ProcurementMi Proce nis try of Home Af• India IN THIS EDITIO ss fairs Eleʼs elabora Homela m ted • enEven n N t d - s • IDSSecurity He & ������������� A N S P GUIDE PUBLICA TION tsʼ Refer ad q ence ua rte rs - S ʼ ro pe l cia e in l Inser t “Substantial fleet 451964-2009 augmentation is our SP GUIDE PUBLICATIONS WIDENING prime objective to ensure HORIZONS ... adequate security.” —Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, AVSM, NM, Director General Indian Coast Guard 4 2008 Page 8 �������������������

Navies of the world 2009 have taken note of the capabilities

��������������� and utility of ��������������� UAVs in the naval environment. The Indian Navy � � � � � � � ������� commenced UAV O c t o b e r - N o v e m b e r 2 0 0 9 ▸ V o l 4 N o 5 “The armed forces must be fully equipped operations as far back as 2002. to deal with all threat scenarios... trained to Rs 75.00 (INDIA-BASED BUYER ONLY) WWW.SPSNAVALFORCES.NET fight anywhere, anytime and under any con- 3Page ditions. Their ability to deal with non-tradi- 9 tional threats must receive greater attention.” —Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, addressing the Combined Commanders’ Conference on October 20

Indo-Russian JAYANT defence ties BARANWAL are looking up follow- MANAGING ing Defence EDITOR & Minister A.K. PUBLISHER Antony’s visit to Moscow dur- ing October

� �to � �attend � � � � � Submarines the ninth conclave of the India-Russia Inter Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation. Decks have been cleared to extend the Military Technical Cooperation for 10 years from 2011 to 2020 and the After-Sales Product Support for Defence Equipment of Russian origin. Both the pacts will be inked when Prime entional Minister Dr Manmohan Singh visits Russia in December. However, the price of aircraft car- rier Admiral Gorshkov is yet to be finalised. Indo-US defence ties are also looking up with orders worth $3.5 billion (Rs 16,440 Conv crore) of military hardware placed last year. India’s Ambassador to the US Meera Shankar is optimistic about the future with the Indo-US defence cooperation meet at defence secre- tary level to be hosted by Delhi in November. The good news for the navy is the appoint- ment of former Naval Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta as India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand. This issue opens with the interview of Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, DG Indian Coast Guard where he unfurls the coast guard’s vision and plans to provide effective coastal security. He also maps the route that coast FUTURE guard will take for future growth. Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) is a com- plex subject and, underlining its significance, the article quotes the former Chief of Naval The performance of the AIP Operations, US Navy, Admiral Johnson, “ASW W system on Type U-214s has HD embodies the essence of sea control, which in further been enhanced by two turn remains the foundation for global power Siemens PEM fuel cells, which projection.” In the critique on brown water produce 120kw per module navy, the author argues that although blue Photograph: TRENDS water navy has been on the wish list of all the Endurance of a conventional submarine being an important limiting factor, navies, littoral warfare and coastal security has triggered a rethink of having suitable sys- R&D in the field of submarine propulsion systems dominates the future trends in tems for such a role. Then there is an article on the role and employment of Unmanned conventional submarines Aerial Vehicles in the navy. News Digest and appointments, as always, wrap up the issue. LIEUTENANT C O M M A N D E R A M I T SOOD

hough various types of sub- in submarine technology like snorkel for features to modern day weapons. marines were developed over charging batteries at periscope depth, HF Conventional diesel-electric submarines a period of time, submarines Communication, Radar, Sonar, Direction need to rise to periscope depth periodi- truly proved their worth during Finding systems, high performance batter- cally to recharge their batteries by using theT Second World War, and emerged as ies, and so on influenced submarine tactics generators driven by air breathing diesel one of the most potent and stealthy naval and their effectiveness. After the Second engines, making them indiscrete. During platforms. The U-boat menace forced the World War, research and development in this evolution, submarines are most vulner- JAYANT BARANWAL affected forces to employ tactics to coun- submarine technology continued in various able to detection by enemy forces. The PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ter the deadly threat. Many developments spheres ranging from propulsion, design quest to overcome this inherent vulner-

SP’s NAVAL FORCES 5/2009 1 AIP Adoption by Global Navies Comparison of AIP Systems

Development of AIP has come to be AIP Design Detection Efficiency Other Aspects recognised as an epoch making evolu- CCDE - Simple Noise level Same as LOX storage prob- tion in the field of conventional subma- - Proven technology comparable to normal diesel lem rines. Taking advantage of significant - Low cost conventional engine. features of the technologies developed submarines. and available in the international mar- ket leading navies have been vying to Sterling - Complicated Acoustic sig- Lower than LOX storage prob- imbibe this cost effective option not Engine - Needs ‘clean’ Fuel natures high CCDE lem. just for the new projects, but exercising - Low power output, due to direct the retrofit option, as well for the exist- (max 75 kw) discharge a ing inventories of their conventional - High cost of O2/CO2 in submarines. Available details of those water. Navanti countries which have adopted or are in S-80 by Spainish shipyard, has considerably enhanced MESMA - Design is more Noise levels Low efficiency - Expected sub- the process of integrating AIP into their the submerged endurance of conventional submarine conventional submarine fleet have been complicated than CCD lower than due to steam merged endur-

without having to surface for regular battery charging. Photograph: compiled as under: - A derivative of nuclear CCD/Stirling plant. ance – 16 days steam plant system engines for Agosta 90B China - High Cost submarines. China has built Type 039A/B, codenamed Yuan Class by the NATO, at Wuchang Shipyard in the inland Hubei Province, - Problem of stor- which is first submarine to be incorporated with an advanced AIP system. The submarine has six bow mounted torpedo ing reactants tubes that can launch a range of Chinese indigenous or Russian wire-/acoustic-/wake-homing torpedoes, as well as the and combustion 80 km-range YJ-82 submarine-launched anti-ship missile. products. Russia Fuel - Simple design. Extremely Highest - High submerged Renowned Submarine Design Bureau, Rubin has reportedly developed successfully the AIP based conventional subma- Cells - Low cost. quiet efficiency endurance. rine as Project 636 Kilo Class which is an advanced Fourth Generation Diesel-Electric conventional submarine. This is a highly advanced and improved project with much quieter characteristics, new combat systems, powerful missiles and - Depth independence Very good High reliability - Can be coupled torpedoes and control systems. operational lifetime to batteries and and control run in parallel. France Module d’Energie Sous-Marine Autonome (MESMA) is the French system for AIP which was developed for the Scorpène features class by DCNS for fitting out on conventional submarines. It is a conventional steam turbine power plant powered by steam generated from the combustion of ethanol (grain alcohol) and stored oxygen at a pressure of 60 atmospheres. This • Stirling Engine pression and the compressed gas exposed to pressure-firing allows exhaust carbon dioxide to be expelled overboard at any depth without an exhaust compressor. • Fuel Cells heat, thereby increasing the pressure at con- Spain • Closed Cycle Steam Turbine—MESMA stant volume. Subsequently, the gas expands Renowned Spanish shipyard Navantia has successfully integrated the improved version of AIP into Project S-80, which in expansion space and works on the expan- is similar to the French MESMA, but has considerably enhanced the submerged endurance of conventional submarine Closed Cycle Diesel Engine sion piston. Thus, the heat energy is con- without having to surface for regular battery charging. The AIP consists of steam heated by a primary circuit, in which A Closed Cycle Diesel Engine (CCDE) can verted to mechanical energy. This mechanical a combustion chamber burns a gaseous mixture of fuel (diesel or ethanol) and oxygen liquid that is stored in a low be operated in its conventional mode on energy can be utilised to generate electricity pressure cryogenic tank. The thermal energy is then converted into electrical energy using a conventional Rankine cycle. the surface and at periscope depth while for either propulsion or for charging batteries The process includes a Generator Steam Turbo Alternator which flow oxygen and fuel directly to determine the demand snorting (wherein air is ingested from the of a conventional diesel electric plant. for power and combustion products. The range of the power generated is 150 to 600 kW in the case of the submarine atmosphere). In the submerged configura- The engine exhaust is disseminated S-80, as opposed to original capacity of 300 kW. tion, the diesel engine runs air which is overboard by a water management system. Germany created from stored oxygen and argon. However, the acoustic signature of the sub- The hydrogen-oxygen propulsion had been considered for conventional submarines even during World War I. However, The exhaust is cooled and then chemi- marine is anticipated to be higher due to the concept severely suffered from inherent dangers of fire and explosion. German shipyard HDW over the past several cally scrubbed in an absorber to remove exhaust discharge. Like the CCDE, liquid decades have worked on the R&D to augment propulsion system for conventional submarines. Polymer Electrolyte carbon dioxide. Argon is recovered and oxygen is stored in cryogenic tanks and Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology was thus developed and successfully integrated into Type U-212. The advanced is fed back for reuse. The engine exhaust determines the endurance of the submarine version with two PEM fuel cells capable of generating 120kW per model has been fitted on Type-214. is replenished with oxygen in the mixing using Stirling Engine AIP. The efficiency of Japan chamber before being fed into the intake Stirling Engines is likely to be lesser than The Soryu Class submarine, or 16SS, is a new class of diesel-electric submarine being built in Japan for its navy. It is an manifold of the diesel engine, thereby that of CCDE. The Swedish Kockums Naval advanced version of the current type Oyashio Class conventional submarine. The submarine has larger displacement with completing the closed loop of the diesel Systems have successfully developed Stirling a Stirling AIP engine (4V-275R Mk-II, power output 75kW). This system has been licensed to be built by Kawasaki Heavy engine. The remaining exhaust gas is Engine and the same have been fitted Industries system. mixed with seawater through a water man- onboard Gotland Class submarines. Stirling Sweden agement system to minimise the creation Engine’s operational utilisation onboard Latest version of conventional submarine developed by Sweden is the Gotland Class attack submarine designed for of bubbles and related noise levels and is conventional submarines could make it a fea- deployment in classic submarine missions. This conventional submarine has integrated AIP system with low signatures, eventually discharged overboard. sible choice for prospective AIP systems. extreme shock resistance and a powerful combat system. Automation and computerised steering allow a single operator Closed cycle diesel uses a standard to steer the submarine in depth and course. Only a small crew is required, leading to good accommodation standards diesel engine and is based on a simple Fuel Cells and low operating costs. technology providing same efficiency A fuel cell converts fuel—hydrogen and as that of a conventional diesel engine. oxygen—into electricity by an electrochemi- —Rear Admiral (Retd) Sushil Ramsay Additional components required for CCDE cal reaction, the by-products being water can be retrofitted in the existing diesel accompanied by generation of heat. The engine of a conventional submarine. The electric energy, that is, direct current, pro- ability resulted in extensive research and the use of nuclear power and describes storage of liquid oxygen in cryogenic duced from the fuel cells is then fed to the experiments in the field of Nuclear and Air augmenting the diesel electric propulsion double jacket tanks and Argon is an area submarine’s main switchboard. Fuel cells Independent Propulsion (AIP). This led to system of conventional submarines. AIP is of concern because of related safety have a very high efficiency with the amount significant breakthroughs in the field of usually implemented as an auxiliary source issues. Since CCDE is a diesel engine, it of waste heat being very low, offer a relatively submarine propulsion. Research and devel- and is not a primary independent source is as noisy in its operation and produces simple design and exhibit minimum radiated opment in other spheres too continued of propulsion. Most such systems generate as much heat as any conventional diesel noise levels due to lesser moving parts. One concurrently. The arsenal of conventional electricity, which in turn drives an elec- engine. This is a major disadvantage with of the disadvantages of fuel cells is the issue submarines now includes modern day tric motor for propulsion or recharges the regard to the acoustic and infrared signa- related to the storage of oxygen and hydro- sophisticated torpedoes, smart mines and submarine’s batteries. The electrical power ture management of a conventional subma- gen onboard. Among other fuel cell options, sub-launched missiles controlled by state- generated is also used to meet the hotel rine. Stealth being a key characteristic of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell of-the-art combat systems. load requirements of the submarine such as conventional submarine, the acoustic and technology has found effective application in The technologically advanced sonar for ventilation, lighting, and so on. infrared signature due to CCDE would play the field of submarine AIP systems. suite aided by low self-noise of quieter One of the prominent characteristic of an important role in the selection of CCDE PEM fuel cells have been successfully fit- submarines provides the conventional sub- AIP systems is that it can be retrofitted into as a viable AIP option. The management of ted onboard German HDW’s U-212 Type sub- marines enhanced sensor ranges in most existing submarine hulls by inserting an these two signatures is likely to be the pri- marines. The performance of the AIP system tactical scenarios. However, endurance of a additional hull section or a plug. AIP does mary areas for research and development on Type U-214s has further been enhanced conventional submarine being an important not normally provide the endurance or power in the field of CCDE AIP system. by two Siemens PEM fuel cells, which pro- limiting factor, research and development in to replace the diesel generators which run duce 120kw per module. These fuel cells are the field of submarine propulsion systems on atmospheric air and are essential for Stirling Engine expected to give the conventional submarine dominated the future trends in conventional battery charging, but allows it to remain Stirling Engine, in principle, is an external an underwater endurance of about two weeks. submarines. This article draws the spotlight submerged longer than a mere convention- combustion engine, in which heat generated The proven technology of PEM fuel cells along on the future trends in the submarine pro- ally propelled submarine. It is a strap-on and from an external source is applied to a con- with advantages of high efficiency and low pulsion systems, their research and devel- one time in a mission capability boost which tained quantity of working medium, generally radiated noise levels offers the greatest poten- opment and future applications. needs to be recharged in harbour. an inert gas like helium. The engine consists tial for stealthy and substantial submerged ALFORCES.NET Research and development in AIP tech- of an expansion and compression piston. endurance for conventional submarines. V AIP Concept nology has gained momentum among sub- Heat generated by burning oxygen and die- Incorporating technologies that allow a sub- marine designers across the world. Various sel in a pressurised combustion chamber is MESMA marine to operate in the depths of the ocean AIP concepts which have undergone transferred to the working gas. This forces the Module d’Energie Sous-Marin Autonome .SPSNA without the need to plane to periscope development or are in the process of being gas to work against a piston, thereby produc- (MESMA) system, a closed cycle steam tur- depth to access atmospheric air for battery developed are: ing mechanical energy. The gas is thereafter bine system, is a derivative of a nuclear pro-

WWW charging, the term AIP usually excludes • Closed Cycle Diesel Engine drawn into a compression chamber for com- pulsion plant. MESMA incorporates a steam

Continued on page 4

2 SP’s NAVAL FORCES 5/2009 Reporting for Duty

The Class 214 submarine. Powered by Fuel Cells. For very much extended submerged operations. Robust and reliable. Stealthy. Deep diving capabilities. State-of-the-Art. Multi-mission/ISR roles.

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems

www.thyssenkrupp-marinesystems.com tk Conventional Submarines: Future Trends Continued from page 2

Technology & Designs on the Anvil turbine which derives its energy from the combustion of ethanol and liquid oxygen at a pressure of 60 atmospheres. The heat from The future conventional submarine should be able to stay sub- merged for a longer period, have greater reach and endurance but the combustion process is used to generate without loss of operational capability and compromising on crew steam at high pressure in the Primary Circuit. safety. It should have stealth, low signature and capability to oper- Steam from the Primary Circuit is utilised ate in the littorals and ice. to generate steam in the Secondary Circuit which passes through the steam turbine, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Littorals: Technologi- thereby converting heat energy into mechan- cal developments in conventional submarines, like in the propulsion systems, and improved ical energy. The steam turbine further drives weapons and sensors, have given them many new operational capabilities, including oper- ating in littoral areas where small conventional submarines can carry out a whole range of an alternator to produce electrical power. tasks like intelligence gathering, surveillance, covert reconnaissance and support of special The exhaust gas is expelled overboard at operations. In fact, modern submarines, like the German 212, can operate in a depth as any submarine operating depth. low as 17 m, thereby allowing these to come very close to the shore. In the current and The design of MESMA is supposedly future scenario, blue water operations for the conventional submarines are less likely and W more complicated than that of a CCDE HD operations will be more focused on brown water or littoral operations by a joint task force. and its efficiency lowest of the four AIP For ISR missions, these can be placed as forward as possible and carry out their missions The type 212A developed for the German Navy has a diesel designs. On the other hand, by virtue of covertly for long periods of time thus achieving total surprise over the adversary. However, propulsion and an air-independent propulsion (AIP). incorporating a steam turbine, MESMA Photograph: these have to be equipped with suitable sensors. Apart from intelligence it can also give has lower noise levels than the CCDE as target data and employed as spotters for attacking coastal installations. Such operations well as the Stirling Engine. MESMA has will require to and fro communications for carrying out command and control. MODERN CONVENTIONAL SUBMARINES been developed by the French company Special Forces: As a modern conventional submarine has stealth and low signatures it German Type 212A named DCNS and has been fitted onboard can also carry out special operations very effectively. It can carry out a covert and silent A good example of a modern conventional submarine is the German Type 212A developed by Pakistan Navy’s Agosta 90B submarine. A insertion as well as extraction of special forces. Special force operations require intimate HDW for the German Navy. It has a diesel propulsion and an air-independent propulsion (AIP) submerged endurance of 10 to 14 days at coordination among multiple agencies as well as cater for multiple contingencies which system using Siemens proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cell. The submarine speeds of 4 to 5 knots may be expected will require secure and stable communications which has to be taken into account at the can operate at high speed on diesel power or change over to the AIP system for silent slow by fitment of MESMA AIP system. The suc- design stage itself. In the earlier days, the submarine operated as a ‘lone wolf’ and once cruising. In this mode it can stay submerged for up to three weeks, without generating any cessful exploitation of MESMA could make it went on its mission, there was hardly any communications. exhaust heat. The system is also claimed to be vibration-free, silent and practically undetect- this AIP technology a possible choice for Effective Communications and C2 systems: The modern submarines have effective able. The combination of diesel engine and AIP is combining best of both the capabilities. conventional submarines in times ahead. sensors, good weapon range, mine detection capability, sonar interception and optronics Type 212A is the first of the only two fuel cell propulsion system equipped submarines which capability can make it a valuable force multiplier but for such a role it must have effective went into production by 2007. The other example is the Project 677 Lada Class submarine communications which are inoperable with rest of the platforms, have modern C2 features Future Technologies designed by Russian Rubin Design Bureau. Type 212A is to replace Type 206 submarines of the Apart from research and development in and should be networked enabled. Better acoustic underwater communications are available German Navy and also equip the Italian Navy. The final programme started in 1994 as the two AIP systems there has also been intensive including very short antenna mass which should be exploited without impeding on the sub- navies of Germany and Italy began working together to design a new conventional submarine research in certain other future technolo- marines’ freedom of operations. to operate in the low and narrow waters of the Baltic sea as well as in the deeper waters of Subversive role: The so called rogue states are unlikely to acquire submarine launched the Mediterranean sea. The German Navy placed an initial order of four submarines and the gies for submarine propulsion. ballistic missiles but they can improvise and fire tomahawk, Harpoon or Exocet through Italian Navy placed an order for two submarines from Fincantieri. The German Navy ordered Improved Batteries: Batteries are the most the torpedo tube of a submarine which can be nuclear tipped. Conventional mini subma- two additional submarines to be delivered from 2012 onwards. They will be 1.2 m longer to important element to determine the endurance rines represent an ideal platform to deliver terrorists and nuclear devises. The shallow or give additional space for a new reconnaissance mast. Italian Navy has also ordered the same. of a conventional submarine. Consequently, littorals of strife regions like the Persian Gulf, Mediterranean, East China Sea, and so on Design—Type 212A is capable of operating in as little as 17 m of water, allowing it to come a lot of improvement has taken place in this are the ideal area for conventional submarines to operate. These can operate with liberty much closer to the shore than most current submarines. This gives it an advantage in covert field. At present, the most common batteries as anti submarine operations are very difficult in shallow waters. However, advance na- operations, commandos operating from the boat can surface close to the beach and execute used onboard submarines are the lead acid tions can operate and carry out anti submarine warfare in such areas. To counter such their mission more quickly and with less effort. The design also gives better stealth capability. batteries. The extensive research undertaken an action by the rogue states, the obvious solution is to prevent the sale of submarines, The ship and internal fixtures are constructed of nonmagnetic materials, greatly reducing its in battery development reveals certain glaring missiles and technology to them. The proactive solution is to carry our joint covert patrol- chances of being detected by magnetometers or triggering off magnetic naval mines. results. The results indicate that the Silicon ling by concerned and effected nations to prevent any possible terrorist or missile threat. zinc battery has volumetric efficiency five However, for such a mission suitable submarine platforms, sensors, communications and S-80A Submarine times higher than that of a lead acid battery, weapons are required. Navantia is building the S-80A for the Spanish Navy. Bigger, and equipped with AIP system and other modern features, Navantia has specially designed it from scratch to meet the specific require- iron sulphide battery has three times specific Duration of stay underwater: The other trend is that with modern propulsion technolo- ments of the Spanish Navy. S-80A has longer range and endurance and suitable for force projec- energy of lead acid battery and the energy gies, conventional submarines can stay under water longer than before and can become the tion. It will have the capability to accommodate fire land attack cruise missiles. Delivery of four capacity of Lithium Thionyl Chloride battery poor navy’s answer to nuclear submarines. The duration of stay under water has been gradually submarines is planned between 2013 and 2015. A high level of automation ensures that a crew of is 10 times the energy capacity of lead acid increasing for conventional submarines as follows: 32 is sufficient to run it. It will be capable of ‘crash stop’ in less than 80 seconds and able to dive • Post World War II, submarines had to surface once in 24 hours on the average. battery. Despite such advantages, the issues from periscope depth to 100 m (assuming a speed of 5 kt while ‘snorting’) in just 50 seconds. • Diesel submarines of the 1970s and 1980s of Type 2092 and Kilo Class can run sub- related to high cost, safety concern and merged up to 72 hours. Propulsion System—The propulsion system is a hybrid arrangement of classic diesel-electric recharging of these batteries have prevented • New generation of conventional submarines developed in Sweden, Germany, France (combining three 1,200 kW rated Navantia MTU 16 V 396 SE 84L–GB31L diesel generators their practical usage onboard conventional and Russia, has got combined propulsion system thus can stay underwater much lon- and two 180-cell groups of Tudor batteries) and a 300 kW AIP system based on reformed submarines. However, further research and ger. Type 212A can stay as long as three weeks. ethanol and liquid oxygen. development in these batteries could result in • Pakistan’s Agosta Class submarines (by DCNS) can reportedly stay under water for about two Automation—Sistema de Control de Platforma will control and monitor equipment throughout their application onboard submarines, thereby weeks without surfacing. the vessel, taking signals from the propulsion plant, AIP system, auxiliaries, safety systems, steer- enhancing the endurance and capability of Poise: The other capability a modern submarine is that of poise which means that it can stay ing station and combat system. conventional submarines. on the sea bed for long periods of time to either deploy unmanned under water vehicles or Semi Fuel Cells: A semi fuel cell is consid- carry out reconnaissance of the movement of shipping. —Lieutenant General (Retd) Naresh Chand ered as a hybrid between a fuel cell and a battery. At the anode end of the semi fuel

Continued on page 5 e Mantra

a r f a r Makeover l

.mi Since the legacy ASW in its current form is not effective, W .navy navies need to reacquire ASW in its new avatar—an avatar www which will effectively counter the enhanced threat of Air

Photograph: Independent Propulsion submarines

An MK-50 Training Torpedo is launched from guided missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) COMMODORE (RETD) C.P. SRIVASTAVA

“ASW embodies the essence of sea otential threats to control over sea ogy, ASW has and continues to remain a thrust of ASW remained the cold deep-blue control, which in turn remains the areas will always remain unaccept- complex challenge with neither simple nor oceanic waters and the enemy, predomi- foundation for global power projec- able to any maritime nation. Since elegant solutions. However, the era of tra- nantly the nuclear powered submarines. tion..., at the core of US security the submarine threat is among the ditional anti-submarine warfare is over. The hardware, tactics and training con- requirements lies one prerequisite— Pgravest of these, effective Anti-Submarine cepts developed by these navies did not sea control. If we cannot command Warfare (ASW) capabilities will be the Blue Water ASW address the acoustic and physical vagaries ALFORCES.NET the seas and airspace above them, sine qua non for success in future crises Yet the ghost of those times continues of the green and brown waters and the V we cannot project power to command and conflicts. ASW, therefore, remains the to haunt the ASW fraternity in terms of silent conventional submarines. or influence events ashore; we cannot linchpin of sea control. This is no less true archaic organisations, tactics, hardware Nations dependent on these Cold War deter; we cannot shape the security now than it was during the cold war and is and perhaps, most importantly, mindset. players for their ASW platforms, weapon Anti-Submarine .SPSNA environment.” applicable to all navies—global, regional The nations involved in the cold war were and sensors were, therefore, at times sad- —Admiral J.L. Johnson, Chief of Naval or coastal—and in all waters, blue, green also the only ones with the economic clout dled with ASW wherewithal not suitable for

WWW Operations, US Navy or brown. Despite the advance of technol- to indulge in R&D in the field of ASW. The their waters of interest, green and brown,

Continued on page 6

4 SP’s NAVAL FORCES 5/2009 Conventional Submarines: Future Trends Continued from page 4 cell, aluminium disassociates to form elec- trons and aluminium ions. Electrons provide direct current for submarine electric power requirements and aluminium combines with hydroxyl ions to form aluminate by-product which can be removed by a precipitate man- agement system. The performance, efficien- cy and endurance of semi fuel cells are simi- lar to that of fuel cells. By volume and weight, semi fuel cells have greater energy density than any battery. An advantage of semi fuel cell is that all the constituents used in the cell can be handled safely. These features have encouraged the designers to explore the fea- sibility to incorporate semi fuel cell technol- ogy onboard conventional submarines. Magneto Hydrodynamic Propulsion: In Magneto Hydrodynamic Propulsion, cryo- genically pumped superconducting magnets create an extremely powerful magnetic field. An electric current is passed through seawater in the presence of such an intense magnetic field and this creates water move- ment through an enclosed tube resulting in a propulsive force. As the water is forced back, the vessel moves in the forward direc- tion. The current passing through water would create gases and noise, thereby increasing the acoustic signature, and the magnetic field would induce an enhanced magnetic signature detectable by Magnetic Anomaly Detectors used by anti-submarine warfare aircraft. This concept has found its application in the Japanese experimental vessel named Yamato. Magneto hydrody- namic propulsion had gained popularity from The way ahead ventional submarines. The acquisition of sion for conventional submarines has vast the famous novel The Hunt for Red October With the present technology level, AIP sys- AIP is considered to be the way ahead for potential for development, which if tapped as the undetectable silent caterpillar drive for tems for conventional submarines cannot augmenting existing force levels of conven- and applied well could result in phenomenal Russian submarines. With the thrust towards be compared with nuclear propulsion in tional submarines for countries that cannot advancement in the capability of conven- research and development in submarine terms of operational capability and is not afford an all nuclear submarine fleet. There tional submarines. technology it is a matter of time when such a a primary propulsion option. However, AIP are a number of other future technologies in concept would find its practical application is valuable as low speed, long endurance experimental stage that have phenomenal The author is Deputy Project Director, Project 75 at Integrated in conventional submarine propulsion. enhancement to the performance of con- growth potential. Thus, the field of propul- Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy).

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SP’s NAVAL FORCES 5/2009 5 Makeover Mantra Continued from page 4

(AIP) capable 4th Generation SSKs. About team work: ASW requires a plethora These subs are exponentially more dan- of diverse capabilities, all working in uni- gerous and lethal than the Foxtrot and son, in a constantly changing physical Juliet classes of diesel-electric subma- environment. No single platform, system rines and their western counterparts. or weapon will fit the bill. To ensure ‘four The projection is that number of states dimensional protection’ (space got added deploying SSKs will increase and those to the existing three), we need a wide that have them will modernise existing range of undersea, surface, airborne, and submarines and expand their fleets. space based systems. ASW demands a The most significant performance multi-disciplinary approach, subsuming enhancer for conventional diesel-electric intelligence, deep understanding of ocean- submarines has been the AIP. While the ography, surveillance and cueing, multiple best of the conventional boats like the sensors and their technologies, coordi- German 209 or Russian Kilo can remain nated multi-platform operations, and the submerged on battery at low speed for entire spectrum of underwater weaponry. periods to the order of three to five days, And above all, ASW requires highly trained, available AIP schemes can increase slow skilled and motivated people. speed endurance to as much as three Hard and unglamorous work: The San weeks or a month. While still dwarfed by Luis operated in the vicinity of the British the potential of nuclear power, nations task force for more than a month and was unwilling or unable to accept the high cost a constant concern to Royal Navy com- of nuclear power are turning to the lower manders. Despite the deployment of five priced and less ambitious AIP alternative nuclear attack submarines, 24-hour per day to achieve significant operational advan- airborne ASW operations and expenditures tage of greater underwater endurance and of precious time, energy, and ordnance. It longer range. was not detected even once despite having penetrated the ASW screen on more than Current ASW legacy one occasion and retreated after torpedo With the new world order, not only the launch, albeit without a hit. And the primary global but even the regional navies task of the Royal Navy within the NATO was need to have their maritime strategies ASW. To enhance the glamour quotient, wish refocused towards forward presence, some one produced a movie titled, say, Top expeditionary warfare, conflicts in the lit- Bunk, with Tom Cruise as an ASW officer on torals and the ability to influence battle an ASW platform. on land through maneuver from the sea. The existing ASW capabilities which were Overview of AIP & other stealth painstakingly created during the cold war propulsion technology era are, at best only partially adequate The one development in submarine technol- for the new and different environment that ogy which has had the most telling effect on prevails today. Shallow water, near-shore ASW is the putting to sea of stealth propul- oceanographic phenomena, asymmet- sion systems, including but not restricted to ric diesel and advanced AIP submarine AIP. While it is not intended to discuss their threats and the meager information about characteristics, pros and cons; listing the the potential battle space; all contribute important ones and tabulating their effect on towards the inadequacy of our ‘ASW ASW would be in order. .mil Legacy’ to contain the current undersea .navy threat. Further, if a current or potential Stealth Propulsion Systems and www adversary also operates even a limited technologies: number of state-of-art nuclear submarines • Fuel Burning Heat Engines (AIPs) with global reach, the so called Cold War – Closed Cycle Diesel Engines

Photograph: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) MK-50 Training Torpedo threat also needs to be countered. – Stirling Engines Since the legacy ASW in its cur- – MESMA Engine rent form is not effective, navies which – Walter Closed Cycle Turbine want to remain relevant in the new world – Closed Cycle Gas Turbine order, need to reacquire ASW in its new • Electro Chemical Devices avatar—an avatar which will effectively – Fuel Cells counter the enhanced threat of AIP sub- – Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell marines in the shallow near coast waters. – High Energy Storage Batteries The attempt here is to postulate certain > Lithium Aluminum/ Iron Sulphide changes in the existing three paradigms (LISA) Battery of ASW—technology, operational concepts > Lithum Thionyl Chloride (LTC) and training techniques. As a precursor Battery to these proposals, it would be pertinent > Lithium Peroxide (LP) Battery to study some fundamental truths about • Other Propulsion Systems ASW, have an overview of AIP technology – Magneto Hydro Dynamic Propulsion and understand Hydrology in shallow and – Pump Jet Propulsion near-shore waters. • Misc Stealth Technologies/ Systems – Drag Resistor Technologies Fundamental truths about ASW – Permasyn Motors Critical to Maritime Strategy: Some 2,400 – Skewed propellers years ago, Chinese military strategist Effect on ASW operation: The effect of the Sun Tzu recognised that the best way to new technologies on submarine detection defeat an enemy is to attack his strategy. equipment in terms of advantages and dis- ASW is critically important to any nation advantages can be summarised as follows: whose maritime strategies include sea • Except for the Pump-Jet and MHD sys- control, power projection and direct sup- tems, there will be no major change in the port to the battle on land. A submarine probability of submarine detection due to l

.mi threat that denies frustrates or delays the presence of the propeller. However, sea-based operations, clearly embodies combining the above AIP options and even .navy Sun Tzu’s dictum by attacking the strat- the complete nuclear propulsion plant with a www egy directly. Pump Jet system may significantly decrease aph: During the 1982 Falkland conflict, the probability of submarine detection, due Type 22 was designed to be a specialist anti-submarine warfare vessel as part of the while the Royal Navy established ‘regional to reduced propeller generated acoustic

Photogr Royal Navy’s contribution to NATO maritime battle space dominance’ with signature. a single submarine attack sinking the • Further, addition of rotating/reciprocating and their threat, the conventional subma- water ASW weapons. cruiser General Belgrano, had any of the machinery will increase the self noise of the rine. The only exception were Sweden and torpedoes launched by the single Argentine submarine. This however is not applicable to ALFORCES.NET a few other European maritime nations, who AIP Technology: The emerging Type 209 submarine, San Luis hit one or Fuel Cells. V were interested in shallow water ASW and, threat more ships of the Task Force, the outcome • All fuel burning AIP systems will have to

therefore, developed weapons and sensors Today, there are more than 43 states in the of the conflict would have been entirely discharge CO2 and other products of com- specific to their needs. The Swedish Sonar world operating conventional submarines. different. The cause was an ill-maintained bustion to the sea. Although CO has the

.SPSNA 2 Didon, with its associated ASW mortar, the Most of these are the 3rd Generation SSKs fire control system onboard the submarine property of dissolving in water, not all the SR 375, and the German wire guided tor- and an increasing number of navies are rather than any concrete action or measure AIP options use this feature and instead

WWW pedo, SUT 266, are two examples of shallow acquiring the Air Independent Propulsion by the ASW forces discharge the CO2 directly into water. The

Continued on page 10

6 SP’s NAVAL FORCES 5/2009

‘Substantial

I n t e r v i e w fleet augmentation prime objective’

Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, AVSM, NM, Director General

Pubs Indian Coast Guard in a forthright interaction with

Guide SP’s Naval Forces delineates the roles, responsibilities and goals of the force even as it enhances its capabilities to address emerging threats Photograph: SP SP Photograph:

SP’s Naval Forces (SP’s): You assumed of the coast guard includes Dornier fixed-wing the coast and the recognised maritime picture both enhanced deployments and electronic command of the Indian Coast Guard aircraft, Chetak helicopters and the indig- will be available with all participating agen- surveillance. Marine Police in all the coastal (ICG) immediately after the 26/11 carnage enous Advanced Light Helicopters. cies. The “hub and spoke” concept, with the states have been trained by the coast guard in in Mumbai. What has been your role in However, some of these assets have ICG functioning as the hub, forms the basis seamanship and boat handling, amongst other revamping the coastal surveillance and reached the end of their operational life. of inter-agency information exchange under subjects. The coast guard is also assisting the security system to prevent recurrence of There is also a measure of asymmetry of the Coastal Security Scheme approved by the state governments in assessing the vulner- such incidents? both material and human resources available Ministry of Home Affairs. Standard Operating abilities of the coastline, so as to decide on the Director General ICG (DG ICG): Coastal to the coast guard vis-à-vis the quantum of Procedures for operational coordination of establishment of additional coastal police sta- security has occupied centre stage post responsibilities vested with the organisa- coastal security have been formulated. The tions with a view to enhance coastal security. the Mumbai attacks. The use of the sea tion. Substantial fleet augmentation has thus ICG has increased Community Interaction route by terrorists for this attack highlighted become our prime objective to ensure ade- Programmes, wherein, our personnel interact SP’s: Force development and force accre- the vulnerability of our coastline, and the quate security. In fact, we are working towards regularly with the coastal fishing populations tion has a long gestation period for acquir- pressing need for a coordinated approach doubling of the fleet in five years and a three- with a view to sensitise them and act as eyes ing commensurate infrastructure and to maritime security by all the stakeholders and ears for any illegal activity at sea. assets. Within the given timelines what and users of the sea. innovative measures are being adopted to The coast guard has been active and ▸▸▸ “The coast guard is SP’s: While setting up of Maritime acquire requisite capability for ICG? at the forefront in analysing, proposing, implementing a ‘Coastal Security Advisory Board and appoint- DG ICG: At the outset it needs to be under- discussing and obtaining the Government ment of Maritime Security Advisor stands stood that “innovative” measures are not of India’s clearances on the very many mea- Surveillance Network’ to approved by the Government of India, yet permissible in the procurement process. sures implemented post 26/11 for enhancing ensure adequate and effective there are indefinite delays in setting to coastal security. electronic surveillance of the work the revamped mechanism. What in Besides a major thrust on acquisition of your view are the factors withholding the ▸▸▸ “Post 26/11, the ICG has assets and recruitment of manpower, there entire coast.” ◂◂◂ implementation? been vested with additional has been vastly increased focus on enhanc- DG ICG: The issue of setting up a Maritime ing awareness of the maritime domain and Security Advisory Board and appointment of responsibility for coastal patrolling in territorial waters by all concerned fold increase in force levels by the year 2022. Maritime Security Advisor is being dealt with security in territorial waters.” ◂◂◂ agencies. The Coastal Police of States has Attracting manpower to man these by the Indian Navy, and I am not in a position been trained by the coast guard in, inter alia, augmented force levels will also be a chal- to either comment or elaborate on the pro- basic seamanship and boat handling and lenging task. All possible options are being posal. Nevertheless, while laid down procedures are have commenced patrolling of shallow water exercised to attract suitable talent into the meticulously followed by the ICG, a sustained areas. Further, security of all minor and major coast guard service. SP’s: Elaborate upon the broad contours of effort is being made to ensure that each stage ports has been brought into focus. additional responsibilities assigned to the is progressed in the least possible time, so as The coast guard is also conducting regu- SP’s: Post Mumbai 26/11, the Government of ICG under the recently approved schemes. to shrink the overall timeline for acquisitions. lar exercises on coastal security in coordina- India has approved wide ranging changes DG ICG: The ICG has been ‘additionally I would like to add that considerable effort is tion with other central and state government in the maritime and coastal security designated’ as the authority responsible for dedicated to all the acquisition projects so agencies, to revalidate Standard Operating domain. How do you visualise the capabili- coastal security in territorial waters. Under that they fructify in a time bound manner. Procedures, check preparedness level of ties of ICG to assume those enhanced roles the new designation of Commander Coastal the resource agencies, and to impart experi- and responsibilities? Command, the DG ICG is required to coordi- SP’s: Enumerate on the details of approved ence to the agencies involved in coastal DG ICG: Post 26/11, the ICG has been vested nate with all central and state agencies in all schemes for coastal surveillance and secu- security. We are also implementing a “Coastal with additional responsibility for coastal secu- matters relating to coastal security. Directives rity. What would be the likely schedule for Surveillance Network”. rity in territorial waters, and for coordination from the government also call upon all agen- acquiring the infrastructure, assets and between all central and state agencies. The cies including the coast guard to enhance equipment? SP’s: Has the growth and development of keyword here is “coordination”. Capability surveillance in territorial waters. DG ICG: Under the “Coastal Security ICG been adequate to effectively counter enhancement is aimed to be achieved through The coordination function is being fulfilled Scheme” approved by the Government of the increasing challenges and threats ema- networking and coordination. All agencies through various means such as regular infor- India, all coastal states and island territories nating from sea frontiers in varying forms? will contribute to patrolling efforts in territorial mation exchange, establishing working level are required to activate Marine Police Stations ALFORCES.NET DG ICG: The ICG is equipped with a wide waters in a coordinated manner and so also relationships at all levels amongst all partici- along the entire coastline to provide gap- V inventory of assets to undertake surveillance the response. Every agency is working on pating agencies, conduct of periodical meet- free coverage in their area of jurisdiction. of the Exclusive Economic Zone. These asset acquisition programmes with the knowl- ings and exercises, and adoption of Standard The Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned include Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels, edge of all other agencies, which will augment Operating Procedures for routine patrols and funds under this scheme for activation of each .SPSNA Offshore Patrol Vessels, Fast Patrol Vessels, the collective efforts in due course on a con- incident response with mutual consent. So far coastal police station along with necessary Inshore Patrol Vessels, Interceptor Boats / tinuous basis. An integrated network is being as enhanced surveillance is concerned, inten- support infrastructure in terms of boats, vehi-

WWW Craft, and Air Cushion Vehicles. The air arm established for electronic surveillance all along sified vigil is expected to be achieved through cles, communications and office equipment.

Continued on page 10

8 SP’s NAVAL FORCES 5/2009 Spotlight on m UAVs co O p eWith r a t i o nadvances s in computing technology and

artificial intelligence, the level of autonomy thropgrumman.

possible with UAVs will continue to increase, .nor www permitting further reductions in training, manning and support requirements MQ-8B Navy Fire Scout Photograph:

CAPTAIN ROHIT GUPTA

nmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been around for a very long time. In the 19th century, balloons and kites were used to carry Uordnance and cameras to support military operations. Although the UAV technology saw sporadic development throughout the 20th century, it wasn’t until the last decade of the century that UAVs earned due recognition and, consequently, a permanent place in the military arsenal. This occurred as a conse- quence of the significant contribution made by UAVs, such as the Predator, Hunter and Pioneer in the Gulf Wars, Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. UAVs today fulfill the require- ments of a large number of roles earlier the preserve of manned aircraft. They undertake reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence and, of late, even weapon delivery. The UAV has emerged as one of the most important military developments of the 20th century. It combines the advantages of aerial platforms, such as speed, flexibility and reach, with those of unmanned platforms, such as lower cost and higher risk employability, afford- ing the military commander unprecedented operational flexibility. Imbued with a host of capabilities, the UAV possesses that make it ideally suited for military operations. Its endur- ance is significantly greater than manned aerial platforms both as a result of the absence of the limiting human factor and incorpora- tion of high endurance aerodynamic designs. In addition to the benefit of lower initial cost, even the operating cost of UAVs is significantly lower than that of a manned aircraft largely as a result of reduced support requirements. Greater risk can be accepted in its employ- ment as a consequence of it being unmanned and due to lower costs. With advances in com- puting technology and artificial intelligence, the level of autonomy possible with UAVs will continue to increase, permitting further reduc- tions in training, manning and support require- ments. UAVs can operate at heights greater than 50,000 ft for sustained durations with attendant operational benefits, something that manned aircraft were unable to do as a conse- quence of human limitations. Their ability to be remotely controlled and operated, separated by thousands of miles from the operational location, permits their forward deployment with minimal logistic support. They can also be operated in ‘dirty’ (nuclear contaminated) envi- ronments with greater ease than manned plat- forms as they can be tightly sealed and would not require to be opened for decontamination of the cockpit whilst changing crew.

Employment in the Navy Navies of the world have taken note of the capabilities and utility of UAVs in the naval environment. Considering the strengths of this platform, these are being inducted to for roles in intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance (ISR), targeting, strike and combat support whilst operating from land and naval platforms. Surveillance and Reconnaissance: With the increasing use of the medium of sea for

Continued on page 12

SP’s NAVAL FORCES 5/2009 9 DG Coast Guard Interview Continued from page 8

The required manpower is being recruited domain awareness and render appropri- ner, with the formation of decision making DG ICG: A host of remedial measures have and provided by the coastal states. ate response to any security threat/ incident structures at the national level. been initiated by the concerned departments The coast guard is implementing a have been formulated by the coast guard under the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of “Coastal Surveillance Network”, viz., a chain for prompt and efficient coordination of all SP’s: What would be role of ICG in such a Home Affairs, Ministry of Shipping, Road of static sensors along the coastline and national grid towards coastal surveillance Transport and Highways and the Ministry of in the island territories to ensure adequate and security? Agriculture, and are being progressed on and effective electronic surveillance of the ▸▸▸ “The coast guard is DG ICG: The ICG is playing a key role in fast track with a view to overcome the exist- entire coast. augmenting its manpower the host of measures being implemented for ing and future challenges. Their collective and force levels to enhance coastal security. As I have mentioned, a “hub and focused efforts are expected to result in SP’s: Coastal surveillance, defence and and spoke concept” is being brought into a strengthened and synergistic approach to security would entail integration of sev- its maritime surveillance.” ◂◂◂ effect for coordination of measures related ensuring India’s maritime security. On its part, eral multi-disciplinary agencies in Indian to coastal security in territorial waters. The the coast guard is augmenting its manpower peninsula. What is your perception on coast guard serves as the “hub” and the and force levels to enhance its maritime sur- achieving such integration at the national aspects related to coastal security in territorial marine police stations serve as the “spoke”. veillance. It has intensified its boarding opera- level to make available real time and waters and expected to mature with experi- Other participating agencies also form part tions and is ushering-in modern technology actionable inputs/intelligence to the con- ence and passage of time. Further, integra- of the grid. These collective and focused for electronic surveillance. Further, the coast cerned stakeholders? tion of actionable intelligence and its dissemi- efforts are expected to result in a strength- guard is constantly gearing itself to meet DG ICG: The ICG primarily focuses on nation to stakeholders at all levels is executed ened and synergistic approach to ensuring emerging operational challenges, and match operations in the maritime domain. These by mandated agencies. Considerable syn- India’s maritime security. the security demands on various counts, include routine patrols and surveillance, and ergy has been achieved by all the maritime such as enhanced traffic at upcoming ports, response to any specific threats that may security agencies since 26/11. Coastal secu- SP’s: How do you visualise the ICG evolving new projects, such as single point moorings, be reported to the coast guard. Standard rity issues are now addressed by concerned in the future to undertake assigned roles vital coastal installations, and other valuable Operating Procedures to achieve optimum government agencies in a coordinated man- and responsibilities? assets on the coastline.

Makeover Mantra Continued from page 6

MHD plant discharges hydrogen as a result green and brown waters close to the shore, is to form a multi functional, multi-disciplin- and off-board manned and unmanned sen- of electrolysis. This gives rise to bubbles, needs no further emphasis. To remain ary ‘ASW Assessment Group’ consisting sors and other technology-leveraged pos- which add to the acoustic signature. At relevant, ASW needs a new avatar, a meta- of the surface, air and submarine ASW sible solutions. shallow depths, they give a considerable IR morphosis which may involve a change in fleet operators, along with the intelligence, Creation of ASW Centre of Expertise: signature, and a discernible wake. All this the DNA of ASW and of what we have hith- technical and R&D communities. This Again, in the US Navy, an ASW Centre of will enable the present submarine detection erto understood it to be. Since this would group must postulate several likely ASW Expertise was formed at the fleet level and equipment to be exploited advantageously. be a transformational change, it needs to conflict scenarios involving ‘us’, the navy, was made responsible for ASW training, • High magnetic signature of MHD systems be holistic, sustainable, enterprise-wide and joint and coalition forces, and ‘them’, the development of multi-platform coordinated will increase the detection ranges by MAD. most certainly, top down. The broad con- current and potential adversaries. A real- tactics and experimentation. This addressed • Due to the very low indiscretion rate, cept of ASW operations and approach to istic estimation of the outcome of each of the near term needs and initiatives at the chances of detection of the submarine by initiate this transformation is enumerated in these scenarios must then be arrived at grass root level. radar will be reduced drastically. the succeeding paragraphs. using analytical and simulation tools. All Interactive Machine-Aided Training: This • Passive detection may be a very chal- lessons learnt must be segregated under is an exciting new training approach being lenging task if Pump-Jet propulsion sys- Broad Concept of operations one of the three core activities of the navy, developed by the US Navy that uses com- tems are adopted. Further, mounting AIP Moving Area Control: In the 10 to 15 year that is, to organise, equip and train and, puter-generated visualisation of underwater systems, such as the CCD/SE/MESMA on time frame, any current or potential region- finally, strengths and weakness under each sound fields and propagation phenomena high-grade resilient mountings, will make al adversary will be able to deploy up to identified and articulated. This assessment to develop operator institution and greater the submarine very quiet. Fuel Cells will 35 to 40 modern submarines, in a mix of will enable the navy in, firstly, develop- understanding of sonar conditions and offer the quietest option. This could con- nuclear, AIP and diesel types. With the cur- ing a set of integrated ASW requirements, effectiveness. siderably degrade passive detection and rent constrain of resources, the strategy of thereafter, designing mission architecture Induction of New Technologies and force employment of the active sonar, ‘moving area control’ may be most appro- in its response and, finally, drafting a cor- Technology Management Concepts: which may not be a tactically feasible responding long term investment plan for While any detail discussion on the new option at times. ‘ASW Modernisation’. Since the start point technologies being developed/inducted in ▸▸▸ To remain relevant, ASW of this entire exercise is based on our best this new avatar of ASW would be beyond Submarine detection in shallow needs a new avatar, a estimate of long term submarine threat, the scope of this paper, suffice to say that waters the architecture, size and capability of the passive low frequency acoustic sensors, ASW forces deployed by global or regional metamorphosis which may force will be requirement based. rapidly deployable short term surveillance navies in unstable regions are likely to involve a change in the DNA To bridge the strategic gap, there is a systems, remote off-board sensors, satel- encounter hostile SSKs operating in coastal definite need to review the existing organisa- lite signal processing, techniques and or brown and green, waters. This is signifi- of ASW and of what we have tion and processes, training concepts, hard- procedures for rapid assessment of ASW cant because these environments are where hitherto understood it to be ◂◂◂ ware, and the very approach to equipment environment of the littoral battlespace, cold-war ASW technologies, developed for and technology management. and so on are some of the key technology operating in the cold, deep-blue oceanic Organisational Restructuring: To provide enhancements being contemplated. The waters, are less effective. priate. This would ensure ‘time limited the necessary fillip and drive this new avatar fact of the matter remains that Revolution Submarine detection in green and brown submarine–free havens’ in area of interest. of ASW, there is a need to establish a single in Information and Communication Affairs coastal waters is very difficult for many By successively concentrating ASW forces point of responsibility, akin to the US Navy’s is far ahead of Revolution in Military Affairs. reasons. First, in green waters, defined as and ISR assets where and when required, Fleet ASW Command. While its nomencla- This enables the ASW fraternity to indulge waters of the continental shelf, there is a maritime interests can be safeguarded, ture and structure is a matter of detail, its in advanced and rapid insertion of com- mixture of drifting water bodies of different sea control achieved and battle / events primary responsibility will be to set stan- mercial, off-the-shelf, ‘plug-and-play’ temperatures, salinities and velocities that ashore influenced. dards for integrated ASW and operations approach to information and communica- with shallow and turbulent conditions, limit A ‘System of Systems’ Approach: There is and training. Some of its important tasks tion technologies and utilisation of off-the- sonar range. To add to these difficulties there an urgent need to treat the entire ASW archi- could be as follows: shelf data/signal processing techniques. are shoals of fish, rocky outcrops and wrecks tecture as a ‘system of systems’ and recog- • Improving undersea warfare capabilities, Technology, in most cases, should be that generate false contacts. nise that effective ASW is a chain of systems • Introducing new ASW technologies to the assumed to be a ‘given’ rather than a limi- Coastal waters from the shore out to 25 and is only as strong as the weakest link. fleet quickly, tation. Its application and management is miles, or brown water conditions, are even Budgetary demands and allocations must • Quality Integrated fleet ASW training, what we need to master, rather than con- more difficult. Currents, thermal disturbances be determined by an investment strategy of • Assessing ASW performance of the fleet centrating on its development. and winds cause active sonar transmissions strengthening the weakest link. and coordinating opposition exercises, and to deflect downward, reducing effectiveness Controlling coordinated ASW from • Developing intergrated ASW training Renew interest in ASW to a few hundred meters. Further problems ashore: There is a need to widen the resource and coordinating individual ASW ASW embodies the essence of Sea Control, that make SSK detection difficult include scope of ‘Coordinated ASW’ to include training. which will be the sine qua non for our suc- industrial debris found off-shore, and muddy shore based ISR assets and C4I Formation of a ‘Task Force ASW’: The US cess in any future crises or conflict. To quote conditions that degrade acoustic signals and (Command, Control, Communications, Navy formed a Task Force ASW to exam- Captain John Morgan, USN, Director ASW make visual sighting impossible. Outflows Computers, Intelligence) infrastructure. To ine fleet shortcomings and recommend Division (N 84): “We must recognise that in of cold freshwater from rivers flowing under effectively orchestrate this enhanced coor- improvements in technology, operational today’s and tomorrow’s conflict scenarios, sea water warmed by the sun create thermal dinated ASW effort, the current ‘Platform concepts, and training techniques. It asked the submarine is an underwater terrorist, an layers that trap sonar signals in sound chan- Centric Command and Control’ will become the critical question: “How do we improve ephemeral threat. It will force us to devote a nels, or ducts. a stumbling block and, therefore, the upon the traditional time-dependence and great deal of resources and time, which we ALFORCES.NET Command Organisation for coordinated clumsiness of ASW, in which a suspected might not have”. V ASW: The New Avatar ASW has to shift ashore. or real contact has to be handed-off from There is, therefore, definite need for the The fact that the current ASW concepts, airplane to ship to submarine to airplane?” Indian Navy’s leadership to renew its inter- organisation, technologies and mindset The ASW Strategic Gap This reportedly changed the universe of est in core ASW competencies and also for .SPSNA will not effectively overcome the chal- Identifying the ASW Strategic Gap: The accepted solutions and initiated research ASW to dawn a new avatar; an avatar that lenges posed by the newer generation AIP first step to find a solution is to accept that in areas such as networked, high data rate can handle the threat from newer subma-

WWW equipped SSKs, operating in the shallow a problem exists. Therefore, the first step and wireless communications and organic rines operating in the littorals.

10 SP’s NAVAL FORCES 5/2009 Brown Water FORCE O p e r a t i o n s India has to review its concept of brown water operations for various contingencies, like normal operations, counter-insurgency/ terrorist operations, police functions and disaster relief

LIEUTENANT GENERAL (RETD) NARESH CHAND l

ll navies aspire to a ‘blue water’ it became the main interdiction vessel for .mi

status. But there is no set defini- the inland waterways. The more suitable .navy

tion for it. It can be described as a South Vietnamese Navy water craft were www maritime force capable of operating used for coastal operations until replaced Aacross oceans. To further amplify the term, it by newer patrol vessels. Early 1965, the should be a self-contained force, consisting of Naval Advisory Group in Vietnam published Photograph: sub-surface, surface and airborne elements a study titled “Naval Craft Requirements in which are capable of protecting themselves a Counter Insurgency (COIN) Environment”. A Modern Classic Littoral Combat Ship while carrying out sustained operations on the high seas. The term ‘brown water navy’ was reborn during the Vietnam War in 1965, when the requirement arose for craft suitable for coastal and riverine operations. The US Navy is credited for the origin of the term brown water navy while referring to the small gunboats and patrol boats used in rivers. Former US Navy Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Mullen said in an interview, “In addition to the blue water ships, which I would characterise and describe as our aircraft carriers, and other ships that sup- port that kind of capability, we’re also looking to develop capability in what I call the green water and the brown water, and the brown water is really the rivers.” Practically speaking, the capability to operate in blue, green or brown water depends on the individual vessel’s specifica- tions. The broader implications are that a brown water navy can carry out operations in river or littoral environment and many modern littoral-combat ships are armed with powerful anti-ship missiles.

Birth & growth of a concept American Civil War: The term ‘brown water navy’ originated during the American Civil War. It was based on a two pronged approach in which the harbours of the Confederate states were blocked and then the Union’s forces pushed along the mighty Mississippi river, effectively dividing the Confederate territory in two and blocking their main transport route. The task of blocking the harbours was given to the US Navy whereas the gunboats operated along the Mississippi river. These gun boats were built and crewed by the US Army with a naval officer in command. Later, the boats were transferred to the US Navy. Because of DATE: the Mississippi’s murky brown water, the craft 1 – 5 December 2009 that participated in these operations were THE MARITIME & AEROSPACE EXHIBITION THAT MATTERS! called the Brown Water Navy. Apart from an VENUE: odd river patrol boat, the Brown Water Navy Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre An event is worth attending when you have the most influential people in the industry practically disappeared after the Civil War. Langkawi, Malaysia making an effort to be seen and heard. At LIMA ’09, over 450 exhibitors from 24 countries, Vietnam War: During the Vietnam War, the with 187 delegations and 40,000 expected trade visitors will converge for common interests. US Navy discovered they could not intercept SUPPORTED BY North Vietnamese ferrying supplies and con- You can be sure of one simple fact....You Need to Be Seen at LIMA 09! traband to South Vietnam on smaller boats that traveled along the coastline. The US OFFICIAL FUEL PRO VIDER O FFICIAL DELEGAT E S C A R OFFICIAL AIRLINE OFFICIAL IT PRO VIDER O F F I C I A L TELEC OMUNIC AT I ONS OFFICIAL MOBILE TELEC OMUNIC AT I ONS OFFICIAL BANK OFFICIAL OFFICE Navy had destroyers and the most powerful PRO VIDE R SERVICE PRO VIDER AU TO MAT I O N P R O VIDE R aircraft carriers but no lighter and swifter craft, capable of moving closer to the coast. In the beginning, the brown water navy patrolled the inland waterways, primarily with South Vietnamese river craft of the River Assault HW LIMA SDN BHD 35F-1-6 Jalan 2/27F, KLSC II, Section 5, Wangsa Maju 53300 Kuala Lumpur T : +603 4142 1699 F : +603 4142 2699 E : [email protected] W : www.lima2009.com.my Groups mostly inherited from the French. As the new fiberglass Patrol Boat River (PBR), using water jet propulsion, became available,

SP’s NAVAL FORCES 5/2009 11 Swift Boat: Technical Specifications

The PCF Mark I had a welded aluminum hulls of about 50 ft long with 13 ft beam and draft of about five ft. It was powered by a twin 480 hp (360 kW) Detroit Diesel engines with a design range from 320 nautical miles (590 km) at 21 knots (590 km at 39 km/h) to about 750 nautical miles (1,390 km) at 10 knots (1,390 km at 19 km/h). Normal crew complement was one officer and five crewmen. It had two 0.50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns in a turret above the pilot house, an over-and-under 0.50-caliber machine gun—81 mm mortar combination mounted on the rear deck, and a mortar ammunition box on the stern. The 81 mm combination mortar mounted on the rear deck was not the gravity firing mortar but a lanyard firing weapon in which the projectile was still loaded into the muzzle. The gunner, thus, could fire when required with the help of the lanyard. When elevated, the 81 mm mortar had a range of 3,940 yards; 1,000 yards when firing direct. The 0.50 Browning machine gun had a rate of fire of 450-550 rounds per minute with an effective range of 1,000 yards. Many boats also mounted a single M60 machine gun in the forward peak tank, just in front of the forward superstruc- ture. Mark II had a modified deck house set further back from the bow. The newer boats also had round port holes (replacing larger sliding windows) in the aft superstructure. Mark III was a larger version of the Mark II. It carried a Decca D202 radar with a range of 24 miles. The Raytheon DE176A Fathometer had a maximum depth reading of 240 ft. The communication equipment included HF and VHF radio sets. US Senator John Kerry (former Democratic nominee for President) served aboard Swift Boats for approximately four of his 16 months in Vietnam. Lieutenant Kerry won the .pib.nic.in Silver Star and three Purple Hearts during riverine combat in a PCF. www

of FIC, hovercraft and patrol boats. threats should be identified as early as pos- The National Flag being hoisted onboard INS Carnicobar, during the Commissioning Technical details are not known but the sible and intercepted. Thus, such boats must

Photograph: ceremony, at Chennai on February 16, 09 general requirement world over is for faster be equipped to carry out long range detection boats, suitably armed and capable of operat- in all weather conditions and be capable of The study concluded that COIN water opera- a mortar ammunition box on the stern; and the ing on the coastal area, as per the role of the preventing terrorists from carrying out opera- tions are difficult, demanding and unique, and installation of bunks, a refrigerator and freezer. user agency. However, design parameters tions from the sea. thus need specially tailored craft for its needs. The company reacted fast and delivered will depend upon the primary role of the boat. To fulfill their mission, such boats Qualitative requirements for a small COIN craft the first four boats within 40 days. Designated Some salient aspects are: demand speed, manoeuvrability and load were spelled out as follows: as Patrol Craft Fast (PCF)—otherwise called Fast patrol boats (FPB): Speed has always carrying capability different from what is • Non-wooden hull with screw and rudder Swift boats—these became the main force a major requirement for naval and coast normally assigned to FPBs. These do not protection against groundings. of the US Brown Water Navy. Mark II ver- guard patrol boats, and the current boats are need high speeds but a more balanced • Self-sufficient for 400-500 mile patrol with a sion had a modified deck house and Mark capable of achieving a cruising speed of over approach in favour of improved manoeu- speed of 20/25 knots. III version was slightly larger than Mark II. A 50 knots by using various propulsion systems, vrability at the cost of speed. It also requires • Small high-resolution radar with a range of total of 171 Mark I, II and III swift boats were including gas-turbine powered water-jets, advanced sensors, suitable weapons and 4 to 6 miles and reliable long-range commu- constructed for the US Navy, Philippine Navy, hydrofoils and combination of catamaran-air- long endurance. nications equipment which is compatible with Thailand, Cambodia, Brazil and Zaire. By the cushion designs. A combination of diesel and India’s version of fast attack boat or craft the army and air force. late 1960s, the Swift Boat would commence gas turbine also offers an impressive speed is the Car Nicobar class being built at Garden • Armament for limited offence. operations alongside the PBRs in the inland advantage, but with a trade off for endurance. Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers for the • Quiet operation, sparse berthing, fathometer waters, as well as maintaining operations Such speeds are required for intercepting Indian Navy. The vessels are the first water- accurate from 0-50 ft and a small, powerful along the coastline. In 1970, the US Navy ter- smugglers. These should also have sensors to jet propelled ships of the Indian Navy. It has searchlight. minated its brown water naval operations and adequately cover the area and have fire arms sensors/radars and an efficient gun turret of After some research, the navy found that handed over the boats to Vietnam. It again to cater for a specific contingency. indigenous design. The gun is 30mm CRN- a boat builder, Sewart Seacraft, on the Gulf had to use boats for riverine operations by the Fast attack boats: Counter-insurgency/terror- 91 gun fitted on the forepeak. The CRN-91, of Mexico, made water taxis used for logistic marines on the river Euphrates in Iraq. ism usually require induction and support of which is a naval version of the 2A42 30mm support to the gulf oil rigs. The navy bought land based activities of guerillas and terror- Medak gun, is controlled by an electronic the rights to the drawings for the “swift boat”. Indian Perspective ists, induction and extraction of intelligence fire control system developed and jointly pro- Seacraft was also asked to prepare some After the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in agents and special forces, as well as offen- duced by the Ordnance Factory Board and modified drawings to include a gun tub, September last year, India woke up to the sive activities (mining and sabotage of ports Bharat Electronics Limited. It also mounts two ammunition lockers, bunks and a small gal- requirement of coastal security. Several types and waterways, and attacks on marine and 12.7mm Heavy Machine Guns. Its speed is 35 ley. The Navy Bureau of Ships had asked of fast boats are available for leisure or sport naval units). Terrorists try to cover their move- knots and range is 2,000 miles (with a speed for more than 50 military modifications to the that can easily be used by the terrorist and ments as routine maritime traffic, like fishing of 12 to 14 knots). commercial design, including two 0.50-caliber pose a serious threat to national security. (for instance, in the Mumbai attack, it was India has to review its concept of brown machine guns in a Mark 17 turret above the Considering all these factors, India has issued under the garb of a fishing trawler), sport or water operations for various contingencies, like pilot house; an over and under 0.50-caliber a request for information for 80 Fast Interceptor merchant shipping. They pose a serious threat normal operations, counter-insurgency/terrorist machine gun/81 mm mortar combination, Craft (FIC) at an approximate cost of $300 mil- to civilians as well as strategic targets at sea operations, police functions, disaster relief and mounted on the rear deck; the construction of lion (Rs 1,410 crore). The craft could be a mix or even soft targets near the coastline. These decide on the type of boats required.

Spotlight on UAVs Continued from page 9

trade and travel there has been a significant ling that achieved by fixed wing UAVs. to sensor payloads. Another notable develop- capable of ‘buddy’ refuelling are also being increase in maritime traffic which has, in turn, Intelligence: Historically, intelligence gathering ment on the ‘combat’ UAV front is that of jet developed to bridge this deficiency. triggered the need for maritime surveillance in aerial platforms have always had to operate propelled Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles Micro/Mini UAVs: The proliferation of UAVs terms of areas to be kept under surveillance as at a distance from their intended intelligence which would, in the not-too-distant-future, offer into the military arena is set to expand even well as greater ‘persistence’ to mitigate secu- sources for fear of retribution. As a conse- offensive capabilities similar to manned fight- further with the induction of UAVs that can rity risks. There is, therefore, a need to monitor quence of the much improved anti-aircraft ers. A number of such programmes are cur- be operated by a single person or a small all traffic, varying from combat fleets during systems available today, current intelligence rently underway to produce stealthy offensive group. Numerous such Micro/Mini UAVs have all out war, to small boats as were used for gathering aircraft prefer to stay over own areas platforms in the max all up weight category of been developed. In the naval context, rotary the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. Advances in whilst executing their missions. This limitation up to 20 tonnes. Some notable programmes and hand/boat launched Micro/Mini UAVs are sensor technologies to provide high resolution has resulted in a reduction in their capability are the Northrop Grumman X-47B or UCAS-D being inducted to support the surveillance images with reduced sensor size and weight to intercept low strength signals or gain intelli- for the US Navy, which will be carrier borne, needs of naval units conducting operations have enabled UAVs to emerge as the platform gence inputs available only close to the source. General Atomics Avenger, BAES Taranis, such as the boarding of ships and landings on of choice for conducting maritime surveillance. This scenario is changing with the introduction Dassault nEUROn and MiG Skat. hostile territory. The US Navy proposes to utilise the of UAVs to perform such duties. UAVs are able Support Operations: UAVs are ideally suited Global Hawk, from General Atomics of US, as to penetrate deeper and therefore closer to the to take over those combat support operations Conclusion part of the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance intended targets both because of their incon- which are risky, costly and require sustained Evidently, UAVs provide the commander a Project for maritime reconnaissance (MR) spicuousness as well as acceptance of greater presence, that is, the ‘dull and dirty’ ones. number of advantages for warfighting. These duties. The German Navy is replacing its risk in their employment. They are currently being employed in a num- retain the benefits of aerial platforms whilst Atlantique MR aircraft with the Euro Hawk, Offensive Operations: Buoyed by the experi- ber of such support roles, the major ones removing the risk and limitations of onboard a derivative of the Global Hawk. The Israeli ence gained during UAV operations in the being: Over-the-Horizon-Targeting, Battle human involvement. Most advanced militaries Navy is also considering replacement of the recent past, UAV manufacturers have moved Damage Assessment, Electronic Attack, of the world have already jumped on the UAV IAI Westwind MR aircraft with the IAI Heron. onto developing larger platforms which have Decoying and Communication Relay. Airborne bandwagon. The Indian Navy commenced In addition to utilising long-endurance shore- increased payload and therefore the capacity early warning (AEW), which is a risky operation UAV operations as far back as 2002, making based UAVs for surveillance, there is a need to accommodate both sensors and weapons. A as the platform is extremely vulnerable to anti- it one of the pioneers in their induction. UAV to have organic UAV surveillance capability beginning in weaponising the UAV was made radiation missiles, is another mission ideally capabilities continue to improve at an extreme- on naval ships. This has been addressed by with the arming of the Predator with the light suited for the UAV. Current developments in ly rapid pace as a consequence of ongoing developing rotary UAVs equipped with surveil- (50 kg) Hellfire missiles, a combination that has this field are being steered towards developing developments in platform capability, sensor lance and classification sensors. A number worked wonders in both Iraq and Afghanistan. UAVs that carry only the AEW receivers which miniaturisation and communication technolo- of such programmes are currently underway, To garner greater gains from this development, being passive, can be positioned close to the gies. Considering the significant gains afford- ALFORCES.NET notable amongst these being the Fire Scout of General Atomics has transitioned from the war-zone whilst the transmitter is retained on ed by UAVs, armed forces around the world V Northrop Grumman, Orca or EADS, NRUAV of 1 tonne MQ-1 Predator to the 5 tonne MQ-9 a manned platform at stand-off ranges. This are closely watching these developments in IAI-HAL, Hummingbird of Boeing, Camcopter Reaper, IAI has developed the Heron TP in manned-unmanned combination for AEW is order to fully garner the benefits from maturing of Scheibel and Eagle Eye of Bell. These the 5 tonne class and BAES has commenced expected to significantly increase aerial target UAV programmes and technologies. .SPSNA UAVs have longer endurance than manned development of the 6 tonne Mantis. Each of the detection ranges. As UAVs fly much slower helicopters; which, in case of the Boeing above platforms will have the ability to carry than currently available aerial refuelling air- The author is Director of Aircraft Acquisition at Integrated

WWW Hummingbird, is in excess of 24 hours, rival- in excess of 1 tonne of ordnance in addition craft they cannot be re-fuelled in the air. UAVs Headquarters, MoD (Navy).

12 SP’s NAVAL FORCES 5/2009 www.spsnavalforces.net

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Follow us on Twitter Endurance of a conventional submarine being an important limiting FUTURE factor, R&D in the field of submarine propulsion systems dominates the future trends in conventional submarines TRENDS News Hotline With advances in computing Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, technology and artificial AVSM, NM, Director General intelligence, the level of Indian Coast Guard in a autonomy possible with forthright interaction with SP’s UAVs will continue to Naval Forces delineates the increase, permitting further roles, responsibilities and reductions in training, goals of the force even asVY it OFFER A manning and support enhances its capabilities to requirements address emerging threats Launch of SP’s Special upplement at Photos and Videos the C4I2 Summit held in Delhi on August 10 and 11 (Report on p9). Spotlight on UAVs CAPTAIN ROHIT GUPTA Interview Y INVITING CAREER? Video is also available DOES INDIAN NA VER es • No • Don’t Know • Y Join the poll & comment Overwhelming response R e p o r t Four packed business days drew visitors from across UK and all over world to the event held in London

SP’s RESEARCH TEAM S h o w

he world’s largest fully BAE’s Helmet-mounted displays: The MICROCAM uses a full third less integrated defence UK Ministry of Defence has placed the than its nearest competitor and and security exhibi- first order for a new generation of hel- can be easily integrated into tion, Defence Systems met-mounted displays developed by BAE any handheld, portable, UAV, and EquipmentT International (DSEi) 2009 Systems. The Royal Navy will purchase night vision or sighting systems served as an ideal platform for senior inter- 12 remote sighting systems incorporating product. national trade and military experts from BAE Systems’ Q-Sight display, for its Lynx Blighter ground surveillance across the supply chain to interact in an Mk8 helicopters. “Q-Sight makes aviators radars of Plextek: Plextek optimal business environment. It provided more effective in many situations, includ- announced a number of impor- one-on-one opportunities to share ideas, ing degraded visual environments such as tant performance enhancements discuss industry developments, conduct brown-out conditions,” said Jim Garceau, to its range of Blighter ground business and network for future growth. Vice President of Defense Avionics for BAE surveillance radars, including Visitors came from UK and all over the Systems. “Its lightweight design increases significantly extended detection world to experience first-hand the latest pilot comfort, and its wide field of view ranges and support for wider land, air and sea capabilities of more than enables pilots to keep their heads up and scan angles as well as introduc- 1,350 companies from 40 countries over four eyes out of the cockpit while performing ing its new Vortex Fast-Scan packed business days. This year, SP Guide their missions. Q-Sight also provides impor- technology. These new features Publications was represented at the event tant capabilities to other crew members, further enhance the radar’s held in London from September 8 to 11 by including door gunners and loadmasters.” Micro-CoMPASS capability to deliver class-lead- Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal and Director BAE Systems announced the inaugural ing ‘Persistent Surveillance’, Sales and Marketing Neetu Dhulia. order at a media briefing at DSEi 2009. offering unrivalled protection Elbit’s Micro Multi-Purpose Advanced against both conventional and NAVAL EQUIPMENT ON DISPLAY Stabilised System: The Micro-CoMPASSTM asymmetric threats. The radar’s Thales: Thales launched the I-Mast 100, the is an 8” lightweight and compact payload scanning speed has been integrated mast small, littoral combatants. system for small UAVs, airborne, marine and dramatically improved using I-Mast 100 is a central mast structure that ground applications. It features excellent Blighter’s Vortex Fast-Scan houses all of a ship’s radar and optronic stabilisation performance and high quality technology across the whole sensors, most of the communication anten- day and night sensors. Sensors onboard Blighter range. These modes nas and all associated cabinets and periph- include a Third Generation 3-5 μm FPA employ Plextek’s new multi-beam erals. The advantages of this sensor con- zoom FLIR camera, a zoom colour CCD electronic-scanning technology, cept are numerous: improved operational camera and a laser pointer. and maintain Blighter’s ability performance, higher operational availability, Operation Vision-Anti-Piracy System to detect ultra-slow movement, reduced ship-building time, reduced main- Demonstration: Systematic and its team something that mechanically Blighter B202 Radar tenance requirements and substantial sav- comprising ITT Defence UK Ltd, Tactronics scanned radars cannot achieve. ings in below-deck space. The I-Mast 100 Group Europe and Ultra Electronics gave In addition, the Blighter B400 concept has been validated before its for- an excellent re-enactment of the anti-piracy Series radars now feature new mal introduction with numerous navies and operation conducted by HMDS Absalon range modes that extend detec- shipyards around the world. I-Mast 100 is (flagship of the Danish Navy) off the coast tion ranges out to either 16 or the second member of Thales’s I-Mast fam- of Somalia earlier this year. The Thames set 32 km. These radars, which are ily. At present, the I-Mast 400 is being built the scene for a simulation of that boarding ideal for fixed or mobile applica- at Thales’s Hengelo facility. The first system operation made by Systematic and other tions, can also be configured is scheduled to be installed on the Royal selected companies. to detect a walking person in Dutch Navy’s Holland class Patrol Ship at Systematic’s maritime security tech- excess of 10 km. Plextek is also the end of 2010. nology, SitaWare Maritime Boarding, has om releasing the Blighter B202 Mk 2,

Northrop Grumman: Northrop Grumman already been tested and assessed by the tial.c a new lightweight and compact has displayed a cross-section of the com- Royal Danish Navy. It has been used on Blighter B422 Radar (Blighter B400 series radars) radar suited to man-portable and pany’s defence and security solutions with the Danish battleship Absalon which led mobile applications. The B202 equipment, displays and presentations of Task Force 150 (a multinational coalition .atlanticiner Mk 2 incorporates new features www

technologies from across the UK, Europe naval task force responsible for the maritime & including an 8 km capability,

and the US. Using a coastal protection security operations in the Middle East and om enhanced antennas enabling an scenario, the company demonstrated the the North Indian Ocean) from September impressive 90 degree electronic- integration of naval systems and shipboard 2008 until April 2009. According to a Danish scan angle as well as the new .plextek.c sensors, the creation of a common operating Newspaper, Absalon has been the most Vortex Fast-Scan technology. www picture for defence and civil command and successful warship in the Gulf of Aden, by The first silent diesel fuel cell om, control systems. stopping 88 out of 250 pirates stopped, power generator: Nordic Power

Eagle Close Combat Radio (CCR): while the Danish Warship has been chas- .el-op.c Systems (NPS) showed the first Cobham demonstrated its new Eagle CCR ing pirates This area, which constitutes an silent diesel fuel cell power gen- www which is a third generation, full duplex, ad- important passageway for international ship- erator (APU) of its kind. While hoc networked radio specifically designed ping, is severely plagued by piracy attacks fuel cells normally is fuelled by as a short range Infantry Section/Squad and the smuggling of arms, goods and Atlantic Inertial Systems’ SiIMU02 hydrogen, NPS has developed a radio. It allows up to five talkers to speak people and therefore depends on efficient Photographs: fully integrated generator (APU) simultaneously in a conference mode, and patrolling. Furthermore, this technology was running on diesel. A prototype provides a simultaneous encrypted voice in use on board the command ship Thetis chosen for the requirement, but dropped with 1 kW electric output was and data capability, allowing complete flex- when it was in action off the coast of Somalia due to technical problems. The SiIMU02R is displayed. The system is virtually emission ibility of use. Eagle incorporates an automat- Atlantic Inertial Systems delivers 1000th in service on a range of programmes includ- free apart from CO2, which is reduced sig- ic rebroadcast facility which both extends Imu02 for Excalibur: AIS was selected to ing the A Darter,(Air-Air Missile), APKWS nificantly due to high efficiency. A separate its range and provides excellent coverage supply the Excalibur Inertial Measurement - 70mm (2.75 inch) Guided Rocket, and sulphur cleaning unit is under development in urban areas. In recent months, Cobham Unit (IMU) following excellent performance Roketsan,2.75 inch Guided Rocket. It is also allowing the APU to be operated on high Defence Communications has secured sev- on the Raytheon-led ERGM US Navy course- currently under consideration for a number sulphur diesel/JP 8. The uniqueness of the eral orders of undisclosed value for nearly corrected projectile project, since cancelled. of international programmes technology is the reforming of hydrocarbon 10,000 Eagle CCRs from customers in the AIS recently delivered the thousandth fuels to a hydrogen rich gas in combina- ALFORCES.NET Middle East, the Far East and Africa, with IMU02 and enters high rate production for Interesting Developments tion with high temperature Proton exchange V further orders expected imminently. Eagle Excalibur. This unit was part of the first high Miniature thermal imager: Thermoteknix membrane fuel, also known as polymer has also been incorporated within Cobham’s rate production batch of 200 per month for has just launched the shutterless 384x288 electrolyte membrane fuel cells. It provides Marine Interdiction Operations System, also Raytheon Missile Systems Excalibur preci- 25μ pitch MICROCAM module – a feath- silent watch functionality, high efficiency giv- .SPSNA on display at DSEi, to provide improved sion guided missile system from a total erweight 30g (1oz), miniature 4x4cm ing reduced logistics costs and the option communications and situational awareness requirement for 2000 a year. The AIS IMU02 (1.57x1.57 inch) thermal imager with to use the APU as a combined power and

WWW for Boarding Party operations. replaces the Honeywell system originally a power consumption of <0.6 Watt. heating unit.

14 SP’s NAVAL FORCES 5/2009 Publisher & ▸ ▸ ▸ In Brief Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal Assistant Editor Antony on a three-day lowed by satellites exclusive The ship will be equipped Command have tested two is based on the LHD “Juan Arundhati Das visit to Russia to the Indian Air Force and with advanced stealth fea- advanced versions of the Carlos I”, currently under con- Senior Editorial Adviser Defence Minister A.K. Antony the Indian Army in 2011-2012. tures and state-of-the-art nuclear-capable Prithvi-II bal- struction for the Spanish Navy. R. Adm (Retd) S.K. Ramsay was on a three-day official weapon systems. listic missile, with a strike Senior Tech Group Editor Lt Gen. (Retd) Naresh Chand visit to Moscow on October range of 350 km, from the Contributing Editor

13, to attend the ninth meet- m Chandipur interim test range.

co Lt Gen. V.K. (Retd) Kapoor ing of the Indo-Russia Inter A defence ministry official Logistical fleet programme Air Mshl (Retd) V.K. Bhatia Governmental Commission on Indian Coast Guard explained that the two P-II of the French Navy Chief Special Correspondent Military Technical Cooperation gets a new region missiles, which can carry 500 The French Minister of Sangeeta Saxena

(IRIGC-MTC). The IRIGC-MTC thropgrumman. The coast guard has estab- kg warheads, were launched Defence has chaired a meet- Assistant Photo Editor Abhishek Singh meets annually, alternately in .nor lished a new region with within minutes of each other. ing of the Ministerial Defence India and Russia, at the level Gandhinagar as its head- Investment Committee and Sub-Editor www of the Defence Ministers of quarters to strengthen the has decided to launch, apart Bipasha Roy the two countries to review Indo-US military relations coastal security apparatus from other projects, design CONTRIBUTORS and discuss matters relat- growing rapidly along Gujarat. It was inau- Overseas partner for naval studies of the “logistical India Admiral (Retd) Arun Prakash ing to the bilateral defence For decades, India mostly gurated by Defence Minister version of LCA fleet” programme, which aims Vice Adm (Retd) R.N. Ganesh cooperation between the two depended on, first, the A.K. Antony on October 3. The The Indian Navy is looking to equip the French Navy by Vice Adm (Retd) P.J. Jacob countries. The meeting was Soviet Union and then Russia new region will be headed by for an overseas partner to 2020 with four multipurpose R. Adm (Retd) Raja Menon held on October 14 and 15 for its military supplies. But its first Regional Commander, help optimise the landing resupply ships capable of Cmde Rajeev Sawhney Dr W. Lawrence Prabhakar and was chaired by Antony as the Cold War ended and Inspector General S.P. Sharma. gear design and making sustaining operations of an Europe and his Russian counterpart India’s relations with the associated changes in devel- aircraft carrier task force and Alan Peaford, Doug Richardson, A.E. Serdyukov. Two major US began improving dur- oping the naval version of of an amphibious task force. Andrew Brookes (UK) ing Bill Clinton’s presidency, the Light Combat Aircraft USA & Canada Delhi gradually increased L&T to bid for conventional (LCA). At present, the Indian Lon Nordeen (USA) its military cooperation with submarines Navy has ordered six naval Anil R. Pustam (West Indies) Washington. Today, besides L&T Chairman and Managing versions of the single-engine Nimitz celebrates West Asia/Africa holding joint military exer- Director A.M. Naik has said LCA, giving a boost to the 100,000th catapult shot H.R. Heitman (S. Africa) cises with the US military, the company would bid for home-grown programme. The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz Chairman & Mg Director .pib.nic.in Jayant Baranwal India has also been buying the Indian Navy’s second line Lockheed Martin, which was reached a milestone in his- www Admin & Coordination US armaments worth bil- of conventional submarines. the preferred prospective tory when an EA-6B Prowler Bharti Sharma, Survi Massey agreements to boost defence lions of dollars. The latest He pointed out that L&T, partner, lost time in getting became the 100,000th aircraft Design cooperation between India India-US defence deal is the along with the Russians, was the necessary clearances to launch off the Catapult. Associate Art Director: Ratan Sonal and Russia are likely to be sale of the Airborne Early vying to build Amur Class ves- from the US government. The successful launch Layout Design: Rajkumar Sharma, signed during Prime Minister Warning aircraft, Hawkeye sels but the initiative did not was flown by Cdr. Vincent Vimlesh Kumar Yadav Dr Manmohan Singh’s visit to E-2D, developed by Northrop take off due to lack of funds. Johnson, the Executive Officer Sales & Marketing Director: Neetu Dhulia Moscow this year. The first Grumman. Woolf Gross, the “Our shipyards in Hazira and of VAQ-135. A ceremony was Head Vertical Sales: Rajiv Chugh agreement will be on extend- company’s Corporate Director, Kattupalli have the capabil- Navantia lays keel for the held to celebrate this achieve- Sales Manager: Rajiv Ranjan ing the Military Technical said the reconnaissance ity to take up construction first LHD for Australia ment. “It has been 34 years SP’s Websites Cooperation for 10 years, plane has yet to be intro- of vessels of about 7,000 to with 22 sets of work ups, Senior Web Developer: Shailendra from 2011 to 2020, and the duced in the US Navy and 9,000 tonnage and even war- and it’s all possible because Prakash Ashish second relates to After- Sales its sale to India is symbolic ships of the size three or four of the people that work on Web Developer: Ugrashen s Vishwakarma Product Support for Defence of the close military ties times these vessels,” he said. this to make it happen,” said Published bimonthly by Jayant Equipment of Russian ori- between the two nations. Nimitz Commanding Officer Baranwal on behalf of SP Guide gin. However, the much .navantia.e Captain Paul Monger. Publications P Ltd. All rights reserved.

awaited final price for Admiral www No part of this publication may be Gorshkov could not be arrived India-Indonesia launch Navantia has laid the keel reproduced, stored in a retrieval sys- at and it was agreed to con- INS Shivalik to be coordinated patrol in for the LHD “Canberra” at tem, or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, recording, tinue cost negotiations. commissioned shortly the Indian Ocean the Ferrol shipyard. It is the Contract for FREMM electronic, or otherwise without prior Initiating a step forward in first of the series of two Multimission Frigates written permission of the publishers. navy-to-navy cooperation in that Australia contracted DCNS has signed an order sup- Printed in India: the Indian Ocean Region, with Navantia in 2007. This plement for three new vessels by Kala Jyothi Process Pvt Ltd Maritime Security Advisor’s the Indian Navy and the milestone consisted of the under the European FREMM © SP Guide Publications, 2009 post on the anvil Navy Indonesian Navy are conduct- erection in slipway three of multimission frigate pro- Letter to Editor Defence Minister A.K. Antony ing coordinated patrols of the four blocks of the keel, gramme. This brings France’s [email protected] has announced that the gov- Indian the International Maritime out of a total of 104 blocks. total order to 11 vessels, Subscriptions & Advertising ernment would soon create The first ship of Project 17, Boundary Line. The Indian This ship was started exactly scheduled for delivery from Details may be acquired from the contact information below: the post of Maritime Security INS Shivalik, is currently and Indonesian navies 12 months ago and, after this 2012 to 2022. This amendment Adviser (MSA) and advocated undergoing advanced pre- launched the 14th cycle of milestone, the ship will be to the FREMM multimission SP GUIDE PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD strengthening of marine police commissioning sea trials at coordinated patrol code- launched in 18 months and is frigate contract calls for the POSTAL ADDRESS Post Box No 2525, wing in all coastal states to Mazagon Docks, Mumbai and named ‘Ind-Indo Corpat’ in expected to be commissioned development and construction New Delhi 110 005, India prevent Mumbai-type ter- is due to be commissioned in the Indian Ocean Region. to BAE Systems. Work on the of three additional vessels. CORPORATE OFFICE ror attacks. “All of us are November. INS Shivalik is the Andaman Nicobar Command’s second ship will start in 2010. A 133 Arjun Nagar, jointly doing it,” Antony said first indigenously multi-role Commander-in-Chief Vice The design of these ships Opp Defence Colony, when asked about delays in stealth frigate to be designed Admiral Devendra Kumar New Delhi 110 003, India appointing an MSA. under the aegis of the Joshi and Commander of Tel: +91 (11) 24644693, 24644763, 24620130 Directorate of Naval Design Indonesian Western Fleet Appointments Fax: +91 (11) 24647093 and built in India. The ship Command jointly control the Vice Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi takes over as CINCAN REGD OFFICE was launched in April 2003. operations. The Indian Navy Vice Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi has taken over as Fax: +91 (11) 23622942 Navy to get its own This Project comprises two will deploy a Landing Ship the ninth Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Email: [email protected] satellite by 2010 other follow-on ships—INS Tank (Medium), INS Mahish, Command (CINCAN). An Anti-Submarine Warfare specialist, REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES “Navy’s efforts towards Satpura and INS Sahyadri. led by Commander M.V.R. he holds an M.Sc in Defence Studies and is a graduate of BANGALORE, INDIA network-centric operations Krishna and a Fast Attack the Staff Course from Naval War College, USA and Naval (Air Marshal (Retd) and leveraging information Craft, INS Trinkat, led by Lt Higher Command Course. He is also an alumnus of National B.K. Pandey) technology are laudable. The Commander Pushkar Kumar. Defence College, New Delhi and College of Naval Warfare. 534, Jal Vayu Vihar, Kammanhalli Main Rd., naval communication satel- Project 15-A Destroyer, Vice Admiral Ganesh Mahadevan AVSM VSM, Controller of Bangalore 560043, India. lite’s launch next year will sig- INS Kochi launched Warship Production and Acquisition, took over as the Chief Tel: +91 (80) 23682534 nificantly improve connectivity The second of the three of Material on October 31 from Vice Admiral Dilip Despande MOSCOW, RUSSIA LAGUK Co., Ltd. at sea,” Defence Minister Project 15-A stealth destroy- Prithvi II tested by SFC AVSM VSM, who retired after 40 years of service. A.K. Antony said at the Naval ers was launched by Mrs. (Yuri Laskin) Commanders Conference. Madhulika Verma, wife of Vice Admiral N.K. Nadella has been appointed as CWP&A. Krasnokholmskaya, Nab., 11/15, app. 132, The geo-stationary satellite, Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief Rear Admiral Sunil Lanba has taken over as Flag Officer Moscow 115172, Russia. which will have 600 to 1,000 of the Naval Staff. The 6,500 Commanding Maharashtra and Gujarat Area. Tel: +7 (495) 911 2762, nautical mile footprint over tonne ship, INS Kochi, is Fax: +7 (495) 912 1260 the Indian Ocean Region, will being built by Mazagon Rear Admiral R.K. Pattanaik, who was till recently the www.spguidepublications.com enable the navy to network Docks. Designed indig- Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, has been appoint- RNI Number: DELENG/2008/25836 g warships, submarines and air- enously by the Directorate of ed Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet.

craft with operational centres Naval Design, these are fol- .drdo.or Rear Admiral P. Murugesan who was ACOP (HRD), NHQ, ashore through high-speed low-on of the existing Delhi has recently assumed command of the Eastern Fleet as www data-links. The satellite, to be Class destroyers, INS Delhi, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet. launched by ISRO, will be fol- INS Mysore and INS Mumbai. The tri-service Strategic Forces

SP’s NAVAL FORCES 5/2009 15 roupe Azzurra”. RE - “T TA foto: AERONAUTICA MILI

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