand for more than 43,000 new airplanes.

Tel Aviv. Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) Aviation Group has entered into a Line Maintenance agreement with Bahrain’s airline Gulf Air. The agreement was inked at a festive ceremony in Israel, attended by Gulf Air Acting CEO, Captain Waleed Abdulhameed Al Alawi, and IAI EVP and General Manager of Aviation Group, Yosef (Yossi) Melamed, during a visit by a delegation from the Kingdom of Bahrain. Under the contract, the Aviation Group will provide a comprehensive technical response to all of Gulf Air’s airplanes expected to land at the Ben Gurion International Airport, including post- and pre-flight services, daily maintenance, and support for any technical issues. IAI’s Aviation Group provides Line Maintenance services to some 75 per cent of the airlines that arrive at the Ben Gurion Airport.

IAI’s Aviation Group is responsible for MRO, jet airplanes, passenger into cargo conversions, avionic assemblies and aero-structures, avionics upgrades, and more. The Line Maintenance services offered by the Aviation Group are unique in providing immediate solutions thanks to the Group’s advanced capabilities, which allow it to function as a onestop-shop.

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RAFAEL DEFENSE COMPLETES GERMANY BATTLEFIELD STUDY, PERFORMS DEMONSTRATION OF BNET SDR COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

By ARIE EGOZI

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el Aviv. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (RADS) has completed the second phase of Germany’s Transparent Battlefield study and performed a demonstration of its BNET advanced SDR communication and its Fire Weaver sensor to shooter system for the German Army.

The event took place in Paderborn, Germany, in November 2020, in front of representatives from the Bundeswehr and various partners and industries.

The Second Phase demonstration of the Transparent Battlefield study included live traffic from the Aeronautics Pegasus Drone, along with the Fire Weaver Sensor-to-Shooter system; all carried over the BNET advanced Software Defined Radio (BNET Hand-Held and BNET Vehicular). The demo

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was hosted by Atos Information GmbH, which acts as the prime contractor for the Transparent Battlefield Study, and included its C2 software as an integral part of the demo.

BNET is a Spectrum-Aware SDR – utilizing the spectral arena of the battlefield to the fullest in a cognitive way, using Multi-

frequency Channel Reception (MCR), which enables it to receive and analyze information from numerous frequency channels, simultaneously, using a single RF head.

Fire Weaver is a networked sensor to shooter system which provides the tactical forces with a GPS-independent geopixel-based tactical common language among all the sensors and shooters, providing optimal situational awareness and improved understanding of the battlefield. Fire Weaver uses Rafael’s advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, processes the battle data, analyzes it, and prioritizes fire allocation.

As was published in December 2019, Rafael has partnered with Atos Information GmbH on a project involving the creation of a program named “Transparent Battlefield”, in which unmanned aerial systems and combat vehicles are used to create a 3D picture of mobile operations in real-time. The work will be performed for the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support. Following the completion of the first and second phases, further phases are expected to take place in the coming years.

Yoav Wermuth, VP and head of Rafael’s C3I directorate, said: “Today’s battlefields are undergoing far-reaching changes that affect the operational needs of land, air and naval forces, with newly emerging real-time applications, such as sensor-to-effector cycle closure systems. Rising to meet these challenges, and relying on decades of experience in the development of C4I solutions, Rafael has developed the BNET

IN 2019, THE INDIAN AIR FORCE HAS BEGUN TO INTEGRATE THE RAFAEL BNET SOFTWARE DEFINED RADIO ON ALL ITS COMBAT AIRCRAFT. THE ISRAELI COMPANY IS SUPPLYING 1,000 SYSTEMS THAT WILL BE INTEGRATED INTO ALL THE INDIAN AIR FORCE COMBAT AIRCRAFT Family, enhanced with patented technology, and the Fire Weaver, a high-precision, three-dimensional, GPS-independent common visual language system.

Integration of these systems into the Bundeswehr will lead to a number of significant changes – it will provide a common visual language among different types of units, not only from the Bundeswehr, but also from allied forces, which share the same threats and missions, connecting multiple sensors and shooters on one single “flat” network.”

In 2019, The Indian Air Force has begun to integrate the Rafael BNET software defined radio on all its combat aircraft. The Israeli company is supplying 1,000 systems that will be integrated into all the Indian Air Force combat aircraft.

The BNET is the main communication system of the Israeli air force (IAF) existing and future platforms. The BNET system replaces existing radio systems installed in aircraft and according to the Israeli company while half in size and weight, it offers a very wide communications channel for data.

According to Rafael, the SDR system optimizes the spectrum utilization, while the use of advanced waveforms deliver high speed networking, supporting live video, image transfer, voice and data.

According to Rafael the BNET communications systems have been selected by the air forces of Brazil and Columbia and is now competing in other countries.

Rafael says that the BNET allows the aircraft to achieve a fully networked communication system between airborne platforms and ground naval forces. The system is seamless and it allows the transfer of data including video images in unprecedented rates.

The company says that the use of ad-hoc networking optimizes the spectrum utilization, while the use of advanced waveforms deliver high speed networking, supporting live video, image transfer, voice and data. Reliance on SDR also ensures ‘future-proof’ upgradability and interfacing with legacy systems.

According to Rafael, the system that has been selected is based on a new family of SDR systems developed by the company in recent years.

Rafael began the development of BNET as a ground based network, and later adapted the system for airborne and air-ground applications. Rafael has transferred considerable elements of the system development and production to India, enabling local partners to share a major part of the program in the current phase and also benefit from its future spinoffs.

According to Rafael, the efficiency of BNET as an adaptable network means that the airborne communications could provide in the future the basis for advanced terrestrial communications, supporting landbased applications as well.

-The writer is International Roving Correspondent of this publication

BRITISH COMPANY PEARSON ENGINEERING PARTNERS WITH BEML TO SUPPLY 1,500 TRACK WIDTH MINE PLOUGHS TO INDIAN ARMY New Delhi. British Company Pearson Engineering will be supplying over 1,500 Track Width Mine Ploughs (TWMP) to the Indian Ministry of Defence. The order, which will see the Pearson plough integrated with the T-90 S/ SK tank, will be delivered in partnership with Defence PSU BEML Limited. With previous experience in integrating counter-mine capabilities with T-72, T-90, Arjun Mk1 Main Battle Tank and BMP-2 Armoured Vehicles, Pearson Engineering is proud to be a current supplier to the Indian Army. Dr Deepak Kumar Hota, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML, said, “We are proud to be associated with MoD to enhance the combat capabilities of the Indian Army. This is another example of BEML’s capability to meet the specific requirements for our armed forces. BEML signifies the true spirit of Make in India.” Richard Beatson, Business Development Director at Pearson Engineering, said, “We are delighted to have received this important order alongside our partners at BEML. Having been committed to developing capability for India for many years, we look forward to further developing our relationships, both with the end-user and Indian industry.” The track width mine plough will enable the Indian Army’s T-90 tanks to move through mined areas, while remaining highly mobile. Pearson Engineering has a long heritage in the supply and integration of mine ploughs to Armed Forces around the world.

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NEWS ROUND UP

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MRSAM TEST YET ANOTHER TESTIMONIAL OF STRONG PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN IAI, DRDO AND INDIA, ISRAEL

BDL, THALES TEAMS UP TO MANUFACTURE STARSTREAK AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM IN INDIA

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ew Delhi. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Thales have signed a Teaming Agreement to work in partnership on the STARStreak Air Defence system with the support of both the Governments of India and the United Kingdom.

The Teaming Agreement was signed at a virtual ceremony held on January 13. NP Diwakar, Director (Technical), BDL; Alex Cresswell, CEO Thales, in the UK and Emmanuel de Roquefeuil, VP and Country Director, Thales in India, signed the agreement in the presence of Commodore Siddharth Mishra (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, BDL. Jeremy Quin, Minister for Defence Procurement, Government of UK and Mark Goldsack, Head of UK Defence & Security Exports, Government of UK graced the occasion.

BDL will become a part of the STARStreak global supply chain, providing the opportunity for export of the system to existing and future STARStreak Air Defence customers, including the UK Armed Forces through this

STARStreak Air Defence System

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agreement. BDL, as a part of its Global Outreach, is endeavouring to forge alliance with foreign companies to take the Make in India mission further.

Thales and BDL have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to assess the opportunity for the transfer of technology for STARStreak. The signing of this teaming agreement confirms a positive outcome from that exploration process.

The STARStreak Missile System is in service in the British Army and has been procured by defence forces worldwide. The fastest missile in its category, STARStreak is unique due to its three laser-guided darts, which cannot be jammed by any known countermeasure. It has the capability to defeat any air target – even armoured helicopters – as the last line of defence.

STATE-OWNED BEL INKS DEAL WITH INDIAN NAVY FOR INITIAL SUPPLY OF INDIGENOUSLYDEVELOPED LASER DAZZLERS

INDIAN UAV COMPANY IDEAFORGE GETS RS 140-CRORE CONTRACT FROM ARMY FOR HIGH ALTITUDE TACTICAL DRONES New Delhi. In the wake of ongoing border standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, leading Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) company ideaForge has been awarded a Rs 140 crore deal for high altitude UAVs by the Indian Army for an undisclosed number of the advanced version of SWITCH tactical drones.

These specialised drones are made to operate in high altitude areas like Ladakh, for use by infantry soldiers and Special Forces. The niche drone maker won the contract after competing with Israel’s top UAV manufacturer Elbit, besides the Tata Group, Dynamatic Technologies Ltd, Asteria Aerospace and VTOL Aviation.

The SWITCH is a Fixed Wing Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) UAV, which can be deployed at high altitude and harsh environments for day and night surveillance in ISR missions. It has a daylight payload of 1280×720 pixels, 25x Optical Zoom and has a thermal payload of 640×480 pixels. However, the Army has ordered an advanced version of this drone, which comes with extended endurance and covers 700 sq km from each take off point. It comes with encrypted communication and long range target detection with HD optical zoom payload. ideaForge chief executive Ankit Mehta said, the firm was “super excited” about the deal, adding that the SWITCH UAV is the only product that cleared the Army’s stringent product trials and surpassed expectations. The company is backed by institutional investors such as WRVI, Infosys and Qualcomm.

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el Aviv. Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), Air and Missile Defense Systems jointly developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was successfully tested at a test range in India recently.

MRSAM, which was tested last week, is an advanced path breaking air and missile defense system that provides ultimate protection against a variety of aerial platforms. It is used by the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Indian Navy and Israeli Defense Forces. The system includes an Advanced Phased Array Radar, Command and Control, Mobile Launchers and interceptors with advanced RF Seeker.

MRSAM is jointly developed by IAI and DRDO for Indian forces. IAI is in collaboration with Israeli and Indian industries, including: Rafael, TATA, BEL, L&T, BDL and many private vendors.

The current test, conducted at the Indian test range, validated all components of the weapon system to the customer’s satisfaction. Israeli specialists and Indian scientists

and officers participated in and witnessed the test.

The flight test demonstrated different extreme reference scenarios, validating various system capabilities. As part of the test the MRSAM interceptor was luanched from a land based mobile launcher and successfully hit its threats.

The scenario began by targeting the threat detected by the Systems digital MMR Radar, and launched the MRSAM interceptor toward its operational trajectory. The interceptor acquired the target, and successfully intercepted it.

All the weapon system’s elements met the test goals successfully.

Boaz Levy, IAI’s President and CEO, said that the MRSAM Air and Missile Defense System is a cutting edge, innovative system, that once again has proven its advanced capabilities against a variety of threats. “Every trial in an air defense system is a complex operational event and the COVID-19 limitations significantly increase the complexity.

This trial is yet another testimonial to the strong partnership between IAI and DRDO and the two nations. IAI is proud to lead this impressive cooperation with DRDO and the Indian forces and is dedicated to its continued success.”

New Delhi. State-owned Defence Major Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) inked a contract with Indian Navy for initial supply of 20 Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation Dazzlers (Laser Dazzlers) in New Delhi on January 1.

The BEL had earlier this month won the contract beating global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in buy global category. These would be manufactured by BEL, Pune plant.

The Laser Dazzler is used as a nonlethal method for warning and stopping suspicious vehicles/boats/aircrafts/ UAVs/pirates from approaching secured areas during both day and night. It is capable of dazzle and thereby suppress the person’s/optical sensor’s action with disability glare in case of non-compliance to orders. It disorient/ confuse/blind a person temporarily. It also dazzles and distract aircraft/UAVs. It is a portable, shoulder operated and ruggedised for military use in adverse environmental conditions. Laser dazzler technology was developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

This unique product is indigenously designed and developed for first time for the Armed Forces. It will support the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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IN NEWS DRDO DEVELOPS MULTIPLE PRODUCTS FOR INDIAN ARMY TO BRAVE EXTREME COLD CONDITIONS AGAINST CHINESE DEPLOYMENT AT LAC New Delhi. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed multiple products such the HimTaapak heating devices and snow melters to help over 50,000 soldiers posted to counter Chinese threat, battle the extremely low temperatures.

The Him Taapak space heating device (Bukhari) has been developed for the Indian Army deployed in Eastern Ladakh, Siachen and high altitude areas and it has placed an order of more than Rs 420 crores for these appliances, DRDO’s Defence Institute for Physiology and Allied Sciences Director Dr Rajeev Varshney said, adding that the device will ensure that there are no deaths of jawans due to backblast and carbon monoxide poisoning. DIPAS,

which conducts physiological and biomedical research to improve human performance in extreme and wartime environment has also developed ‘Alocal cream’ that helps in preventing frostbite chilblains and other cold injuries to soldiers deployed in extremely cold areas. It has also developed a ‘flexible water bottle’ and ‘Solar Snow Melter’ to address the issue of drinking water problems in freezing temperatures.

“The Indian Army has placed orders worth Rs 420 crores to the manufacturers of this device and they would be deployed in all new habitats of Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), where the temperature is low,” Varshney said.

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BOEING AWARDED CONTRACT FOR 12 MORE KC-46 TANKERS BY US AIR FORCE EVERETT, Washington.

The United States Air Force (USAF) has awarded Boeing a $1.7 billion contract for 12 KC46A tanker aircraft. With this sixth production lot, Boeing is now on contract for 79 KC-46A tankers. The company delivered the first KC-46A to the Air Force in January 2019. Since then, Boeing has delivered 42 tankers to four different bases. The next-generation KC-46 brings new capabilities and operational flexibility to the US Air Force and international customers.

The KC-46A is a multirole tanker designed to refuel allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures. It’s also equipped to carry passengers, cargo and patients on any mission at any time. Boeing is assembling KC46A aircraft at its Everett, Washington facility where it also continues production of the KC-46 tanker for Japan.

EUMW VIRTUAL: ROHDE & SCHWARZ DEMONSTRATES RELIABLE MICROWAVE TEST SOLUTIONS FOR FUTURE-LOOKING APPLICATIONS Munich, Germany. Munich-headquartered international electronics group Rohde & Schwarz participated in European Microwave Week 2020 (EuMW virtual) with a lavishly designed virtual trade show booth, where visitors could learn about new developments and exchange ideas with experts. Rohde & Schwarz, specialising in the fields of electronic test equipment, broadcast & media, cyber-security, radio monitoring and radio communication, showcased its portfolio of microwave test solutions at EuMW virtual.

The European Microwave Week 2020 was earlier postponed, and took place as an online event from January 10 to 15.

ELBIT SYSTEMS AWARDED CONTRACT TO SUPPLY SEAGULL USVS TO APAC NATION NAVY Haifa. Elbit Systems has been awarded a contract to supply Seagull Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) to the Navy of a country in Asia-Pacific. The contract, which is of an amount that is not material to Elbit Systems, will be performed over a 17-month period.

Under the contract, Elbit Systems will provide Seagull USV systems that are specifically configured to perform Mine Counter Measures (MCM) missions while facilitating the option to add technology modules needed for Anti-Submarine Warfare.

The Seagull USVs to be supplied will integrate Side-Scan and Forward-Looking sonars, Mine Identification and Destruction Remotely Operated Vehicles.

TAMIL NADU-BASED AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE COMPANY M/S AEROSPACE ENGINEERS RECEIVES CREATIVE PARTNERSHIP AWARD Bengaluru. Tamil-Nadu’s Salembased aerospace and defence company M/s Aerospace Engineers has been awarded ‘Creative Partnership Award’ for excellent contribution towards supporting the TAPAS UAV Programme through indigenisation of flexible (Rubber) fuel tank.

The award was given away at the hands of Director, Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) during 62nd Foundation Day of the DRDO laboratory.

Aerospace Engineers was established in the year 2000 to specifically cater to the growing needs of Aviation, Space, Missiles and Civil Aircraft requirements.

DRDO HANDS OVER INDIGENOUSLYDEVELOPED RETRACTABLE LANDING GEAR SYSTEMS TO ADE BENGALURU

Aerospace Engineers specialises in various areas such as in the Precision machining and manufacturing of Rubber Components, Composites, Electro Mechanical LRU’s, Missiles sub-assemblies, etc to list a few.The combined motto of both companies is to be 100 per cent self-reliant in the Aviation Sector.

DUAL MILESTONE: GRSE DELIVERS LAST OF 8 LCU PROJECT ‘LCU L-58’, BEGINS PRODUCTION OF FIRST SHIP OF 8 ASWSWC PROJECT Kolkata. Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), a leading warship building and Mini-ratna Category 1 company under the administrative control of Ministry of Defence (MoD), topped the year 2020 with delivery of the last of eight LCU project and started production of the first ship of eight Anti Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASWSWC) project, thus achieving the dual milestone. GRSE delivered IN LCU L-58 (Yard 2099), eighth and last in the series of Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Ships to the Indian Navy (IN). This ship is the 106th Warship built and delivered by GRSE so far, since its inception in 1960, the highest number of warships delivered by any Indian Shipyard till date.

The Protocol of delivery and acceptance was signed between Rear Admiral VK Saxena, IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE and Lt Cdr Krishan Kumar Yadav in the presence of Cmde Sanjeev Nayyar, IN (Retd.), Director (Shipbuilding), Cmde PR Hari, Director (Personnel) and RK Dash, Director (Finance) and other Senior Officials of GRSE and Indian Navy.

Today (December 31) is also the ‘Start Production’ Day for the First of Eight ASWSWCs, which is the first ‘Milestone’ in shipbuilding and signifies commencement of vessel construction after design engineering phase. The compact and complex stealth crafts are designed by GRSE.

New Delhi. Indigenously-developed Retractable Landing Gear Systems (RLGS) for Tapas and SWiFT UAVs and 18 types of filters for P-75 Submarine have been handed over at DRDO laboratory, Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai. The handing over ceremony took place on January 10 in the presence of Member of Parliament Dr. Kalanidhi Veeraswamy, Parliamentary Standing Committee Member for Defence; Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, DDR&D and Chairman DRDO; and PK Mehta, DG (ACE). CVRDE has indigenously designed and developed Three Ton Retractable Landing Gear (RLG) Systems for Tapas UAV. The design, development and testing of this gear system is carried out in co-ordination with CEMILAC and DGAQA for certification.

PUNE-BASED ANANT DEFENCE SYSTEMS RECEIVES BRIG. SB GHORPADE AWARD FOR MSME IN DEFENCE PRODUCTION Pune. A city-based defence company Anant Defence Systems Pvt. Ltd has recently been awarded Brig S B Ghorpade Award for MSME in Defence Production

by Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), Pune chapter.

MCCIA declared Anant Defence Systems the winner of the award, which was part of the MCCIA Annual Awards 2020.

MCCIA Annual Awards have been instituted for more than seven decades to encourage the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The Chamber has instituted the awards to recognise and felicitate different verticals of business. The awards have been instituted and contributed by different trusts, and are being administered under the banner of MCCIA Annual Awards.

The award consists of a Trophy, Medal and Certificate will be distributed somewhere at the end of this month, preferably in person. The company was represented by Girish Butala, Director, during the announcement of the award.

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IN NEWS GOI’S PROPOSAL TO ACQUIRE ATHOS GUNS TIPS ELBIT SYSTEMS IN LIST OF MAJOR ARTILLERY GUN COMPANY

Tel Aviv. The unprecedented pressure put by Israel ministry of defence on the Indian government to sign the deal to purchase Israel-made towed artillery guns is explained by sources in Tel Aviv in two ways – the total value of the deal but not less important – this deal makes Elbit Systems a major artillery company “that would have to be considered seriously in any other competition around the world.” The Elbit Systems proposal was cheaper than the one submitted by French gunmaker Nexter.

The tender is aimed at supplying 1,580 artillery guns to the Indian Army.

It may be noted here that the Request for Proposal (RFP) floated by India calls for the supply of the first 400 of its ATHOS 155 mm, 52-calibre towed artillery guns in complete imported form, while of the remaining 1,180 guns at least 50 per cent must be made in India. In its efforts to win the bid, Elbit Systems offered to build up to 70 per cent of these guns in India.

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IN FIRST OF ITS KIND, INDIA-UK HOLD VIRTUAL MEETING OF SPECIALISTS IN COUNTER IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVES DEVICE New Delhi. United Kingdom-India Counter Explosive Ordnance (C-EO) with a massive participation of around 35 specialists in Counter Improvised Explosives Device (IED) from Indian security forces had a three hour long first of its kind meeting. The meeting was held to strengthen the UK-India Defence and Internal Security Partnership and identify co-development opportunities for UK and Indian industry. This is the first time UK DSE has assembled a large congregation of C-EO specialists from Indian security agencies. There were 23 companies expressing participation interest. And only nine were selected to participate: Kirintec; United Shield; Brimstone Site Investigation; 3D X-Ray; NIC Instruments; Pearson Engineering; Alford Technologies; Richmond Defence System; and ISSEE.

RAFAEL ADVANCED DEFENSE SYSTEMS AWARDED US$200 MILLION CONTRACT TO SUPPLY SPICE, OTHER SYSTEMS TO ASIAN NATION Tel Aviv. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd (RADS) on December 23 announced that it has been awarded a US$200 million contract to provide an Asian country with SPICE 2000 air-to-surface systems, Spike ATGMs, tactical, electro-optically guided missiles, and advanced communication systems.

SPICE is a family of stand-off, autonomous, air-to-ground weapon systems that strike targets with pinpoint accuracy and at high attack volumes, independently of GPS navigation, based on autonomous electro-optic Scene-Matching Artificial Intelligence (AI) Algorithms. The SPICE family, operational and combat proven in the Israeli air force and other global users, consists of SPICE-250, SPICE-1000, and SPICE-2000 variants, with ranges of up to 100 km. The Spike family consists of five variants (SR, MR, LR2, ER2, NLOS) of electro-optical, multi-purpose, multi-platform missiles, with ranges of up to 32 km and fire-and-update capabilities. To date, Spike has been sold to 35 countries, including 19 NATO nations, with over 33,000 missiles already supplied and more than 6,000 fired in tests and combat. Spike missiles have been integrated onto 45 different vehicular, helicopter and naval platforms.

CHENNAI-BASED NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATION ‘SWATANTRA FOUNDATION’ TO HOST ‘DEFENCE EXPO EMPOWERING MSME 2021’ Chennai. SWATANTRA FOUNDATION, a Chennai-based institution devoted to policy research and advocacy, has received an approval from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to organise a Defence Industry related Expo in Chennai, a Foundation press statement said on December 22. The event, Defence Expo Empowering MSME 2021, is scheduled to be held at Chennai Trade Centre from March 19-21. About more than 400 large, medium, small and micro level enterprises 132

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are expected to participate in the event. The main objective behind organising this event is

to connect Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, which have the capacity and capability to cater to the defence sector needs. A Conference and Seminar on Opportunities for MSMEs in Indian Defence Sector – Building an Atmanirbhar Ecosystem is also being planned concurrently with the Expo. The official website of the event https:// defenceexpotn.in is open for relevant industries to book their stall space.

COLLINS AEROSPACE LAUNCHES NEW GRIFFIN™-2 VISUAL DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR FAST-JET TRAINING WITH 2 UNDISCLOSED PROGRAMS IN ASIA-PACIFIC REGION CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa. Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of Raytheon Technologies Corp. on December 1 announced that its new Griffin™-2 visual display system (VDS) is set to launch with two undisclosed fastjet programs in the Asia-Pacific region.

The company has received orders for 20 systems over the next five years, and continued support through 2030.Building on the success of its Griffin™ rearprojected dome, the Griffin™-2 features ultrahigh resolution, brightness and

contrast for an unparalleled 360-degree immersive training experience for military fast-jets.

DRDO DESIGNATES BEL FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION OF MUCH NEEDED ANTI-DRONE SYSTEM FOR ARMED FORCES New Delhi. Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) Bharat Electronics has been designated by Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as the lead agency for development and production of much needed anti-drone system for the armed forces. It is understood that anti-drone systems are now a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security detail at his residence and portable ones will be part of his car cavalcade. This has been made mandatory as there has been a drone threat since beginning of 2020. While the DRDO has developed the system, the Indian private sector along with the security agencies have also been able to concurrently developed anti-drone system. The system has been tested on the LoC and was able to successfully repel the aerial threat.

MINIRATNA DPSU BHARAT DYNAMICS DELIVERS FIRST HEAVY WEIGHT TORPEDO VARUNASTRA TO INDIAN NAVY New Delhi. G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) flagged off the first Varunastra, the heavy weight torpedo, delivered to the Indian Navy at a ceremony held at Bharat Dynamics Ltd, Visakhapatnam Unit.

He later laid the foundation stone for setting up of a state-of-the-art central stores at BDL, Visakhapatnam Unit. Varunastra, the heavy weight torpedo, has been designed and developed by NSTL, Visakhapatnam. BDL, being the production agency, is manufacturing Varunastra at its Visakhapatnam Unit for the Indian Navy. This product is also being offered for export, according to a BDL statement. BDL is associated with DRDO for its various missile programmes and it is the production agency for Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) for which trials were conducted successfully recently. BDL is also the production agency for Astra Airto-Air Missile System and has commenced manufacturing of these missiles. These missile systems are developed indigenously by the DRDO for the Indian Air Force. Dr Reddy appreciated the synergy between all stakeholders, especially the design agency NSTL and the production agency BDL for the manufacture of the first Varunastra. He suggested that BDL should gear up for new programmes of ALWT and EHWT.

HAL DELIVERS BIGGEST EVER CRYOGENIC PROPELLANT TANK TO ISRO Bengaluru. Defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has delivered the biggest cryogenic propellant tank (C32 LH2) ever fabricated by the company to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) much ahead of the contractual schedule at a programme held in Bengaluru recently. The C32-LH2 tank is a developmental cryogenic propellant tank of aluminium alloy designed for improving the payload capability of GSLV MK-III launching vehicle. The propellant tank was handed over by M S Velpari, Director (Operations), HAL to Dr V Narayanan, Director (LPSC), ISRO in the presence of S Somanath, Director (VSSC) with other senior scientists from the Indian space agency, participating in virtual mode along with other senior officials of the DPSU.

FRENCH THALES, KANPUR-BASED MKU TO JOINTLY DEVELOP NIGHT VISION DEVICES FOR ARMED FORCES: UP MSME MINISTER

Lucknow. Uttar Pradesh MSME Minister Siddharth Nath Singh said French multinational company Thales Group will collaborate with Kanpur-based MKU to make night vision devices in the state for armed forces. The project will take place as part of UP Defence Industrial Corridor, said Singh, the Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME), Export Promotion, Investment Promotion among others while inaugurating the corporate office of the India unit of Thales Group in Noida.

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IN NEWS

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LOCKHEED MARTIN TO ACQUIRE AEROJET ROCKETDYNE STRENGTHENING POSITION AS LEADING TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER TO HELP SECURE US, ALLIES

SOUTH KOREA PLANS TO PURCHASE SIKORSKY’S 12 MH-60R ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE HELICOPTERS Seoul. South Korea plans to buy 12 Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk anti-submarine warfare helicopters, the country’s defence procurement agency announced on December 15. The contract, valued at about US$878 million, is expected to be signed by the end of this year, according to the Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), an executive branch of South Korean government under the Ministry of National Defense to administer improvement projects of defense capability, the procurement of munitions, and the fostering of defense industries. The 19.76-meter-long and 5.1-meter-high chopper with a maximum cruising speed of 267 kph can handle multiple missions, including operations of warfare, search and rescue, and medical evacuation.

The US Navy is the main operator of the “Romeo” maritime helicopter, with 289 units in its fleet. South Korea has been added to the list of Romeo operating countries that includes India, Saudi Arabia, Denmark, Australia and Greece.

GOA SHIPYARD-BUILT ICGS SUJEET, SECOND IN THE SERIES OF FIVE OPV, COMMISSIONED Vasco da Gama. Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship ‘Sujeet’, the second in the series of five Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), was commissioned in Goa on December 15. ICG said that this vessel has been made in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Make in India’.

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BETHESDA, Md. Lockheed Martin Corporation on December 20 announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. for $56 per share in cash, which is expected to be reduced to $51 per share after the payment of a preclosing special dividend. This represents a post-dividend equity value of $4.6 billion and a total transaction value of $4.4 billion including the assumption of net cash. As part of approving the transaction, Aerojet Rocketdyne announced a special cash dividend, revocable at its option through the payment date, of $5 per share to its holders of record of common stock and convertible senior notes (on an asconverted basis) as of the close of business on March 10, 2021, and payable on March 24, 2021.

With 2019 revenue of approximately $2 billion, nearly 5,000 employees, and 15 primary operations sites across the United States, Aerojet Rocketdyne is a world-recognized aerospace and defense rocket engine manufacturer.

GRSE-BUILT ‘HIMGIRI’, FIRST OF THE THREE PROJECT 17A SHIPS, LAUNCHED New Delhi. ‘Himgiri’, the first of the three Project 17A ships being built at M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata was launched on December 14 making first contact with the waters of Hoogly River at 1335 hours at a ceremony with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat as the Chief Guest. In keeping with naval traditions Mrs Madhulika Rawat, launched the ship to the chanting of invocations from the Atharva Veda.

The ship has taken name and crest of the second Frigate of the Leander Class of ships, which incidentally was launched 50 years ago in 1970.

Under the Project 17A program, a total of seven ships, four at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and three ships at GRSE are being built with enhanced stealth features, advanced indigenous weapon and sensor fit along with several other improvements. The launch of ‘Himgiri’ has showcased GRSE’s commitment towards the building of three state-of-the-art warships of P17A for Indian Navy.

UTTAR PRADESH’S SHAHJAHANPUR-BASED G SURGIWEAR ALLOTED NATO STOCK NUMBER FOR MANUFACTURING MEDICAL ITEMS Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur-based M/s G Surgiwear Ltd has been alloted NATO Stock Number (NSN) for manufacturing 10 medical items. With the new development, G Surgiwear becomes the first Indian medical devices company to be allotted the NSN. The company was requested to codify the medical items manufactured by it, an e-mail from the concerned authority said. A NATO Stock Number, or National Stock Number (NSN) as it is known among the member countries of Allied Committee 135 is a 13-digit numeric code, identifying all the ‘standardized material items of supply.

Pursuant to the NATO Standardization Agreements, the NSN has come to be used in all treaty countries.

UAE’S EDGE FIRST IN WEST ASIA TO BE RANKED AMONG TOP 25 MILITARY COMPANIES IN THE WORLD Abu Dhabi-UAE. Marking its first year, EDGE, the UAE’s advanced technology group for defence and beyond, was ranked among the top 25 military suppliers in the world by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a think tank that specialises in data analysis of military expenditure and arms trade among other peace and security related matters. With this being the first time that a West Asian company has been named among the biggest defence original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and security exporters, EDGE’s presence is a notable ranking for the UAE and the region more broadly. Others on the ranking included Lockheed Martin, the Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC), BAE Systems, Thales, Almaz-Antey, and Rolls Royce.

SIPRI reported that the sales of arms and military services by the largest 25 companies totalled US$361 billion in 2019, with EDGE accounting for 1.3 per cent of the total arms sales.

TO STRENGTHEN ANTI-DRONE DEFENCE, INDIAN NAVY ORDERS ISRAELI ‘SMASH-2000 PLUS’ SIGHT SYSTEMS New Delhi.

In a move to strengthen antidrone defences, Indian Navy has ordered a limited number of Israeli ‘Smash-2000 Plus’ computerised fire control and electro-optic sight systems that can be mounted on guns and rifles to tackle the threat from small hostile drones in both day and night conditions. The deliveries of the anti-drone Smash-2000 sights, which integrate target acquisition and tracking algorithms with image-processing software, will take place early next year.

SAAB SIGNS 2 CONTRACTS FOR NEXT HAL SET TO DELIVER FIRST BATCH OF INDIGENOUS LCH GENERATION CORVETTES FOR SWEDEN Stockholm. Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, (FMV), have signed two agreements concerning the next generation of surface ships and corvettes –a Product Definition Phase for the Mid-Life Upgrades (MLU) of five Visby-class corvettes, as well as a Product Definition Phase for the next generation Visby Generation 2 corvettes. The collected value of the contracts is 190 MSEK. The contracts include requirements’ analysis and are respectively the start of the modification work of the five corvettes and the acquisition of the Visby Generation 2. The Visby Generation 2 is a development of Visby-class version 5 and will be equipped with a modern anti-ship missile system, torpedo system and air defence missile system.

The first Visby-class corvette was launched on June 8, 2000 and today five corvettes are in operational service. The product definition phase regarding MidLife Upgrades, aims to make the five ships in the class operationally relevant beyond 2040. In addition to modifying the ships’ existing systems, an air defence missile system will be added as a new capability. The RBS15 anti-ship missile system will be upgraded to the latest version as well as the torpedo system with the new Saab Lightweight Torpedo.

Bengaluru. Defence Public Sector Undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will deliver the first batch of three indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs). The three LCH will be delivered to Indian Army and Indian Air Force before March 31; media reports said quoting defence officials. These helicopters are a part of 15 Limited Series Production (LSP) LCH helicopters approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC). Earlier this month, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that contracts for the following are likely to be signed in the first quarter of 2021: LCH from HAL, additional Harop (P-IV) loitering drones from Israel and upgrade of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV) in service. Apart from this, the Army variant of the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is scheduled to receive its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) at the Aero India. Last September, it completed all tests and also demonstrated its high-altitude capability in hot and high weather conditions. LUH is a three-tonne helicopter positioned as replacement for the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.

It is capable of flying at 220 kmph, service ceiling of 6.5 km and a range of 350 km with 500 kg payload, according to HAL. RAKSHA ANIRVEDA JANUARY - MARCH 2021

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IN NEWS TO BOOST IAF’S STRIKE CAPABILITIES, INDIA CONSIDERS TO BUY 6 AIRBUS 330 MULTI-ROLE TRANSPORT TANKER ON G-TO-G BASIS New Delhi. Amid the prevailing situation at Line of Actual Control (LAC), India is considering a French proposal to acquire six Airbus 330 multi-role transport tanker aircraft on a government-to-government basis for expanding the Indian Air Force (IAF) strike capability through latest mid-air refuellers. IAF as of now operate seven Russian IL-76 M refuellers with Pakistan acquiring same four refuellers from Ukraine and China operating three same Russian.

DEFENCE PSU HAL DEVELOPS WORLD’S LIGHTEST ATTACK HELICOPTER WITH HIGHEST FLIGHT CEILING

ROLLS-ROYCE ACQUIRES LEADING SUPPLIER OF SHIP CONTROL SYSTEMS SERVOWATCH London. Rolls-Royce has acquired Servowatch Systems, a UK-based international supplier of integrated marine automation solutions for navies, commercial vessels and large yachts. Representatives of Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems business unit and the company’s previous owner, the Indian engineering, procurement and construction projects, manufacturing, defence and services group Larsen & Toubro, signed the contracts on December 2. Servowatch, based in Heybridge, Essex, will significantly expand the ship automation division of the MTU product and solution brand of Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems business. “Servowatch’s modern and sophisticated range of automation and integrated bridge systems for government and commercial ships and large yachts is the ideal complement to continue to offer sophisticated total system solutions for marine propulsion systems and the entire ship automation sector,” said Andreas Schell, CEO Rolls-Royce Power Systems. Servowatch employs approximately 35 people at its headquarters in Heybridge, with additional 11 people in India. Servowatch automation systems monitor and control the operation of numerous large ships, for example large yachts and government vessels – not only the propulsion system, but also numerous other functions such as heating and ventilation and power supply.

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Bengaluru. “Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria flew the homegrown Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) over this aerospace city,” said an official. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the LCH is a multi-role attack helicopter, stated to be the lightest in the world, with its flight ceiling being the highest among all attack helicopters. Plans are underway to induct the aircraft into the Indian defence forces in the near future and the Air Chief’s sortie is part of the preparations to field the aircraft in combat operations soon.

The attack helicopter is equipped with a two-person tandem cockpit which can accommodate a pilot and co-pilot. The aircraft has been designed to perform several attack profiles which include anti-infantry, anti-armour missions, and relatively high altitude flight.

FRENCH SAFRAN, INDIAN DPSU HAL TO SET UP HELICOPTER SPARE PARTS PRODUCTION FACILITY IN GOA

Panaji. Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Shripad Naik said defence firms setting up non-polluting factories in Goa will provide 80 per cent job opportunities to the sons of soil. Speaking to the media, he said the much-awaited joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines, a French company, and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), a defence PSU, will soon set up helicopter spare parts production factory in Valpoi.

After inspecting the ‘Hughes Precision’ company unit set up at the IDC Verna for manufacturing bullets, under the stewardship of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), he recalled that the former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had announced the project in October 2016 with a total investment of Rs 170 crore.

The engines of advanced light helicopters of various versions, light combat helicopters and future light utility helicopters (LUH) that are common between HAL and Safran would be maintained at this facility.

RAKSHA ANIRVEDA

IN NEWS

WITH PLANNING TO BOOST INVESTMENT, DASSAULT AVIATION AIMS TO MANUFACTURE RAFALE IN INDIA The French government has already told the GoI that Rafale can be made in India if there are higher numbers. In 2017, France wrote to Modi govt to opt for Make in India route for Rafale jets

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ew Delhi. With an eye on boosting investment in India, French defence giant Dassault Aviation has aimed to manufacture Rafale fighter jets in the country, and would make a fresh pitch for it. According to reports, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President Emmanuel Bonne, who was on a visit to India, would have made a pitch of the French government’s offer to make the Rafale fighters in India — if the numbers in play are closer to 100.

If a smaller number comes to pass, the French maker would not manufacture the Rafale in India as a whole but would increase the procurement of parts from the country, sources said.

The offer comes at a time when India is in the middle of induction of the 36 fighter jets ordered in 2016 by the Modi government. While these 36 jets were procured under the emergency clause, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is working on a 138

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tender for 114 new fighters.

However, there is speculation that it is easier for the country to buy another 36 Rafale fighters, along with indigenous Tejas Mk-2, than to opt for a fresh procurement process.

According to reports quoting highly placed sources, any call on additional Rafale fighter jets would be taken only after the delivery of the first 36 are complete. However, they noted that the

Rafales are expensive.

In October 2020, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria had for the first time officially indicated that the decision to buy two more squadrons of Rafale fighter jets is under consideration.

“The French government has already told the Indian government that Rafale can be made in India if there are higher numbers. This will also be raised during the strategic level talks and interactions between the two sides at various levels,” sources said.

In 2017, France had written to the Modi government to opt for Make in India route for the Rafale jets.

Sources said Dassault Aviation is working on setting up a third hangar at the Nagpur facility, a joint venture with Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence.

“The idea is to have five hangars in total. Dassault Aviation already manufacturers and procures engine doors and the canopy from India.

The idea is to scale it up with time,” a source said.

The Nagpur facility of Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL) started making cockpits for the French manufacturer’s Falcon business jets, besides other parts. The idea is to eventually build the Falcon 2000 entirely in India.

Dassault Aviation would need a higher order of around 100 aircraft to start a Rafale production facility in India, said the sources. The chief executive of the French firm had said the same during the Aero India show in 2019.

“If that is done, Dassault Aviation will have two production lines, one in France and the other in India. The Indian plant will also produce Rafale for other countries,” a source said, pointing out that the fighter is in fray for orders from Greece, Malaysia, Indonesia and Switzerland.

Asked if there is a possibility for Make in India if the French get additional orders for lesser numbers, the sources said it would not be possible but the French firm will increase sourcing of parts from India.

Vol 3, Issue 12, Jan-Mar 2021

SPECIAL

Happy to be Arrested with Major Milestone www.hal-india.co.in

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IT HOME. VOL. NO. 3 ISSUE 12 JANUARY - MARCH 2021 The H225M is the helicopter of choice in the most dangerous warzones in the world. Equipped with a highly advanced defensive aides suite, it keeps both pilots and crew safe. It includes radar, missile & laser warning receiver, chaff and flare, and much more. On top of that, it also boasts the heaviest payload capacity, the highest speeds, and the furthest range in its category. Combined, these make the H225M more than ready for the world’s most demanding missions.

Defence. We make it fly.

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