SP's Land Forces 1/2022

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Military 2020 – Yearbook

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Volume 19 No. 1

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ROUNDUP

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The ONLY magazine in Asia-Pacific dedicated to Land Forces

Page 8 BrahMos Exports Get Going

>> EXCLUSIVE Chief of the Army Staff Photograph: Indian Army

In This Issue

—General M.M. Naravane, Chief of the Army Staff, in an interview with Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP’s Land Forces, talks about how the Indian Army continues to face challenges across the spectrum of conflict and is developing its capability and operational readiness to meet them

Negotiations for BrahMos between India and Philippines had been going on for the last few years but the obvious roadblock was Manila’s budgetary constraints Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) Page 9 The Defence Budget — Projection & Reality

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) expenditure now comprises 2.02 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)-down from 2.22 per cent in FY2020 – and 13.3 per cent of central government expenditure, down from 16.7 per cent Lt General J.K. Sharma (Retd) Page 10 UGVs for Army Indian Army Design Bureau (ADB) had sought tailor-made technology for the Army for inducting tactical UGVs for close quarters surveillance and combat Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) Page 11 The Future Ready Indian Army

Compared to Indian Army, it is assumed that the Chinese armed forces are better equipped and in the non-contact domain the PLA may be at an advantage.

Lt General Pradeep Bali (Retd)

General M.M. Naravane, Chief of the Army Staff, leads the restructuring and modernisation of the Indian Army as it faces unprecedented challenges on all fronts

“Strengthening our Military Capabilities and Developing Cyber, Space and Strategic Communications is an Undeniable Requirement” SP’s Land Forces (SP’s): How do you find the pace of modernisation and restructuring of the Indian Army? What else can or should be done to make it faster and more effective?

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS): The Indian Army is fully committed to induct indigenous weapon systems and equipment as nothing could be more motivating for any Army to fight and win its wars with indige-

nous technologies and weapons. The Indian Army faces, and will continue to face, operational challenges in the entire spectrum of conflict, whether it be in the conventional or unconventional domains. A thorough analysis of capability voids and future needs, in light of the threats posed by our adversaries and dictated by changing character of war, guides our capability development & operational preparedness plans. The pace of

our modernisation and restructuring is an optimum balance between revolution and evolution.

Our operational preparedness is primarily focussed on India’s desire to ensure stability & dominance along our contested borders and to effectively counter Proxy War. To retain operational readiness & combat edge, we constantly monitor and review the emerging & future threats to our

1/2022 SP’s Land Forces

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E D I T O R I A L

>> exclusive Chief of the Army Staff The lead article is an extensive interaction with General M.M. Naravane, Chief of the Army Staff in which he covers a very wide spectrum of issues from strategical, operational & tactical environment facing the Army to its forces restructure, modernisation, technology absorption & adaption. He said that Army continues to face challenges across the spectrum of conflict and is improving its capability and operational readiness to meet them. He highlighted the development of Cyber, Space and Strategic Communications as an “Undeniable Requirement.”

In the talks, General Naravane emphasised that the modernisation of Indian Army has been undertaken across the

entire spectrum and all issues as related to NCW are being addressed in a holistic manner.

The Indian Army is at the cusp of adapting itself well to undertake Multi Domain Operations (MDO) with net-centricity at its heart.

Looking at the contours of future warfare, Artificial Intelligence will have a dominant role and all future procurements and upgrades by us will incorporate AI, wherever feasible. Indian Army is also exploring military applications of 5G technology that have vital strategic and battlefield implications. Certain niche projects are in advanced stages of development. With DRDO, numerous projects are underway which will deliver contemporary weapon

systems and technologies. He goes on to give an overview of the state of readiness on India’s borders & internal security and admits that modernisation is a complex and dynamic process, impacted by operational dynamics, emerging technologies and budgetary support.

There is write up on the new defence budget where Lt General J.K. Sharma, the author, states that the overall defence spending is not only discouraging but rather dismal. The MoD expenditure now comprises 2.02 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product -down from 2.22 per cent in FY2020 – and 13.3 per cent of Central Government expenditure, down from 16.7 per cent.

He then analyses the defence allocations. This issue just about wraps up with a peep into the contours of the Army in the future in which Lt General Pradeep Bali exhorts that the future for the Indian army lies in winning India’s wars with Indian solutions. A laudable aim!

Happy reading you discerning readers!

Jayant Baranwal Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Photograph: Indian Army

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national security. Our operational requirements continue to guide our procurement of emerging technologies, which act as force multipliers, providing us the muchneeded combat edge over the adversaries.

Modernisation, in accordance with the envisaged future challenges, is however, a complex and dynamic process, impacted by operational dynamics, emerging technologies and budgetary support. The Indian Army’s modernisation plans are essentially based on developing ‘Force Capabilities’ which encompasses development of critical combat capabilities, besides overcoming obsolescence in core capabilities in consonance with the Defence Capability Development Strategy.

Over the past five years, the Indian Army has focused on progressively increasing our capabilities through optimisation of force levels, adoption of technology, induction of Force Multipliers, as also modernisation and improvement of infrastructure.

Our troops, our organisation, our equipment, our strategy and our tactics enable us to continuously evolve to respond to the emerging threats and challenges.

SP’s: What is the state of preparedness of the Indian Army with respect to the following? (a) Protecting our borders, especially the Northern and Eastern fronts with China. (b) Handling internal security matters.

COAS: The Indian Army has amply showcased its effective handling of the current security dynamics along the Northern Borders, even while challenged with the ongoing pandemic situation, reaffirming its 24x7 operational preparedness and inherent ability to overcome any unforeseeable challenges. Based on the reviewed threat perception, re-balancing of forces has been carried out, in which re-orientation of forces to Northern Borders has been carried out, while retaining effective capability along the Western Front.

Development of requisite infrastructure to support operational and logistic requirements on the Northern Borders is being undertaken to include construction of critical roads & railway lines along with tunnels, construction/resuscitation of Airfields, Advanced Landing Grounds and Helipads to enhance connectivity in difficult terrain and weather conditions. Habitat for troops deployed in forward areas during the ongoing operational contingency was an important focus area. Essential habitat for more than 22,000 additional troops has been constructed in a time bound manner despite challenges of weather, terrain and COVID. There was a felt need to upgrade Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capacities especially along the Northern Borders. Towards this, all weather

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General M.M. Naravane, Chief of the Army Staff presenting a memento to Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP’s Land Forces during their interaction

ground and air/space based ISR capability for sustained durations at strategic/operational & tactical levels has been achieved and real time inputs from drone and satellite imagery are being made available at short notice. In addition to these, integrated Human Intelligence (HUMINT) / Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) / Space / Cyber Intelligence (Int) capability from various agencies is being made available to Field Formations.

Along the Line of Control (LC), the present parameters are entirely contingent on holding of the DGsMO Understanding. Despite FATF scrutiny & the DGsMO understanding in vogue, we have not seen any dismantling of terrorist infrastructure, indicating Pakistan’s continued obsession with Kashmir & continuation of its vigorous proxy war. In 2021 alone, nine attempts to smuggle war like stores across the LC have been foiled resulting in recovery of large number of war like stores. Effective Counter Infiltration Grid along LC has forced Pakistan to exploit the Narco Terror Nexus espe-

“Based on the reviewed threat perception, re-balancing of forces has been carried out, in which re-orientation of forces to Northern Borders has been carried out, while retaining effective capability along the Western Front”

cially along the International Boundary (IB) in Jammu region & Punjab for smuggling of narcotics & weapons.

In the hinterland, Pakistan continues to endeavour to orchestrate a so-called “indigenous insurrection” through proxy terrorist groups. However, synergised conduct of intelligence based operations have resulted in significant successes by eliminating large number of terrorists, including Pakistan nationals and very senior leaders of JeM & LeT. We will continue to base our strategy focussing on preventing infiltration while adhering to the tenets of the DGsMO Understanding and ensuring peace along the LC while maintaining tempo of operations in hinterland to ensure a secure environment for seamless execution of developmental plans by the Government. We will also employ all our instruments of national power to exert pressure on Pakistan to make terror sponsorship cost prohibitive.

SP’s: Kindly elaborate on the modernisation programmes undertaken for: (a) Infantry (b) Mechanised Forces (c) Artillery (d) Air Defence (e) Army Aviation COAS: There has been a massive impetus on modernisation of our various Arms over the last few years, under the principle of jointness, integration and indigenisation.

The Infantry modernisation in last few years has been very quick, and selfsustaining due to in-house upgradations, maintenance support and induction of future technologies. The SIG716 Assault Rifles are replacing vintage INSAS Rifles of frontline troops. A portion of 7.62 x 51mm Negev LMG consignment has been received and despatched to Infantry Battalions to replace INSAS LMGs. Induction of modern

5.56 x 45mm CQB Carbine is in progress to replace vintage 9mm Carbine. In addition, .338 Cal SAKO TRG 42 Sniper Rifle is giving a major fillip to the long range precision engagement capability of troops. Induction of AK-203 Assault Rifle through joint production by IRRPL will begin shortly. These modern Small Arms are being equipped with day and night sights. Multi-Mode Hand Grenade have been contracted to replace Hand Grenade Number 36. The MMHG developed

by DRDO are being concurrently produced

by Indian Private industry and Ordnance Factories to make up the requirement of the Indian Army in the quickest timeframe.

Modernisation of Artillery is focused on mediumisation of guns and capability enhancement of long-range firing platforms with the aim to increase the range, lethality and precision capabilities. The Indian Artillery in its quest for modernisation, plans to induct a number of 155mm guns in the coming years in a phased manner. The entire process of modernisation is planned to be in consonance with the Government of India’s plan for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. Indigenous development of Medium Artillery Gun System commenced with OFB undertaking development of Dhanush Gun System based on ToT of 155mm Bofors in 2011 and DRDO commencing development of 155mm Advanced Towed Artillery Gun system (ATAGS) in September 2012. Development of ATAGS brought in private industry and the ambit of indigenisation expanded from public sector. As far as performance of Dhanush Gun System is concerned, the production process of gun has commenced at GCF Jabalpur and first six guns have been offered to the Indian Army. There have been some teething problems during the production process at the Ordnance factory due to which the guns have not been found fully fit for taking over for operational employment.

Therefore, GCF Jabalpur has been requested to carry out necessary repairs and offer the guns again. The current contract with GCF Jabalpur is for 114 Guns and in case the performance of the gun is found fit, orders for more guns would be considered.

Army Aviation already has a fleet of Armed helicopters, Rudra which have been in service for almost a decade. Notwithstanding, Army Aviation will induct two types of Attack helicopters i.e. Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) & Apache in next two to three years. In fact, the first LCH Squadron would be raised within a few months and the first set of platforms manufactured

by HAL is ready at Bengaluru. The Apache are arriving by March next year.

We are undertaking a twin approach for modernising the Mechanised Infantry.

We are replacing the vintage equipment with futuristic platforms and also focussing on capability enhancement of the existing equipment through upgrades for enhancing Night

Super six mrgl

>> exclusive Chief of the Army Staff Photographs/Illustrations: US Army, SP Guide Pubns

Modernisation of the Indian Army has been undertaken across the entire spectrum and is at the cusp of adapting itself well to undertake Multi Domain Operations (MDO) with net-centricity at its heart

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Enablement; Lethality; and ISR Capability.

Army Air Defence equipment are being upgraded by carrying out procurement to meet its operational requirement.

The intention is to modernise AAD equipment with a pragmatic profile. CCS approval for VSHORADS is likely to be obtained in the coming months, while RFP issued under Buy & Make (Indian) category will address the long pending procurement of AD Gun. The process for procurement of Light Tanks has already commenced. The RFI for Light Tanks has received positive response from 14 Indian and seven Foreign vendors to include Mahindra Defence System Limited, Tata Advance System Limited, Bharat Forge Limited, Rosoboronexport (Russia), HANWHA Defence Co Ltd (Korea), Elbit Systems Land (Israel), BAE Systems (USA).

The RFP is expected to be issued by mid2022. We plan to induct the system in a phased manner over a span of three years tentatively. An additional indent for 118 Arjun tanks (MBT Mk 1A) with 14 major upgrades has been placed on OFB for two additional Regiments. Inductions of T-90 tanks are also going on and will be completed by 2027.

SP’s: How are you ensuring that the Indian Army keeps pace with the technological evolution and the rapid changes in weapons technologies taking place?

COAS: Our operational requirements continue to guide our procurement of emerging technologies, which act as force multipliers, providing us the much-needed combat edge over the adversaries. The advent of numerous disruptive technologies is revolutionising the nature of warfare. The same has been witnessed in the ongoing Azerbaijan – Armenia conflict, as also in the clashes in Idlib, wherein the use of unmanned armed aerial systems have demonstrated long range precision & standoff capabilities. Owing to our dynamic security environment, need to

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SP’s Land Forces 1/2022

deploy along the vast disputed hostile borders and operate in intense CI deployments, the Indian Army strives to persistently retain its operational readiness and combat edge.

Towards achieving this aim, we remain alive to the rapid emergence of niche technologies, including AI, autonomous & unmanned systems, long range precision technology, Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, Quantum Computing, Directed Energy Systems and Geo-Spatial technology domains.

These niche technologies and their possible military applications are being constantly analysed for relevance in Indian context. Gainful infusion and absorption of these emerging technologies, in consonance with the Indian Army’s operational requirements are regularly being dovetailed in our Capability Development Plans to include Unmanned Armed Aerial Platforms, Counter Drone Microwave & Laser Weapon System, Precision Ammunition, Quantum Communications, Autonomous Load Haulers and Artificial Intelligence applications.

“We face unique, substantial and multi domain challenges.

Considering such diverse and multiple threats that we may face in future, the Indian Armed Forces need to certainly adapt and transform to meet the challenges.”

SP’s: What in your opinion will make the Indian Army ‘Futuristic’ in composition and capabilities? What’s your definition of ‘futuristic’? What’s your roadmap for the same?

COAS: We in the Armed Forces are fully seized of the requirement of crystal gazing the future with regards to the nature, character and contours of war and concomitantly equipping ourselves physically, materially and cognitively to retain our combat effectiveness. We have been actively discussing and deliberating the transformative changes happening in the conduct of war, its character, domains and the impact of disruptive technologies. The paradigm shift in the nature of conflict over the years is evident. Wars between states have become rarer.

While large scale conventional wars have not been witnessed in the recent past, there have been numerous conflicts of a smaller scale, or what can best be described as operations short of all-out war. We are already witnessing the outbreak of hostilities in cyber, information, sub-conventional and hybrid domains. These along with diplomatic, informational and economic coercive activities are already being prosecuted in the Grey Zone. Future wars will witness conflicts transcending time, space and force dimensions and enveloping new frontiers.

These wars will blur the distinction between combatants and non-combatants, often avoid direct military engagements and resort to extensive use of proxy actors.

This has been adequately witnessed during the last two decades which saw a discernible global shift towards sub-conventional conflicts, where victory vis-à-vis non-state actors remained elusive for most. The very definition of victory has changed. There is no single, universally accepted concept of victory, and in the present day, there is limited scope for decisive and enduring victory. The developments that took place in Afghanistan last year are a testament to that effect.

From an Indian perspective, we face unique, substantial and multi domain challenges. The events in 2020 have exposed the diversity of security threats in all domains, and this has brought the spotlight towards non-contact and grey-zone warfare. Considering such diverse and multiple threats that we may face in future, the Indian Armed Forces need to certainly adapt and transform to meet the challenges. Let me assure you that we are cognizant of these trends and a lot is already being done towards it.

As far as a roadmap for the future is concerned, we are aligned to the law of nature which says that ‘Change is the only constant’. This law of nature exhorts us to transform in sync with the changing time and scenarios. Accordingly, the Armed Forces must change to remain abreast of the security dimensions and threat perspectives. Much is underway in terms of Theatre-isation, Rebalancing, IBG-isation etc.

We must ensure that the transformation keeps pace with modernisation and we create Force Structures which are robust and dynamic to address our challenges in military and even non-military domains.

Almost all modern technology tools have potential for military application and disruptive impact on modern-day warfare. This change is already making traditional core competencies irrelevant and creating necessity of acquiring new proficiencies. Improved situational awareness, fusion of sensors, faster decision making, use of autonomous weapons, and integration of Artificial Intelligence into every facet of warfare will necessitate change to war fighting doctrines, our organisations and structures and not to forget, our training methodology and leadership.

We are already moving to a more refined and comprehensive system called the Integrated Capability Development System (ICADS) which gives a holistic perspective to tri-service capability development initiatives. In addition, we are work-

>> exclusive Chief of the Army Staff ing towards achieving self-reliance in terms of production of weapons, ammunition and equipment. Development of the necessary border infrastructure to enable the induction, deployment and sustenance of operations by our forces along the LAC and the LoC is being given due priority.

As part of the Whole Government approach, we are also looking at enhancing Defence Diplomacy. We are willing to assist our friendly foreign countries in the fields of capability and capacity building, construction of training infrastructure in their respective of countries as well as assistance in HADR missions.

SP’s: What roles you expect ‘Drones’, both unarmed and combat, to play in the Indian Army? What are your acquisition plans and timelines for them?

COAS: Recent events have highlighted the impact of aerial sensors and multiple weapon delivery means on the battlefield. Even lowcost solutions have the capacity to cause disruptive effects. We realise it since we are a professional and well trained force with certain capabilities to prosecute such operations

ies. Where the technology exists within the country, the Indian Army has tapped that potential. Be it ISR, loitering or swarming we have invested into these force multipliers to counter adversaries’ threat.

There are certain broad timelines that we are looking at for procuring drones. We plan to procure certain quantities of short range RPAs (Runway Independent) as part of Make-II Project by June 2023. We have already procured some sets of aerial target-

Photographs: SP Guide Pubns, Department of Atomic Energy, adgpi/Twitter

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SP’s: How do you see the Indian Army’s requirement of being able to fight a Network Centric Warfare? Are we there yet in terms of being able to fight a truly Network Centric War? What is being done to enable this capability?

COAS: Network Centric Warfare (NCW) or the Network Centric Operations (NCO) hinges on the combined action of a joint force, rather than its constituent platforms, through real time information collation and analysis, to considerably reduce the ‘fog of war’, with an ultimate aim to gain a decisive edge and victory over the adversary. In order to maintain a winning edge at all times, a robust and agile communication network is a prerequisite for situational awareness, passage of actionable information between the sensor and shooter grid, thereby compressing the clichéd OODA loop.

The Indian Army is well poised to adapt itself to being a Net Centric Force and has taken giant strides in this direction. With the rolling out of Network for Spectrum (NFS), very soon we will have our own, captive, robust and a highly agile strategic backbone communication network. The implementation of ASCON Phase IV will further enhance the reach of this strategic backbone to the Tactical Battle Area (TBA). However, since the last mile will essentially be wireless, we intend to leverage the technologies of Software Defined Radios (SDRs) and Mobile Adhoc NET works (MANETs), Digital Mobile Radios (DMRs) and SATCOM to modernise and empower the tactical edge in a big way.

While the network will soon be in place, we have also embarked on development of applications to ride on this network to enhance the shared situational awareness. MISO and ASIGMA are two recent launches. Forays are also being made to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analytics and Big Data Tools to develop OIS applications both in-house and through collaboration. Being alive to the needs of info denial operations, a large number of projects are also being undertaken to build the EW capability.

The modernisation of the Indian Army, therefore, has been undertaken across the entire spectrum and all issues as related to NCW are being addressed in a holistic manner. The Indian Army is a force to reckon with and is at the cusp of adapting itself well to undertake Multi Domain Operations (MDO) with net-centricity at its heart.

However, for long term sustenance and to ensure that the winning edge is maintained at all times the key lies in indigenisation and Aatmnirbharta in defence production with whole of a Nation approach.

“Modernisation of the Indian Army has been undertaken across the entire spectrum and all issues related to NCW are being addressed in a holistic manner” 6

SP’s Land Forces 1/2022

Indian Army is supporting indigenous technologies for its modernisation drive: (Left to Right) DRDO’s Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Daksh has entered operational service with the Army; KALI (Kilo Ampere Linear Injector) developed by DRDO and BARC can be used in a High-Power Microwave gun; Army has recently established an AI Centre at the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE).

as well as protect its force from such threats.

However, we also have taken significant steps to further augment our capabilities.

The Indian Army has adopted a multipronged approach to capability development. While we are building competencies in employment of unmanned systems, we are also developing force protection measures from similar systems of the adversar-

ing system (Loiter ammunition). A Make-II Project for procurement of Medium Range Precision Kill System (MRPKS) is under progress. We are currently taking delivery of certain quantities of Micro RPAs. Similarly, Mini RPAs for high altitude areas are also being procured. We are also looking at procuring logistics drones and swarm drones sets in the near future.

SP’s: What is the status of Indian Army’s capability build-up in terms of some of the key technological development areas such as: (a) Manoeuvrability (b) Precision (c) Robotics (d) Stealth (e) Unmanned systems COAS: Strategic independence can only be attained from a position of strength.

Strengthening of our military capabilities and developing cyber, space and strategic communications is thus an undeniable requirement today. Critical technologies currently held with a select few are either denied or made available with conditionalities. The desired capability advancement rests on multiple factors such as robust policy, sound planning, efficient processes and a credible technology and defence manufacturing base. Hence, in the last few years, boosted by the Atmanirbharta call, the Indian Defence Industry has been energised to develop niche capabilities in defence technology development to meet the requirements of a future ready force.

Numerous initiatives like earmarking of budget for private defence industry, streamlining of processes, promulgation of positive indigenisation lists, corporatisation of Ordnance Factories Board, driving the start-up ecosystem etc have been taken up to energise the defence sector in India.

In order to channelise our efforts, we created the Army Design Bureau to provide direction to our capability needs in collaboration with the Defence Industry, MSMEs, start-ups, the Academia as well as the Government and private R&D organisations. It has galvanised our industry connect, resulting in development of indigenous weapons, equipment and identification and induction of niche technologies. We are now in the process of enhancing this footprint by establishing Regional Technology Nodes with the first one already raised at Pune. With the aim of facilitating greater outreach, we also established an Indian Army Cell at IIT-Delhi with the posting a serving officer to work in close coordination with the Academia and start-ups incubating therein. Our collaborative engagement with the industry, Academia and Start-ups indicates huge potential and promise.

In a major initiative, we recently conducted the ‘UGV Experiment’, a first of its kind endeavour, to harness indigenous defence industry capabilities for induction of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) in the field Army. The UGV Experiment was held on a ‘Demonstration-Cum- Exploitation Model’. Post exploitation, use cases have been shortlisted and are being progressed for development.

To fully exploit developments in the field of UAVs, we have adopted a multipronged approach to achieve cost effectiveness and procure RPAS/UAV/ Drone capabilities in a time-bound manner through multiple route and agencies. A number of procurements, to provide greater surveillance capabilities to ground troops in high altitude areas; Nano/ Micro drones for Special Forces; Long Endurance Aerial Surveillance Platforms; logistics drones; swarm drones, are at various stages of induction and development.

Looking at the contours of future warfare, Artificial Intelligence will have a dominant role. All future procurements and upgrades by us will incorporate AI, wherever feasible. We have also carried out a mapping of key AI domains in accordance with the recommendations of the National Task Force (NTF) Report, and roadmap for executing AI projects under Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA). Major thrust is towards Autonomous Systems, Cyber, ISR, Surveillance, Language Translation, Threat Modeling, Training, Logistics, Predictive Maintenance, Personnel and Health Care.

We are also exploring military applications of 5G technology that have vital stra-

>> exclusive Chief of the Army Staff tegic and battlefield implications as next generation of military communication infrastructure will be based on 5G. Faster speeds, high data rates, greater capacity, low latency, seamless coverage and more simultaneous connections, will have potent mil implications. The Army Design Bureau is currently working out modalities with IIT, Delhi (Bharti School of Telecommunication, Technology and Management) on joint development of 5G Technology for defence requirements.

Similarly, Quantum Technology will hold significant implications for the future of military communication and encryption, with next-gen quantum technologies developed at a phenomenal rate. In India, we have tremendous indigenous capability in the industry, especially in Quantum Cryptography. We have thus engaged with the industry to develop capability in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for the Indian Army.

Our aim is to deliver indigenous technologies for our future solutions.

SP’s: In terms of indigenisation and Atmanirbharta, how satisfied you are with the investment into R&D by the private sector to enable innovation in defence manufacturing in India?

COAS: In the past, R&D into Aerospace and Defence Sector was with DRDO and DPSUs. OFB and private industry would be designated production agencies, with the former dominating the latter. Two defining changes have occurred in the recent past. One is the focus on indigenisation & self-reliance with necessary policy support to the private industry and the fast evolving MSME & start-up ecosystem in the country.

Enhancing FDI limits, precluding imports, corporatisation of OFBs, procedural realignments and financial assurances have empowered the Indian private sector to grow and cater to the needs of the Indian Armed Forces. We have over 120 private manufacturers working towards R&D. Similarly, we are handholding over 30 startups for developing solutions for us.

“Consequent to enabling the Army to fight future wars, we have focused on the three R concept - restructuring, reorganisation and reorientation” Today, R&D has been prioritised both in the public and private sector. The significant amount of funds set aside by the government for R&D (25 per cent) in this year’s budget is meant to spur on indigenisation in the country and the Armed Forces themselves. As these technologies mature, greater investments into R&D for Aerospace & Defence will also manifest and this will in turn enhance our technological base.

Greater incentives for private R&D in A&D will definitely lead to greater investment.

Indian Army through ADB also handholds R&D initiatives with technological and academic institutes. Certain niche projects like Low Light Image Sensor, HAA Habitation, RAMJET technology etc are currently in advanced stages of development. With DRDO, numerous projects are underway which will deliver contemporary weapon systems and technologies. We are working with them for identifying futuristic technologies like hypersonic vehicles.

SP’s: How satisfied are you with your tenure till date? What have been your major achievements as Chief of the Army Staff?

COAS: My tenure has been extremely challenging, interesting and professionally satisfying. The Indian Army successfully responded to serious and varied challenges like COVID-19 and the situation in Eastern Ladakh. The internal security situation, in areas where the Army is deployed, remained

stable and witnessed lowered violence levels.

We continue to prepare ourselves for future threats to the Nation.

The Indian Army is well equipped and trained to ensure the territorial integrity of the Nation. We maintain operational ascendency along the Line of Control (LC), Line of Actual Control (LAC) and other borders.

There has been a renewed focus on the twin prongs of modernisation and indigenisation of all Arms and Services. A major impetus has been provided by the government to indigenisation through Atmanirbharta and we have risen to the occasion to handhold and promote indigenous defence industries.

Consequent to enabling the Army to fight future wars, we have focused on the three R concept - restructuring, reorganisation and reorientation. We focused on Force Preservation during COVID-19, fully cognisant of the fact that we needed to be fit ourselves in order to render assistance to our fellow citizens.

A large number of welfare measures have been initiated for our personnel, families, Veer Naris and veterans, keeping in mind their invaluable service and sacrifice for the Nation and our organisation. There has been a lot of impetus given to welfare through empowerment – imparting education, skills and opportunities for resettlement courses.

Schemes and facilities such as Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and Directorate of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV) have been invigorated with infusion of funds and prudent policy-making.

SP’s: What are the steps being taken to ensure an elevated morale and motivation of the soldiers (and their families) who are serving in some of the most difficult and harsh terrains?

COAS: Ensuring elevated morale and motivation of the soldiers and their families is a continuous process and is not limited to the tenures of soldiers in difficult areas. Indian Army deeply understands the linkages between the morale of every individual and its impact on the whole organisation.

High individual morale of a soldier mani-

fests as his willingness to engage in combat and his individual ‘fighting spirit’. Concomitantly, high group morale in the Army manifests in the form of espirit-de-corps and unit cohesion, even under lethal fire. Our soldiers have consistently demonstrated phenomenal fighting spirit which is evident by our results in operations and also in the number of soldiers who have laid down their lives, not only to defend the territorial integrity of the country but often to protect their buddies or to uphold the honour of their Unit/Regiments.

Morale of the soldiers and the Army depends on multiple factors such as belief in cause, good training, trust in leaders, honour, pride, sense of being treated fairly, sense of security of family and efficient logistics.

Commitment to the cause, complemented with rigorous training, not just develops and up skills the soldiers and their leaders but correspondingly instills a sense of honour and pride in each soldier and their Unit. The redressal mechanisms in the Army are proactive and treat each soldier fairly. As against the other factors, actions to achieve security for the family and efficient back-end support cover a large bandwidth of activities, which are very dynamic in nature.

The Indian Army has kept abreast with the evolving socio-economic requirements of the soldiers and has been constantly upgrading the logistics of the troops both in peace and field. The actions include better nutrition, habitat, war fighting equipment, clothing, communication facilities, financial remunerations, medical and rehabilitation facilities. The soldiers are able to work fearlessly as they are aware that families are well cared for by virtue of numerous initiatives undertaken by the Army to provide quality accommodation, education to children till graduate level, scholarship programmes, educational loans, extensive tie-ups for financial security, rehabilitation and skill development of their dependents and families. We are also extremely conscious of our duties towards Veer Naris/Widows of soldiers who lay down their lives for the nation.

Upgrading and streamlining benefits to them and their dependents is a priority for us. SP

Complete Unmanned Solutions from Milkor Photograph: Milkor

 Staff correspondent

T

he Milkor Group has various offerings under its umbrella, one of the subsidiaries whose mandate revolves around the development and production of unmanned programmes for the Group, is growing substantially given the demand in the domain.

Responsible for communications, controls, autonomy and system integration, Milkor Integrated Systems (MIS) has overseen the complete product development, manufacturing, delivery and support of Milkor’s autonomous platform solutions.

Milkor Defence aims to bring this technology to India and be a supplier of choice to countries with emerging industries that struggle to access this technology. The expansion comes amid increasing global demand for unmanned solutions to meet the challenges around border security. The most prominent domain where unmanned technology is being utilised is in the Air sector, given the introduction of UAVs and the capability they bring to armed forces.

The Custodian LT is Milkor’s flagship MALE UCAV which is being offered in a weaponised configuration, it can be fitted with six guided weapons and various payloads to perform multiple operations. MIS has specifically developed all critical aspects on the Milkor unmanned programmes entirely inhouse – amongst others but notably including communications, avionics, automation and con-

Custodian LT - Milkor’s flagship MALE UCAV

trol, mission pre-sets and navigation systems.

This advancement in development allows for unrestricted control over the UCAV and includes the upgrade of avionics and communication of existing systems.

Specific in-house developments allow for a full spectrum of capabilities without International Traffic in Arms Regulation or other

control regime restrictions. The communication systems allow for a customizable solution that features bandwidth switching, STANAG 4586 encryption compatibility and crossplatform applications. On board payload processing units allow data to be processed from multiple payloads. This allows an aggregation capability that can combine information from

multiple payloads and allocate bandwidth to priority payloads as required.

As India looks towards self-reliance, entities that can offer complete solutions are gaining traction. The ability to have a platform locally made, serviced and maintained on the ground by a domestic vendor may be the solution. SP

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>> defence exports

BrahMos Exports Get Going Negotiations for BrahMos between India and Philippines had been going on for the last few years but the obvious roadblock was Manila’s budgetary constraints  Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd)

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he best news for India’s defence sector in the current year, which has just begun, is that India and Philippines are likely to sign a $374.9 million deal shortly for the supply of “multiple” BrahMos shore-based supersonic cruise missile systems as part of Manila’s plan to beef up its defence amid territorial conflict with China.

Post a China-Philippines standoff at Scarborough Shoal (which was always with Philippines) in 2012, the truce mandated both sides to withdraw but China reoccupied the shoal immediately thereafter. In March 2017, Chinese ships were spotted in the Benam Rise, a protected food supply exclusive zone of Philippines. In April 2019, Chinese ships swarmed Philippines waters and illegally harvested giant clams protected under Philippines law. On June 9, 2019, Chinese ship ‘Yuemaobinyu-42212’ rammed and sank Philippines fishing vessel ‘F/B Gem-Ver’ in Philippines waters near Reed Bank, the 22 Filipino fishermen were later rescued by a Vietnamese ship.

In January 2013, Philippines initiated arbitration proceedings against China’s claim on its territories within the ‘nine-dash line’, which it said is “unlawful” under the UNCLOS. On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled in favour of the Philippines, rejecting all Chinese claims. The PCA tribunal decision was ruled as final and non-appealable by either country. But China has rejected the tribunal ruling saying this is a bilateral issue.

In November 2021, Chinese coast guard ships blocked and used water cannons on two Philippines supply boats heading to a disputed shoal occupied by Filipino marines in the South China Sea. This led to a warning from the Philippines government that its vessels are covered under a mutual defence treaty with the US. In December 2021, the Philippines’ budget department issued two special allotment release orders (SARO) worth Peso 1.3 billion (`190 crore) and Peso 1.535 billion (`224 crore). The SARO allows the country’s Department of National Defence to finalise contracts for military hardware.

The Philippines have shown interest in the purchase of the BrahMos since 2016. It was reported that negotiations were underway since 2019 regarding the procurement of two mobile batteries for the Philippine army under the Land-Based Missile System (LBMS) programme. A mock-up of the Philippine army version of the launcher was shown. The missiles were fitted on a semi-trailer towed by a South Korean KIA KM500 truck. In addition, in the spring of 2020, there were reports of the Philippine Navy’s intention to purchase three batteries of the BrahMos system.

According to Indian government sources, though negotiations for BrahMos between India and the Philippines had been going on for the last few years but the obvious roadblock was Manila’s budgetary constraints and additionally, limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic were also cited by the Philippines in December 2020. Eventually on March 2, 2021, India signed a key enabling pact with the Philippines that

8

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has paved the way for the government-togovernment deals on defence equipment, including BrahMos. On December 31, 2021, the Philippines’ Department of National Defence published a ‘Notice of Award’ to the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos Aerospace, which implied that Philippines has accepted the Indian proposal of export of BrahMos missile system and is now seeking to sign the contract with India. The notice award for the contract to procure a Shore-based Anti-ship Missile system for the Philippines Navy sought a response from BrahMos Aerospace within 10 days. An Indian delegation is now slated to visit Manila next week to sign the contract.

This will be the very first export order for the BrahMos cruise missile that has a range of 290 km. Media has quoted the defence ministry officials saying that the contract would entail an unspecified number of missiles and launchers, spare parts, payment schedule and delivery and training schedule. Also, that the contract is for the shorebased variant of the anti-ship missile system and it will bolster Philippines’ defence capability amid increasing Chinese aggression.

On January 11, 2022, India also successfully test-fired the naval variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from INS Visakhapatnam hitting the designated target ship precisely. The missile can fly at 2.8 Mach, which is almost three times the speed of sound. This variant would also be available to countries like the Philippines and other interested countries in the future.

The $374.9 million BrahMos deal with the Philippines will be the biggest single defence export order that India has received. But China should be expected to try its level best to scuttle the deal even after the government-to-government deal is inked. It may be recalled that though Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has talked of the possibility of war with China in the past, he did not press the issue of the unanimous ruling by the PCA in favour of the Philippines in 2016 rejecting China’s illegal claims because of the Chinese investments and financial assistance to the Philippines.

Moreover, the next presidential elections are slated in the Philippines on May 9, 2022. It will, therefore, be prudent for India to commence the export of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines immediately after the government-to-government deal is signed.

Media reports indicate that the Indian government is also planning to sell the BrahMos missiles to Vietnam as the country looks to boost its arms export market. This talk has been going on for past several years. But perhaps the reasons it has not come through is Russian inhibitions of exporting the missile system to Vietnam due to its relations with China or budgetary constraints of Vietnam.

In the former case, India could convince Russia that Vietnam being equipped with the BrahMos is purely for defensive purposes because Vietnam would not invade China under any circumstance. As for the second reason, India could consider a line of credit to Vietnam for initial limited numbers of the missile system. Vietnam has many problems with rogue China as the Philippines, if no more. Export of BrahMos missiles can contribute greatly in meeting India’s target of $5 billion in defence exports by 2025. SP

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>> defence budget

The Defence Budget — Projection & Reality The Ministry of Defence (MoD) expenditure now comprises 2.02 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)-down from 2.22 per cent in FY2020 – and 13.3 per cent of central government expenditure, down from 16.7 per cent  Lt General J.K. Sharma (Retd)

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n light of the recent stand offs between India and China and scurrying for weapons and equipment from foreign vendors through emergency purchase/ special financial powers to fill the voids, some deep thinking and innovative Defence Budget was expected. However, the recent presentation by Nirmala Sitaraman, who even had the experience of defence in her avatar as the country’s Defence Minister followed the very set template and the budget has been rather retrograde.

To begin with, the overall defence spending is not only discouraging but rather dismal. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) expenditure now comprises 2.02 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)-down from 2.22 per cent in FY2020 – and 13.3 per cent of central govt expenditure, down from 16.7 per cent. This down slide trend of expenditure on defence, which has seen a steady fall since 2010, is most worrying, more so in light of the two and a half front war, which most defence experts have trumpeted repeatedly. It is pertinent to note that the Standing Committee of Parliament on Defence in its recommendations had exhorted that defence spending of minimum three per cent of GDP is “optimal and necessary for ensuring the operational preparedness of the forces”. Why has the Modi Government also, followed a beaten trend and left the forces to fight with whatever it has rather than equipping them well?

The Capital budget has an increase of 13 per cent over the 19 per cent in the current year. Hence there is a net decrease in the Capital outlay. But in keeping with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Finance Minister (FM) has earmarked 68 per cent allocation of the capital procurement budget in defence for domestic industry, which is an increase of 10 per cent from the previous year of 58 per cent. This would give a fillip to ‘Make in India’, boost demand and build capacities for a stronger, prosperous and confident India. But in the immediate, it would not translate in to better hardware as it will take a few years for the local manufacturing expertise to evolve to the level of delivering useable weapons and systems.

Moreover, an umbrella protectionism often disincentivises companies from making world-beating products. The Atmanirbharata will thus have its costs, at least in the short term, and the armed forces will bear a significant brunt of this cost.

The allocation of 25 per cent of the Research & Development (R&D) budget to incentivise industry-led research, by developing military platforms and collaborative efforts in a Public Private Partnership mode, with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and other research

institutions, is important as it will reduce dependency on the import of defence equipment and further lead to job creation. This is the first time an allocation has been made for Industry-led R&D in a collaborative mode, assuring assistance from DRDO and encouraging Public Private Partnership models with research institutions and other academic institutions. Collaboration with foreign research labs and centres is also encouraged.

It has been stated that the highest priority in procurement will be under the Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) category. This allocation finds synergy with the stated policies and encourages the spirit of creating domestic design

and encourages Intellectual Property creation and sustenance. This places an enormous responsibility on domestic suppliers to meet the challenges and become ready to supply platforms and systems. This indirectly increases capacities, new production facilities, increased collaborative framework with Foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and more Joint Ventures (JVs) and increased investments. Foreign OEMs, those who can appreciate the increased focus on domestic spending, will be lured in to finding Indian design and production houses for JVs, teaming arrangements, technology transfers and establish a base in India.

A dispassionate analysis clearly will point out that we will again be only scur-

rying for weapons and systems when another Galwan happens or drone attack like in Jammu airbase in the near future. An endeavour to fulfil the needs still continues to be a far cry. Defence planning and equipping needs a long term perspective, an apolitical drive and a deeper understanding of short, mid and long term threats and goals.

The lack of National Security Strategy, Doctrine and thus document will continue to haunt us till we have it well defined, wellarticulated with merciless implementation.

Only the allocation of money without the vision of ideal force structuring and equipping would never translate in to strong military power. The Defence Forces may continue to deliver but at a great cost. SP

An umbrella protectionism often disincentivises companies from making world-beating products.

The Atmanirbharata will thus have its costs, at least in the short term.

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>> unmanned systems

UGVs for Army Indian Army Design Bureau (ADB) had sought tailor-made technology for the Army for inducting tactical UGVs for close quarters surveillance and combat Photographs: startupindia.gov.in, SP Guide Pubns, DRDO

 Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd)

Photograph: xxxxxxxxxxxx

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eports of December 8, 2021, indicate that the Indian Army is planning to induct unmanned ground vehicles. The report quotes an unnamed official saying, “In the quest for induction of niche technologies into the Army, one of the key areas identified is UGVs. While unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have proliferated, the development of UGVs has been slow. Towards this end, the Army conducted a ‘UGV Experiment’ to bring together companies and startups who have developed prototypes for testing at the Babina field firing ranges from December 9 to 14. Over 30 different types of UGVs will be showcased by the developers and tested by Army personnel.”

Army has already inducted aerial drones, beginning with the ‘Bharat’ surveillance drones after the Chinese aggression in Eastern Ladakh during 2020. It was also brought out in these columns earlier that the Nagpur-based private defence manufacturer, Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) has developed indigenous drones and loitering munitions system which were shown on November 15 to the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, and that user trials are planned in the coming months for different versions of the drone and loitering munitions as well as the anti-drone systems also developed by EEL. An entry in the ‘Compendium of Problem Statements-2020’ by the Indian Army Design Bureau (ADB) had sought tailormade technology for the Army for inducting tactical UGVs for close quarters surveillance and combat, originated in consonance with the UGV Employment Philosophy that has been formulated for the Army.

The Army conducted a ‘UGV Experiment’ to bring together companies and startups who have developed prototypes for testing at field firing ranges from December 9 to 14

DRDO Projects

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The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) began working on UGVs in early 1990s at its following entities; Bengaluru-based Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), Chennai-based Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Pune-based Research & Development Establishment Engineers (R&DE{E}), and Ahmednagar-based Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE). It was decided that 5-50 kg UGVs would be developed by CAIR, 1-3 tonne UGVs by R&DE (E), wheeled vehicles up to 5-tonne by VRDE and tracked vehicles beyond 5-tonne by CVRDE. In due course of time, the following DRDO projects have come up: l Project MUNTRA by CVRDE. Taken up in 2007, this project was to convert 3 x BMP-II armoured personnel carriers (APCs) into tele-operated/autonomous

The UGVs are employed where there is a probability of excessive fatigue or danger of casualties to personnel, as also where it is inexpedient to involve human presence 10

SP’s Land Forces 1/2022

(Top) MARS - Mobile Autonomous Robotic System; (Above) MUNTRA - N is a tracked amphibious BMP II ICV developed by DRDO; (Top Right) Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) DAKSH by DRDO.

UGVs for unmanned missions with payloads of surveillance, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance, mine detection and mine marking missions. Three separate UGVs were to be developed - one for each of the payload missions and one base vehicle; MUNTRA-S for surveillance missions, MUNTRA-N for CBRN reconnaissance missions and MUNTRA-M for mine detection/marking missions. The base vehicle is MUNTRA-B, from which the UGVs are tele-operated through wireless communication links, which are also used to relay video footage and other sensor data. The surveillance suite of MUNTRA-S was trial evaluated by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in January 2017. l Project DAKSH by CAIR. Daksh is a remotely operated mini-UGV for recovery of unexploded bombs. It can negotiate some hurdles in an urban setting. It can also be utilised to survey and monitor nuclear and chemical contamination levels. Daksh can either be controlled by fibreoptic communication over 100m distance or by wireless over 500m line of sight distance with a master control station (MCS). 90 per cent of its com-

ponents are reportedly indigenous. The Army has contracted 20 of these. l Tele-Operated Dozer by CVRDE. In September 2017, CVRDE undertook development of a tele-operated BD50 Dozer, based on the in-service BD50 Bull Dozer for preserving human lives during landslides and snow clearance operations in high altitude locations. This was in response to requirements projected by the Army. This UGV was trial evaluated by the Army in mountainous terrain and observations raised are in the process of being addressed by the CVRDE. l Joint Development with Japan.

According to news reports of 2018, a joint project for development of UGVs was agreed to by the DRDO in collaboration with Acquisition, Technology and Logistical Agency (ATLA) of Japan.

Indigenous Private Sector A host of indigenous private firms, startups and students are engaged in development of UGVs. These include companies like Bharat Forge, Torus Robotics Private Limited, ECA Group and the like. Bharat Forge showcased a UGV during the Army Technology (ARTECH) Seminar-2018, which was subsequently trial evaluated

by the Army and some modifications have been suggested.

Torus Robotics has developed the a Mobile Autonomous Robotic System (MARS) UGV for the DRDO in consultation with the Army Design Bureau (ADB), to detect, identify and dispose of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from a remote distance of one km. The UGV can also be used for reconnaissance and information gathering. MARS was displayed at Aero India 2021 held in February 2021.

The startup has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop an upgraded version of MARS in collaboration with Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) which will be capable of load carriage equivalent to 10 soldiers in high altitude terrain.

What the Army is Looking For The UGVs are employed where there is a probability of excessive fatigue or danger of casualties to personnel, as also where it is inexpedient to involve human presence. The Army is looking for UGVs that are capable of: being operated remotely-controlled as well as in autonomous modes; agile and manoeuvrable in different terrains ranging from deserts and plains to high altitude areas including the border with China occupied Tibet (COT), and; equipped with remotely-controlled medium machine guns, laser range finders, night vision devices for target acquisition and the like.

The Army’s ‘UGV Experiment’ should give the best available UGV products by the DRDO as well as by the private sector. In the long run, the indigenous UGV technologies are expected to move from the tele-operated UGVs to completely autonomous networkcentric UGVs capable of undertaking complex battlefield tasks. SP

>> Modernisation

The Future Ready Indian Army Compared to Indian Army, it is assumed that the Chinese armed forces are better equipped and in the non-contact domain the PLA may be at an advantage.  Lt General Pradeep Bali (Retd)

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hough the Indian Army is as old as the Indian nation, its origins go back much further to the 18th and 19th centuries, having evolved from the units and levies raised by the East India Company and thereafter the formations of the British Indian Army. It’s a battle hardened and highly experienced force which has seen four major wars and a limited war fought in very high altitudes. The army has seen action overseas as a peace keeping force in Sri Lanka, in restoring a lawful government in Maldives and across the borders in stopping Chinese encroachment in Bhutan. Its various units and formations have won laurels as part of UN forces. The army has been deployed in counter-insurgency role in various troubled parts of the country for long stretches and its multi-dimensional contributions in nation building are a source of great pride for the citizens of India.

for the long haul from the icy Himalayan heights to the foothills of J&K. Given these kinds of commitments on the borders as well as the hinterland, necessitates the primacy of operations by the Army, where units and formations are deployed around the year. With past history of defending our own borders on multiple occasions and fighting insurgencies, India has a vast and varied experience of operational management.

Comparison with Chinese pla The face-off between the Indian Army and the Chinese PLA in Eastern Ladakh, has led to comparisons of all kinds between the armed forces of the two countries. While it may be stated with a fair degree of cer-

Design Bureau (ADB) by the Indian Army in September 2016. Among other things the ADB has endeavoured to energise young scientific minds in harnessing cutting edge technology for military applications. The leading technical education institutions of India, are populated by faculty and students who have both the capacity and capability to provide top rate technical solutions to the plethora of technological problems and requirements for developing equipment related to different domains of warfare.

This initiative by the Army has been moving ahead albeit slowly. However, as it gains momentum, systems will have to be put in place for transfer of technology, from prototype to assembly line products.

Our first Prime Minister called scientific Illustration: SP Guide Pubns

Deputy Managing Editor Neetu Dhulia Senior Editorial Contributor Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) Senior Technical Group Editor Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) Principal Correspondent Ayushee Chaudhary Contributors India General V.P. Malik (Retd), Lt General Vijay Oberoi (Retd), Lt General R.S. Nagra (Retd), Lt General S.R.R. Aiyengar (Retd), Major General Ashok Mehta (Retd), Major General G.K. Nischol (Retd), Brigadier S. Mishra (Retd), Rohit Sharma Chairman & Managing Director Jayant Baranwal Executive Vice President (Planning & Business Development) Rohit Goel Manager – HR & Admin Bharti Sharma Deputy Manager – Circulation Rimpy Nischal Group Research Associate Survi Massey Design Sr. Designer: Vimlesh Kumar Yadav Designer: Sonu Singh Bisht Group Director – Sales & Marketing Neetu Dhulia

Role of Indian Army in National Security Looking back, among all this, the Indian Army’s finest hour was the Liberation of Bangladesh, in a swift war fought half a century ago. Pakistani forces in the erstwhile East Pakistan, were out manoeuvred and soundly defeated leading to their surrender and capture of largest number of Prisoners of War, since the Second World War. Brilliant military leadership and thorough professionalism resulted in the birth of a new nation. In large measures, this victory was due to the ethos, discipline, a high sense of regimentation and the organisational structure of the army.

While the force structuring of the Indian army is well geared for carrying out its role and tasks, we need to do a reality check of the present state of affairs as relevant to national security. First and foremost, India’s ongoing security problems are land centric.

We have unsettled and disputed borders with our two major adversaries. Going from East to West, there is a 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, which is contested all along by the manufactured claims of our northern neighbour and has well identified disputed and sensitive areas.

Almost in continuation is the disputed boundary with Pakistan on the world’s highest battlefield at Siachen Glacier. Thereafter is the Line of Control (LC), stretching over 740 km through J&K and which remains live with frequent exchange of fire with Pakistani troops. As the international border with our western neighbour nears the Persian Gulf, we have the boundary dispute at Sir Creek in Rann of Kutch.

Moving inwards from the borders, Indian army, para-military forces (again populated by the army) and Central Police Organisations (CPOs) have been embroiled in combatting militant insurgency in J&K and the North East, which is aided and abetted by inimical neighbours. To add to this, there is a Maoist insurgency waxing and waning in the heartland states of the Union, where fortunately the Army deployment has been avoided so far.

The live situation on the LAC and the LC, has to be handled by the army and this it does by having a large number of its formations constantly deployed in a state of battle readiness. While the IAF provides valuable support in terms of logistic and transportation reach, in the less than war situation permanently obtaining on these borders, it is the land forces who have to brace up

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Technology is the backbone of any military power. Sub-conventional wars would continue to be waged in conjunction with hi-tech wars.

tainty that the human resource of our army is superior to the conscript intensive PLA ground troops, it is generally assumed that the Chinese armed forces are technologically better equipped and that while a contact battle in the high mountains may favour the Indian army, in the non-contact domain the PLA may be at an advantage.

What exactly does this imply? In the present scenario along the Northern borders, any physical capture of territory would involve a contact battle with human element being predominant in the conflict.

This would be supported by non-contact (kinetic) dimension, involving long range vectors and missiles which can cause damage in depth areas to a varying array of targets. The third form is non-contact (non-kinetic) warfare which encompasses electromagnetic, cyber, space, information warfare and psychological operations. The non-contact domain is all encompassing and goes far beyond the military, to include economic, energy, environment, water and any other resources which affect the net prosperity and capability of the nation.

Future is Technology Based Budgetary constraints and labyrinthine processes have undoubtedly been a dampener in acquisition of military weapons and equipment. However, that is not something which cannot be corrected. What is relevant here is a look at our capacities and capabilitiesin the technological fields related to contact and more importantly non-contact warfare.

Indian scientists have made remarkable progress in the fields of space research and missile technology. A similar momentum is required in other dimensions of non-contact conflict. A major initiative in this regard was the setting up of the Army

institutes and other projects the temples of modern India, which would jump start progress in technology. Premier institutes like the IITs, IISc, IIITs and now a whole array of NITs, are national assets producing a regular stream of competent and qualified professionals. Unfortunately, harnessing these bright minds towards increasing the country’s technological capabilities is something that is not attempted systematically. Graduates from these institutions migrate abroad and are highly successful in major tech companies. They also go into fields which provide financial recompense of a high order but are totally unrelated to professions for which they have been educated and trained.

These young brains are infused with a will to do and it is this spirit for achievement that needs to be channeled by programmes like ‘Make in India’, Startup India, Digital India etc. The major fields that need to be focused on and progressed for application in army systems include Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Quantum Computing & Communications, Biomaterials, Energy Capture & Storage and smart sensors. All these would be the primary drivers in multi-domain noncontact warfare to pulverise an adversary.

We have considerable parts of such an architecture in place. What is required is melding things in a way that students at an IIT or a startup or even an established company, can work on projects and problems that will enhance the country’s capability for multi-dimensional non-contact warfare. They can be as much a contributor to national security as a frontline soldier on the icy heights. India’s capabilities are under utilised at present making our northern adversary look more formidable than he actually is. The future for the Indian army lies in winning India’s wars with Indian solutions. SP

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