April-May 2018 Volume 13 No. 2 `100.00 (India-Based Buyer Only) DEFEXPO 2018 SPECIAL Visit us @ Hall 6 Stall 6.2.10

www.spsnavalforces.com ROUNDUP THE ONLY NAVAL MAGAZINE FOR NAVIES ACROSS ASIA-PACIFIC

PAGE 6  COVER STORY India-US Maritime Cooperation PHOTOGRAPH:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has indicated a maritime vision for Indian–Pacific Region and the concept of Indo-Pacific security. He is convinced that India’s development depends upon the freedom of sea lanes of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In his policy of not only ‘Look East but also act East’, he has reached out to other maritime nations in the region like Japan, US and Australia. Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd)

PAGE 8 Navy’s Spy in the Sky Naval rotary UAVs (NRUAVs) can perform all the maritime UAV missions with the addition of search and rescue but without the problems of landing and take off by fixed wing UAVs. Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) INS Vikramaditya has added new dimension to blue water capability of Indian Navy PAGE 9 The Maritime Mine Hunters It is understood that the acquisition process will start again with the invite sent to Kangnam Corporation, Intermarine of , Navantia of , Lockheed Martin of US, ThyssenKrupp of Germany and Russian shipyards Indian Navy’s Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd)

PAGE 10 Exercise Paschim Lehar and Maldivian Imbroglio Acquisition and Recently concluded Exercise Paschim Lehar extensively tested and revalidated the operational plans and manoeuvres in a hostile maritime scenario on India’s Western seaboard. Rear Admiral Sushil Ramsay (Retd) Modernisation Plans PAGE 12 Friendship Across the Seas – Despite the severe setbacks especially in build-up plan causing serious MILAN 2018 capability gaps, Indian Navy’s acquisition and modernisation plans, spanning over three From an event of sub-regional context, MILAN has now grown into a prestigious plan periods 2005-2022 are well on track, although some prestigious projects have international event and encompasses participation by maritime forces from not just missed the delivery milestones the Bay of Bengal and South East Asia but the larger region. Rear Admiral Sushil Ramsay (Retd) n REAR ADMIRAL SUSHIL RAMSAY (RETD) Strategy which flows from the aboveIndian Navy’s Maritime Capability “Vision statement” has adopted a generic Perspective Plan PAGE 13 N support of the nation’s growing capability building approach. Introducing Programme. the acqui- Indo-French Naval Exercise – strengths and responsibilities, the the Vision, it stipulates, “the Indian Navy sition of extensively refitted and mod- Varuna 2018 Indian Navy is determined to create is today a potent and capable force which ernised, former russian ICBM carrier Rear Admiral Sushil Ramsay (Retd) and sustain a three dimensional; is highly regarded for its professional Admiral Gorshkov, commissioned as INs technology enabled and networked competence. the planned induction of Vikramaditya has added new dimension PLUS Iforce capable of safeguarding our mari- advanced platforms and technology, and to blue water capability of Indian Navy. News in Brief 14 time interests on the high seas and pro- creation of modern infrastructure, prom- INs Vikramaditya is currently the sole jecting combat power across the littoral. ise to boost the capabilities of the service aircraft carrier engaged in extensive fly- Appointments 15 the Indian Navy’s Maritime Military even further in the near future”. ing operations with MiG 29K aircraft as

2/2018 1  COVER STORY

This issue of Naval Forces The exhibition will also unveil conclusion that, despite the operational plans and manoeu- coincides with India’s Interna- India’s capability in manufactur- severe setbacks especially in vres in a hostile maritime tional Land, Naval and Internal ing Scorpene class submarine. submarine build-up plan caus- scenario on India’s Western Homeland Security Systems Kattupalli shipyard of L&T is only ing serious capability gaps, IN’s seaboard; Indo-French Naval exhibition named Defexpo 40 km from Chennai and visitors acquisition and modernisation Exercise – Varuna- 2018, the India 2018; which is being held to DefExpo can easily visit the plans, spanning over three plan importance of which was under- in Chennai from April 11 to 14. same. periods 2005-2022 are well on lined by Emmanuel Macron, DefExpo 2018 for the first time As per the directions of Rak- track, in spite of some presti- the President of the Republic of and will project India’s Defence sha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sith- gious projects having missed France when he said that, “We manufacturing capabilities to araman, the work for preparing the delivery milestones. want India as our first strategic the world. This is reflectedDetailed in the Project Report for the Prime Minister Narendra partner here, and we want to be tagline for the Expo, ‘India: The Tamil Nadu Defence Quad has Modi has indicated a maritime India’s first strategic partner in Emerging Defence Manufactur- been initiated by Department of vision for Indian –Pacific RegionEurope, and even the western ing Hub’. Defence Production in the Min- and the concept of Indo-Pacificworld;” and MILAN 2018 with

EDITORIAL DefExpo 2018 will brand istry of Defence. The corridor, security. He is convinced that the theme of ‘Friendship Across India as a defence exporter of which is organized as a quadri- India’s development depends the Seas’. The issue just about several defence systems and lateral will extend from Chennai, upon the freedom of sea wraps up with the News Digest components for all three Ser- Hosur, Coimbatore, Salem and lanes of the Indian and Pacificand flag rank postings. Happy vices - Army, Navy and Air Force. Tiruchirappalli. It is expected Oceans. In his policy of not only reading and meet you all at While showcasing strengths of that with government opening ’look East but also act East’, he Hall 6 Stall 6.2.10. India’s substantial public sector, it up new opportunities for indus- has reached out to other mari- will also uncover India’s growing try in defence sector, the Tamil time nations in the region like private industry and spreading Nadu Defence Quad will provide Japan, US and Australia. Thus a MSME base for components and a major opportunity to the vibrant review of the Indo-US Maritime sub-systems. As the DefExpo manufacturing sector in the State. cooperation is included. There is is being held on the sea-shore, The lead article on Indian an update on Mine Countermea- it provides the Indian Navy to Navy’s(IN’s) Acquisition and sures Vessels and naval rotary brandish its domestic design and Modernisation Plans where the UAVs. There are also write ups manufacturing capabilities includ- author reviewing the progress on Exercise Paschim Lehar ing display of , on surface, sub surface and which was aimed at extensively Jayant BaranwaL and other ships. aerial platforms, comes to the testing and revalidating the Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

PHOTOGRAPH: Cochin Shipyard the sole fixed wing fighter into her Air nal design collaboration on the model for Wing. the IAC project. the case for four multi-role Construction of prestigious 37,500 landing platform docks is being progressed tonnes Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-1) with two private shipyards – L&t and reli- is on track and is likely to be commissioned ance Naval and engineering Ltd. the con- by 2020. Vikrant would embark a mix of tract is expected to be concluded shortly. 30 aircraft, including MiG-29Ks and rotary wing assets to include KA-31, Airborne Fleet Support Ships early Warning (AeW) helicopters. fixed The 2008 order for a fleet tanker on Ital- wing aircraft operations would be based ian shipbuilder fincanterri had a follow- on short take-off but Arrested recovery on option of up to three tankers. Indian (STOBAR) concept on an angled flight deck Navy has now exercised this option for with a 12 to 14º ski-jump. one follow-on ship. the induction of two Considering the complexity of design ships would enable Indian Navy to ensure development and construction, systems the availability of at least three such fleet integration, the gestation period for IAC-2 support ships at any time. Government has to be christened as INs Vishal, could well also approved induction of five fleet sup - span over 10-15 years. It is learnt that IAC-2 port ships to be indigenously constructed. of 65,000-tonne will have a conventional propulsion system with Catapult Assisted Submarine Arm take-off But Arrested recovery (CAtoBAr) Scorpene Project 75. The first project which would offer flexibility for launching Indigenous Aircraft Carrier is likely to be commissioned by 2020 under the perspective plan was project 75, fighters as well as heavier aircraft for sur - scorpene for indigenous construction of veillance, early-warning, electronic warfare the major change in the new series of stealth enously built and the procurement process six conventional stealth under and other operations. frigates is replacement of the Klub missiles for the same is underway. transfer of technology arrangements with Projects 17 & 17A. All four ships of with BrahMos system. there are reports DCNs, france (now Naval Group). After the project 17 stealth frigates built by MDL have of possible acquisition of additional three Amphibious Capability delay of more than a decade and numerous been commissioned. these ships are capable ships of the same class to be constructed in With the induction of the landing platform controversies the first of line of the proj- of carrying two advanced multi-role helicop- and brought to India for integration dock (LpD) Jalashwa, Indian Navy has con- ect, INs Kalvari, an attack stealth submarine ters. project 17A comprises seven stealth of propulsion, weapons and ancillary sys- siderably augmented its amphibious capa- was commissioned on December 14, 2017. frigates with advanced features and tech- tems, possibly at Goa shipyard Ltd. bility. Together with the five landing ship As per available reports the delivery of all nology upgrades is a follow-on programme Project 28 ASW Corvettes. four new tanks (Large), a sealift capability for over six boats is expected to complete by 2021. of project 17. the construction load of proj- stealth AsW corvettes indigenously designed, 3500 troops and a squadron of armour now Modernisation Plan. Modernisation ect 17A will be shared between MDL for four built by Grse, Kolkata, have been commis- exists. to augment its amphibious lift capa- and upgrading of capabilities of 877eKM ships and Grse for three ships. sioned. At 2,500 tonnes and designed for bility, Indian Navy is now looking to build class and hDW, shishumar class subma- Projects 15A & 15B. project 15A com- a minimised signature profile to providelarger amphibious ships of the LpD variety. rines were undertaken. the modernisa- prising three follow-on class guided stealth capability, these ships would consid- this project will be pursued through exter- tion entailed service life extension as also missile have been named as the erably augment the Navy’s AsW capability. upgrading the capabilities of the relatively Kolkata Class. the second and third ships Considering the complexity newer submarines of the class. for instance, have been named as Kochi and Bengaluru. Mines Counter Measures Vessels (MCMVs) retro-fitment of torpedo-tube launched these ships are considerably different from the Defence Acquisition Council has given of design development missile system with anti-shipping and land its predecessors with the incorporation of the go-ahead to Goa shipyard Ltd (GsL) for attack versions provided teeth to 877eKM stealth features and advanced technologies. the construction of all eight MCMV with and construction, systems submarines. Likewise, all major machiner- Major changes include the fitment of up the option of additional ships, under stra- ies, auxiliaries, propulsion system, sensors, to 16 vertically launched BrahMos missiles tegic partnership model. the project is to integration, the gestation etc. either underwent major overhaul or and the Barak NG, Lr-sAM jointly developed replace 12 aging pondicherry and Karwar replaced with advanced versions to extend by DrDo with Israel’s IAI, as also new sen- class by 2020. Indian Navy period for IAC-II to be the operational life until year 2025. sors. the Government has also approved an requires at least 24 MCMVs to clear mines christened as INS Vishal, Project 75 (India). project 75 (India) is a additional four ships of the same class to laid by enemy warships and aircraft to sequel to scorpene project 75 to boost the be designated as project 15B and to be con- blockade harbours during war. could well span over ethos of self-reliance through indigenisa- structed at MDL. tion. project 75 (India) was resuscitated and Project 1135.6-Talwar Class. three fol- Shallow Water ASW Crafts 10-15 years the Government promulgated rfI in early low-on talwar class GM frigates were com- Government has approved induction of

www.spsnavalforces.com missioned as INs tej, tarkash and trikand. 16 shallow water AsW crafts to be indig- Continued on page 4...

2 2/2018 Protect Your Fleet

NAVAL BARAK-8: The most advanced air & missile SEE US AT DEFEXPO INDIA 2018 defense system for challenging operational scenarios Hall 1, Booth 1.1.4a

• Fully networked system architecture • Multiple simultaneous engagements • From short to long range, from supersonic sea-skimmers to high altitude targets • Vertical launch all aspect missile, easily fitted to existing or new vessels • Advanced RF seeker • 2-way data link www.iai.co.il • [email protected]  COVER STORY

Indian Navy’s Aquisition... Continued from page 2 PHOTOGRAPHS: Indian Navy sance domain this spectrum has been further bifurcated into medium range maritime reconnaissance (MrMr) and short- range maritime reconnaissance (srMr). the acquisition process for nine yet to be identi- fied MRMR aircraft is in the works with no definite timelines for its availability. Naval Utility Helicopters. Indian Navy is facing acute shortage of naval utility helicopter (Nuh) for replacing its aging fleet of Chetak helicopters for the frontline frigates and offshore patrol vessels with small-decks and aircraft carriers, as also for the shore based flights to extend -sup port out at sea for the smaller ships not designed to carry Nuh. Acceptance of Necessity for procure- ment of 111 Nuh worth `21,738 crore ($3.2 billion) was accorded by the Defence Acquisition Council under the strategic partnership model to give a major boost to indigenous defence manufacturing capabil- ities in the country, especially in the Naval Aviation segment. rfp is expected to be issued shortly to original equipment manufacturers (oeM) for the first 16 helicopters to be imported in flyaway condition, with the balance 95 to be manufactured in India by an Indian manufacturer in partnership with the selected global oeM. Likely oeMs to partici- pate in the tender are; eurocopter’s As565 2017. Global rfI was issued to six leading panther, sikorsky’s s-76B, and a maritime shipbuilders; Naval Group, france (former version of AgustaWestland’s AW109 Koala. DCNs), thyssenKrupp Marine systems, Bell and russian helicopters could also Germany, rosoboronexport-rubin Design offer own product. Bureau, russia, Navantia, spain, saab, swe- Naval Multi-Role Helicopters. Indian den and the Mitsubishi-Kawasaki heavy Navy plans to acquire 123 Naval Multi- Industries Combine, Japan to participate in role helicopters (NMrh) to be used as building six advanced stealth submarines ship borne flights of two helicopters each at an estimated `70,000 crore ($10.9 bil- for its frontline destroyers and frigates to lion) in collaboration with an Indian ship- form integral air for critical operations out yard. In tandem Indian Navy will formulate at sea. RFI for NMRH was floated by MoD the Naval staff Qualitative requirements globally on August 22, 2017. Apart from before the formal rfp is issued. the six Nh90, contenders for NMrh bid could diesel-electric submarines conceived under include the Lockheed Martin/sikorsky Mh- Project 75 (India) are to be fitted out with 60r and eurocopter’s eC 725 Caracal. land-attack cruise missiles, air-independent Advanced Early Warning Helicopter. propulsion for greater underwater endur- Acquisitions of russian make Kamov. Ka ance, and the capability to integrate indig- 31, an advance early warning (AeW) heli- enous weapons and sensors as and when copter, nearly a decade and a half ago has these are developed. Mitsubishi-Kawasaki enhanced the AeW capability of the Indian heavy Industries Combine, Japan and Naval Aviation considerably. Inventory of Navantia, spain have however, declined to Ka 31 is being augmented gradually. respond to rfI. there is a long and tedious (Top) INS Kalvari attack stealth submarine was commissioned on December 14, 2017; road ahead for the project to fructify. In (above) Inventory of Kamov Ka 31 AEW helicopter is being augmented gradually. Future Projects the first stage capability assessment of following futuristic programmes are under the Indian shipyard which has capability search for a multi-role carrier borne fight- Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance. A active consideration of the Indian Navy: of entering into strategic partnership with ers (MrCBf) for IAC-1 and its follow-on. the true game-changer and most technologically zz Next-generation destroyers foreign collaborator will be undertaken. rfI has elicited enthusiastic response from advanced and intensive platform Boeing, zz Next-generation frigates this process of selection could take as all leading global manufacturers to answer poseidon p-8I, Long-range Maritime recon- zz Next-generation corvettes much as two years to complete. thereaf- queries on technical parameters, budget- naissance & Anti-submarine Warfare Aircraft zz Nex-generation MCMVs ter the technical evaluation, commercial ary estimates, likely level of indigenisation, (LrMr & AsW) has been most successfully bids evaluation, cost negotiations, contract transfer of technology and schedule of inducted. the Indian Navy is truly proud Conclusion finalisation, etc. Hence, even if the project deliveries after a contract is inked. french, with the inventory of p-8I aircraft gradually Despite the severe setbacks especially in is fast-tracked, the first submarine cannot Swedish, Russian and American firms have swelling to 12 aircraft, with possibility of submarine build-up plan causing serious be expected before the year 2027. been served the rfI for the project to equip additional 12 aircraft acquired in due course. capability gaps, Indian Navy’s acquisition Nuclear Powered Submarines. for IAC-1, Vikrant and IAC-2. In order to bridge the gaps within the and modernisation plans, spanning over strategic deterrence India needs at least six rfI required details whether the air- spectrum of surveillance and reconnais- three plan periods 2005-2022 are well on nuclear powered attack submarines (ssN) craft is single or twin-seat (or available track, although some prestigious projects and four nuclear powered submarines with as both), and if it has one or two engines; have missed the delivery milestones. All nuclear-tipped missiles (ssBN). In february whether it can perform short take-off but It is a matter of national of naval platforms are hugely technology 2015, Government of India approved the arrested recovery or catapult assisted take- pride that Indian Navy has intensive and thus extremely complex in construction of six SSNs. The first indig- off but arrested recovery operations (or nature, as a consequence suffer from long enous ssBN INs Arihant was commissioned both); whether the aircraft is already in showed the way how best and sometimes unpredictable gestation in 2016. Under a classified programme operational use or not; whether helmet- periods in fruition. Challenges of technol- three more ssBNs are under construction. mounted displays and large-area displays the advanced and technology ogy induction and absorption, time and the timelines for six ssNs and three ssBNs are integrated and fitted; is auto-landing an cost over-runs can only be embattled by are not available. In addition to INs Chakra option; and whether or not an active elec- intensive platforms from efficient and accountable decision - mak there are plans to lease second ssN from tronically scanned array radar is fitted. ing processes and mechanism at all levels, russia for 10 years under $1.5 billion deal. Currently, six aircraft are compatible, diverse sources could be especially at the Government echelon. namely; Dassault’s rafale, Boeing’s f/A-18 acquired, absorbed and Nevertheless, Indian Navy has impecca- Naval Aviation super hornet, russian MIG-29K, Lockheed ble record of proudly marching the indig- Carrier Borne Multi-Role Fighters. Along Martin f-35B and f-35C, and Gripen from optimally exploited to augment enous path of self-reliance for its force with the acquisition of INs Vikramaditya saab, sweden. While f/A-18, super hornet, accretion and development. It is a matter of fourth generation Mikoyan, MiG-29K, multi- rafale and MIG-29K are twin engine jets, its operational capabilities to national pride that Indian Navy has showed role fighter was inducted which is now the the remaining three have single engine. the way how best the advanced and tech- centrepiece of the Air Wing of Vikramad- responses received to rfI are being evalu- emerge as a Blue Water Navy nology intensive platforms from diverse itya. Accordingly, MiG-29K and tejas (Navy) ated. rfp is expected to be promulgated sources could be acquired, absorbed and were earmarked as Air Wing for under con- by mid-2018 and the induction timelines in true sense optimally exploited to augment its opera- struction IAC-1, Vikrant. however, in lieu will be aligned with the operationalisation tional capabilities to emerge as a Blue

SP www.spsnavalforces.com of tejas (Navy), Indian Navy has begun a of IAC-1. Water Navy in true sense.

4 2/2018 www.mastconfex.com

Lead Media partner

Indo-asia Maritime/Air Systems & Technologies for Defence, Security and Safety Conference, Exhibition, Community Enabler Wed. 28th – Fri. 30th November 2018, India Expo Centre, New Delhi, India India’s first international maritime defence conference & exhibition In partnership with Supported by

“Global Defence - The Prerogative for Partnership”

MAST Indo-Asia 2018: Where Indian Navy, DRDO and MoD leaders will meet their regional and worldwide

counterparts (and suppliers) to discuss operational requirements needs, and identify mission-enabling technologies.

The 15th MAST will again unite the global maritime defence community: operators and technologists from 50 countries .

With numerous Indian/Indo-Asian naval programmes in the procurement pipeline, and RFP’s being hotly

contested globally, visitors can expect to see exhibits of the very latest platforms, systems,

and technologies from the world’s leading manufacturers/suppliers.

Expect MAST’s renowned, insightful keynote/plenary conference

presentations from prominent international warfare game-changers, and

broad-reaching technical sessions that touch upon the most critical

aspects facing the world’s navies today and into the future.

Whatever your role in global maritime defence, MAST is a MUST.

Whether you sponsor, exhibit, present or visit, book now!  MARITIME DIPLOMACY India-US Maritime Cooperation

prime Minister Narendra Modi has indicated a maritime vision for Indian–pacific region and the concept of Indo-pacific security. he is convinced that India’s development depends upon the freedom of sea lanes of the Indian and pacific oceans. In his policy of not only ‘Look east but also act east’, he has reached out to other maritime nations in the region like Japan, us and Australia.

PHOTOGRAPH: US Navy n LT GENERAL NARESH CHAND (RETD) vision for promising prosperity and stabil- ity in the region. prime Narendra Modi said resIDeNt BArACK oBAMA hAD it all when he stated , “We have to convert said that the us and India will a good start into lasting progress. this be one of the “defining partner- requires translating our vision into sus- ships in the 21st century. the tained action and concrete achievements,” us’ relationship with India has while responding to president obama. pthe potential to alter the power dynam- Maritime cooperation with us has moved ics in Asia and the world, given the two faster than the other two services. nations combined political, diplomatic, economic, and military capacities. A key Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting component of this partnership will be with President Donald Trump us-India defense and security ties”. the prime Minister Narendra Modi had met us Department of Defence, while issuing president Donald trump during June 2017 fresh strategic guidelines during January where they vowed to further India-us 2012, stressed on “rebalancing” toward defence and security partnership, a highly the Asia-pacific region. In the document, visible symbol of which is naval allies like Japan, south Korea, and Aus- exercise. At that time us also agreed to tralia were grouped together as existing sell 22 predator sea Guardian surveillance allies while focus on India was made by drones worth about $2 billion. stating that the us is also investing in a long-term strategic partnership with India Joint Naval Exercise to support its ability to serve as a regional Commenting on the Malabar exercise, economic anchor and provider of security trump said, “our militaries are working in the broader Indian ocean region. the every day to enhance cooperation, and next key operative words in this context was Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral John Richardson presents a plaque to Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral month (July 2017) they will join together ‘strategic partnership and security in the Sunil Lanba at the Pentagon. The two heads of Navy met with Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer and with the Japanese Navy to take part in the broader Indian ocean region’. this specifi- discussed ways to integrate and improve interoperability. largest maritime exercise ever conducted cally implied maritime cooperation with in the vast Indian ocean.“ India deployed India on a long term basis apart from Indo-US framework for Maritime Security tion, all while ensuring that bureaucratic for the first time its aircraft carrier INS other areas of cooperation. It was clear Cooperation processes and procedures do not stand in Vikramaditya for an exercise with foreign that the economic and security interests India and the us have committed them- the way of the progress. the year 2014 saw countries along with us’ nuclear-powered of us were linked with the developments selves to comprehensive cooperation in the endorsement of the India-us Declara- aircraft carrier, apart from many front- in the region extending from the Western ensuring a secure maritime domain which tion on Defense Cooperation, a document line ships, submarines and naval aircraft. pacific, east Asia into the Indian ocean would include protection of free flow of that reflects the US’ and India’s- commit us also wanted to expand the exercise to region and south Asia. commerce and to counter threats that ment to a long-term strategic partnership, include Japan, Australia and singapore since the 90s, India and us have been could undermine maritime security. this through which both the countries cooper- which was viewed by China as a sort of taking baby steps towards each other to involved enhancing security to counter ate to increase the security and prosperity ganging up against it. the enlarged scope establish a frame work for defence coop- piracy and armed robbery at sea; threats to of our citizens and the global community. of exercise Malabar will contribute to build eration. In January 1995, the Agreed Min- safety of ships, crew, and property; safety president obama was the Chief Guest interoperability in the Asia-Pacific region. ute on Defense relations between India of navigation; prevent transnational orga- for India’s 66th republic Day Celebra- During 2007,such an enlarged exercise was and the us was signed. the rapidly evolv- nized crimes in all dimensions; the illicit tions during 2015. the visit resulted in key held but India shied away from repeating ing Geo-political environment resulted in trafficking in weapons of mass destruc- several defense outcomes, including the it after China protested but it is back on both countries signing during 2005,the tion, their delivery systems, and related completion of the 2015 framework for the the anvil. Indian Navy has been conducting ‘New framework for Defense Coopera- materials; environmental degradation; and us-India Defense relationship, which will four type of exercises with the us Navy, tion’, which outlined a number of areas natural disaster. Necessary mechanism was guide and expand both the nations’ bilat- out of which Malabar has the highest vis- for military cooperation. this was fol- set up to facilitate all aspects of maritime eral defense and strategic partnership over ibility. Malabar series of exercises began in lowed by the ‘Disaster relief Initiative’ security. Another key aspect was coop- the next 10 years; Agreement to pursue 1992 and includes diverse naval activities in 2005 and the ‘Maritime security Coop- eration in the field of maritime technologyfour pathfinder projects under the DTTIto include aircraft carrier, operations, mar- eration framework in 2006’. the founda- cooperation which India needs badly. the as well as cooperation on Aircraft Carriers itime interdiction etc. three exercises were tion of the New framework for the us- other areas pertain to operations, training, and Jet engine technology; and Joint stra- conducted prior to 1998, when the us sus- India Defense relationship was based on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief tegic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian pended the exercises due to India carrying the axiom that the world’s two largest (hADr), policing duties, intelligence shar- Ocean Region, which affirms the shared out nuclear tests. they were resumed after democracies agree on the vital impor- ing and joint patrolling. there are a few 9/11 attacks in 2002. on January26, 2015, tance of political and economic freedom, impediments in the pursuance of maritime Prime Minister Narendra Modi prime Minister Narendra Modi and presi- democratic institutions, the rule of law, cooperation with us. one of the primary dent obama agreed to upgrade exercise security, and opportunity around the one is that India has been traditionally fol- had met President Donald Malabar to make it multi-lateral. world with defence being the key element lowing a policy of ‘strategic Autonomy’ of the broader us-India strategic partner- which makes it difficult to become a veryTrump during June 2017 Progress on maritime Cooperation ship which also protected the free flow close ally of any country. 8thDTTI Inter Agency Task Force Meeting. of commerce through land, sea and air. where they vowed to further As part of lndo-us Bilateral Defence Coop- to facilitate and guide the Indo-us rela- Other Joint Endeavours eration, the 8thDttI Inter Agency task tionship forward, Defense policy Group, technology and trade Initiative (DttI) India-US defence and security force Meeting was held on february 26, Defense procurement and production was launched in 2012, which is an unprec- partnership, a highly visible 2018 at Delhi. the meeting was co-chaired Group, Joint technical Group, the Military edented joint endeavour that brings sus- by Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence staff Cooperation Group and the senior tech- tained leadership focus to the bilateral symbol of which is Malabar Vice Admiral A.K. Jain and Acting Director, nology security Group were formed. A defense trade relationship, creates oppor- International Cooperation Matthew Warren. Joint Working Group for mid-year review tunities for us-India co-production and naval exercise A number of Joint Working Groups span- of work overseen by the Defense policy co-development, and fosters more sophis- ning varied projects have been established

www.spsnavalforces.com Group was also instituted. ticated science and technology coopera- under DttI on both sides, which have

6 2/2018 MARITIME DIPLOMACY identified various projects for the Armed has never been stronger,” said richard- The Quadrilateral (QUAD) also ready to accept the opening of a demo- forces. the fact that the us has declared son. “there has been meaningful progress cratic security-alliance in Asia. Apart from India as a major defence partner under the made in strengthening the cooperation Initiative was the brainchild the military dimension, it is hoped that there National Defence Authorisation Act in 2017 between our two great democratic and will be an economic alliance to counter Chi- has given an impetus to the DttI. speak- maritime nations. We are exploring every of Japanese Prime Minister na’s Belt and road Initiative. Japanese for- ing on the occasion, Vice Admiral A K Jain way to expand that partnership even fur- eign Minister taro Kono told the media on brought out that India’s Defence Indus- ther based on our shared interests.” this Shinzo Abe which he November 15, 2017 that the idea of QuAD try was in a growing stage and looking to is richardson’s fourth meeting with Lanba. is for the leaders of the four nations to pro- acquire niche technology in manufacturing unfurled in 2007. It was mote free trade and defense cooperation Defence weapons and equipment. this will Prime Minister Modi’s vision for Asia across a stretch of ocean from the south also give a boost to India’s flagship ‘Make in Pacific region named Quadrilateral Security China sea, across the Indian ocean and all India’ initiative. the us Co-chair, Matthew prime Minister Narendra Modi has indicated Dialogue (QSD) which was the way to Africa. the response of us came Warren highlighted that defence coopera- a maritime vision for Indian–Pacific Region through Alice Wells, Washington’s acting tion between the two countries is continu- and the concept of Indo-Pacific security. formatted to be an informal assistant secretary of state for south Asia, ing to make progress. he is convinced that India’s development while accompanying tillerson on a visit to depends upon the freedom of sea lanes of strategic dialogue platform India on october 28, 2017 that Washington Visit of Admiral Sunil Lanba’s to US the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In his policy was “looking at a working level Quadrilat- Admiral sunil Lanba, Chairman, Chiefs of not only’look east but also act east’ , he between the member eral meeting in the near term. the quadrilat- of staff Committee and the CNs was on has reached out to other maritime nations eral the Japanese foreign minister discussed a bilateral visit to us from March 10-23, in the region like Japan, us and Australia. countries. would be building on a very productive tri- 2018 with the aim of consolidating coop- he is also trying to strengthen ties with lateral we have with India and Japan. Wells eration between the Armed forces of both all associations and symposiums of the rejected the idea that the forum would be the countries and also to explore new ave- region like Association of south east Asian aimed at containing China. she said it would nues of defence cooperation. During the Nations (AseAN), Indian ocean Naval sym- in 2007. QDs was widely interpreted as a seek to coordinate alternatives for nations visit he held discussions with James Mat- posium (IoNs), Indian ocean rim Associa- diplomatic and military counter to China’s seeking investment in infrastructure and tis, secretary Defence, richard V. spencer, tion (IorA), Asia regional forum (Arf) and growing economic and military power. As economic development, “that don’t include secretary of the Navy and other other key the east Asia summit (eAs). he has also not expected, the Chinese Government reacted predatory financing or unsustainable debt. defence naval officers. Admiral Lanba vis- neglected small island nations in the Indian strongly by recording formal protest to “It’s hard to see a meeting of diplomats ited the Pacific Command Headquarters Ocean and in the South Pacific. all the members of QuAD. the QsD faded from four countries as a plan to contain at pearl harbour, hawaii, the Naval sur- away when Australia withdrew from it. China,” she said. “It’s a natural progres- face Warfare Centre Dahlgren, the penta- Quadrilateral Initiative Japan revived the four-way dialogue with sion and convergence of interests between gon and Arlington National Cemetery in the Quadrilateral (QuAD) Initiative was India, Australia and the us on the side-lines democratic countries in the Indo-Pacific Washington DC. Chief of Naval operations the brainchild of Japanese prime Minister of the east Asia summit in philippines held region.” It is still work in progress due to Admiral John richardson and Admiral shinzo Abe which he unfurled in 2007. It from November 13-14, 2017 with the hope India’s policy of strategic Autonomy. Also sunil Lanba met with secretary of Navy was named Quadrilateral security Dialogue that revived QuAD would once again strive president trump is preoccupied with rus- richard V. spencer at the pentagon on (QsD) which was formatted to be an infor- to counter China’s aggressive projection of sia, North Korea and intra country trade and March 21 and discussed ways to improve mal strategic dialogue platform between naval and economic power in Asia. In New tariff issues. It will all depend upon prime interoperability to include additional naval the member countries. to underscore Delhi, it was viewed as India injecting fresh Minister Narendra Modi’s Asia Pacific vision exercises and staff talks. “the relationship the synergy of the QDs, a large scale joint energy into the defence ties with Japan, Aus- and his outreach to Japan, Australia and us between the us Navy and the Indian Navy naval exercise called Malabar was also held tralia and us. the Indian policy makers are as to shape the contours of QDs. SP

2/2018 7  UNMANNED SYSTEMS Navy’s Spy in the Sky

Compared to the fixed wing uAVs, it is much simpler for rotary systems to operate from the ships deck. this has led to the development of naval rotary uAVs (NruAVs) who can perform all the maritime uAV missions with the addition of search and rescue but without the problems of landing and take off by fixed wing uAVs.

PHOTOGRAPH: Northrop Grumman n LT GENERAL NARESH CHAND (RETD) tal CD-155, will fly as a prototype in 2018 before a 2021 introduction. he DeVeLopMeNt of uAVs is literally undergoing a revolution Saab and UMS Aero Group AG (called to carry out all types of mili- UMS SKELDAR) tary and civilian requirements SKELDAR V-200. the maritime version of spanning a range of roles from sKeLDAr V-200 NruAV is ready for induc- tIntelligence, reconnaissance and surveil- tion into service. the company claims that lance (Isr) to logistic support and armed it is unmatched in its class. the fact that systems. Major developments have taken it is not just an open interface to Battle- place in fixed wing uAVs which operate field Management System (BMS) and C4ISR from land. some of these have undergone systems, but also 4586 stANAG compli- specific modifications to operate from ant, makes it easier to implement on any ships. the modifications involve special maritime vessel. the NruAV is multi-role arrangement for take- off and landing; and ideal for a wide range of applications material to protect the system from humid such as Reconnaissance, Identification, maritime conditions and sensors specially target Acquisition and electronic Warfare suited for operating effectively in the sea (eW). the skeldar V-200 can carry a vari- environment. Compared to the fixed wing ety of radar and electro-optical payloads, uAVs, it is much simpler for rotary sys- such as the Visual Detection And rang- tems to operate from the ships deck. this ing (ViDAr) system from sentient Vision, has led to the development of naval rotary which claims that it covers more than 80 uAVs (NruAVs) who can perform all the MQ-8B Fire Scout times the area of conventional eo/Ir sys- maritime uAV missions with the addi- tems. It has a maximum take-off weight tion of search and rescue but without the mous navigation via pre-programmed Gps copter which combines the best of two of 235 kg including 40 kg of payload, is problems of landing and take off by fixed waypoints or can be operated directly with proven air systems. It incorporates the powered by a heavy-fuel two-stroke engine wing uAVs. they can easily operate from a pilot control unit; can operate both by day acquisition architecture of the us Navy’s from hirth, which can run on Jet A1, Jp5 land thus diversifying their role. NruAV and night with operating from the ship up MQ-8B fire scout, and the extended range, and Jp8. It has a top speed of 150 kph and a can provide ‘over the horizon’ surveil- to sea state 5 and can simultaneously carry payload and cargo hauling capabilities of service ceiling of 3,000 m. uMs skeldar has lance which extends the reach of the ‘eyes’ a wide variety of payloads, including a stabi- the Bell 407 helicopter. the MQ-8C fire announced that it has delivered the V-200 of the mother ship by day and night. It is lized electro-optical/infrared sensor for day scout is a fully autonomous, four-blade, to Indonesia, which has the world’s second more pragmatic to develop a NruAV from and night Isr collection and dissemination. single-engine unmanned helicopter. It has longest coastline. a existing proven helicopter platform than a speed of 135 knots (maximum), endur- to develop a new platform. It will cost Northrop Grumman ance of 1,227 nmi/12 hrs , payload (inter- Leonardo less, will be more reliable as it is already Fire Scout. fire scout is a combat proven, nal) 500 lbs, typical payload and Maximum Solo. sW-4 solo weighs 1,800 kg, is option- in service, short time for conversion into a autonomous helicopter system that pro- sling Load of 2,650 lbs (Bell 407 feature). It ally-piloted and is based on the manned rotary uAV and there will no requirement vides real-time Isr and target-acquisition carries eo/Ir/Lrf/Communication relay/ EASA-certified, Polish-designed SW-4 Sokol. for stringent checking by the local aviation (Isr&t), laser designation, to battle manage- AIs/Maritime radar (future) and CoBrA the unmanned version is capable of Isr authorities. ment users without relying on manned air- Mine Detector (future). Configuration forand cargo re-supply tasks. With a payload Role of NRUAV. possible roles of craft or space-based assets. fire scout has carrying multiple payloads is available. of 470 kg, it has a range of 940 km and an NruAV are: the ability operate from any air-capable ship The FAA-certified Bell 407 helicopter endurance is a of six hours. zz ISR including identification. or land base in support persistent Isr&t proven platform widely used with more AWHERO. this is smaller which was zz targeting information, target desig- requirements. the current versions are: than 1,100 Bell 407 helicopters in service acquired along with developer sistemi nation and real time battle damage MQ-8B Fire Scout. It provides very with 4 million accumulated flight hours. Dinamici in December 2016. AWhero is assessment. good situational awareness and preci- designed as a tactical uAV for both land- zz support littoral warfare and provide sion targeting support for the us Navy. Naval Group and Airbus Helicopters based and maritime use. In the maritime coastal surveillance. the MQ-8B fire scout has the ability to consortium for joint design of French role it is designed to operate in severe zz protects the country’s interest in the autonomously take off and land from any NRUAV weather and sea conditions for carrying exclusive economic Zone (eeZ). suitably-equipped air-capable warship and the french defense procurement agency tasks including protection and support, zz Ideally suitable for supporting search at unprepared landing zones. No pilot is DGA, has awarded the Naval Group and transport of supplies, engage in anti-sub- and rescue (s&r) operations. required for launch and recovery. Airbus helicopters consortium a contract marine warfare and anti-piracy operations. zz human Assistance and Disaster relief the MQ-8B advanced control stations to develop a NruAV demonstrator for the It is claimed that it has an endurance of six (hADr). incorporate the us Navy’s tactical Control french Navy. the purpose of the contract hours with a 35 kg payload. zz the surface/ground control stations system (tCs), tactical Common Data Link is to identify, deploy and test the technolo- can be networked to synergise all the (tCDL), and robust communications. Its gies necessary for the integration of a tac- Indian Perspective NRUAV and other resources of the fleetmodular construction for payloads allows tical drone-system on a warship. It forms hindustan Aeronautics Limited(hAL) and to produce a common operational pic- continuous up-gradation. It has a speed of part of the preparation of the sDAM (Navy Malat(a unit of Israel Aerospace Industries) ture (Cop). 85 knots, range/endurance is 596 nmi/7.75 Airborne Drone system), whose entry into had started co development of NruAV. the zz Can provide real-time persistence sur- hrs, baseline payload is 300 lbs, typical service is foreseen by the middle of the IAI-hALNruAV project consisted of a Malat- veillance and integrated with manned payload is 50 lbs, its sensor payloads are next decade. other french defense tech- made Helicopter Modification Suite (HeMoS) maritime patrol aircraft. eo/Ir/Lrf/Mine Detector/Communication nology companies including hélicoptères fitted on HAL’s Chetan, an upgraded Chetak zz provide information on Mine counter- Relay/Maritime Radar/Automatic Identifi- Guimbal, safran, thales and oNerA, will with turbomeca tM 333 2M2 engines. measures, hydrography and meteorol- cation system (AIs). MQ-8B fire scout has be principal subcontractors on the proj- the helicopter is planned to be used for ogy. also been deployed in Afghanistan to sup- ect. this 700-kg Vsr 700 drone is derived unmanned operations and advanced intelli- some developments in NruAV globally port counter- improvised explosive device from a light civilian helicopter, the Cabri gence, surveillance and reconnaissance (Isr) are given in succeeding paragraphs. (IeD) operations. this system has com- G2, testing of which has already started. missions from warship decks. the system pleted more than 16,600 flight hours overThe VSR700 can exceed 10 flight hours ofgot delayed due to many problems like the Boeing 6,200 sorties. the us Navy has integrated a endurance and has a payload capacity of lack of a correct landing and take-off system S-100 CAMCOPTER Variant. s-100 CAM- multi-mode maritime radar on MQ-8B and up to 150 kg. Airbus helicopters will be for moving platforms as the NruAV was Copter variant has been produced in part- tested an onboard its weapons capability responsible for designing and developing to feature with automatic vertical take-off nership with schiebel Industries and is ide- with the Advanced precision Kill Weapon the Vsr700 drone as well as the various and Landing (AVtoL) from aviation-capable ally suited for expeditionary strike group system (ApKWs). the MQ-8B fire scout has technologies needed for drones to per- ships and from unprepared landing sites. It of the us Navy. It has a short reaction time also demonstrated the ability to operate form aerial missions, such as data liaison, was reported in february 2017 that hAL has of 15 minutes for deployment , needs less concurrently with other manned aircraft payload and a “see and avoid” capabil- cancelled it contract with Israel and taken space and is highly flexible as it can oper- while operating at-sea. ity enabling the drone’s integration into India’s Aeronautical Development establish- ate from ship and ashore. It can carry out The MQ-8C Fire Scout. this is us airspace. the Airbus helicopters Vsr700 ment (ADe) on board to carry on with the

SP www.spsnavalforces.com Isr and resupply missions. It has autono- Navy’s next generation autonomous heli- naval uAV, powered by a 155-hp Continen- project. other details are not known.

8 2/2018 COUNTERMEASURES The Maritime Mine Hunters

It is understood that the acquisition process will start again with the invite sent to Kangnam Corporation, Intermarine of Italy, Navantia of spain, Lockheed Martin of us, thyssenKrupp of Germany and russian shipyards

PHOTOGRAPH: US Navy n LT GENERAL NARESH CHAND (RETD) a multipurpose helicopter employed for vertical replenishment and airborne MCM. AVAL MINe huNters sAy that, It has three engines, equipment for tow- “a mine is a terrible thing that ing the eoD Mk 105 hydrofoil anti-mine waits.” It waits and waits till it sled, AN/AQs-14 side-looking mine-hunt- destroys/damages a naval ves- ing sonar, a variety of mine sweeping sys- sel or is destroyed by the naval tems including Mk 103 mechanical sweep, Nmine hunters. During operation starvation Mk 104 acoustic influence sweep, Mk 106 in 1945, the us Navy dumped close to combination acoustic and magnetic influ- 25,000 mines on the vital water routes and ence hydrofoil sled, AN/spu-1/W Magnetic ports to disrupt enemy shipping and starve Orange Pipe magnetic influence sweep (for Japan. hundreds of mines remained in the shallow water), AN/ALQ-141 dual acoustic waters for decades and endangered ship- sweep, A/N 37u deep mechanical sweep, ping during peacetime. sea mines are full and Mk 2(G) acoustic influence sweep. The of stealth and deceit, lurking dangerously explosive ordnance Disposal (eoD) diver to destroy/damage and disrupt naval oper- system and marine mammal system, play ations and merchant shipping. Naval mines a key role in offshore mine warfare opera- are an invisible enemy which allows any tions. eoD MCM detachments are employed maritime nation to defend itself, regardless to identify, neutralize, and exploit mines of its naval capability. they deter and push Avenger class mine counter-measures ship USS Sentry as well as participate in post-interdiction underwater and surface navy to move away intelligence collection. Dolphin’s biologi- from the shoreline towards the open sea. tion of target attack time and simultaneous rying out the twin role of and cal sonar called echo location, is good at enhancement of reliability and noise immu- mine-hunter. It thus locates the mines then detecting mines. the Californian sea Lion Naval Mines nity of mines and so on. destroys them. operation overlord was also displays similar traits thus the us the basic sea mine is detonated when a ship the largest opposed amphibious assault Navy has launched a unique Naval Marine comes in contact with it and causes an elec- Concept of Mine Countermeasures (MCMO) of the second World War (June 6, 1944). It Mammal programme to train dolphins and trical circuit to be completed that activates the MCMo operations are inter connected involved crossing the by sea lions to detect mines and other objects. the explosive through a highly-sensitive operations that enable naval forces to more than 5,000 vessels and about 160,000 the eoD diver system and mammals are fuse or initiator within a operating radius counter the mine threat and are: troops, and was the most difficult and combined to work as a team. of 50 to 60m. sea water is very corrosive Mapping, Survey and Intelligence costly MCM operation. the extensive mine and effects every object in the sea includ- Operations. It cannot be predicted as to the field and obstacle clearance was carried out Indian Perspective ing mines which became ineffective or un exact area where naval operations will be by more than 300 MCM ships, swimmers, India inherited mine sweeper vessels from stable after some time. the problem of lon- undertaken but it certain that naval forces and large number of supporting forces. uK which were wooden hulled vessels and gevity was solved as early as the 1870s with will encounter technically sophisticated such a large mine sweeping operation will were subsequently replaced by soviet ori- a device called the hertz horn which con- mine in the littorals and other areas of probably never be seen again. An example gin minesweepers (pondicherry class) in tained a vial of conductive liquid. the vial interest. thus during peacetime sustained of US Navy’s MCM-1 is given briefly: the 70s. however, the break-up of former broke due to the contact of the ship with the effort is required for bottom-mapping and MCM and MCM-1 (Avenger) class of created serious problems of horn, it would complete the circuit which environmental survey along with an active ships. the current MCM ships are capable maintenance and spares support which initiated the explosion. the same principle mine threat intelligence to provide com- of supporting all mine-hunting aspects to was also applicable to all military hard- was used for bursting artillery shells in the prehensive and exhaustive data collection include detection, classification, identifica- ware of soviet origin. During mid 2004, the air where the vial broke due to the set back counter mine operations. this requires tion and destruction. however the MCM-1 Ministry of Defense (MoD) approved the force and the circuit was completed thereby high level of Command, Control, Commu- class can carry out minesweeping which induction of a new generation of MCMVs. initiated the bursting of the shell. Many nications, Computers and Intelligence(C4I) includes mechanical sweeping against the MCMVs were to have high-resolution countries developed influence mines whichand data analysis programmes. moored mines and magnetic/acoustic com- sonar for detecting mines and then neu- employed a variety of sensors that activated Surveillance Operations. It is essential to bination influence sweeps against moored tralise them with remote-controlled mine the mine when a ship sailed in proximity to continuously update the data base with ade- and bottom influence mines. The MCM-1 disposal systems. the ships were to have it. sensors used are based on engine sound, quate surveillance and intelligence assets. has the AN/sQQ-32 mine-hunting sonar lower acoustic and magnetic signatures pressure of waves due to the movement of this will result in acquiring an updated and for mine detection and classification. It wasand improved resistance to underwater the ship and magnetic field or a combination increasingly detailed assessment of mine developed by raytheon and thales under- explosions. the plan was to have eight of these methods of detonation. there are production, stockpile locations, mine-laying water systems (formerly thomson Marconi MCMVs to be constructed by Goa ship- other varieties like the Limpet mine which is platform locations, and readiness of a poten- sonar)and currently features on all MCMVs yard Limited (GsL), which had been mod- manually attached to the target by magnets tial adversary’s mining force. of the us Navy. It relies on the AN/sLQ- ernised for this purpose. the acquisition ;command detonation mines; rocket mine; Organic MCMO. the goal of organic 48 tethered mine neutralization system went through many twists and turns when torpedo mine; Moored mine; Dummy mine mine countermeasure operations is to (MNs) to identify and render inoperative the rfp for construction and technology and so on. the moored mine is deployed enable naval forces to conduct their war- sea mines. the AN/sLQ-48 is a recoverable, assistance was sent to many companies. where water is too deep for bottom mines fighting missions without being exposed submersible which carries high-definition the Defence Acquisition Committee had and normally uses a combination of acous- to the risks of operations in mined waters sonar for reacquisition and a low-light-level cleared nomination of GsL for construc- tic, magnetic and pressure sensors or even until the arrival of dedicated MCM forces. TV and floodlights for identification of the tion of 12 MCMV vessels in february 2015 more sophisticated optical shadows or elec- this will help the non MCM force to shape target. the MNs places an explosive charge in collaboration with south Korea’s Kang- tro potential sensors. recently a new class the battle space by detecting and avoiding near the bottom or moored mine target to nam Corporation. During January 8, 2018, of attacking mines have been developed operations in mined waters. destroy the mine in place. It receives its the Indian Government cancelled the ten- which is a combination of a mine-carrying Dedicated Mine Countermeasure commands and power from the mother der due to differences in pricing and mode platform and a torpedo or a missile system. Operations. Dedicated MCMo are con- ship. A closed-loop degaussing system is of transfer of technology. It is understood Mines can be planted by aircraft, subma- ducted to clear enemy minefields, - tobeing fur developed for the MCM-1 to lower that the acquisition process will start again rines, surface ships, underwater robots, and ther shape the battle space, and to project the ship’s magnetic signature and reduce with the invite sent to Kangnam Corpo- frogmen, as well as merchant ships, fishing power from the sea. Airborne, surface, and the frequency of calibration at degaussing ration, Intermarine of Italy, Navantia of ships, and motor boats. some of the shallow water MCM forces supported by ranges. Degaussing is a method to decrease spain, Lockheed Martin of us, thyssenK- current and future developments are greater explosive ordnance Disposal divers and or eliminate a remnant magnetic field. rupp of Germany and russian shipyards. It operating ranges, sensitive to fast-moving Naval special Warfare forces, are used to Other Platforms used for MCMV role. appears that the ‘Make in India’ for defence targets including submarines; modernisa- conduct dedicated MCMo. unmanned underwater Vehicle can be of is floundering due to high cost of transfer tion of current exploders and development immense value to the MCMo. MCMo can be of technology by foreign oeMs. It is hoped of multipurpose exploders; development of Mine Countermeasures Vessel (MCMV) carried out by helicopters like sikorsky’s that the issue is resolved and this impor- multipurpose transportable mines; reduc- MCMV is a naval ship designed for the car- s-80/Mh-53e (sea Dragon). the Mh-53e is tant operational void is soon made up. SP

2/2018 9  EXERCISE Exercise Paschim Lehar and Maldivian Imbroglio

recently concluded exercise paschim Lehar extensively tested and revalidated the operational plans and manoeuvres in a hostile maritime scenario on India’s Western seaboard

PHOTOGRAPHS: Indian Navy n REAR ADMIRAL SUSHIL RAMSAY (RETD) said the post. the article pointed out that the Chinese Navy’s ‘Blue 2018A’ fleet has urING the ANNuAL CAM- been training in the east Indian ocean for a pAIGN season each year theatre “week or so”. the people’s Liberation Army Level operational exercises, (Navy) task force comprised two 052D commonly known as tropeX Destroyers, a 054A , a 071 Dock are conducted on the western Landing ship and a supply ship. Dseaboard. one such exercise to operation- China had earlier warned against exter- alise and validate the theatre level opera- nal intervention in the after tional doctrine was held during Novem- the country’s exiled former president ber 2017 with the primary objective of Mohamed Nasheed called for New Delhi’s augmenting synergies and enhancing inter- intervention to release political prisoners. operability among the frontline combatants Chinese foreign Ministry had warned that of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and the other countries should not interfere in the Indian Air force. tropeX has over the years internal affairs of the Maldives. grown in significance and upped the scales An Australian website, news.com.au, of operational doctrines among the three underscored that the entry of Chinese war- services and the Coast Guard to launch a ships in the Indian Ocean marks a signifi- unified campaign at the theatre level. cant shift in regional power. “they’re there Beginning from 2018 the Indian Navy to keep India away from Beijing’s interests has reviewed its operational readiness in the strife-torn Maldives Islands.” philosophy to provide cutting edge to its “sending warships to operate off the combat capability. Accordingly as a sequel Maldives is a new and concerning devel- to tropeX, additional two variants have opment, because it shows that China is been added. the exercises conducted on trying to exercise influence over a small the eastern seaboard have been designated state more usually within India’s strategic as eastern Naval Command theatre Level view. New Delhi will read this as a worrying operational readiness exercises, called move. It will intensify strategic competition ENCORE. The first edition of ENCORE was and increase mistrust between China and conducted under the aegis of eastern Naval India,” it quoted peter Jennings of the Aus- Command. eNCore 2018 which culmi- tralian policy Institute. nated in early february 2018 comprised more than 40 ships and submarines from Ground Reality the eastern fleet, Western fleet and the the Indian Navy has robust maritime units from Andaman & Nicobar Command. domain awareness and is maintaining con- the counterpart of eNCore on the west- stant vigil in the Indian ocean amid politi- ern seaboard has been designated as exer- cal turmoil in Maldives and the reports cise Paschim Lehar (XPL). The first edition about PLAN flexing its maritime muscle in of the three-week long paschim Lehar, the- the region. At least eight Indian warships atre level operational readiness exercises backed by long- and medium-range mari- were conducted from february 12, 2018 as time reconnaissance aircraft are deployed tri-service Maritime exercise. XpL included in the strategically important Indian ocean participation of a large number of ships, Ex Paschim Lehar (XPL 18) tested the operational effectiveness of the region (Ior). this mission-based deploy- submarines and aircraft from the West- ment of warships in the critically important ern Naval Command, eastern Naval Com- XPL witnessed intense flying activities orchestrated plan to lend tacit support to region helped the Indian Navy to enhance mand, Indian Army, Indian Air force and by carrier-borne Mig29K, p-8I, IL-38sDs, India’s closest neighbour and a long stand- its monitoring capabilities. Indian Navy has the to augment inter- Dorniers and uAVs and saw enhanced par- ing ally, Maldives embroiled in a worst ever a robust surveillance system and a real- operability. over 40 ships and submarines, ticipation by the deep penetration fighters political crisis. An official Chinese website time picture of the happenings in Ior as similar number of maritime surveillance, of the Indian Air Force, in coordinated fly- has linked the deployment of the warships, a result the warships deployed near east fighter aircraft, helicopters and UAVsing of missions with Indian Navy’s frontline including an amphibious vessel that can Indian ocean region are detected soon after the Indian Navy and the IAf were deployed. aviation assets. Maritime role Jaguars, su- transfer troops from sea to land, to the entering sunda strait in international waters the amphibious capabilities of the armed 30MKI, AWACS and flight refuellers -par evolving situation in the Maldives. closer to Australian waters. the movements forces, along with the elements of Army ticipated in large numbers from different “At present, the Indian ocean region is are also picked up by the regular p-8I long Amphibious Brigade was also deployed and airfields in Gujarat, Maharashtra and North not peaceful and the political situation in range maritime reconnaissance and surveil- tested for operational philosophy. India. An amphibious landing was also con- the Maldives continues to be turbulent,” lance aircraft of the Indian Navy. the exercise included a number of ducted, which included the participation of Indian Navy has two Advanced Light weapon firings, including missile, gun andthe 91 Infantry Brigade of the Indian Army. helicopters (ALh) deployed in Maldives for torpedo firings during the initial phase. recentlyThe concluded exercise paschim The Indian Navy has robust surveillance and rescue missions. these second phase was structured to validate and Lehar extensively tested and revalidated helicopters are flown jointly by the Maldives refine the operational plans of the Western the operational plans and manoeuvres maritime domain awareness and Indian pilots. In addition, one medium Naval Command and was conducted under in a hostile maritime scenario on India’s range reconnaissance Dornier of Coast the overall control of the Flag Officer Com- Western seaboard. the defence of offshore and is maintaining constant Guard is also stationed there for keeping manding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command assets namely; oil rigs, escort operations of an eye on Maldives territorial waters and and tested the operational readiness of the merchant ships and coastal defence were vigil in the Indian Ocean amid exclusive economic zone. two radar sta- Command and the execution of operational carried out. political turmoil in Maldives tions, part of India’s coastal surveillance, are plans. over 40 naval assets including the also installed there to enable Maldives and aircraft carrier, INs Vikramaditya, frontline People’s Liberation Army (Navy) in the and the reports about PLAN India to get real time picture of any move- ships of the Western fleet and eastern fleet, Backyard ment there. these radars are linked with the including the newly commissioned Kolkata the presence of people’s Liberation Army flexing its maritime muscle in coastal radar surveillance network. class, submarines, potent missile vessels of (Navy), pLAN task force in the eastern As per recent reports, Maldives wishes the 22nd Killer squadron, offshore patrol Indian ocean around the time of paschim the region Indian government to take back one ALh Vessels and craft of the local flotilla and theLehar was certainly not by any coinci- and replace it with Dornier maritime surveil-

SP www.spsnavalforces.com Coast Guard participated in the exercise. dence. It was indeed a well thought out and lance aircraft.

10 2/2018 SP’S MILITARY YEARBOOK 17-2018 IS COMING SOON! TO AVAIL EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT, ORDER NOW! INDISPENSABLE COMPENDIUM

A CONCISE, YET EXTENSIVE PUBLICATION, FOR THOSE WHO SEEK DEFENCE-RELATED INFORMATION ON ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

Reserve Your Own Copies, Now!

[email protected]  EXERCISE

PHOTOGRAPHS: Indian Navy

Friendship Across the Seas – MILAN 2018 from an event of sub-regional context, MILAN has now grown into a prestigious international event and encompasses participation by maritime forces from not just the Bay of Bengal and south east Asia but the larger Indian ocean region

n REAR ADMIRAL SUSHIL RAMSAY (RETD) event and encompasses participation by An International City parade was held the internal situation in Maldives has com- maritime forces from not just the Bay of along the Marina park road, port Blair pounded due to severe rift and uncertain ILAN 2018, A MeGA biennial Bengal and south east Asia but the larger with marching contingents from all par- domestic political imbroglio and the power maritime event was con- Indian ocean region. ticipating foreign naval ships as well as the tussle. Consequently, pro-China president, ducted in the second week MILAN 2018 was held at port Blair from Indian Armed forces. the parade included Abdulla yameen, had imposed emergency of March 2018 under the March 6 to 13, 2018. In consonance with a flypast and aerobatic display by military and imprisoned top opposition leaders, aegis of Andaman & Nicobar its original doctrine, the theme ‘friendship aircraft and demonstrations of various who are largely pro-India. the 45-day MCommand. the traditional multi-national across the seas’ was appropriately chosen military operations. Besides, visiting for- state of emergency was lifted by president congregation of the littoral navies is con- for MILAN 2018. As was customary MILAN eign ships were open for visits by school Abdulla yameen on March 22, 2018, with ducted by the Indian Navy at the Anda- 2018 witnessed a diverse mix of profes- children and local public. MILAN 2018 cul- a proclamation to levy bribery charges on man & Nicobar Islands. since its inception sional exercises and seminars, social minated with passage exercise at sea by former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the primary objectives of MILAN have events and sporting fixtures. The -interacall participating naval ships. MILAN 2018 Chief Justice Abdulla saeed, supreme Court been to foster cooperation through naval tions during MILAN encompass sharing showcased the rich heritage and pristine Judge, Ali hameed and supreme Court exercises and professional interactions. It of views and ideas on maritime good — natural beauty of the Andaman and Nico- Administrator, hassan sayeed. also provides an excellent opportunity to order and enhancing regional cooperation bar Islands to the foreign visitors. Despite the internal political turmoil the participating navies to come together for combating unlawful activities at sea. naval ties between the two navies are intact. in a spirit of collaboration and mutual the theme for MILAN 2018 International Maldives Islands and MILAN 2018 As is usual a number of Maldivian Navy understanding to nurture stronger ties Maritime seminar was ‘In pursuit of Mari- MILAN 2018 was attended by as many as cadets reported for training with the Indian and inculcate the concept of mutual trust time Good order — Need for Comprehen- 16 navy delegations from Indo-Pacific litto- Navy’s 1st training squadron. 1st train- and inter-operability. sive Information sharing Apparatus’. the ral countries, including Australia, Malaysia, ing squadron trains Indian and foreign Modest beginnings of MILAN interac- inaugural address was delivered by Admi- New Zealand Myanmar and Mauritius. Mal- cadets on six ships – Indian Naval ships tions go back more than two decades when ral sunil Lanba, Chairman Chiefs of staff dives, one of the Indian Navy’s close mari- tir, sujata and shardul; Indian Coast Guard it was first conducted during 1995. The Committee and the Chief of the Naval time partners, has been a regular partici- ship Varuna, and two sail training ships first edition saw participation of only four staff, besides presentations by eminent pant at MILAN in the past. however, since – sudarshini and tarangini. over the last littoral navies. the event achieved strident speakers. the social interactions planned its inception this was the first instance that four decades, the 1st training squadron success during the ensuing years owing during MILAN 2018 included display by Maldives declined the Invitation extended has trained more than 13,000 cadets from to high standards of professional content Bands of the Indian Navy and Indian Army, by the Indian Navy to attend MILAN 2018. over 40 countries, including many from of the event. the growing participation ship visits and colourful cultural evenings. While declining to send a delegation, the Maldives. In its 24 week-long training over the years bears testimony to the suc- several events of MILAN 2018 were open Maldives assigned no reason to boycott capsule, navy and coast guard cadets learn cess of this multilateral initiative. from an to the public including displays by sky MILAN 2018. It is an open secret that Mal- how to operate warships and are exposed event of sub- regional context, MILAN has diving team, Beating the retreat and Naval dives under its present regime has gradually to the rigours of life at sea – “earning their

SP www.spsnavalforces.com now grown into a prestigious international continuity drill. drifted deeper into China’s vice like grip. sea legs”, in naval parlance.

12 2/2018 EXERCISE Indo-French Naval Exercise – Varuna 2018

“We want India as our first strategic partner here, and we want to be India’s first strategic partner in Europe, and even the western world.” —Emmanuel Macron, the President of the Republic of France

PHOTOGRAPHS: Indian Navy

n REAR ADMIRAL SUSHIL RAMSAY (RETD) shortly before the commencement of Varuna 2018, the president of the repub- he ANNuALLy heLD VAruNA lic of france, emmanuel Macron accom- naval exercise is an integral panied by Brigitte Marie-Claude Macron part of the growing france– paid a state visit to India from March 9 to India strategic relationship 12, 2018. An all-important mutual logis- and consists of naval coopera- tics support pact, most pertinent to the ttion drills between the french Navy and mutual Varuna series of exercises was the Indian Navy. the joint-exercises are signed between the two countries during held either in the Indian ocean or Medi- this visit. terranean sea with the aim of improving on conclusion of the visit president Indo-french coordination on capabili- Macron made a historic announcement in ties like cross-deck operations, replen- his official communiqué, “We want India ishment-at-sea, minesweeping, anti-sub- as our first strategic partner here, and we marine warfare and information shar- want to be India’s first strategic partner ing. Initiated in 2001, the naval exercise in europe, and even the western world.” Varuna aims to develop interoperability france supports India’s bid to the NsG between the navies of the two countries and uNsC and both countries share com- by sharing experiences and tactics so as mon concerns and objectives in the field to be able to conduct operations jointly, of non-proliferation of weapons of mass should the necessity arise. the Varuna destruction. Both have reiterated their series of exercises have grown in scope support to the Indian ocean rim Associa- and complexity over the years and pro- (Top, L-R) Rear Admiral Didier Piaton, AI-INDIEN; Rear Admiral Piaton and Rear Admiral M.A. Hampiholi, Flag tion (IorA) and the values it promotes, vide an opportunity to both Navies to Officer Commanding Western Fleet exchanging crests; (above) INS Mumbai and INS Trikand. and commitment to proactively contribute increase interoperability and learn from towards the priorities of IorA. China’s each other’s best practices. A series of professional and other for- Kalvari, p8-I and Dornier maritime patrol air- militarisation of the Indian ocean is cause the Indian and french Navies have been mal interactions were held between the craft, as well as the MiG-29K fighter aircraft of concern for both India and france, even conducting bilateral maritime exercises French Navy personnel and officers andparticipated in the final operations phase. as India is redefining its strategic space in since May 1993. In 2001 a new designa- sailors of the Goa Naval Area. A press the sea/operations phase comprised anti- the Indo-Pacific. Signing of the agreement tion of ‘Varuna’ was assigned to the annual conference was onboard INs Mumbai on submarine warfare, asymmetric engagement for granting reciprocal access to facili- exercises. Last edition, Varuna-2017 was March 19, 2018. exercises, communication exchanges at sea, ties of both counties allows India logistics held from April 24 to May 12, 2017. the fabrice Berthelot and Com- passage exercises, etc. access to french military bases in Djibouti, Indian Navy had deputed four of its front- mander Frank Catros, Commanding Officers Abu Dhabi, and reunion Island, which will line ships; viz. guided missile INs of Jean de Vienne and perle respectively, In 2017, Varuna was be important and definite force multipli- Mumbai, two guided missile frigates INs called on rear Admiral philipose George ers. france has always maintained an inde- trishul and INs tarkash, and replenish- Pynumootil, the Flag Officer Commandingconducted in three sea areas pendent policy including with the us and ment and repair ship INs Aditya. from the Goa Naval Area on March 15, 2018, and dis- NAto. It will not like to join the ‘Quad’ french Navy too, four ships participated: cussed various bilateral issues. in the European waters. comprising India, us, Japan and Australia. multi-mission frigates Auvergne and Aqui- In 2017, Varuna was conducted in But notwithstanding that close bilateral taine, the anti-aircraft frigate Cassard, and three sea areas in the european waters. Varuna-2018 too was Indo-french bilateral partnership is sig- the stealth frigate La fayette. Varuna-2018 too was conducted in three nificant for both countries. In the absence for Varuna-2018, french Naval ship sea areas, namely, the , the Bay conducted in three sea areas, of an architecture for the Indo-Pacific to Jean de Vienne and Nuclear propelled of Bengal and south Western Indian ocean. ensure security of sea Lanes of Communi- submarine perle visited Goa from March the second phase, the sea phase began from namely, the Arabian Sea, cations, global commons and the region, 15 to 20, 2018. fNs Jean de Vienne is March 20, 2018, and was conducted in the the Bay of Bengal and South interoperable navies that can use each commanded by Captain fabrice Berthelot Arabian sea, with participation of a french other’s naval facilities is certainly the best and the ship is manned by 221 person- submarine and frigate Jean de Vienne from Western Indian Ocean. substitute. But this being just one part, nel. french submarine ssN perle is com- the french side. the Indian Naval ships, the India-france strategic partnership has manded by Commander frank Catros destroyer Mumbai, frigate trikand with their great potential to keep going from the and the ssN is manned by 78 personnel. integral helicopters, Indian Navy submarine next to next level”. SP

2/2018 13  NEWS News in Brief

WORK ON TAMIL NADU DEFENCE QUAD force Meeting was held on february 26 sile-2 and standard Missile-3. Valued at for use in future Chinese aircraft carriers. BEGINS at Delhi. the meeting was co-chaired by $12.1 million, the agreement will provide the Global times quoted commentators As per the directions of Defence Minister Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence staff engineering and technical services in sup- as saying that the us used to maintain a Nirmala sitharaman, the work for prepar- Vice Admiral A.K. Jain and Acting Director, port of sM-2 and sM-6 production to ensure lead in developing such state-of-the-art ing Detailed project report (Dpr) for the International Cooperation Matthew War- continuity in production, design integrity power systems, but the breakthrough tamil Nadu Defence Quad has been initi- ren. the DttI was initiated with the aim and total systems integration of the missile could bring the pLA Navy into the same ated by Department of Defence produc- of bringing sustained leadership focus to round and its components. It will support league as the us in railgun development tion in the Ministry of Defence (MoD). the the bilateral defence trade relationship and missiles used by the Navy, Australia, Japan, and trials Department will engage a top consultancy create opportunities for co-production and south Korea and the royal Netherlands firm to draw up the DPR for the Quad. The co-development of defence equipment. Navy. Work is expected to be completed by PAKISTAN SIGNS CONTRACT TO UPGRADE corridor, which is organised as a quadri- speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral December 2019. SECOND AGOSTA 90B lateral will extend from Chennai, hosur, A.K. Jain brought out that India’s Defence According to an announcement by the Coimbatore, salem and tiruchirappalli. It Industry was in a growing stage and looking EUROPEAN MULTI-MISSION FRIGATE turkish defence contractor savunma is therefore rightly called the tamil Nadu to acquire niche technology in manufactur- STARTS VISIT TO MIDDLE EAST Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş. Defence Quad. It is expected that with gov- ing Defence weapons and equipment. this (stM) on february 28, pakistan has signed ernment opening up new opportunities will also give a boost to India’s flagship the contract to upgrade the pakistan for industry in defence sector, the tamil ‘Make in India’ initiative. the us Co-chair, Navy’s second (of three) Agosta 90B sub- Nadu Defence Quad will provide a major Matthew Warren highlighted that defence marines. this a follow up of the supply opportunity to the vibrant manufacturing cooperation between the two countries is of a second sharpeye low probability-of- sector in the state. further, to ensure that continuing to make progress. Both sides intercept radar to pakistan for the Agosta the expectations of local industry, espe- understand the importance of DttI in this 90B upgrade programme in November cially MsMes is incorporated, to the extent respect and it is a good forum for mutual 2016. The first upgraded submarine – PNS appropriate, in the proposed development cooperation to take ahead the defence ties Khalid – is due for delivery by 2020, with of the Quad, the MoD has initiated an exer- between the two sides. the subsequent two to follow within 12 cise of industry interactions at all nodal months (each) of the previous upgraded points for the Quad. DHANUSH NUCLEAR-CAPABLE BALLISTIC european Multi Mission frigate (freMM) ship. Kelvin hughes revealed that the MISSILE SUCCESSFULLY TEST-FIRED Carlo Margottini of the set second ship to undergo the upgrade will DEFENCE ACQUISITION COUNCIL (DAC) The Indian military successfully test-fired sail from the port of La spezia for a cam- be the pNs saad, which will undergo the CLEARS PROCUREMENT WORTH `1,850 CR the Dhanush missile from a warship off the paign that will involve her in the Indian retrofit in 2019. Pakistan’s fleet of three the DAC, chaired by Defence Misniter coast of odisha on february 23. the Dha- ocean, in the Arabian sea and in the adja- Agosta 90Bs will be joined by eight new Nirmala sitharaman, accorded approval nush missile is also known as the prithvi-III, cent Gulf, to take part in the european hangor-class submarines (potentially s26) to Capital Acquisition proposals of the and is a short-range ballistic missile capa- Atlanta anti-piracy operation. During the being acquired from China by 2028. stM is services valued at over `1,850 crore on ble of carrying nuclear warheads. Dhanush campaign, Margottini will stop in Karachi also currently carrying out for pakistan, a february 20. this includes procurement is the naval variant of the surface-to-sur- (pakistan), will participate in the Doha 17,000-tonne pakistan Navy fleet tanker, of one survey training Vessel for meeting face prithvi missile platform. It can be used International Maritime Defense exhibi- a hydrographic/oceanographic survey and the Navy’s growing ‘hydrographic survey’ for both ship-to-ship and ship-to-surface tion & Conference (DIMDeX 18) in Qatar port design at ormara. needs in ports, harbours, eeZ, etc. the strikes. the missile has a declared strike and will also visit the ports of Kuwait City construction of the vessel is to be under- range of 350 km, and is capable of carrying (Kuwait), Damman (saudi Arabia) and the CONTRACT TO LOCKHEED MARTIN FOR MK taken under Buy (Indian-IDDM) by Indian a warhead up to 500 kg in weight. the mis- united Arab emirates united before arriv- 41 VERTICAL LAUNCHING SYSTEM shipyards at an estimated cost of rs 626 sile may also be fitted with conventional ing in Djibouti in April to take command crore; and procurement of essential quan- warheads. Officials told the media that the of operation Atlanta. tity of Infantry Combat Vehicle (BMps- test of the Dhanush was a “complete suc- 2/2k) for Mechanised Infantry and other cess” and that all the mission objectives INDIAN NAVY TO BUY ADDITIONAL Arms and services. had been achieved. the missile test was RUSSIAN FRIGATES FOR $3 BILLION carried out by the strategic forces Com- It is reported that India has finalized a con- RRM VISITS ANDAMAN & NICOBAR mand, the tri-services military command tract to acquire four new stealth frigates COMMAND that controls all of India’s nuclear weapons from russian federation for about $3bil- Minister of state for Defence Dr subhash and their associated delivery systems. lion. The first two of these “Upgraded - Kri ramarao Bhamre visited Andaman & Nico- vak III class”, will be built in russia. the bar Command from february 25-27. on US NAVY AWARDS CONCEPT DESIGN following two will be built in Goa shipyard his maiden visit to the Command, he was CONTRACT Ltd (GsL) with transfer of technology from BAe systems has tapped Lockheed Mar- familiarised with the operational capabili- the us Navy has awarded General Dynam- russia. Delivery is likely to begin four years tin to supply its Mk 41 Vertical Launching ties and uniqueness of the only joint ser- ics Bath Iron Works a $14.9 million con- after signing of the contract. the Indian system (VLs) for the three City-class type vices operational Command of the coun- tract for the concept design of the Navy’s Navy already operates six of these frigates. 26 anti-submarine warfare (AsW) frigates try. During his visit, Dr Bhamre interacted planned Guided Missile frigate (ffG(X)). russia’s severnoye Design Bureau has rede- on order for the British royal Navy. the with the Lt Governor, Admiral D.K. Joshi the proposed design is based on a family signed some parts of the Krivak III-class VLs is the only one available that is capa- (retd) and Commander-in-Chief, Andaman of AeGIs Guided Missile frigates designed frigate to reduce their radar cross-section, ble of launching anti-air, anti-submarine, and Nicobar Command Vice Admiral Bimal by the spanish shipbuilder Navantia. the electromagnetic, acoustic and infrared sig- surface-to-surface and strike-length mis- Verma. Dr Bhamre went on a windshield contract award enables Bath Iron Works natures for providing it stealth features. siles, and initial orders from London calls tour of the operational areas of Andaman to mature the design to meet the specifica- they are India’s most versatile and heavily- for the delivery of nine MK 41 VLs mod- and Nicobar Command. he also interacted tions established by the Navy that will be armed warships which are capable of con- ules—enough for the first three ships—the with the troops at port Blair during tea used for the Detail Design and Construc- ducting anti-ship, anti-submarine, and anti- already under construction Glasgow, and organised at hQ ANC. tion request for proposals. the contract air operations. the ordered Cardiff and Belfast. includes options which, if exercised, would INDO-US DELEGATION MEETS FOR bring the total value of the contract to PLA WEBSITE CONFIRMS SEA TRIAL OF AUSTAL DELIVERS SEVENTH LCS TO DEFENCE COOPERATION $22.9 million. SHIPBORNE RAILGUN US NAVY As part of lndo-us Bilateral Defence Coop- Chinese papers have revealed, quoting Austal today delivered the seventh vessel eration, the 8th Defence technology and ORBITAL ATK RECEIVED CONTRACT FOR delegates of the people’s Liberation Army in the Independence-variant littoral com- trade Initiative (DttI) Inter Agency task US NAVY’S GQM-163A who are attending the annual parliamen- bat ship (LCs) class to the us Navy. the orbital AtK received on february 14, a tary session in Beijing that sea tests of future uss Manchester is the second LCs $79.4 million us Navy contract for develop- China’s indigenous electromagnetic rail- delivered to the Navy by Austal in less >> SHOW CALENDAR ment, testing and evaluation of the Naval guns are under way. this has been further than six months, following the uss omaha Air Warfare Center Weapons Division confirmed by a feature on the PLA-run (LCs 12) commissioning, which took place April 11–14 Ground Launch Drone Missile (GQM-163A). news portal 81.cn bout a female lead engi- in san Diego earlier this year. Austal Ceo, Defexpo India 2018 the agreement will provide the Navy with neer who was the brains behind a repeat- David singleton said that, “the technology Arulmigu Nithyakalyana perumal developmental testing and evaluation of the ing pulsating direct current power system we have invested in Mobile allows Austal temple, thiruvidanthai, thiruporur supersonic sea skimming target, including that could charge the railgun. Zhang Xiao, USA to operate with unmatched efficiency taluk, Kancheepuram, east Coast road, tests for fMs customers. Work is expected associate research fellow at the Wuhan- which when combined with our skilled Chennai, tamil Nadu, India to be completed by february 2023. based pLA Naval university of engineer- workforce offers a world leading solution www.defexpoindia.in ing, said the breakthrough was a hard- to build for the united states Navy and US NAVY MISSILE CONTRACT FOR won result after hundreds of failures support their planned expansion to a 355- April 16–19 RAYTHEON and more than 50,000 tests. she also led ship fleet. Austal is also under contract to Defence Services Asia (DSA 2018) the us Navy will exercise an option with a team that scaled the technical hurdles build 12 expeditionary fast transport ves- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia raytheon Missile systems for engineering of installing shipborne electromagnetic sels for the us Navy with nine vessels deliv- www.dsaexhibition.com www.spsnavalforces.com and technical services on the standard Mis- launching systems, believed to be planned ered so far.

14 2/2018 NEWS

News in Brief Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal Deputy Managing Editor Neetu Dhulia Senior Editorial Adviser R. Adm S.K. Ramsay (Retd) Senior Technical Group Editor faceted threats. Chief of the Naval staff, Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) APPOINTMENTS Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi along with Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) Chief of the Air staff, Air Chief Marshal Contributing Editor Lt General V.K. Kapoor (Retd) zz Vice Admiral srikant, Inspector Gen- Officer Commanding Maharashtra Sohail Aman were a witness to the firing. eral, Nuclear safety appointed as Area appointed as Chief Staff Offi- Assistant Features Editor Arpita Kala the Commandant National Defence cer (specialist Vehicles), headquar- CONTRACT FOR GENERAL DYNAMICS FOR Principal Correspondent College. ters strategic forces Command. VIRGINIA CLASS SUBMARINES Rohit Srivastava zz Vice Admiral s.V. Bhokare, Com- zz rear Admiral p.G. philipose, Assis- General Dynamics has received a $696 Contributors mandant Indian Naval Academy tant Chief of Naval staff (Air) million contract modification for- addi India appointed as Inspector General, appointed as Flag Officer Goa Areational material associated with fiscal 2019 Vice Adm K.N. Sushil (Retd) Nuclear security. & Flag Officer Naval Aviation. Virginia-class submarines and fiscal 2020 Vice Adm Anup Singh (Retd) Vice Adm Satish Soni (Retd) Virginia-class submarines (ssN). parts to be zz Rear Admiral R.B. Pandit, Officer zz rear Admiral s.J. singh, Assis- Cmde Sujeet Samaddar (Retd) on Special Duty to the Flag Officer tant Chief of Naval staff (CsNCo) provided include steam and electric plant Cmde A.J. Singh (Retd) Commanding-in-Chief, Western appointed as Flag Officer Sea components; the main propulsion unit Europe Alan Peaford, Doug Richardson, Naval Command, on promotion to training. efforts and ship service turbine generator efforts; and miscellaneous hull, mechanical Andrew Brookes (UK) the rank of Vice Admiral appointed zz rear Admiral A.V. Bhave, Chief staff and electrical system components to sup- USA & Canada as the Commandant, Indian Naval Lon Nordeen (USA) Officer (Specialist Vehicles), Head- port ssNs 802, 803, 804 and 805 ship con- Academy. Anil R. Pustam (West Indies) quarters strategic forces Command struction commencing in fiscal 2019. Work appointed as Director General proj- West Asia/Africa zz rear Admiral B. Dasgupta, flag will take place in sunnyvale, California, as H.R. Heitman (S. Africa) ect Varsha. Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet well as over a dozen other locations dot- Chairman & Managing Director appointed as Additional Director zz rear Admiral Mukul Asthana, ted throughout the continental us with a Jayant Baranwal General, National Cadet Corps. Director General, project Varsha scheduled completion time scheduled for Executive Vice President (Planning & Business Development) zz rear Admiral M.D. suresh, Deputy appointed as Assistant Chief of January 2019. Rohit Goel Commandant, Indian Naval Acad- Naval staff (Air). Administration & Circulation emy appointed as Assistant Chief of zz Commodore D.s. Gujral, principal NAVIKA SAGAR PARIKRAMA – Bharti Sharma Integrated staff (Int-A). Director Naval satellite operations TARINI DEPARTS CAPE TOWN [email protected] zz rear Admiral srinivas Kalidoss, on promotion to the rank of rear Asst-Admin, HR & Infra Pooja Tehlani Director, DMDe appointed as proj- Admiral appointed as Assistant Chief of Naval staff (Communica- Creative Director ect Director, ship Building Centre. Anoop Kamath tions, satellite & Network Centric zz rear Admiral D.s. Chauhan, Com- Design mandant College of Defence Man- operations). Vimlesh Kumar Yadav, Sonu Singh Bisht agement appointed as Director, zz Commodore s.C. Verma, principal Research Assistant: Graphics DMDe. Director Acqui- Survi Massey sition on promotion to the rank of Sales & Marketing zz Rear Admiral P.K. Bahl, Flag Officer Director Sales & Marketing: Neetu Dhulia Goa Area/Flag Officer Naval Avia- rear Admiral appointed as Assis- General Manager: Rajeev Chugh tion appointed as Flag Officer Com- tant Chief of Naval staff (strategic SP’s Website manding Maharashtra Area. submarine project). Sr. Web Developer: Shailendra P. Ashish Indian Naval sailing Vessel (INsV) tarini Web Developer: Ugrashen Vishwakarma zz Commodore sanjay Vatsayan, prin- zz rear Admiral M.A. hampiholi, flag left Cape Town on March 14 for the final leg cipal Director of Naval plans on pro- Published bimonthly by Jayant Baranwal on behalf Officer Sea Training appointed as of circumnavigation passage to Goa. the of SP Guide Publications Pvt Ltd. Flag Officer Commanding Western motion to the rank of rear Admi- yacht was flagged off by Ruchira Kamboj,All rights reserved. No part of this publication may ral appointed as Assistant Chief of high Commissioner of India to the repub- be reproduced, stored in a retrieval fleet. system, or transmitted in any form or by any Naval staff (policy & plans). lic of in the presence of other zz rear Admiral D.K. tripathi, Assis- means, photocopying, recording, electronic, dignitaries. this historic circumnavigation or otherwise without the prior written tant Chief of Naval staff (policy & zz Commodore Atul Anand, principal Director, strategic Concepts & Doc- attempt by an all-women crew is being led permission of the publishers. Plans) appointed as Flag Officer trine on promotion to the rank of by Commander Vartika Joshi, Printed in India Commanding eastern fleet. by Kala Jyothi Process Pvt Ltd rear Admiral appointed as Assis- and the crew comprises Lieutenant Com- © SP Guide Publications, 2018 zz rear Admiral Atul Khanna, Assistant tant Chief of Naval staff (foreign manders pratibha Jamwal, p. swathi, and Chief of Material (NsM) appointed as s. Vijaya Devi, B. Aishwarya Subscription/ Circulation C-operation & Intelligence). Annual Inland: `600 • Overseas: US$180 Additional Director General Quality and payal Gupta. zz rear Admiral s.p. Lal, Assistant E-mail: [email protected] Assurance (Navy). Chief of Material (Modernisation) as [email protected] zz rear Admiral Narayan prasad, Admi- Additional Director General Quality F-35C CARRIER QUALIFICATIONS ABOARD Letters to the Editor [email protected] ral superintendent Naval Dockyard, Assurance (Weapons policy). LINCOLN Visakhapatnam appointed as Assis- For Advertising Details, Contact: zz Commodore r. srinivas, principal [email protected] tant Chief of Material (NsM). Director of Indigenisation on pro- [email protected] zz rear Admiral sanjeev Kale, Admi- motion to the rank of rear Admi- SP GUIDE PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD ral superintendent Naval Dockyard, ral appointed as technical Man- POSTAL ADDRESS Corporate Office Mumbai appointed as Chief staff ager (M&s). Officer (Technical), Headquarters A 133 Arjun Nagar, Opp Defence Colony, zz Commodore r. swaminathan, prin- New Delhi 110003, India Western Naval Command. Tel: +91(11) 24644693, 24644763, 24620130 cipal Director ship projects on pro- Fax: +91 (11) 24647093 zz rear Admiral sandeep, Chief staff motion to the rank of rear Admi- Officer (Technical), Headquarters, Regd Office ral appointed as Assistant Chief of Fax: +91 (11) 23622942 Western Naval Command appointed Material (Modernisation). E-mail: [email protected] as Admiral superintendent Naval Representative Offices zz Commodore sreekumar Nair, Chief Nimitz-class aircraft carrier uss Abraham Dockyard, Mumbai. Lincoln completed fleet carrier qualifications BENGALURU, INDIA Staff Officer (Technical), Head- Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) zz rear Admiral Amit Bose, Assistant quarers southern Naval Command (CQ) for the f-35C Lightning II programme, 204, Jal Vayu Vihar, Kalyan Nagar, Chief of Material (It&s) appointed on promotion to the rank of rear marking another milestone for the new air- Bengaluru 560043, India. Tel: +91 (80) 23682204 as Admiral superintendent Naval Admiral appointed as Assistant craft. pilots assigned to the ‘rough raiders’ Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. of strike fighter squadron (VfA) 125 and the MOSCOW, RUSSIA Chief of Material (Information LAGUK Co., Ltd, Yuri Laskin zz rear Admiral p. Asokan, Assistant technology & systems). “Grim reapers” of VfA 101 accomplished Krasnokholmskaya, Nab., day and night qualifications with 140 traps 11/15, app. 132, Moscow 115172, Russia. Chief of Naval staff (ssp) appointed zz Commodore puneet Chadha, on pro- in anticipation of f-35C operational testing Tel: +7 (495) 911 2762, as project Director (o&t), head- motion to the rank of rear Admiral later this year. the f-35C complements the Fax: +7 (495) 912 1260 quarters AtV project. appointed as Deputy Commandant, tactical fighter fleet with a dominant,- mul www.spguidepublications.com zz rear Admiral sanjay Mahindru, flag Indian Naval Academy www.spsnavalforces.com tirole, next-generation aircraft capable of RNI Number: DELENG/2008/25836 projecting us power and deterring poten- tial adversaries. By 2025, the Navy’s aircraft PAKISTAN NAVY AND AIR FORCE EXERCISE on March 5 from the multi-mission f-22p carrier air wings are scheduled to consist of WITH LIVE ANTI-SHIP MISSILES frigate PNS Saif and JF-17 fighter aircraft f-35Cs, f/A-18e/f super hornets, eA-18G the navy and air force of pakistan have with all missiles hitting their targets. the Growlers electronic attack aircraft, e-2D conducted joint live-fire exercises of anti- firing was held on the final day of Exercisehawkeye battle management and control ship missiles. Conducted on March 5 the rIBAt-18, which focused on validating war aircraft, Mh-60r/s helicopters and carrier Chinese-made C-802 missiles were fired fighting concepts under the evolving multi on board delivery logistics aircraft. SP

2/2018 15 Unique. Ahead of the Art.

ShinMaywa Industries India Private Ltd. Flat No. 1010,1011 and 1012, 10th Floor, Narain Manzil 23, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi –110001 URL http://www.shinmaywa.co.jp E-mail [email protected]