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Indian ’s Cold Start Doctrine: Capabilities, Limitations and Possible Response from

By

Masood Ur Rehman Khattak

SASSI Research Paper 32 March 2011

Published by

South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI), 36 Alie Street, , E1 8DA

South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI) 2011

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List of Acronyms

AWACS Airborne Warning and Control System ABM Anti Ballistic Missile AEW Airborne Early Warning BFSRs Battlefield Surveillance Radars C4ISR Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance CSD Cold Start Doctrine C4I Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence CAG Comptroller Auditor CDS Chief of Defense DGMO Director-General of Military Operations EW FATA Federally Administered Tribal FMCP Force Multiplication Command Post FPD Fire Power Demonstration HQ-9 Hongqi-9 ISRO Indian Space Research Organisation IPKF Indian Peace Keeping Force IBGs Integrated Groups IAF JCSC Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee LORROS Long-Range Recce and Observation Systems MBT NCW Network Centric Warfare NBC Nuclear-Biological- Chemical NCOs Non Commissioned Officers OIC Organisation of Islamic Conference PAF RAPID Reorganized Army Plains SAM Surface to Air Missiles SCO Shengai Cooperation Organisation SIPRI Stockholm International Peace Research Institute UAVs Unmanned Aerial Vehicles UN US WLRs Locating Radars

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Contents

List of Acronyms 02

Abstract 05

1. Introduction 06

2. Indian Military’s Cold Start Doctrine- (CSD) 06

3. Indian Military’s Capabilities for the Implementation 11 Of Cold Start Doctrine

4. Indian from 2004-2010 14

4.1. Exercise Divya Astra- 2004 14 4.2. Exercise Vajra Shakti- 2005 15 4.3. Exercise Desert Strike- 2005 15 4.4. Exercise Sanghe Shakti- 2006 16 4.5. Exercise Ashwamedh- 2007 16 4.6. Exercise Shatrunash- 2007 17 4.7. Exercise Brazen Chariots- 2008 17 4.8. Exercise Hind Shakti - 2009 18 4.9. Exercise Vayu Shakti - 2010 18 4.10. Exercise Yodha Shakti- 2010 19

5. Main components used in Indian Military Exercises 20 from 2004-2010

6. Evaluation of Indian Military Exercises 25

7. Critical appraisal of the Indian Military’s CSD: Limitations 26

7.1. Infrastructure Barriers for IBGs at the Border 26 7.2. Uncertainty in the Limited 26 7.3. Shortage in Military Weapons and Equipments 27 7.4. Shorter Lines of Communication Advantage for Pakistan 28 7.5. Nuclear Dimension 28

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8. Pakistan’s Response to Indian Military’s CSD 30

9. Recommendations for Pakistan 34

9.1. Leadership/Military and Political 34 9.2. Regular Military Exercises and Coordination 34 9.3. Assertive Role of the Foreign Office 35 9.4. Technological innovation in Pakistan military machine 35

10. Conclusion 36

11. About the Author 37

12. Annexure 39

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Indian Military’s Cold Start Doctrine: Capabilities, Limitations and Possible Response from Pakistan

By

Masood Ur Rehman Khattak

Abstract

The South Asian security is in danger because of the Indian Military’s Cold Start Doctrine. Cold Start is an aggressive directed against Pakistan. Under the Cold Start Doctrine, would launch quick, swift and short duration limited strikes against Pakistan to achieve shallow territorial gains. According to Indian Military’s Cold Start Doctrine, is possible in . India has carried out ten exercises since 2004 to 2010 to operationalize Indian military’s Cold Start Doctrine. Indian latest defence acquisitions would cross 200 billion dollar mark in next 12 years; combined with this India is also bringing pre-emption as a component of its war fighting campaign. Irrespective of the number of exercises and defense acquisitions, Indian Military’s Cold Start Doctrine is still challenged by infrastructural, organizational, and operational barriers. Pakistan’s response has been timely and adequate however continues to adopt practical measures to counter Indian Military’s Cold Start Doctrine. For future deterrence stability Pakistan’s counter measures would require innovations related to force posture, doctrinal development and the overall deterrence relationship.

Author is a Research Fellow at South Asian Strategic Stability Institute. His areas of interests are Nuclear Deterrence, Terrorism and Regional Security, FATA and . 6

orientation of the 1. Introduction from defensive to . Under this doctrine, would carry out outh Asian security is challenged swift, quick and offensive joint by the most critical military threat, operations with the support of its Air S the Indian Military‟s Cold Start Force and air elements of Navy while Doctrine, which is based on change in giving no time to Pakistan to respond. It the Indian military‟s force posture and is evident from recent arms acquisitions, employment and deployment patterns. development in the armed forces and ten Lingering issues between the two military exercises in the last six years nuclear powers of the region, Pakistan that India is on course to put into and India, resulted in 1948, 1965, 1971 operation its Cold Start Doctrine against and the Kargil conflict and it is a Pakistan. possibility however remote, that any future conflict may obtain a nuclear Former Indian Army Chief General facet. (retd) said that, “The possibility of limited war under a nuclear Thus deterrence in South Asia is delicate overhang is still a reality in South 1 because of changing strategic Asia.” However, there seems to be environment. An assortment of crisis certain limitations in the situations has troubled the relationship operationalization of Indian Military‟s between Pakistan and India. The most Cold Start Doctrine. It is imperative to serious were related to the Brass-tacks examine the doctrinal challenges and Exercise in 1986-87, the - development of Indian armed forces. related crisis in the spring of 1990, 1999 This paper has five parts: first part Kargil clash, border standoff in 2001-02 would briefly discuss the Indian and the threat of surgical strikes by India Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine and its on Pakistan after 2008 incident. main components, second part would All these crises situations depict that assess the Indian capabilities for the threat of escalation is even more evident implementation of Cold Start Doctrine, than in the past because of the Indian third part would highlight the limitations Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) of the Cold Start Doctrine and fourth towards Pakistan. part would focus on Pakistan‟s response to the Cold Start Doctrine. Last part will India introduced Cold Start Doctrine suggest some practical recommendations (CSD) in the backdrop of attack on its for Pakistan. parliament and subsequently its military failure to subdue Pakistan in the 2001-02 2. Indian Military’s Cold Start military standoff. India was unable to Doctrine (CSD) achieve its objectives because of international pressure and threat of A military‟s doctrine provides the basic nuclear escalation. Main purpose of principles that shape the way in which Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine is its forces are employed to achieve to give a punishing reply to Pakistan in case of any alleged terrorist attack on Indian soil with totally different 1 “Possibility of Limited War in S Asia: Indian Army Chief”, The News, November 24, 2009. 7 national objectives. Doctrine reflects a assaults, for rapid thrusts into Pakistan military‟s customary way of fighting and within 96 hours.4 provides a common frame of reference Network Centric Warfare (NCW) and for military officers by identifying their Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities of general missions as well as the basic the Indian Army and air force with concepts about how the armed forces robust command and control at its core will carry out those missions.”2 would be employed to maximum effect. Synergy and integration between the In 2004, Indian Army introduced the Indian forces would be essential Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) seeking to elements of the Cold Start Doctrine modify its approach to war, to fight short (CSD). Joint operations of three forces duration limited conflicts under the are key element of this doctrine. nuclear shadow.3 Indian Military‟s offensive power has been concentrated According to Indian Military‟s Cold into three strike , which possess an Start Doctrine (CSD), holding corps armoured division each with mechanized (Pivot Corps) would play a crucial role infantry and extensive support. when these defensive corps would Holding corps operate as defensive corps initiate an offensive. The IBGs will at the border which consists of one seemingly maneuver under the command infantry division each for static defence, of the holding corps, and be deployed in one mobile mechanized division that smaller units that are based much closer could respond to enemy penetrations, to the border.5 In such case, Indian Army and a small number of armoured units would be able to save deployment time. each. It would achieve element of surprise and Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine a quick response to any alleged (CSD) would require reformation of the provocation or terrorist attack. Main army‟s offensive power into eight objective of Indian Military‟s Cold Start smaller division-sized Integrated Battle Doctrine is to undermine Pakistan‟s Groups (IBGs) that would have Military capability and make some mechanized infantry, artillery and trivial territorial gains that could be used armour. The IBGs would be self- in the post conflict negotiations to contained and highly-mobile, with extract concessions from Pakistan. The Russian-origin T-90 MBT and upgraded eight battle groups would be prepared to T-72 M1 tanks at their core, adequately backed by air cover and artillery fire

4 Dr. Subhash Kapila, “India‟s New “Cold Start” War Doctrine Strategically Reviewed”, South 2 Walter c. Ladwig, “The Challenge of Changing Asian Analysis Group, Indian Military Doctrine”, India-Seminar, http://www.southasiaanalysis.org/%5Cpapers10 http://www.india- %5Cpaper991.html, (accessed on 15th seminar.com/2009/599/599_walter_c_ladwig_iii. November, 2009). htm, (accessed on 15th May, 2010). 5 Y. I. Patel, “Dig Vijay to Divya Astra – a 3 “India Army Doctrine” Scribd, Paradigm Shift in the Indian Army‟s Doctrine”, http://www.scribd.com/India-Army-Doctrine- Bharat Rakshak, http://www.bharat- Part1-2004/d/15723807, (accessed on 20th rakshak.com/monitor/issue6-6/patel.html, February, 2010). (accessed on 12th March, 2010). 8 launch multiple strikes into Pakistan along different axes of advance.6

Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) places emphasis on the speed of both deployment and operations. By moving forces into unpredictable locations at high speed and opening up eight different fronts would put in quandary. It would be difficult for Pakistan Army to respond and fight on eight different fronts. Indian Military objectives are limited under this doctrine. Indian analyst Subhash Kapila believes that under the Cold Start Doctrine (CSD), India would focus on the destruction of Pakistan Army and its military machine.7 After analysing this doctrine, it can easily be assumed that the Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) would comprise following key elements:

6 Gurmeet Kanwal, “Cold Start and Battle Groups for Offensive Operations”, Strategic Trends, Vol. IV, Issue. 05, June 2006. 7 Dr. Subhash Kapila, “India‟s New “Cold Start” War Doctrine Strategically Reviewed”, South Asian Analysis Group, http://www.southasiaanalysis.org/%5Cpapers10 %5Cpaper991.html, (accessed on 15th November, 2009). 9

Figure 1:

Synergy and Integration in Indian Forces Element of Mechanized Surprise Forces

NCW Massive & Air support & EW Fire Power Capabilities

Cold Start Doctrine Robust Command and Pivot Corps Control System

Quick & Swift Operations Limited Aims

96 hours for Day and Night IBGs to launch Operations Major Thrust

These elements shown in the above IBG-1 may be deployed at to figure are essential for the Indian target and its adjacent areas. Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD). IBG-2 may be deployed at to These elements will be utilised in the carry out attack on . Likely Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) to effectively deployment of IBG-3 can be at Moga launch multiple attacks on Pakistan. area near Chandigarh on Indian side of Additionally, possible thrusts of the the border to commence an offensive at Indian IBGs are shown in the Figure 2. Kasur or its adjacent areas. It is a 10 possibility that India may deploy IBG-4 side to Mir Pur Khas or its adjacent areas at the Suratgarh, Indian side of the and IBG-8 may commence its attack border to target and its from Palanpur Indian side of the border adjacent areas. Indian Army can deploy to target Pakistani and its IBG-5 at Bikaner to launch an attack on adjacent areas. Possible target areas and its contiguous shown in map seem to be geographically areas. IBG-6 may commence its suitable for the Cold Start Doctrine operations from Jaisalmer to target areas (CSD) based incursions, because plains in near Indian border. IBG-7 can and deserts terrain support the tank carry out its assault from Barmer Indian warfare.

Figure 2:

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Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine the Indian Military‟s Cold Start (CSD) is still in formative phase. It is Doctrine. essential to assess the Indian Military capabilities for the implementation of

3. Indian Military’s Capabilities for (IAF).10 India has already been on the Implementation of Cold Start course to bring modernisation in its Doctrine military machine. According to Stockholm International Peace Research “We plan on adversaries’ capabilities, Institute (SIPRI), India has become not intentions.”8 world‟s second largest arms purchaser ------General during last five years. India‟s imports of COAS- Pakistan arms went as high as seven per cent of Army the world‟s arms exports. From 2005 to 2009, India‟s annual arms imports doubled from $1.04 billion in 2005 to An assessment of the enemy‟s $2.1 billion 2009.11 capabilities helps to analyse the intentions of the adversary and its future It is imperative for Indian Military to plans. Without knowing enemy‟s acquire latest fighter jets along with fast capabilities, it is difficult to meet future mobility latest MBTs. Because Indian challenges. India is on course to develop Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) capabilities to implement its new war based operations would require doctrine. India has allocated $31.71 mechanized armour and latest fighter billion for the defense budget in 2010.9 jets to carry out swift and quick Increase in budget means more operations with lightening speed. India acquisition of weapons and equipments. in last five years has added 82 Sukhoi-30 Such allocation of money will bring MKI fighters and 300 T-90 tanks from modernization at rapid pace in the Indian , and A-50/Phalcon Airborne Military. According to the India Early Warning (AEW) system from magazine, Indian and Russia.12 By 2015, India Military will spend around US$ 200 would be able to have 272 SU-30 fighter billion on defence acquisitions over the Jets in its air force13 and 1000 T-90 tanks next 12 years to replace its outdated Soviet-vintage inventory. Half of this funding will be spent on the acquisition 10 Gulshan Luthra, “India to spend $ 200 billion and development of Indian Air Force on Defence Systems by 2022”, India Strategic, http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories476.htm, (accessed on 12th March, 2010). 11 Paul Holtom, et al, “Trends in International 8 Cyril Almeida, “Kayani spells out threat posed Arms Transfer, 2009”, Stockholm International by Indian Doctrine”, The Dawn, Thursday, 4th Peace Research Institute, SIPRI Fact Sheet February, 2010. March 2010, 9 Anirban Chaudhary, “India to spend 1.47 http://www.sipri.org/databases/armstransfers/rec Trillion Rupees on Defense”, Wall Street ent_trends/SIPRI_AT_Fact%20Sheet_2010, Journal, (accessed on 10th March, 2010). http://online.wsj.com/article/SB12671705961045 12 Ibid. 2143.html?mod=googlenews_wsj, (accessed on 13 Josy Joseph, “Rs 15,000 crore Sukhoi deal 10th March, 2010). cleared”, Times of India, 12 by 2020.14 Indian Military in next five to To operationalise Indian Military‟s Cold ten years will be able to fill the gaps in Start Doctrine (CSD), India has added its military machine by adding more many new technologically advanced offensive punch and massive firepower systems to its arsenal to meet the capabilities. It could be assumed that by technological shortfall of its armed 2020, India would be able to fulfill its forces. Space satellites are vital for the deficiencies in its air force and army and C4I systems. India has recently acquired give confidence to Indian Military to an Israeli RISAT-2 that has day and operationalise its Cold Start Doctrine night viewing capability. This satellite (CSD) against Pakistan. will keep a watch over Pakistan even when the landmass is covered by a thick Induction of AEW system will further cloud cover. This capability puts the improve India‟s reconnaissance, satellite in the class of what are often surveillance and real time intelligence called spy satellites. Indian Space gathering capabilities. It will also Research Organisation (ISRO) has been enhance India‟s air defense capabilities. developing its very own RadarSat at the As it has been described that Indian cost of almost 400 million Indian rupees, Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) that would be operational in 2009-10 and will require swift day and night it would give India an edge in the operations, the offensive strikes will space.17 need active support by advanced C4I (Command, Control, Communications, India is also upgrading its outdated Computers and Intelligence) network aircraft and tanks. In this regard, Israel and systems.15 Phalcon AEW system has has played an important role in the capability to carry out surveillance at upgrading Russian supplied Mig-21 about 400 km range under all-weather Bison aircrafts and T-72 tanks in the situation and to lock on to 60 targets Indian inventory, particularly to make simultaneously.16 It will enhance Indian the tanks capable of conducting night Air |Force‟s operational capabilities. operations.18 Such developments will definitely improve Indian Air Force (IAF) and its armour division‟s capabilities to carry out operations at any http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6 time. st 092315.cms, (accessed on 31 July, 2010). IAF is also looking to acquire the Israeli 14 “Indian Army wants to add another 1,000 T- 90S Tanks by 2020”, Defense Industry Daily, Harpy missile, used for neutralising http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/indian- enemy radars, which could be a army-wants-to-add-another-1000-t90s-tanks-by- significant force multiplier. It can be 2020-updated-02697/, (accessed on 31st July, perilous for Pakistan‟s detection and 2010). information capabilities. In worst case

15 Dr. Subhash Kapila, “Indian Army validates scenario, if India neutralises Pakistan‟s its Cold Start War Doctrine”, South Asian Analysis Group, 17 Pallava Bagla, “India acquires Israeli Spy http://www.saag.org/common/images/Title2.jpg" Satellite”, NDTV, width=648, (accessed on 14th November, 2009). http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/style/sty 16 “Indian Air Force gets AWACS Plane”, BBC le_story.css, (accessed on 19th November, 2009). News, 18 Harsh V. Pant, “India-Israel Partnership: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8072143.st Convergence and Constraints”, MERIA Journal, m, (accessed on 14th October, 2009). Volume No. 8, No. 4, Article 6, December 2004. 13 radars then it could be a precarious based offensive strikes against Pakistan. situation for Pakistan to defend its Induction of latest aircrafts and AEW borders from surprise Indian air attacks. will enhance its air mobility, firepower, reconnaissance and surveillance In addition to that India has already capabilities. Such a capability is inducted Green Pine fire control Radars essential for the quick and swift from Israel and now it is in negotiations operations as envisaged by the Indian to get the Arrow-II (ABM) anti-ballistic Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD). missile defense system that can detect and track incoming missiles from up to India has also brought change in its 500 km away.19 It will give confidence military‟s night time operations‟ to IAF to launch air strikes on Pakistan, capabilities, such a shift would shore up because India will have the confidence Indian Military‟s capacity to carry out that its missile defense shield can defend day and night operations without any India from Pakistan‟s missiles strike but time impediment. The launch of RISAT- such a situation would be threatening for 2 satellite will give India the capability the peace and stability of the region. to closely track down military activities in Pakistan. Pakistan will also go for counter measures; it may bring qualitative and India can use this technology to keep quantitative changes in its ballistic check on the movement and deployment missile inventory to offset Indian BMD of the Pakistan Military assets. India‟s system. Another important induction to acquisition of Electronic Warfare (EW) Indian Military arsenal is of lethal systems, Unmanned Aerial vehicles drones which it acquired from Israel. (UAVs), etc will enhance its capabilities These drones are designed to take out for reconnaissance, information high-value targets like missile sites, gathering, communication, and radars and even senior enemy coordination between its armed forces, personnel.20 Such drones could be used which is an essential part and against alleged militants‟ training camps prerequisite for the implementation of in Pakistan or against military high the Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine command to gain maximum advantage (CSD). It could be assumed by the rapid before any under modernisation of India that it has Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine achieved capability to some extent to (CSD). operationalise its CSD against Pakistan but it would take atleast a decade to fully The level of funds India allocated for the operationalise the Indian Military‟s Cold revitalization of military‟s capabilities Start Doctrine (CSD). The next part will reveals that Indian Military is on route to discuss the Indian Military exercises achieve the potential to launch Indian undertaken to operationalise the Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) from 2004 to 2010.

19 Ibid. 20 Manu Pubby, “India to get Israeli Killer Drones by 2011”, http://www.israeli- occupation.org/wp-content/themes/Wp-Adv-, (accessed on 25th November, 2009). 14

4. Indian Military Exercises from capabilities of a military. War games 2004-2010 also assist a country to test its new warfighting doctrines, strategies or Military exercises are essential for the tactics. India has carried out ten military development and augmentation of the exercises in last six years, to test and armed forces. These exercises facilitate validate its Indian Military‟s Cold Start to bring innovation, flexibility and Doctrine-(CSD). progression in the overall war fighting

Indian Military Exercises from 2004-2010

Figure 3:

4.1. Exercise Divya Astra 2004 fold increase in the army‟s surveillance and neutralisation capabilities over the In March 2004, India carried out past two years.21 “Exercise Divya Astra” in sector to test its capabilities of launching a pre-emptive strike against Pakistan. 21 Vijay Mohan, “Big Increase in Infantry India claimed that it has achieved 50- Firepower: General Vij”, Express India, 15

First time ever, Indian Military used In this military exercise, India brought Long-Range Reconnaissance and flexibility in the operational concept of Observation System (LORROS) in this its holding corps. These holding corps exercise, which it has bought from were designated as Pivot Corps and Israel. LORROS is a high quality, assigned to initiate offensive if required remotely controlled ground based in the battlefield. According to the then observation system designed for medium Chief of Army Staff, Gen J J Singh, and long range surveillance. This kind of „„They (Pivot Corps) have assigned a system is good for intelligence roles, which are offensive as well as gathering and reconnaissance purposes. defensive and the doctrine does not spell them out in detail. The decision making This system also has the ability to has been left to theatre commanders, identify the target at long ranges22 as depending upon their assessment and Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine evaluation of the situation.‟‟24 (CSD) based operations will surely require effective surveillance system to According to Sanjeev check the deployment of enemy Madhok, a Mechanized Brigade positions and night time fighting Commander in Indian Army, these assets capabilities. Indian Army practiced both can be mobilised and deployed much these capabilities in Exercise Divya faster as they are stationed closer to their Astra. designated area of operations than the strike corps which are based in places as 4.2. Exercise Vajra Shakti 2005 far off as and .25 India in this exercise reoriented its holding corps In May 2005, India tested its short and added offensive element in it. duration warfare capabilities in an exercise code named “Vajra Shakti”. It Such a tactical change in the force was a 10 day exercise held in the plains structure will benefit Indian Army‟s of . Main feature of this exercise operations under the Indian Military‟s was the use of satellite imaging Cold Start Doctrine (CSD). These Pivot facilities. First time, a Force Corps could be used to lead an offensive Multiplication Command Post (FMCP) strike to engage the enemy in one area. was set up to integrate real-time flow of This will facilitate the strike corps to information as a principal tool for open a new front elsewhere. This change decision making and NCW capabilities of strategy will give element of surprise in the Indian Army.23 and tactical advantage to the Indian armed forces.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040302/ma in3.htm, (accessed on 12th March, 2010). 4.3. Exercise Desert Strike 2005 22 “LORROS”, ELBIT Security Systems Ltd., http://www.el- In November 2005, India tested its war op.com/files/PDF/SecuritySystems/UN_LORRO fighting capabilities in desert area of th S.pdf, (accessed on 12 June, 2010). Rajasthan. This exercise was code 23 Vijay Mohan, “Shift in Army‟s War Strategy”, Tribune India, http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050513/ma 24 Ibid. in8.htm, (accessed on 15th March, 2010). 25 Ibid. 16 named “Desert Strike”, in which more vehicles, from II-Corps (Strike Corps) than 20,000 Indian Army personnel participated. In this exercise the AN-32 participated. Indian Army deployed aircraft dropped an entire parachute Russian T-90 tanks, mechanized combat battalion while the IL-76 dropped the vehicles in tandem with force equipment in the dark flying in multipliers, like the Israeli Searcher formation without lights.27 Heron unmanned aerial vehicles, Air Defence Missile System and other The aim envisaged in this exercise was electronic sensors and surveillance to draw out enemy reserves in the systems at Pokhran Field Firing Range general area and to degrade the counter in the Western Indian state of Rajasthan. offensive capabilities of the enemy. Indian authorities claimed to achieve However, it has been discussed earlier synergy between air and ground forces. that the Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) would require day and IAF fighter jets and helicopters night swift and quick operations. In this coordinated with their counterparts on exercise, India practiced its night time ground.26 This exercise had two main fighting capabilities. This exercise goals: first to test new inductions and enhanced Indian Military‟s capabilities secondly to test the Indian Army‟s to launch offensive operations under the ability to work mutually with air force in Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine joint operations. This mutual strike (CSD) without any time barrier. capability will enhance Indian Army‟s capabilities to launch proactive military 4.5. Exercise Ashwamedh 2007 operations under the Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD). In April 2007, India tested its Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) and Network Centric Without coordination and synergy it Warfare (NCW) capabilities in an would be difficult for India to carry out exercise code named “Ashwamedh”, in a offensive operations under the Indian 130 km corridor between Suratgarh in Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD). Rajasthan and Bhatinda in Punjab. An This exercise was another step towards entire Strike Corps (I-Corps) from operationalisation of the Indian Mathura was moved to Rajasthan. IAF Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD). and Special Forces also took part to test Indian military‟s capabilities to strike 4.4. Exercise Sanghe Shakti 2006 hard and penetrate deep into enemy territory. The strike formations of the In May 2006, India carried out another Indian Army were equipped with T-90 exercise code named “Sanghe Shakti” at MBT, heavy artillery, helicopters, UAVs Sidhwan Khas, near Phillar in the plains and infantry combat vehicles.28 Indian of Punjab. In this exercise, 20,000 Indian troops with nearly 2000 to 2500 27 “Army launches Sanghe Shakti”, One India, http://news.oneindia.in/2006/05/17/army- 26 “Indian Army, Air Force display Prowess in launches-sanghe-shakti-1147885410.html, „Operation Desert Strike‟”, Global Security, (accessed on 14th March, 2010). http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news 28 “Ashwamedh: Indian Army Military Exercises /india/2005/india-051119-irna01.htm, (accessed Test Readiness against WMD Warfare”, India- on 12th April, 2010). Defence, http://www.india- 17

Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) practicing IBGs, which would be a based operations would require an division-sized group. Indian Army‟s effective air force along with highly division has almost 15,000 to 20,000 mobile armoured, artillery and infantry thousands troops. Troops level used in divisions to carry out swift operations this exercise signify that Indian Army is without any time restriction. on course to operationalise its Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD). In this exercise, India practiced its air force‟s capabilities along with Special Other components necessary for the Forces to carry out surgical strikes inside Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine Pakistan. Additionally, India practiced (CSD) based operations like its capabilities to fight a war under coordination and integration between Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Indian Army and Air Force, latest (NBC) environment. That exercise gave & equipment and NCW confidence to Indian military to launch capabilities were also tested in this offensive strikes without fearing any particular exercise. Such capabilities NBC attack. would enhance Indian Army‟s operational capacity to fight swift and 4.6. Exercise Shatrunash 2007 quick limited wars.

In May 2007, India commenced 4.7. Exercise Brazen Chariots 2008 “Exercise Shatrunash” in Ludhiana, Punjab. India tested the battle readiness In 2008, India carried out an exercise of its strike formations.29 Coordination code named “Exercise Brazen Chariots” between Indian Army and Indian Air in Thar Desert, 100 km from Pakistan Force was also tested. Another aim of border. Main features of the exercise the exercise was to examine India‟s new were to display flexibility, diversity and weapon systems and surveillance reach of IAF in future wars.31 In this equipments in combat like situation, to Exercise, Indian military displayed practice troops for their operational tasks firepower of T-90 MBT, air defence and to have swift military operations in missiles, special heliborne operations, quick time wars. In this military fire of multi barrel launcher batteries, exercise, more than 15,000 troops, 150 heli drop, and deployment and firing of MBT, gunship helicopters and fighter mortar battery. Almost 37,000 troops jets took part.30 The numbers of troops from the Bhopal based XXI-Corps took were kept same in this exercise, as were part in this war game. This exercise also supposed to be in Indian Military‟s Cold witnessed Indian Army‟s Southern Start Doctrine (CSD) operations. This Command and IAF‟s South Western Air also indicates that Indian Army is Command joining hands to demonstrate and practice synergised air-land defence.com/reports/3005, (accessed on 12th operations in a mechanized and February, 2010). 29 “Exercise Shatrunash: Indian Army, Air Force Conduct Joint Military War Games”, India- 31 Praful Kumar Singh, “Exercise „Brazen Defence, http://www.india- Chariots‟ displays India‟s Military Might”, Top defence.com/print/3186, (accessed on 12th News India, http://www.topnews.in/exercise- January, 2010). brazen-chariots-displays-india-s-military-might- 30 Ibid. 226772, (accessed on 12th January, 2010). 18 digitalised environment, with the basic -type armoured incursion by focus being on launching swift offensive Mechanized and Re-organised Plains multiple thrusts to strike deep behind Infantry Division, emphasising rapid enemy lines.32 penetration into enemy territory with close support of the IAF.34 This exercise helped Indian Army to improve its overall offensive capabilities Corps units were also tested for their to carry out operations under the Indian ability to undertake and sustain Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD). operational maneuvers against intensive Indian Army will require mechanized electronic and . formations to enter Pakistan with swift Main features of this exercise were use and quick mobilisation. In this exercise, of satellite imagery, helicopter borne Indian military tested its capabilities to surveillance systems, UAVs and ground- carry out operations by its mechanized based surveillance resources such as forces along with . LORROS, Battlefield Surveillance Radars (BFSRs) and Weapon Locating All these capabilities are essential for the Radars (WLRs).35 Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) based operations. Another In this exercise, India practiced latest element which Indian military tested in weapons and equipments with the help this exercise was quick mobilisation and of NCW and EW systems. This operations behind the enemy lines. particular exercise was significant for These types of maneuvers depict that India because of use of latest India may be heading towards the technologies which will enable India to options of heli borne commando raids or operationalise its Cold Start Doctrine surgical strikes against Pakistan. (CSD) based operations with more precision and accuracy. WLRs, BFSRs 4.8. Exercise Hind Shakti 2009 and other modern surveillance and reconnaissance equipment will enhance In April 2009, India tested its military Indian military‟s effectiveness to carry capabilities in an exercise code named out synergised operations in quick time “Hind Shakti”. Former Indian Army limited wars. Chief General Deepak Kapoor claimed that Hind Shakti exercise is another step 4.9. Exercise Vayu Shakti 2010 in army‟s continued venture to fine tune its Cold Start Doctrine (CSD).33 This In February 2010, India carried out was a 72-hour training exercise held in another exercise, code named “Vayu the plains of Punjab. Indian Army‟s Shakti”. In this war game, IAF practiced based II-Corps (Strike Corps) its precision strike capabilities during practiced offensive maneuvers and a day and night operations. IAF carried out a massive fire power blitzkrieg, using its frontline aircraft such as SU-30 32 Ibid. MKI, Mirage-2000, MIG 27 and MIG 33 “Indian Army conducts Exercise Hind Shakti”, Frontier India, http://frontierindia.net/indian-army-conducts- exercise-hind-shakti, (accessed on 15th March, 34 Ibid. 2010). 35 Ibid. 19

29, at the Pokhran ranges in Rajasthan.36 time.38 Exercise Yodha Shakti is another In the two-hour event, 100 combat, step towards the operationalisation of the reconnaissance, transport and rotary Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine wing aircraft took part in the massive (CSD). In this war game, India tested the Fire Power Demonstration (FPD).37 co-ordination between the Army and the Air Force. IL-76 heavy lift and AN-32 medium lift transport planes also flew over the venue The induction of night-vision for the day-and-night air drop for capabilities in the mechanized forces specialised operations. For the FPD, enables a 24/7 operational capability.39 mock radar sites, tanks, marshalling All these capabilities are essential yards, terrorist camps, runway, BMP element of the Indian Military‟s Cold infantry fighting vehicles, blast pens and Start Doctrine (CSD). Approximately convoys are among a few of the targets 12,000 to 14,000 troops took part in the placed on the range. IAF‟s Special latest military exercise. These troops Forces were also -dropped, which were pulled out from the Mathura-based carried out drills to neutralise a mock I-Corps (Strike Corps), the armoured terrorist camp. formations at , Hissar and .40 To exhibit coordination among the Services, Army‟s Special Forces and The war game also practiced heliborne Navy‟s Marine Commandos also took operations behind the „enemy‟ lines, part in the exercise. This exercise has airborne drop by paratroopers and proven the effectiveness of the Indian multiple maneuvers by the mechanized military to carry out joint operations. In forces and attack helicopters in the this exercise, IAF practiced its fire operational depth with intense synergy power and its capabilities to work and integration between the Indian Army closely with army in future short and Air Force.41 The IAF displayed its duration conflicts. In these exercises, capabilities to use the aerial routes to Indian armed forces practiced quick and send supplies to an armoured division swift mobilisation capabilities for the deep inside enemy territory.42 Such a Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) based capability is essential for conducting incursions. operations far inside enemy land. One of the concepts that the Indian Army is 4.10. Exercise Yodha Shakti 2010 putting in place is the doctrine of Cold

In May 2010, Indian Army carried out a 38 Sujan Dutta, “At Pak Doorstep, Penetration four week long exercise “Yodha Shakti” Drill”, Telegraph India, in the deserts of Rajasthan, to test its http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100509/jsp/fron tpage/story_12428675.jsp, (accessed on 17th capabilities to impose maximum damage May, 2010). on enemy targets in shortest possible 39 Ibid. 40 Ajay Banerjee, “Military Might on Display, Army‟s Swift-Strike Capability”, Tribune News 36 “IAF to showcase „Vayu Shakti-2010‟ at Service, Pokhran today”, Zee News, http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100510/ma http://www.zeenews.com/news607669.html, in6.htm, (accessed on 17th May, 2010). (accessed on 15th April, 2010). 41 Ibid. 37 Ibid. 42 Ibid. 20

Start, in which the time taken to launch a reconnaissance capabilities, behind the strike across the border is reduced enemy lines operations, air mobility and considerably.43 logistics, mechanised armour, artillery and infantry. Main focus of the exercise was on the coordination between army and air force. India has further exercised NBC warfare This is a key element for the offensive capabilities, NCW and EW capabilities. operations. As it has been discussed Navy‟s marine commandos, Special earlier that Indian Military‟s Cold Start Forces operations, para-dropped, Strikes Doctrine (CSD) based operations will be Corps, air fire power, and Pivot Corps carried out in day and night with quick were also tested in these exercises. All and swift mobilisation, Indian Army in these elements are essential for the this exercise practiced night vision offensive, quick and swift operations capabilities to launch offensive strikes that are a basic need of Indian Military‟s without any delay or time barrier. Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) based operations. That exercise also enhanced Indian military‟s capacity to carry out Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) based operations against Pakistan. Quick mobilisation and supply of logistics behind the enemy lines operations were also practiced to ensure unhindered immediate and prompt attack on Pakistan.

5. Main Components used in Indian Military Exercises from 2004-2010

After analyzing Indian military exercises in detail, it can be argued that India has tested and experimented synergy and integration among its armed forces for quick and robust operations. It has also practiced day and night fighting capabilities, surveillance and

43 Gautam Datt, “Yodha Shakti: Army exhibits Ability to Strike”, Express Buzz, http://expressbuzz.com/edition/print.aspx?artid= 171968, (accessed on 17th May, 2010).

21

Figure 4:

Components practiced in Indian Military Exercises (2004-2010)

Pivot Corps Synergy & Integration Quick Robust Operations Air Fire Power Special Forces Tested Operation

Strikes Corps Day & Night Capabilities

Paratroopers Dropping Surveillance & Reconnaissance Capabilities

Navy’s Marine Behind the Commandos Enemy Lines Operations NCW & EW Air Mobility & Capabilities Logistics Mechanised NBC Warfare Armour Artillery Capabilities Infantry

High-Tech Defence Equipment introduced in Indian Military Exercises (2004-2010)

Indian Su-30MKI Combat Aircraft practicing Swift & Quick Operations 22

Indian AN-32 Aircraft drops an Entire Parachute Battalion

Indian MBT practicing quick and robust operations

23

Long-Range Reconnaissance Observation Systems (LORROS)

Indian Heavy-Lift Helicopter supplying logistics

24

Indian Soldiers practicing NBC Warfare Capabilities

Indian Air Force practicing Night-Time Operations

25

6. Evaluation of Indian Military Indian Army has tested elements from its Exercises strike corps. India has improved its overall capabilities to launch offensive Main focus of these exercises was to short duration operations against operationalise Indian Military‟s Cold Pakistan. India has also practiced air Start Doctrine (CSD) vis-à-vis Pakistan, mobility of its forces, weapons, because all these exercises were carried equipments and logistics. These out on the Punjab plains and Rajasthan exercises will perk up Indian operational Desert near the Pakistan border. A few capabilities to launch offensive things were common in all of these operations behind the enemy lines and exercises. First, almost all war games with unhindered supply of logistics, emphasised on synergy and close weapons, equipments and reinforcement. coordination between armed forces. IAF has also participated in every Secondly, offensive, quick and robust exercise since 2004. operations were practiced in these military exercises. Thirdly, day and IAF practiced its capabilities to carry out night capabilities were displayed. combined operations with the Indian Fourthly, Indian military tested its NCW Army. It could be assessed from last 6 capabilities, latest weapons and years that IAF and Army may have equipments, Airborne Warning and developed synergy to some extent for Control System (AWACS), UAVs, joint operations. Such a development is Satellite imagery, Special Forces, essential for any offensive operations blitzkrieg-type armoured incursion by against Pakistan under the Indian Mechanized and Re-organised Plains Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD). Infantry Division, emphasising rapid But it is difficult to ascertain that penetration into enemy territory. Indian whether India has fully achieved military has improved its operational required capabilities to execute its Indian capabilities after the inception of Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) on Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) in Pakistan. Because military exercises are 2004. Indian surveillance and totally different from the real wars. reconnaissance capabilities have been Sometime it becomes difficult to assess improved in last six years. It has been the enemy response from small level practicing these capabilities in almost all exercises. military exercises since 2004. India has also practiced its night time war fighting Moreover, coordination and integrated capabilities. Its aircraft and tanks are operations are essential for the now capable to carry out operations in implementation of the Indian Military‟s the dark. This capability will remove Cold Start Doctrine (CSD). Though, Indian military‟s caveat to launch night India practiced these elements in its time operations against Pakistan. Indian military exercises but full coordination military has also improved its NCW and and integration among the armed forces EW capabilities. is difficult proportion to achieve. Without proper coordination and These capabilities are essential for an understanding between the Indian armed effective command and control system. forces, Indian Military‟s Cold Start Additionally, in almost all exercises Doctrine (CSD) will be impossible to 26 operationalise. Indian Military‟s Cold All such formations are required to move Start Doctrine (CSD) is still in forward to the general line of Jammu, experimental phase. But Indian Army is Amritsar, Moga, Barmer, Jaisalmer, rapidly heading towards its Bikaner, Suratgarh and Palanpur from operationalisation. It requires more time their present locations in the interior, to to practice and operationalise its Cold execute Indian Military‟s Cold Start Start Doctrine (CSD). The next section Doctrine (CSD). But infrastructural will explore the level of preparedness of barriers play a critical role in Indian armed forces for the execution of materializing Indian Military‟s Cold the Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine Start Doctrine (CSD). (CSD). It will require massive allocation of 7. Critical appraisal of the Indian funds and time to build new Military’s Cold Start Doctrine: and facilities for the division-sized IBGs Limitations at the forward locations near Pakistan border. So far, there has been no Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine progress in this regard. Therefore, it will (CSD) is still in the experimental phase be very difficult for Indian Army to and it has been under discussion in launch offensive operations without Indian strategic circles. It is facing removing infrastructure barriers. considerable organizational and resource barriers towards its full implementation. 7.2. Uncertainty in Limited war But India is working hard to materialise this concept. In this section of the study Other major caveat in the way of will focus on some limitations in the operational Indian Military‟s Cold Start implementation of the Indian Military‟s Doctrine (CSD) is the uncertainty of Cold Start Doctrine (CSD). limited war. It is difficult to ascertain that any limited attack from India can 7.1. Infrastructure Barriers for IBGs remain limited. Attack under Indian at the Border Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) can provoke massive retaliation from Under Indian Military‟s Cold Start Pakistan, and then it would be difficult Doctrine (CSD), India will place eight for India to achieve its goals. Doctrinal IBGs close to the border with Pakistan to innovation of Indian military will never save mobilisation time. CSD is based on eliminate the nuclear shadow. In the offensive operations against Pakistan conflict of Kargil 1999, 2001-02 military which will require re-location of the standoff and Mumbai attacks of 2008; strike formations headquarters, armoured Indian decision makers were cognizant divisions and armoured brigades from of Pakistan‟s nuclear deterrent. their existing locations in Central India and in depth in Punjab to forward It can be imprudent for the Indian locations near to the border for quick strategic thinkers to launch a limited war response to any alleged terrorist attack against Pakistan under the Indian on India. Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD). Pakistan‟s response can be difficult to judge. Would Pakistan remain succinct 27 to Indian aggression or it will escalate and cost over-runs.44 India will have to the conflict? This question will remain rely on Russia for the supply of T-90s unanswered. and their spare parts. Such dependence would continue in future. It is expected Moreover, will it be possible for India to that India would take atleast a decade to achieve its goals after waging a limited replace its ageing tanks with Russian T- war against Pakistan? This question has 90s to overcome this deficiency. depth and also highlights the caveat in the Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine According to the Indian Comptroller (CSD). It is hard to assess Pakistan‟s Auditor General (CAG), “Indian Air response in a limited war. Pakistan Force fares no better; from a 45- cannot remain idol to any aggression squadron force it is down to 32 from India; it would definitely respond squadrons. It is deficient of 136 fighter back and defend with its full jets.”45 India is on course to add latest conventional capability. Therefore, SU-30s in its Air Force, by 2015 India unpredictability of limited war, the threat would have atleast 278 SU-30s.46 It is of escalation and mutual assured believed that, this limitation is just for destruction will make it difficult for the time being; India would overcome Indian policy makers to go for any this deficiency in next five years. misadventure against Pakistan. It has been reiterated earlier that Indian 7.3. Shortage in Military Weapons Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) and Equipments operations will be based on speed, robustness and fast mobility, but in this Other major hurdle in the regard India is lacking adequate mobility implementation of Indian Military‟s and logistical capability to implement Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) is the Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine inadequacies in the procurement of (CSD). It is estimated that only thirty- Indian defense related acquisitions. five percent of the Army is equipped to Although India is spending billions of move about India, and an even smaller dollars to overcome its military portion possesses the mobility to mount deficiencies but despite that it is facing cross-border operations. Similarly, one shortage in military weaponry and assessment suggests that the armed equipment. To operationalise Indian forces possess less than 15% of the Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) helicopter airlift capability.47 effectively, Indian Military require swift, quick and mobile tanks. 44 Brig (Retd) Gurmeet Kanwal, “Indian Army Modernization Needs a Major Push”, India India is largely depended on Russia for Strategic, http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories482.htm, its MBT T-90s. On the other hand, its (accessed on 12th March, 2010). own MBT Vijayant and the ageing T-55s 45 Ibid. are still in the Indian Army‟s inventory 46 Greg Waldron, “India to order 42 more HAL- despite their obsolescence. The produced Su-30MKIs”, Flight Global, indigenously developed Arjun MBT has http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/01/12/ 351711/india-to-order-42-more-hal-produced-su- not quite met the Army‟s expectations 30mkis.html, (accessed on 12th March, 2010). due to recurring technological problems 47 Walter C. Ladwig, “An Overview and Assessment of the Indian Army‟s Cold Start 28

Due to lack of , most of Swift and quick mobility of men and the Pakistan Military‟s deployment is equipment is essential element of Indian near to the border with India. This lack Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD). of strategic depth will be an asset for it India is facing this problem because in case of any war; already stationed Indian helicopter abilities are seriously Pakistan Army near the border will take constrained, given the dependence on comparatively less time than India to old Mi-24 choppers. For heavy lifting deploy its forces at border. too, India only has old Mi-17s and Mi- 26s. Last year, the Indian Army did put According to Brigadier (Retd) Naeem out a request for induction of 12 heavy Salik: lift helicopters, including the latest Mi- 17s and Boeing Chinooks but the There are serious flaws in the concept process is likely to take several years [CSD] because Pakistani forces would still be able to move up and before they are inducted. Meanwhile, the counter these offensive actions well Army may have to depend on before the Indian offensive formations indigenously made Dhruv choppers arrive on the scene. Irrespective of which are not world class.48 whether this is a sound strategic concept or not, this will be viewed as offensive and provocative by the India would have to address the issues of Pakistan Army and will make the risk limited supplies of spare parts, primitive of surprise attacks perennial, adding logistical networks, and inadequate to the tensions and mutual maintenance facilities which could suspicions.49 obstruct offensive operations against Pakistan. Such discrepancies in the Moreover, fighting on the defensive, Indian military can hamper its operations Pakistan will also have the advantage of under Indian Military‟s Cold Start shorter lines of communication as well Doctrine (CSD). India will require at as a network of linear obstacles and least a decade to overcome such prepared fighting positions designed to shortfalls in its military and this will blunt India‟s advance. In such conditions give enough time to Pakistan to improve Pakistan will deny India of any its existing defenses against any significant objective. Pakistani forces incursion. To fill this gap, India will would exploit the advantage of being in require a lot of investment, time and defensive. It would give India strong resources. resistance against already deployed Pakistani troops. Element of surprise 7.4. Shorter Lines of Communication: will vanish and India can face tough Advantage for Pakistan time against Pakistan.

7.5. Nuclear Dimension Strategy”, http://users.ox.ac.uk/~mert1769/Ladwig,%20Col Deterrence is a state of mind brought d%20Start%20NPS%20Paper.pdf, (accessed on about by the existence of a credible 10th March, 2010), p. 10. 48 Ninad D. Sheth, “India‟s Ragtag Army”, Open 49 Naeem Salik, The Genesis of South Asian the Magazine, Nuclear Deterrence: Pakistan’s Perspective, http://www.openthemagazine.com/print/4736, (New York: Oxford University Press, 2009), p. (accessed on 12th April, 2010). 246. 29

threat of unacceptable counteraction. 2001-02. In addition to that, credible 50 ------Patrick M.Morgan. deterrence requires effective military capability which could impose Nuclear weapons played an important unacceptable damage on adversary and role in stabilising the deterrence in South will to use nuclear weapons. Pakistan Asia. Pakistan and India fought many has fulfilled these requirements to wars but sooner or later they had to counter any Indian aggressive attack. come to the negotiating table to settle their lingering issues. Kargil conflict Pakistan Air Force has 630 aircrafts, remained limited and it had given a new which include 530 combat aircraft, with dimension to the adversarial relationship 400 operational at any time. of Pakistan and India that a limited war Furthermore, it has Mirage-5‟s, F-16s, can be fought under the nuclear shadow. JF 17s for the strike role which can carry The latest statement by the former Indian nuclear weapons. Manufacture of 150 JF Army Chief Deepak Kapoor that limited 17 Thunder fighters is underway at the war is possible under the nuclear Pakistan Aeronautical Complex . overhang is a continuation of the Indian Pakistan has also placed an order with coercive policy against Pakistan. Still for the purchase of 36 JF-10, a there is lot of debate on this issue Mach 2.3 5th generation multi-role whether India would be able to achieve .52 its goals in any limited war against Pakistan or not. This capability demonstrates Pakistan‟s deterrent capabilities to counter any According to former of Indian assault. Pakistan has credible Military Operations (DGMO) of Indian ballistic missile capabilities for an Army, Lt Gen V.R. Raghavan: effective deterrence against India. The ballistic missile inventory of the Army is Limited military success in a limited substantial. It comprises I, war has the potential of translating into a national disaster. And when Ghauri II and Shaheen II medium range nuclear weapons are factored in, a and short range Hatf I- B, Abdali, war, however limited, is a huge , Shaheen I and M -11 missiles. strategic liability.51 All the ballistic missiles can carry It would be difficult for India to launch a nuclear warheads. Nuclear and limited war against Pakistan because of conventional weapon capable the nuclear dimension. Threat of is the new addition to escalation would always be there. It was Pakistan‟s strategic weapon inventory.53 nuclear deterrence that de-escalated the It could be reckless for the Indian conflict between Pakistan and India in Military strategists to launch any attack on Pakistan because Pakistan has the 50 Patrick M.Morgan, Deterrence Now, (: Cambridge University Press, 2003), p. 1. 52 Air Marshall (Retd) Ayaz Khan, “Comparing 51 Davinder Kumar, “The Limits of a Limited Military Strengths of India and Pakistan”, War”, Outlook India, Pakistan Alumni, http://www.outlookindia.com/App_Themes/Fina http://www.pakalumni.com/profiles/comment, lStory/Basic.css, (accessed on 17th November, (accessed on 10th March, 2010). 2009). 53 Ibid. 30 capability and credibility to target major be so outlandish in strategic postulations Indian cities with its missiles and to fix India on a self-destruct aircrafts. mechanism.”54 Pakistan‟s rejection of Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine Nuclear dimension will always be there (CSD) is based on its military in South Asia. Any limited war under the capabilities and its strategy of offensive Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine defence to counter such an aggressive (CSD) may invoke a nuclear response attack. from Pakistan. Because no war can remain limited for a longer period of Pakistan has an active force of 620,000 time and eventually it can transform into men, with 528000 reservists, and 1, a . Pakistan will respond with 50,000 Para-military troops. Pakistan full resources, and if it fails to contain armed forces are the seventh largest in the Indians with its conventional the world.55 Pakistan‟s capabilities, then nuclear factor will is based on the geographical definitely come into play. compulsions. Due to the lack of strategic depth, Pakistan Military planners have to 8. Pakistan’s Response to Indian compete with this dilemma. Most of the Military’s Cold Start Doctrine population and industrial centers are close to the border with India. Lahore, Cold Start is an aggressive doctrine the most important city and the aimed at Pakistan, such a doctrine port city and financial hub are at the against a state will put distance of approximately 20 km and the region into quagmire of volatility and 160 km respectively from the Indian border making them vulnerable to Indian dismay. Threat of deterrence failure 56 would increase if India operationalizes penetration. its Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD). The analyses of the level of General Aslam Beg is accredited funding allocated for the modernization with the offensive defence concept, of Indian armed forces and its endeavor which was demonstrated in the exercise Zarb-e-Momin (Blow of the Believer), to overcome its deficiencies show that 57 India may operationalise Indian held in 1989. It involved almost three Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) in corps, two armoured brigades, two next five to ten years. 54 “Indian Army Chief‟s comments lack acumen, Pakistan has responded strongly to the says Gen Majid”, Daily Times, 3rd January, 2010. 55 Indian Army Chief‟s rhetoric of facing (Retd) Ayaz Ahmed Khan, “India and Pakistan: Comparison of Military Power”, Pakistan and China at the same time. In Pakistan Link, response to Indian Army Chief‟s http://pakistanlink.org/Opinion/2009/Jan09/16/0 statement, Pakistan‟s Joint Chiefs of 2.HTM, (accessed on 15th March, 2010). Staff Committee (JCSC) Chairman 56 R.S.N. Singh, The Military Factor In Pakistan, General said,“…leave alone (New : LANCER, 2008), p. 338. 57 General , “India - Pakistan China, General Deepak Kapoor knows Stand-off And Stability of Nuclear Deterrence”, very well what the Indian Army cannot FRIENDS, and the Pakistan Army can pull off http://www.friends.org.pk/Beg/india%20pakistan militarily…Indian Army Chief could not %20staff%20off.htm, (accessed on 15th March, 2010). 31 artillery divisions, one air defense out in Punjab and Sindh near the border division and the Pakistan Air Force. with India. These military exercises were General Beg said, “the exercise...made a a display of Pakistan Army‟s radical departure from stereotype preparedness to face the challenges in maneuvers and self defeating concept of future. Pakistan Army Chief General holding formations. Now our armed Ashfaq Parvez Kayani claimed that, forces are fully tuned to fighting an “Pakistan Army cannot be caught offensive defence, with well tested unaware and is capable of responding to concepts and strategies, even in an the challenge of Indian Military‟s Cold environment where they may be Start Doctrine (CSD)...our Army is fully outnumbered.”58 This concept provides prepared to give a “befitting response” to quick preemptive strikes once a war any “misadventure” from the eastern begins in order to disrupt an enemy border.”61 advance and inflict heavy damages. In addition, such actions are designed to Pakistan air defense system can provide gain strategically important enemy areas, timely information about the movement which could be used as a bargaining chip of Indian aircrafts and its army. There after the ceasefire. To implement this are two air defense commands in concept, two strike corps backed by one Pakistan. The PAF Air Defence defensive corps are to be used.59 It could Command and the Army Air Defence be analysed that the concept of offensive Command. The task of the PAF Air defense is still there in Pakistan Army. Defence Command is to defend and shield Pakistan‟s air space and the Army From 1989, it has carried out many Air Defence Command is assigned to exercises to test and validate this defend selected Army formations during concept. Recent war games by Pakistan the war. Pakistan Air Force has an Army and Pakistan Air Force are also advanced air defence system. step forward to articulate their abilities and capabilities to contradict any Its main components are high and low intrusion from air or land. To counter looking mobile radars, integrated radar threats from India, Pakistan conducted detection systems designed for high and Azm-I-Noh (New Resolve) military low level interceptions using fighter exercises and these are Pakistan biggest aircraft, surface to air missiles (SAMs), drills in 20 years. radar operated automatic firing anti- aircraft guns and shoulder fired infra-red These exercises involved almost 50,000 SAM‟s. At the Command and Control troops.60 These war games were carried Centres, air defence controllers and their commanders maintain round the clock vigil scanning the air space for possible 58 General Mirza Aslam Beg, “Deterrence, Defence and Development”, Defence Journal, air intruders. After detection and http://www.defencejournal.com/jul99/deterrence. identification of intruder, jet fighters are htm, (accessed on 13th April, 2010). 59 R.S.N. Singh, The Military Factor in Pakistan, (New Delhi: LANCER, 2008), p. 338. 60 Sabrina Tavernise, “Pakistan Begins Its 11pstan.html?scp=7&sq=Pakistan&st=n, Largest Military Exercises in 20 Years”, New (accessed on 15th April, 2010). York Times, 61 “Force cannot be caught unawares: Kayani”, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/11/world/asia/ Indian Express, 24th February, 2010. 32 scrambled within minutes and directed adjacent to Pakistan and also to identify to intercept or destroy it as necessary.62 the type of aircraft, their weapons systems, vector and altitude. In addition In recent times, Pakistan has inducted to that, the radar capabilities and range Spada 2000 air defense system to the of the system enable the operator to Pakistan Air Force. The deal for 10 receive an early warning in case of pre- batteries was worth $656.56 million over emptive attacks from across the border.65 five years. Spada 2000 has 60 kilometer range radar and two firing sections, each PAF would get three more AEW&C containing two missile launchers with aircraft in 2010 under $866 million deal. six Aspide 2000 missiles each. The This deal will make air defence more missiles have an intercept range of more effective and bring about a major change than 20 kilometers.63 This system has in its operational concept and enhanced Pakistan‟s air defense employment. Pakistan Military used its capabilities and it can counter any intelligence, surveillance and aggressive air attack by the enemy. reconnaissance assets i.e. UAVs, aerial Pakistan also produces unmanned aerial imageries and early warnings in the vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and Azm-I-Noh exercise to have reconnaissance purposes. The Pakistan transparency in the battlefield. Strategic Air Force has two UAV squadrons and surprise is the essence of Indian is looking to build up to six.64 Pakistan Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD). can use such UAVs at the sensitive areas The prior information of the enemy near the border with India to keep check movement will offset Indian Military‟s on any movement by the Indian forces. element of surprise and its proactive maneuvers. It will also help field This capability will provide Pakistan commanders of the Pakistan Army to with more space and time to counter take decisions accordingly with Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine changing situation on ground. These (CSD). In 2009, Pakistan has inducted types of capabilities can hamper Indian Saab-2000 Airborne Early Warning and offensive against Pakistan. Pakistan Control (AEW&C) Aircraft into its fleet. Army and Pakistan Air Force practiced This system has enabled the PAF to these components of air defense in the detect all aircraft taking off from and recent exercises. These exercises are landing at all forward Indian airbases assertion by the Pakistan military that it has the capability to counter any threat 62 Air Marshal (Retd) Ayaz Ahmad Khan, from India. “Indian AWACs threaten Pakistan Air Space”, Defence Journal, Main purpose of these exercises was to http://www.defencejournal.com/2000/july/awacs convey a message to the Indian decision .htm, (accessed on 17th March, 2010). 63 Tom Kington, “MBDA Confirms Air Defense makers that Pakistan has the capability System Sale to Pakistan”, Defense News, to defend itself from any unprovoked http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=34828 intrusion. PAF conducted “Exercise 21, (accessed on 10th February, 2010). High Mark” in 2010 to demonstrate its 64 Noah Shachtman, “Pakistan Expands Unmanned Air Force”, Wired, http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2008/11/paki 65 Iftikhar A. Khan & Yaqoob Malik, “Early stans-uav-p/#ixzz0iDk3lvXu, (accessed on 12th Warning Aircraft inducted into PAF”, The February, 2010). Dawn, Wednesday, 30th December, 2009. 33 firepower and capabilities. It has also All of PAF‟s main operating bases and tested its joint operations with Pakistan forward operating bases participated in Army. In this exercise, Pakistan Air the exercises. These exercises show Force provided air cover for ground Pakistan‟s vigilance and alertness troops that highlighted the forces‟ towards defense of the country. The potency to fight integrated to capabilities manifested in these exercises counter Indian Military‟s Cold Start would work as force multipliers. It Doctrine (CSD) based operations. Such would help to offset enemy‟s strategic capability is essential to meet future surprise and reduce the reaction time for threats from the Eastern border. Pakistan Army to respond to any challenge. Still a lot needs to be done to Additionally, PAF fighter pilots improve the overall capabilities of the displayed their abilities to maneuver and armed forces. hit enemy targets with missiles, bombs and other live ammunition with utmost Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine precision. JF-17 Thunder, F-16s, F-7 PG (CSD) has wide range of implications Aircraft and helicopters were also used for South Asia. If Pakistan failed to in the display of firepower skills aimed counter Indian Military‟s Cold Start at targeting enemy installations while Doctrine (CSD) based assault on its soil dodging radars. Force multipliers such as then it may reconsider its nuclear policy the Saab-2000 Airborne Early Warning of recessed deterrence and deploy its and Control (AEW&C) aircraft and air- strategic assets at high alert status. to-air re-fueller aircraft were also utilised in this exercise. Special features Threat of a nuclear war would take the of the military exercises included PAF‟s region into its grip. Indian aggressive capability to launch a sensor missile and policies would provoke arms race in the hit a target from 60 kilometres away.66 region. It would hamper the economic and social development of the region and Midair refueling and air-to-land poverty, hunger, un-employment and targeting, using missiles and bombs were uncertainty will aggravate in both also tested. The exercises also included a countries. Most importantly Indian search-and-relief operation, the use of Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) spy planes, the expeditious supply of will seriously impede Pakistan‟s efforts heavy apparatus using transport planes against War on Terrorism. and a ground operation backed by the PAF.67 High Mark 2010 exercise was Pakistan has deployed a major chunk of aimed at conducting operations in a its armed forces in Federally near-realistic strategic environment Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and while integrating new inductions and at the Afghan border. But lest of any providing role-oriented training to threat from India, Pakistan would move combat and support elements of the its forces from Western to Eastern PAF. borders. Such a move would hinder Pakistan‟s efforts against terrorism and militancy. 66 Saeed Minhas, “High Mark 2010 culminates in display of Firepower”, Daily Times, 7th April , 2010. 67 Ibid. 34

At present it may not be possible for Political leadership must show a clear India to put into practice Indian direction to the . Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) Political parties of the country must against Pakistan due to shortage in support the ruling government and military weaponry and equipment but in military in any crisis situation. future acquisition of latest weapons and equipment along with NCW and EW To counter Indian Military‟s Cold Start capabilities would enhance Indian Doctrine (CSD), political leadership Military‟s capabilities. It would give should be clear in formulating policies. confidence to Indian Military to carry It must have clear and broad vision to out a limited war against Pakistan in the face changing security dynamics of the nuclear shadow. To meet any likely region. Both military and political intimidation from Indian Military, it is leadership must develop better imperative for Pakistan to take some coordination and understanding on the concrete steps to perk up its overall issues related to national security of military capabilities to offset any future Pakistan. National Command Authority coercion. The next part will discuss (NCA) is a place where military and some recommendations for Pakistan to political leadership can sit together on offset Indian Military‟s Cold Start issues related to extreme national Doctrine (CSD) and come up with a security. Frequent meetings of NCA can strong, viable and effective response. enhance the mutual cooperation between political and military leadership. These 9. Recommendations for Pakistan meetings can fill the gap between civil- military relations and pave the way for India is on fast track to operationalise its collective politico-military response to Cold Start Doctrine (CSD). It has been any threat from India. Better discussed earlier that India would coordination and understanding between require at least a decade to overcome its military and political leadership can help deficiencies in military machine. It has Pakistan to overcome its internal and carried out 10 major exercises close to external security threats. the border and inducted latest weapons and equipments. It is constantly 9.2. Regular Military Exercises and improving its surveillance, Coordination reconnaissance and electronic warfare capabilities to carry out swift day and Inter Services harmony and coordination night operations against Pakistan. It is is necessary in the . necessary for Pakistan to monitor Indian After the induction of nuclear weapons, Military development and come up with wars have become limited, lethal and adequate response. destructive. In such warfare, it is necessary to have Inter Services synergy 9.1. Leadership: Military and Political and better coordination. Under Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD), Pakistan is a democratic country with India will launch limited, swift, day and effectual military force. Its military and night, intense and short duration limited political leadership can play a viable role war. to allay threats to the national security. 35

To counter such an offensive, Pakistan European Union (EU). It is necessary to must have professional operational highlight this issue because any limited capabilities along with better war in South Asia between two nuclear synchronization and harmonization powers would be destructive for the among its armed forces. Pakistan Army regional and global peace and security. and Air Force primarily must focus on joint operations. In recent military 9.4. Technological Innovation in exercises (Azm-I-Noh), Pakistan Army Pakistan Military Machine and Air Force practiced their capabilities to carry out joint operations. Such Pakistan has strong defense industry. It exercises play a key role to develop and has to maintain strategic parity with strengthen coordination and harmony India with fewer resources. Pakistan and between the armed forces. With the China are closely collaborating in the passage of time and changing strategic defense field. Joint project for the environment, Pakistan has to introduce production and development of the JF- new military strategies and doctrines to 17 Thunder fighters is under way. Both overcome existing and emerging security countries are also collaborating in the challenges. Therefore, the recent military production, modernisation and exercises by the Pakistan Army and Air maintenance of armoured vehicles Force is a step forward to mitigate including MBT Al-Khalid, self- threats from Indian Military‟s Cold Start propelled artillery, armoured personnel Doctrine (CSD). carriers and armoured cars.

9.3. Assertive Role of the Foreign This collaboration will bring Office improvement in the mechanized divisions of the Pakistan Army. Pakistan‟s foreign office must play an Therefore, keeping in mind the changing assertive role in dealing with India. It strategic environment and India‟s should not succumb to Indian pressure. technological advancement, Pakistan has Pakistan foreign office has to draw to develop and equip its military with attention of the international community latest weapons and equipment. It has to to Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine rely on its indigenous defense industry and other propaganda against Pakistan‟s for the maintenance and development of national institutions such as ISI and its military machine. Army.

Pakistan‟s foreign office has to convince international community that it is working hard to bring peace in the region but it is India that is pursuing aggressive doctrines against Pakistan. Pakistan can raise this issue at different international forums including the United Nations (UN), Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), Shengai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and 36

10. Conclusion Such a move would be threatening for the region. In addition to that Pakistan will move its forces from Western Proponents of the use of border to Eastern border in case of any conventional force in “a threat from India. It would hamper the nuclear overhang” are charting global efforts in the War against a course of dangerous Terrorism and extremism. It is adventurism whose imperative for the international consequences can be both community including US, European unintended and uncontrollable. Union and other regional powers to step ------Gen Ashfaq Parvez in and mediate between Pakistan and Kayani - COAS-Pakistan68 India and resolve their outstanding issues including Kashmir, Water Pakistan‟s Army Chief‟s statement is distribution, Siachen, and . The based on the reality; the conception of best option left for both countries is to limited war will push the region into stick to the dialogue process and try to further turmoil. The danger of escalation resolve their lingering issues in an will also increase. India‟s strategy aims amicable way because use of force or to achieve surprise and speed in a policy of coercion will never resolve conventional strike against Pakistan. It differences between Pakistan and India. overlooks the fact that in a crisis, the Such a policy would increase hostilities nuclear threshold will be uncertain. It and rivalries and put the region into would be difficult for India to control the quagmire of instability and turmoil. It is situation if it escalated. It would be a imperative for both countries that they strategic blunder for India if it attacks should abstain from such aggressive Pakistan because threshold of any policies and work for the long term country cannot be just wished away by peace and stability of the region. any aggressive attack. Shorter time and fast mobilisation will enhance the probability of escalation. Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) in near future cannot be operationalised. But in case if it does, then Pakistan will definitely change its force posture accordingly. Pakistan will change its policy of recessed deterrence to active deterrence. It would install its strategic weapons on hair trigger level; it may also move towards the induction of tactical nuclear warheads to it arsenal.

68 Dr. , “India‟s Military Doctrine”, Khaleej Times, http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNe w.asp?col=§ion=opinion&xfile=data/opinio n/2010/January/opinion_January39.xml, (accessed on 19th, 2010).

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About the Author Weekly Pulse Vol XV, No. 50. December 12, 2010. p16. Mr. Masood-Ur-Rehman Khattak is working at the South Asian Strategic Masood-Ur-Rehman Khattak, Stability Institute (SASSI) as “Insurgencies: A Nightmare for India” Research Fellow. He did his M.Phil in Weekly Pulse Vol XV, No. 51. Defence and Strategic Studies from December 20, 2010. p10. Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad. His major research areas are Nuclear Masood-Ur-Rehman Khattak, Deterrence in South Asia, Terrorism, “Pakistan‟s National Security in the Non-Proliferation issues, FATA, Cyber Age” Weekly Pulse Vol XV, No. Afghanistan and Regional Security 52. December 28, 2010. p10. issues. Masood-Ur-Rehman Khattak, “India: A Mr. Khattak is author of a book, US War Threat to Nuclear Deterrence in South on Terrorism: Implications for Asia” Weekly Pulse Vol XV, No. 01. Afghanistan and Pakistan, which has January 06, 2011. p 14. been published by German Publishers, Lap Lambert Academic Publishing on Masood-Ur-Rehman Khattak, “How 31st August, 2010. Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state” Weekly Pulse Vol XVI, No.02. January While serving in SASSI, he has 07, 2011. p 12. contributed in many SASSI Projects like SASSI Handbook on Chinese Nuclear Masood-Ur-Rehman Khattak, Export Control-2008, SASSI Strategic “Instability and Turmoil in FATA: What Brief – Pak- Strategic is possible way out?” Weekly Pulse Vol Partnership-2009, SASSI Project on XVI, No.04. January 21, 2011. p 12. Kerry-Lugar Bill-2009, and SASSI Technical Brief on Indo-US Nuclear Masood-Ur-Rehman Khattak, “Indian Deal-2008. He is also a regular Strategic Thinking: a Reflection of contributor to the Monthly Online Kautilya‟s Six Fold Policy” Weekly SASSI Journal on „South Asian Non- Pulse Vol XVI, No.05. January 28, Proliferation and Security.‟ 2011. p 08.

Mr. Khattak has written a Research Masood-Ur-Rehman Khattak, Paper on “Indian Military‟s Cold Start “Importance of Human Intelligence in Doctrine: Capabilities, Limitations and War against Militants” Weekly Pulse Possible Response from Pakistan” - Vol XVI, No.06. February 04, 2011. p. 2011, published by SASSI. 12.

He has also contributed few articles in Masood-Ur-Rehman Khattak, “US the Weekly Pulse Magazine. Drone Strikes Provoked Never-Ending War in FATA” Weekly Pulse Vol XVI, Masood-Ur-Rehman Khattak, No.07. February 11, 2011. “Afghanistan needs a Regional Solution”

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Mr. Khattak has organised/attended and Presented in an In-House Talk on „The presented in scores of workshops and Dynamic Nature of Deterrence in South conferences. Asia‟ SASSI, Islamabad on 11th February, 2009. He presented a paper in a one-Day Workshop organized by SASSI on Presented in SASSI‟s Workshop on “Pakistan-Russia Collaboration and Non-Proliferation, Nuclear and Afghan Crisis” held at Serena Hotel, Radiation Safety 2009. Islamabad on 1st November 2010. Attended and organised a Conference on Presented a paper in a Three-Day Indo-US Nuclear Deal: Implications for Workshop organized by SASSI on Pakistan, in Collaboration with ISSI, “Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine: 2009. Implications for the Strategic Stability of South Asia” held at Serena Hotel, Mr. Khattak presented in a Three-Day Islamabad on 20th-22nd July 2010. Workshop held at “Konrad Adenauer Stiftung” Title: Af-Pak Dialogue Forum Delivered lectures in Two-Weeks PNRA 2009. Dated: July 21-22, 2009. Workshop in collaboration with SASSI on “Nuclear Security” from 10th-21st Mr Khattak presented at the First January 2011. National Counter Proliferation Conference. Entitled: “Counter Mr. Masood has also presented and and the Role of participated in an In-House Conference International Community”. on “‟s Experience with the American Military and Economic Presented a paper on the “National Assistance Bills” and an “Analysis of the Security in the Cyber Age”. At Three- Kerry Lugar Bill” at the South Asian Day workshop by Russell Plus Strategic Stability Institute on 28th International In collaboration with October, 2009. Guest Speaker: Dr. Aptech and Sialkot Chamber of Smaeh Abdullah. (Deputy Head of Al- Commerce Industry, on August 6th to 8th Ahram Daily) August, 2009.

Participated in a Conference on France- Masood. Ur. Rehman. Khattak Pakistan: Addressing Common (Research Fellow) Challenges Through Sustainable South Asian Strategic Stability Institute Partnership: Speaker: the French H-427, Street-1, F11/1, Islamabad. Ambassador: H.E. Daniel Jounneau. (2009) Telephone: +92-51-2290917 +92-51-2291061 Participated in an International Defence Fax: +92-51- 2103479 Exhibition and Seminar 2008. “Arms for Email: [email protected] Peace Altering the Security Paradigm at [email protected] Global and Regional Levels” with the Web: www.sassu.org.uk collaboration of DEPO. (2008) www.sassi.uk.com

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Annexure: conflicting parties chooses to use nuclear weapons. For example Pakistan has defined its nuclear threshold. According Glossary to which if militarily, economically, domestically and territorial damage is Cold Start Doctrine (CSD): It is an caused which is not acceptable to Indian military doctrine which calls for Pakistan its nuclear threshold would be offensive defence and is Pakistan violated. specific. Its main features are efficient mobility, surprise attack through IBGs, Pivot Corps: In 2005 Vajra Shakti network centric warfare and shallow Exercise, India brought flexibility in its territorial gains. Its aim is to cause Holding corps. These holding corps were Pakistan maximum damage without designated as Pivot corps. Pivot corps crossing its nuclear threshold. can initiate offensive if required in the battlefield. According to the then Chief Deterrence: Deterrence is a situation of Army Staff, Gen J J Singh, „„They where two actors mutually discourage (Pivot Corps) have assigned roles, which aggression toward one another, with the are offensive as well as defensive and outcome that they never have to respond the doctrine does not spell them out in to aggressive action by the other party. detail. The decision making has been left to theatre commanders, depending upon Nuclear Deterrence: Nuclear deterrence their assessment and evaluation of the is a military doctrine, according to which situation. an enemy will be deterred from using nuclear weapons as long as he can be RAPID (Reorganised Army Plains destroyed as a consequence. Nuclear Infantry Division): The Army also has deterrence depends on three major four RAPID (Reorganized Army Plains factors, which are Capability, Infantry Division) formations each Communication and Credibility. consisting of two infantry brigades, one mechanised brigade with brigade-sized Limited War: A Limited war is a mechanised assets, one artillery brigade, conflict in which the belligerents one recon & support battalion, one participating in the war do not expend all engineer regiment, one signals regiment of each of the participants‟ available and vastly improved surveillance with resources at their disposal, whether target acquisition equipment and human, industrial, agricultural, military, dedicated aviation units. There are two natural, technological, or otherwise in a kinds of RAPID Divisions - offensive specific conflict. This may be to and defensive - and there is a slight preserve those resources for other variation in composition. RAPID purposes, or because it might be more formations are attached to the Holding difficult for specific participants to be Corps in Punjab and Rajasthan and able to utilize all of an areas resources provide these essentially defensive rather than part of them. Limited war is formations with an extremely flexible an opposite of the concept of total war. unit that dramatically enhances their ability to withstand offensive operations. Nuclear Threshold: The point in a conflict or war where one of the 40

Defensive Corps/Holding Corps: They This announces the arrival of Network- are deployed on the frontline border. Centric Warfare capability in the Indian They contain purely conventional system Army. of defence having armoured, infantry, and artillery for static defense. They WLR: Weapon Locating Radar usually don‟t have offensive punch; their (WLR) is mobile artillery locating main role is to defend the country from Phased array radar developed by India. initial enemy attack. This counter-battery radar is designed to detect and track incoming artillery and Strike Corps: also known as the reserve rocket fire to determine the point of corps and these are usually not placed at origin for Counter-battery fire. the border line for defence. As indicated above they are the reserve corps so they BFSR: Battle Field Surveillance have the capability to support the Radar- Short Range (BFSR-SR) is a holding corps fighting on the frontline man portable 2D short range Battle Field border. India has 3 strike corps and and Perimeter Surveillance Radar Pakistan has 2. developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organization IBGs: Integrated Battle Groups are (DRDO). division-sized Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) that would have mechanized Su-30 MKI: The Su-30 MKI is a multi- infantry, artillery and armour. The IBGs role two-seater fighter. The aircraft is will be self-contained and highly- armed with precision anti-surface mobile, with Russian-origin T-90 MBT missiles and has a stand-off launch range and upgraded T-72 M1 tanks at their of 120km. The aircraft is fitted with a core, adequately backed by air cover and 30mm GSh-301 gun with 150 rounds of artillery fire assaults, for rapid thrusts ammunition. The Su-30M, like the Su- into Pakistan within 96 hours. 30, can engage two airborne targets simultaneously. The aircraft has a TV LORROS: Long Range command guidance system. The air-to- Reconnaissance and Observation surface missile fits include four anti- System is a high quality, remotely radiation missiles, six laser-guided short- controlled; observation system designed range missiles. for medium and long range surveillance. Its main aim is to provide Border and RISAT 2: It is all weather spy satellite coastal surveillance, Critical for surveillance capabilities. This is a infrastructure protection, Intelligence 300-kilogram spy satellite, Radar gathering, Reconnaissance of illegal Imaging Satellite (RISAT-2). The smuggling and drug trafficking, Artillery satellite would mainly keep a watch on spotting & target acquisition and Airport the country‟s borders round-the-clock security and surveillance. and facilitate the anti-infiltration and anti-terrorist operations. It can take FMCP: Force Multiplication close-up pictures from its perch of over Command Post has been set up to 500 kilometers above the earth of objects integrate real-time flow of information as small as a motorcycle. as a principal tool to decision making. 41

Network Centric Warfare: seeks to Ilyushin Il-76 transport. The A-50 can translate an information advantage, control up to 10 fighter aircraft for either enabled in part by information air-to-air intercept or air-to-ground technology, into a competitive advantage attack missions. The A-50 is capable of through the robust networking of well flying for 4 hours at a 1000 km from its informed geographically dispersed base at a maximum takeoff weight of forces. 190 tons.

Electronic Warfare: refers to any The IAI EL/M-2075 Phalcon: is an action involving the use of the Airborne Early Warning and Control electromagnetic spectrum or directed (AEW&C) radar system developed by energy to control the spectrum, attack an Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and enemy, or impede enemy assaults via the Elta Electronics Industries of Israel. Its spectrum. The purpose of electronic primary objective is to provide warfare is to deny the opponent the intelligence to maintain air superiority advantage of, and ensure friendly and conduct surveillance. unimpeded access to, the EM spectrum. Israeli Harpy UAVs: are designed to EW can be applied from air, sea, land, detect and attack enemy radars and and space by manned and unmanned carries a high explosive warhead. It has systems, and can target communication, maximum speed of 185 km/h and its radar, or other services. range is about 500 km. The T-90: is a Russian main battle tank Burraq (UAV): is a new unmanned (MBT), and is currently the most combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) currently modern tank in service with the Russian under development by the Pakistan Air army. The Т-90S with 1000-hp engine Force and NESCOM. In May 2009 the can attain a top speed of 60 kph on the Burraq UCAV was reported to be road and up to 45 kph on rough terrain. undergoing flight testing and would be T-90 is also fitted with nuclear, armed with a new laser-guided air-to- biological and chemical (NBC) surface missile and laser designator, also protection equipment, KMT mine designed by NESCOM. sweeps and an automatic fire fighting system. India currently operates up to Satuma Jasoos-(UAV): Jasoos is a 620 T-90 which were procured in three unmanned aerial vehicle designed and separate orders. 1,000 T-90s were to be manufactured by SATUMA of Pakistan. produced locally by 2020. The Jasoos II Bravo variant is currently JF-17 Thunder: is a single-engined, operational with the Pakistan Air Force. medium-sized, light-weight multi-role The Jasoos is controlled remotely from combat aircraft developed jointly by the the ground control station) GCS) via a Chengdu Aircraft Industries Corporation line-of-sight data-link. It has Range: of (CAC) of China, the Pakistan Air Force 80 to 100+ km. Endurance is stated to be and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex greater than 5 hours. (PAC). It has Maximum speed of Mach 1.8, (2,205 kph). Beriev A-50: is a Russian airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft based on the

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Fact Sheet Indian Military

Indian Military Commands Army Head Quarters- New Delhi

1- - Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. 2- - , 3- - 4- - Chandimandir 5- Southwestern Command- , Rajasthan 6- - , 7- - Shimla, Army 1,129,9000 Corps 13 - Corps 3 Strike Corps(1st, 2nd,21st) 10- Holding corps(3rd, 4th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 33rd) Divisions 34 including 4 RAPID (Re- organised Army Plains Infantry Divisions) Action Divisions, 18 infantry 10 mountain 3 armoured 2 artillery Regiments 93 Tank Regiments 50 Artillery Regiments 50 Air Defence Regiments 62 Armoured Regiments

Armoured T-90s: 320 + T-72 M1: 1950 T-55:715 Vijayanta:1008 (modified) Arjun 54

Infantry 18- Divisions 414,000 - Troops Air force Total- 127,200 5- Regional Commands 632- Combat Aircrafts 43

500- Transport and Helicopters Navy Total- 58,350 7000 Naval Aviation 1200 Marines Submarines Tactical 16 - 1 Artillery 2 Divisions 11,258+ NCW / EW UAV: 14 Nishant FMCP. (Force Multiplication Command Post) BFSRs. (Battle Field Surveillance Radar) LORROS. ( Long-range Reconnaissance & Observation Systems) Phalcon AWACS. Risaat Satellite: 1 WLRs: (Weapon Locating Radars) around 30

References:

1. Military Balance 2010. 2. www.globalsecurity.org 3. www.bharat-rakshak.com 4. http://indianarmy.nic.in

Quick Robust Operations 44

Map: Location of the Indian Corps & Commands

Source: Collated & Prepared by Sajida Mansoor, Research Fellow - SASSI