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CONTENTS
INDIAN NAVY: EDGING FORWARD 02 Indian Navy has always made the nation proud for its exemplary work in all fields A TIMES OF INDIA PRESENTATION
l MANAGING EDITOR VISHESH PRAKASH
l EDITORIAL COORDINATOR POOJA MADHOK
l EDITORIAL TEAM DIPIKA RATHI BIJIN JOSE
l CHIEF GRAPHIC EDITOR MUKESH ARORA
l DESIGN TEAM DINESH VIST, AJAY AGGARWAL, MAHESH BISHT TOWARDS BLUE SELF SUFFICIENT FUTURE 30 ECONOMY MARKETING l NATIONAL VERTICAL HEAD 6 SHWETA ARORA The Naval Air arm’s endeavour is Harnessing the ‘Blue [email protected] to achieve self-sufficiency Economy’ is the mission l PROJECT COORDINATOR PRACHI BAJAJ through a focused indigenisation that the nation needs to [email protected] programme by supporting the pursue l PRODUCTION COORDINATION ‘Make in India’ initiative MUKESH MALIK UTTAM ACHARYA
Published by: Rajeev Yadav for the proprietors, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd., at Times House, 7 B.S.Z. Marg, New Delhi and printed by him at Amar Ujala Publications Ltd., C - 21 & 22, Sector - 59, Noida - 201301, (UP) - India
All rights reserved with M/s Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. Reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Infringement of any of the above conditions can lead to civil and criminal prosecutions.
DISCLAIMER: Great care has been taken in the ROCKETS CARRIED BY compilation and validation of information, and every effort has been made to ensure 10 NAVAL AIRCRAFTS that all information is up-to-date at the time of going to press. The publishers are not responsible for errors, if any, and their At the time of Independence, the MARITIME SECURITY consequences. leaders envisaged the Indian 24 OF INDIA 2018 Copyright © Bennett, Navy centered on aircraft Coleman & Co. Ltd IOR is becoming carriers for sea control in the Pictures used in the magazine are for strategically important, representational purposes only. expansive areas of maritime and it is necessary for the interest. Let’s understand the IN to dominate it current situation
BREAKING NEW 22 FRONTIERS Carbon composites are making headway into marine vessels, following a developmental pattern similar to that seen in NAVAL AERO PLATFORMS the automotive market 16 The aero platform fleet must be replaced to keep the operational efficiency of the Navy at the desirable level 2-5_NavyDay_Cover_Story.qxd 12/3/2018 12:31 PM Page 2
COVER STORY
rom pre-colonial era to modern EDGING times, Indian Navy has had a stellar Fruntime. India’s maritime history dates back 6,000 years—from Chola dynasty to present day Navy. The Indian Navy has been continuously FORWARD synergising combat operations, coastal security, safety and infrastructure Indian Navy has always made the nation development. Over the years it has proud for its exemplary work in all fields become a force to be reckoned with in terms of modern warfare. Considered to be among the top navies in the world, the Indian Navy not only operates on land, under water but also in the air. It has been noted for its mighty ships, powerful aircrafts and stealth submarines. India has, over the years, grown increasingly vigilant about its maritime security and this has led to increased naval activity. At a time when, China is leaving no stone unturned to make its presence felt in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) the Indian Navy has upped its ante. With the changing times, the responsibilities of India Navy are ever-
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increasing. Be it protecting the 7500- MASTER OF LAND, SEA AND AIR kilometre undulating coastline or actively According to Navy Chief Admiral Sunil working in times of calamities, Indian Lanba, the footprint of the naval force is Navy has become a formidable force. increasing in the seas and that it is ready for any contingency. ALWAYS ON THE GO “Over the years our footprint has been Being one of the technology-oriented increasing (in Indian Ocean). We have INDIAN NAVY: wings of the Indian armed forces, the increased our deployment. We have a ship Indian Navy has the most high-end that is permanently stationed in the Gulf Masters of land, technology in terms of equipment and of Eden and the ship of the western fleet sea and air sensors. Be it war preparedness or has just done a foray into Mediterranean The Indian Navy was a small disaster relief work, the Indian Navy is and gone all the way into Atlantic,” he force with merely 33 ships always on the go. told the media. after India got independence The Indian Navy was a small force In October, the Indian Navy’s in 1947. However, over the with merely 33 ships after India got submarine rescue capabilities got a boost years the navy expanded independence in 1947. However, over with the successful maiden trials of its with induction of more the years the navy expanded with newly inducted deep submergence rescue personnel and deployment induction of more personnel and vehicle (DSRV). of cutting-edge technology deployment of cutting-edge technology The DSRV, operated by a crew of three, both for combats and both for combats and rescue operations. can rescue 14 persons from a disabled rescue operations As many as 67,228 personnel are submarine at time. According to the From 33 ships, the Indian currently serving in the Indian Navy. Navy, after the trials are completed, the Navy went on to acquire 137 From 33 ships, the Indian Navy went on Indian Navy will be among the small ships and submarines under to acquire 137 ships and submarines league of world navies that have an its command. With under its command. With increasing integral submarine rescue capability. increasing stress on stress on maritime security, the Indian In yet another significant development, maritime security, the Indian Navy has plans to induct more ships and a top Navy official earlier this year Navy has plans to induct equipment in the near future. confirmed that the Indian Navy is aiming more ships and equipment Navy Day celebrates the to have around 200 ships in its fleet by in the near future achievements of the Indian Naval force 2027. The move is intended in order to and its role in maintaining national guard interests of the nation in waters security. The Navy Day is celebrated to around it. At present the Indian Navy has commemorate Operation Trident, an 137 ships and submarines under its offensive launched by Indian Navy on command. Karachi in Pakistan during the Indo- In August, the defence ministry gave its Pakistani War of 1971. nod to acquisition of 111 utility Operation Trident was conducted on helicopters for the Navy at a cost of the intervening night between `21,000 crore. December 4 and December 5. The strike by Indian Navy inflicted heavy damage MAKE IN INDIA IMPETUS on Pakistani vessels and facilities. The Indian Navy has been at the
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forefront of indigenisation. Among the three armed services, the Indian Navy is best geared and motivated for indigenisation. The navy has created the most conducive infrastructure for indigenisation. In fact, every dockyard has a specialised team working on indigenisation. These dockyards have got design bureau to look after the designing and development of the ships for the naval force. INS Arihant, the lead of Indian Navy’s nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, has been designed indigenously. The first aircraft carrier built in India – INS Vikrant – has been launched and is expected to be commissioned in October 2020. “The next in line is aircraft carrier INS Vishal which is presently under construction. Torpedoes have been indigenised and they have used every innovation to enhance it further. Indian Navy is far ahead of other services and is going a big way in terms of Make in India,” said Major General (retired) AK Navy is tipped to play a significant role in economy of the country. Fisheries, Chaturvedi. the coming years - especially energy, and shipping and transit and Experts believe that there is a need to safeguarding India’s interests in the because of these, the Indian Navy has have more dockyards to promote ship Indian Ocean Region. Almost 90 per assumed great significance. Enhancing construction activities in India. “We cent of the trade is through sea route so a the exploitation of these resources is need to focus more on Make in India safe and secure environment is vital. important along with denying it to other initiatives. More infrastructures need to Indian interests in IOR are increasing countries especially China,” explained be set up in a comprehensive manner. and so is the role of Indian Navy. Not Major General (retired) Chaturvedi. There is a need for the military industrial About 71 per cent of China’s oil passes complex to be indigenised. If we intend through the Strait of Malacca where to be a strong force in national security India is a dominant player. As part of its and a regional player, indigenisation plan to ensure dominance in the Indian needs to go up in the maritime sector,” Ocean by 2020, Indian warships have an added Chaturvedi. active presence here. China is constantly making its SOARING IMPORTANCE OF INDIAN presence felt across the Indian Ocean The next in line is NAVY region. In order to safeguard its aircraft carrier INS The Indian Navy has been playing a vital economic and strategic interests, China role in maintaining peace at India’s Vishal which is has stakes in Gwadar and Jiwani in maritime front. Not just maritime presently under Pakistan, Djibouti, Bagamayo in security and humanitarian assistance construction. Torpedoes Tanzania Oman, now in Maldives, and disaster relief operations, the Indian have been indigenised Hambantota in Sri Lanka, Chittagong in and they have used Bangladesh and Sitwe and CoCo Island every innovation to in Myanmar. enhance it further TOUCH AND GO At Hainan in South China Sea an only for its energy security but for its Underground Nuclear Submarine trade, security of fisheries against facility at Yulin Naval Base has come up. poaching and antipiracy needs. In recent times their submarines have Also, 2008 Mumbai attacks coastal been sighted close to Great Nicobar security has assumed great significance. Island (GNI). Considering the brisk pace Earlier there was a perception that the at which China is ensuring its Indian Ocean region was impregnable, prominence in the Indian Ocean Region, however, the gruesome terror attack Indian Navy’s significance increases shattered this perception. manifolds. “Indian Ocean has a lot of resources “HADR (Humanitarian Assistance for that can be exploited to improve the Disaster Relief) is very vital. For this
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SPOTLIGHT: Women in the Navy are making a mark
On May 21 this year, an all- woman crew commanding the INSV Tarini returned to Goa after successfully circumnavigating the globe in a 55-foot sailboat in more than eight months; a feat that was making of a history The historic expedition Navika Sagar Parikrama was flagged off on September 10 this year. The expedition was completed in six legs, with stopovers at Fremantle (Australia), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), Littleton reason India has created the forum - (New Zealand), Cape Town (South Africa) (New Zealand), Cape Town MILAN, an exercise that is conducted in and Mauritius. (South Africa) and Mauritius. Port Blair every year, where all the littoral In another major development, the Another feather in the Indian countries come and discuss HADR issues Defence Minister in her address to the top Navy’s hat and India has been actively contributing in naval brass in November pushed for this domain. In fact, in less than 12 hours greater enrolment of women in the navy. India was effective with its HADR Women will be enrolled in the Navy as operations after 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka ‘Sea-going cadre’ in the near future. The and Indonesia,” said Major General Defence Minister, while addressing the (retired) Chaturvedi. naval commanders, urged the Navy to give Apart from providing safe transit to impetus to the enrolment of women. India’s energy resources through Indian So far the Navy has enrolled women Ocean, the Indian Navy has an active role officers in eight of its branches including in safeguarding the 3.5 million diaspora in education, law, and naval constructions. In the littoral nations spread across the order to facilitate women crew, future Indian Ocean Region. warships are being modified.
WOMEN IN INDIAN NAVY Along with being a formidable force in terms of maritime security, the Indian Navy is constantly evolving. In the recent times, it has witnessed progressive changes in terms of its operations. On May 21 this year, an all-woman crew commanding the INSV Tarini returned to Goa after successfully circumnavigating the globe in a 55-foot sailboat in more than eight months. This is the first ever Indian expedition carried out by women sailors. The crew was welcomed by the Defence Minister and Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba at the INS Mandovi boat pool in Panaji. The historic expedition Navika Sagar Parikrama was flagged off on September 10. The expedition was completed in six legs, with stopovers at Fremantle (Australia), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), Littleton
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MAKE IN INDIA
Towards a self- sufficient future The Naval Air Arm’s endeavour is to achieve self-sufficiency through a focused indigenisation programme by supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative
rRear Admiral DM Sudan aviation’s role and requirement has increased manifold and it is on the path to aval Aviation with its transformation, both in terms of numbers speed, agility and long and capability. The number of aircraft in Nreach is a force Naval Aviation is planned to grow to over multiplier in naval operations. 400 aircraft by the next decade, in keeping Operating fighters from the aircraft carrier, with the Maritime Capability Perspective helicopters from destroyers and frigates, Plan. maritime reconnaissance aircraft, unmanned The Indian Navy operates over 15 different aerial vehicles and training aircraft from types of aircraft ranging from legacy Naval Air Stations ashore, Naval Aviation helicopters like Chetaks to modern aircraft brings significant capability to the Indian such as the P8i Long Range Maritime Navy (IN). Indian Naval Aviation comprising Reconnaissance and Mig 29K fighters. There of 220 plus aircraft is a mini- Air Force, exists in the inventory a mix of Russian, much larger than many Air Forces of the Western and indigenous aircraft. This brings world. With the enhanced breadth and to the fore challenges of operating and canvas of the IN’s area of operations, naval maintaining both legacy fleet along with the
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modern, as also the challenge of certification and so on. Russian origin spares and NAY operating and sustaining two different Notwithstanding, significant progress (Kochi) for Western Origin spares, streams, the Russian and the Western. has been made towards indigenisation while NASDO focuses on common In consonance with the Indian with the assistance of DPSUs and equipment. These organisations are Navy’s focus of ‘self-reliance through private industry. A few examples are known as the ‘In-house indigenisation’, Naval Aviation is also of communication equipment, Indigenisation Committees’. The a firm proponent of the same networking systems, aircraft indigenisation process is governed by philosophy in the field of aviation components such as batteries, tyres, the stringent procedures for Design platforms. This is done through two slings etc. Over 900+ items have been Development and Production of ways. On the one hand indigenising indigenised with several more in the Military Airborne Stores (DDPMAS), aircraft equipment, spares and pipeline. a CEMILAC document. Ground Support Equipment including The two Naval Aircraft Yards at In order to provide information to tools and testers of aircraft in service Kochi and Goa, along with the Naval the industries on the details of IN’s is undertaken. The other is by Aircraft Servicing and Development indigenisation organisation structure, procuring in-country manufactured Organisation (NASDO) at Goa, procedures, policies, Quality aircraft (read HAL). Naval Aviation spearhead Naval Aviation’s Assurance requirements, etc., a ‘Naval also closely associates with the DRDO indigenisation efforts. NAY (Goa) is Indigenisation Guide Book - A Primer towards development of critical responsible for indigenisation of for Industries’ was published and technology/equipment. released by the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff at an International Seminar at INDIGENISATION Goa on May 18, 2018. Earlier, the The Naval Air Arm’s endeavour is to ‘Naval Aviation Indigenisation achieve self-sufficiency through a Roadmap 2017-22’ listing details of focused indigenisation programme by approximately 550 plus Flight and supporting the ‘Make in India’ non-Flight critical components to be initiative. Aircraft procured from The Naval Air Arm’s indigenised in the 13th plan was abroad have issues of quick repair of endeavour is to achieve published in October 2017. This serves components and higher cost of repair. self-sufficiency through as a reference for potential industries Indigenisation addresses both these a focused who are desirous of undertaking issues. Undertaking indigenisation for indigenisation indigenisation. Both books are naval aviation has several challenges - programme by available in the open domain and can limited numbers of a type of aircraft, supporting the ‘Make in be downloaded. There are also IN- stringent specifications, long-winded Industry interactions, Aviation India’ initiative procedures for flight trials, seminars and Indigenisation exhibitions at Naval Air Stations to promote a better understanding of the IN’s requirement. Naval aviation has also adopted a multi-pronged strategy to enhance self-reliance for relevant projects through the Make 1 and Make 2 procedures of the Defence Procurement Procedure, as also the ‘Technology Development Fund’ scheme of the DRDO. Projects under this methodology could encompass, for example, design, development of a 3-phase Static Inverter for a Radar and leveraging data analytics of Health and Usage Monitoring Systems on modern aircraft (MiG 29K, P8I, AJT Hawk) to enhance safety and operations. Self-reliance through in-country repairs is also being pursued relentlessly through the DRDO, DPSUs and capable private firms. Another means towards achieving self-reliance and development of increased capability within the country, to reduce maintenance and sustenance overheads associated with aircraft procured from foreign OEMs, is to encourage OEMs (Original
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Indian Navy has been positively inclined towards procuring in- country manufactured aircraft. This is evident from the IN inventory of HAL manufactured aircrafts
based Test Facility at Goa. The one problem that arises with an aircraft developed for both the Air Force and the Navy is the different roles and systems required for the naval variant due to a different operational environment. The world over, an aircraft that has been developed as a land version has had numerous issues on its conversion to a ship based platform. The reverse however is far easier. In both the ALH and LCA aircraft the emphasis has been on development of the Air Force/Army variant, largely due to the significantly larger order size, compared to the IN order. As a result, though the IN provided support to HAL in initial development of the ALH, it till date has a cumbersome Equipment Manufacturers) to set up manufactured aircrafts, such as blade-fold system (which is a key facilities and carryout repair up to Chetak, Kiran (now phased out), requirement for a ship based module level through setting up in- Dornier 228, Advanced Light helicopter) and therefore has not country Deep Repair Facilities (DRF). Helicopter(ALH) and Hawk aircraft. Earlier for the Sea Harrier fleet an It is not so well known that the IN was Engine Repair Facility was set up at very keen on development of the ALH NAY (Kochi) which was a boon and was the early customer to pay for towards prompt repair and turn- its development and production. around of its engines thereby Accordingly, the first two helicopters increasing aircraft reliability and delivered to the IN were of the saving of funds. Even for the ageing Limited Series Production variant. Sea King helicopters, a The ALH is being employed for a repair/overhaul facility for its variety of missions including transmission systems, was established Advanced Search and Rescue, Special at HAL, leading to improved Heli-Borne Operations, Armed Patrol, helicopter availability. The same Sniper Ops, VVIP Carriage and Night approach for setting up in-country SAR. An order for 16 additional ALH DRF in partnership with Indian helicopters has been placed on HAL Industry for the new inductions is also with delivery expected to commence being actively pursued. by 2020. The IN also adopted the LCA(N) AIRCRAFT ACQUISITION aircraft from the initial years and Indian Navy has been positively committed personnel and money for inclined towards procuring in-country the project. Today the LCA(N) has manufactured aircraft. This is evident completed extensive tests including from the IN inventory of HAL ski-jump take-off from the Shore-
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been procured in the required numbers. Current initiatives of the Government of India such as ‘Make in India’ and introduction of ‘Strategic Partnership (SP) Model’, by creating enabling procedures has catalysed IN’s efforts towards aircraft acquisition through indigenous manufacture. For the Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH) programme, as a replacement of the Chetak helicopter, the IN had commenced the case as a Buy and Make (Indian) category under the then DPP 2013. This would have resulted in a few helicopters being procured in flyaway condition and the bulk would have got manufactured in India. Of importance was the intensive discussions, steered by the IN, on Technology Transfer by the OEM to the Indian partner, as a part of the procurement. Key technologies for industries, whether large or small, thus transfer were identified. However, as increasing the defence industrial base the Strategic Partnership was being in the country. Naval Aviation, in its finalized the case was aligned to this own small way, intends to be a catalyst model and was finally accorded to leverage the engineering capability approval in 2018. It will in all within the country and progress likelihood be the first case for towards self-reliance in design, The aim is to harness procurement under the Strategic development and manufacture of the capabilities of both Partnership model. The key aspect of aircraft and systems. As on the surface the public and the the SP model is the in-country fleet side, where the IN has moved manufacture of the helicopter and from being a ‘Buyers Navy’ to a private sector TOT to Indian manufacturer. ‘Builders Navy’, the endeavour for industries, whether The Indian Navy is a firm believer in Naval Aviation is to follow a similar large or small, thus higher levels of indigenisation and self- trajectory on the air side. increasing the defence reliance in the defence sector. The aim industrial base in the is to harness the capabilities of both —The author is a Naval Aviator and country the public and the private sector Faculty at the National Defence College
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SKY HIGH ROCKETS CARRIED BY NAVAL AIRCRAFTS: A PERSPECTIVE At the time of Independence, the leaders of the nation envisaged the Indian Navy centered on aircraft carriers for sea control in the country’s expansive areas of maritime interest. Here's a peek into where we are today
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rRear Admiral Dr S Kulshrestha The Short Type 184 flown by Flight Commander Charles Edmonds, was aval Aviation armed with 1 x .303 Lewis Machine entrenched itself Gun and 1 x Torpedo (14" Nin May 1912 diameter)/520lb of other drop stores. when Commander The problem with carrying a mounted Samson, flying a modified S 27, gun was that it was useful as long as designated as S38 took off from HMS the pilot could fire it from his line of Hibernia which was underway and sight without hitting the propeller. making a speed of 10.5 knots during This led to the development of the the Royal Fleet Review in Weymouth Gun Synchronizer so that the gun Bay, England. The United States, could fire through the arc of the Germany, Russia, Japan and France rotating propeller. The German followed soon after that with their Eindecker fighter was the first to be own Naval Air Wings. fitted with such a device followed by a In September 1914, the Japanese better designed hydraulic device seaplane carrier Wakamiya carried out 'Constantinesco gear' for the British air raids against German land and sea aircraft. The aircraft continued to be targets during the Battle of Tsingtao. fitted with two forward firing The first use of a Naval weapon, the synchronised rifle calibre machine torpedo, against the enemy was in guns, firing forward through the August 2015 when a Turkish supply propeller. The roles for Naval Aircraft ship in the Sea of Marmara was sunk kept expanding, and so did the by Flight Commander Charles requirements for a bigger weapon Edmonds flying a Short Type 184 package. The requirement to increase aircraft. The capability of seaborne 'air the number of weapons led to to land' strikes was established in armament being mounted under the December 1914 during air raids on a wings. Central gun mounts were German Zeppelin base at Cuxhaven. discarded when propeller less jet Naval Aviation has never looked back propulsion rendered Gun since and has entrenched itself as a synchronisers redundant. formidable component of Sea Power. The German submarines had caused
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extensive damage during the WWI which to burn. Generally, it is a double base lead to the development of aircraft- solid propellant. The double base mounted submarine detectors as well as propellant has two monopropellants, one bombs and depth charges to neutralise being low energy and stabilising the submarines. The role of Naval component and the other bringing the AIRCRAFT ROCKETS: Aviation after that included the Air-Anti high energy content. This combination The role and Submarine warfare. provides reasonably high energy for use The Naval Aircraft depending upon as Aircraft rockets and reduces significance their role, carry a wide array of weapons production of smoke. Nitrocellulose gel namely, air to air missiles, air to surface with dissolved nitro-glycerine with some The rockets are unguided missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, depth additives constitutes such a propellant. projectiles with their charges, bombs, rockets, laser-guided The burning of the propellant is done by propulsion system in which bombs, Naval aerial mines, and use of an igniter, which is a disc the propellant burns fiercely lightweight torpedoes. This article aims containing gunpowder composition and producing exhaust gases at to provide a perspective into the rockets an electrical squib. The burning rate is high pressures. These gases carried by fixed-wing Naval Aircraft. controlled using the inhibitor coating of are discharged through a cellulose acetate variants, a salt coated calibrated nozzle to impart forward motion to the AIRCRAFT ROCKETS stabilising rod inside the propellant rocket body The rockets are unguided projectiles prevents unstable burning. A constant with their propulsion system in which rate of thrust is maintained by Efforts are being the propellant burns fiercely producing perforating the propellant core using continuously made by exhaust gases at high pressures. These different shapes; typically, a star shape is countries to develop and gases are discharged through a calibrated deploy highly accurate prevalent. The nozzle controls the rocket systems to achieve nozzle to impart forward motion to the characteristics of the exhaust gases to precision hit capability. rocket body. The main components of provide increased velocity. Fins help in Precision hit would reduce any rocket used as a weapon comprise providing accuracy to the rocket flight. the number of rounds to be rocket motor, warhead and fuse. In case the rocket fish tails the drag fired per target as well as ROCKET MOTOR: A rocket motor increases and the air stream hits the fins limit the collateral damage, generally consists of a metallic motor which in turn correct the motion of the explaining the role of tube, propellant grain, ignitor, stabilising rocket. aircraft rockets rod, inhibitor, nozzle and fins. The WARHEADS: There are many types of warhead and nozzle & fins are attached high explosive HE fillings for the to the motor tube at the forward and aft warhead casings which are utilised for end respectively. The solid propellant the aircraft rockets, depending upon the grain has its integral fuel and oxidiser type of target against which they are and does not require atmospheric oxygen likely to be launched. HE fragmentation
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warheads are used against lightly protected targets wherein the fragments cause significant damage. Anti-Tank and Anti-Personnel warheads are shaped charges which explode from base resulting in an explosive jet which penetrates the target. A general-purpose warhead is based upon the combination of the designs of the fragmentation and armour piercing warheads. It is used against a variety of targets utilising, a nose fuse or a solid nose plug and a base fuse variant. Warheads dispensing high velocity pointed for separation from the aircraft as well metallic objects are classified as as minimum acceleration and Flechette warheads. These are used deceleration thresholds among others. with a base fuse against personnel and Fundamentally all explosives in the lightly protected vehicles. Incendiary fuse are aligned and initiate only after warheads are used to ignite/set fire to all the safeties are removed and impact acceleration be achieved by the rocket targets. Flare dispensing warheads are conditions are met. Fuses which for arming and a minimum used for various purposes like function on impact are either fitted in deceleration for it to function. illuminating an area or deflecting the nose or the base in the warhead. Proximity fuses sense the physical missiles depending upon the Mechanical Time fuses incorporate a presence of target electronically. constituent of the flare. Smoke timing device or a clock mechanism These are used for air/over the ground warheads are used to mark a target by which introduces a pre-set delay after bursts. Fuses often have a combination using smoke generating composition safeties are removed. Acceleration- of technologies depending upon the like plasticised white phosphorous. deceleration fuses function in a effect desired on the target. Dummy or practice warheads are fashion similar to the impact fuse, but PRECISION STRIKE CAPABILITY: weight balanced inert filled warheads they require that a minimum Efforts are being continuously made for practice firings and by countries to develop and deploy loading/unloading training activities. highly accurate rocket systems to FUSES: These can be classified based achieve precision hit capability. upon their physical position or upon Precision hit would reduce the the way they operate. The warhead number of rounds to be fired per could be fitted with a nose fuse or a target as well as limit the collateral base fuse; further fuse could function damage. The Advanced precision kill depending upon impact, time, The naval aircrafts, weapon system kit (APKWS) by BAE acceleration or deceleration, delayed depending upon their Systems utilises laser guidance and is action, proximity, and any role, carry a wide array in use in the US Armed forces. Guided combination of these. The fuse is a of weapons namely, air- Advanced Tactical Rocket (GATR) is a highly sensitive explosive component to-air missiles, air-to- laser guidance kit by Elbit Systems for and therefore necessitates inbuilt 68/70mm rockets to convert them into surface missiles, anti- safeties not only during transportation precision-guided weapons with high- ship cruise missiles, and handling but up to the time it is precision strike capabilities. Low-Cost required to initiate the warhead. The depth charges, bombs, Guided Imaging Rocket LOGIR, by US built-in safeties include a time delay rockets and torpedoes Navy, guides the rocket to a pre-
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FUTURE WISE: A peek into the future of rockets
The Rocket has retained its place in the weapon packages of the aircraft since its advent in WW II, this has been possible primarily because the rocket is more accurate than the supplied position and uses imaging is equipped with a nose fuse. Its range is bomb and cheaper than the infrared in the terminal phase. The ~2-3 kilometres, and it is carried missile TALON by Raytheon is a digital semi- individually on weapon pylons. With the advances in active laser guidance and control kit for LOOKING AHEAD: The Rocket has microelectronics, computer rockets. Smart Tactical Advanced Rocket retained its place in the weapon programming and (STAR) also by Elbit Systems can be packages of the aircraft since its advent development of more lethal installed on 80mm rockets. in WW II, this has been possible but safer explosives, it MIG 29 K - ROCKETS: MiG-29K is an primarily because the rocket is more would not be out of place to aircraft carrier-based multirole fighter accurate than the bomb and cheaper forecast that in future the operated by the Indian Navy among than the missile. With the advances in current rocket may undergo others. It carries Rockets of the type S 5, microelectronics, computer a complete overhaul S 8, S 24 in addition to a cannon, various programming and development of more The future rocket would be missiles and bombs. lethal but safer explosives, it would not a smaller, accurately guided, S-5: The S-5 is a 55 mm (2.2 in) calibre be out of place to forecast that in future fire and forget weapon. It unguided, solid fuel rocket with a range the current rocket may undergo a would be launched from a of 3 to 4 kilometres. Each rocket is ~1.4 complete overhaul. The future rocket smart launcher from the meters long and weighs ~5 kg, depending would be a smaller, accurately guided, aircraft and would be on the type of warhead and the fuse. Its fire and forget weapon. It would be equipped with a smart fuse fin assembly has eight attached fins launched from a smart launcher from to enable maximum which open as soon as the rocket leaves the aircraft and would be equipped with damage on the target the launcher tube. The fins provide a smart fuse to enable maximum stability to the rocket by spinning at ~750 damage on the desired target. rpm. It is available with various types of warheads. —The author is a defence analyst S 8: The S-8 is an enlarged version of the and independent researcher unguided S 5 rocket. It has six stabilising fins and achieves greater accuracy and firepower than the S 5. Its range varies from 2 to 4.5 km depending upon the type of warhead used. The S 8 has a diameter 82 mm body with 384 mm wingspan. Its length is 1.7 m with a weight of 13 kg. It has a variety of warhead types like thermobaric and runway penetrator in addition to the standard categories. S 24: The S-24 rocket is ~2.33 metres long, and weighs ~235 kg. Its 123 kg warhead is of the blast-fragmentation type. The warhead spreads ~4000 fragments in a radius of 300-400 m. For deployment against hardened targets, it
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NAVAL POWER Indian Naval Aero PLATFORMS
About half of the inventory of the rMaj Gen Dr Bhupinder Yadav (Retd) Indian Navy’s aviation arm, as of now, consists of ageing and ndia has a large coastline exceeding 7,500 km and obsolete aero platform fleet Iseveral island territories and which needs to be replaced to economic interests in both its east and west. The Naval Aviation Wing undertake tasks such keep the operational efficiency of as maritime reconnaissance, fleet air defence, carrier borne strikes against maritime targets, the Navy at desirable level ships and shore borne air anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue (SAR) etc. With its present fleet strength over 300 platforms, it is rightly said that the Navy has a mini air force of its own. Recognising the imperatives of a well balanced and credible Naval Air Arm’s significant role in building a true blue-water capability, comprehensive modernisation plan for its Air Arm through a two-pronged approach, viz. new induction and midlife
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Major Defence Programmes in Pipeline - IN and ICG Defence Proposals Quantity Likely Cost Remarks Medium Range Maritime 9 $1500mn IN Reconnaissance (MRMR) Amphibious Aircraft 9 Over $400mn IN Carrier Based Airborne Early 4 $1000mn IN Warning & Control (AEW&C) Multi Mission Maritime Aircraft 6 $2000mn ICG P-8Is 4 $796.36mn IN Multi Role Carrier Borne 57 IN upgrades of existing platforms. Over Fighters (MRCBF) the next 10 years, the Indian Navy Multi Role Helicopter 16 $327mn IN will be doubling its aviation fleet. (MRH) Program Naval Multi Role 123 $4000mn IN CURRENT INVENTORY Helicopters (NMRH) The Indian Navy maintains a large inventory of aerospace platforms Naval Utility Helicopters 110 $2000mn IN which are being operated for attack, Shore Based Helicopters 14 $363.63mn ICG search, rescue and relief operations over the years. As of now, around half of the inventory consists of ageing carried out by Tupolev 142 M, and obsolete aero platform fleet Ilyushin 38 SD and locally-assembled which needs to be replaced. As per Dornier 228 aircraft. CAG report, the naval aviation wing is facing severe aging and the HELICOPTERS availability of aircraft is a mere 26 per The Navy has about 150 helicopters cent of asset strength on account of both operating from shore bases and the high number of aircraft INDIAN NAVY: on-board warships comprising of undergoing overhaul and slow paced Inventory of Kamovs, Sea Kings, indigenous HAL progress in procurement programme. aerospace platforms Dhruvs & Chetaks. According to a report, the combined requirement of AIRCRAFTS Presently, Indian Navy has Navy and the Coast Guard for Presently, Indian Navy has over 100 over 100 aircrafts in its aviation assets would be 200 aircrafts in its inventory. Apart from inventory. Apart from few helicopters over the next decade. few newly inducted Mig-29K fighter newly inducted Mig-29K aircraft and P-8I reconnaissance fighter aircraft and P-8I UAVS aircrafts, most of the inventory reconnaissance aircrafts, The Indian Navy is using Israeli comprises of 1980s vintage aircrafts most of the inventory Searcher medium endurance (20 hrs) lyushin Il-38 and Tupolev which comprises of 1980s vintage and Heron long endurance (50 hrs) having gone upgradation and now aircrafts lyushin Il-38 and drones for maritime surveillance need replacement. As for littoral Tupolev which having gone since 2003. At present it has three surveillance and reconnaissance upgradation and now need squadrons with each squadron is operations are concerned, it is being replacement established for eight Searcher II and The Navy has about 150 six Heron UAVs each. helicopters both operating Vintage spread-Indian from shore bases and on- Navy’s Acro Platforms MARKET OPPORTUNITY board warships comprising Considering, the above procurements of Kamovs, Sea Kings, in pipeline, it is projected that Indian 30% indigenous HAL Dhruvs & Navy is likely to spend around $17-18 50% Above 20 Chetaks Billion on acquisition of aerospace years platforms till 2027. Some of the 30% major programmes are detailed 10-20 below: 30% years AIRCRAFTS 40% 0-10 Carrier-Based Multirole Fighters 20% years India’s sole current carrier, the Existing Desired Vikramaditya ex-Soviet Admiral
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Gorshkov, 24 MiG-29Ks and the Billion was issued in mid 2010 for an domestically-built Vikrant around 30 initial order of 4 aircrafts with a MiG-29Ks, which is expected to enter possible option of more. service. As of now United State’s Northrop The indigenous aircraft carrier Grumman has responded by (IAC) Vikrant-class aircraft carrier - proposing its E-2D Advanced the 65,000-ton INS Vishal by the Hawkeye, which was cleared for Cochin Shipyard, is scheduled for export by the United States AEROSPACE: delivery in 2023. The RFI issued in government. The company has Acquisitions and 2017 for procurement of 57 Carrier- already given the presentation to market opportunity Based Multirole Fighters for new IAC Indian Navy. The RFP timeline of this was responded by Lockheed Martin, order is uncertain. The IN wants amphibious Boeing, SAAB, Dassault Aviation and The RFI specified that the aircraft aircrafts for "search and Russia’s MIG, mostly 4 Gen must be able to carry out airborne rescue missions, inter-island aircraft.The Indian Navy could be surveillance, detect and track both communication, rapid eyeing the fifth generation aircraft airborne and surface contacts, control response duties and for it. air interceptions and air strikes. It reconnaissance of islands" should be capable of providing an and which can take-off from Amphibious Aircrafts integrated air and surface picture of and land on water. The The IN wants amphibious aircrafts the area under surveillance in adverse aircrafts would be deployed for "search and rescue missions, weather conditions and in dense in Andaman and Nicobar inter-island communication, rapid electronic environment. Finally, it and Lakshadweep response duties and reconnaissance should be capable of being used as a Looking to strengthen its of islands" and which can take-off command and control platform. surveillance capabilities and from and land on water. The aircrafts Secondary requirements include control over the maritime would be deployed in Andaman and being able to undertake maritime zone, Indian Navy is planning Nicobar and Lakshadweep. patrol and limited search and rescue to procure four aircraft In February 2016, it was reported missions. The aircraft must be carrier-based Airborne Early Warning and Control that India plans to procure 9 US-2 capable of operating in the tropical (AEW&C) planes aircrafts for the Indian Navy conditions prevailing in the between 2017 and 2022 Indian Ocean region. from Japan-based ShinMaywa DO-228 Aircraft Industries. Six The maritime aircrafts are surveillance proposed to be bought in the next phase. The procurement is likely to be through government to government route with the initial purchase being off the shelf. ShinMaywa recently made an offer to the Indian Government to set up a manufacturing plant in India to cater to the international market.Further, there is also a requirement for five such planes by the Indian Coast Guard.
Carrier Based Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW and C) Aircraft Looking to strengthen its surveillance capabilities and control over the maritime zone, Indian Navy is planning to procure four aircraft carrier-based Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) planes. The RFI for this ‘Buy’ order worth over $1
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and patrol variants of the Do-228 is HELICOPTERS $ 10 billion. Both procurements will equipped with surveillance radar, Indian Navy operates about 150 be pursued under the Strategic FLIR (forward looking infrared), Helicopters and needs to augment Partnership (SP) model. Recently ESM (electronic support measures), and strengthen its aging air fleet. again a Expression of Interest (EOI) satellite communications, data links, Following procurements are in the has been asked from OEM 111 Naval speech secrecy equipment, TCAS pipe line: Utility Helicopters (NUH) for which (traffic collision avoidance system) EoI is to be issued shortly are and EGPWS (enhanced ground Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) and required to submit the RFI response proximity warning system), among Naval Multi-Role Helicopters of NUH, if not submitted till date, by others. (NMRH) 1200 Hr on 04 Dec 18. Global RFI for Naval Utility P-8I Long-Range Maritime Patrol Helicopters (NUH) and Naval Multi- Multi-Role Helicopters (MRH) Aircraft Role Helicopters (NMRH) has been The acquisition of 24 anti-submarine India had signed an over USD 1billion issued on 23 August, 2017. Responses and anti-ship multi-role helicopters deal with US defence and aerospace have been received from Lockheed (MRH) deal around $ 2 bn through major Boeing for procuring four Martin, Bell Helicopter, Airbus the Foreign Military sale (FMS) from additional Poseidon-8I. The contract Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky MH- is a follow-on order to eight P-81 60Rs `Romeos’ fitted with sensors planes already bought by India in a with 30% offsets is in process. direct deal worth USD 2.1 billion with the firm. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVS) The UAVs have been extremely effective Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Navy in conducting short range surveillance. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) The present holding is The Indian Navy operates at least two project for the India Navy has got the of 12 Israeli Searcher squadrons of Heron and Searcher Mk-II much required boost with the Mark II and Heron UAVs UAVs, based in Kochi and Porbandar. government recently asking the procured from Israel The present holding is of 12 Israeli Aeronautical Development Agency and 13 modified Searcher Mark II and Heron UAVs (ADA) to build three more indigenous Lakshya low procured from Israel and 13 modified prototypes. Further, the Navy has target (MLLT) UAV for indigenous Lakshya low target (MLLT) sent a Request for Proposal (RFP) to naval surveillance. UAV for naval surveillance. The UAV Hindustan Aeronautics Limited force level is planned to be augmented (HAL) for producing eight Limited by two additional long-range Herons Series Production (LSP) aircraft. which are currently under procurement Currently, IAF variant of LCA Tejas is Helicopters and Russian Helicopters at a cost of $ 120 million (Rs 386 crore). heading towards the Final amongst other. The requirement is The Indian Navy’s request for the Sea Operational Clearance (FOC) and for approximately 234 naval choppers Guardian Unmanned Aerial Systems induction into service. (Naval Utility helicopters and Naval deal of $ 2 bn has already been agreed Multi Role Helicopters) worth around by US.
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Shipborne UAV Guard (ICG) undertaking a massive In March 2015, the Indian Navy Rustom-2 UCAV Programme ramping up of its assets 74 aircrafts in issued a RFI for procurement of 50 In Jan 2015, the Indian government next few years. It is hoping to induct, naval shipborne unmanned aerial invited the private defence companies several multi-mission maritime system (NSUAS) for intelligence, to participate in the development of patrol aircraft like the Dornier and surveillance and reconnaissance India’s first indigenous unmanned twin-engine helicopters. Keeping this missions as part of its effort to boost combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). The in view, a case for procurement of 6 maritime security. The navy wants DRDO will fund 80 percent of the multi mission maritime aircraft and these drones to be capable of flying development and prototype cost for 14 shores based helicopters for either pre-programmed or operator- the Rustom-2 UCAV, with the surveillance and reconnaissance has initiated missions guided by the remaining 20 percent paid by private been initiated by Coast Guard in the Global Positioning System and its Indian defence companies. near future. The Coast Guard is also onboard flight control system. planning to issue a fresh tender worth ICG AIRCRAFTS/HELICOPTERS $200 Million (Rs 1100 crores) for 16 Rotary UAV The Coast Guard at present is having Ship Borne Light Helicopters this US Company Boeing, Lockheed a fleet of 45 aircrafts which includes year. Martin and India’s Defence Research 24 Dornier planes, 17 Chetak The DAC, accorded approval for and Development Organisation helicopters and 4 Dhruv Advanced the mid-life upgrade of 17 Dornier (DRDO) are in the talks to team up Light Helicopters. The Indian Coast aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard for developing an indigenous rotary (ICG) at an approximate cost of Rs engine-powered UAV (Unmanned 950 cores to be carried out by Aerial Vehicle). Rotary UAV is a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited programme of the Indian Navy in (HAL). HAL had bought a which HAL, ADE and the Indian production license for Navy with certification from manufacturing these aircraft in the Centre for Military India in 1983. While 245 Airworthiness and aircraft were built in Germany, Certification (CEMILAC), 125 were produced in Kanpur. have come together on one Till 2017, 63 aircraft were in platform to design and service. develop it.
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INDIAN AEROSPACE INDUSTRY: The challenges ahead
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) undertaking a massive ramping up of its assets 74 aircrafts in next few years. It is hoping to induct, several multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft like the Dornier and twin-engine helicopters With the accelerating pace of technological innovation and development, the accumulated strengths of various public sector entities engaged in India’s military aerospace programmes are insufficient for the challenges ahead Aerospace platform manufacturing requires huge investments from building up of the infrastructure to manufacturing, assembling, testing, training and simulation facilities.The foreign OEMs are looking for other partners in the local aerospace industrybut are hesitating to take step due to policy constraints and other issues
INDIAN AEROSPACE INDUSTRY With the accelerating pace of technological innovation and development, the accumulated strengths of various public sector entities engaged in India’s military aerospace programmes are and substantially improve the level setting up such venture involves huge insufficient for the challenges ahead. and cost of after-sales support. cost, any business house would Moreover, Indian design and Aerospace platform undertake the Risk Assessment. development institutions have manufacturing requires huge Hence, the Government should take inherent limitations in their ability to investments from building up of the necessary steps to provide adequate productionise high technology infrastructure to manufacturing, support ecosystem and assurance. equipment. Public sector outputs assembling, testing, training and require to be supplemented by new simulation facilities.The foreign private sector (both domestic and OEMs are looking for other partners foreign) participation involving joint in the local aerospace industrybut are —The author is MD at a research ventures and co-production to ensure hesitating to take step due to policy company assisting aerospace and higher levels of technology transfer constraints and other issues. As defence market
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TECHNOLOGY & RD
Breaking new FRONTIERS Carbon composites are making headway into marine vessels, following a developmental pattern similar to that seen in the automotive market
rAnkur Gupta pattern similar to that seen in the automotive market. Future warships may n the marine sector, exhibit reduced underwater signatures as application of Carbon propellers being developed in the UK are IFiber Reinforced Polymer moving into production. QinetiQ's prototype based materials has mostly is one of the world's largest composite been visible in the high performance sports marine propeller with a 2.9-m/9.5-ft and luxury-recreation industry. Just over 1 diameter. The blades are solid laminates with per cent of global CFRP usage is dedicated to centermost plies of carbon fiber. A tough the marine sector. The usage of CFRP in polyurethane coating further isolates the Naval applications in that aspect is a carbon fiber. This is required because of the relatively new phenomenon but is fast combination of a seawater environment and catching up. direct bolting and bonding to metal. The CFRP development and and its wide usage composite blades are expected to reduce has been primarily driven by the aerospace propeller corrosion and last the full 25-year industry. Aerospace designers and life expectancy of the ship. In that time, a manufacturers saw the weight savings that nickel-aluminum-bronze blade would be could be made compared with traditional replaced several times. The use of the lighter materials like steel, aluminum and titanium. composite material meant that the blades Carbon composites are making headway into could be thicker without significantly adding marine vessels, following a developmental weight to the propeller. Thicker blades offer
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the potential for improved cavitation from being the first naval vessel to be performance, thus reducing vibration commissioned by Nirmala Sitharaman and underwater signatures. was also far more nimble as it was a Furthermore, the blades weigh 35 per 100-tonne lighter as compared to its cent less than comparable metal peers. The INS Kiltan would not only blades, reducing wear-and-tear on be lighter but also have better system components such as gears and corrosion resistance to the exposed bearings. superstructure, improved sea-keeping In 2012, North Sea Boats Ltd. ability by increasing metacentric successfully launched one of the most height (a measure of the initial static innovative warships in the world. stability of a floating body) and finally, Measuring 63m in overall length, the reduced radar signature that boosts vessel, KRI Klewang, combines a stealth capabilities. The increase in number of existing advanced cost owing to the application of CFRP technologies into a single, unique is more than compensated by the platform; a wave-piercer trimaran above attributes. hull form, constructed exclusively of Such large CFRP parts can now be infused vinylester carbon fiber cored manufactured in India by a recent sandwich materials for all structural joint venture, Adani Elbit Systems elements, with external "Stealth" India Ltd (Hyderabad). The facility geometry and features intended to also started incorporating CFRP in its will be building the complete reduce detection. new buildings. In early 2010, RFP's composite structures, some over 7m Back home, the Indian Navy has were released in favour of Kockums in length, for the HERMES 900 MALE (Sweden), Intermarine (Italy) and UAV's that are primarily used for Kangnam Corporation (South Korea) search and reconnaissance missions. for building the superstructure of the CFRP is now increasingly being 2500 tonne P-28 ASW Corvettes. The used for patrol vessels being supplied last two units, out of a total of four to the coast guard and the would incorporate these CFRP paramilitary forces. With indigenous superstructures. The bid was won by carbon fiber being developed by NAL- With indigenous carbon Kockums- which is the global leader CSIR and other large Indian business fiber being developed in CFRP usage for naval vessels. It conglomerates, the dependence on by NAL-CSIR and other currently build the heaviest CFRP imports for this futuristic material large Indian business vessels in the world, the VISBY class should greatly be reduced. This will conglomerates, the corvettes. drive down prices and promote its dependence on imports In late 2017, Defence Minister application at an even wider scale. for this futuristic commissioned the INS Kiltan, the third vessel in the P28 series and the —The author is Head- Strategic material should greatly first one incorporating the CFRP Business Development, be reduced superstructure. This vessel, apart Defence and Aerospace
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BLUE ECONOMY
Maritime Security of India: EMERGING CHALLENGES Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is increasingly becoming strategically very important, and it is necessary for the IN to develop capabilities to dominate the Indian Ocean Region
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rMajor General AK about 1284 islands. It is the most populous Chaturvedi (Retd) region of the world and also has 75 percent of the oil reserves, natural gas and mineral ecember 04, 1971! In a wealth. Almost 120 thousand ships pass daring operation through Indian Ocean. These consist of; DIndian Navy (IN) almost half of the container shipment; two attacked Pakistan's Naval HQ at Karachi. Pak third of the oil shipment and one third of the Navy got caught napping and IN Task Force world's bulk cargo traffic. There are choke destroyed five ships including a destroyer, a points in IOR starting from West; Suez canal, mine sweeper and an ammunition ship Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb; Strait of Hormuz; besides destroying their fuel dump. This Mozambique Channel; Strait of Malacca, daring, though a highly innovative raid, almost Strait of Sunda and finally Strait of Lombok. crippled the Pakistan Navy and contributed substantially to the final outcome of the 1971 CHOKE POINTS IN IOR War. The IN celebrates this day as the Navy Of these; Strait of Hormuz and Strait of Day. During 1971 operations the IN also Malacca are strategically most important ones. ensured a naval blockade of the then East From Strait of Hormuz around 17 million Pakistan, which also contributed to a quicker barrels of oil passes every day and from Strait surrender of the Pakistan Forces. Since those of Malacca 15.2 million barrel passes through days, technology has progressed substantially per day. There are a number of geological to ensure better and faster response to faults in the Indian Ocean which often cause emerging threats; Geopolitical situation has seismic activities, resulting into wide spread undergone transformation which calls for devastation in the Indian Ocean and the review of time tested strategies to tackle new littoral states of the Indian Ocean. and emerging threats to national security and Indian Ocean is equally important to China, need for international cooperation to safe Japan, Korea and other littoral countries for guard national interests. Economic dimension the transit of their energy resources from of the resources that are offered by the Indian Middle East and also their trade. That makes Ocean, particularly in our Exclusive Economic Shipping Lines of Communications passing Zone, have opened new vistas for exploitation through Indian Ocean quite busy. It needs to by India and need to create a robust be noted that 60 percent of the oil to China mechanism to check their poaching by others and 50 percent to Japan passes through Strait and finally a need for creating a better of Malacca. Even India imports 70 percent of research infrastructure with a view to prepare its oil from Middle east. The richness of the nation for future challenges in the resources and its strategic location makes maritime domain. extra regional powers interested in keeping the Indian Ocean in their respective spheres of INDIAN OCEAN REGION (IOR) influence. Due to presence of big power rivalry The area of IOR is 73,440,000 square along with weak and unstable littoral states, kilometre, washing the shores of three almost 50 percent of conflicts in the world are continents, comprising 30 littoral states and located in the IOR and that calls for safety and
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security of the traffic in the Shipping Island (GNI). The Aceh province of reforms has integrated it with global Lanes passing through it. Indonesia is just 150 KM from Indira economy leading to a spurt in foreign It is also a fact that the Indian Ocean, Point. Six Degree Channel separates the direct investment in India and by India particularly the Western portion of it, is two. In North, Landfall Island in in economic destinations abroad; quite prone to international terrorism Andaman Group of Islands is just 40 KM particularly in IOR. Almost 80 percent of and gun running (26/11 brought a from Coco Islands in Myanmar where the crude oil requirement and 27,570 paradigm shift in the thought process of Chinese are believed to be having their million cubic metre of gas are imported national security planners when it was base with an air strip. In West by India from sea routes. 11 percent of realised that terrorism can easily sneak Lakshadweep is located Off Kerala the crude oil and 80 percent of the gas thorough porous Maritime borders. In Coast. Although it comprises of only 36 for the domestic usage is from the Off fact one would recall that the weapons small islands (surface area is just 32 Shore resources located in the Indian and explosives for 1993 Mumbai blast Square KM) but it adds 400 thousand EEZ. An important aspect of the growth were also smuggled through the sea Square KM of EEZ to India's EEZ. in the maritime trade is that the routes). Piracy; in and around the Horn Overall India's EEZ measures to the industrial growth in coastal areas has of Africa, poaching of fishery resources tune of 2.2- 2.8 million Square KM. 90 also been substantial. Indian EEZ is particularly in Eastern part of the Indian highly rich in fishery resources. From Ocean and Drug trafficking is quite time immemorial fishing had been a rampant in the Indian Ocean and its major vocation of many of the coastal littoral states. Another area of concern communities. There are in fact 3800 for India is the safety and security of a fishing villages and about 1900 Fish large Indian Diaspora (by an estimate it Landing centres. However the fishing is believed to be to the tune of 3.5 industry needs to be modernized. million) which is located in the Gulf. There are choke points Besides a very major source of revenue IOR is also quite vulnerable to natural in IOR starting from these communities are also a good and manmade disasters due to two of the West; Suez canal; Strait source of information about suspicious major geological faults located in the of Bab-el-Mandeb; Strait activities in the coastal areas. Other region and other types of manmade of Hormuz; important elements which contribute to disasters. In fact 70 percent of the the economic development are ; Mozambique Channel; world's natural disasters, resulting from presence of; nodule based minerals and Strait of Malacca, Strait earth quakes, tsunamis, cyclones and energy resources in terms of thermal floods. It also needs to be noted that a of Sunda and finally conversion (Ocean Thermal Energy large number of littoral states are Strait of Lombok Conversion), petroleum, off shore wind unstable, underdeveloped and prone to energy, tidal energy conversion and gas terrorism. Thus there is a requirement percent of India's trade by volume is hydrates. Richness of resources makes for shaping the maritime security through maritime routes. To handle that Indian EEZ highly vulnerable to environment. India has 12 major ports and 200 non poaching. In recent times India is major ports. In Sagar Mala Project six acquiring plenty of overseas properties INDIA'S MARITIME DOMAIN new mega ports have been planned. It is for petroleum through ONGC Videsh India has a coast line of 7500 kilometres expected that by 2025 cargo traffic at Limited (OVL). These assets and the and peninsula portion of it juts out Indian ports will be approximately 2500 transportation of crude oil and Liquefied almost 1000 km in the Indian Ocean. 11 million tons per annum (MMTPA), natural Gas (LNG) from source to states and union territories in India are whereas the current capacity of Indian destination will need protection at the maritime states. India's Southern most ports is only 1500 MMTPA. Dramatic sources and during the transit. Piracy point is Indira Point in Great Nicobar growth of Indian economy post 1991 and Gun running, in the area of interest and against Indian Shipping, pose a challenge which needs to be addressed. Post 26/11, India has started becoming increasingly prone to international terrorism and therefore there is a need to ensure a credible coastal security framework in conjunction with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the marine police. As on 31 Dec 2014, India had a fleet strength of about 1204 merchant ships with gross tonnage of 10.31 Million Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT). Of these 358 ships and 9.09 million GRT were deployed for overseas trade and 846 ships with 1.22 million GRT for the coastal trade. In last four years these figures have gone up manifold. This calls for a massive security arrangements against international terrorism, piracy
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GOING FORWARD: Steps towards better future
Modernisation of the IN and the ICG through indigenization should be planned in a longer term but during interim period there is a need to go for necessary acquisitions to remain effective. Military Industrial complex should grow to meet the equipment requirements of the Maritime forces. Enhance Search and Rescue (SAR), maritime reconnaissance and and smuggling. India for the purpose has base at Djibouti, has permanent surveillance capability. launched an initiative in 2015; SAGAR; deployment for Anti Piracy operations in Enhance MDA mechanism which stands for Security and Growth of Gulf of Aden, has stakes in Gwadar & is with a view to ensure All in the Region. Keeping in view the developing Jiwani in Pakistan as part of dissemination in real time- number of states and agencies involved Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has recent launch of GSAT-7 is a in peacetime maritime operations there presence; in Bagamayo in Tanzania and good step in right direction. is definite need to plan for a National at Marao Atoll in Maldives, has got the Enhance capacity and Maritime Agency with a view to have port of Hambantota in Sri Lanka on 99 capability for joint integrated response to infrastructure years lease, has repair facilities at operations with the Indian buildup, warning system for disasters, Chittagong in Bangladesh, presence at Army and the Indian Air operations and future development. Sitwe and Coco Islands in Myanmar and Force- more number of Joint Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) for by an unconfirmed report at Mukalla in commands should be gathering of intelligence, conduct of Yemen. Development of; JIwani, located planned on the lines of surveillance and reconnaissance in all 70 KM West of Gwadar port and Andaman & Nicobar dimensions and capacity to analyse the Kyaukpyu port in Rakhine province of Command and Strategic available inputs needs to be further Myanmar with a view to connect Yunnan force Command. improved. This aspect is equally valid for province in China with Indian Ocean; Continue enhancing capacity operational environment to get a are part of BRI. to ensure interoperability comprehensive picture of the evolving The PLA Navy is becoming with the other friendly operational scenario with a view to increasingly ambitious. Their nations and the international respond to battle situations in real time. Submarines are regularly visiting Indian cooperation in all its Ocean. At Hainan in South China Sea an dimensions. CHINESE INTEREST IN INDIA OCEAN underground Nuclear submarine facility Expeditions of Admiral Zheng He in 15th at Yulin Naval Base has also come up. Century probably make a beginning of the manifestation of the Chinese INTERESTS OF REGIONAL POWERS the Geostrategic Construct and ambitions in the Indian Ocean. In his 6th US 5th Fleet based in Baharin is also prevailing security situation, maritime Voyage in 1421 AD he went as far as; active in Indian Ocean. USA also has a interests articulated by Vice admiral countries of East Africa and Arabian base at Diego Garsia. USA also has HCS Bisht, former Vice Chief of Naval peninsula. In recent times the Chinese regular deployment of task forces for the Staff, include: economy is highly reliant on trade routes safe passage of oil from Persian Gulf and that pass through the Indian Ocean, for Country Piracy operations from Gulf PRIMARY INTERESTS which serves as a vital pathway, of Oman to Kenya. Similarly France has ◗ India's coastal areas and maritime particularly for her energy supply. This bases at Djibouti, Reunion and Abu zones including coastline, islands, makes passage through Bab-el-Mandeb, Dhabi. internal waters, territorial waters, Strait of Hormuz, passage through Ten contiguous zones, EEZ and the Degree channel & Six Degree Channel INDIAN CAPACITY AND RESPONSE continental shelf. and finally Strait of Malacca highly IN is the lead service for the defence of ◗ The IOR, the Arabian Sea, the Persian critical. China has already acquired a the Maritime domain of India. Based on Gulf, the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman
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Sea, the Gulf of Oman, the Gulf of Aden ● Post 26/11/ 2008 Mumbai attack; IN equipment and air craft carriers. and the Red Sea. has also been given the responsibility to Although an effort has started in true ◗ The choke points leading/from and be the lead agency for the coastal earnest to make up the deficiency in across the Indian Ocean including Six security in conjunction with the ICG and recent times but aim of having a Navy of degree Channel, Eight/ Nine Degree the Marine Police. 200 ships is still a distant dream. It is not Channel, Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el- expected to reach before 2027. Against a Mandeb, Strait of Malacca and Singapore CHALLENGES AND INDIAN RESPONSE minimum requirement of three Air Craft Strait, Straits of Sunda and Lombok, Ten Some of the current challenges which Carriers, India as on date has only one Degree Channel, Mozambique Channel, the IN faces presently and how they in and second is likely to be ready only by cape of Good Hope and their littoral conjunction with other organs of the 2023. While India has made good regions. government are tackling them are as progress in ship building (next Air Craft follows:- Carrier INS VIKRANT will be an SECONDARY INTERESTS indigenous ship), aircraft indigenization ◗ South China Sea and the East China is still further in future. LCA TEJAS has Sea, Western Pacific Ocean and the still not got the Final operational littoral region of all three seas. clearance (till Aug 2018) and Naval ◗ Southern IOR, including Antarctica, version is still further in future because West Coast of Africa and littoral region. only Arrester Hook test at moderate ◗ Other areas of national interests based Taxi-in speed on a static platform has on considerations of Indian Diaspora, IOR is increasingly been completed recently but lots of overseas investments and political becoming strategically technical glitches still continue. For the relations. important and it’s interim India will have to either The scope of the tasking of the IN necessary for the IN to continue going for MIG-29 K or may be remains as follows: develop capabilities to some other air craft like F/A- 18 E Super ● Protect India's sovereignty and dominate IOR, with a Hornet or naval version of Dassault territorial integrity against any kind of view to reassure and Rafale for future carriers. Similar is the threat in the maritime domain. extend help to littoral story of helicopters for the Air Craft ● Ensure safety and security of Indian nations against odds Carriers. INS VIKRAMADITYA has citizens, shipping in territorial waters of KAMOV helicopter and same aircrafts India, resources available in the EEZ of and helicopters will be there for INS India and the security of those resources ● Building up of the Inventory of War/ VIKRANT. More critical deficiency is in which are being imported—from the support ships, Submarines, Aircrafts, Submarines. As against Chine having 13 origin to the destination. Helicopters and Other Related Systems: nuclear powered submarines including ● Keep under check those activities Statically there is a wide gap between the four SSBNs and 54 Diesel submarines, within the maritime domain of interest; holding of platforms between India and India has one SSN (INS CHAKRA), one which are inimical to the national China. If the resources of Pakistan are SSBN (INS ARIHANT) and 14 Diesel interest. added to the Chinese resources, India is Submarines. India needs to hasten ● Be prepared to extend HADR to woefully short of equipment; especially building of ARIHANT class of SSBNs neighbouring countries when ordered. submarines, anti submarine warfare and Diesel Submarines. The proposed plan of Type 75-I needs to be quickly put in motion and Scorpene submarines need to be completed quickly. Good thing is that in recent time; a number of new acquisitions are being planned; like M-60 Anti Submarine helicopter and more number of stealth frigates. Also VISHKHAPATNAM class destroyers, 17- A class frigates, ASUW Corvettes & MCN Vessels and new diesel submarines are being planned for indigenous production. Although currently 48 ships and submarines are under construction in various Indian Shipyards but India would be required to plan more Shipyards to ginger up the indigenous ship and submarine building programmes. In this connection India will have to go in for more shipyards in private sector as existing five shipyards in public sector are quite stretched. Similarly for Air Craft and Helicopter construction; private sector in collaboration with foreign firms will have to be encouraged to establish joint
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ventures. 'Make in India' programme for Indian presence at Sabang as they free and open Indo pacific Region via will have to become more dynamic and feel that it gives India a capability to ancient Silk Route. Important links responsive to the felt needs of the influence passage through Strait of which are being planned, include environment with a compressed time Malacca. India also has tied up with Jamnagar-Djibouti in Gulf of Aden; frame for operationalisation. Singapore to use Changi Naval base. Madurai to Mombasa and Zanzibar; ● Coastal Security: Indian Navy has Under recently signed LEMOA with the Kolkata with Sitwe. India needs to been designated as the lead agency for USA, India can make use of facilities at further foster cooperation under the the three tier coastal security Diego Garcia and Guam. Similarly with a aegis of Bay of Bengal Initiative for arrangements. Indian Coast Guard logistics agreement with France, India Multi Sectoral Technological and currently has 137 vessels and 39 now can use facilities at French bases at Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). aircrafts. It has been planned to become Reunion Islands near Madagascar and Interoperability with other navies to a Force of 190 Vessels and 100 aircraft Djibouti. India is also building Chabahar enhance cooperation with the foreign Force by 2023. Similarly all sea facing port in Iran which will substantially powers, India conducts a number of States and Union Territories are having counter Chinese presence in Gwadar. bilateral and multi-lateral exercises Marine police now and their training and ● Military Diplomacy: India is part of a with other regional and extra regional equipping is gradually becoming better. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) powers to hedge against Chinese MDA, coordination and lead is being comprising of USA, Japan, Australia and efforts to make inroads in the Indian provided by the IN and, though a lot is India. India in conjunction with Japan is Ocean. still to be done to improve the effectiveness of the mechanism, yet a credible Coastal Security arrangements under the leadership of the IN has already been put in place. ● Research and Development: Indian Navy needs to make up for quantity by having better quality platforms and related systems. Research and Development in the domain of Artificial Intelligence, Under water unmanned vehicles, better surveillance systems, satellite based system for network centric operations, anti satellite weapons, directed energy weapons, precision guided munitions, smart missiles and better system integration for new platforms should be sped up. ● Naval Infrastructure: This aspect is particularly relevant in case of Andaman and Nicobar Command. Good infrastructure in terms of air fields, dock developing Trincomalee seaport. India THE CONCLUSION yards and berthing facilities especially in is also providing support to develop History clearly brings out that all great GNI, Small Andaman and Diglipur need Dawei Seaport along the Thai-Myanmar power, world over, had great navies. Even to come up for better response capability Border. Indians had a great maritime tradition. to Chinese incursions in the Six Degree The 'Indian Ocean Naval Symposium' However during medieval period India Channel, Ten Degree channel and is a voluntary initiative that seeks to became inward looking and land centric Andaman Sea. increase maritime co-operation among and that gave an opportunity to external ● Naval Bases in Indian Ocean: with navies of the littoral states of the Indian forces to come to India from Sea Side. presence in Djibouti, Gwadar, Ocean Region by providing an open and Post Independence, whenever India Hambantota, Marao, Coco, Sitwe and inclusive forum for discussion of used Navy, it did contribute to the Chittagong, China is making a regionally relevant maritime issues. In success. determined bid to challenge Indian the process, it endeavours to generate a IOR is increasingly becoming domination in the IOR. India has flow of information between naval strategically very important and it is responded and has tied up with Oman to professionals that would lead to necessary for the IN to develop use Duqm port facilities, At Assumption common understanding and possibly capabilities to dominate IOR, with a view Island in Seychelles India is building an Cooperative solutions on the way ahead. to reassure and extend help to smaller Air strip and a Jetty, and some sort of India holds every alternate year littoral nations against the growing facility is also coming up at Agalega Exercise MILAN for the littoral assertiveness of China, extend HADR Island of Mauritius. Latest in this series countries at Port Blair with a view during disaster situations, provide is an arrangement with Indonesia to use improve coordinated response to non- protection against piracy to maritime Sabang Port facilities located at the traditional threats and HADR. trade and deal firmly with gun running Northern Tip of Sumatra Island. This To counter Chinese BRI Initiative, and terrorism. IN has released its Indian foot hold will help India to keep a check India along with Japan and USA is Maritime Security Strategy 2016, which on traffic through Strait of Malacca. developing Asian African Growth is an improved version of Indian China has already shown its discomfort Corridor with an objective to create a Maritime strategy of 2009.
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DEEP MISSION A STEP TOWARDS BLUE ECONOMY Securing India’s maritime interests and harnessing the ‘Blue Economy’ are the missions that the nation needs to pursue
rAdmiral RK Dhowan (Retd) monitoring maritime issues. ndia is essentially a On the East coast of India, we had the maritime nation with a seafaring kingdoms of the Kalingas, Cholas, Iglorious maritime heritage, Pandyas and the Cheras who sailed off to and the Indian seaboard has distant countries in South East Asia and even been the vortex of intense today we can see glimpses of India’s cultural maritime activity over centuries. The Indus heritage in these countries. India’s maritime valley civilisation which existed in the Western capabilities also made it an economically part of the country dates back to 3300BC and powerful country. As documented by the even today we have a dry dock at Lothal in historian Angus Madison, India had the largest Gujarat which dates back to 2200 BC. It is GDP in the world till around 1500 AD, with from these small ports that ancient seafarers China being its closest competitor and India sailed off to distant lands in Mesopotamia, and China together accounted for more than ancient Egypt and East coast of Africa. 50% of the world’s GDP. Kautiliya’s Arthashastra makes a mention of The British period in India was also a period the ‘Nav Parishad’ during the Mauryan Empire of extensive shipbuilding activity. which is akin to the Admiralty Board for Commencing 1753, and over the next hundred
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years, Bombay Dockyard built about 144 merchant ships and 115 war vessels, including 84 gunships for the Royal Navy. The oldest warship afloat in the world today, HMS Trincomalee, which is now berthed in Hartlepool in UK was built in India. The national anthem of United States of America was written by Francis Key in Baltimore, on board the ship HMS Minden which was built in the Bombay Docks. The treaty of Nanking ceding Hong Kong to the British was signed onboard decades, we are witnessing pollution of another famous warship HMS Cornwallis, the seas and contamination of the natural which was also built in India. marine habitat, resulting in an adverse Regrettably, when the transition took impact of climate change on the oceans. place from ‘sail to steam’ and ‘wood to Studies have indicated that almost 80% of steel’, India was left behind as she was not the pollutants in the seas emanate from part of the industrial revolution. The land and if the current rate of pollution revival of our maritime capabilities took continues, in a few decades we will have place only post-independence in the latter more plastic in the oceans than fish. part of the 20th century. The concept of ‘Blue Economy’ has Today, India occupies a dominant emerged as the new paradigm and Strengthening position in the Indian Ocean, as the harnessing the same could be interpreted India’s maritime country sits astride busy sea lines of as economic development of our maritime communication, which transit across the interests by efficient utilisation of marine power Indian Ocean, over which nearly 1,20,000 resources with minimum impact on the ships transit every year carrying 66 per environment and ensuring sustainable The concept of ‘Blue Economy’ has emerged as cent of the world’s oil, 50 per cent of the development of the oceans. the new paradigm and world’s container traffic and 33 per cent of India has a unique maritime disposition harnessing the same could the world’s cargo traffic. with a natural outflow towards the seas be interpreted as economic Our blue planet, the Earth has a with our island territories of Andaman development of our dominance of the maritime domain with and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal maritime interests by over 70% of the Earth’s surface covered by and Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian efficient utilisation of marine water, nearly 80% of the world population Sea, as the virtual extended arms of India. resources with minimum living within 200 nautical miles from the India has a coastline of 7516 kms and an impact on the environment coast and about 90% of the world’s trade Exclusive Economic Zone of over 2 and ensuring sustainable transiting by sea. Oceans are central to life million square kilometers. Approximately, development of the oceans on earth. They are rich in oil and mineral 95% of India’s trade by volume and 72% India has a coastline of resources, they are suppliers of oxygen, by value transits by seas and foreign trade 7516 kms and an Exclusive absorber of carbon-di-oxide, a virtual heat accounts for over 30% of India’s GDP. Economic Zone of over 2 sink, rich in bio-diversity and have India has vast maritime interests, which million square kilometers. emerged as the global economic highways have a vital relationship with the nation’s Approximately, 95% of for transit of trade. With depletion of economic growth. In recent years, under India’s trade by volume and resources on land, humankind has turned the leadership of Prime Minister 72% by value transits by towards the seas for resources and there is Narendra Modi, there have been series of seas and foreign trade a misperception that oceans have an much needed initiatives and intense accounts for over 30% of unending resource base and are an activity in the maritime domain, coupled India’s GDP infinite sink, but nothing could be further with the transition from ‘Look East’ to the away from reality. Over the past few ‘Act East’ policy. These initiatives will act
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as catalysts to strengthen the growth of India as a credible maritime power. India’s vast maritime interests are also enablers of our Blue Economy, and the entire span of maritime sectors are likely to witness significant growth in the coming years, and will also serve as avenues for maritime cooperation with other neighbouring countries. India has 12 major ports and 200 intermediate and minor ports. The port handling capacity of these ports which currently stands at approximately 1500 million metric tons per annum is likely to increase to 2500 million metric tons per annum over the next ten years. The Government of India has launched the ambitious Sagarmala project, which is a port-led development initiative based on pillars of port modernisation, connectivity, port-led industrialisation and coastal community development. Sagarmala actually comprises about 150 integrated projects with a planned investment of about 60 billion US Dollars. Development of greenfield Port Infrastructure could be an area of maritime cooperation which will also generate substantial employment in the maritime sector. India currently has over 15,000 kms of navigable inland waterways and in the first phase, the government is warship building industry with 27 developing 4,500 kms as five major shipyards. Recently, the Government of national waterways. Currently, 94 per India has given a major boost to the cent of freight in India moves by road or shipbuilding industry by according it rail and development of inland special infrastructure status and waterways will enhance transportation permitting 100 per cent Foreign Direct over water, which is cheaper Investment (FDI) in shipbuilding. Joint Development of (economical), faster and cleaner. The venture partnerships between greenfield Port planned development of additional shipyards could be avenues for future Infrastructure could be Inland Waterways presents a huge maritime cooperation, and enhancing an area of maritime opportunity for investment and growth employment opportunities in the cooperation which will in India. shipbuilding sector. also generate The mercantile marine and shipping The warship building industry in substantial industry is also envisaged to grow in the India is firmly anchored on self- employment in the near future. India currently has a reliance and indigenisation. The Indian maritime sector merchant ship fleet of approx. 1,174 Navy set up its naval design directorate ships flying the Indian flag totaling in 1964. India built its first indigenous nearly 22 million Gross Registered naval warship, a patrol vessel INS Ajay content so that future warships and Tons (GRT). While over 90% of India’s in 1961 at Garden Reach Shipyard in submarines are 100% made in India. trade by volume transits by sea, the Kolkata. Over the past 50 years our The fishing industry is another sector share of Indian shipping in India’s naval designers have designed and our which provides significant foreign external trade has declined indigenous shipyards have built ships opportunities for growth. India has from about 30% in the 1980s to for the Indian Navy resulting in our approximately 2, 50,000 fishing boats, approximately 70% today. To enable transformation from buyers Navy to with 4 million active fishermen and 14 India’s growing foreign trade to be builders Navy. Today it is a matter of million people as part of the fishing carried on Indian hulls, the Indian great pride that all 40 ships and community. The annual marine fish Government is providing incentives for submarines under construction are landings in India are over 10 million Indian registered shipping and has being built in Indian shipyards both tons which accounts for approximately initiated measures to increase the public and private. These range from 5.3% of the world’s production. The tonnage of ‘Indian Controlled aircraft carrier to frigates, destroyers sector contributes around 5,511 million Shipping’. and submarines. It is our endeavor to USD to India’s foreign exchange India has a vibrant shipbuilding and progressively increase the indigenous earnings and has a potential to grow
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MAKE IN INDIA: Taking India to newer heights
To enable India’s growing foreign trade to be carried on Indian hulls, the Indian Government is providing incentives for Indian registered shipping and has initiated measures to increase the tonnage of ‘Indian Controlled Shipping’ The Government of India has given a major boost to the shipbuilding industry by according it special infrastructure status and permitting 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in shipbuilding The warship building industry in India is firmly anchored on self-reliance and indigenisation. Over the past 50 years our naval designers have designed and our indigenous shipyards have built ships for the Indian Navy resulting in our transformation from buyers Navy to builders Navy
much more. current fishing fleet and enhancing the However, this is only scratching the support infrastructure for stowage, surface of the vast potential of the fishing processing and transporting the catch. industry in India which is largely coastal Deep sea fishing is another avenue where in nature, with logistic and maintenance India could cooperate to harness the Blue support being provided by local, small- Economy. This would also result in scale enterprises and fishing boats coastal community development and operating in coastal waters. There exists a enhanced employment opportunities in huge potential for growth in the fishing the fishing sector. sector by undertaking deep sea fishing, India has over 1300 islands and islets as increasing the size and numbers of part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
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and the Lakshadweep group and islands Therefore, while India is focused on terrorism, arms trafficking, drugs off the West and East Coast of India. economic development of its maritime smuggling, human trafficking and The Government has prepared a interests it is also committed to poaching. Another challenge is that comprehensive plan for the traveling down the path of sustainable the waters of the Bay of Bengal and the development of the islands, which development. The United Nations Indian Ocean are prone to natural takes into account aspects of security, General Assembly, published a disasters and the Navy and the Coast economic sustenance, environmental document in 2015 titled ‘Transforming Guard, have to be ready for rapid preservation, social and cultural our world’, the 2030 Agenda for response to provide humanitarian sustenance. This development of the sustainable development with 15 assistance and disaster relief. islands will ensure green field specific goals and 169 targets. Of these, The instabilities and turbulence on infrastructure projects with minimum SDG 14, pertains to the conservation land in some parts of the Indian Ocean carbon footprint and opportunities for and sustainable use of oceans, seas and have the potential to spill over into the controlled eco-tourism. Opening of the marine resources. Towards this, India maritime domain and the situation can maritime tourism sector could open has submitted its voluntary national best be described as ‘FRAGILE’. up a host of opportunities in the review report to the UN, on the Consequently over 120 warships from future, for development of marinas implementation of Sustainable about 20 navies are always present in and cruise tourism. Development Goals (SDG) in July 2017. the Indian Ocean to safeguard their India’s EEZ also provides offshore A clear agenda has been formulated for maritime interests. India has vast energy resources and we have oil and promoting the ‘Blue Revolution’, while maritime interests and the gas exploration areas off the West and charting the way ahead for preventing responsibility for protecting these East coast of India. India has also been pollution, integrated plan for fishing, maritime interests fall squarely on the allocated deep sea bed mining areas in optimal utilisation of resources with shoulders of men in white uniform as the Central Indian Ocean and these minimum impact on the environment it is the responsibility of the Navy and sectors are likely to register significant and ensuring sustainable development the Coast Guard to ensure that our growth in the coming years. of the oceans. maritime interests which have a vital Renewable ocean energy is another The Indian Ocean has emerged as relationship with the nation’s un-harnessed niche sector with the global economic highway, which is economic growth are allowed to immense scope in the future. This rich in oil and mineral resources. It is develop unhindered at all times. includes tidal and wave energy and the third largest water body spanning In 2008, the Indian Navy launched a ocean thermal energy conversion. It an area of 68.5 million sq. kms and unique initiative of the Indian Ocean can therefore be seen that while there countries on the rim of the ocean are Naval Symposium (IONS) which was a are an ocean of opportunities for home to nearly one third of humanity. construct to manage the maritime development of maritime interests for The seas are no longer a benign affairs of the countries of the Indian economic growth, the challenges lie in medium and globalisation has led to Ocean Region. Over the years the ensuring that these are greenfield vulnerability of the oceans. The IONS has emerged as an effective projects, with a minimum impact on threats and challenges in the maritime organisation with membership of 22 the environment, to ensure domain are as wide and varied as they navies and four observers. In my view sustainable development. come and include, piracy, maritime IONS has the potential to provide an
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effective template to promote therefore emerging as the new order in countries of the Indian Ocean Region. cooperation in the maritime domain in the current century. the Indian Ocean Region. (e) To fully implement the Honourable The Indian Ocean Rim Association IN CONCLUSION, SIX MAJOR Prime Minister’s vision of SAGAR, that (IORA) is another organization which ASPECTS REQUIRE OUR ATTENTION is, ‘Security and Growth for All In the provides the avenue for the AS A NATION: Region’, we need to draw up a detailed strengthening maritime cooperation roadmap for maritime cooperation between countries of the Indian Ocean (a) The United Nation’s document with various countries of the region Region. Incidentally, 20 members of ‘Transforming Our World - Agenda with a ‘whole of government approach’ IORA also have their navies as 2030’ and the ‘Sustainable Development so as to shape a positive and favorable members of IONS, and recent years Goal, SDG 14’, provides a template for maritime environment in the Indian have witnessed some synergy between conservation of the oceans, seas and Ocean Region. IONS and IORA for promoting resources. We now need to outline a maritime cooperation. perspective plan for sustainable (f) The Honourable Prime Minister has In order to further promote development and growth in different launched a dynamic initiative of cooperation along navies of the world, avenues of the maritime sector. Swachh Bharat (Clean India). We need the Indian Navy conducted the to extend the concept to Swachh Sagar International Fleet Review at (b) As a maritime nation, India has a (Clean Oceans). This could be a Vishakhapatnam on the East coast of significant potential to harness the Blue people’s movement where we draw up India, in 2016. Fifty navies of the world Economy. We need to chart a national an action plan and motivate every came together, to strengthen bridges level maritime policy to harness the citizen and maritime agencies to of friendship and we had nearly 100 Blue Economy, for sustained contribute towards cleaning our ships at the review anchorage. The development of the oceans. coastal areas, and extend the concept underlying theme of the Review was to ensuring clean oceans or ‘Swachh that we may be separated by (c) There is a requirement for an apex Sagar’ for our future generations. The geography but we are certainly united level organization to coordinate and seas around us are gaining new found through oceans. integrate planning process of various importance as each day goes by, because During the International Fleet departments and agencies in the of their linkages with the Blue Economy Review, the Honorable Prime Minister maritime domain for economic and I have no doubt that the current of India, Shri Narendra Modi outlined development of our maritime interests century is the century of the seas. his vision for the Blue Economy and and implementing Blue Economy There is no doubt that our future linked the Blue chakra or wheel in our initiatives, so as to enable India to economic well-being rests on our national flag with the potential of the emerge as a resurgent maritime nation. ability to harness the blue economy, Blue Economy. India later conducted enhance the maritime cooperation the Maritime Summit at Mumbai in (d) The Indian Ocean Naval between the countries in the region April 2016, where the Honorable Symposium (IONS) and the Indian and ensure sustainable development of Prime Minister articulated his Ocean Rim Association (IORA) are the oceans. maritime vision for the nation. India’s important maritime constructs to recent initiatives in the maritime manage the maritime affairs of the —The author is the Chairman domain, including the quest for IOR. There needs to be greater synergy National Maritime Foundation harnessing the Blue Economy, are between IONS and IORA to enhance and Former Chief of the Naval Staff, pointers to indicate that India has maritime cooperation between the Indian Navy once again turned towards the seas and is destined to emerge as a resurgent maritime nation. The Indian Ocean has emerged as the world’s center of gravity in the maritime domain. Another unique feature of the Indian Ocean is that 80% of the oil and trade that emanates in the Indian Ocean is extra regional in nature, this implies that if there is any impediment in the free flow of oil or trade it would have a detrimental impact not just on the economies of the region but global economy as well. Safety, security and stability on the waters of the Indian Ocean is therefore of paramount importance, and it is the collective responsibility of the navies and the coast guards to ensure the security of the global commons. Networking among navies and global maritime partnership are
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FUTURE BECKONS
The Indian
Navy and rAbhijit Singh he rise of India as a premier maritime Tpower in the Indian Ocean has been a defining Future development of the past decade. From 'reluctant power-player' to 'credible security provider', the transformation of the Indian navy's strategic posture in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has been Maritime palpable. In recent years, the navy has invested considerable resource in acquiring top-line maritime assets and capabilities. As its capacity to project power and influence in the regional Operations commons has grown, so has its regional involvement in maritime security - an enterprise that now consist of a wide- From ‘reluctant power-player’ to array of military, diplomatic, ‘credible security provider’, the constabulary and benign missions. Consequently, its operational ambit has transformation of the Indian Navy’s also widened from India's near-seas to strategic posture in the Indian Ocean the distant Indian Ocean littorals. The surge in maritime capability has Region has been palpable come at a time when Asia is witnessing an explosion of non-traditional
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capability among smaller Indian now reshape the operations template Ocean states has even served to to create more space for new burnish India's credentials as a emerging technologies, strategic responsible security actor and a force platforms and collaborative missions. for regional good. India's maritime specialists must Notwithstanding the substantive consider five types of operations for Future operations capability the Indian navy brings to the future: bear in its near-seas, South Asia's in the Indian Ocean security environment remains Out-of-Area Contingencies / Region uncertain. With threats constantly Humanitarian Operations - The A rise in foreign warships morphing to take on more complex record of recent contingencies in the visiting the Indian Ocean’s forms, regional security efforts have Indian Ocean suggests that littorals is raising anxieties. not always produced desired results Humanitarian aid and disaster relief In particular, the growing and collaboration has remained (HADR) will constitute that vast bulk presence of PLA Navy rudimentary. Despite the presence of of non-traditional missions in the deployments in the IOR – a large set of irregular challenges and future. Over the past few years, India particularly Chinese the imperative for regional forces to has been active in providing submarines – as also a new coordinate their individual efforts, humanitarian aid across a vast region, Chinese military base in only some states have volunteered spanning the Indian Ocean Region Djibouti have led to fears of forces for a sustained security effort. and even parts of the Pacific. The greater competition for Meanwhile, a rise in foreign timely aid provided by Indian naval naval supremacy in the warships visiting the Indian Ocean's ships during the Indian Ocean Indian Ocean littorals is raising anxieties. In Tsunami (2001), Cyclone Nargis Maritime managers must particular, the growing presence of (2008), Cyclone Hudhud (2014), and now reshape the operations PLA Navy deployments in the IOR - Cyclone Mora (2017) has been widely template by creating more particularly Chinese submarines -- as commended and its efforts to space for new emerging also a new Chinese military base in evacuate civilians for troubled hot- technologies, strategic Djibouti have led to fears of greater spots, such as Libya (2011), Yemen platforms and collaborative competition for naval supremacy in (2015) have been universally missions the Indian Ocean. In such a scenario, acknowledged. Yet, the scale on which naval planners must consider the future assistance will be required in complexion of future maritime Indian Ocean might overwhelm naval operations in Asia. planners. Future HADR missions will be carried out in an environment threatsand a growing demand for FUTURE OPERATIONS IN THE of uncertainty with lesser littoral security. As the most capable INDIAN OCEAN REGION resources available to maritime agency in the region, the Indian analysts and security provide necessary aid. Indian navy has been a natural planners face with two essential partner of choice. With a willingness inquiries: What prospective Littoral Operations. to undertake tasks as diverse as sea- strategic scenarios must the The 21st century lanes security, fighting pirates, Indian Navy prepare for? operating providing humanitarian assistance What tactical responses environment is and even provisioning of essential would possible threats likely to supplies, the navy has played the role entail? The Indian navy demand of an effective regional facilitator. Its has performed credibly sustained contribution to local security in its near-seas presence capacity-building, maritime operations so far, and infrastructure creation and the but maritime enhancement of surveillance managers must
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precision effects in a complex, more effective combat platforms. congested and contested world. The They are also being equipped to act as focus of these activities will submarine ships for unmanned increasingly be in the densely underwater vehicles. The Indian navy populated littorals, and will harness must move to make up its submarine high technology equipment. Modern deficit by expediting the Project 75, navies are bringing together and the follow-on Project-75 (India) autonomous vehicles, augmented programme. reality systems and advanced wireless networks. Littoral warfare will Autonomous Vehicle Operations - require the closest cooperation Advanced maritime forces have been among the services and a blueprint developing UAV technology to for coordinated operations. Unlike augment the effectiveness of open-sea operations -- where maritime operations. Alongside aerial strategic action plays an important drone technology, subsurface role - littoral missions are about unmanned systems too is rapidly sustained tactical presence. While the developing. Recent reports indicate Indian navy presently lacks the Beijing's quest for giant, smart, cheap ability to carry out sustained unmanned submarines. The "sea operations in other countries' littoral bots," operated by artificial spaces, the infusion of land-attack intelligence, will perform tasks as and precision strike weaponry is diverse as reconnaissance, mine likely to help. placement and making self- destructive attacks. The United States Submarine Operations - In the new too has commissioned it is first-ever era, submarine operations are likely squadron of unmanned underwater to get increasingly sophisticated. forces, it is the PLAN that has vehicles, and Russia last year revealed While nuclear submarines SSNs will dramatically expanded its theatre of it was developing an underwater continue to pose a threat, use of quiet undersea operations in Indian Ocean, nuclear capable unmanned drone. and stealthy diesel-electric subs is with increased submarine Not to be left behind, the Indian navy likely to rise. While Asia Pacific states deployments. New Chinese subs can has embarked on a search for mini have been acquiring submarine stay underwater far longer and are drones equipped with passive sonar
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devices. Naval engineers have been sealift, mobility and firepower today working on high endurance precludes long-distance Indian autonomous underwater vehicles for expeditionary missions in the Indo- anti-submarine and intelligence Pacific region. roles. The plan is to acquire UUVs from a global supplier, and then mass- Networked Operations (NCO) - produce it locally as part of the Make Navies today operate in a network in India programme. centric environment where all maritime operations are integrated. Expeditionary Missions - Marine Since August 2013, when India expeditionary operations are the launched the GSAT-7, its first future of naval warfare. In the Asia dedicated military satellite, the Pacific region a number of countries Indian navy has had an exclusive safe have moved to raise marine forces. and reliable communication channel. These include Malaysia, Indonesia, With its 2000 nautical miles footprint Japan and Philippines. Yet, it is the over the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), strengthening of the PLA's Marine GSAT -7 has helped the navy network Corps that has drawn the most its warships, submarines and aircraft operational doctrine, technical attention. Many of China's new along with its ground based resources standardisation and sustained amphibious platforms are custom and assets. The new satellite has logistical support that enable built for joint operations, and include helped link long range missiles, effective inter-services and future LHA-type vessels with the radars and air defence systems on all capacity to fighter planes and large sea-based assets. While much helicopters. Unfortunately, India has emphasis has been given to superior not been able to invest in a serious technology and investment, the expeditionary capability. A lack of Indian navy has yet to develop an
The navy’s blue-print for future operations recognises the key drivers underpinning its maritime posture, identifies conditions that characterise the navy’s new operational environment
multilateral networked operations.
PLANNING THE FUTURE OPERATIONS The Indian navy's maritime security strategy, released in 2015, seeks to address future challenges. Maritime planners have identified key drivers and conditions that characterize the new operational environment. They emphasise new 'hybrid threats' in the future that can only be tackled through a sustained strategy in the Asian littorals. Besides working relationships with regional partners, naval managers know the force needs an infusion of new technology that will help in the achievement of long- term strategic objectives in the Indo- Pacific region.
—The author is a former naval officer, Senior Fellow, and Head, Maritime Policy Initiative at the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi
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FUTURE WISE
INDIAN NAVY AND THE ROLE OF LCA PROGRAMME The LCA programme must form the catapult for all future fighter projects for the Indian Navy, feel the experts. A report
rDr RK Tyagi three month-long deployments in the South and East China seas as well as the western ccording to a dictionary Mediterranean simultaneously. The navy definition, blue-water also has a listening post in Madagascar. Acapability for any Navy The Indian Navy operates on single refers to an oceangoing fleet carrier task force centered on INS able to operate on the high seas far from its Vikramaditya, after INS Viraat was nation’s homeports. Some Navies like of decommissioned in March 2017; however, a USA and Russia operate throughout the new aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant is currently world. India initially outlined its intentions fitting out and is due to commission around of developing blue-water capabilities under the year 2020, restoring India’s two-carrier the 2007 Maritime Capabilities Perspective capability. Having an aircraft carrier without Plan, with the navy’s priority being the a requisite weaponary and perfect fighter projection of “power in India’s area of aircraft is like having planned a lavish strategic interest” the Indian Ocean Region. wedding without bothering for a bride for Since 2007 the navy has increased its the wedding. presence in the Persian Gulf and the Horn of LCA-Tejas Navy was contemplated as the Africa to the Strait of Malacca, and routinely catalyst for the blue water capability of conducts anti-piracy operations and Indian Navy on board INS Vikramaditya. partnership building with other navies in The LCA Naval programme commenced in the region. It also conducts routine two to the year 2003 and the first flight of the first
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LCA NAVY: A step towards a better future LCA-Tejas Navy was contemplated as the catalyst for the blue water prototype NP-1 happened in the year begin sea trials and will be capability of Indian Navy on 2012, and the maiden flight of the NP-2 commissioned a year thereafter, board INS Vikramaditya. The was in the year 2015. wherein a carrier borne aircraft is a LCA Naval programme The NP-2, a single-seat fighter, is one must and LCA Navy is a natural choice. commenced in the year of the two technology demonstrators of As such some Naval sources have 2003 and the first flight of the LCA Navy programme with the tacitly indicated that the current the first prototype NP-1 other one being the NP-1, a two-seat prototype’s engine is not powerful happened in the year 2012, trainer aircraft. The two technology enough and performance such as and the maiden flight of the demonstrators have been so far whether it can take off and land with NP-2 was in the year 2015 developed and both are Mark 1 (MK1) weapons needs further evaluation. With The NP-2, a single-seat versions. this dilemma in mind, the Indian Navy fighter, is one of the two In the year 2016, questions were has issued request for proposal (RFP) technology demonstrators of raised about the future of the LCA’s for procuring 57 multi-role combat jets. the LCA Navy programme naval variant after some decision Globally there are six jets which aspire with the other one being the makers had stated that the aircraft was to meet the Indian Navy’s demand -- NP-1, a two-seat trainer not suited for its aircraft carriers and Rafale, F-18 Super Hornet, MiG-29 K, F- aircraft. The two technology that it was looking at alternatives. 35 B, F-35 C and Gripen. demonstrators have been so far developed and both are However Indian Navy still maintains LCA Navy Programme to design and Mark 1 (MK1) versions that it is on board programme and fully develop a Carrier Borne Fighter Aircraft supports the programme. By the end of was sanctioned in the year 2003 after the year 2019, the Indigenous Aircraft the successful initial flight testing of Carrier (IAC) INS Vikrant is expected to LCA (Air Force) variant, Tejas. Two
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in about 200 m and lands over 90 m using an arrester hook engaging an arrester wire on the ship. For getting this capability, the India has already spent over Rs 3,600 crore in the development of the naval version of LCA Tejas. The LCA’s naval variant was intended to be ready for carrier trials by 2013 and was slated for deployment on the INS Vikramaditya as well as the Vikrant class aircraft carrier. It was planned to be equipped for carrier operation with the capability to carry out ski-jump take- off and arrested landing, which also included strengthened airframe and landing gear and the nose is drooped for better cockpit vision. So what does Indian Navy get after years of wait and spending over Rs 3600 crs? Though the aircraft looks quite similar to the regular Air Force trainer version, it is significantly different anatomically. This is because it is designed to land on an aircraft carrier with adequate pilot visibility during landing and take-off. The landing gear with its high sink rate of 7.1 m/sec arising from ship deck requirement had imposed serious challenge to the designers, which has now been successfully circumvented. LCA navy is a longitudinally unstable fly-by-wire prototypes, a two seat Trainer (NP1) aircraft, making it an agile war and a single seat Fighter (NP2) with machine. Flight Control system is more internal fuel have been augmented with Leading Edge Vortex developed in Phase-1 of the Controller (LEVCON) aiding programme. These two aircraft are reduction in approach speed for being used as Technology carrier landing. Auto throttle Demonstrators to carry out Carrier A great step, LCA Navy function reduces pilot load by Suitability Certification and Air Programme to design maintaining constant angle of attack Defence Weapon Integration. and develop a Carrier during the critical phase of a flare- After initial testing in a typical Air less carrier landing. Borne Fighter Aircraft Force ‘up & away’ flight envelope, Fuel dump system enables safe was sanctioned in the Carrier Compatibility Test (CCT) was landing by reducing weight during carried out in the Shore Based Test year 2003, after the emergency landing after launch. Facility (SBTF) built at the Naval Air successful initial flight LCA (Navy) is designed with Station at Goa, replicating an aircraft testing of LCA stronger landing gears to absorb forces carrier having Restraining gear and (Air Force) variant, Tejas exerted by the ski jump ramp during Ski-jump for take-off. The first LCA take-off, to be airborne within 200 m Navy prototype, NP1 had its maiden as against 1000m required for normal flight on 27, April 2012. Since then, it second prototype and the first Naval runways. It’s special flight control law has undergone three blocks of flight fighter version NP2 has successfully mode allows hands-free take-off testing, wherein it has successfully completed its maiden flight in 2015. relieving the pilot workload, as the completed various manoeuvers, flown aircraft leaps from the ramp and with centreline drop-tank integrated WHAT NAVY WANTS AND WHAT IT automatically puts the aircraft in an and has also flown at supersonic IS GETTING ascending trajectory. The maiden speed. NP1 aircraft has successfully Indian Navy wants a LCA that will successful, picture perfect launch of made its maiden Ski-jump Take-off operate from an aircraft carrier with a NP1 from ski jump at Shore Based Test from the Shore Based Test Facility concept of Ski-jump Take off But Facility at Goa is a testimony to the (SBTF) at Goa on December 20, 2014. Arrested Recovery (STOBAR). The tremendous efforts put in by scientists The aircraft is currently undergoing requirement of Navy is that the and engineers to design the Naval next phase of flight testing. The aircraft gets airborne over a ski jump aircraft, its simulator (that helps pilots
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to know well in advance how the aircraft catapult assisted take-off but arrested will behave on ski jump) and the flight recovery (CATOBAR) aircraft launch test team that timed the whole event to system, incorporating new U.S. near perfection. electromagnetic aircraft launch system The naval variant of the Tejas LCA (EMALS) technology. flew for the first time with a tail hook on July 23 this year. It is understood that a THE WAY FORWARD FOR THE LCA number of additional tests at higher NAVY PROGRAMME ground speed will be conducted in the Even, developed nations like USA and UK coming months, followed by a landing have to face severe problems for developing FUTURE WISE: Way on an actual Indian Navy aircraft carrier their home grown air force variant aircraft - the INS Vikramaditya - in the year into its naval version let alone India, with forward for LCA 2019. Notably, the Indian Navy has at limited R&D budget compared to all of Navy Programme present ruled out the operational them. Eurofighter Naval variant always deployment of the naval version of the remained a proposal. Its idea was dropped Our scientists and engineers Tejas LCA - a supersonic, single-seat, in favour of F-35 naval variant, reason along with Naval designers single-engine multirole light fighter mentioning it will be cheap. F-22 Naval are working on to make the aircraft- due to a number of technical Project was started in the year 1988 under best out of what is available shortcomings and excessive weight, the name: Naval Advanced Tactical Fighter to us. All the expectations which would prevent the aircraft from (NATF). It was intended to replace the F-14 from an Indian LCA are carrying its weapons payload when tomcat. This project was cancelled in the certainly doable with a high operating from a flattop. year 1993. powered engine, contemplated in LCA Navy In fact, the Indian Navy has issued a Our scientists and engineers along with Mk2 number of requests for information Naval designers are working on to make (RFI) to foreign vendors over the past the best out of what is available to us. All We must learn from the two years as it intends to procure up to the expectations from an Indian LCA are history. Three decades back 57 naval fighter aircraft from a foreign certainly doable with a high powered India lost a brilliant supplier. France has been trying to pitch engine which is contemplated in LCA Navy opportunity when it abandoned its first the naval variant of the Dassault Rafale, Mk2. We must learn from the history. indigenous fighter, the HF-24 whereas U.S. aircraft maker Boeing has Three decades back India lost a brilliant Marut, prematurely on the offered its F/A-18E Block III Super opportunity when it abandoned its first assumption that we would Hornet, a supersonic twin-engine indigenous fighter, the HF-24 Marut, never find the right engine carrier-capable multirole fighter jet prematurely on the assumption that we to power it. We must never based on the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 would never find the right engine to power repeat this. Having come so Hornet, among others. The choice of it; we till date suffer in Aviation primarily far down the developmental aircraft will be partially influenced by because of HF-24 decision, despite having path, the LCA programme the carrier’s aircraft launch system. developed first supersonic fighter in Asia. must form the catapult for In the past, two naval prototypes of This was a blunder we must never repeat. all future fighter projects for the Tejas have repeatedly taken off from Having come so far down the the Indian Navy a ski-jump meant to simulate a STOBAR developmental path, the LCA programme launch system armed with R-73 air-to- must form the catapult for all future fighter air missiles. The heavy weight of the projects for the Indian Navy. Tejas may be less of a problem when deployed aboard the second planned —The author is President, Aeronautical carrier of the new Vikrant-class, the Society of India and Former Chairman, INS Vishal, which will likely use a Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. 44-45_BeyondServices.qxd 12/3/2018 12:54 PM Page 2
BEYOND SERVICES
Steps towards HUMANITY With the Indian Navy Day round the corner, here's a quick peek into all that the Navy does beyond its range of operations
rHuta Raval approach to the conduct of operations - the Military Role, the Diplomatic Role, the ndian Navy goes back to 1612 when Constabulary Role and the Benign Role. Captain Thomas Best encountered and Through the year, the naval arm of our Idefeated the Portuguese; this along with defence forces organises a number of events the threat of pirates led the British East which are a concrete step towards bettering the India Company to maintain a small fleet at society we live in. It is both civilians and the Swally, near Surat (Gujarat). forces who enthusiastically participate in The First Squadron of fighting ships making these endeavours meaningful—be it a arrived on 5 September 1612, forming what marathon to support a social cause, blood was then called the Honourable East India donation camps, special naval ship tours for Company's Marine to protect the East India school children, medical camps, green Company's trade in the Gulf of Cambay and plantation initiatives, cleanliness drives—the the river apertures of the Tapti and list goes on. Narmada. Today, the full operational spread of the Indian Navy is vast, ranging from high A QUICK LOOK AT SOME OF THE intensity war fighting at one end to PHILANTHROPIC ACTIVITIES TAKEN UP humanitarian assistance and disaster relief BY THE INDIAN NAVY: operations at the other. This broad gamut of operations can be broken down into four ORGAN DONATION SEMINARS distinct roles, each demanding a specific The medical fraternity of the Navy conducts
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organ donation seminars in order to includes - cultural shows, drill giving back to society. create awareness and multiply the performances, display of horses, ALL OUT FOR COASTAL SECURITY number of organ donors wherein sumptuous meals et al. The fishing community is regularly queries regarding eligibility, dos and Besides this community services sensitised on their vital role as eyes don'ts are answered. are also carried out by the naval team and ears of the Navy. Various aspects at the old age homes. These comprise pertaining to coastal security, BLOOD DONATION CAMPS - cleaning of common areas, repair of communication procedures, safety at Blood donation drives are regularly fans, repainting of cots, painting of sea, biometric ID cards, action to be held across all naval bases as a move the periphery wall and main gate and taken on sighting a suspicious vessel to combat shortage of blood. maintenance of the garden to give a and fitment of transponders are Volunteers, officers, sailors, civilians, face lift to the old age home. discussed in-depth. families and trainees from friendly Moreover generous donations of Besides this, medical check-ups, foreign navies including several with utility items including - toiletries, medicine distribution, awareness rare blood groups donate blood which groceries, clothing, linen, etc- are also regarding measures to be adopted to is then handed over to the Blood made. prevent spread of vector-borne Bank. diseases like dengue are also TRAINING FOR POLICE PERSONNEL conducted. MULTI-SPECIALTY MEDICAL CAMPS AND BOAT RESCUERS OPD patients at government Lectures-cum-demonstration DIABETES AWARENESS CAMPS hospitals, primary health centres, sessions are held for police personnel Workshops are held to showcase the community health centres are treated danger posed by diabetes especially by medical teams from the Navy the psychological impact of diagnosis comprising of - Paediatricians, of diabetes on an individual and the Dentists, Psychiatrists, importance of psychosocial support Dermatologists, ENT Specialists, in holistic management of the Physicians, Orthopaedic Surgeons, disease. Gynaecologists, Ophthalmologists, Intense deliberations on various Nursing Officers and Para Medical All through the year, aspects of diabetes and its Personnel. Medicines, personal complications and the latest research the naval arm of our hygiene kits and dental kits are also on the subject by various experts in defence forces provided. the field of medicine are shared. organises a number of MEDICAL CAMPS AT DISASTER- events and activities CLEAN AND GREEN INDIA AFFECTED AREAS which are a concrete As a drive for Clean and Green India the Post identifying areas which need step towards improving Naval Component of the Defence medical assistance, teams of naval the quality of life in the Forces organises activities under the personnel including doctors and society we live in aegis of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, paramedical sailors conduct medical and these include, cleaning of the mess; consultations and distribute internal office space; clearance of necessary medicines. The villagers and boat rescuers on first aid, basic rainwater drains to prevent flooding; are educated on important aspects of life support system and cardio tree plantation drives; pollution control sanitation, nutrition and prevention pulmonary resuscitation. drives of all vehicles running at Defence of water borne diseases. Health establishments; removal of debris from inspections, anti-dengue and malaria THE JOY OF GIVING construction sites and residential spraying and fumigation are also The needy children from the areas/ colonies; and cleaning of civil carried out. neglected areas are provided with jetties. Moreover, saplings are donated books, stationery, bed sheets, to children and senior citizens in an PROVIDING THE ELDERLY WITH AN toiletries etc - as part of The Joy of endeavour to make India green. INSIGHT INTO DEFENCE LIFE Giving Week - 'Daan Utsav' which is Hats off to the Indian Navy for going Inmates of old age homes are hosted aimed to bring together Indians from that extra mile to better the quality of by naval personnel. Vista of activities all walks of life to celebrate the act of life.
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NEWS BYTES
India Russia sign warship deal
India and Russia recently sealed a Officials said the agreement for cooperation. $500 million deal for construction manufacturing of the two Talvar- Under the deal, Russia will of two missile frigates in Goa for the class warships was signed between provide design, technology know Indian Navy, sending a clear signal defence PSU Goa Shipyard Ltd how and key materials to GSL for of continuing with high-level (GSL) and Russia’s state-run construction of the ships in India. defence collaborations defence major Rosoboronexport The ships will be fitted with most notwithstanding the US warnings of under the government-to- advanced missiles and other weapon sanctions. government framework for defence systems, they said.
India to expand maritime President Ram Nath Kovind while addressing Vietnam accord with Vietnam Parliament in Hanoi recently announced that the two countries will hold a bilateral maritime security dialogue India has said it would expand maritime security early next year, and hinted at increasing port visits by the cooperation with Vietnam amid China’s belligerence in navies and coast guards of both the countries. “India South China Sea and ambitions in the Bay of Bengal. looks forward to enhanced bilateral cooperation in the The two sides also agreed to further strengthen bilateral maritime domain - for instance, through our first cooperation in defence, atomic energy, outer space and oil bilateral maritime security dialogue to be hosted by and gas. Four MoUs in the fields of communications, Vietnam in early 2019. Maritime security, piracy, and drug education and trade and investment were signed to take the trafficking using the oceans are issues of common bilateral agenda forward. concern. I am confident that the programme of regular and friendly visits to each other’s ports by naval and coast guard ships from our countries will upgrade cooperation,” Kovind said in his address to Vietnam’s National Assembly in Hanoi recently. India’s big Space Leap; ISRO now readying flight to planet Venus
Since the successful inter-planetary mission to Mars in November 2014, India’s civil space organisation, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has been aiming to do more such missions that would give the agency greater understanding of the solar system while highlighting India’s rising prowess in the outer space domain. The successful Mars
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INS Arihant gives India an edge against its neighbours
On November 5, 2018 India’s first confrontation. A nuclear triad refers to the indigenous SSBN (ship submersible ballistic three components of atomic weapons nuclear) INS Arihant completed its maiden delivery: strategic bombers, deterrence patrol, meaning that the intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) submarine is fully ready for its role as a and submarine launched ballistic missiles strategic deterrent. Deterrence patrol refers (SLBMs). to a submarine disappearing into the depths Of the three elements of the triad, the of the ocean, carrying its deadly cargo of SLBMs are considered the most important nuclear-tipped missiles. The Arihant’s because the nuclear powered ballistic month-long deployment compares missile submarine - also known as a favourably with submarines of the US Navy boomer in the colloquial language of which go on patrols from 30-70 days. seamen - is the hardest to detect, track and With the completion of the patrol, destroy. “No navy can be considered a force India’s strategic planners have finally to reckon with unless it has nuclear achieved their longstanding ambition to submarines to control oceans,” says former have a nuclear triad, giving them multiple Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral KK options if it comes to a nuclear Nayyar.
mission has given a huge fillip as well as confidence to the to Venus was in 1990, mapping 98 percent of the Venus Indian scientific community to explore other planets in its surface over four years. NASA and the Russian Academy of quest to gain greater proficiency in deep space Sciences’ Space Research Institute (IKI) have also been in communication and other advanced capabilities. During the talks recently to undertake a collaborative mission to Venus Mars mission, the deep space communication assistance to be launched sometime in the 2020s. One of the was provided by the NASA. important objectives is to understand the climatic After Mars, Venus is considered as the next ideal inter- condition of Venus to know the causes of the rampant planetary mission for several reasons. One, Venus is greenhouse effect in the planet today. The Venera-D considered as the “twin sister” of the Earth due to mission will have an orbiter and a lander, and maybe even a similarities in size, mass, bulk composition, density and solar-powered airship that would fly through Venus’ upper gravity. Given its closer proximity to the Sun by 30 percent atmosphere. The US-Russian collaboration is significant as as compared to Earth, solar flux is higher on Venus. Venus is till date, the Russian Venera spacecraft remains the only also hotter than Mercury even though Mercury is closer to one to successfully land on Venus and survive its harsh the sun, due to its thicker atmosphere. Even so, there have conditions. been attempts to explore Venus from the 1960s onwards ISRO recently announced its plans to undertake a through flyby, orbiter, and even a few lander missions. mission to Venus in the early 2020s and has also invited Russia undertook a total of 16 Venus missions under Venera international proposals for scientific payloads. ISRO’s series between 1961 and 1983. Venus plans demonstrate the continued and steady growth NASA also undertook several missions starting with its and maturation of India’s space capabilities that is rightly a Mariner 2 orbiter in 1962. The last dedicated NASA mission matter of pride for both ISRO and India.
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EVENTS FOCUS EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO Here's a peek into the upcoming events in the field of defence, from across the world
Exponaval 2018 International Armoured Vehicles Conference 2019 When: Dec 4-7, 2108 When: Jan 21-24, 2019 Where: Santilago, Chile Where: Twickenham, London The attendance of official delegations and companies from The world’s premier international meeting for the 37 countries of the five continents will mark the extensive armoured vehicle community returns in January 2019. international presence at EXPONAVAL 2018. There are Over 650 delegates attended the 2018 meeting as 46 companies from 25 countries, highlighting the strong individual armed forces were represented and over 75 presence of the United States, Germany, Brazil, France different industry organisations took part in the and the United Kingdom, among others. On the other discussions. With the 2019 event expected to continue to hand, 33 official delegations have confirmed their grow. attendance at the fair, highlighting the United States with For the last 18 years, IAVs has provided considerable 4 (CNO, NIPO, NAVSOUTH, ONR) and France with 2 support towards solving the procurement challenges of (IGA, ALPACI). They are joined by Germany, Argentina, the global armour community, by connecting operators, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, China, R&D experts and acquisition specialists with those from Ecuador, Spain, Holland, India, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, industry that can provide answers to their challenges. Japan, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, United The conference has gained a reputation as a truly unique Kingdom, Russia , South Africa, Thailand, Tonga, Turkey meeting for the armour community, providing a and Uruguay. The list includes 14 Commanders in Chief comprehensive dialogue on everything armoured vehicle and 27 Admirals. The international presence is completed related from the geostrategic issues shaping doctrine, to with the visit of 8 ships belonging to the marinas of the challenges of MRO, lifecycle management and active Colombia, China, the United States, Mexico, Peru and the procurement programmes, through to the disruptive United Kingdom. technologies of AI and Robotics.
Surface Navy Association’s 31st Annual National Symposium Mobile Deployable Communications 2019 When: Jan 15-17, 2019 When: Jan 31-Feb 1, 2019 Where: Crystal City, Arlington, VA Where: Warsaw, Poland Join top players in military, industry, and politics this With the ability to effectively communicate driving the January at the Surface Navy Association’s National tempo of the modern battlespace, the need to know ‘where Symposium to see how the U.S. Navy’s Surface Fleet is I am, where my friends are and where the enemy is’ delivering the Navy the Nation Needs to Own the Fight! remains fundamental for the success of any operation. During the event experts will discuss why the Surface This critical requirement has become ever more vital as Navy is a critical element of national defense and security militaries deploy in degraded environments to tackle in an Era of Great Power Competition. Additionally, 80 asymmetrical threats and electronic warfare technologies exhibitors and 3,000+ attendees make this a top DC which risk disrupting the allied ability to effectively networking opportunity to recruit top talent, look for job operate. openings, and see the latest cutting-edge news and 12th annual Mobile Deployable Communications technology concerning Surface Warfare. conference returns to further explore key drivers causing The Surface Navy Association is at the center of Surface the growing demand for flexible, protected, and Warfare, providing members support, programs, and interoperable CIS capabilities, and through expert led various activities that enable professional growth, presentations, from some of the world’s leading personal satisfaction, and camaraderie. authorities, will discuss the challenges for both solution providers and end users of deployable communications.
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