Volume 10 No. 4 `100.00 (-Based Buyer Only) Meet those whom You Need to Work With AN SP GUIDE P UBLICATION Digitisation SP’s of Battlefield Series 2 October 31, 2013 Le Meridien, New Delhi invitation Entry strictly by www.spslandforces.net ROUNDUP In This Issue The ONLY in Asia-Pacific dedicated to Land Forces

Page 3 >> Small Arms Modernisation in South East Asia cover story

Photograph: SPSC

Over a period of time not only have some of the South East Asian nations upgraded and modified the weapons but they have also been successful in developing indigenously their own small arms industry. Brigadier (Retd) Vinod Anand

Page 4 Stability & Peace in The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation possibly is looking for an all-inclusive framework under the auspices of the UN that should help Afghanistan in post-2014 era. Brigadier (Retd) Vinod Anand

Page 9 The Syrian Imbroglio The support to Syrian rebels fighting the Assad regime is from the Sunni Arab nations, , and the US. Lt General (Retd) P.C. Katoch

Page 10 DSEi Demonstrates Strong Growth of Military Equipment This year, the show attracted over 30,000 India’s Infantry of the global defence and security industry professionals to source the latest equipment and systems, develop international relations and generate new business opportunities. Modernisation R. Chandrakanth While the likelihood of full scale state-on-state wars may be reduced, India will Plus Interview: more likely face border skirmishes on its unresolved borders and low intensity Mark Kronenberg conflict operations including counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency in the Vice President, International Business Development, future. This mandates a quick and thorough modernisation of India’s infantry Boeing Defense Space and Security 5 which is clearly not happening despite the rhetoric by the political leadership Thomas R. Douglas and military hierarchy. Senior Vice President, Business Development and Strategy,  Lt General (Retd) V.K. Kapoor AM General 6 to these two scenarios is the continuing istan-Afghanistan border, turning their and constant threat from state-sponsored attention towards the LoC, is a setting that Alan F. Bignall ndia faces diverse threats and terrorism nursed and nurtured in India’s India must be prepared to face. The con- President & CEO, ReconRobotics 8 challenges. While on the one hand immediate neighbourhood and its direct tinuing infiltrations across the LoC demon- there is an existential threat of conven- and indirect linkages to conventional con- strate Pakistan’s attitude and approach to News in Brief 11 tional conflicts arising from unresolved flicts, in the region, in the future. All this terrorist organisations, even though such borders in the west with Pakistan and makes this part of South Asia more volatile organisations pose a danger to Pakistan’s Iin the north and north-east with , and unpredictable. own social and political fabric. Thus India on the other hand, there is the formidable The existence of terrorist camps across faces a strong likelihood of more intensive challenge developing within the borders the India-Pak border and the line of control low intensity conflict situations in Jammu of India. This is from home-grown insur- (LoC), and the likelihood of Pakistani Tali- and Kashmir in the future. gencies, militancy and terrorism which ban who are currently engaged in fighting In view of the increasing focus on low arise due to a variety of reasons. To add in their Western provinces and on the Pak- intensity conflicts, the aim of this article is Applied for

4/2013 SP’s Land Forces 1 >> cover story

The past few months have seen India pass fire was uppermost in the minds of both the Prime Ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s through a difficult economic, political and secu- Ministers. National Security Advisor Shivshankar visit to China in October 2013, a key Sino-Indi- rity situation. Experts were wondering whether Menon said, “The two Prime Ministers decided to an group on border affairs has been meeting to a full-blown financial crisis like the one that task the Director Generals of Military Operations sort out the differences on the Border Defence devastated the so-called “Asian Tigers” in 1997 (DGMOs) to suggest effective measures to re- Cooperation Agreement (BDCA), aimed at was likely. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, store the ceasefire.” However, the sorting out of more comprehensively dealing with tensions re- through his statement in the Parliament on Au- the current aggression on the LoC through purely lated to patrolling by both sides along the LAC. gust 30, 2013, sought to reassure the nation military diplomacy is not going to be easy. The in- The BDCA agreement is expected to be signed that India was not facing a similar situation. cidents on the LoC are part of the larger picture during the Prime Minister’s visit to China. While his statement may have reassured the of an unresolved border which is a political issue. The issue which directly impacts the overall intelligentsia, the common man continues to Moreover, the terrorist camps across the LoC in external security situation is the lack of moderni- reel under high inflation and price rise. India’s Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the infiltra- sation of the armed forces, especially the Indian growth story can be judged by the fact that the tion of terrorists’ across the LoC is being assisted Army which today needs to replace its weap- economy has slowed to four to five per cent, and closely monitored by the Pakistan’s Inter- onry ranging from the and assault while inflation remains in double digits. Services Intelligence (ISI)/military through various to the long-range guns and its aviation To add to the economic woes, India has means. Therefore, reining in the terrorists and and air defence assets. The entire procurement been rocked this year by a series of corruption dismantling their infrastructure will require political process is in shambles. Never has the Indian EDITORIAL scandals, in recent times, starting with the Com- dialogue and hard bargaining followed by military armed forces been in such a deplorable state monwealth Games that have embarrassed the procedures on the ground to ensure peace and of modernisation vis-à-vis its adversaries and ruling Congress Party and its allies in the UPA this cannot be done through military diplomacy that too at a time when the military analysts are and have rattled the markets and delayed reform alone because the DGMOs neither have the man- of the view that we may have to face two-front bills as the opposition stalls Parliament. date nor the manoeuvre space to achieve peace situations in the future. Our conventional deter- Security remains an area of serious concern. along the LoC through such parleys. rence stands compromised due to an uncaring The violence on the line of control (LoC) by Paki- The Chinese incursion in Depsang valley in political leadership. stan and the aggression on the line of actual con- Ladakh this year and their prolonged stay deep trol (LAC) by China are issues which have occu- inside the Indian territory created tension be- pied large media space in recent times. tween both the countries. This impasse was sub- On September 29, 2013, Indian Prime Minis- sequently resolved when the People’s Liberation ter Manmohan Singh and Pakistan’s Nawaz Shar- Army (PLA) troops withdrew. This incident to- if met for just over one hour at a New York hotel gether with other incursions by their patrols which on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. It have been occurring regularly across the LAC was their first face-to-face meeting since Sharif and have increased the hostility at the border, was elected in May 2013. Restoration of cease- could spin out of control, if not moderated. Lt General (Retd) V.K. Kapoor

Photographs: Beretta, Colt to draw the reader’s attention to the delay in Central India, the Thar Desert in Rajas- in modernisation of India’s infantry and its than and high altitude locations in India’s future infantry soldier programme. northern and north-east regions. The tender for the 5.56mm close quar- F-INSAS ter battle (CQB) requires each The future infantry soldier as a system weapon system to weigh less than three kg, (F-INSAS) had been initiated more than six fire 600 rounds per minute to a minimum years ago to make the infantryman a weapon distance of 200 metres and be capable of platform with situational awareness, operating in extreme temperatures. Pica- increased lethality and sustainability in the tinny rail-mounted reflex and passive night digitised battlefield. F-INSAS was to be imple- Beretta ARX160 .22LR rifle sights, visible and invisible laser spot desig- mented in three phases: Phase I included nators and multi-purpose detachable bayo- weapons, body armour, clothing and indi- nets are a part of their qualitative require- vidual equipment; Phase II was the target ments (QRs). The selected vendor will be acquisition system and Phase III comprised required to transfer technology to the the computer subsystem, radio subsystem, OFB to licence build 3,80,000-4,00,000 software and software integration. CQB carbines and 5.56mm ammunition, The F-INSAS programme was anno- for use not only by the Army, but eventu- unced by former Army Chief, General J.J. ally the Central and state police forces in Singh in August 2007 which involved equip- a programme estimated to ultimately cost ping over 3,00,000 infantry troops and over `5,000 crore. Army sources said the around 1,00,000 Rashtriya RR( ) and carbine and ammunition trial reports were Assam Rifles (AR) personnel employed for Colt M4 5.56mm carbine being assessed and it was expected that the conventional and counter-insurgency oper- deal may witness finalisation by 2015. ations or both with a modular, multi-calibre of weaponry and equipment of the infantry imported and locally developed equipment suite of weapons, body armour, assorted in the F-INSAS programme is being handled and systems and estimated to cost `25,000 Assault Rifles individual equipment and target acquisition, by the Directorate General of Infantry. crore (approximately $4.0 billion), may well Army is also on the lookout for assault rifles and hand-held surveillance devices, includ- The lack of progress of acquiring even be deferred beyond 2025. to replace the INSAS 5.56mm rifles with ing third-generation night vision devices the weaponry, which is the easiest and The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) technologically superior weapons. In the (NVDs). It includes, as stated in Phase III, most fundamental, is depressive to say the headed by the Defence Minister and includ- race are assault rifles of the Czech Repub- communication apparatus and comput- least because it directly and most adversely ing the three Chiefs (Army, Navy and the Air lic’s Czeca, IWI, Beretta and Colt and Sig ers capable of transmitting and uploading affects the soldiers fighting ability in the force) have approved the induction of a new Sauer, all weighing around 3.6 kg. The other voice, data and video clips on wrist displays field.I t is therefore clear that the Army is , 5.56 (with capability of switch- requirements include the ability to convert for soldiers and ‘planning boards’ for com- currently grappling with the Phase 1 itself ing to 7.62mm barrels if required) along with from 5.56x45mm to 7.62x39mm calibres manders, ‘smart’ vests packed with sensors, i.e. the phase in which new infantry weap- a new generation carbine to replace the 9mm by merely by switching the barrel and mag- integrated ballistic helmets with heads-up ons with body armour, individual equip- carbine which has already been weeded out azine for employment in counter insurgency display (HuD), miniature radios, global posi- ment and clothing have to be inducted. of the Army without getting a replacement. and/or conventional offensive/defensive tioning systems (GPS) and portable power The Indian’s Army’s six-year-old project operations. They also need to be fitted with packs. So the complete package for the pro- to upgrade all its infantry battalions and Carbines detachable under barrel grenade launchers posed infantry upgrade was impressive. 106 units of Rashtriya Rifles and Assam There has been some progress in the field and be capable of firing OFB-manufactured F-INSAS is to be a part of the battlefield Rifles units under its elaborate F-INSAS of carbines. In August 2012, the process of 5.56mmx45 (SS109) ammunition rounds. management system (BMS) of the Army i.e. programme is inordinately delayed. Officials procuring 44,618 5.56mm close quarter This procurement will also involve transfer battalion level and below. The formations associated with the programme have said battle (CQB) carbines to replace the out- of technology to the OFB to licence build the above the battalion level, i.e. brigade and that the F-INSAS prototype, modeled on the dated 9mm model and 33.6 million rounds assault rifles. Army’s immediate require- above, will form a part of the tactical com- US Army’s future force warrior and aimed of ammunition in a contract worth over ment is for around 2,18,320 rifles where munication system (TCS) of the Army at the at deploying a fully-networked, all-terrain `2,000 crore was set in motion. The manu- as India’s assault rifles requirement is esti- Corps level. This part of the project of inte- and all-weather force with enhanced fire- facturers in the race were Weapon mated at between two-three million to arm grated communications and digitisation of power and mobility for the future digitalised Industries (IWI) Galil Ace carbine, ’s the large Central Paramilitary Forces and the battlefield comprising command informa- battlefield, is delayed by four to five years, Beretta with its ARX-160, USA’s Colt and the state police. At this scale, India’s assault tion and decision support systems (CIDSS) is if not longer beyond its 2012-13 deadline. Sig Sauer’s offering the M4 and 516 Patrol rifle acquisitions could be one of the world’s being handled by the Director General Infor- Consequently, the overall infantry upgrade, models. These weapons have undergone

www.spslandforces.net mation Systems (DGIS), while the induction to be accomplished through a mix of field trials at the Infantry School at Mhow, Continued on page 5

2 SP’s Land Forces 4/2013 south east Asia >> Small Arms Modernisation in South East Asia Over a period of time not only have some of the South East Asian nations upgraded and modified the infantry weapons but they have also been successful in developing indigenously their own small arms industry

Photograph: Wikipedia  Brigadier (REtd) Vinod Anand Vietnam Vietnam People’s Army in contrast has riven by internal and exter- largely Russian origin assault rifles because of nal threats to their security, the historical reasons. Its standard issue is AKM militaries of South East Asia have assault rifle which is being locally manufac- been modernising and upgrading tured and is a modified and upgraded version their small arms arsenal in a vari- of the much famous AK-47. It is also using Dety of ways. Not only they face insurgencies the Czech assault rifle VZ 58 which seems to which are either ethnic or religion based, the have been imported last year. Some AK-74 littoral countries of the South China Sea and and AKS-74 (for Special Forces) are also in the Indian Ocean have also to deal with pira- service. Special Forces also use XM-177E2 cy, gun-running and other such activities which is an American variant of AR-15. which challenge the authority of the state. rifle that is a standard issue isSVD Broadly, the South East Asian nations (Dragunov ) is of Russian origin. since the colonial times had imported vari- Another Russian Sniper rifle that is in ser- ous versions of their infantry assault rifles vice with Special Forces is SVU. Sub-machine from the US, Soviet Union, European nations guns in service are PM 63, MPA4 (Polish ori- and in the later period even from China. gin), , Mini Uzi and Micro Uzi (all of Israeli Over a period of time have not only some origin). Standard issue LMGs are RPD-44 and of the South East Asian nations upgraded RPK of Russian origin and heavy machine A Singaporean soldier takes and modified the infantry weapons but they aim with the SAR-21 guns NSV and DsHKM/DsHK38 are also from have also been successful in developing the same country. PKM is the general purpose indigenously their own small arms industry. issued by the infantry units. Rifle 1 is the standard assault rifle which is some weapons having been imported from manufactured by PT Pindad, with a bore the western nations. However, since 2011, it Myanmar Singapore remains in the forefront with a of 5.56mm. It is being phased out by Pin- has started manufacturing pneumatic valve The Myanmar Army also has a variety of defence industry and armed forces which can dad SS2 which has many modern features. and rod rifle (PVAR) also known as UDMC small arms which are now being manufac- be said to be technologically most advanced However, Indonesian Army’s Sniper Rifle is PVAR because it is being manufactured by tured locally by the Myanmar Defence Indus- among the Association of South East Asian Pindad SPR with 7.62mm bore. Further this the United Defence manufacturing Corpora- tries (largely owned by the Tatmadaw). It is Nations (ASEAN) states. Aside from its Inte- series also has Pindad SM2 which is a general tion of . This is a much improved manufacturig automatic rifles, sub-machine grated Knowledge-based Command and Con- purpose machine gun with 7.62mm calibre. version of the American M16 and Armalite guns and machine guns along with their trol project, the have On the other hand it has a light machine AR-15 rifles. Besides introducing PVAR, the ammunition. The small arms in service are made numerous acquisitions over the past gun Pindad SM3 which has 5.56mm calibre. Army has a variety of assault rifles like M16, EMER K-1 assault rifle that is manufactured decade that indicates a shift towards both These weapons are of high performance and , German G36C, Australian Steyr by Myanmar Heavy Industries and it has a precision strike capabilities. Improving the are light in weight. Indonesian infantry and AUG A1 and Israeli IMI Galil. Some of these modern design. Other assault rifles in use performance of infantry soldier and its equip- Special Forces have a variety of sniper rifles (M4, AR-15 and G36C) are being used by the are Heckler & Koch G3 (of German-Spanish ment has been a priority mission. including anti-material rifles obtained from Special Operations Command Units. origin) and Belgian FNFAL. Machine gun Much like the Indian Army’s project of the UK, US, and . The standard sniper rifle is the Philip- with Myanmar Army is Rhinemetal MG3 future Indian soldier as a system (F-INSAS), pines Marine Scout Rifle which has been (German general purpose machine gun) still the Singapore Army has commissioned an developed from American M16A1 and has in service with even . Heavy advanced combat man system (ACMS), with After Singapore and , it is Malay- been issued to the Army units also. This has machine gun in service is the old reliable M2 delivery of the first complete unit equip- sia that is located astride the Malacca Straits been particularly found useful in counter- Browning. The Myanmar Army has been ment set handed over to the fifth Singapore and has been paying attention to moderni- insurgency and counter-guerrilla opera- considered as the most battle tested armies Infantry Battalion for evaluation and tri- sation of its armed forces. Even though it tions. There are four other varieties of sniper among the ASEAN as it has been involved als. Besides a variety of electronic gadgetry has just about four infantry divisions, it has rifles like M14, M21, Barrett M82 andTAC - in fighting counter-insurgency and other required for a networked soldier, the weapon taken steps to provide maximum punch to 50 which are all of American origin and operations since its inception. systems is a shorter barrelled, modified ver- the Army. Because of its association with have been in use by the Army for a long time. sion of the locally assembled Singapore the US and western armies, its infantry Other Armies of ASEAN Region Assault Rifle-21st century (SAR-21), desig- weapons are of American/western origin. The other armies of the ASEAN are Cambo- nated the modular mounting systems as part The standard assault rifle used is Steyr AUG The Royal Thai Army of Thailand (which has dian, Laos and armies. The Brunei of the ACMS. According to the Singapore A1 (5.56mm) which is of Australian origin never been colonised by any foreign power) Army’s infantry is equipped with modern Army, the objective is to meet the challenges and is a standard NATO issue. This is being has a family of small arms which are all of infantry weapons like the search and res- of urban operations and improve survivabil- manufactured locally under licence. The western origin except that it has recently gone cue (SAR) and has acquired Pindad 2 of ity, situational awareness and the avoidance other assault rifle/carbine that is being used in for Singapore manufactured SAR-21 which Singapore and Indonesian origin it also has of civilian casualties and collateral damage. is the American M4 A1 (5.56mm) is also initially has been given to Special Forces. It versions of M16; being an oil rich Sultan- The SAR-21 has a and target manufactured indigenously. Another older also has some rifles of Chinese origin which ate, possibly the armed forces have adequate acquisition capabilities. The rifle is a replace- version of the well-known American assault were possibly taken from the rebel forces of access to funds. However, same is not the case ment for earlier M16S1 based on American rifle M16 is being gradually phased out and Thai Communist Party (supported earlier by with its poorer cousins Cambodian Army design and offers many improvements on being handed over to paramilitary forces. China). However, the standard infantry rifle and Laos People Army who have a mix of the same. SK Kinetics, a Singapore-based Malaysian Army’s sniper rifles of Ameri- used by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and Russian, Chinese and even American small company (well known in India), is also can (.50 BMG, Harris Gun Works m96) and Army Reserve Forces is the Thai version of arms, and are moving gradually towards exporting it besides manufacturing it for UK origin 7.62mm is also a standard NATO the Heckler and Koch HK33 (German origin) modernisation effort of their . domestic consumption. In fact, a whole weapon. The anti-material rifle is Denel NTW- being manufactured under licence. Other Overall, in South East Asia, most of the range of small arms arsenal based on SAR- 20, a very potent weapon, is of South African infantry rifles in use are IMI Travor 21, Aus- infantries have been able to modernise suc- 21 has been developed, which includes SAR- origin. Anti-material rifles can be used against tralian Steyr AUG A1 and Israeli IMI Galil. cessfully and some like Singapore are even 21 , SAR-21 light weight a variety of hard targets like bunkers, com- Legacy weapon like M16A1 is being phased getting ready for the wars in the informa- carbine, SAR-21 Sharpshooter and even a munication masts or towers, command posts, out with IMI Travor 21 in an effort to moder- tion era. Keeping the likely nature of inter- round the corner firing (RCF) module that gun emplacements, radar installations, mis- nise the infantry arsenal. Sniper rifles being nal and external threats in mind, it can be has been developed for urban operations. sile sites and parked aircraft/helicopters utilis- used are the Swiss Sig Sauer SSG 3000 and said that the efforts of the South East Asian ing a variety of munitions in its inventory. SR 25 of America. Light machine guns in use countries towards upgrading their small Indonesia are Heckler and Koch HK21 and FN Minimi arms arsenals have been quite satisfactory Indonesia has its small arms family based on Philippines of . However, IMI Negev LMG from barring perhaps Laos and Cambodia. SP the indigenously manufactured Pindad series Philippines, another significant military power Israel is a recent acquisition. General purpose of assault rifles which are in turn largely in South East Asia, because of its erstwhile machine guns in service are American M60 The author is a Senior Fellow at the based on Belgian small arms designs. The alliance with the US, has a small arms fam- and machine gun. Some old Vivekanand International Foundation Indonesian Senapan Serbu 1 (SS1), Assault ily which is largely of American origin with Chinese machine guns are also in use. in New Delhi

4/2013 SP’s Land Forces 3 >> central ASIA Stability & Peace in Afghanistan

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation possibly is looking for an all-inclusive framework under the auspices of the UN that should help Afghanistan in post-2014 era. Thus, at the current juncture, prospects for a regional solution do not look bright.

Photograph: Wikipedia  Brigadier (REtd) Vinod Anand However, this presupposes fulfilment of Afghanistan President Hamid pledges made by the international com- ven though the Bishkek sum- Karzai has been a regular munity for security and civilian assistance mit of the Shanghai Cooperation attendee at the SCO summits to Afghanistan and non-interference in Organisation (SCO) held in Septem- since 2004 as a guest and Afghanistan’s internal affairs. We see SCO last year, Afghanistan was ber 2013 was overtaken by the Syr- admitted as an observer as an important body that can offer a cred- ian crisis, Afghanistan continued ible alternative regional platform to discuss Eto be a major concern for the SCO mem- the challenges related to Afghanistan.” ber and observer countries. Afghanistan Given the nature and charter of the President Hamid Karzai has been a regular SCO, the grouping is more comfortable in attendee at the SCO summits since 2004 dealing with threats and challenges ema- as a guest and last year, Afghanistan was nating from Afghanistan that do not involve admitted as an observer. military intervention or sending of troops Attending the 2005 SCO Summit in to Afghanistan. Rise of drug trafficking Beijing and underscoring the relevance of that has been affecting CARs, Russia and Afghanistan as an important link between now even China, has been viewed very seri- Central Asia and South Asia, Karzai had ously by the SCO members. It has also been then observed that “Afghanistan belongs to reported that some of the radical groups like the region where also lies the SCO. Afghani- Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and others stan has no other ways and can’t be outside are congregating in Northern Afghanistan the region.” waiting to take advantage if the security sit- uation in Afghanistan deteriorates further. Geostrategic Salience of Afghanistan In all the SCO summits held so far, coun- The geostrategic salience of Afghanistan is ter-narcotics and anti-terrorism discussions underscored by the fact that it is a land bridge have received priority even while economic between Iran, Central Asia and South Asia; and other issues find their due place. China, Iran lies to its west; Pakistan on the east and which is one of the major players in the SCO south, and the Central Asian republics of has again this year stressed on the need Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to fight three evils of “terrorism, extrem- to the north. With control of Afghanistan ism and separatism”. Last year, China had comes control of the land routes between signed a strategic partnership agreement the Indian subcontinent and the resource- with Afghanistan. China has also formed a rich Central Asia, as well as of a potential US representative at SCO summit of 2009 in SCO member states to continuously sup- trilateral grouping of China, Afghanistan corridor to Iran and the Middle East. Thus Yekaterinburg, had commended the SCO’s port Kabul in its effort and determination and Pakistan, to address its concerns about stability and peace in Afghanistan offers joint plan on Afghanistan. However, to revive the country. Karzai in his speech dealing with challenges of a post-2014 tremendous potential for intra-regional over the years, the reset initiative of Obama stated, “We know that while our friends scenario in Afghanistan. Even Russia has trade and economic prosperity. seems to have lost steam, especially so after may come from all corners of the world, formed a quadrilateral grouping of Russia- When American forces launched Oper- the return of Vladimir Putin as President. our true security and prosperity fundamen- Tajikistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan to address ation Enduring Freedom against the Tali- Nevertheless, safe passage of withdrawing tally depends on the region that surrounds concerns about Afghanistan situation. The ban regime in October 2001 consequent to troops from Afghanistan remains the chief us. Therefore, we are committed to fur- moot point is that whether all such plethora September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on concern of the US and its allies. ther strengthening our relations with the of groupings and sub-regional dialogues New York and Washington, the step was Currently, even though the US and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and help the process of moving towards secu- largely welcomed by Russia, China, Central NATO forces use supply lines to Afghanistan to work constructively with all the member rity and stability in Afghanistan. While as a Asian republics (CAR), India and others. through Russia and Central Asian coun- states towards a common vision for peace, principle, any effort to ameliorate the situ- Russia and China raised no objections to tries, differences between the US-NATO security and prosperity.” He went on to ation in Afghanistan should be welcome. the US being granted airbases and logistics combine and Russia continues to exist. stress that the region must not expect that Such endeavours would more likely have facilities in CAR nations since it suited their North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) the effect of diluting the unified response short-term strategic interests. Pakistan was SCO to Support Kabul’s Stability or International Security Assistance Force under the aegis of the SCO. Further, such forced to do a U-turn in its policies, how- In 2011, at the SCO’s Astana Summit, Pres- (ISAF) or the will deliver us efforts also reflect the competing agendas of ever, till now, it remains a reluctant partner ident Karzai had observed that Afghanistan from all the challenges that we face. It was the regional players which would militate in the US and Western nations’ global war “expects real cooperation with the SCO important to recognise that fighting terror- against moving towards a regional solution. against terrorism and its attitude towards countries in combating the threat of ter- ism and radicalism in the region is primarily terrorism continues to be ambiguous. rorism and trafficking in arms and drugs”. the responsibility of the region. No Solutions Yet The SCO had formed an Afghanistan He was looking forward to SCO members for During the summit, India expressed its Despite many years of deliberations on Contact Group in 2005. However, it was investments in his country for exploitation concerns that arise out of evolving situ- Afghanistan issue, the SCO has not come only in 2009 that a plan of action for com- of mineral resources. Kazakhstan Presi- ation in Afghanistan. Salman Khurshid out with any concrete plans or strategies to bating terrorism, illicit drug trafficking and dent Nursultan Nazarbayev, the host, had attending the SCO meeting stated that deal with the post-2014 situation. In fact it organised crime was signed. Yet, other than observed, “The SCO believes with good rea- “India strongly believes that Afghanistan has failed to evolve any suitable structures, some bilateral aid from individual members son that Afghanistan holds the key to the can successfully complete the security, processes or mechanisms to deal with insta- of the SCO grouping, there is little evidence future of the entire region.” political and economic transitions in com- bility and insecurity in Afghanistan which to show that any meaningful efforts have Again at the SCO summit of 2012 similar ing years and regain its historical place as has the potential to threaten the member been directed by the organisation towards formulation was articulated. The SCO meet a hub for regional trade and transit routes. nations. Other than some limited civil and achieving stability and security in Afghani- stressed on stepping up bilateral and multi- military aid and development of some infra- stan. The US and western nations, even lateral cooperation to jointly combat terror- structure, no long-term plans for bringing when they talked about a regional solu- ism, separatism and extremism, battle illicit With control of peace and stability in Afghanistan have tion were not ready to give a major role to trafficking in drugs and weapons and other been unveiled. Even though Russia and the SCO. Concerned with drug trafficking transnational criminal activities, address ille- Afghanistan comes control China would like to see the US and other and possibility of terrorists infiltrating into gal migration and meet the new threats and foreign troops leave Afghanistan yet they CARS, the SCO members have carried out challenges in other security fields. of the land routes between are concerned with ‘Zero Option’ of the US some counter-narcotics and counter-terror- The Thirteenth SCO summit held in the Indian subcontinent forces. Further, SCO is unlikely to intervene ism exercises amongst them. September this year at Bishkek again under- militarily despite the fact that it is apprehen- In 2009, President Barack Obama had lined the significance of supporting Kabul’s and the resource-rich sive of spill over of extremism, radicalism unveiled his new Afghan strategy and efforts in bringing peace and stability in and terrorism from an unstable Afghani- thereafter was able to get Russia and Central Afghanistan. President Almazbek Atam- Central Asia, as well as of stan in post-2014 scenario. SCO possibly Asian countries to provide transit routes to bayev of Kyrgyzstan who chaired the sum- is looking for an all-inclusive framework Afghanistan. Obama had also stated that mit while speaking about the Afghanistan a potential corridor to Iran under the auspices of the UN that should he would move towards pressing the ‘reset’ situation observed that the activities of help Afghanistan in post-2014 era. Thus, button in its relations with Russia, a major terrorist and extremist groups are still on and the Middle East at the current juncture, prospects for a

SP www.spslandforces.net driver of the SCO. In fact, Patrick Moon, the the rise in Afghanistan and called on the regional solution do not look bright.

4 SP’s Land Forces 4/2013 interview at dsei 2013 >>

India’s Infantry...continued from page 2 ‘India has got by far largest small arms contracts in recent times contained, electronic navigation unit that worth more than $5 billion in due course. pinpoints the user’s position—digital com- passes, assorted computer, dual-band radio Other Equipment sets and soldier-individual power units are the fastest growth’ A basic equipment of the infantry man is yet to be completed. Requests for proposal the multi-purpose tool, akin to a Swiss knife, (RFPs) for 1,70,000 modular bullet proof 3,00,000 of which are needed for each vests weighing around 10.5 kg and an equal upgraded infantry soldiers’ survival kit. number of ballistic helmets had been dis- At the backdrop of the world’s largest defence and This procurement was delayed by the Army patched to domestic manufacturers in June security event, DSEi in London, SP’s Land Forces despite trials in 2010-11 featuring vendors and December 2012 respectively, four years from Italy, Switzerland and the United States. behind schedule. Tenders for knee and elbow Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal had an exclusive A major obstacle pertaining to the protection pads are awaiting finalisation. tete-á-tete with Mark Kronenberg, Vice President, F-INSAS programme is the stalemate over image intensifier and thermal imaging (TI)- Need for Quick and Thorough International Business Development, Boeing Defense based surveillance and target acquisition Modernisation systems the lack of which had rendered India’s strategic neighbourhood is one of Space and Security. Excerpts: India’s infantry largely ‘night blind’. The the most volatile and dangerous regions initial proposal is for 45,000 third-gener- of the world. It has all the ingredients of ation night vision devices (NVDs) under becoming a future battleground of treach- Jayant Baranwal (SP’s): tional customers and our F-INSAS. The Army is currently tackling erous conflicts. With disputed borders in the Which are the key mar- US service customers. the MoD which insists that the Army should west, north and north-east, and the formi- kets Boeing is currently acquire them from Bharat Electronics Lim- dable internal challenges, India faces a wide engaged with? SP’s: Is Boeing looking ited (BEL), the Bengaluru-based DPSU. variety of threats and challenges. More- Mark Kronenberg (Kro- at all the three forces In negotiations with the Army, BEL over, this nuclearised region also has the nenberg): Primarily requirements in a bal- reportedly wants the Infantry Directorate to dubious distinction of having in its midst Asia-Pacific, Middle anced manner or there reduce its ‘figure of merit’(FoM) scale for the the epicentre of international terrorism, East and actually here is a serious bias? NVDs from 1700 FoM, that enables soldiers nourished and nurtured by Pakistan and in Europe we engage Kronenberg: No there is to see clearly in total darkness to 1400 FoM its sympathisers in the Arab-Islamic World. with the UK. So these no bias. It’s all on cus- which provides visibility only at dusk, dawn Therefore, while the likelihood of full scale are our growth markets. tomer’s preference. If and in moonlit nights and which the DPSU state-on-state wars may be reduced, India Approximately 26 per we look at the revenues has on offer. Interestingly, in 2010, the MoD will more likely face border skirmishes on its cent of our revenues are that we get from the had for `100 crore facilitated the transfer unresolved borders and low intensity con- coming in from interna- customers, it is pretty of highly restrictive ‘supergen’ technology flict operations including counter-terrorism tional customers and we evenly distributed, to BEL from ’s Photonis. BEL failed to and counter-insurgency in the future. This have a goal to get it 30 though air force cus- absorb it and develop a more advanced ver- mandates a quick and thorough moderni- per cent and we are on tomers are a bit larger sion. Alternate NVDs with 1700 FoM capa- sation of India’s infantry which is clearly track at this point. then army and navy. But the percentage is bility have been offered by private defence not happening despite the rhetoric by the balanced. So it is quite customer balanced. contractor Tata Power (Strategic Electronics political leadership and military hierarchy. SP’s: Can you elaborate on some of your Division) in Bengaluru that reportedly meets The slow rate of progress of the F-INSAS top programmes in these markets? SP’s: Any specific programme can you the Army’s preliminary qualitative require- programme is a reflection of the larger Kronenberg: Primarily, on the platforms refer to in the context of armies potential ments (QRs) and are under consideration. malaise that inflicts modernisation of the side, it would be fighters with the F-15, the requirements, other than Chinooks and QR’s for critical battlefield communica- armed forces in India, for which the blame F-18s, C-17s of course. The new market Apaches? tion and navigation equipment including lies squarely on the Defence Minister and entry would be the P-8, India being the first Kronenberg: Well Chinooks and Apaches dead reckoning modules—a miniature, self- the Ministry of Defence. SP P-8 international customer. India also has are our mainstay in our army requirements. the largest fleet of C-17s outside the US, 10 However, one in the US that has come up is in their fleet. But there is also another area the EMARRS programme, which is a kind of that is primarily to sustain. When you look tactical intelligence surveillance reconnais- at Boeing platforms we look to sustain those sance (ISR) platform and we are working that is going to stay here for the next 25-30 through that. But really our bread and but- years. It is the training and maintenance ter is through our rotorcraft platforms, the market of our existing platforms. There are Apache and CH47s. markets like in India, Korea, and quite likely in UK where we see a lot of projects sustain SP’s: Is Boeing working on new concepts on our existing platforms. on stealth technology? Kronenberg: Probably it’s more in the elec- SP’s: Which top five countries inA sia are tronic warfare area. So if we look at fighter the most promising markets for Boeing? platforms, multi-mission maritime air- Kronenberg: If you look at Asia, India has planes, systems and sub systems, electronic probably got by far the fastest growth. Korea, warfare surveillance-- those are the kinds Singapore, Japan and would also of technologies we are developing for future be in our list of Asia-Pacific countries which contingencies and threats. are 45 per cent of the market in Asia. Middle East is primarily driven by Saudi Arabia and SP’s: Any specific development towards Emirates, and in Europe it’s primarily the UK. the unmanned combat vehicles? Kronenberg: If we take a look at nuclear SP’s: When you speak of Korea and some of aspects, we are going to compete with the Middle East countries, which specific an autonomous UAV. It’s for a navy pro- programmes are you referring to? gramme and probably in the 2023-2025 Kronenberg: Specifically in South Arabia, we time frames. had a large government-to government sales, about $23 billion three years ago. There was SP’s: How does Boeing perceive the sale of F-15s, 84 new builds F-15s, 72 basi- unmanned vs manned market? cally upgrades of existing aeroplanes, 36 Kronenberg: Probably the combination of Apaches, 36 AH6s. So that constitutes the both. I think you are never going to get a largest. But if you look at UAE for example, it system where it is going to be completely also has C-17s and Apaches. unmanned. It would be a combination of system where men are in the platform. For SP’s: What are the core technologies cur- example it’s still the case with Apaches rently being developed by Boeing? offered as UAVs that is probably where Kronenberg: If you look at the commercial there is a combination of both manned and development of airplanes, one thing that we unmanned systems which we are going see have been able to combine is take a look at in the future. I do not foresee a future where what we do at the defence side for example in it will be completely unmanned. multi-mission maritime airplanes as well as in next generation tanker and we combine it SP’s: What are the key unmanned pro- with what we know on the commercial side grammes that are currently on with Boeing? because we are using commercial platforms, Kronenberg: Our mainstay is Scan Eagle. the programmes where we tackle multi-mis- It’s a small, tactical ISR programme, which sion aircraft programmes for our interna- is our main UAV programme. SP Untitled-3 1 17/08/12 5:31 PM

4/2013 SP’s Land Forces 5 >> interview at DSEi 2013 ‘The right-hand drive was developed with an emphasis on South East Asia and especially India’

AM General’s high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle (Humvee) is a rugged vehicle widely used across the globe in difficult terrains and weather conditions. The company has recently acquired the Vehicles Production Group of the US, a manufacturer of mobility vehicle for disabled passengers. SP’s Land Forces Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal had a conversation with Thomas R. Douglas, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Strategy, AM General, during the defence and security expo, DSEi, at London. Excerpts:

Photographs: AM General Jayant Baranwal (SP’s): How do you find M1165 Right Hand Drive SP’s: The modern-day battlefield has the show? How is it appearing to be as a changed. Asymmetric warfare is seen pre- business platform for AM General? Have dominantly in , Afghanistan and other you met some potential buyers? parts of the world. Asymmetric warfare Thomas R. Douglas (Douglas): It’s been a calls for vehicles which are adaptable, very busy show for us, meeting many cus- mine resistant, etc. What is your strategy? tomers and showcasing different products Douglas: Innovative technologies repre- and services. sent the core elements of the Humvee. This We have been talking to both our existing is what makes it the light tactical vehicle customers as well as new potential customers. of choice for more than 50 nations. The Coming to a show like this is very impor- Modernised Light Tactical Vehicle (MLTV), tant to the company. London is centrally which we have here on display at DSEi in located and there are a lot of people from London, is a sixth-generation Humvee. around the world coming to our booth and It has an improved suspension system, a interacting with our company representatives. more robust chassis, and can survive sig- nificant threats--both ballistics and blasts SP’s: Which part of the world apart from on the body as well as on the sides of the the USA is AM General is heavily engaged vehicle body. in right now? Douglas: The company is engaged in many SP’s: You call it the sixth-generation vehicle? different regions around the world and that Douglas: Yes, the MLTV is basically the is based on the high demand for our Family sixth-generation of the Humvee that is of Light Tactical Vehicles and our training GVW Wheelbase Cargo Bed Height Absorbers known around the world. At AM General, and logistics support services. AM General M1165: 6,124 kg 3.30 m (130 in.) (at GCW) we have built more than 3,00,000 HUM- has multiple initiatives going on in South (13,500 lb.) 92.20 cm (36.3 in.) Wheels VEES and more than 1.5 million light tac- Turning Radius Two-Piece Take Apart; East Asia, the subcontinent of India, South Payload 7.62 m (25 ft.) Engine 16.5 x 8.25 x 6.5 BC tical vehicles in total. The MLTV incorpo- West Asia, the Middle East, Latin America M1165: 3,094 kg General Engine rates all our expertise and experience in Tires and North Africa. (6,820 lb.) Ground Clearance Products (GEP) designing, developing and manufactur- Non-Directional 42.67 cm (16.8 in.) Electronically- Curb Weight Cross-Country Tread; ing light tactical vehicles and delivers it Controlled V8, 6.5L SP’s: Which countries in Asia are appear- M1165: 3,030 kg Angle of Approach 37 x 12.5R-16.5; Load in an outstanding package. It is a bigger ing to be the most promising? (6,680 lb.) 47.7° Turbocharged Diesel Range: E truck. What we have done with the HUM- Douglas: A wide spectrum of countries Towed Load Allowance Angle of Departure Horsepower Service Brakes VEE is evolve and improve it during its ranging from , the Phillipines, 1,905 kg (4,200 lb.) 37.3° @ 3,200 RPM: 150 KW Type: Disc - Front & more than 25 years of service in over 50 Malaysia, Singapore to Thailand, Indone- (202 HP) Back Dual Master Cyl- countries taking lessons learned from the Shipping Dimensions Ramp Breakover sia, Australia, have expressed Torque inder with Hydroboost; battlefield and the commercial automo- 21.66 cubic m Angle Rotor Size - 306.8 mm interest in products from our Family of (765 cubic ft.) 25° @1,700 RPM: 583 N•m tive industry. (430 lb.-ft) Dia.; 24-mm Thick; Light Tactical Vehicles and our training and 11.33 sq m Lining Area - 74.2 cm2 In 1985, AM General began with the (122 sq ft.) Grade Capability logistics support services. (at GCW) Front Suspension (11.5 sq in.) (575.5 most basic Humvee. You can consider 2 Centre of Gravity 40% Independent Double cm (89.2 sq in.) Total) that the first Generation of Humvee. The A-Frame; Coil Spring; SP’s: You have introduced your right hand 91.19 cm (35.9 in.) Fuel Capacity generation two Humvee expanded on Side Slope Capability Telescopic Shock drive high mobility multi-purpose wheeled (at curb weight) 95 L (25 gal.) the experiences that we had on the first- (at GCW) Absorbers vehicle (Humvee). Tell us more about it? Above Ground 1.67 m (65.6 in.) 30% Performance generation Humvee, based on battlefield Rear Suspension Douglas: Yes, the right-hand drive Humvee Rear of Centreline 402 km (250 mile) tested experience gained. Same with Climb Capability Independent Double was developed two years ago, specifically at Front Axle Cruising Range third and fourth generation and (at GCW) A-Frame; Coil Spring; for the Commonwealth countries with an Track Width 45.72 cm (18 in.) Rate - Variable; Maximum Speed now it is in its sixth generation. So all of emphasis on South East Asia and especially 1.82 m (71.6 in) Vertical Step Telescopic Shock 113 kmph (70 mph) these experiences that we have gained India. We have two right-hand drive Hum- from designing and producing hundreds vees that are currently engaged in multiple of thousands of Humvees, the battlefield vehicle trials and demonstrations in which the more than 1.5 million light tactical vehicles, ‘New technologies and experiences, the innovative developments vehicles did very well meeting or exceeding all more than 3,00,000 of which are the world we have incorporated into the vehicle requirements and expectations. The Hum- renowned Humvee. Building world-class light techniques are the core from the commercial automotive sector, vee is the “Gold Standard” for light tactical tactical vehicles is in our DNA. This is what have been incorporated into the sixth gen- vehicles and AM General is the premier light AM General does better than any other vehi- elements of the Humvee’ eration Humvee...the Modernized Light

www.spslandforces.net tactical vehicle producer having produced cle producer around the globe. Tactical Vehicle or MLTV.

6 SP’s Land Forces 4/2013 Interview at DSEi 2013 >>

SP’s: When you said battle-tested, can you vehicle in the world as right-hand drive for refer to some battles? the first time. AM General also unveiled Douglas: Since its inception in 1985, the another new offering for the international Humvee has been involved in every major market: the Modernised Light Tactical conflict or disaster/emergency relief opera- Vehicle with NATO and European Standard tion that the US has engaged in – domesti- EN-level armor protection that is scalable to cally and internationally. The beauty of this meet differing mission requirements. vehicle is that its design is extraordinarily Additionally, the Department of Defense flexible in that it can be configured for a selected our Joint Light Tactical Vehicle multitude of mission packages to include (JLTV) team for a $64.5-million, Engineer- troop carrier, weapons platform, ambu- ing, Manufacturing and Development lance, firefighting, law enforcement and (EMD) phase contract to produce and border security. All the different Humvee deliver 22 Blast Resistant Vehicle – Off road applications have been tested. prototypes for government testing. This is the next phase of the acquisition process for SP’s: Which are your target markets for right- this programme that could potentially lead hand drives and what kind of success you to a multibillion-dollar contract to built tens foresee and can you also give some break up of thousands of these vehicles. of right-hand and left-hand drive sales? Also, utilising ground-breaking technol- Douglas: Our primary markets for right-hand ogies for greater performance and mission drive right now are India and South East Asia. M1165 Special Ops flexibility, AM General’s innovative GMV Another is Africa and we have received inter- 1.1 solution for domestic and international est from New Zealand. At some point we will GVW Turning Radius Engine Wheels rapidly deployable forces demonstrates take a look at Australia where they have an 6,124 kg (13,500 lb.) 7.62 m (25 ft.) General Engine Prod- Two-Piece Take Apart; unmatched power and mobility and is spe- ucts (GEP) V8, 6.5L 16.5 x 8.25 x 6.5 BC ongoing vehicle programme. The UK in the Payload Ground Clearance Turbocharged Diesel cifically designed to be deployed quickly early stages of developing the requirements 2,572 kg (5,670 lb.) 46.23 cm (18.2 in.) Tires from inside a C/MH- 47 / CH-53 helicopter. Horsepower Non-Directional for a programme that will be competed in Curb Weight Angle of Approach @ 3,400 RPM: 142KW Cross-Country Tread; The GMV 1.1 is a platform that can evolve to three to five years and will have a right-hand 3,552 kg (7,830 lb.) 48.0° (190HP) 37 x 12.5R-16.5; Load meet specific operational needs by incorpo- drive requirement. We think that the right- Range: E rating a variety of Government Furnished Towed Load Allowance Angle of Departure Torque hand drive will represent approximately 1,905 kg (4,200 lb.) 40.0° @1,700 RPM: 515 N•m Service Brakes Equipment to meet mission requirements. 30-40 per cent of our sales in the interna- Shipping Dimensions Ramp Breakover Angle (380 lb.-ft) Type: Disc - Front & It has 70 per cent parts commonality with tional market. It’s a very big market. 21.10 cubic m (745 25° Back Dual Master Cyl- the current HMMWV, which significantly Front Suspension inder with Hydroboost; cubic ft.) Independent Double reduces expenses for parts, maintenance SP’s: Can you give an update of the blast 10.87 sq m (117 sq ft.) Grade Capability (at Rotor Size - 306.8 mm and training at a time of increasing pres- GCW) A-Frame; Coil Spring; Dia.; 24-mm Thick; resistant vehicle and have you found global Center of Gravity 40% Telescopic Shock Lining Area - 74.2 cm2 sure on defence budgets. partners for it? (at curb weight) Absorbers (11.5 sq in.) (575.5 Additionally, through our Service Parts Side Slope Capability 76.71 cm (30.2 in.) cm2 (89.2 sq in.) Total) Douglas: Yes, we recently achieved a sig- (at GCW) Rear Suspension and Logistics Organization (SPLO), the nificant milestone on this programme. On Above Ground Independent Double company continues to support HMMWV 1.53 m (60.4 in.) 30% Fuel Capacity August 22, AM General announced deliv- A-Frame; Coil Spring; 95 L (25 gal.) re-set and re-cap efforts by working closely Rear of Centerline at Climb Capability (at ery, ahead of schedule, of 22 of the com- Rate - Variable; Front Axle GCW) Telescopic Shock Performance with its US Government customer at its pany’s Blast Resistant Vehicle - Off road™ depots. The SPLO division also provides Track Width 45.72 cm (18 in.) Absorbers 402 km (250 mile) (BRV-O™) to the US Government. These 22 1.82 m (71.6 in.) Vertical Step Cruising Range the US Government and friendly foreign Joint Light Tactical Vehicles included a four- Geared Hub nations myriad services to include vehicle Wheelbase Cargo Bed Height (at Ratios: 1.92:1 Maximum Speed seat variant Combat Tactical Vehicle that 3.30 m (130 in.) GCW) 113 kmph (70 mph) spare parts and worldwide training and supports three different mission package 97.79 cm (38.5 in.) logistics support. configurations and a two-seat variant Com- Finally, in September AM General bat Support Vehicle that supports a utility announced it had reached an agreement mission package configuration for different to purchase The Vehicle Production Group mission roles across the full spectrum of (VPG). VPG is a Michigan-based company military operations. These vehicles are now that originally developed and manufactured engaged in a rigorous testing programme by the acclaimed MV-1, the only American- the US Government and a contract decision built vehicle specifically designed from the will be made in the 2015 time frame. ground up to meet or exceed the needs of The BRV-O™ represents more than wheelchair passengers and the guidelines a decade of AM General investment in of the Americans with Disabilities Act. research, development and testing for this Previously, AM General acted solely as the next-generation vehicle for the US Army vehicle assembler for VPG. Following this and Marine Corps. There has been signifi- transaction, AM General will own and oper- cant interest in the BRV-O by international ate the MV-1 business. countries. Australia has expressed an inter- The agreement creates a path to form est in JLTV and we conducted a vehicle dem- a new company called “Mobility Ventures onstration for some of their representatives. LLC”, which will acquire the assets of VPG. Additionally, we have also talked to the UK. Production, sales and product develop- ment of the MV-1 is expected to resume in SP’s: Is there any central point of contact approximately 45 days, with AM General for after sales maintenance and spares for bringing more than 50 years of experience your Asian customers? and knowledge in the automotive industry Douglas: No we do not have a geographi- MLTV to the benefit of passengers who rely on spe- cally centralised distribution system. We cialty vehicles such as the MV-1. generally work through local partners. GVW Ground Clearance – 460 Non-Directional Cross- Assembly of the vehicles will continue 7,484 kg (16,500 lb) 34.3 cm (13.5 in) Country – Goodyear - Horsepower 10 Ply Rating; Tread; to occur at AM General’s world-class, SP’s: Tell us what is latest in AM General? Payload Angle of Approach Max. Net 201 kw (270 Size – 6,75,000-square-foot Commercial Assem- Douglas: We have been very busy at AM 1,270 kg (2,800 lb) 52.1° hp) 37 x 12.5; Load Range bly Plant in Mishawaka, Indiana, which General. Our business development team Curb Weight Angle of Departure Torque – E is fully tooled for the MV-1 and ready to has been working to secure new produc- 6,214 kg (13,700 lb) 37° Max. Net Service Brakes resume vehicle assembly. 624 N•m (460 lb-ft) tion orders at our Military Assembly Plant Towed Load Allowance Grade Capability (at Type: Disc - Front & The MV-1 is the only vehicle in its class and we are close to finalising the first of 1,905 kg (4,200 lb) GCW) Front Suspension Back available with a factory-installed clean- 60% Independent Double Dual Master Cylinder a number of international opportunities Shipping Dimensions with burning compressed natural gas fuel option. 3 A-Frame; Coil Spring; which will extend HMMWV production 25.3 m (895 cu ft) Side Slope Capability Shock Absorber Hydroboost; Rotor well into the future. Internationally, there 11.8 m2 (127 sq ft) (at GCW) Size - 306.8 mm SP’s: What is the production capacity for is considerable demand for the HMMWV. 4.93 m (194.0 in) 40% Rear Suspension Dia.; 24-mm Thick; Humvees in a year? length Independent Double Lining Area - 74.2 cm2 More than 50 armed forces of other Climb Capability (at Douglas: While we will not provide specific 2.39 m (94.0 in) width A-Frame; Coil Spring; (11.5 sq in.) (575.5 GCW) nations use HMMWVs for defence, home- 2.15 m (84.8 in) height Shock Absorber cm2 numbers for our Humvee production capac- 45.7 cm (18 in) vertical land security and disaster response mis- (89.2 sq in.) Total) ity, I can say that we have a state-of-the-art, Track Width step Geared Hub sions. This includes HMMWVs designed 1.82 m (71.8 in) Helical – Ratios: 1.92:1 Fuel Capacity dedicated light tactical vehicle assembly Cargo Bed Height (at with armoured troop shelters produced for 121 L (32.0 gal) facility that can readily tailor vehicle produc- Afghanistan security forces. AM General Wheelbase GCW) Wheels tion rates based on the needs of our domes- 3.30 m (130 in) 98.8 cm (38.9 in) Type: Aluminum; Performance has also introduced the first true right- Two-Piece Take Apart; 483 km (300 mile) tic and international customers. We are the Turning Radius Engine hand drive HMMWV, not a kit, for more Size – 16.5 x 8.25 Cruising Range premiere Light Tactical Vehicle producer in than 70 countries that require that capa- 7.62 m (25 ft) General Engine Prod- the world and are the only company that ucts Tires Maximum Speed bility – offering the most proven, adapt- (GEP) Optimizer 3200 Type: Radials – Truck; 120 kmph (75 mph) can offer our customers this kind of quality able, versatile and affordable light tactical and service at an affordable price. SP

4/2013 SP’s Land Forces 7 >> interview at DSEi 2013 ‘Innovation is at the core of ReconRobotics success’

In an interview with the Editor-in-Chief of SP’s Land Forces Jayant Baranwal, the President & CEO of ReconRobotics Alan F. Bignall outlines the success of ReconRobotics as the company believes in “giving the warfighters precisely what they need.” Excerpts of the interview:

Bignall: Our edge has always been stron- mounted enemy troops, and is also excep- gest in giving warfighters precisely what tional when used at vehicle checkpoints to they need. They wanted a throwable audio inspect vehicle undercarriages for explo- and video sensor that was ultra-lightweight, sives or narcotics. The TXT’s infrared optics quick to deploy, simple to operate, easy to allow it to see in complete darkness. carry, extremely durable and quiet in its operation. The Throwbot XT delivers all of SP’s: Are you also developing IED dete- these capabilities and costs thousands of dol- ction equipment that can be mounted on lars less than any other military robot. It has vehicles leading a convoy and which can been battle-tested now for three years and remotely detonate various types of IEDs many foreign militaries are now equipping before the convoy reaches the danger their warfighters with this unique capability. zone? Bignall: That would be an excellent capabil- SP’s: Since the Throwbot XT can be thrown ity to deliver to warfighters, but we have no up to 120 feet (35 metres), can it be useful plans to develop such technologies. Jayant Baranwal (SP’s): In about seven SP’s: From its description, Throwbot XT for surveillance in high altitude areas as years time since inception of your com- would be of good use to locate terror- elevated surveillance platform as a supple- SP’s: Can these micro-robots survive IEDs? pany, you have emerged as the second ist in NLOS conditions but in situations ment to UAV cover? Bignall: The Throwbot XT is not designed largest producer of military and police where they do not have overhead cover, is Bignall: The Throwbot XT can be used at to withstand an IED explosion, but it all robots in the world. What do you attribute it possible to manoeuvre this micro-robot any altitude, and we see no reason why depends on how close the robot is to the IED to this huge success? through openings made by fire or through it would not work on an elevated surveil- and the force of the explosion. The Throw- Alan F. Bignall (Bignall): Seven years ago, an open window in order to cover the situa- lance platform. bot XT operates very low to the ground, so all military and police robots were very tion within the building? in that respect it is somewhat protected. large – 20+ kilograms – and very complex Bignall: The Throwbot XT is designed to be SP’s: As described, the Recon Scout Throw- with articulated arms, large control units. thrown – through a window or door, onto a bot delivers situational awareness about SP’s: What further research is going on in They were transported in a vehicle and rooftop, or over a wall. It can even be dropped what lies behind a door, down a hallway, the company to enhance life-saving recon- operated only by trained experts, primarily from the top of a three-storey building onto or over a wall before the force enters a naissance capabilities of micro-robots? during counter-IED operations. In 2007, concrete and still send back clear video and location. What is not clear is what can the What percentage of your overall business we introduced a .5-kilogram personal robot audio reconnaissance. The micro-robot Throwbot XT tell what is “behind the door” is invested in research? that was a game changer. It could be car- operates at low frequencies, enabling the and how? Bignall: We are continually receiving ideas ried in a small pouch, deployed in five sec- transmissions to and from the robot to prop- Bignall: Once a TXT is deployed into an from military and counter-terrorism teams onds, thrown up to 35 metres and operated agate through walls, windows and doors. No environment, an operator can direct the about new technologies to add to our micro- by anyone. Military and police operators other robot in the world delivers this unique robot to move deep into the structure, down robots, and our design and engineering quickly realised that this micro-robot would set of capabilities. It is also important to note hallways and into rooms, and the video and group is very good at bringing them to mar- save many lives by providing immediate that the Throwbot XT is an important tool audio signals will still propagate through ket. We redirect the overwhelming majority situational awareness. This innovation led for maritime interdiction and ship-boarding several walls to the hand-held operator con- of our profits back into product develop- to great success in the US and ultimately in teams. Because of its unique transmitting trol unit. This gives the operator tremen- ment and this strategy of continuous inno- more than 30 countries worldwide. We now frequencies, the TXT can be used to search dous standoff distance, which keeps him vation has served us very well. In 2013, we have more than 4,100 of our Throwbot XT one- and two-levels below the top deck of a safe from hidden threats. were named one of the 50 Most Innovative (TXT) sensor systems deployed with mili- ship, and the operating standing on the top Companies in the World by Fast Company, tary and police forces. deck is able to still receive clear video recon- SP’s: Is ReconRobotics prepared to under- an outstanding US-based business maga- naissance. We also make a SearchStick that take transfer of technology to Asian coun- zine. We are proud of this recognition, SP’s: ReconRobotics (RR) has participated converts our Throwbot XT into a pole cam- tries including India and help establish which placed us on the list with Google, in the counter-terror expos in UK and USA, era, which can be used to search over walls production line in the buyer country? Apple and Amazon, and it motivates us to has your company explored the Asian mar- or into attics, crawl spaces and even into the Bignall: We have not been asked by any coun- keep our innovative edge. ket and participated in exhibitions or dem- holds of a ship. try to establish production in their coun- onstrated your products in Asian countries? try. Our international buyers in police and SP’s: Could you give us some examples of Bignall: We participated in DSA in Kuala SP’s: What would be the effect of rain, military seem very pleased with the superb the extraordinary work the micro-robots Lumpur in 2011, and in the Land War- snow and wind on the operation of the quality of our American-made micro-robot have done in saving lives of warfighters? fare Conference in Melbourne in 2012. In Throwbot XT since there are many occa- systems, and have not expressed a desire to Bignall: We get letters and e-mails all the addition, our resellers have participated in sions of counter-terrorist operations being change our manufacturing system. time from both warfighters and police indi- country-specific exhibitions in many Asian conducted in adverse weather conditions? cating that “Your Throwbot XT saved our countries, including China, , Bignall: The Throwbot XT is highly water SP’s: Has the Recon Scout IR been used lives last night.” The “Know Before You Go” India and Indonesia. resistant and can easily withstand immer- in actual combat situations? Aside from capability that our micro-robots provide not sion in up to 30 cm of water for up to 10 use in counterterrorism tasks in built-up only protects warfighters but also innocent SP’s: Besides the US, which countries minutes. It can also be decontaminated fol- areas in urban environment, how can this civilians. This knowledge motivates every- account for healthy sales of RR products? lowing use in HAZMAT situations, and can be used in open and forested terrain? Can one at our company to excel in designing Do you have a distribution network in India be used in temperatures well below freez- it be used for surveillance in border areas and building game-changing products for and if yes, what is the contact point and ing. More than 1,000 of these micro-robots by night? those men and women who put their lives who have you marketed your products? have been used in all kinds of weather for Bignall: Both the Recon Scout IR and on the line in military and police service. Bignall: Our strongest international mar- more than three years in Afghanistan, and Throwbot XT have been successfully used There are many SWAT profiles on our web- kets to date have been , the UK, they continue to save lives and help soldiers in hundreds of military operations, includ- site that contain such testimonials, includ- Switzerland, Italy, and China. Our perform their missions without fail. ing route- and building-clearing missions, ing this one from the French Counter Ter- distributor in India is AudoViso Private Lim- urban warfare operations, IED reconnais- ror RAID team: http://www.reconrobotics. ited, managed by Ashim Kumar. +91 11 SP’s: What technological edge does Recon sance and remote surveillance. It can be com/pdfs/ReconRoboticsw_RAID_micro-

SP www.spslandforces.net 4584 0000; [email protected] Scout have over its nearest competitor? placed along a trail at night to watch for dis- robot_Toulouse.pdf

8 SP’s Land Forces 4/2013 middle east >> The Syrian Imbroglio The support to Syrian rebels fighting the Assad regime is from the Sunni Arab nations, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the US. The irony of the situation is that the US which launched GWOT to fight Al-Qaeda is now using Al-Qaeda to support Syrian rebels in a bid to change the regime in Syria.

 Lt General (Retd) P.C. Katoch target of a “massive hack” of its computer isation of Syria through a US-Saudi Arabia are “few champions of democracy” in the files by an “unknown state sponsored entity” contrived war is more targeted at Iran than civil war in Syria, “but there are more than he world watches with bated this past January. The FSB disclosed a num- Syria.” By targeting Syria and Iran, the US enough Qaida fighters and extremists of all breath the developments in Syria. ber of critical e-mails between its top two wants to not only limit Russian and Chinese types battling the government.” Russia has At the moment it appears that the executives, founder Philip Doughty and his influence in the region, but also aims at the handed over plans of Syrian chemical weap- US which President Barack Obama Business Development Director David Gould- Chinese Navy embedding on Iranian ports. ons to be placed under international con- describes as the “anchor of global ing, disclosing that the Obama regime has Syria has discovered substantial gas trol in four stages commencing with Syria Tsecurity”, is reconciled to at least defer strik- approved a “false flag” attack in Syria using reserves in its Qara gas fields and Syria lies becoming a member of the Organisation for ing Syria. However, Obama’s constraints chemical weapons and that Britain has been on the gas supply route to Europe. In addi- Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Putin are more because of the serious lack of approved to participate in the West’s war tion, direct supply of gas by Iran through has also warned the US against unilateral consensus for attacking Syria by world lead- on Iran. One e-mail from Goulding reads, Syria, cuts out Qatari dreams to supply gas action against Syria without UN approval. ers at the G-20 meet; British Parliament “Phil, We’ve got a new offer. It’s about Syria to Europe directly. The USA, a strategic part- UN approval appears doubtful because both voting not in favour of British participa- again. Qataris propose an attractive deal and ner of and Saudi Arabia, and the larg- Russia and China would veto such move; tion against intervention; apprehensions swear that the idea is approved by Washing- est beneficiary of their oil revenues, is will- doubts about who released the sarin gas in of a resolution within the US not getting ton. We’ll have to deliver a chemical weapon ing to back its partners to knock out Syria Syria, collateral damage in case of attack(s), through particularly because of opposition (CW) to Homs (Syria), a Soviet origin g-shell and Iran from the energy equation. In doing and that, any strike would certainly not end by the Republicans and from even double from similar to those that Assad should so, the strategic benefit would be to block the strife in Syria and within the region. digit Democrats in the Senate; and above all have. They want us to deploy our Ukrainian Russian and Chinese designs in this regard. What appears likely is that the US will lack of UN Security Council (UNSC) approv- personnel that should speak Russian and The Syria-Iran-Iraq Gas Pipeline, dubbed as play along the Russian plan for securing Syr- al for intervention/striking Syria. Yet, the US make a video record. Frankly, I don’t think the ‘Islamic Pipeline,’ is a $10-billion proj- ian chemical weapons briefly but will want option to strike Syria remains alive as the US it’s a good idea but the sums proposed are ect that would supply gas from the largest this done post-haste in an impossible time continues negotiations globally particularly enormous.” There is much in the news about oil field in the world (Pars in Persian Gulf) to frame that would be near impossible to actu- with Russia, as well as mustering consen- Syrian rebel al-Nusra being in possession of and onwards to Europe by 2018. ally carry out because of multiple technical sus within the US, besides, implementation sarin gas and Russia seeking explanation Qatar that is also a claimant to Pars plans challenges amidst a raging civil war, besides time of the Russian proposal with respect to from but who supplied the sarin may to supply gas to Europe through an alter- disposal being expensive and requiring chemical weapons of Syria, appears unlikely be difficult to establish without an interna- nate pipeline via Turkey traversing Iraq experts—all of which would need months if to suit impatient US. tional commission with all the prevailing that would bypass both Iran and Syria. In not years. This apart, if the strike is planned subterfuge. Besides, apprehensions are natu- Turkey, this would be linked with the US- primarily for strategic reasons as discussed, The Syrian Tangle ral after the US presented false evidence of backed Nabucco pipeline, carrying gas sup- then the US will find a way to strike Syria The war in Syria has both regional and stra- nuclear weapons as an excuse to invade Iraq. plies from the Central Asian Republics. Both and tackle Iran next before the latter goes tegic dimensions, latter primarily due to the Obama has also mentioned that since projects are strategic in nature but in direct nuclear. Generating another Sarin gas leak/ US designs with complex cross linkages. Syria has admitted possession of chemical competition with each other and hence attack that would justify unilateral action too The Syrian identity itself is an amalgama- weapons, it should be punished but then the serious clash of interests. The US with remains a possibility. On balance, while the tion of Sunnis, Shias, Alawites, Druze and western scholars are writing about the pos- important Central Command (CENTCOM) immediate case to act against Syria is loudly multiple Arab ethnicities. The support to sibility of Israel too having chemical weap- bases in Qatar, back the Qatar-Turkey pipe- made out as retribution for Assad’s purported Syrian rebels fighting the Assad regime is ons. For that matter China, though signa- line which is sans Russian influence. use of chemical weapons against Syria’s hap- from the Sunni Arab nations, Saudi Arabia, tory to the Chemical Weapons Convention Interestingly, according to a report, less civilians and the ‘Free Syrian Army’, the Pakistan and the US. Pakistan Taliban has is known to be in possession of chemical Prince Bandar bin Sultan of Saudi Arabia strategic reasons are energy supplies, regime opened their office in Syria and is assist- weapons since many years, as does Paki- during his recent visit to Russia pledged to change and reducing Russia-China influence. ing the rebels. The irony of the situation is stan. Further, the record of the US itself safeguard Russia’s naval base in Syria if the that the US which launched GWOT to fight is nowhere clean, considering what they Assad regime is toppled, but he also hinted at Conclusion Al-Qaeda is now using Al-Qaeda to support unleashed in Vietnam. Chechen terrorist attacks on Russia’s Winter President Putin has said that the matter of Syrian rebels in a bid to change the regime Olympics in Sochi if there is no accord. Con- bringing Syria’s chemical weapons under in Syria. Russian President Vladimir Putin US Interests currently, London’s The Telegraph News Ser- international control has long been a sub- has openly accused John Kerry for being While asserting the necessity to strike Syria, vice reported that Saudi Arabia has secretly ject of discussion by experts and politicians untruthful that Al-Qaeda was not present Obama stated that if action against Syria offered Russia a sweeping deal to control the but that Syria’s chemical arms handover will in Syria. In fact the US writers had referred was not taken, Iran will follow suit, imply- global oil market and safeguard Russia’s gas only work if the US and its allies renounce to the US plans of bombing Syria as the US ing Iran would develop and use chemical contracts, if Kremlin backs away from the the use of force against Damascus. The US substituting for Al-Qaeda Air Force. Then weapons as well. The ultimate target obvi- Assad regime in Syria, an offer Putin turned Senate scheduled to vote on whether to are many reports in the US media that the ously is Iran. Interestingly, General Wesley down. In strategic terms, the Qatar-Turkey authorise limited military actions is cur- US has been using Al-Qaeda to assist the reb- Clark, former Supreme Allied Commander, pipeline is exceedingly important for Europe rently on hold but that may not be for long els in Syria. Paul Joseph Watson in his article North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the USA as Europe can be freed from any if another ‘trigger’ can be manipulated. “Whether America Shares Its Values with had stated in March 2007 that while bomb- Russian control of their gas supplies. At the Significantly, Stratfor’s “Analytical Guid- Terrorists” wrote more than a year back that ing of Afghanistan had commenced, I same time this restricts Chinese penetration ance: The Syria Crisis” states, “In the wake just as Al-Qaeda terrorists were used to oust asked a General of Joint Staff, “Are we still in Iran’s energy infrastructure. of President Barack Obama’s change of Gaddafi, hundreds of Libyan rebels with Al- going to war with Iraq?” And he said, “Oh, tack from a strike on Syria, the threat of Qaeda willing members were being airlifted it’s worse than that.” He picked up a piece Current Situation war has not dissolved…. There is no chance into Syria to aid opposition in carrying out of paper from his desk and said, “I just got John Kerry had argued the case before the of an attack on chemical weapons stock- attacks against government forces. So can this down from upstairs” — meaning the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee piles. Therefore, the attack, if any, will be the West really absolve itself completely of Secretary of Defense’s office — “today”. that not striking Syria will undermine the on command and control and political tar- complicity in the over 1,00,000 civil casual- And he said, “This is a memo that describes US credibility, endanger Israel and that the gets…. Remember that all public statements ties in Syria? The game is not only about the how we’re going to take out seven countries US aim is not war but degrading the mili- now are meant to obscure real plans and Shia-Sunni strife but multiple factions fight- in five years, starting with Iraq, and then tary potential of Syria. Later, Obama has intentions. They are intended to shape the ing and above all control of oil, and the next Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and stated that not punishing Syria for using environment.” This is in line with the new likely target of the US being Iran. finishing off with Iran.” He added, “I guess chemical weapons would encourage Iran US foreign doctrine of subtle manipulation it’s like we don’t know what to do about ter- to follow suit. More recently, Putin wrote from backstage. Obviously such manipu- Chemical Weapons rorists, but we’ve got a good military and we about Syria in the New York Times that there lation does not preclude precision strikes. On the vital question of who released sarin can take down governments.” And he said, Absence of ‘boots on ground’ is a misnomer gas on the hapless Syrian public, John Kerry “I guess if the only tool you have is a ham- as this is being achieved by proxies, Al-Qaeda told the US Senate Foreign Relations Com- mer, every problem has to look like a nail.” The war in Syria has both included, and Special Forces as a conse- mittee that establishing this is outside the In the same context, Dr Subhash Kap- regional and strategic quence to lessons learnt from conflicts over UN mandate but the US had proof that the ila, in his article “US Strategic Blunders in the years including Iraq and Afghanistan. Syrian regime was responsible. However, South West Asia, South Asia Analysis Group dimensions, latter Hopefully, better sense will prevail but the President Putin has called the US charge (March 18, 2013), wrote, “Strategically, the US cruise strikes may still take place against President Assad of Syria having used US cannot expect to sustain a long-term and primarily due to the US though majority support at home may be chemical weapons “utterly absurd”. More effective presence in South West Asia by a unattainable and with even France having significant is a report by the Federal Secu- constant and vicious demonisation of Iran… designs with complex second thoughts of supporting intervention. rity Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) Iran commands the Shia Crescent extending Such a strike will certainly have adverse eco- that Britain Defence, one of the largest pri- from Lebanon, through Syria and to the bor- cross linkages nomic consequences for India besides affect- vate mercenary forces in the world, was the ders of Afghanistan…the current de-stabil- ing the Indian diaspora in the region. SP

4/2013 SP’s Land Forces 9 >> Show Report / DSEi 2013 DSEi Demonstrates Strong Growth of Military Equipment

This year, the show attracted over 30,000 of the global defence and security industry professionals to source the latest equipment and systems, develop international relations and generate new business opportunities

Photograph: Nexter  R. Chandrakanth a popular family of guided . Typhoon Nexter’s new unmanned MLS NLOS also carries a Toplite observation espite the slash in defence ground vehicle and targeting sensor turret. Related systems spending by several European developed by Rafael are the Typhoon 30 with countries and also the US, the a 30mm ATK Mk 44 Bushmaster cannon, market for defence and secu- and Typhoon MLS-ER with machine gun rity equipment is growing with and Spike-ER missile launchers. Ddemand surging from other parts of the world. However, there is a gloomy global Cassidian’s High-grade trend, but that did not deter the Defence Sys- Encryption Device tems and Equipment International (DSEi) Cassidian, the security and defence arm event which is held biannually in London. of EADS launched its latest high-grade DSEi 2013 has carved a niche for encryption device. The Ectocryp Blue v2 itself and has become the most defini- solution—the core product in the Ectocryp tive global military equipment show. This family—can transfer information classi- year, it attracted over 30,000 of the global fied up to top secret across public networks, defence and security industry to source allowing organisations to minimise the risk the latest equipment and systems, develop of cyber attack. Blue is Europe’s fastest, international relations and generate new high assurance Internet protocol encryptor business opportunities. (HAIPE) certified remotely operated cryp- There were nearly 1,500 international tographic device. Ectocryp solutions have exhibitions from over 50 countries, show- UGV, which was first revealed in mid-2012 ating in these duties with . Its fully- already found application in the UK and US. casing specialised equipment in air, naval, for military applications. The development of integrated tactical system offers a truly Ectocryp Yellow, the next stage in sovereign land, security, medical and unmanned the NERVA S UGV now enables Nexter Robot- open architecture system that can integrate UK cryptographic development, is a porta- zones. Notwithstanding the continuing dull ics to offer a wide range of products to meet many systems and sensor types. ble, low-cost, interoperable basis for highly economic climate, companies were aggres- different user requirements. secure strategic and tactical networks. sive in marketing of their products, some of Lockheed Martin Presents Fury UAV them being launched only at DSEi. Saab Introduces Modular Barracuda Lockheed Martin showcased Fury UAV in BAE System Air-to-air Refuelling for The UK Prime Minister David Cameron Mobile Camouflage System the UK for the first time.T he company is Tanker Missions gave a major boost to the show by launch- Defence and security company Saab intro- proposing the air vehicle as a multi-intelli- BAE Systems Regional Aircraft revealed its ing a new document “Securing Prosper- duced a further improved modular mobile gence platform, with low visual and acous- proposal for an air-to-air refuelling (A2R) ity – A Strategic Vision for the UK Defence camouflage system; Barracuda MCS. tic signatures but high range and endur- version of the BAe 146/Avro RJ regional Sector” which identifies the industry’s core Already in use by more than 20 nations, ance performance. It is classed as a Group airliner. With its high wing and T-tail con- strengths and sets out how the govern- Barracuda MCS is now offering even better 3 UAV, for tactical and expeditionary appli- figuration, the 146 is considered an ideal ment and industry can work more closely flexibility with possibilities to customise the cations. Lockheed Martin claims it has the platform for the tanker mission, and could together to catalyse growth. vehicle protection solution to specific cus- biggest payload capacity and volume of any be well suited to refuelling tilt-rotor aircraft. London being the host, the focus was also tomer needs. runway-independent UAVs. BAE Systems has carried out proximity trials on how the defence industry was charting Also on display was Skeldar V-200 mari- with a Hawk trainer and other 146 aircraft its path. The UK defence sector is currently time UAV system, which can hover for hours Atlas Elektronik’s Minesweeper to confirm that the aerodynamic environ- worth over £22 billion a year and employs while providing real-time information to a Atlas Elektronik UK unveiled its new Atlas ment behind the 146 is sufficiently benign well over 1,00,000 people. The UK is also control station or a remote video terminal. remote combined influence minesweeping for tanker operations. With a large number a leading defence exporter, with overseas system (ARCIMS) suite. The company has of pre-owned 146s and RJs available for sales close to £9 billion last year. The strate- Rolls-Royce Maritime Patrol Craft also disclosed that it will shortly deliver an refurbishment and conversion, the types gic vision for the UK defence sector has been Rolls-Royce unveiled a new design of mari- initial two ARCIMS to meet the needs of an could represent a cost-efficient means of pro- developed through the Defence Growth Part- time patrol craft. The first of a ‘protection undisclosed customer. Designed to address viding a tanker capability, either for frontline nership (DGP) which was set up in 2012. vessel family’ of designs, the new 55-metre requirements for a next-generation of net- operations or for training receivers without craft features a range of equipment from worked off-board unmanned mine coun- using larger, more expensive tankers. Single Platform Solution to Counter IEDs Rolls-Royce (stabilisers, thrusters, steer- termeasures (MCM) systems, ARCIMS has Pearson Engineering (Stand S4-360) has ing gear, fixed-pitch propellers) and MTU built upon Atlas Elektronik UK’s long pedi- CTruk Presents THOR completed development of its route open- (diesels, diesel generators, Callosum IPMS), gree in MCM. This includes the rapid devel- Making its first public appearance, the ing and clearing capability (PEROCC) sys- offering a cost-effective capability that can opment and delivery of the Royal Navy’s twin-hulled offshore raider (THOR) high- tem, which is being shown at DSEi for the be tailored to mission requirements. shallow water influence minesweeping sys- speed vessel developed by CTruk starred in first time and is fitted with a fully integrated tem for operations in the northern Arabian the twice-daily water-borne demonstra- roller system and arm-mounted ground FLIR Systems’ Security Solutions Gulf in 2003. tions. Designed to meet requirements for a penetrating radar arrays. FLIR Systems Inc showcased 360° maritime fast, stable multi-role force protection craft, PEROCC has already undergone com- security solutions to detect, identify and Cassidian Launches X-band Naval Radar THOR has been developed by CTruk in part- pany trials in the UK, with extensive tests track threats to critical coastal infrastruc- Cassidian, the defence division of EADS, nership with a number of allied companies carried out at the subsystem level. These have ture and maritime assets such as ships and launched an X-band naval surface surveil- under the banner of the CTruk collaborative included blast trials to the three-person crew yachts, as well as coastal borders. Already lance radar optimised for the detection of amphibious project (CAP) consortium. This capsule and integration of all key counter- deployed around the world, this capability, extremely small objects and countering asym- industry group has been established with mine systems, most of which have already powered by CommandSpace adaptive C2 metric threats. Based upon the latest active the intention of competing in a market tra- been proven for other applications. The new software for maritime solutions, integrates electronically scanning array (AESA) radar ditionally dominated by larger companies. system leverages extensive experience gained FLIR Systems’ imaging and radar technolo- technology, the company’s tactical radar for THOR has been conceived as an afford- from the design, development and produc- gies with underwater sonar and other sen- surface surveillance (TRSS) system is claimed able multi-role craft that can be used in a tion of a wide range of counter-mine equip- sors to create a full, 3D maritime situational to “substantially increase the detection capa- variety of applications, ranging from force ment of the roller and plough type, which awareness shield around an asset. bilities, and thus the protection level of navy protection and riverine patrol, to disaster has seen extensive operational use. ships and coast guard vessels”. relief and casualty evacuation. Built from Airbus Military Pitches C295 as lightweight composite material and with Nexter Launches Low-cost UGV Multi-role Airlifter Rafael Presents Typhoon a speed in excess of 40 kts, the twin-hull Nexter Robotics, a subsidiary of the French Airbus Military made a pitch of its C295 as Rafael showcased the Typhoon MLS NLOS for THOR craft is able to operate for sustained Nexter Group, launched NERVA S unmanned multi-role airlifter as the platform for a pos- the first time, having unveiled this new itera- periods at long ranges. ground vehicle (UGV), small, low-cost, four- sible UK maritime patrol aircraft require- tion of its popular stabilised marine weapon As the complexity of war increases, so wheeled UGV optimised for use in the recon- ment. Airbus Military’s C295 offers an station earlier this year. This version mounts does the equipment and companies have naissance role and in confined spaces. It is affordable and versatile platform for the eight launchers for the company’s Spike- showed the technological prowess as wit-

SP www.spslandforces.net essentially a smaller version of the NERVA LG MPA/ASW mission and is already oper- NLOS missile, the longest-range member of nessed at the show.

10 SP’s Land Forces 4/2013 news in brief >>

Arjun Mk.II begins user trial-by-fire awareness of slow progress in infantry Army orders more INVAR for T-90S Publisher and Editor-in-Chief It’s the most crucial phase for Project Arjun. modernisation in the country. The Army’s In a big relief coming in for the Mechanised Jayant Baranwal The new and improved Arjun Mk.II has Infantry Directorate has called for a meet- Forces, the Indian Army has finally managed Editor begun user trials in the deserts of Rajast- ing to speed up the F-INSAS programme to conclude a long-awaited `3,000-crore Lt General (Retd) V.K. Kapoor han, an exercise that hopefully confirm its to provide infantry units with more inte- deal for additional INVAR anti-tank guided Assistant Group Editor usefulness to the Indian Army. With over 90 grated battlefield equipment.T ensions on missiles licence built by the Bharat Dynamics R. Chandrakanth improvements to the base Mk.I version, the the LoC have seen the use of hand-held Ltd with Russian technology. According to Senior Technical Group Editor Chennai-based Combat Vehicles R&D Estab- thermal imagers and other equipment, but the Ministry of Defence, “The deliveries are Lt General (Retd) Naresh Chand lishment (CVRDE) has been steeped in fine- the Infantry Directorate is of the view that expected to be completed over next five years. Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey tuning the platform for the last 24 months, far greater pace of modernisation is desir- Invar is a laser beam rider anti-tank guided Contributing Editor hoping to meet the stringent demands of the able towards a much more prepared soldier missile capable of being fired fromT -90 Air Marshal (Retd) Anil Chopra Army, a customer who was hard to please deployed in the forward areas. According tank. It has a range of five km.T he missile Assistant Editor with the Mk.I as well. The results of the to sources, apart from primary weapon and can neutralise adversaries tanks fitted with Sucheta Das Mohapatra Mk.II user trials will be crucial to the future survivability modernisation, the Infantry explosive reactive armour protection.” The of a project that traces its origins to the after- Directorate is keen to shore up situational missile has a semi-automatic control system, Contributors India math of the 1971 war. The Army has placed awareness and night-fighting equipment tele-orienting in a laser beam. The INVAR is a General (Retd) V.P. Malik, Lt General (Retd) an indent for 116 Mk.IIs, in addition to the augmentation for soldiers, starting with high velocity jamming-immune missile with Vijay Oberoi, Lt General (Retd) R.S. Nagra, 124 Mk.I tanks already in service with two those in Rashtriya Rifles and Special Forces tandem warhead designed to defeat explosive Lt General (Retd) S.R.R. Aiyengar, tank regiments in the Rajasthan sector. units, and then to other regular infantry reactive armour and intended to destroy sta- Air Marshal (Retd) Vinod Patney, units. The coming weeks are likely to see tionary and moving targets with speed up to Major General (Retd) Ashok Mehta, Major General (Retd) G.K. Nischol, Fresh Nag ATGM trials successful a slew of fresh expressions of interest per- 70 kmph. The deal was cleared by the Cabi- Brigadier (Retd) Gurmeet Kanwal, After major setbacks a year ago, the taining to the F-INSAS programme. net Committee on Security (CCS) in October Brigadier (Retd) S. Mishra, Rohit Sharma Nag anti-tank guided missile project has last year, and remains the most significant Chairman & Managing Director bounced back, with a series of successes at Indian Army interest in SIMFIRE recent step to shore up ammunition reserves, Jayant Baranwal the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajast- In an effort to hone up firing skills among severely depleted in the tank formations as Executive Vice President han in recent trials, where the missile was its mechanised forces, the Indian Army is highlighted by the former Chief of Army (Planning & Business Development) tested with a new imaging infrared (IIR) looking to economise on ammunition and Staff, General V.K. Singh. Rohit Goel seeker of much higher resolution than the move largely to the realm of simulators, Administration earlier one. Sources confirm that the trials a global best practice among militaries in India, US ready to sign deal for 145 Bharti Sharma were more successful than the earlier one. the west. The Army has announced inter- M777 ultra-light howitzers Creative Director The NAMICA Mk.1 (seven have been est in acquiring SIMFIRE, a German com- History may be around the corner for the Anoop Kamath ordered), tested by the Army between 2007 pany’s range of shooting simulators, for its Indian Army’s artillery regiment, with the and 2010, had certain deficiencies while T-90/T-72 and BMP I/II in the near future. first ever acquisition deal for howitzer guns Design Vimlesh Kumar Yadav, Sonu Singh Bisht operating in high ambient temperatures. “Tactical training in the Mechanised since the Bofors scam in the 1980s. The US The Defence Research and Development Forces is conducted with realistic depic- Pentagon has provided final notification to Research Assistant: Graphics Survi Massey Organisation (DRDO) is also working on tion of battlefield scenarios and resultant the US Congress on the $885-million sale improvement demanded by the Army on the manoeuvres/counter-manoeuvres being to India, the final step before a foreign mili- Sales & Marketing improved NAMICA Mk.2 platform, 200 of carried out by participating units/sub tary sales (FMS) deal is signed between the Director Sales & Marketing: Neetu Dhulia General Manager Sales: Rajeev Chugh which may be purchased if all parameters units. In such circumstances, though all two governments. The contract has taken are met. These improvements include reduc- efforts are made to paint realistic tacti- more than seven years to come to fruition, SP’s Website Sr. Web Developer: Shailendra P. Ashish tion of all-up weight to 15 tonnes, improved cal situations, the outcome is left to the including several bumps along the way. The Web Developer: Ugrashen Vishwakarma reliability of missile launcher platform judgement of umpires/control organisa- new guns will breathe fresh life into a belea- drive mechanisms, higher-resolution target tion set up for the conduct of the exercise/ guered artillery arm that resigned itself to Published bimonthly by Jayant Baranwal on behalf of SP Guide Publications Pvt acquisition sight for the gunner, enhanced training. This, leads to a lot of subjectivity using vintage guns for nearly two decades. Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this user-friendly process in acquisition of target in the entire process of imparting realistic A deal with BAE Systems, which cur- publication may be reproduced, stored in a through reduced offset between sight and training,” says the Army in its request for rently owns Bofors Defence, is likely before retrieval system, or transmitted in any form missile seeker-acquired target scene image, information. Furthermore, to draw out the end of the fiscal, and will mark another or by any means, photocopying, recording, improved amphibious performance and pro- correct tactical lessons, it is imperative that major step ahead for Indo-US defence rela- electronic, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publishers. vision of a target surveillance and acquisi- the effectiveness of the own/opponents tions. The M777 will be deployed in the tion sight for the crew commander. fire is seen by the crew operating on the A north-east and Ladakh, and will be air- Printed in India by Kala Jyothi Process Pvt Ltd vehicles. Therefore, in order to obviate the mobile with the IAF’s new heavy-lift fleet. SP © SP Guide Publications, 2013 LoC tension spurs concerns over above mentioned drawback in our present —SP’s Special Correspondent infantry modernisation tactical training and enable a two sided live Subscription/ Circulation Annual Inland: `600 • Overseas: US$180 The high degree of ceasefire violations on firing exercise, it is intended to induct SIM- For complete versions log on to: Email: [email protected] the line of control (LoC) has heightened FIRE equipment into service. www.spslandforces.net [email protected] Letters to Editor [email protected] For Advertising Details, Contact: Indian Army successfully test tect the crew and aircraft, as well as enhance system’s common open architecture-based [email protected] launches Prithvi-II missile the survivability in sophisticated, diverse approach to integrating sensors. SP [email protected] The Indian Army’s strategic forces com- and dense threat environments. The system SP GUIDE PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD mand (SFC) has successfully test launched provides a timely warning against different Corporate Office the locally manufactured Prithvi-II surface- types of threats such as radar, laser and mis- >> Show Calendar A 133 Arjun Nagar, Opp Defence Colony, to-surface/nuclear capable missile from the sile approach, and automatically deploys the New Delhi 110 003, India integrated test range (ITR) at Chandipur, off required counter measures. The company 21-23 October Tel: +91(11) 24644693, 24644763, the Odisha coast. Fitted with an advanced will develop and produce IDAS system at AUSA 2013 24620130 Fax: +91 (11) 24647093 high-accuracy domestically manufactured its facility in Centurion, South Africa, while Walter E. Washington Convention navigation and manoeuvring system, the deliveries are expected to start in 2014. IDAS Center, Washington, DC, USA Regd Office missile achieved all the targeting and tech- system has been successfully used in many http://ausameetings.org/annual/#sthash. Fax: +91 (11) 23622942 nCmBrY4I.dpuf Email: [email protected] nical parameters set out for the launch, airborne platforms, which include Saab which was carried out as part of a regular 2000, AgustaWestland A109, Super Lynx Representative Offices 30-31 October Bengaluru, INDIA training exercise, under the guidance of the 300, Boeing CH-47 Chinook, Denel Rooivalk Armoured Vehicles Asia 2013 Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey Defence Research and Development Organ- and Oryx, Eurocopter Cougar. Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, 204, Jal Vayu Vihar, Kalyan Nagar, isation (DRDO) scientists. During the termi- Singapore Bengaluru 560043, India. nal phase of the test launch, the missile was Sentinel capabilities into IBCS www.armouredvehiclesasia.com Tel: +91 (80) 23682204 tracked by the DRDO-built radars, electro- Northrop Grumman and the US Army Pro- MOSCOW, RUSSIA optical tracking systems and telemetry sta- gram Executive Office for Missiles and Space 31 October LAGUK Co., Ltd, Yuri Laskin tions located along the coast of Odisha. (PEO MS) have installed a key Patriot mis- DIGITISATION OF BATTLEFIELD 2013 Krasnokholmskaya, Nab., sile and Sentinel radar capabilities into the Le Meridien, New Delhi 11/15, app. 132, Moscow 115172, Russia. www.events.spguidepublications.com Tel: +7 (495) 911 2762, Saab self-protection system latter’s integrated air and missile defence Fax: +7 (495) 912 1260 for India’s ALH (IAMD) battle command system (IBCS). 12-14 November Swedish defence and security company Saab Jointly carried out with Raytheon, the www.spguidepublications.com Military Exports and Compliance www.spslandforces.net has secured two orders, worth about SEK Sentinel Project Office and Lockheed Mar- Asia 2013 RNI Number: DELENG/2008/25818 216 million ($33 million), from India-based tin on orders of the IAMD Project Office, Traders Hotel, Singapore Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). As the Patriot advanced capability-2 (PAC-2) www.intelligence-sec.com/events/military- part of the deal, the company will provide and PAC-3 capability integration enables exports-asia-2013 an integrated electronic warfare self-protec- an IBCS engagement operations centre to tion system to equip the advanced light heli- launch and control the Patriot family of 18-20 November copter (ALH), which belongs to the Indian interceptors in a net-centric approach. The Armoured Vehicles India 2013 Army and Air force. The company’s inte- addition of Sentinel radar to the IBCS inte- New Delhi, India grated defensive aids suite (IDAS) will pro- grated fire control network validates the www.armouredvehiclesindia.com

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