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INS Tihayu joins the Indian Navy

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Cover:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in Goa on October 15, 2016.

IAF celebrates 84th anniversary PAGE 15

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Indo-Russia Mega Deals DELENG/2010/34651

he Indian Navy commissioned the highly manoeuvrable fast attack craft INS Tihayu at the Eastern Naval Command on October 19, 2016. The ship was commissioned into the Indian Navy by Vice Admiral H.C.S. Bisht, AVSM, ADC Flag Officer Commandingin-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, at a formal ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam.

INS Tihayu would be based in Visakhapatnam under the Naval Officer-in-Charge (Andhra Pradesh) and would be deployed for coastal patrol and surveillance operations along the Eastern Coast.

INS Tihayu is the second ship of the four follow-on water jet fast attack craft (FO-WJFAC) being built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata. The ship is an improved version of WJFAC, earlier constructed by GRSE. Conceived, designed and built indigenously, the commissioning of this ship completes the addition of another chapter to the

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Cover images: PIB, Dassault Aviation, Wg Cdr R.S. Chauhan (Retd) and Capt Aditya Singh Chauhan

Rafale – Finally a reality PAGE 18 INTERNAL SECURITY

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19/10/16 7:22 PM

Publisher And Editor-in-Chief

Jayant Baranwal

Assistant Group editor

R. Chandrakanth

SR Technical Group EditorS

Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) Lt General V.K. Kapoor (Retd) R. Adm S.K. Ramsay (Retd) SPECIAL Contributor

Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) Chairman & Managing Director

Jayant Baranwal

planning & business development

Executive Vice President: Rohit Goel ADMIN & COORDINATION

Bharti Sharma

Asst – Admin, HR & Infra

Pooja Tehlani

Photograph: Indian Navy

design & LAYOUT

nation’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and indigenisation efforts in the field of warship design and construction.

Named after Tihayu island (presently known as Katchal island) in the Nicobar group, the 320-tonne INS Tihayu, measuring 49 metres can achieve speeds in excess of 35 knots. The ship is manned by a team comprising four officers and 41 sailors with Commander Ajay Kashov appointed as her commissioning Commanding Officer. The ship is capable of operating in shallow waters at high speeds and is equipped with enhanced firepower. Built for extended coastal and offshore surveillance and patrol the warship is fitted with advanced MTU engines, water jet propulsion and the latest communication equipment.

The ship is fitted with a 30mm CRN 91 gun manufactured by the Ordnance Factory in Medak.

An electronic day-night fire control system namely stabilised optronic pedestal manufactured by the Bharat Electronics Limited controls the gun.

The ship is also equipped with two 12.7mm heavy machine guns and multiple medium machine guns, besides shoulder-launched Igla surface-to-air missiles to combat aerial threats. SP

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From the

Editor’s Desk

India joins the exclusive ‘nuclear triad’ group

W

ith INS Arihant, India’s first indigenously built nuclearpowered submarine, becoming fully operational, India joins the club of other ‘nuclear triad’ powers – the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Russia and France. Completion of the nuclear triad is extremely critical for India given the country’s “No First Strike” policy.

At the recently concluded BRICS summit in Benaulim, Goa, the India-Russia bonhomie was on display with the signing of some mega deals. Referring to the historic bonding between India and Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “An old friend is better than two new friends.” This statement has a lot of import as both Pakistan and China continue their hostilities, whether militarily or otherwise, now and then. But of late, China seems to be cosying up a lot more with Pakistan. After the Chinese President Xi Jinping had gone back from Goa, a spokesperson of China took exception to India linking Pakistan to terrorism. “We oppose linking terrorism with any specific ethnicity or religion. This is our long-standing position. China and Pakistan are all-weather friends.” This was in response to Prime Minister Modi’s strong words that the “mothership of terrorism” was Pakistan.

It is not that the Indian premier did not make efforts to bring a belligerent Pakistan to the table. The doublespeak of Pakistan continues, while it seemingly is hand in glove with cross-border terrorism that goes on with impunity. Though India conducted surgical strikes, Pakistan unabashedly tries to internationalise the situation, while forgetting that the state is behind the face of the terrorist. In the light of recent attacks on Indian soil, the Indian Army has now been given a free hand to take appropriate action against the enemy operating across the line of control from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, writes Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd).

The United States and the international community know it but yet they are unable to rein in Pakistan, reasons best known to them.

For Pakistan the dilemma or strategy of the West works out to their advantage, as they have been milking them of funds and weapons, a

4 SP’S MAI Issue 19-20 • 2016

dangerous trend that has almost become irreversible.

Having said that, India needs to arm itself to its teeth and it can do it in two ways, import and making it within the country with the help of friends such as Russia. At Goa, the two countries inked a pact for two mega deals – `39,000-crore advanced anti-aircraft defence system – S-400 Triumf and the Kamov light utility helicopters which will take the import route first before India starts building it here in partnership. That brings also to the finalisation of the Rafale deal for 36 medium multi-role combat aircraft from Dassault Aviation. The Rafale combat jet packs a powerful punch that will be a potent force multiplier for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and a deterrent for the Pakistan Air Force, opines Air Marshal Pandey. Continuing on equipping the armed forces, Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) writes that soldiers at the cutting-edge continues to be neglected despite continuous engagement in hybrid warfare and fighting irregular warfare.

The requirement for more aircraft has thrown open the doors for other players to make their case. It remains to be seen how the gap of totalling up to 42 fighter squadrons will play out. Whatever the squadron numbers, the IAF which celebrated 84th anniversary is a force to reckon with.

Happy reading!

Jayant Baranwal

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief www.spsmai.com

MILITARY Viewpoint

Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd)

India-Russia relations take next step

PHOTOGRAPH: PIB

T

he recent meet between Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement; success and President Putin of Russia on the sidelines of the BRICS of the Indo-Russian bilateral summit indicates abiding strength of summit at Goa and the deals signed between India and the partnership and convergence of views on positions on pressing Russia have silenced the critics that the Modi Government international and regional issues; and, India-Russia close collaborais putting all its eggs in the basket of America. It also takes tion in responding to challenges posed by unsettled nature of global out the gas from the hype in Pakistani media that Russia has moved economic and financial markets, as well as collaboration at the UN, away from India and is now closer friend of Pakistan, a Russian-Pak- BRICS, East Asia Summit, G-20 and SCO makes the partnership truly istani defence pact is in the offing and a China-Russia-Pakistan axis global. On the issue of terrorism, President Putin said that both India and Russia have close cooperation in fighting terrorism. is becoming a reality.

The S-400 will be a game changer in the subcontinent since it Modi had wide ranging talks with Putin covering the entire gamut of bilateral engagement. Some 16 agreements were signed between can take on aircraft and even drones at a range of 400 km. The power the two countries that included: deal worth $5 billion plus for S-400 of the system can be gauged from the fact that after Russia deployed Triumpf air defence systems from Russia, which was being discussed this weapon system in Syria, sorties over Syria by western nations have been reportedly reduced. S-400 between the two countries for over a can fire three different types of misyear; establishment of $1 billion Russiles, varying in range from 120 to sian Indian Investment Fund that 400 km flying at supersonic and would include $500 million push hypersonic speeds. Russia claims into infrastructure in India and space the S-400 can even radar lock and along with an equal investment by shoot down stealth fighters like the the newly formed National InfraF-35. Pakistan’s frontline fighters are structure Investment Fund (NIIF); only the F-16s. China is developing joint venture to build at least 200 two new stealth fighters based on Kamov helicopters in India; joint stolen US technology but it will be agreement on shipbuilding and spefew years before these are fielded. cialist training in Andhra Pradesh: However, China too is procuring the dedicating Unit 2 of Kudankulam S-400 from Russia with first delivernuclear power plant and foundation ies slated in 2017. laying of Units 3 and 4; agreement on Though development of the fifth‘Zero Tolerance’ policy on terrorism; generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) setting up of Science and Technology Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the President of Russian was not on the agenda this time, Commission; deal for four Admiral Federation Vladimir Putin at the BRICS summit 2016 in Goa India and Russia have earlier signed Grigorovich class (Project 11356) a preliminary design contract and are guided missile stealth frigates; MoU to develop transport logistic system; MoU on education and training; now looking to sign a $8-billion research and development contract.

MoU on urban development and smart city projects; MoU on coop- The Kamov helicopters will be deployed for surveillance, carriage of eration between Indian and Russian railways; successful execution troops and small loads as well as for rescue, including at forbidding of documents between Rosneft and Essar for oil; agreement to study heights like the Saltoro range in Siachen Glacier region. Russia had feasibility of a gas pipeline between Russia and India, and; space recently undertaken a joint exercise with Pakistan in Pakistan. India had reservations on this given Pakistan’s state policy of terror. These cooperation between Russian Space Corporation and ISRO. Speaking to the media in presence of Putin, Modi made the fol- reservations were conveyed to Russia by India albeit there was no lowing points: appreciation of Russia’s clear stand on the need to need for our media to hype the issue.

Russia does have a zero tolerance policy towards terrorism. More combat terrorism in line with that of India; appreciation of Russia’s understanding and support for India action to fight cross-border ter- importantly, Russia is aware of Pakistani designs to further her strarorism that threatens the region; India and Russia have similarity of tegic depth in Afghanistan through terror and go beyond into Central views on the situation in Afghanistan and West Asia; both countries Asia similarly. Should the situation develop to that extent, it would be continue to expand, diversify and deepen economic engagement not beyond Putin to fire cruise missiles in terrorist bases in Pakistan, and with President Putin’s backing India hopes for engagement akin to what he did in Syria. SP Issue 19-20 • 2016 SP’S MAI 5

MILITARY Report

Goa takeaway: India-Russia mega defence deals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin at the BRICS Summit-2016 in Goa

photographs: PIB, Wikipedia, Russian Helicopters

[ By R. Chandrakanth ]

D

espite India’s strengthening of defence and other ties with the US and Russia’s recent overtures in Pakistan, the relationship between India and Russia has a historic bonding. Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed Russia as an “old friend.” He went further and said: “An old friend is better than two new friends”, highlighting the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between India and Russia. This was reconfirmed in Benaulim, Goa, at the BRICS summit where India and Russia inked big-ticket defence deals which signal that lasting relationship.

Advanced Anti-Aircraft Defence System

Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have been storming the global centre-stage with their leadership, witnessed the signing of a `39,000-crore defence deal to procure Russia’s most advanced anti-aircraft defence system, the S-400 Triumf 6 SP’S MAI Issue 19-20 • 2016

which is expected to provide India a solid ballistic missile shield.

The S-400 Triumf, previously known as S-300PMU-3, is an antiaircraft weapon system developed by Russia’s Almaz Central Design Bureau in the 1990s as an ugrade of the S-300 family. It has been in service with the Russian armed forces since 2007. The S-400 uses three different missiles to cover its entire performance envelope.

These are the extremely long-range 40N6, long-range 48N6 and medium-range 9M96 missile.

Kamov Helicopters

The second deal related to India’s import and subsequent manufacture of the Russian Kamov Ka-226T light-utility helicopters. The subsequent manufacture of the helicopters in India will give a major boost to the defence industrial base in India which the Narendra Modi Government is aggressively pitching for. The two countries will also collaborate in making four state-of-the-art Admiral Grigorovich class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates. Taking the defence relationship further, both India and Russia agreed to conduct www.spsmai.com

MILITARY Report an annual military conference, an engagement which would go a long way in understanding each other militarily.

Prime Minister Modi tweeted: “My talks with President Putin lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties between India and Russia.” He further mentioned the “highly productive” outcomes of the meeting which clearly established the special and privileged nature of strategic partnership between the two countries. “They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead. The agreements on manufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters; constructions of frigates; and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with India’s technology and security priorities.”

Cross-border Terrorism

behaving as a rogue state. It was made clear that in South Asia and BIMSTEC (The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), all nation states barring one are motivated to pursue a path of peace for its people, but for Pakistan “terrorism has become its favourite child, and the child in turn has come to define the essential character and nature of its parent.”

Prime Minister Modi appreciated Russia’s understanding and support of India’s actions to fight cross-border terrorism, an oblique reference to India’s surgical strike across the line of control (LoC) last month targeting terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

“Russia’s clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russia’s understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism that threatens our entire region. “We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters,” Prime Minister Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi acknowledged President Putin’s condemnation message on cross-border terrorism. “Russia’s clear stand on need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russia’s understanding and support of our actions to fight cross- Agreement on Information Security border terrorism that threatens our entire region. We both affirmed The two countries also signed an agreement on “information secuthe need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their sup- rity” to fight online security threats. Putin highlighted Russia’s porters,” the Prime Minister said at a joint media event with the Rus- “stable” approach to ties with India. He said his government would sian President Putin. ensure steady energy cooperation with India to support the expandNevertheless niggling doubts remain in the ever dynamic region. ing Indian economy. “Sometimes differences appear in some projThe Russian position on cross-border terrorism is extremely signifi- ects over a period due to currency devaluation. But we commit to cant as it comes soon after the joint military exercise Pakistan and Rus- maintain a steady approach to bilateral projects with India,” said Putin adding, “we are also working on sia have had in September. “Russia will joint development of Sukhoi super jets never do anything that is not in the inter(Below) Ka-226T; (bottom) S-400 systems. and passenger aircraft.” est of our welfare. Russia understands India’s interest and will never do anything India is the world’s top defence which is contrary to India’s interest,” Forimporter and is undergoing a $100-bileign Secretary S. Jaishankar said after the lion upgrade of its mostly Soviet-era milipress meet. ‘’Terrorism is a global issue. tary equipment. India was the erstwhile The [country that is the] epicentre of terSoviet Union’s closest military ally durrorism is near India. But the actions of ing the Cold War and a major importer of that country [Pakistan] is having global its military hardware. But in recent years impacts. We agreed on the need to have Delhi has turned to the United States for an international legal framework on tersupplies, as the two nations forge stronger rorism and better border management,” ties. In fact, India has opened up a slew of said Jaishankar. defence opportunities not just with one The highpoint of the BRICS meetcountry but multiple, thus reducing the ing was also to reiterate how Pakistan is risk of “one-basket” theory. SP

Issue 19-20 • 2016 SP’S MAI 7

MILITARY Viewpoint

Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd)

SAARC shuns Pakistan

Illustration: Anoop Kamath

P

akistan is blaming India for pulling out from the upcom- SAARC meet but then it was more than warranted with the Uri attack, ing South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation following the Pathankot airbase strike in January and more attacks in (SAARC) meet scheduled to be held in Islamabad in Pampore in February and October.

Though views are being expressed that India’s cancellation might November. As per the Dawn News of Pakistan, following India’s refusal to participate Bangladesh has also said it handicap economic integration in South Asia since India and Pakistan was pulling out, and that Afghanistan and Bhutan – both close India are the two largest economies in South Asia, the fact is that Pakistan allies – have since followed suit, according to an official with the has consistently played ‘dog in the manger’ by blocking land access between Afghanistan and South Asia and vice versa, not even accedNepali Government, current chair of SAARC. According to our Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) press release, ing to Afghanistan’s request to permit use of Wagah border to do trade “India has conveyed to current SAARC Chair Nepal that increasing with India. Moreover, during the South Asian Home Ministers Confercross-border terrorist attacks in the region and growing interference in ence held in Pakistan this August, requisite diplomatic courtesies were internal affairs of member states by one country have created an envi- not extended to Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

This, despite the huge diplomatic initiaronment that is not conducive to the successful tive taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of holding of the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad. inviting all SAARC heads for the swearing-in of That is why we have pulled out of the SAARC sumhis government in 2014. It was also significant mit.” The decision on cancelling Indian particithat when Prime Minister Modi announced pation was taken even as discussions continued multiple new initiatives at the SAARC summit about steps such as reviewing the most favoured in Kathmandu at the end of 2014. But Pakistan’s nation (MFN) status for Pakistan following the Uri reluctance to sign the South Asian Motor Vehiattack. Nepal said it hoped the issues would be cle Agreement, that was ready for signature at resolved but could not comment on whether the the Kathmandu summit. Pakistan’s embrace of summit would go ahead but said Jhabindra Aryal China has made it very apparent that Pakistan from Nepal’s Foreign Ministry said, “The host will is not bothered about any other regionalism. In take decisions regarding the summit.” fact, after China’s announcement of the $47-bilPakistan has said the SAARC summit is lion investment in CPEC (China-Pakistan Eco“postponed” taking shelter behind the SAARC After China’s nomic Corridor) and post PLA troops having set charter that any such conference would be postannouncement of the foot in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistani terror attacks poned should any of the eight member state actually gone both sides of her border, in declines to participate. This was expected after $47-billion investment have India and Afghanistan. Pakistan’s policy of terthe Pakistan sponsored dastardly terrorist attack in Uri and instead of agreeing to investigate the in CPEC and post PLA rorism is not going to be abandoned.

Sri Lanka has recently expressed concern attack, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is troops having set foot over the issue of cross-border terrorism. Banblaming the Research and Anaysis Wing (RAW) gladesh’s Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu to have orchestrated the Uri attack on own army. in Gilgit-Baltistan, recently on a visit to India stated, “Pakistan is still Pakistan’s foreign office released a statement Pakistani terror continuing a policy of harbouring terrorism that saying, “Indian intentions of creating hurdles yet is very sad for the subcontinent.” Earlier, during again is visible from the actions and statements attacks have actually the last NATO summit in Warsaw, Afghan Presiat the political level during the last two months dent Ashraf Ghani had said, “Peace initiatives coupled with coordinated media efforts”, adding gone both sides of taken by Afghanistan with Pakistan are not sucthat India is desperate to divert the international her border, in India cessful as Pakistan differentiates between good community’s attention from the Kashmir issue. and bad terrorists in practice.”

The fact is that Pakistan by her actions has and Afghanistan.

SAARC should, therefore, let Pakistan cook got herself in a tight spot of being isolated in the Pakistan’s policy of in its own stew and integrate leaving Pakistan world, trying to internationalise the Kashmir out, with Afghanistan linked though Chahabar issue on which she has no legal standing. India’s terrorism is not going and Zahedan. In fact, there is fit case for India decision surely is unprecedented being the first and Afghanistan to stop trade with Pakistan. SP time that India has cancelled participation in the to be abandoned.

8 SP’S MAI Issue 19-20 • 2016

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MILITARY Report

Rear admiral s. ramsay (retd)

Photograph: DPR Defence

A

Arihant–functional arm of India’s nuclear triad

decision to create indigenous design, development and construction capability for strategic arm of nuclear powered Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN) was taken by the Government of India way back in the early 1970s. Under an umbrella of a classified project Advanced Technology Vehicle Project (ATVP) the programme was established. Since then ATVP has braved rough weathers and daunting challenges, over the past four decades, or more. The worst phase of the programme came with the downfall of former Soviet Union which under an Inter-Governmental Agreement had promised to help India in this indigenous endeavour.

With the launch of Arihant, which translates to annihilator of enemies, by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on July 26, 2009, a major milestone in the success story of ATVP had been accomplished. Immediately thereafter most crucial phase for the first of indigenous nuclear-powered submarine began.

Arihant is propelled by an 83 MW pressurised light-water reactor at its core.

In 2013, the nuclear reactor of Arihant went ‘critical’. Since then a series daunting trial began, the first being extensive Harbour Acceptance Trials (HATs). On successful completion of HATs from December 2014 onwards began the crucial Sea Acceptance Trials (SATs) which included extensive machinery, equipment and systems trials out at sea, on surface and submerged. The most intensive series of SATs was the test-firing of K-series of missiles.

The K-series of missiles have been named after former President of India Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The K-15 submarine-launched ballistic missile has a range of 750 km and the K-4 has a range of 3,500 km. While the test-firings in surface and submerged modes have been entirely successful, the weapons integration is still work in progress. Based on the available reports, it can be safely assumed that it will not be long before Arihant is fully ready to be deployed for deterrent patrols with nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles in its silos. However, some sources believe that the vessel is “not yet fully ready” to be deployed for “deterrent patrols” with nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles in its four silos.

Practically all leading newspapers on October 17, 2016, announced that INS Arihant was formally commissioned by Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff, in August 2016. At the same time same sources added that to maintain secrecy, it is not being referred to as INS Arihant. INS, which stands for ‘Indian Naval Ship’, is affixed to a ship only after it is inducted into service.

Capability of Arihant

Arihant, a 6,000-tonne nuclear-powered SSBN, is capable of carrying nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles and is designed to prowl the deep ocean waters, with unrestricted submerged endurance carrying nuclear weapons and provide India with an assured second strike capability — the capability to strike back after being hit by nuclear weapons first.

Arihant is equipped with better stealth features and is larger compared to SSNs, which are nuclear-powered attack submarines.

SSBNs are also said to be the “best guarantor” of a second strike capability in a nuclear exchange. Arihant is equipped with shortrange missiles with a range of 700 km and also has ballistic missiles with a range of 3,500 km.

Completion of the nuclear triad is extremely critical for India given the country’s “No First Strike” policy. Second strike capability is particularly important for India as it had committed to a ‘No-First-Use’ policy as part of its nuclear doctrine.

Once Arihant is fully operational India will proudly claim the membership to the exclusive club of other ‘nuclear triad’ powers — UK, United States, China, Russia and France.

Dwindling Subsurface Fleet of Indian Navy

Even as Arihant is on the threshold of being inducted and the Indian Navy prepares to induct the Scorpene class INS Kalvari, there are major concerns over its ability to deter and counter the enemy with its dwindling subsurface force levels. The present submarine force level comprise of only 13 conventional and ageing submarines. In addition, INS Chakra is the only nuclear-powered submarine taken on lease from Russia. Last year, the government had approved the construction of six nuclear-powered submarines as part of the upgraded 30-year indigenous submarine construction and modernisation plan.

Conclusion

Commissioning of ships and submarines, especially those of strategic value, is done with great fanfare, pomp and show. This tradition is followed globally to prominently pronounce to the world, the growing prowess of maritime capability of a nation. Arihant having been launched on July 26, 2009, in keeping with the Indian Navy’s tradition will also be commissioned by none other than the Prime Minister of India as INS Arihant. SP Issue 19-20 • 2016 SP’S MAI 9

MILITARY updates

Defence Minister calls upon ASEAN countries to fight terrorism

E

xpressing concern over the rising incidents of terrorism in recent times, the Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar stated that non-traditional threats and terrorism remained the foremost challenges to South East Asia region. He stressed the need to oppose terrorism resolutely everywhere, delegitimise it as an instrument of state policy and cooperate unreservedly to locate and destroy terrorist networks. Parrikar was delivering his keynote address at the 20th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) – Heads

Goa Maritime Symposium

Photographs: PIB, Indian Navy

I

naugurating the first ever Goa Maritime Symposium conducted by the Naval War College, Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff, reiterated the importance of cooperative engagement to promote maritime security in the Indian Ocean region (IOR).

This, he said, has been the Navy’s consistent approach and was congruent to the government’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative for inclusive development.

Divided into four sub-themes, the symposium conducted over two days evaluated Strengthening of Regional Maritime Security Architectures; Enhancing Interoperability in the Indian Ocean Region; Challenges to Freedom of Navigation; and Maritime Security Challenges in the IOR. Each of these themes was elaborated upon by speakers of national and international renown, comprising a veritable who’s who of analysts, scholars and practitioners such as Admirals Raja Menon, Arun Prakash, Sureesh Mehta, Vijay Shankar, Pradeep Chauhan; Commodore Uday Bhaskar; Professor Geoffrey Till, Vijay Sakhuja, Dattesh Parulekar and Ms Tomoko Kiyota. Senior officers from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar and Sri Lanka actively contributed to the symposium by sharing the experiences, concerns and perspectives of their respective countries.

10 SP’S MAI Issue 19-20 • 2016

of Defence Universities/Colleges/Institutions Meet (HDUCIM) hosted by the National Defence College (NDC) in New Delhi under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence.

The minister referred to the maritime domain as a key enabler of prosperity that has a wide spectrum of threats. He reiterated India’s support for freedom of navigation, over-flight and unimpeded lawful commerce, based on the principle of international law as reflected notably in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He remarked, India believes that states should resolve disputes through peaceful means without threat or use of force. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the Indian Ocean as captured in the acronym SAGAR, or Security and Growth for the Region, shows India’s approach to the broader Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

The Defence Minister further stated that India is not only committed to safeguard its land and maritime territories and interests, but will also make its capabilities available to other regional countries. He exhorted member countries to increase the dynamism and efficiency of the ARF and enhance cooperation on multinational responses to non-traditional security challenges including climate change, space and cyber security.

The three-day meet was attended by representatives of 23 member nations and organisations including China, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Russia, EU and ASEAN Secretariat. India last hosted the meet in October 2003 in New Delhi. The main theme of discussion at the meet will be ‘Transformation of Military Education to Meet the Challenges of 21st Century’. Lt General N.S. Ghei, Commandant, NDC, chaired the meet along with his Philippines counterpart Ronaldo G. Jungo, Director, National Defence College of Philippines, as co-chair. SP

The symposium contributed majorly towards fostering a sense of maritime awareness that presupposes efficiency in cooperative mechanisms. It also brought out competing narratives and suggested road maps for the future including strengthening existing frameworks such as the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) — an Indian Navy initiative since 2008. SP

Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2016 concludes

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xercise Yudh Abhyas 2016 concluded at Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, on September 27, 2016. The two-week exercise included a Company Group from an Infantry Battalion of Indian Army and 5th Battalion 20th Infantry Regiment of the US Army.

The exercise was the twelfth in the Yudh Abhyas series, which started in the year 2004 under US Army Pacific partnership programme. Exercise Yudh Abhyas strengthens and broadens interoperability and cooperation between the Indian and US armies. It is the third Indo-US Army exercise at Chaubattia and complements number of other exchanges and exercises between the forces.

Over the years the two countries have decided to progressively increase the scope and content of the combined exercise and Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2016 has witnessed a Brigade Headquarter based Command Post Exercise, an Infantry company carrying out Field Training Exercise and discussions on issues of mutual interest by experts of both countries. The exercise provided an ideal platform for the personnel of the two countries to share their experiences on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations, especially in the mountainous terrain. SP www.spsmai.com

MILITARY updates Indian Navy urges Indian industry to forge strategic partnership for design and construction of underwater vehicles

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ice Admiral G.S. Pabby, AVSM, VSM, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition (CWP&A), Indian Navy, said this is the right time for India to take a major step towards building submarines indigenously by forging a strategic partnership with the Indian industry. Speaking at a function organised by FICCI announcing an international seminar on ‘Current and Future Challenges in Design and Construction of Underwater Vehicles’ on November 22, 2016, he urged the leading industry houses to grab the opportunity to strengthen Indian Navy and added that there is a plethora of design and development opportunities available to the private sector in manufacturing of Navy equipment for the future.

Vice Admiral Pabby said that Indian Navy took a visionary step in 1986 to establish in-house submarine design capability and the proposed seminar

(Top) Vice Admiral G.S. Pabby at the curtain-raiser of seminar; (above) Rear Admiral C.S. Rao addressing the gathering.

Inauguration of Naval Air Enclave

Photographs: FICCI, Indian Navy

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Naval Air Enclave (NAE) was inaugurated at the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL)

by Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) on October 5, 2016.

The setting up of a NAE will facilitate the operations of Boeing P-8I aircraft from CIAL to enhance surveillance of area around the western coast and the strategically critical Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands. It would also enable timely assistance to be rendered to the neighbouring countries who share friendly and ancient ties with India. The naval air enclave would be utilised to accommodate and operate aircraft which cannot be operated from INS Garuda due to inadequate runway length available.

Speaking on the occasion, the Admiral said that the inauguration of NAE again revives the bond between the Navy and civil operators which came to a halt with the shifting of civil air operations to CIAL. The naval air station at Garuda is limited in its operations due to space restrictions, bird menace due to very dense human habitation in the vicinity and growing obstructions around the airfield. The establishment of CIAL and the Kannur International Airport Limited (KIAL) have offered a unique opportunity to the Indian armed forces to utilise them to meet their growing needs.

The function was attended by Vice Admiral A.R. Karve, AVSM, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command;

coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Directorate of Naval Design (Submarine Design Group).

Rear Admiral C.S. Rao, NM, DGND (SDG), Indian Navy, presented the scope of the upcoming seminar which aims to deliberate on unique challenges and complexities of submarine design and construction with the aim to achieve national competence in submarine design and construction through industrial partnership.

The objective of the international seminar is to emphasise the design capabilities of the Indian Navy and other design agencies and to handhold Indian industry to make the best of the capabilities and how to focus on the future requirements. India needs to encourage innovations in design to enhance its scientific capabilities which can later be transferred to industries for commercialisation of defence technologies. SP

Rear Admiral R.B. Pandit, Chief of Staff, SNC; Shabeer AM, Executive Director, CIAL; Sony Chacko, Chief Financial Officer, CIAL; K.P. Thankachan, GM (Civil) CIAL; R.F. DÇruz, Airport Director, AAI, besides other service and civilian dignitaries. SP

Dilli seminar 2016 at INA

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he 2016 edition of the annual Dilli seminar on ‘Regional Instabilities in Indian Ocean Rim States — Legacy of Maritime Conquest and Colonisation’ was held at the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala. Admiral Arun Prakash (Retd), former CNS, delivered the keynote address and the opening address was by Rear Admiral M.D. Suresh, NM, Officiating Commandant, INA. Admiral Arun Prakash in his inaugural session deliberated that the Indian Ocean region (IOR) is set to become the economic and geopolitical fulcrum of the 21st century. Prof Radhika Seshan, Department of History, Savitribai Phule Pune University, deliberated on the lasting impact of colonisation on the traditional form of governance in her paper ‘The Europeans in India – Beginning of the Colonisation’.

Dr Talmiz Ahmad, former Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, in his talk on the topic ‘Western Intervention in the Gulf and their Implication for Contemporary Regional Politics: Challenges for India’s Security’ examined in detail the security risks and challenges faced by the country as a result of the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East. On the concluding day of the two-day seminar, Prof Sucheta Mahajan, Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, deliberated on the ‘Post-Imperial Interest of British in India’ with special attention to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Dr Paleri, former DG of Indian Coast Guard presented a paper on the topic ‘Colonisation and Indian Ocean — An Impact Study on the Present Day Geopolitics of Rim States’ and Prof. Kaushik Roy, talked on ‘Colonial Naval Warfare and Present Day Geopolitics’. SP Issue 19-20 • 2016 SP’S MAI 11

MILITARY updates INS Sumitra visits Indonesia

the historic maritime relationship. Sumitra’s visit to Surabaya would further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries and contribute to overall maritime security in the region.

The ship has a range of 6,500 nautical miles and is capable of embarking one Dhruv/Chetak helicopter. The ship is commanded

by Cdr K.P. Shreeshan. SP

India-Indonesia Bilateral Maritime Exercise commence in Indonesia

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n pursuit of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and outreach to friendly countries, the Indian Navy’s offshore patrol vessel Sumitra was at Surabaya, Indonesia, on a two-day visit from October 10-12, 2016, as part of its deployment to the South Western Pacific Ocean.

The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing maritime security cooperation between the two countries. During the stay in harbour, various activities are planned towards enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding between the two navies.

These include official calls and interaction with dignitaries of the Indonesian Government and the Indonesian Navy, onboard visits by local populace, visits for Indian Navy personnel and professional interaction between personnel of both navies. On departure, the ship would also undertake a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Indonesian Naval ships.

India and Indonesia have extensive historic, cultural and maritime linkages. Regular maritime interaction through training exchanges, port calls, PASSEXs, biannual Coordinated Patrols (CORPATs) and the recently initiated annual bilateral maritime exercise have reinforced

ANC celebrates 16th Raising Day 2016

Photographs: Indian Navy

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he 16th Raising Day was celebrated by the Andaman and Nicobar Command on October 8, 2016. The only tri-service operational Command of the Indian armed forces commemorated its raising, by conducting several events over three days. The Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command, Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, reviewed the parade at INS Utkrosh and awarded unit citations to five units for their outstanding performance in the last one year.

He congratulated all the components for the synergy displayed in operations and training, optimum utilisation of resources and achievement of desired operational efficiency. He commended all ranks for flawless conduct of bilateral exercises with the littorals and jointness in operations, resulting in reduction in

12 SP’S MAI Issue 19-20 • 2016

n a demonstration of India’s commitment to its ties with Indonesia and to the maritime security in the Indian Ocean region, Indian naval ship Karmuk, an indigenously built missile corvette, based under the Andaman and Nicobar Command, alongwith a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, is participating in the 28th IndiaIndonesia Coordinated Patrol and Second Bilateral Maritime Exercise, scheduled from October10-27, 2016, in the Andaman Sea. Defence relations between India and Indonesia have been growing steadily with regular joint activities and interactions between the armed forces of the two countries. The two navies have been carrying out Coordinated Patrols (CORPAT) on respective sides of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) twice a year since 2002, with the aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean region safe and secure for commercial shipping, international trade and legitimate marine activities. The CORPAT has strengthened understanding and interoperability between the two navies and promoted net maritime security in the region.

The bilateral cooperation has increased significantly with the scheduling of the Second Bilateral Maritime Exercise alongwith the 28th edition of the CORPAT. The opening ceremony at Belawan, Indonesia from October 10-13, 2016, is being attended by Commodore Girish Kumar Garg, the Naval Component Commander of the Tri Service Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) based at Port Blair. The Bilateral Maritime Exercise and the CORPAT would see participation by one warship and one maritime patrol aircraft from each navy. SP

poaching activities, rescue of 47 civilians from the sea in the last one year, and successful conduct of disaster management exercise.

The Cincan also highlighted several activities in the last one year such as participation in community outreach programmes and social welfare schemes under the aegis of Defence Wives Welfare Association (DWWA), conduct of multi-specialty medical camps in remote areas and Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan as part of the commitment of ANC to serve the Islanders.

Vice Admiral Verma informed the armed forces personnel that several important projects of strategic significance had been approved by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in the recent months. He observed that these projects, coupled with recent induction of operational assets by all the components such as Mi-17V5 helicopter, Dornier aircraft, guided missile corvette, IPV, fast interceptor crafts and radars would further enhance the operational capabilities of the ANC, in its primary role of safeguarding the territorial integrity of India. SP

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MILITARY updates India-Russia Joint Military Exercise Indra 2016 begins in Vladivostok

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he eighth edition of India-Russia Joint Military Exercise Indra 2016 has begun in the Ussiriysk District in Vladivostok, Russia. Main focus of this edition of the joint exercise is on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain under the United Nations mandate. To achieve interoperability in joint operations, troops from both sides would acquaint themselves with the respective approach to such operations. A comprehensive training programme spanning 11 days has been drawn up for the purpose.

The troops of Indian Army marched smartly alongside the Russian Army in an impressive opening ceremony of Exercise Indra 2016. Both contingents marched in unison, past the saluting dais, exhibiting their resolve to further the Indo-Russian friendship. Brigadier Sukrit Chadah, Indian Contingent Commander, addressed the two contingents and highlighted the need for jointness between the two nations to defeat terrorism.

Loz, Vice Governor Primosski krai Province, and Major General Andrei Ivanovich Sichevoe, COS 5th Army from the Russian Army, also addressed the contingents.

Some 250 soldiers of the Kumaon Regiment are representing the Indian contingent and the Russian Army is being represented by 250 soldiers from the 59th Motorized Infantry Brigade. Indra

Rear Admiral B. Dasgupta assumes command as Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet

series of bilateral exercises is one of the major bilateral defence cooperation initiatives between India and Russia since 2003. The Indian contingent is scheduled to return to India on termination of the exercise in the first week of October 2016. SP

mukh and INS Nishank. He has also held various prestigious staff and operational appointments including Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet, NA to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Directing Staff at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and Commander Work up at Indian Naval Work UP Team. Prior taking over the command of Eastern Fleet, the Flag Officer was serving as Chief Staff Officer (Operations) of the Western Naval Command. SP

Second joint tactical exercise held by Indian and Chinese Armies in Ladakh

Photographs: Indian Army, Indian Navy

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ear Admiral B. Dasgupta took over command of the sword arm of the Indian Navy, the Eastern Fleet, from Rear Admiral S.V. Bhokare, at an impressive ceremony held on October 14, 2016, at the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam.

Rear Admiral Dasgupta, a specialist in navigation and aircraft direction, is a graduate of National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and has undergone the command and staff course at Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is an alumni of Army War College, Mhow, where he has undergone higher command course. In addition, the Flag Officer holds a master’s degree in defence and strategic studies from the Madras University.

The Flag Officer has commanded INS Viraat, INS Tabar, INS Kar-

s part of the ongoing initiative to enhance interaction and cooperation between India and China, under the provisions of Border Defense Cooperation Agreement, 2013, the Indian and Chinese armies held second joint exercise ‘Sino-India Cooperation 2016’ on October 19, as a sequel to the first joint exercise held on February 6, 2016, in the area of Border Personnel Meeting Hut at Chushul Garrison of Eastern Ladakh, along with Chinese troops of Moldo Garrison.

During the day-long exercise on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) a fictitious situation of earthquake striking an Indian border village was painted. Thereafter joint teams carried out rescue operations, evacuation and rendering of medical assistance.

The Indian team for the exercise was led by Brigadier R.S. Raman and that of the Chinese was led by Sr Col Fan Jun. The exercise was a great success and has not only refined the drills to provide succour to the border population in case of natural calamity but has also increased the level of trust and cooperation between the two border guarding forces along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh.

The joint exercise compliments the Hand in Hand series of the India-China joint exercises and the effort of both the nations to enhance cooperation and maintain peace and tranquillity along the border areas of India and China. SP Issue 19-20 • 2016 SP’S MAI 13

MILITARY Viewpoint

Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd)

Big-ticket acquisitions – Overshadowing cuttingedge again?

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s per media reports, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is ambitious, but MoD is seeking a gradual assured hike, though the working towards seeking an annual hike of eight per cent defence allocations have actually been decreasing over the years and in terms of capital expenditure in the next decade plus in next 11 years will also see through two general elections. As of now, order to procure new equipment for the Army, Navy and governmental efforts are on to encourage various joint ventures with the Air Force. This came about after Defence Minister foreign manufacturers under ‘Make in India’ for developing helicopManohar Parrikar asked MoD to work out the financial cost of the mili- ters, fighter jets, warships and aircraft carrier but the projects are tary equipment acquisition planned and bring it in sync with the exist- actually yet to take off – the excruciatingly slow pace due to red tape ing average possible hike in the union budget. The examination con- and complicated procedures despite proclamations of doing progcluded that an annual hike of eight per cent in capital spending is within ress in ‘ease of doing business’.

Parrikar had also uncovered $3 billion which had been earlier paid sync of the anticipated hikes that presently vary on a year-to-year basis.

With the current state of ‘Make in India’, the procurement perforce by MoD was piled up and lying forgotten in a Washington account, will have to be a mix of joint production in India as well as imports as well as $8.3 billion unused money parked with DPSUs — way back where big project weapon platforms like fighter jets, warships and sub- from year 1975, all of which shows gross mismanagement of meagre funds available for military modernisation. But marines are involved. The Long Term Integrated in all this, soldiers at the cutting-edge continues Perspective Plan (LTIPP) for the period 2012-27 to be neglected despite continuous engagement has projected the financial requirement of $223 As of now, in hybrid warfare and fighting irregular warfare. billion for buying or producing new equipment, The MoD doesn’t appear to understand the vital including warships, fighter jets, submarines, airgovernmental efforts necessity that in this type of warfare our soldiers craft carriers and some 500 helicopters over the are on to encourage must be able to see the terrorist before the latter next 11 years. By present standards, $223 billion sees him, engage him with best weaponry, have translates into some `15 lakh crore. The eight per various joint state-of-the-art communications and navigacent hike in capital expenditure is being sought to accelerate military readiness and capacity buildventures with foreign tional aids, survivability, sustainability and mobility. The DRDO has not been able to equip the ing that has suffered severe neglect over the past manufacturers soldier in the required fashion to date, giving him decade. The capital spending for the present fisadvantage over the adversary. The lackadaisical cal year ending March 31, 2017, is `86,340 crore under ‘Make in attitude has not even made them attempt reverse (approximately $12.69 billion). Hence the average India’ for developing engineering as being done by China to address hike planned over the next 11 years will be some cutting-edge requirements. $20.27 billion every year. Though the LTIPP lists helicopters, fighter It is a shame that the Army’s void of bullet jackout the equipment required, it does not include ets has crossed 3,50,000. The Army needs 1.8 lakh detailed costing of items. However, the LTIPP jets, warships and assault rifles, its L70 / ZU 23 guns in service since includes: Technology Perspective Capability Road aircraft carrier but the 1960s need urgent replacement, and signing Map (TPCRM) to enable the Defence Research of the K9 Vajra-T howitzers and M777 ultra-light and Development Organisation (DRDO), defence the projects are howitzers ex BAE Systems is yet to be done. Even in public sector undertakings (DPSUs) and private actually yet to take off Jammu and Kashmir, the availability of night vision industry to plan R&D projects; expected conequipment is pathetic considering that in the pretingencies of the Army, Navy and Air Force and – the excruciatingly vailing environment of violence every soldier must what would be the response; capabilities and be able to see by the night. The non-availability of expected time frames; how these options would slow pace due to red a single thermal imager at the Uri Army base that be achieved – whether through indigenous develtape and complicated suffered a terrorist attack in September indicates opment or by procurements ex import. the irony of the ill-equipped soldier at the cuttingMoD had reportedly set a target for inducprocedures despite edge. Continuing to neglect the frontline soldier ing additional 170 fighter jets for the Indian proclamations of implies avoidable casualties. SP Air Force (IAF), 12 additional submarines, 500 various types of helicopters, additional artillery progress in ‘ease of guns and tanks for the Indian Army, and another The views expressed herein are the personal views indigenous aircraft carrier. The plan no doubt is of the author. doing business’.

14 SP’S MAI Issue 19-20 • 2016

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AEROSPACE IAF Day Celebrations

Air marshal b.k. pandey (Retd)

IAF celebrates 84th anniversary The high point of these celebrations was the Air Force Day parade and the enthralling aerial display put up by aircraft of the IAF at Air Force Station, Hindon

(Left) Red Arrows’ flying display was the special buzz at 84th anniversary celebrations of IAF at Hindon airbase; (right) Red Arrow and Surya Kiran Team.

Photographs: Red Arrows Twitter handle, Wg Cdr RS Chauhan (Retd) and Capt Aditya Singh Chauhan

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n Saturday, October 8 this year, the Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 84th anniversary country wide with great enthusiasm and fervour. The high point of these celebrations was the Air Force Day parade and the enthralling aerial display put up by aircraft of the IAF at Air Force Station, Hindon near Ghaziabad. One notable feature of the anniversary celebrations this year was that it was held amidst the escalating tension on the Western borders following the surgical strike on September 29, 2016, by the Indian Special Forces across the line of control in the Kashmir Valley. Since then, the security forces of India have been on a state of high alert and so it is with the IAF too.

The parade was reviewed by Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) and Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee.

Also present were General Dalbir Singh Suhag, Chief of the Army Staff, and Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff. Amongst the invitees were the former Chiefs of the Air Staff, defence attachés as well as several other dignitaries, both civil and military, serving and retired. A special guest of honour at the event was the former national level cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar who has been conferred with the honorary rank of Group Captain.

Established on October 8, 1932, the IAF has a glorious record of performance and achievements in its 84-year-long history. Initially christened as the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF), it played a stellar role in World War II, thwarting the advance of the Japanese Army in Burma. After the nation became a Republic in 1950, the prefix “Royal” was dropped. Since its inception, the IAF has ensured the security of the Indian air space with great diligence and dedication. Apart from participating in the four violent conflicts with the Pakistan, the IAF has undertaken a number of other

operations which include Operation Vijay to claim Goa, Operation Meghdoot to establish control over the Siachen Glacier, Operation Cactus that was India’s intervention in the Maldives and Operation Poomalai to air drop supplies over the besieged town of Jaffna in Sri Lanka. In addition, the IAF has always been in the forefront to undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations both within the country and across the globe. These operations have included evacuation of Indian nationals as well as others stranded in foreign lands owing to turmoil and strife in those countries. The IAF has been a participant in several United Nations peacekeeping missions as well.

Felicitations from Higher Echelons

On the occasion of the 84th anniversary of the IAF, the President of India Pranab Mukherjee lauded the highly professional service through a message, “The IAF has achieved distinction in defending our skies and delivering vital humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

Over the last eight decades, the IAF has emerged as an immensely professional and combat-ready force. The nation is proud of the capability and competence of the IAF. Greetings and felicitations to all personnel of the IAF on the 84th anniversary.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi too offered his greetings on the occasion to all personnel of the IAF and their families. In a message on Twitter, the Prime Minister said, “Saluting all air warriors and their families on Air Force Day. Thank you for protecting our skies. Your courage makes India proud”. The Minister of Defence Manohar Parrikar also greeted the IAF on the occasion as he tweeted, “Our Air Force plays a vital role in strengthening our national security. I humbly salute its members and their families on Air Force Day.” Issue 19-20 • 2016 SP’S MAI 15

AEROSPACE IAF Day Celebrations

(Top, L-R) Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha inspects the parade during the Air Force Day celebrations; the IAF colours Nishan Toli marches past; (above) Fly-past of Ensign formation comprising Mi-17V5 helicopters in VIC formation; Chakra comprising Mi-35 helicopters in VIC formation.

The Parade

The events of the day began with flag-bearing skydivers of the famous Akash Ganga Team of the IAF jumping out of An-32 aircraft with their colourful parachute canopies and performing a series of manoeuvres during their descent to the ground before the spectators. On the tarmac of Air Force Station, Hindon, the entire range of aircraft on the inventory of the IAF was on static display with combat platforms in battle-ready condition. Heralded by the bugle, the contingent on parade consisting of four squadrons with two flights each, marched in smartly to the tune of the No. 1 Air Force Band and took position. The parade was commanded by Group Captain Neeraj Choubey and one of the squadrons was led by a lady officer. In the middle of the parade was the “Nishan Toli” carried by an officer of the rank of Flight Lieutenant escorted by air warriors. The Nishan Toli is a flag which symbolises the bravery, valour and commitment to mission, integrity and excellence of the IAF. It was presented to the IAF by Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of the nation, on April 1, 1954. Since then, this most revered flag is hoisted on important occasions.

Inspection of the parade by the CAS was followed by the march past during which three Mi-35 attack helicopters of the IAF flew past. The march past was followed by presentation of awards.

The chief guest and reviewing officer, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, then conferred the awards of Vayu Sena Medal, Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) and Vishist Seva Medal to individuals selected to receive these. The CAS also presented Unit Citation Awards to three premier units of the IAF for outstanding performance and valuable contribution to the IAF. These units are the Tactics and 16 SP’S MAI Issue 19-20 • 2016

Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), No. 31 Squadron now equipped with the Su-30MKI combat aircraft and No. 152 Helicopter Unit that has on its inventory the Mi-17V5 mediumlift helicopters, the latest acquisition by the IAF. The presentation of awards was followed by address by the CAS in which he highlighted the grave security situation the country is currently faced with, the challenges before the IAF and the resolve to confront these with determination and unflinching zeal. The address was inspiring to one and all. The parade was then permitted by the chief guest to march off the parade ground.

What followed was a stunning display of precision and coordination in rifle drill by the Air Warrior Drill Team of the IAF. In conformity with the motto of the team which is “Drill to Thrill”, members of the Air Warrior Drill Team displayed a complex sequence of foot and rifle movements through nine different formations.

The Aerial Display

The aerial display commenced with vintage aircraft, the Tiger Moth biplane, the erstwhile basic trainer aircraft and the Harvard piston engine intermediate trainer aircraft that were in use in the 1950s and the 1960s. These two aircraft that were pulled out of the museum to participate in the aerial display, revived nostalgic memories amongst the veterans who had trained on these platforms. These vintage machines were followed by aircraft that are currently operational in the IAF. Leading the pack were three Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules in vic formation followed by one C-17 Globemaster III, the latest acquisition from Boeing, escorted by two Su-30MKI air dominance fighters. A formation of three Jaguars followed next firing www.spsmai.com

AEROSPACE IAF Day Celebrations

(Top, L-R) LCA Tejas fighter stole the show, leaving spectators enthralled with its aerobatic display; Pilatus PC-7 MkII basic trainer performing over Hindon airbase; (above, L-R) C-17 Globemaster III and Su-30MKIs during the fly-past; Jaguar strike aircraft firing flares.

flares as they flew past and broke formation over the spectators. Then came three MiG-21 Bisons followed by the MiG-29 air defence fighters. A formation of three Mirage 2000 followed next with the formation peeling off and discharging flares as they flew past. A formation of three Su30MKIs followed the Mirage formation and in their wake came a single Su-30MKI that offered a salute to the reviewing officer by way of a Vertical Charlie manoeuvre, spiralling upwards symbolising the motto of the IAF to “Touch the Sky With Glory”!

The high point of the aerial display was the debut by the light combat aircraft Tejas of the recently raised No. 45 Squadron Flying Daggers. A single Tejas piloted personally by the Commanding Officer of the Squadron, Group Captain Madhav Rangachari, staged a good ten-minute display, putting the Tejas through its paces before an appreciative audience.

This was followed by the well-known Sarang, the helicopter display team of the IAF that has been participating regularly in local and international air shows. As usual, the Sarang team captivated the spectators with some heartstopping manoeuvres especially the high speed cross over a few hundred feet above the ground right in front of the spectators. The Pilatus PC-7

Display Details

Static Display – C-17 Globemaster III – Mi-17V-5 – Hawk 132 AJT – LCA Tejas – Jaguar – Mirage 2000 – MiG-21 Bison – MiG-29 – Su-30 MKI – Indra Radar – Rohini Radar – ALH Flying Display – Tiger Moth – Harvard – C-130J Super Hercules – C-17 Globemaster III – Jaguar – MiG-21 Bison – MiG-29 – Mirage 2000 – Su-30 MKI – LCA Tejas – ALH Dhruv in Sarang Team – Pilatus PC-7 Mk II – Hawk 132 AJT Source: IAF PRO Palam

MkII single-engine turbo-trainer followed next.

This platform was acquired beginning in 2013 following the premature grounding in 2009 of the basic trainer HPT-32. With its impressive operating envelope, the Pilatus PC-7 MkII is being employed for both basic and intermediate stages of flying training. The final act in the air show the resurrection of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) now re-equipped with the Hawk 132 advanced jet trainer. This newly constituted six aircraft team wrapped up the air display with a variety of formations.

The highlight of the day was a scintillating aerial display by the Red Arrows aerobatics display team. The world-renowned aerobatics display team of RAF, who were on a world tour, performed at around 12 p.m. at the Hindon airbase.

The Red Arrows fly the famous Hawk jets, the advanced jet trainer made by the British BAE systems and have become a symbol of not just British excellence but also Indian manufacturing and technical development.

Apart from being a routine annual event, the anniversary celebrations help rejuvenate confidence in the capability of the IAF. With the formal event behind it, the IAF will now go back to the more challenging task of preparing to contend with the emerging threats to national security! SP Issue 19-20 • 2016 SP’S MAI 17

aerospace Viewpoint

Air marshal b.k. pandey (Retd)

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Rafale – Finally a reality The Rafale combat jet packs a powerful punch that will be a potent force multiplier for the IAF and a deterrent for the Pakistan Air Force

Photograph: Dassault Rafale, IAF

eptember 23, 2016 was indeed a red letter day for the Indian Air Force (IAF) as it was on this day that the long-awaited contract for 36 Rafale combat aircraft was signed between the Governments of India and France. The Euro 7.8 billion (`59,000 crore) deal was inked at Delhi by Manohar Parrikar, the Indian Minister of Defence, and his counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, the Minister of Defence of France who had flown down to India with his delegation specially for this historic occasion.

Delivery of the aircraft is expected to commence in three years and to be completed in 66 months from the date the contract was signed.

With the finalisation of this order, India would be the third international customer for this aircraft, the other two being Qatar and Egypt. For the IAF, this is the second major milestone crossed in the year 2016, the first being on June 18 when breaking all traditional barriers, three young women were commissioned as fighter pilots!

The Rafale is a four-plus generation, twin-engine, canard delta wing, medium multi-role combat aircraft that has a range of over 3,700 km. With its capability to receive fuel in flight, its operational range can be enhanced significantly making the platform capable of undertaking deep strike into both Pakistan and China. The aircraft that can fly at speeds up to Mach 1.8, will come equipped with stateof-the-art weapon systems such as the MICA air-to-air missiles manufactured by MBDA and the Meteor which is an advanced, beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) with a range of 150 km. It will also have the SCALP which is an air-launched cruise missile with a range of over 300 km. The version of the Rafale combat jet the IAF is to receive will have 14 hard points for carriage of bombs and missiles as also drop tanks. Fitted with an active electronic scanning array

(AESA) radar manufactured by Thales, that has a target detection range of at least 130 kilometres and it can simultaneously scan and track several targets such as aircraft and incoming missiles fired by enemy aircraft or launched from the ground. The array weapon systems that the Rafale of the IAF will field will be a game changer for India as neither China nor Pakistan currently possess such capability.

Today, the combat fleet of the IAF is deficient by around 200 aircraft and with the older fleets being overtaken by obsolescence and retired from service progressively, the deficiency could go up to 300 aircraft by the end of this decade if no substantial inductions are made and soon enough. If the induction of Rafale jets is limited to just 36, this contract will only provide partial relief to the distress that the combat fleet of the IAF is in today, and that too only after five-and-a-half years by which time all 36 Rafale jets ordered is scheduled to be operational with the IAF. The immediate excitement notwithstanding, the IAF is unlikely to be in a position to draw much comfort from this contract and in all likelihood will press for more.

After a decade-and-a-half of effort, the Rafale has finally become a reality for the IAF! However, what is noteworthy is that the deal has been clinched at a time when there is a huge spike in the tension on the borders between India and Pakistan. Hopefully, the government will not stop at just 36; but go for at least additional 90 such platforms that ought to be manufactured locally under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ scheme. However, even with the small numbers inducted, the fleet of 36 of the versatile Rafale combat jet that packs a powerful punch, will definitely serve as a potent force multiplier for the IAF as a whole and of some deterrence value for the Pakistan Air Force. SP

“Any Air force will be proud to have an aircraft such as Rafale. This medium range fighter has exceptional features and capabilities.”

— Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha at a press conference on October 4, 2016, in New Delhi

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www.spsmai.com

Aerospace Developments IAF Commanders’ Conference at Air Headquarters, New Delhi

(Top) Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar with Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Air Force Commanders and senior officials of Ministry of Defence on the concluding day of Air Force Commanders’ Conference at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhavan), New Delhi on October 19, 2016.

(Left) Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar interacting with Air Force Commanders during the Air Force Commanders’ Conference.

MICA missile firing by Tiger squadron of IAF

dating the launch envelope of the missile.

With the success of this mission, the IAF has become one of the few air forces in the world with the capability of such long-range beyond visual range air-to-air missile. The operational success of this mission confirms a critical capability of IAF. SP

Photographs: IAF, Dassault Aviation

Sikorsky delivers 1,000th H-60M Black Hawk helicopter to US Army

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igers, the first squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF), successfully fired the recently acquired long-range beyond visual range air-to-air MICA missile on a manoeuvring target from Mirage 2000 upgrade aircraft.

The missile achieved a direct hit on a target which was much smaller than an actual aircraft and flying at low altitude. The target was destroyed on missile impact vali-

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ikorsky delivered the 1,000th H-60M Black Hawk helicopter to the US Army in a ceremony held in Stratford, Connecticut recently. Speakers at the event included Brigadier General Robert L. Marion, Program Executive Officer, US Army Program Executive Office for Aviation; Colonel William ‘Billy’ Jackson, Project Manager, Utility Helicopters, US Army Program Executive Office; Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy; US Senators for Connecticut Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy; US Representative for Connecticut’s

3rd Congressional District, Rosa DeLauro; and Sikorsky President Dan Schultz.

Brigadier General Robert L. Marion said, “The UH-60 is often referred to as the workhorse of Army Aviation and as such your efforts here, past, present, and future are critical to the continued defence of our nation. The rollout of the 1,000th UH-60M Black Hawk marks an important outcome of our aviation modernisation plan, and these aircraft will transform our aviation fleet to a more flexible, capable, and ready team.”

Sikorsky delivered the first UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter in 2007 and the first HH-60M MEDEVAC helicopter in 2008.

Today’s ceremony marked the delivery of the 792nd UH-60M and the 208th HH-60M helicopters.

The ‘Mike’ model helicopters represent the Army’s third standard baseline H-60 Black Hawk aircraft version in the 38-year production history of the programme. The newest models feature more powerful engines than older variants, a new airframe, avionics and propulsion system, improved rotor blades, a digital cockpit, and an autopilot among other modern enhancements. SP Issue 19-20 • 2016 SP’S MAI 19

internal security Report

Governor of Jammu & Kashmir N.N. Vohra making the inaugural address during Homeland Security 2016 - Smart Border Management

There is a need for National Security Policy for effective management and guarding of India’s borders: N.N. Vohra, Governor, Jammu & Kashmir photographs: FICCI

[ By SP’s Correspondent ]

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he eighth edition of FICCI’s Homeland Security programme was organised in partnership with India Foundation and was inaugurated by N.N. Vohra, Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. The two-day conference was held on September 6-7, 2016, at FICCI, New Delhi. The theme of this year’s programme was Smart Border Management.

The conference brought together experts from the Government, Central Armed Police Forces, Indian Navy, Coast Guard, State 20 SP’S MAI Issue 19-20 • 2016

Marine Police, the Border Communities and the industry to discuss and debate issues posed by various types of borders and to delineate strategies, systems and solutions to tackle such specific problems.

The conference focused on Challenges, threats and peculiarities of borders; Emerging technologies for perimeter security; Coastal and maritime security; Infrastructure for border communities; Significance and aspirations of public participation in border security; Economic benefits from border management; and, Role of UAVs and drones in border security.

In his inaugural address, Governor Vohra said that it was incorwww.spsmai.com

internal security Report rect to believe that the Central Government alone was responsible for the effective and efficient border security. Maintenance of security of the hinterland was extremely important and because of threats such as infiltration, proxy wars and insurgency, it was crucial to see that welfare and needs of the people living along the borders were attended to.

This approach, said Vohra, would go a long way in providing strong support to the Border Security Force and the Army by way of information on border incursion and logistics support. He also underlined the need to create dedicated forces trained specially for national security management. Such a force should comprise technologists, IIT, IIM graduates, not just officers, to tackle and prevent illegal cross-overs.

Governor Vohra also called for much greater Centre-State understanding in border security management so that both the Central Government and the State Governments were on the same page insofar as issues such as the need, timing and magnitude of deployment of forces for border security was concerned.

On the occasion, the Governor released the FICCI & PwC report titled ‘Smart Border Management—An Indian Perspective’.

The conference witnessed the participation of over 350 delegates and provided a platform for business discussions, engagement and interaction. Other than inaugural and valedictory sessions, the two-day conference had seven thematic sessions on various aspects of Smart Border Management in which more than 40 eminent speakers including R.N. Ravi, Chairman, Joint Intelligence Committee; Dr G. Satheesh Reddy, distinguished scientist, DRDO & Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri; Y.S. Sehrawat, Chairman, Land Port Authority of India; ADG V.S.R. Murthy, PTM, TM, Additional Director General, Indian Coast Guard; Rear Admiral Sanjay Singh, NM, Director General Naval Operations (DGNO), Indian Navy; Lt General S.A. Hasnain, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM & Bar (Retd), former General Officer Commanding 15 Corps; R.R. Bhatnagar, Director General, Narcotics Control Bureau; A.P. Maheshwari, Additional Director General, Border Security Force; S.S. Deswal, Additional Director General, Sashastra Seema Bal; Anand Swaroop, IG-Provisioning, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, amongst others deliberated and shared their perspectives on Smart Border Management.

Delivering the keynote address on day two of the conference, Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Home Affairs, said that India’s security apparatus can be strengthened only by promoting trade and commerce on both sides of the border which will enable the border communities to develop. This borne out of the fact that people living on the Atari border with Pakistan were quite well off as they were actively involved in physical trade of goods.

Development and security go hand in hand and mere physical delineation of territories will not suffice, he said, adding that although India had fenced borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh and the government was trying to make the security mechanism foolproof yet drug trafficking, illegal crossing and infiltration remains the order of the day. Referring to the pre-1998 era, Rijiju pointed out that India’s border policy was misplaced as development in terms of roads was ignored on the pretext that it was being done to prevent the enemy from using the roads to foment trouble. This, he said, was a defeatist approach as a developed border means a developed and secured country.

Post his keynote, Minister Rijiju also chaired the session ‘Significance & Aspirations of Public Participation in Border Security’ where the panellists, who were from border villages, apprised the delegates about some of the issues faced by border communities and how the community could serve as a force multiplier in border management.

While delivering the keynote address during the valedictory session on September 7, 2016, Ram Madhav Varanasi, National General Secretary, Bharatiya Janata Party, said that India needed to develop a national security doctrine and strategic culture for dealing with the issues related to its homeland security of which border management was a critical aspect. The country faced a great dilemma, he said, because to promote commerce there was a need for open borders but for ensuring security, a closed border was favoured. Hence, there was need to find a way to reconcile the two situations.

To strengthen the security of the country, Ram Madhav said that the government was addressing the issues such as lack of infrastructure in the border areas, amending the laws, infusing more funds for acquiring modern weapons and arming the forces with required capabilities. However, there was still a need to provide civilians on the border with facilities such as well-constructed roads, telecommunication and houses to win their trust and support.

Ram Madhav also touched upon the issue of coordination among the various security forces deployed along the borders and the ministries and departments in the government. He said that it was a gigantic task to build a consensus among the varied forces and

Dr A. Didar Singh, Secretary General, FICCI, presenting a memento to Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Home Affairs

departments, which at times resulted in unnecessary delays.

Rajiv Mehrishi, Union Home Secretary, in his special address said that India’s vast land and maritime borders with six countries dictates the use of technology, infrastructure development, setting up of additional border outposts and use of interceptors boats for effectively guarding India’s border. At the same time, gainful economic opportunities needed to be provided to spur economic growth and promote internal security.

Mehrishi said that there were many security challenges such as new and increasing number of crimes; threat of terrorism and insurgency; increasing law and order situations; and management of disasters.

The Union Home Secretary said that there was a need for new and enhanced legal framework to deal with the challenges such as related to cyber security and to regulate unmanned aerial vehicles.

Besides, constant reviews and updates to the legal framework were needed to deal with frequent changes in technology. SP Issue 19-20 • 2016 SP’S MAI 21

Internal Security Breaches

Guard stabbed, intruder shot at Miranda Kerr’s Malibu home

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upermodel Miranda Kerr’s Malibu mansion was broken into on October 14 morning and has left two people hospitalised — one victim has multiple gunshot wounds, and the other has a stab wound to the eye.

A brutal confrontation at Miranda Kerr’s Malibu home occurred when a security guard at the house went after an intruder who had just hopped the fence of the property. The intruder stabbed the guard in the eye and the guard responded by shooting at the man multiple times. One shot struck the intruder’s head.

The intruder was taken to a local hospital, while the security guard was airlifted to an emergency room. According to a report, both victims are expected to survive the attack.

Miranda Kerr was fortunately not home at the time of the breakin. This is one of many recent celebrity break-ins. SP

Security lapse at IGI Airport, man scales perimeter wall to reach runway

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Photograph: Eva Rinaldi - Miranda Ker / wikimedia.org

xposing a shocking security lapse at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport just two days after the Uri attack, a man scaled the perimeter wall of the airport and roamed around the runway area with a bag in hand, unnoticed for almost half-an-hour.

The wall is heavily guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, who are also deployed at watchtowers along the periphery. The intrusion was finally detected when an alarm went off in the perimeter intrusion detection system (PIDS) as the man scaled the wall again to exit the airside. CISF men on watchtowers 19 and 20 spotted him and rushed quick response teams. It took another hour-and-a-half for CISF personnel to trace the intruder.

The man, identified as Sangram Singh from Sagar district in Madhya Pradesh, was handed over to the Delhi Police. His interrogation has not revealed anything suspicious. SP

White House investigating possible leak of Michelle Obama’s passport

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he White House is investigating the apparent hack of an e-mail account belonging to a low-level contractor that purportedly contained a scan of Michelle Obama’s passport and information about vice presidential travel. An image that appeared to be of the first lady’s passport was posted online.

“I can tell you that administration officials are taking a look at the information that has been disclosed,” said the White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest. “We take any reports about any cyber breach seriously, particularly if it may include some sensitive information. At this point, I can’t speak to the authenticity of the information released.

22 SP’S MAI Issue 19-20 • 2016

“At this point, I cannot announce any sort of conclusion that has been reached about the individual or individuals who may have been responsible for the cyber breach of this information,” Earnest said.

He couldn’t confirm the authenticity of the passport scan, and said the e-mails in question belonged to a contractor who was hired for individual advance jobs, and was not a full-time White House staffer. SP

Biggest cyber breach ever? Yahoo says 500 million accounts hacked in 2014

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n what appears as the biggest cyber breach ever, Yahoo Inc recently said information of at least 500 million user accounts was stolen from its network in 2014 by what it believed was a state-sponsored actor.

Yahoo said data stolen may have included names, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth and encrypted passwords but that unprotected passwords, payment card data and bank account information did not appear to have been compromised.

“This is the biggest data breach ever,” said well-known cryptologist Bruce Schneier. He said it was too early to say what impact the breach might have on Yahoo and its users because many questions remain, including the identity of the state-sponsored hackers behind it.

Three US intelligence officials, who declined to be identified by name, said they believed the attack was state-sponsored because of its resemblance to previous hacks traced to Russian intelligence agencies or hackers acting at their direction.

Yahoo said it was working with law enforcement on the matter.

The FBI said it was aware of the matter, and the US Secret Service was not immediately available for comment. SP www.spsmai.com