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CONTENTS
THE WAVES OF HONOUR 2 As the Indian Navy celebrates 48th Navy A TIMES OF INDIA PRESENTATION Day, here is a look at its exemplary prowess and l MANAGING EDITOR VISHESH PRAKASH role in national
l EDITORIAL COORDINATOR security POOJA MADHOK
l EDITORIAL TEAM BIJIN JOSE
l CHIEF GRAPHIC EDITOR MUKESH ARORA
l DESIGN TEAM MAHESH BISHT, DINESH VIST, AJAY AGGARWAL MARITIME INTERESTS MARKETING THE ROLE OF MARITIME 30 & ITS IMPORTANCE l NATIONAL VERTICAL HEAD SHWETA ARORA 6 OPERATIONS IN NAVY [email protected] Securing India's l PROJECT COORDINATOR The transformation of the Indian maritime interests is the PRACHI BAJAJ [email protected] Navy's strategic posture in the mission that the nation IOR has been palpable needs to pursue l PRODUCTION COORDINATION MUKESH MALIK UTTAM ACHARYA
Published by: Rajeev Yadav for the proprietors, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd., at Times House, 7 B.S.Z. Marg, New Delhi and printed by him at Amar Ujala Publications Ltd., C - 21 & 22, Sector - 59, Noida - 201301, (UP) - India
All rights reserved with M/s Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. Reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Infringement of any of the above conditions can lead to civil and criminal prosecutions.
DISCLAIMER: Great care has been taken in the compilation and validation of information, and every effort has been made to ensure NAVAL ROCKETS AND THEIR that all information is up-to-date at the 10 LEAP FORWARD time of going to press. The publishers are not responsible for errors, if any, and their consequences. The Indian Navy centered on IOR AND INDIA’S 2019 Copyright © Bennett, aircraft carriers for sea control in 24 MARITIME SECURITY Coleman & Co. Ltd the expansive areas of maritime Indian Ocean Region is Pictures used in the magazine are for interest some decades ago. We representational purposes only. becoming important like trace the growth story and take a never before; it is time peek into the present situation for IN to dominate it and how it has changed for good
CHASING THE NEW 22 HORIZONS Marine vessels can now see the use of carbon composites just like how it is used in the automotive market. Let’s IN’S AERO PLATFORMS explore if it’s a step in the right direction 16 It is time now to replace the Indian Navy’s aero platform fleet to keep its operational efficiency at the optimum level 2-5-COVER-STORY.qxd 12/2/2019 11:55 AM Page 2
COVER STORY
he Indian Armed Forces is among the WAVES O F mightiest of forces in the world today. It Thas evolved over the years with its unmatched legacy and superior technologies and combat abilities. One of the strongest pillars of the armed forces, the Indian Navy is among the top navies in the world. The Indian HONOUR Navy has a history that dates back to the Chola dynasty. As the Indian Navy celebrates 48th Navy Day, At present, the Indian Navy not only operates on land and under water, but also in here is a look at its e xemplary prowess and the air. Mighty ships, stealthy submarines, and role in national security high-tech aircrafts are the distinct features of the Indian Navy. Today, the Indian Navy is responsible for protecting the 7500-kilometre coastline of India and actively working on relief activities during times of calamities.
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At present, the Indian Navy operates some competency' and this is what Indian Navy of the most modern ships and submarines and India believes in. It is not necessary that besides patrol aircraft. Indian Navy, over the one nation has all the capacity or years, has been increasingly tuning its competency. We have to learn from each expertise to the changing times in terms of other. We need to learn to work together. We maritime security and naval activity. have got Bangladesh and Indonesia who Today, the formidable naval force of India know a lot about 'HADR', for instance. has high-end-technology in terms of Seychelles and Mauritius are making efforts equipment and sensors. The Indian Navy is towards marine ecology and conversation. always ready when it comes to war Myanmar is good example of indigenous ship preparedness or disaster relief work. The building. So, we look at collective military overall operations of the naval forces ranges competency," said Chief of Naval Staff from high-intensity war-fighting to Admiral Karambir Singh at the launch of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief 'Indigenous Defence Equipment Exporters operations. Association' at Constitution Club of India in Delhi on October 18. COLLECTIVE MILITARY COMPETENCE According to the Navy chief, the Indian "We want to learn from others. There is Navy executes maritime cooperation broadly something called 'collective military through four methods - constructive
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engagements such as high-level visits, men and material, the navy has been maintain the momentum in our joint exercises; collaborative efforts performing fine. At the same time, its strategic planning," said Vice Admiral such as CORPAT (coordinated patrols); modernisation and action plan are as BS Randhawa (Retd). capacity building; and capability speedy as they should be. However, The Indian Navy has been at the enhancement. more funding is required because forefront of indigenisation. Among the The Indian Navy, today, has an production of ships and submarines three armed services, the Indian Navy is astounding stature. However, it had a takes time. Depending on the type of best geared and motivated for modest beginning. It was a small force vessel, the production can take a year or indigenisation. The navy has created the merely with 33 ships in 1947. Owing to can extend up to five years. In order to most conducive infrastructure for the forbidding nature of the challenges maintain the strength, there needs to be indigenisation. in maritime security, the Indian Navy a balance in production of new ships In fact, every dockyard has a has constantly evolved, inducted more and the number of ships and equipment specialised team working on ships, modernised its weapons, and that are being laid off. The ship-building indigenisation. These dockyards have continuously relied on technology and program of the Chinese Navy is going got design bureau to look after the innovation to flourish. much faster than ours so we must designing and development of the ships for the naval force. STRENGTHENING SECURITY INS Arihant, the lead of Indian Navy's Today, the naval force is tasked with nuclear-powered ballistic missile surveillance, maritime strike, anti- submarines, has been designed submarine ops, anti-surface ops, anti-air indigenously. The first aircraft carrier ops, amphibious ops, information ops, built in India - INS Vikrant - has been electronic warfare, special ops, mine launched and is expected to be warfare, VBBS, and harbour defence. commissioned in October 2020. Apart from the military role, the Indian Today, the naval force is "Indian Navy is one of the pioneers of Navy also offers support to the foreign high-end-technology indigenisation in terms of producing policy objectives to 'build bridges of equipped, and its engines, ships and submarines. In the friendship' and strengthen international overall operations area weapons and combat systems, there cooperation. range from high- is a need for more funding and research. "The Indian Navy is doing a intensity war-fighting DRDOs effort in the naval segment has marvellous job. Now, we maintain roles to humanitarian to be there. We should aim to producing presence in long distance for longer assistance and disaster one submarine a year," added Vice duration. Despite the increase load on relief operations Admiral BS Randhawa (Retd)
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INDIAN NAVY: The changing role and responsibilities The Indian Navy executes maritime cooperation broadly through four methods—constructive engagements such as high- level visits, joint exercises; collaborative efforts such as CORPAT (coordinated patrols); capacity building; and capability enhancement. As part of its diplomatic role, the Indian Navy is tasked MULTIFACETED ROLE approach. The time has come to ensure with overseas deployments, As part of its diplomatic role, the Indian effective integration and coordination of flag showing/port visits, Navy is tasked with overseas national assets and resources and hosting foreign warship visits, technical and logistics deployments, flag showing/port visits, harmonise them with international assistance, foreign training, hosting foreign warship visits, technical treaties and norms. A national maritime maritime patrols, and logistics assistance, foreign training, policy and a National Maritime Council is bilateral/multilateral maritime patrols, bilateral/multilateral the need of the hour," added Commodore exercises, out of area exercises, out of area contingency (OOAC) Sujeet Samaddar (retd). contingency tasks, non- tasks, non-combat evacuation Ops (NEO), combat evacuation Ops, peace enforcement, peace making, peace- THE HISTORY OF NAVY DAY peace enforcement, etc keeping, and peace building, and activities Indian Navy will celebrate 'Navy Day' on under the Indian Ocean Naval December 4 to celebrate the Symposium (IONS) program. The Indian achievements and role of the naval force Navy is committed to maritime of the country. The day is also celebrated cooperation with like-minded navies to commemorate the Indian Navy's through constructive engagement, bravado in the Operation Trident of 1971. collaborative effort, capacity building, and On December 4, the Indian Navy capability enhancement. carried out a bold attack, Operation "Given the geo-strategic realties in the Trident, on Karachi Harbour during the Indian Ocean Region and its intricate Indo-Pak war in 1971. This operation was association with the littorals for the the first to use anti-ship missiles in sustainable progress of the nation and the combat in the region. prosperity of its people, the Indian Navy The operation that was carried out on plays a pivotal role. Whilst war-fighting is the night of 4-5 December had inflicted a given role for any navy, maintaining massive damage on Pakistan's vessels and peace and stability is equally important. facilities. INS Nipat, INS Nirghat, and INS Hence, the core force structures of the Veer are the three boats of the Indian future navy must balance between the Navy that played a crucial role in the applications of the will of the nation, and operation. the utilisation of its assets for the In 90 minutes, Indian warships fired six common good of the region. Hence, while missiles that resulted in the sinking of warships, submarines, aircraft must four Pakistani vessels including a cargo continue to be inducted, amphibious ship carrying ammunition and destroyed aircraft, hospital ships, satellite imagery the fuel storage facility at the Karachi and integrated surveillance and response harbour. systems are equally vital for a new navy," This year the Indian Navy will hold a said Commodore Sujeet Samaddar (retd), series of activities under 'Navy Week former senior consultant with NITI 2019'. The theme of this year's activities is Aayog. 'Indian Navy - Silent, Strong, and Swift'. "Maritime affairs cannot be managed Apart from various social initiatives, only by the Indian Navy or by the nearly 15,000 runners are expected to Ministry of Defence, it needs a 'whole of participate in a Navy Half Marathon in government' and 'whole of nation' Mumbai to celebrate the occasion.
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FUTURE BECKONS INDIAN NAVY AND ITS MARITIME OPERATIONS The transformation of the Indian Navy's strategic posture in the Indian Ocean Region has been palpable
r Abhijit Singh ambit has also widened from India's capacity-building, maritime near-seas to the distant Indian Ocean infrastructure creation and the he rise of India as littorals. enhancement of surveillance capability a premier The surge in maritime capability has among smaller Indian Ocean states has Tmaritime power come at a time when Asia is witnessing even served to burnish India's in the Indian Ocean has an explosion of non-traditional credentials as a responsible security been a defining development of the threatsand a growing demand for actor and a force for regional good. past decade. From 'reluctant power- littoral security. As the most capable Notwithstanding the substantive player' to 'credible security provider', maritime agency in the region, the capability the Indian navy brings to the transformation of the Indian navy's Indian navy has been a natural partner bear in its near-seas, South Asia's strategic posture in the Indian Ocean of choice. With a willingness to security environment remains Region has been palpable. In recent undertake tasks as diverse as sea-lanes uncertain. With threats constantly years, the navy has invested security, fighting pirates, providing morphing to take on more complex considerable resource in acquiring top- humanitarian assistance and even forms, regional security efforts have line maritime assets and capabilities. provisioning of essential supplies, the not always produced desired results As its capacity to project power and navy has played the role and collaboration has remained influence in the regional commons has of an effective rudimentary. Despite the presence of a grown, so has its regional involvement regional large set of irregular challenges and the in maritime security - an enterprise facilitator. Its imperative for regional forces to that now consist of a wide-array of contribution coordinate their individual efforts, only military, constabulary and benign to local some states have volunteered forces for missions. Consequently, its operational security a sustained security effort.
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Meanwhile, a rise in foreign warships visiting the Indian Ocean's littorals is raising anxieties. In particular, the growing presence of PLA Navy deployments in the IOR - particularly Chinese submarines - as also a new FUTURE WISE: Chinese military base in Djibouti have Operations needed led to fears of greater competition for in the IOR naval supremacy in the Indian Ocean. In such a scenario, naval planners must A rise in foreign warships consider the complexion of future visiting the Indian Ocean’s maritime operations in Asia. littorals is raising anxieties. In particular, the growing FUTURE OPERATIONS IN THE presence of PLA Navy INDIAN OCEAN REGION deployments in the IOR – Indian analysts and security planners particularly Chinese face with two essential inquiries: What submarines – as also a new prospective strategic scenarios must Chinese military base in Djibouti have led to fears of the Indian Navy prepare for? What greater competition for tactical responses would possible naval supremacy in the threats entail? The Indian Navy has Indian Ocean Region performed credibly in its near-seas operations so far, but maritime Maritime managers must managers must now reshape the now reshape the operations operations template to create more template by creating more space for new emerging technologies, space for new emerging strategic platforms and collaborative technologies, strategic platforms and collaborative missions. India's maritime specialists missions. New technologies must consider five operations for the will help achieve long-term future: strategic operations in the Indian Ocean Region OUT-OF-AREA CONTINGENCIES / HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS The record of recent contingencies in the Indian Ocean suggests that Humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) will constitute that vast bulk of non-traditional missions in the future. Over the past few years, India has been active in providing humanitarian aid across a vast region, spanning the Indian Ocean Region and even parts of the Pacific. The timely aid provided by Indian naval ships during the Indian
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Ocean Tsunami (2001), Cyclone Nargis presently lacks the ability to carry out (2008), Cyclone Hudhud (2014), and sustained operations in other countries' Cyclone Mora (2017) has been widely littoral spaces, the infusion of land-attack commended and its efforts to evacuate and precision strike weaponry is likely to civilians for troubled hot-spots, such as help. Libya (2011), Yemen (2015) have been FUTURE WISE: universally acknowledged. Yet, the scale on SUBMARINE OPERATIONS Operations needed which future assistance will be required in In the new era, submarine operations are in the IOR Indian Ocean might overwhelm naval likely to get increasingly sophisticated. planners. Future HADR missions will be While nuclear submarines SSNs will A rise in foreign warships carried out in an environment of continue to pose a threat, use of quiet and visiting the Indian Ocean’s uncertainty with lesser resources available stealthy diesel-electric subs is likely to rise. littorals is raising anxieties. In particular, the growing to provide necessary aid. While Asia Pacific states have been presence of PLA Navy acquiring submarine forces, it is the PLAN deployments in the IOR – LITTORAL OPERATIONS that has dramatically expanded its theatre particularly Chinese The 21st century operating environment is of undersea operations in Indian Ocean, submarines – as also a new likely to demand sustained presence and with increased submarine deployments. Chinese military base in precision effects in a complex, congested New Chinese subs can stay underwater far Djibouti have led to fears of and contested world. The focus of these longer and are more effective combat greater competition for activities will be in the densely populated platforms. They are also being equipped to naval supremacy in the littorals, and will harness high technology act as submarine ships for unmanned Indian Ocean Region equipment. Modern navies are bringing underwater vehicles. The Indian navy Maritime managers must together autonomous vehicles, augmented must move to make up its submarine now reshape the operations reality systems and advanced wireless deficit by expediting the Project 75, and template by creating more networks. Littoral warfare will require the the follow-on Project-75 (India) space for new emerging closest cooperation among the services and programme. technologies, strategic a blueprint for coordinated operations. platforms and collaborative Unlike open-sea operations -- where AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE OPERATIONS missions. strategic action plays an important role - Advanced maritime forces have been littoral missions are about sustained developing UAV technology to augment tactical presence. While the Indian navy the effectiveness of maritime operations.
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Alongside aerial drone technology, launched the GSAT-7, its first dedicated subsurface unmanned systems too is military satellite, the Indian navy has rapidly developing. Recent reports had an exclusive safe and reliable indicate Beijing's quest for giant, communication channel. With its smart, cheap unmanned submarines. 2000 nautical miles footprint over the The "sea bots", operated by artificial Indian Ocean Region (IOR), GSAT -7 intelligence, will perform tasks as The navy’s blue-print for has helped the navy network its diverse as reconnaissance, mine future operations warships, submarines and aircraft placement and making self-destructive recognises the key along with its ground based resources attacks. The United States too has drivers underpinning its and assets. The new satellite has helped commissioned it is first-ever squadron maritime posture, link long range missiles, radars and air of unmanned underwater vehicles, and identifies conditions defence systems on all sea-based Russia last year revealed it was that characterise the assets. developing an underwater nuclear navy’s new operational capable unmanned drone. Not to be PLANNING FUTURE OPERATIONS environment left behind, the Indian navy has The Indian navy's maritime security embarked on a search for mini drones strategy, released in 2015, seeks to equipped with passive sonar devices. Corps that has drawn the most address future challenges. Maritime Naval engineers have been working on attention. Many of China's new planners have identified key drivers high endurance autonomous amphibious platforms are custom built and conditions that characterize the underwater vehicles for anti- for joint operations, and include future new operational environment. They submarine and intelligence roles. The LHA-type vessels with the capacity to emphasise new 'hybrid threats' in the plan is to acquire UUVs from a global fighter planes and large helicopters. future that can only be tackled through supplier, and then mass-produce it Unfortunately, India has not been able a sustained strategy in the Asian locally as part of the Make in India to invest in a serious expeditionary littorals. Besides working relationships programme. capability. A lack of sealift, mobility with regional partners, naval managers and firepower today precludes long- know the force needs an infusion of EXPEDITIONARY MISSIONS distance Indian expeditionary missions new technology that will help in the Marine expeditionary operations are in the Indo-Pacific region. achievement of long-term strategic the future of naval warfare. In the Asia objectives in the Indo-Pacific region. Pacific region a number of countries NETWORKED OPERATIONS (NCO) have moved to raise marine forces. Navies today operate in a network —The author is former naval officer, These include Malaysia, Indonesia, centric environment where all Senior Fellow, and Head, Maritime Japan and Philippines. Yet, it is the maritime operations are integrated. Policy Initiative at the Observer strengthening of the PLA's Marine Since August 2013, when India Research Foundation, New Delhi
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SKY HIGH
r Rear Admiral Dr S Kulshrestha (Retd) aval Aviation ROCKETS entrenched itself in NMay 1912 when Commander Samson, flying a modified S 27, designated as S38 took off CARRIED from HMS Hibernia which was underway and making a speed of 10.5 knots during the Royal Fleet Review in Weymouth Bay, England. The United States, Germany, BY NAVAL Russia, Japan and France followed soon after that with their own Naval Air Wings.
In September 1914, the Japanese seaplane carrier Wakamiya carried out air raids AIRCRAFT against German land and sea targets during the Battle of Tsingtao. The first use of a At the time of attaining Independence, Naval weapon, the torpedo, against the enemy was in August 2015 when a Turkish our visionary leaders saw the centrality supply ship in the Sea of Marmara was sunk of a powerful Navy and set us on the by Flight Commander Charles Edmonds flying a Short Type 184 aircraft. The right course by envisaging an Indian capability of seaborne 'air to land' strikes was Navy centred on aircraft carriers for sea established in December 1914 during air raids on a German Zeppelin base at control in our expansive areas of Cuxhaven. Naval Aviation has never looked back since and has entrenched itself as a maritime interest. Here's a peak into the formidable component of Sea Power. present situation The Short Type 184 flown by Flight Commander Charles Edmonds, was armed with 1 x .303 Lewis Machine Gun and 1 x
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AIRCRAFT ROCKETS: Role and significance in Navy The rockets are unguided projectiles with their propulsion system in which the propellant burns fiercely producing exhaust gases at high pressures. These gases are discharged through a calibrated nozzle to impart forward motion to the rocket body Efforts are being continuously made by countries to develop and deploy highly accurate rocket systems to achieve precision hit capability. Precision hit would reduce the number of rounds to be fired per target as well as limit the collateral damage, explaining the role of aircraft rockets
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Torpedo (14" diameter)/520lb of other extensive damage during the WWI drop stores. The problem with carrying which lead to the development of a mounted gun was that it was useful aircraft-mounted submarine detectors as long as the pilot could fire it from as well as bombs and depth charges to his line of sight without hitting the neutralise the submarines. The role of propeller. This led to the development Naval Aviation after that included the of the Gun Synchronizer so that the Air-Anti Submarine warfare. gun could fire through the arc of the The Naval Aircraft depending upon rotating propeller. The German their role, carry a wide array of Eindecker fighter was the first to be weapons namely, air to air missiles, air fitted with such a device followed by a to surface missiles, anti-ship cruise better designed hydraulic device missiles, depth charges, bombs, 'Constantinesco gear' for the British rockets, laser-guided bombs, Naval aircraft. The aircraft continued to be aerial mines, and lightweight fitted with two forward firing torpedoes. This article aims to provide synchronised rifle calibre machine a perspective into the rockets carried guns, firing forward through the by fixed-wing Naval Aircraft. propeller. The roles for Naval Aircraft kept expanding, and so did the AIRCRAFT ROCKETS The naval aircrafts, requirements for a bigger weapon The rockets are unguided projectiles depending upon their package. The requirement to increase with their propulsion system in which role, carry a wide array the number of weapons led to the propellant burns fiercely of weapons namely, air- armament being mounted under the producing exhaust gases at high to-air missiles, air-to- wings. Central gun mounts were pressures. These gases are discharged surface missiles, anti- discarded when propeller less jet through a calibrated nozzle to impart ship cruise missiles, propulsion rendered Gun forward motion to the rocket body. depth charges, bombs, synchronisers redundant. The main components of any rocket rockets and torpedoes The German submarines had caused used as a weapon comprise rocket
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motor, warhead and fuse. case the rocket fish tails the drag increases Rocket motor: A rocket motor generally and the air stream hits the fins which in consists of a metallic motor tube, turn correct the motion of the rocket. propellant grain, ignitor, stabilising rod, Warheads: There are many types of high inhibitor, nozzle and fins. The warhead explosive HE fillings for the warhead and nozzle & fins are attached to the motor casings which are utilised for the aircraft tube at the forward and aft end rockets, depending upon the type of target AIRCRAFT ROCKETS: respectively. The solid propellant grain has against which they are likely to be Role and its integral fuel and oxidiser and does not launched. HE fragmentation warheads are significance in Navy require atmospheric oxygen to burn. used against lightly protected targets Generally, it is a double base solid wherein the fragments cause significant The rockets are unguided propellant. The double base propellant has damage. Anti-Tank and Anti-Personnel projectiles with their two monopropellants, one being low warheads are shaped charges which propulsion system in which energy and stabilising component and the explode from base resulting in an the propellant burns fiercely other bringing the high energy content. explosive jet which penetrates the target. A producing exhaust gases at This combination provides reasonably general-purpose warhead is based upon high pressures. These gases are discharged through a high energy for use as Aircraft rockets and the combination of the designs of the calibrated nozzle to impart reduces production of smoke. fragmentation and armour piercing forward motion to the Nitrocellulose gel with dissolved nitro- warheads. It is used against a variety of rocket body glycerine with some additives constitutes targets utilising, a nose fuse or a solid nose such a propellant. The burning of the plug and a base fuse variant. Warheads Efforts are being propellant is done by use of an igniter, dispensing high velocity pointed metallic continuously made by countries to develop and which is a disc containing gunpowder objects are classified as Flechette deploy highly accurate composition and an electrical squib. The warheads. These are used with a base fuse rocket systems to achieve burning rate is controlled using the against personnel and lightly protected precision hit capability. inhibitor coating of cellulose acetate vehicles. Incendiary warheads are used to Precision hit would reduce variants, a salt coated stabilising rod inside ignite/set fire to targets. Flare dispensing the number of rounds to be the propellant prevents unstable burning. warheads are used for various purposes fired per target as well as A constant rate of thrust is maintained by like illuminating an area or deflecting limit the collateral damage, perforating the propellant core using missiles depending upon the constituent explaining the role of different shapes; typically, a star shape is of the flare. Smoke warheads are used to aircraft rockets prevalent. The nozzle controls the mark a target by using smoke generating characteristics of the exhaust gases to composition like plasticised white provide increased velocity. Fins help in phosphorous. Dummy or practice providing accuracy to the rocket flight. In warheads are weight balanced inert filled
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warheads for practice firings and and a minimum deceleration for it to Systems utilises laser guidance and is loading/unloading training activities. function. Proximity fuses sense the in use in the US Armed forces. Guided Fuses: These can be classified based physical presence of target Advanced Tactical Rocket (GATR) is a upon their physical position or upon electronically. These are used for laser guidance kit by Elbit Systems for the way they operate. The warhead air/over the ground bursts. Fuses often 68/70mm rockets to convert them into could be fitted with a nose fuse or a have a combination of technologies precision-guided weapons with high- base fuse; further fuse could function depending upon the effect desired on precision strike capabilities. Low-Cost depending upon impact, time, the target. Guided Imaging Rocket LOGIR, by US acceleration or deceleration, delayed Precision strike capability: Efforts are Navy, guides the rocket to a pre- action, proximity, and any combination being continuously made by countries supplied position and uses imaging of these. The fuse is a highly sensitive to develop and deploy highly accurate infrared in the terminal phase. explosive component and therefore rocket systems to achieve precision hit necessitates inbuilt safeties not only capability. Precision hit would reduce LOOKING AHEAD during transportation and handling but the number of rounds to be fired per The Rocket has retained its place in the up to the time it is required to initiate target as well as limit the collateral weapon packages of the aircraft since the warhead. The built-in safeties damage. The Advanced precision kill its advent in WW II, this has been include a time delay for separation weapon system kit (APKWS) by BAE possible primarily because the rocket is from the aircraft as well as minimum more accurate than the bomb and acceleration and deceleration cheaper than the missile. With the thresholds among others. advances in microelectronics, Fundamentally all explosives in the computer programming and fuse are aligned and initiate only after development of more lethal but safer all the safeties are removed and impact explosives, it would not be out of place conditions are met. Fuses which to forecast that in future the current function on impact are either fitted in rocket may undergo a complete the nose or the base in the warhead. A rocket has retained overhaul. The future rocket would be a Mechanical Time fuses incorporate a its place in the weapon smaller, accurately guided, fire and timing device or a clock mechanism packages of the aircraft forget weapon. It would be launched which introduces a pre-set delay after since its advent in WW from a smart launcher from the aircraft safeties are removed. Acceleration- II. This has been and would be equipped with a smart deceleration fuses function in a fashion possible as the rocket fuse to enable maximum damage on similar to the impact fuse, but they is more accurate than the desired target. require that a minimum acceleration the bomb and cheaper —The author is a defence analyst be achieved by the rocket for arming than the missile and independent researcher
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NEWS BYTES SUBMARINE LAUNCHED K4 MISSILE TEST NOW LIKELY IN MID DECEMBER he test of India's most potent nuclear Tdeterrence missile in the Bay of Bengal which will demonstrate a survivable second strike capability has now been scheduled to mid December, sources aware of latest developments have said. The test of the K4 submarine launched nuclear capable missile was scheduled to take place from the eastern coast as ET had reported but the window is likely to the Defence Research and The last test of the K4 considered to be the real be used for an Agni series Development Organisation was attempted in 2017 and game changer that would missile firing. (DRDO) within a fortnight. there has been an urgency give India a second strike As per the Sources, the An earlier window in to expedite the option. 3,500 km range missile, November had to be developmental process, India does has an designed for the Arihant cancelled as cyclone given that India’s second operational SLBM (the K class of nuclear Bulbul hit the eastern nuclear submarine, the 15) onboard the INS submarines, is likely to be coast. A successful test INS Arighat is nearing Arihant but its range is tested from a fixed would mark a significant completion and would be capped at 750 km, limiting underwater pontoon as step towards ready for trials soon. The second strike options and part of the developmental operationalizing the K4 has undergone three with that, the effectiveness trials being conducted by nuclear capable missile. tests in the past and is of the nuclear triad.
INDIAN NAVY'S GREAT WEAPON versatile weapon on its Navy has successfully test frontline surface combat fired its advanced anti-ship ships from 2005 onwards. version during various naval Today, number of leading exercises validating its maritime surface warfare mettle under different platforms of India are modes. The GoI in Aug 19 armed with the powerful cleared a proposal for the missile. Both the anti-ship procurement of Next Gen and land-attack variants of Maritime Mobile Coastal ndia, by virtue of its ation drive and acquiring a Brahmos have been Batteries for the Navy. Iunique geography having large number of modern developed, giving the Navy The NGMMCB, armed vast coastlines, innumer- state-of-the-art naval an unparalleled outreach with Brahmos surface-to- able islands and the Indian platforms, weapons and and flexibility to undertake surface cruise missiles, Ocean forming its 'strategic systems. One among them is both littoral and high sea would be deployed along backyard', is steadily the Brahmos supersonic missions with agility and India's strategically emerging a major maritime cruise missile. ease. It is deployed on important coastal regions to power of 21st century. To Jointly developed by India's large guided missile effectively neutralise any fortify the country's India and Russia, it is the destroyers have ensured kind of attacks. The mobile maritime front and secure world's only supersonic their invincibility in the land-attack Brahmos has its strategic waterways, the cruise missile in operational open seas while reinforcing emerged as a potential Indian Navy has embarked service. Indian Navy started the Navy's reliability on the choice to safeguard India's on an ambitious modernis- deploying the highly unbeatable weapon. Indian vast coastlines.
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NAVAL POWER
The naval air arm has a significant role in Indian Navy's Maritime Doctrine. However, about half of the inventory of the Indian Navy's aviation arm, as of now, consists of ageing and obsolete aero platform fleet which needs to be replaced to keep the operational efficiency of the Navy at a desirable level INDIAN NAVAL AERO PLATFORMS
r Maj Gen Dr Bhupinder rescue (SAR) etc. With its present fleet Yadav strength over 300 platforms, it is rightly said that the Navy has a mini air force of ndia has a large its own. Recognizing the imperatives of a coastline exceeding well balanced and credible Naval Air I7,500 km and several Arm's significant role in building a true island territories and economic interests blue-water capability, comprehensive in both its east and west. The Naval modernisation plan for its Air Arm Aviation Wing undertake tasks such as through a two-pronged approach, viz. maritime reconnaissance, fleet air new induction and midlife upgrades of defence, carrier borne strikes against existing platforms. Over the next 10 years, maritime targets, ships and shore borne the Indian Navy will be doubling its air anti-submarine warfare, search and aviation fleet.
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CURRENT INVENTORY The Indian Navy maintains a large inventory of aerospace platforms which are being operated for attack, search, rescue and relief operations over the years. As of now, around half of the inventory consists of ageing and obsolete aero platform fleet which needs to be replaced. As per CAG report, the naval aviation wing is facing severe aging and the availability of aircraft is a mere 26 percent of asset strength on account of the high number of aircraft undergoing repair/overhaul and slow paced progress in procurement programme. Refer Figure.
IRCRAFTS Presently, Indian Navy has over 100 aircrafts in its inventory. Apart from few newly inducted Mig-29K fighter aircraft and P-8I reconnaissance aircrafts, most of the inventory comprises of 1980s vintage aircrafts lyushin Il-38 and Tupolev which having gone upgradation and now need replacement. As for littoral surveillance and reconnaissance operations are concerned, it is being carried out by Tupolev 142 M, Ilyushin 38 SD and locally-assembled Dornier 228 aircraft.
HELICOPTERS The Navy has about 150 helicopters both operating from shore bases and on-
The present holding is of 12 Israeli Searcher Mark II and Heron UAVs procured from Israel and 13 modified indigenous Lakshya low target (MLLT) UAV for naval surveillance and defence
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board warships comprising of Kamovs, programmes are detailed below:- "search and rescue missions, inter- Sea Kings, indigenous HAL Dhruvs & island communication, rapid response Chetaks. According to a report the AIRCRAFTS duties and reconnaissance of islands" combined requirement of Navy and the Carrier-Based Multirole Fighters and which can take-off from and land Coast Guard for aviation assets would India's sole current carrier, the on water.The aircrafts would be be 200 helicopters over the next Vikramaditya ex-Soviet Admiral deployed in Andaman and Nicobar and decade. Gorshkov, 24 MiG-29Ks and the Lakshadweep. domestically-built Vikrant around 30 In Feb 2016, it was reported that UAVS MiG-29Ks, which is expected to enter India plans to procure 9 US -2 aircrafts The Indian Navy is using Israeli service. The indigenous aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy between 2017 and Searcher medium endurance (20 hrs.) (IAC) Vikrant-class aircraft carrier - 2022 from Japan-based ShinMaywa and Heron long endurance (50 hrs.) the 65,000-ton INS Vishal by the Industries. Six aircrafts are proposed to drones for maritime surveillance since Cochin Shipyard, is scheduled for be bought in the next phase. The 2003. At present it has three delivery in 2023. The RFI issued in procurement is likely to be through squadrons with each squadron is 2017 for procurement of 57 Carrier- government to government route with established for eight Searcher II and Based Multirole Fighters for new IAC the initial purchase being off the shelf. six Heron UAVs each. was responded by Lockheed Martin, ShinMaywa recently made an offer to Boeing, SAAB, Dassault Aviation and the Indian Government to set up a MARKET OPPORTUNITY Russia's MIG, mostly 4 Gen aircraft. manufacturing plant in India to cater Considering, the above procurements The Indian Navy could be eyeing the to the international market.Further, in pipeline, it is projected that Indian fifth generation aircraft for it. there is also a requirement for five such Navy is likely to spend around $17-18 planes by the Indian Coast Guard. Billion on acquisition of aerospace Amphibious Aircrafts platforms till 2027. Some of the major The IN wants amphibious aircrafts for Carrier Based Airborne Early Warning
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and Control (AEW and C) Aircraft strikes. It should be capable of collision avoidance system) and Looking to strengthen its surveillance providing an integrated air and EGPWS (enhanced ground proximity capabilities and control over the surface picture of the area under warning system), among others. maritime zone, Indian Navy is surveillance in adverse weather planning to procure four aircraft conditions and in dense electronic P-8I Long-Range Maritime Patrol carrier-based Airborne Early Warning environment. Finally, it should be India had signed an over USD 1billion and Control (AEW&C) planes. The RFI capable of being used as a command deal with US defence and aerospace for this 'Buy' order worth over $1 and control platform. Secondary major Boeing for procuring four Billion was issued in mid 2010 for an requirements include being able to additional Poseidon-8I. The contract initial order of 4 aircrafts with a undertake maritime patrol and is a follow-on order to eight P-81 possible option of more. limited search and rescue missions. planes already bought by India in a As of now United State's Northrop The aircraft must be capable of direct deal worth USD 2.1 billion with Grumman has responded by proposing operating in the tropical conditions the firm. its E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, which prevailing in the Indian Ocean Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Navy was cleared for export by the United region. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) States government. The company has project for the India Navy has got the already given the presentation to DO-228 Aircraft much required boost with the Indian Navy. The RFP timeline of this The maritime surveillance and patrol government recently asking the order is uncertain. variants of the Do-228 is equipped with Aeronautical Development Agency The RFI specified that the aircraft surveillance radar, FLIR (forward (ADA) to build three more must be able to carry out airborne looking infrared), ESM (electronic prototypes. Further, the Navy has surveillance, detect and track both support measures), satellite sent a Request for Proposal (RFP) to airborne and surface contacts, communications, data links, speech Hindustan Aeronautics Limited control air interceptions and air secrecy equipment, TCAS (traffic (HAL) for producing eight Limited
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deal around $ 2 bn through the Foreign Military sale (FMS) from Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky MH-60Rs `Romeos' fitted with sensors with 30 % offsets is in process.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVS) The UAVs have been extremely effective in conducting short range surveillance.The Indian Navy operates at least two squadrons of Heron and Searcher Mk-II UAVs, based in Kochi and Porbandar. The present holding is of 12 Israeli Searcher Mark II and Heron UAVs procured from Israel and 13 modified indigenous Lakshya low target (MLLT) UAV for naval surveillance. The UAV force level is planned to be augmented by two additional long-range Herons which are currently under procurement at a cost of $ 120 million (Rs 386 crore). The Indian Navy's request for the Sea Guardian Unmanned Aerial Systems deal of $ 2 bn has already been agreed by US.
Shipborne UAV In March 2015, the Indian Navy issued a RFI for procurement of 50 naval shipborne unmanned aerial system (NSUAS) for intelligence, surveillance and Series Production (LSP) aircraft. reconnaissance missions as part of its Currently, IAF variant of LCA Tejas is effort to boost maritime security. The navy heading towards the Final Operational wants these drones to be capable of flying Clearance (FOC) and induction into either pre-programmed or operator- service. initiated missions guided by the Global Positioning System and its onboard flight FUTURE WISE: Helicopters control system. Acquisitions and Indian Navy operates about 150 market opportunity Helicopters and needs to augment and Rotary UAV strengthen its aging air fleet. Following US Company Boeing, Lockheed Martin The IN wants amphibious procurements are in the pipe line:- and India's Defence Research and aircrafts for "search and Development Organisation (DRDO) are in rescue missions, inter-island Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) and the talks to team up for developing an communication, rapid Naval Multi-Role Helicopters (NMRH) indigenous rotary engine-powered UAV response duties and Global RFI for Naval Utility Helicopters (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). Rotary UAV is reconnaissance of islands" a programme of the Indian Navy in which and which can take-off from (NUH) and Naval Multi-Role Helicopters (NMRH) has been issued on 23 August HAL, ADE and the Indian Navy with and land on water. The certification from the Centre for Military aircrafts would be deployed 2017. Responses have been received from Lockheed Martin, Bell Helicopter, Airbus Airworthiness and Certification in Andaman and Nicobar (CEMILAC), have come together on one and Lakshadweep Helicopters and Russian Helicopters amongst other. The requirement is for platform to design and develop it. Looking to strengthen its surveillance capabilities and approximately 234 naval choppers (Naval Utility helicopters and Naval Multi Role Rustom-2 UCAV Programme control over the maritime In Jan 2015, the Indian government zone, Indian Navy is planning Helicopters) worth around $ 10 billion. Both procurements will be pursued under invited the private defence companies to to procure four aircraft participate in the development of India's carrier-based Airborne Early the Strategic Partnership (SP) model. first indigenous unmanned combat aerial Warning and Control Recently again a Expression of Interest (AEW&C) planes which are (EOI) has been asked from OEM 111 Naval vehicle (UCAV). The DRDO will fund 80 expected to bring about a Utility Helicopters (NUH) for which EoI is percent of the development and prototype revolution in the defence to be issued shortly are required to submit cost for the Rustom-2 UCAV, with the sector in India the RFI response of NUH. remaining 20 percent paid by private Indian defence companies. Multi-Role Helicopters (MRH) The acquisition of 24 anti-submarine and ICG Aircrafts/Helicopters anti-ship multi-role helicopters (MRH) The Coast Guard at present is having a
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fleet of 45 aircrafts which includes 24 accumulated strengths of various public Dornier planes, 17 Chetak helicopters and sector entities engaged in India's military 4 Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters. The aerospace programmes are insufficient for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) undertaking a the challenges ahead. Moreover, Indian massive ramping up of its assets 74 design and development institutions have aircrafts in next few years. It is hoping to inherent limitations in their ability to induct, several multi-mission maritime productionise high technology equipment. patrol aircraft like the Dornier and twin- Public sector outputs require to be engine helicopters. Keeping this in view, a supplemented by new private sector ( both case for procurement of 6 multi mission domestic and foreign) participation maritime aircraft and 14 shores based involving joint ventures and co-production helicopters for surveillance and to ensure higher levels of technology reconnaissance has been initiated by Coast transfer and substantially improve the Guard in the near future. The Coast Guard level and cost of after-sales support. is also planning to issue a fresh tender Aerospace platform manufacturing worth $200 Million (Rs 1100 crores) for 16 requires huge investments from building Ship Borne Light Helicopters this year. up of the infrastructure to manufacturing, The DAC, accorded approval for the assembling, testing, training and mid-life upgrade of 17 Dornier aircraft of simulation facilities.The foreign OEMs are the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at an looking for other partners in the local approximate cost of Rs 950 cores to be aerospace industrybut are hesitating to carried out by Hindustan Aeronautics take step due to policy constraints and Limited (HAL). other issues. As setting up such venture HALhad bought a production license for involves huge cost, any business house manufacturing these aircraft in India in would undertake the Risk Assessment. 1983. While 245 aircraft were built in Hence, the Government should take Germany, 125 were produced in Kanpur. necessary steps to provide adequate Till 2017, 63 aircraft were there in service. support ecosystem and assurance.
Indian Aerospace Industry —The author is MD at a research company With the accelerating pace of technological assisting aerospace and innovation and development, the defence market
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TECHNOLOGY AND R&D
OFF TO THE NEW FRONTIERS Carbon composites are making headway into marine vessels, following a developmental pattern similar to that seen in the automotive market
r Ankur Gupta marine vessels, following a developmental pattern similar to n the marine that seen in the automotive sector, market. Future warships may Iapplication of exhibit reduced underwater Carbon Fiber signatures as propellers being Reinforced Polymer based developed in the UK are moving materials has mostly been visible into production. QinetiQ's in the high performance sports prototype is one of the world's and luxury-recreation industry. largest composite marine Just over 1 per cent of global propeller with a 2.9-m/9.5-ft CFRP usage is dedicated to the diameter. The blades are solid marine sector. The usage of CFRP laminates with centermost plies in Naval applications in that of carbon fiber. A tough aspect is a relatively new polyurethane coating further phenomenon but is fast catching isolates the carbon fiber. The up. CFRP development and and composite blades are expected to its wide usage has been primarily reduce propeller corrosion and driven by the aerospace industry. last the full 25-year life Aerospace designers and expectancy of the ship. In that manufacturers saw the weight time, a nickel-aluminum-bronze savings that could be made blade would be replaced several compared with traditional times. The use of the lighter materials like steel, composite material meant that aluminum and the blades could be thicker titanium. without significantly adding Carbon weight to the propeller. Thicker composites blades offer the potential for are making improved cavitation performance, headway into thus reducing vibration and
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incorporating the CFRP superstructure. This vessel, apart from being the first naval vessel to be commissioned by Defence Minister was also far more nimble as it was a 100-tonne lighter as compared to its peers. The INS Kiltan would not only be lighter but also have better corrosion With indigenous carbon resistance to the exposed superstructure, fiber being developed improved sea-keeping ability by increasing by NAL-CSIR and other metacentric height (a measure of the DECODING CFRP: large Indian business initial static stability of a floating body) conglomerates, the and finally, reduced radar signature that Some steps in the dependence on imports boosts stealth capabilities. The increase in right direction cost owing to the application of CFRP is for this futuristic CFRP usage is dedicated to material should greatly more than compensated by the above attributes. Such large CFRP parts can now the marine sector. The usage be reduced of CFRP in Naval be manufactured in India. CFRP is now applications in that aspect is increasingly being used for patrol vessels a relatively new underwater signatures. being supplied to the coast guard and the phenomenon but is fast The Indian Navy has also started paramilitary forces. With indigenous catching up. CFRP incorporating CFRP in its new buildings. carbon fiber being developed by NAL- development and and its In early 2010, RFP's were released in CSIR and other large Indian business wide usage has been favour of Kockums (Sweden), Intermarine conglomerates, the dependence on primarily driven by the (Italy) and Kangnam Corporation (South imports for this futuristic material should aerospace industry Korea) for building the superstructure of greatly be reduced. This will drive down Carbon composites are the 2500 tonne P-28 ASW Corvettes. The prices and promote its application at an making headway into last two units, out of a total of four would even wider scale. marine vessels, following a incorporate these CFRP superstructures. developmental pattern In late 2017, then Defence Minister -The author is Head- Strategic similar to that seen in the commissioned the INS Kiltan, the third Business Development, automotive market. Future vessel in the P28 series and the first one Defence and Aerospace warships may exhibit reduced underwater signatures as propellers being developed in the UK are moving into production. QinetiQ's prototype is one of the largest composite marine propeller
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SAFE WATERS
MARITIME SECURITY OF INDIA: THE NEED OF THE HOUR Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is increasingly becoming strategically important and it is necessary for the IN to develop capabilities to dominate IOR
r Maj Gen AK Chaturvedi ensured a naval blockade of the then East Pakistan, which also contributed to a quicker ecember 04, 1971! In a surrender of the Pakistan Forces. Since those daring operation days, technology has progressed substantially DIndian Navy (IN) to ensure better and faster response to attacked Pakistan's Naval HQ emerging threats; Geopolitical situation has at Karachi. Pak Navy got caught napping and undergone transformation which calls for IN Task Force destroyed five ships including a review of time tested strategies to tackle new destroyer, a mine sweeper and an ammunition and emerging threats to national security and ship besides destroying their fuel dump. This need for international cooperation to safe daring, though a highly innovative raid, almost guard national interests. Economic dimension crippled the Pakistan Navy and contributed of the resources that are offered by the Indian substantially to the final outcome of the 1971 Ocean, particularly in our Exclusive Economic War. The IN celebrates this day as the Navy Zone, have opened new vistas for exploitation Day. During 1971 operations the IN also by India and need to create a robust
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Indian Ocean. and gun running (26/11 brought a Indian Ocean is equally important to paradigm shift in the thought process of China, Japan, Korea and other littoral national security planners when it was countries for the transit of their energy realised that terrorism can easily sneak resources from Middle East and also thorough porous Maritime borders. In their trade. That makes Shipping Lines fact one would recall that the weapons of Communications passing through and explosives for 1993 Mumbai blast Indian Ocean quite busy. It needs to be were also smuggled through the sea noted that 60 percent of the oil to China routes). Piracy; in and around the Horn and 50 percent to Japan passes through of Africa, poaching of fishery resources Strait of Malacca. Even India imports 70 particularly in Eastern part of the percent of its oil from Middle east. The Indian Ocean and Drug trafficking is richness of resources and its strategic quite rampant in the Indian Ocean and its littoral states. Another area of concern for India is the safety and security of a large Indian Diaspora (by an estimate it is believed to be to the tune of 3.5 million) which is located in the Gulf Region. IOR is also quite vulnerable to natural WHAT’S NEEDED: and manmade disasters due to two of Views that must be the major geological faults located in the incorporated region and other types of manmade disasters. In fact 70 percent of the Enhance capacity and world's natural disasters, resulting from mechanism to check their poaching by capability for joint earth quakes, tsunamis, cyclones and others and finally a need for creating a operations with the Indian floods. It also needs to be noted that a better research infrastructure with a Army and the Indian Air large number of littoral states are view to prepare the nation for future Force. More number of Joint unstable, underdeveloped and prone to challenges in the maritime domain. commands should be terrorism. Thus there is a requirement planned on the lines of for shaping the maritime security Andaman & Nicobar INDIAN OCEAN REGION (IOR) environment. Command and Strategic The area of IOR is 73,440,000 square force Command kilometre, washing the shores of three INDIA'S MARITIME DOMAIN continents, comprising 30 littoral states Continue enhancing capacity India has a coast line of 7500 kilometres and about 1284 islands. It is the most to ensure interoperability and peninsula portion of it juts out populous region of the world and also with the other friendly almost 1000 km in the Indian Ocean. 11 nations and the international has 75 percent of the oil reserves, states and union territories in India are cooperation in all its natural gas and mineral wealth. Almost dimensions. Indian Navy maritime states. India's Southern most 120 thousand ships pass through Indian needs to make up for point is Indira Point in Great Nicobar Ocean. These consist of; almost half of quantity by having better Island (GNI). The Aceh province of the container shipment; two third of the quality platforms and related Indonesia is just 150 KM from Indira oil shipment and one third of the systems to ensure better Point. Six Degree Channel separates the world's bulk cargo traffic. There are defence capabilities and two. In North, Landfall Island in choke points in IOR starting from West; surveillance Andaman Group of Islands is just 40 KM Suez canal, Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb; from Coco Islands in Myanmar where Strait of Hormuz; Mozambique Chinese are believed to be having their Channel; Strait of Malacca, Strait of base with an air strip. In West Sunda and finally Strait of Lombok. Lakshadweep is located Off Kerala Coast. Although it comprises of only 36 CHOKE POINTS IN IOR location makes extra regional powers small islands (surface area is just 32 Of these Strait of Hormuz and Strait of interested in keeping the Indian Ocean Square KM) but it adds 400 thousand Malacca are strategically most in their respective spheres of influence. Square KM of EEZ to India's EEZ. important ones. From Strait of Hormuz Due to presence of big power rivalry Overall India's EEZ measures to the around 17 million barrels of oil passes along with weak and unstable littoral tune of 2.2- 2.8 million Square KM. 90 every day and from Strait of Malacca states, almost 50 percent of conflicts in percent of India's trade by volume is 15.2 million barrel passes through per the world are located in the IOR and that through maritime routes. To handle that day. There are a number of geological calls for safety and security of the traffic India has 12 major ports and 200 non faults in the Indian Ocean which often in the Shipping Lanes passing through it. major ports. In Sagar Mala Project six cause seismic activities, resulting into It is also a fact that the Indian Ocean, new mega ports have been planned. It is wide spread devastation in the Indian particularly the Western portion of it, is expected that by 2025 cargo traffic at Ocean and the littoral states of the quite prone to international terrorism Indian ports will be approximately 2500
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million tons per annum (MMTPA), terrorism and therefore there is a need whereas the current capacity of Indian to ensure a credible coastal security ports is only 1500 MMTPA. Dramatic framework in conjunction with the growth of Indian economy post 1991 Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the reforms has integrated it with global marine police. economy leading to a spurt in foreign As on 31 Dec 2014, India had a fleet direct investment in India and by India IOR is increasingly strength of about 1204 merchant ships in economic destinations abroad; becoming strategically with gross tonnage of 10.31 Million particularly in IOR. Almost 80 percent of important and it’s Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT). Of the crude oil requirement and 27,570 necessary for the IN to these 358 ships and 9.09 million GRT million cubic metre of gas are imported develop capabilities to were deployed for overseas trade and by India from sea routes. 11 percent of dominate IOR, with a 846 ships with 1.22 million GRT for the the crude oil and 80 percent of the gas coastal trade. In last four years these view to reassure and for the domestic usage is from the Off figures have gone up manifold. This calls extend help to littoral Shore resources located in the Indian for a massive security arrangements EEZ. An important aspect of the growth nations against odds against international terrorism, piracy in the maritime trade is that the and smuggling. India for the purpose industrial growth in coastal areas has to the economic development are ; has launched an initiative in 2015; also been substantial. Indian EEZ is presence of; nodule based minerals and SAGAR; which stands for Security and highly rich in fishery resources. From energy resources in terms of thermal Growth of All in the Region. Keeping in time immemorial fishing had been a conversion (Ocean Thermal Energy view the number of states and agencies major vocation of many of the coastal Conversion), petroleum, off shore wind involved in peacetime maritime communities. There are in fact 3800 energy, tidal energy conversion and gas operations there is definite need to plan fishing villages and about 1900 Fish hydrates. Richness of resources makes for a National Maritime Agency with a Landing centres. However the fishing Indian EEZ highly vulnerable to view to have integrated response to industry needs to be modernized. poaching. In recent times India is infrastructure buildup, warning system Besides a very major source of revenue acquiring plenty of overseas properties for disasters, operations and future these communities are also a good for petroleum through ONGC Videsh development. Maritime Domain source of information about suspicious Limited (OVL). These assets and the Awareness (MDA) for gathering of activities in the coastal areas. Other transportation of crude oil and Liquefied intelligence, conduct of surveillance and important elements which contribute natural Gas (LNG) from source to reconnaissance in all dimensions and destination will need protection at capacity to analyse the available inputs the sources and during the transit. needs to be further improved. This Piracy and Gun running, in the area of aspect is equally valid for operational interest and against Indian Shipping, environment to get a comprehensive pose a challenge which needs to be picture of the evolving operational addressed. Post 26/11, India has started scenario with a view to respond to battle becoming increasingly prone to situations in real time. international CHINESE INTEREST IN INDIA OCEAN Expeditions of Admiral Zheng He in 15th Century probably make a beginning of the manifestation of the Chinese ambitions in the Indian Ocean. In his 6th Voyage in 1421 AD he went as far as; countries of East Africa and Arabian peninsula. In recent times the Chinese economy is highly reliant on trade routes that pass through the Indian Ocean, which serves as a vital
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pathway, particularly for her energy supply. maritime zones including coastline, islands, This makes passage through Bab-el-Mandeb, internal waters, territorial waters, Strait of Hormuz, passage through Ten contiguous zones, EEZ and the continental Degree channel & Six Degree Channel and shelf. finally Strait of Malacca highly critical. The IOR, the Arabian Sea, the Persian China has already acquired a base at Gulf, the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea, Djibouti, has permanent deployment for the Gulf of Oman, the Gulf of Aden and the GOING FORWARD: Anti Piracy operations in Gulf of Aden, has Red Sea. Towards a better stakes in Gwadar & is developing Jiwani in The choke points leading/from and across future Pakistan as part of Belt and Road Initiative the Indian Ocean including Six degree (BRI), has presence; in Bagamayo in Channel, Eight/ Nine Degree Channel, Strait Modernisation of the IN and Tanzania and at Marao Atoll in Maldives, has of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, Strait of the ICG through got the port of Hambantota in Sri Lanka on Malacca and Singapore Strait, Straits of indigenisation should be 99 years lease, has repair facilities at Sunda and Lombok, Ten Degree Channel, planned in a longer term but Chittagong in Bangladesh, presence at Sitwe Mozambique Channel, cape of Good Hope during interim period there and Coco Islands in Myanmar and by an and their littoral regions. is a need to go for unconfirmed report at Mukalla in Yemen. Secondary Interests necessary acquisitions to remain effective. Military South China Sea & the East China Sea, Development of; JIwani, located 70 KM Industrial complex should West of Gwadar port and Kyaukpyu port in Western Pacific Ocean and the littoral region grow to meet the equipment Rakhine province of Myanmar with a view to of all three seas. requirements of the connect Yunnan province in China with Southern IOR, including Antarctica, West Maritime forces Indian Ocean; are part of BRI. The PLA Navy Coast of Africa and their littoral region. Enhance Search and Rescue is becoming increasingly ambitious. Their Other areas of national interests based on (SAR), maritime Submarines are regularly visiting Indian considerations of Indian Diaspora, overseas reconnaissance and Ocean. At Hainan in South China Sea an investments and political relations. surveillance capability. underground Nuclear submarine facility at Therefore scope of the tasking of the Enhance MDA mechanism Yulin Naval Base has also come up. IN remains as follows:- with a view to ensure Protect India's sovereignty and dissemination in real time- INTERESTS OF OTHER EXTRA territorial integrity against any kind recent launch of GSAT-7 is a REGIONAL POWERS of threat in the maritime domain. good step in the right US 5th Fleet based in Baharin is also active Ensure safety and security of direction in Indian Ocean. USA also has a base at Indian citizens, shipping in Diego Garsia. USA also has regular territorial waters of India, deployment of task forces for the safe resources available in the passage of oil from Persian Gulf and for EEZ of India and the Country Piracy operations from Gulf of security of those resources Oman to Kenya. Similarly France has bases which are being imported at Djibouti, Reunion and Abu Dhabi. and are vital for the nation; from the INDIAN CAPACITY AND RESPONSE origin to the IN is the lead service for the defence of the destination. Maritime domain of India. Based on the Keep under Geostrategic Construct and prevailing check those security situation, maritime interests activities articulated by Vice admiral HCS Bisht, within the former Vice Chief of Naval Staff, are as follows:-
Primary Interests India's coastal areas and
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maritime domain of interest; which are plan of Type 75-I needs to be quickly put responsive to the felt needs of the inimical to the national interest. in motion and Scorpene submarines environment with a compressed time Be prepared to extend HADR to need to be completed quickly. Good frame for operationalisation. neighbouring countries when ordered. thing is that in recent time; a number of Coastal Security- Indian Navy has Post 26/11/ 2008 Mumbai attack; IN new acquisitions are being planned; like been designated as the lead agency for has also been given the responsibility to M-60 Anti Submarine helicopter and the three tier coastal security be the lead agency for the coastal more number of stealth frigates. Also arrangements. Indian Coast Guard security in conjunction with the ICG VISHKHAPATNAM class destroyers, currently has 137 vessels and 39 and the Marine Police. 17-A class frigates, ASUW Corvettes & aircrafts. It has been planned to become Challenges and Indian Response- MCN Vessels and new diesel a Force of 190 Vessels and 100 aircraft some of the current challenges which submarines are being planned for Force by 2023. Similarly all sea facing the IN faces presently and how they in States and Union Territories are having conjunction with other organs of the Marine police now and their training government are tackling them are as and equipping is gradually becoming follows:- better. MDA, coordination and lead is Building up of the Inventory of War/ being provided by the IN and, though a support ships, Submarines, Aircrafts, lot is still to be done to improve the Helicopters and Other Related Systems- effectiveness of the mechanism, yet a Statically there is a wide gap between INDIAN NAVY: credible Coastal Security arrangements the holding of platforms between India Some insights into under the leadership of the IN has and China. If the resources of Pakistan this defence wing already been put in place. are added to the Chinese resources, Research and Development- Indian India is woefully short of equipment; Indian Navy has been Navy needs to make up for quantity by especially submarines, anti submarine designated as the lead having better quality platforms and warfare equipment and air craft agency for the three tier related systems. Research and carriers. Although an effort has started coastal security Development in the domain of Artificial in true earnest to make up the arrangements. Indian Coast Intelligence, Under water unmanned deficiency in recent times but aim of Guard currently has 137 vehicles, better surveillance systems, vessels and 39 aircrafts. It having a Navy of 200 ships is still a satellite based system for network has been planned to distant dream. It is not expected to become a Force of 190 centric operations, anti satellite reach before 2027. Against a minimum Vessels and 100 aircraft weapons, directed energy weapons, requirement of three Air Craft Carriers, Force by 2023 precision guided munitions, smart India as on date has only one and second missiles and better system integration is likely to be ready only by 2023. While R&D in the domain of AI, for new platforms will have to be underwater unmanned speeded up. India has made good progress in ship vehicles, better surveillance building (next Air Craft Carrier INS systems, satellite based Naval Infrastructure- This aspect is VIKRANT will be an indigenous ship), system for network centric particularly relevant in case of aircraft indigenization is still further in operations, anti satellite Andaman and Nicobar Command. Good future. LCA TEJAS has still not got the weapons, precision guided infrastructure in terms of air fields, dock Final operational clearance (till Aug munitions, directed energy yards and berthing facilities especially 2018) and Naval version is still further weapons and better system in GNI, Small Andaman and Diglipur in future because only Arrester Hook integration for platforms will need to come up for better response test at moderate Taxi-in speed on a have to be speeded up capability to Chinese incursions in the static platform has been completed Six Degree Channel, Ten Degree recently but lots of technical glitches channel and Andaman Sea. still continue. For the interim India will Naval Bases in Indian Ocean- have to either continue going for MIG- with presence in Djibouti, Gwadar, 29 K or may be some other air craft like Hambantota, Marao, Coco, Sitwe and F/A- 18 E Super Hornet or naval version indigenous production. Although Chittagong, China is making a of Dassault Rafale for future carriers. currently 48 ships and submarines are determined bid to challenge Indian Similar is the story of helicopters for the under construction in various Indian domination in the IOR. India has Air Craft Carriers. INS Shipyards but India would be required responded and has tied up with Oman to VIKRAMADITYA has KAMOV to plan more Shipyards to ginger up the use Duqm port facilities, At Assumption helicopter and same aircrafts and indigenous ship and submarine building Island in Seychelles India is building an helicopters will be there for INS programmes. In this connection India Air strip and a Jetty, and some sort of VIKRANT. More critical deficiency is in will have to go in for more shipyards in facility is also coming up at Agalega Submarines. As against Chine having 13 private sector as existing five shipyards Island of Mauritius. Latest in this series nuclear powered submarines including in public sector are quite stretched. is an arrangement with Indonesia to use four SSBNs and 54 Diesel submarines, Similarly for Air Craft and Helicopter Sabang Port facilities located at the India has one SSN (INS CHAKRA), one construction; private sector in Northern Tip of Sumatra Island. This SSBN (INS ARIHANT) and 14 Diesel collaboration with foreign firms will foot hold will help India to keep a check Submarines. India needs to hasten have to be encouraged to establish joint on traffic through Strait of Malacca. building of ARIHANT class of SSBNs ventures. 'Make in India' programme China has already shown its discomfort and Diesel Submarines. The proposed will have to become more dynamic and for Indian presence at Sabang as they
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feel that it gives India a capability to IOR is increasingly becoming influence passage through Strait of strategically very important and it is Malacca. India also has tied up with necessary for the IN to develop Singapore to use Changi Naval base. capabilities to dominate IOR, with a Under recently signed LEMOA with the view to reassure and extend help to USA, India can make use of facilities at smaller littoral nations against the Diego Garcia and Guam. Similarly with a growing assertiveness of China, extend logistics agreement with France, India There are choke points in HADR during disaster situations, now can use facilities at French bases at IOR starting from West; provide protection against piracy to Reunion Islands near Madagascar and maritime trade and deal firmly with Suez canal; Strait of Bab- Djibouti. India is also building Chabahar gun running and terrorism. IN has el-Mandeb; Strait of port in Iran which will substantially released its Indian Maritime Security counter Chinese presence in Gwadar. Hormuz; Mozambique Strategy -2016, which is an improved Channel; Strait of Military Diplomacy- version of Indian Maritime strategy of India is part of a Quadrilateral Security Malacca, Strait of Sunda 2009. Some of the important Dialogue (QUAD) comprising of USA, and finally Strait of recommended actions for future are as Japan, Australia and India. India in Lombok follows:- conjunction with Japan is developing Modernisation of the IN and the ICG Trincomalee seaport. India is also providing support to develop Dawei Seaport along the Thai- Myanmar Border. The 'Indian Ocean Naval Symposium' (IONS) is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region by providing an open and inclusive forum for discussion of regionally relevant maritime issues. In the process, it endeavours to generate a flow of information between naval professionals that would lead to common understanding and possibly Cooperative solutions on the way ahead. India holds every alternate year Exercise MILAN for the littoral countries at Port Blair with a view improve coordinated response to non- traditional threats and HADR. To counter Chinese BRI Initiative, With USA, it is Malabar series. through indigenization should be India along with Japan and USA is With UK, it is Konkan series. planned in a longer term but during developing Asian African Growth With France, it is Varuna series. interim period there is a need to go for Corridor (AAGC) with an objective to With Singapore, it is SIMBEX. necessary acquisitions to remain create a free and open Indo pacific With Australia, it is Aus INDEX. effective. Military Industrial complex Region via ancient Silk Route. In addition India does Corporate should grow to meet the equipment Important links which are being Patrolling with Thailand and Indonesia. requirements of the Maritime forces. planned are as follows:- Enhance Search and Rescue (SAR), Jamnagar- Djibouti in Gulf of Aden. CONCLUSION maritime reconnaissance and Madurai to Mombasa and Zanzibar. History clearly brings out that all great surveillance capability. Kolkata with Sitwe. power, world over, had great navies. Enhance MDA mechanism with a India needs to further foster Even Indians had a great maritime view to ensure dissemination in real cooperation under the aegis of Bay of tradition. However during medieval time- recent launch of GSAT-7 is a good Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral period India became inward looking step in right direction. Technological and Economic and land centric and that gave an Enhance capacity and capability for Cooperation (BIMSTEC). opportunity to external forces to come joint operations with the Indian Army Interoperability with Other Navies- to India from Sea Side. Shivaji revived and the Indian Air Force- more number To enhance the cooperation with the maritime capacity but that also went of Joint commands should be planned foreign friendly powers, India conducts into decline with the demise of Kanho ji on the lines of Andaman & Nicobar a number of bilateral and multi lateral Angre. Post Independence, whenever Command and Strategic force exercises with other regional and extra India used Navy, it did contribute to the Command. regional powers to hedge against success. During Goa Operations Navy Continue enhancing capacity to Chinese efforts to make inroads in the was used effectively similarly during ensure interoperability with the other Indian Ocean. The exercises which 1971 and Kargil Operations also it was friendly nations and the international India regularly does are as follows:- used effectively. cooperation in all its dimensions.
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DEEP MISSION
SECURING MARITIME INTEREST Securing India's maritime interests and harnessing the 'Blue Economy' are the missions that the nation needs to pursue
r Admiral RK Dhowan today we can see glimpses of India's cultural ndia is essentially a heritage in these countries. India's maritime maritime nation with a capabilities also made it an economically Iglorious maritime powerful country. As documented by the heritage, and the Indian historian Angus Madison, India had the seaboard has been the vortex largest GDP in the world till around 1500 AD, of intense maritime activity over centuries. with China being its closest competitor and The Indus valley civilisation which existed in India and China together accounted for more the Western part of the country dates back to than 50% of the world's GDP. 3300BC and even today we have a dry dock at The British period in India was also a Lothal in Gujarat which dates back to 2200 period of extensive shipbuilding activity. BC. It is from these small ports that ancient Commencing 1753, and over the next seafarers sailed off to distant lands in hundred years, Bombay Dockyard built about Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt and East coast 144 merchant ships and 115 war vessels, of Africa. Kautiliya's Arthashastra makes a including 84 gunships for the Royal Navy. The mention of the 'Nav Parishad' during the oldest warship afloat in the world today, HMS Mauryan Empire which is akin to the Trincomalee, which is now berthed in Admiralty Board for monitoring maritime Hartlepool in UK was built in India. The issues. national anthem of United States of America On the East coast of India, we had the was written by Francis Key in Baltimore, on seafaring kingdoms of the Kalingas, Cholas, board the ship HMS Minden which was built Pandyas and the Cheras who sailed off to in the Bombay Docks. The treaty of Nanking distant countries in South East Asia and even ceding Hong Kong to the British was signed
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onboard another famous warship HMS other neighbouring countries. Cornwallis, which was also built in India. India has 12 major ports and 200 Regrettably, when the transition took intermediate and minor ports. The port place from 'sail to steam' and 'wood to handling capacity of these ports which steel', India was left behind as she was currently stands at approximately 1500 not part of the industrial revolution. The million metric tons per annum is likely revival of our maritime capabilities took to increase to 2500 million metric tons Development of place only post-independence in the per annum over the next ten years. The latter part of the 20th century. greenfield Port Government of India has launched the Today, India occupies a dominant Infrastructure could be ambitious Sagarmala project, which is a position in the Indian Ocean, as the an area of maritime port-led development initiative based on country sits astride busy sea lines of cooperation which will pillars of port modernisation, communication, which transit across the also generate connectivity, port-led industrialisation Indian Ocean, over which nearly substantial and coastal community development. 1,20,000 ships transit every year carrying employment in the Sagarmala actually comprises about 150 66 per cent of the world's oil, 50 per cent maritime sector integrated projects with a planned of the world's container traffic and 33 investment of about 60 billion US per cent of the world's cargo traffic. Our blue planet, the Earth has a dominance of the maritime domain with over 70% of the Earth's surface covered by water, nearly 80% of the world population living within 200 nautical miles from the coast and about 90% of the world's trade transiting by sea. Oceans are central to life on earth. They are rich in oil and mineral resources, they are suppliers of oxygen, absorber of carbon-di-oxide, a virtual heat sink, rich in bio-diversity and have emerged as the global economic highways for transit of trade. With depletion of resources on land, humankind has turned towards the seas for resources and there is a misperception that oceans have an unending resource base and are an infinite sink, but nothing could be further away from reality. Over the past few decades, we are witnessing pollution of the seas and contamination of the India has a coastline of 7516 kms and an Dollars. Development of greenfield Port natural marine habitat, resulting in an Exclusive Economic Zone of over 2 Infrastructure could be an area of adverse impact of climate change on the million square kilometers. maritime cooperation which will also oceans. Studies have indicated that Approximately, 95% of India's trade by generate substantial employment in the almost 80% of the pollutants in the seas volume and 72% by value transits by seas maritime sector. emanate from land and if the current and foreign trade accounts for over 30% India currently has over 15,000 kms of rate of pollution continues, in a few of India's GDP. navigable inland waterways and in the decades we will have more plastic in the India has vast maritime interests, first phase, the government is developing oceans than fish. which have a vital relationship with the 4,500 kms as five major national The concept of 'Blue Economy' has nation's economic growth. In recent waterways. Currently, 94 percent of emerged as the new paradigm and years, under the leadership of freight in India moves by road or rail and harnessing the same could be Honourable Prime Minister Shri development of inland waterways will interpreted as economic development of Narendra Modi, there have been series enhance transportation over water, our maritime interests by efficient of much needed initiatives and intense which is cheaper (economical), faster utilisation of marine resources with activity in the maritime domain, coupled and cleaner. The planned development minimum impact on the environment with the transition from 'Look East' to of additional Inland Waterways presents and ensuring sustainable development the 'Act East' policy. These initiatives a huge opportunity for investment and of the oceans. will act as catalysts to strengthen the growth in India. India has a unique maritime growth of India as a credible maritime The mercantile marine and shipping disposition with a natural outflow power. India's vast maritime interests industry is also envisaged to grow in the towards the seas with our island are also enablers of our Blue Economy, near future. India currently has a territories of Andaman and Nicobar and the entire span of maritime sectors merchant ship fleet of approx. 1,174 ships Islands in the Bay of Bengal and are likely to witness significant growth in flying the Indian flag totaling nearly 22 Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea, the coming years, and will also serve as million Gross Registered Tons (GRT). as the virtual extended arms of India. avenues for maritime cooperation with While over 90% of India's trade by
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document in 2015 titled 'Transforming our world', the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development with 15 specific goals and 169 targets. Of these, SDG 14, pertains to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources. Towards this, India has submitted its voluntary national review report to the UN, on the MAKE IN INDIA: implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in July 2017. A clear agenda has Steps in the right been formulated for promoting the 'Blue direction Revolution', while charting the way ahead for preventing pollution, integrated plan for To enable India’s growing fishing, optimal utilisation of resources with foreign trade to be carried minimum impact on the environment and on Indian hulls, the Indian ensuring sustainable development of the Government is providing oceans. incentives for Indian The Indian Ocean has emerged as the in some parts of the Indian Ocean have the registered shipping and has global economic highway, which is rich in oil potential to spill over into the maritime initiated measures to and mineral resources. It is the third largest domain and the situation can best be increase the tonnage of ‘Indian Controlled Shipping’ water body spanning an area of 68.5 million described as 'FRAGILE'. Consequently over sq. Kms and countries on the rim of the 120 warships from about 20 navies are GoI has given a major boost ocean are home to nearly one third of always present in the Indian Ocean to to the shipbuilding industry humanity. safeguard their maritime interests. India has by according it special The seas are no longer a benign medium vast maritime interests and the infrastructure status and and globalisation has led to vulnerability of permitting 100 per cent responsibility for protecting these maritime Foreign Direct Investment in the oceans. The threats and challenges in interests fall squarely on the shoulders of shipbuilding. The warship the maritime domain are as wide and varied men in white uniform as it is the building industry in India is as they come and include, piracy, maritime responsibility of the Navy and the Coast firmly anchored on self- terrorism, arms trafficking, drugs Guard to ensure that our maritime interests reliance and indigenisation smuggling, human trafficking and poaching. which have a vital relationship with the which is a positive trend Another challenge is that the waters of the nation's economic growth are allowed to Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean are develop unhindered at all times. prone to natural disasters and the Navy and In 2008, the Indian Navy launched a the Coast Guard, have to be ready for rapid unique initiative of the Indian Ocean Naval response to provide humanitarian Symposium (IONS) which was a construct assistance and disaster relief. to manage the maritime affairs of the The instabilities and turbulence on land countries of the Indian Ocean Region. Over
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volume transits by sea, the share of for growth. India has approximately 2, development and enhanced employment Indian shipping in India's foreign 50,000 fishing boats, with 4 million opportunities in the fishing sector. external trade has declined from about active fishermen and 14 million people as India has over 1300 Islands and Islets 30% in the 1980s to approximately 70% part of the fishing community. The as part of the Andaman and Nicobar today. To enable India's growing foreign annual marine fish landings in India are Islands and the Lakshadweep group and trade to be carried on Indian hulls, the over 10 million tons which accounts for Islands off the West and East Coast of Indian Government is providing approximately 5.3% of the world's India. The Government has prepared a incentives for Indian registered shipping production. The sector contributes comprehensive plan for the and has initiated measures to increase around 5,511 million USD to India's development of the islands, which takes the tonnage of 'Indian Controlled foreign exchange earnings and has a into account aspects of security, Shipping'. potential to grow much more. economic sustenance, environmental India has a vibrant shipbuilding and However, this is only scratching the preservation, social and cultural warship building industry with 27 surface of the vast potential of the fishing sustenance. This development of the shipyards. Recently, the Government of industry in India which is largely coastal islands will ensure green field India has given a major boost to the in nature, with logistic and maintenance infrastructure projects with minimum shipbuilding industry by according it carbon footprint and opportunities for special infrastructure status and controlled eco-tourism. Opening of the permitting 100 per cent Foreign Direct maritime tourism sector could open up a Investment (FDI) in shipbuilding. Joint host of opportunities in the future, for venture partnerships between shipyards development of marinas and cruise could be avenues for future maritime tourism. cooperation, and enhancing India's EEZ also provides offshore employment opportunities in the India currently has over energy resources and we have oil and gas shipbuilding sector. exploration areas off the West and East 15,000 kms of navigable The warship building industry in India coast of India. India has also been inland waterways, and is firmly anchored on self-reliance and allocated deep sea bed mining areas in indigenization. The Indian Navy set up in the first phase, GoI is the Central Indian Ocean and these its naval design directorate in 1964. India developing 4,500 kms sectors are likely to register significant built its first indigenous naval warship, a as five major national growth in the coming years. patrol vessel INS Ajay in 1961 at Garden waterways which is a Renewable ocean energy is another Reach Shipyard in Kolkata. Over the past step in the right un-harnessed niche sector with 50 years our naval designers have direction immense scope in the future. This designed and our indigenous shipyards includes tidal and wave energy and have built ships for the Indian Navy ocean thermal energy conversion. It can resulting in our transformation from support being provided by local, small- therefore be seen that while there are an buyers Navy to builders Navy. Today it is scale enterprises and fishing boats ocean of opportunities for development a matter of great pride that all 40 ships operating in coastal waters. There exists of maritime interests for economic and submarines under construction are a huge potential for growth in the fishing growth, the challenges lie in ensuring being built in Indian shipyards both sector by undertaking deep sea fishing, that these are greenfield projects, with a public and private. These range from increasing the size and numbers of minimum impact on the environment, aircraft carrier to frigates, destroyers and current fishing fleet and enhancing the to ensure sustainable development. submarines. It is our endeavor to support infrastructure for stowage, Therefore, while India is focused on progressively increase the indigenous processing and transporting the catch. economic development of its maritime content so that future warships and Deep sea fishing is another avenue interests it is also committed to traveling submarines are 100% Made in India. where India could cooperate to harness down the path of sustainable The fishing industry is another sector the Blue Economy. This would also development. The United Nations which provides significant opportunities result in coastal community General Assembly, published a
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the years the IONS has emerged as an the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri BLUE ECONOMY: effective organization with membership of Narendra Modi outlined his vision for the Decoding the 22 navies and four observers. In my view Blue Economy and linked the Blue chakra growth story IONS has the potential to provide an or wheel in our national flag with the effective template to promote cooperation potential of the Blue Economy. India later The concept of ‘Blue in the maritime domain in the IOR. conducted the Maritime Summit at Economy’ has emerged as The Indian Ocean Rim Association Mumbai in April 2016, where the Honorable the new paradigm and (IORA) is another organization which Prime Minister articulated his maritime harnessing the same could provides the avenue for the strengthening vision for the nation. India's recent be interpreted as economic maritime cooperation between countries of initiatives in the maritime domain, development of our the Indian Ocean Region. Incidentally, 20 including the quest for harnessing the Blue maritime interests by members of IORA also have their navies as Economy, are pointers to indicate that India efficient utilisation of marine members of IONS, and recent years have has once again turned towards the seas and resources with minimum witnessed some synergy between IONS and is destined to emerge as a resurgent impact on the environment IORA for promoting maritime cooperation. maritime nation. India has a coastline of In order to further promote cooperation The Indian Ocean has emerged as the 7516 kms and an exclusive along navies of the world, the Indian Navy world's center of gravity in the maritime Economic Zone of over 2 conducted the International Fleet Review at domain. Another unique feature of the million sqkm. 95% of India’s Vishakhapatnam on the East coast of India, Indian Ocean is that 80% of the oil and trade by volume and 72% by in 2016. Fifty navies of the world came trade that emanates in the Indian Ocean is value transits by seas and together, to strengthen bridges of friendship extra regional in nature, this implies that if foreign trade accounts for and we had nearly 100 ships at the review there is any impediment in the free flow of over 30% of India’s GDP anchorage. The underlying theme of the oil or trade it would have a detrimental Review was that we may be separated by impact not just on the economies of the geography but we are certainly united region but global economy as well. Safety, through oceans. security and stability on the waters of the During the International Fleet Review, Indian Ocean is therefore of paramount importance, and it is the collective responsibility of the navies and the coast guards to ensure the security of the global commons. Networking among navies and global maritime partnership are therefore emerging as the new order in the current century. In conclusion, six major aspects require our attention as a nation:- 1 The United Nation's document 'Transforming Our World - Agenda 2030' and the 'Sustainable Development Goal, SDG 14', provides a template for conservation of the oceans, seas and resources. We now need to outline a perspective plan for sustainable development and growth in different avenues of the maritime sector. 1 As a maritime nation, India has a significant potential to harness the Blue
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Economy. We need to chart a national IONS and IORA to enhance maritime level maritime policy to harness the cooperation between countries of the Blue Economy for sustained Indian Ocean Region. development of the oceans. 1 To fully implement the Honourable 1 There is a requirement for an apex Prime Minister's vision of SAGAR, that level organization to coordinate and is, 'Security and Growth for All In the integrate planning process of various Region', we need to draw up a detailed departments and agencies in the India has a significant roadmap for maritime cooperation with maritime domain for economic potential to harness various countries of the region with a development of our maritime interests Blue Economy. We just 'whole of government approach' so as to and implementing Blue Economy need to chart a national shape a positive and favorable maritime initiatives, so as to enable India to environment in the Indian Ocean level maritime policy to emerge as a resurgent maritime nation. Region. harness the Blue 1 The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium 1 The Honourable Prime Minister has (IONS) and the Indian Ocean Rim Economy for sustained launched a dynamic initiative of Swachh Association (IORA) are important development of the Bharat (Clean India). We need to maritime constructs to manage the oceans extend the concept to Swachh Sagar maritime affairs of the IOR. There (Clean Oceans). This could be a people's needs to be greater synergy between movement where we draw up an action plan and motivate every citizen and maritime agencies to contribute towards cleaning our coastal areas, and extend the concept to ensuring clean oceans or 'Swachh Sagar' for our future generations. The seas around us are gaining new found importance as each day goes by, because of their linkages with the Blue Economy and I have no doubt that the current century is the century of the seas. There is no doubt that our future economic well-being rests on our ability to harness the blue economy, enhance the maritime cooperation between the countries in the region and ensure sustainable development of the oceans.
-The author is the Chairman National Maritime Foundation and Former Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy
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MAKE IN INDIA
A SELF- SUFFICIENT
r DM Sudan
aval Aviation with its FUTURE speed, agility and Nlong reach is a force The Naval Air Arm's endeavour is to multiplier in naval achieve self-sufficiency through a focused operations. Operating fighters from the aircraft carrier, indigenisation programme by supporting helicopters from destroyers and frigates, maritime reconnaissance aircraft, the 'Make in India' initiative unmanned aerial vehicles and training aircraft from Naval Air Stations ashore, Naval Aviation brings significant capability to the Indian Navy (IN). Indian Naval Aviation comprising of 220 plus aircraft is a
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mini Air Force, much larger than many and Ground Support Equipment Air Forces of the world. With the including tools and testers of aircraft in enhanced breadth and canvas of the IN's service is undertaken. The other is by area of operations, naval aviation's role procuring in-country manufactured and requirement has increased manifold aircraft (read HAL). Naval Aviation also and it is on the path to transformation, closely associates with the DRDO both in terms of numbers and capability. towards development of critical The number of aircraft in Naval Aviation technology/equipment. is planned to grow to over 400 aircraft by the next decade, in keeping with the INDIGENISATION Maritime Capability Perspective Plan. The Naval Air Arm's endeavour is to The Indian Navy operates over 15 achieve self-sufficiency through a different types of aircraft ranging from focused indigenisation programme by legacy helicopters like Chetaks to supporting the 'Make in India' initiative. modern aircraft such as the P8i Long Aircraft procured from abroad have Range Maritime Reconnaissance and issues of quick repair of components and Mig 29K fighters. There exists in the higher cost of repair. Indigenisation inventory a mix of Russian, Western and addresses both these issues. indigenous aircraft. This brings to the Undertaking indigenisation for naval fore challenges of operating and aviation has several challenges - limited maintaining both legacy fleet along with numbers of a type of aircraft, stringent the modern, as also the challenge of specifications, long-winded procedures operating and sustaining two different for flight trials, certification and so on. streams, the Russian and the Western. Notwithstanding, significant progress In consonance with the Indian Navy's has been made towards indigenisation focus of 'self-reliance through with the assistance of DPSUs and private indigenisation', Naval Aviation is also a industry. firm proponent of the same philosophy The two Naval Aircraft Yards at Kochi in the field of aviation platforms. This is and Goa, along with the Naval Aircraft done through two ways. On the one hand Servicing and Development indigenising aircraft equipment, spares Organisation (NASDO) at Goa,
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spearhead Naval Aviation's example, design, development of a 3- procured from foreign OEMs, is to indigenisation efforts. NAY (Goa) is phase Static Inverter for a Radar and encourage OEMs (Original Equipment responsible for indigenisation of leveraging data analytics of Health and Manufacturers) to set up facilities and Russian origin spares and NAY (Kochi) Usage Monitoring Systems on modern carryout repair up to module level for Western Origin spares, while aircraft (MiG 29K, P8I, AJT Hawk) to through setting up in-country Deep NASDO focuses on common enhance safety and operations. Repair Facilities (DRF). Earlier for the equipment. These organisations are Self-reliance through in-country Sea Harrier fleet an Engine Repair known as the 'In-house Indigenisation repairs is also being pursued Facility was set up at NAY (Kochi) Committees'. The indigenisation which was a boon towards prompt process is governed by the stringent repair and turn-around of its engines procedures for Design Development thereby increasing aircraft reliability and Production of Military Airborne and saving of funds. Even for the ageing Stores (DDPMAS), a CEMILAC Sea King helicopters, a repair/overhaul document. In order to provide facility for its transmission systems, information to the Industries on the was established at HAL. details of IN's indigenisation Naval Aviation intends organisation structure, procedures, to be a catalyst to AIRCRAFT ACQUISITION policies, Quality Assurance leverage the Indian Navy has been positively requirements, etc., a 'Naval engineering capability inclined towards procuring in-country Indigenisation Guide Book - A Primer within the country and manufactured aircraft. This is evident for Industries' was published and move towards self- from the IN inventory of HAL released by the Deputy Chief of Naval reliance in design, manufactured aircrafts, such as Staff at an International Seminar in development and Chetak, Kiran (now phased out), May 18. manufacturing Dornier 228, Advanced Light Naval aviation has also adopted a Helicopter(ALH) and Hawk aircraft. It multi-pronged strategy to enhance is not so well known that the IN was self-reliance for relevant projects relentlessly through the DRDO, DPSUs very keen on development of the ALH through the Make 1 and Make 2 and capable private firms. Another and was the early customer to pay for procedures of the Defence means towards achieving self-reliance its development and production. Procurement Procedure, as also the and development of increased Accordingly, the first two helicopters 'Technology Development Fund' capability within the country, to reduce delivered to the IN were of the Limited scheme of the DRDO. Projects under maintenance and sustenance Series Production variant. The ALH is this methodology could encompass, for overheads associated with aircraft being employed for a variety of
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missions including Advanced Search compared to the IN order. Though the identified. However, as the Strategic and Rescue, Special Heli-Borne IN provided support to HAL in initial Partnership was being finalised the Operations, Armed Patrol, Sniper Ops, development of the ALH, it till date has case was aligned to this model and was VVIP Carriage and Night SAR. An a cumbersome blade-fold system and finally accorded approval in 2018. It order for 16 additional ALH helicopters therefore has not been procured in the will in all likelihood be the first case for has been placed on HAL with delivery required numbers. procurement under the SP model. expected to commence by 2020. Current initiatives of the The Indian Navy is a firm believer in The IN also adopted the LCA(N) Government of India such as 'Make in higher levels of indigenisation and self- aircraft from the initial years and India' and introduction of 'Strategic reliance in the defence sector. The aim is committed personnel and money for the Partnership (SP) Model', by creating to harness the capabilities of both the project. Today the LCA(N) has enabling procedures has catalysed IN's public and the private sector industries, completed extensive tests including ski- efforts towards aircraft acquisition thus increasing the defence industrial jump take-off from the Shore-based through indigenous manufacture. For base in the country. Naval Aviation, in its Test Facility at Goa. The one problem the Naval Utility Helicopter own small way, intends to be a catalyst to that arises with an aircraft developed for programme, as a replacement of the leverage the engineering capability both the Air Force and the Navy is the Chetak helicopter, the IN had within the country and progress towards different roles and systems required for commenced the case as a Buy and self-reliance in design, development and the naval variant due to a different Make (Indian) category under the then manufacture of aircraft and systems. As operational environment. The world DPP 2013. This would have resulted in on the surface fleet side, where the IN over, an aircraft that has been developed a few helicopters being procured in has moved from being a 'Buyers Navy' to as a land version has had numerous flyaway condition and the bulk would a 'Builders Navy', the endeavour for issues on its conversion to a ship based have got manufactured in India. Of Naval Aviation is to follow a similar platform. The reverse however is far importance was the intensive trajectory on the air side. easier. In both the ALH and LCA aircraft discussions on Technology Transfer by the emphasis has been on development the OEM to the Indian partner, as a -The author is a Naval Aviator of the Air Force/Army variant, largely part of the procurement. Key and Faculty at National Defence due to the significantly larger order size, technologies for transfer were College
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NAVAL AVIATION LCA AND THE BLUE WATER AMBITIONS The LCA programme must form the catapult for all future fighter projects for the Indian Navy
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r Dr RK Tyagi and routinely conducts anti-piracy ccording to a dictionary operations and partnership building with definition, blue-water other navies in the region. It also conducts Acapability for any Navy routine two to three month-long refers to an oceangoing fleet deployments in the South and East China able to operate on the high seas as well as the western Mediterranean seas far from its nation's homeports. Some simultaneously. The navy also has a listening Navies like of USA and Russia operate post in Madagascar. throughout the world. India initially outlined The Indian navy operates on single carrier its intentions of developing blue-water task force centered on INS Vikramaditya, capabilities under the 2007 Maritime after INS Viraat was decommissioned in Capabilities Perspective Plan, with the navy's March 2017; however, a new aircraft carrier, priority being the projection of "power in INS Vikrant is currently fitting out and is due India's area of strategic interest" the Indian to commission around the year 2020, Ocean Region. Since 2007 the navy has restoring India's two-carrier capability. increased its presence in the Persian Gulf and Having an aircraft carrier without a the Horn of Africa to the Strait of Malacca, requisite weaponary and perfect fighter
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LCA NAVY: A step in the right direction LCA-Tejas Navy was contemplated as the catalyst for the blue water capability of Indian Navy on board INS Vikramaditya. The LCA Naval programme commenced in the year 2003 and the first flight of the first prototype NP-1 happened in the year 2012, and the maiden flight of the NP-2 was in the year 2015 aircraft is like having planned a lavish after some decision makers had stated that The NP-2, a single-seat wedding without bothering for a bride for the aircraft was not suited for its aircraft fighter, is one of the two the wedding. LCA-Tejas Navy was carriers and that it was looking at technology demonstrators of contemplated as the catalyst for the blue alternatives. However Indian Navy still the LCA Navy programme water capability of Indian Navy on board maintains that it is on board programme and with the other one being the INS Vikramaditya. The LCA Naval fully supports the programme. By the end of NP-1, a two-seat trainer programme commenced in the year 2003 the year 2019, the Indigenous Aircraft aircraft. The two technology and the first flight of the first prototype NP-1 Carrier (IAC) INS Vikrant is expected to demonstrators have been so happened in the year 2012, and the maiden begin sea trials and will be commissioned a far developed and both are flight of the NP-2 was in the year 2015. year thereafter, wherein a carrier borne Mark 1versions. LCA Navy to The NP-2, a single-seat fighter, is one of aircraft is a must and LCA Navy is a natural design and develop a Carrier the two technology demonstrators of the choice. Borne Fighter Aircraft was LCA Navy programme with the other one As such some Naval sources have tacitly sanctioned in the year 2003 being the NP-1, a two-seat trainer aircraft. indicated that the current prototype's engine The two technology demonstrators have is not powerful enough and performance been so far developed and both are Mark 1 such as whether it can take off and land with (MK1) versions. weapons needs further evaluation. With this In the year 2016, questions were raised dilemma in mind, the Indian Navy has about the future of the LCA's naval variant issued request for proposal (RFP) for procuring 57 multi-role combat jets. Globally there are six jets which aspire to meet the Indian Navy's demand -- Rafale, F- 18 Super Hornet, MiG-29 K, F-35 B, F-35 C and Gripen. LCA Navy Programme to design and develop a Carrier Borne Fighter Aircraft was sanctioned in the year 2003 after the successful initial flight testing of LCA (Air Force) variant, Tejas. Two prototypes, a two seat Trainer (NP1) and a single seat Fighter (NP2) with more internal fuel have been developed in Phase-1 of the programme. These two aircraft are being used as Technology Demonstrators to carry out Carrier Suitability Certification and Air Defence Weapon Integration. After initial testing in a typical Air Force 'up & away' flight envelope, Carrier Compatibility Test (CCT) was carried out in
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the Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF) Flight Control system is augmented technical shortcomings and excessive built at the Naval Air Station at Goa, with Leading Edge Vortex Controller weight, which would prevent the replicating an aircraft carrier having (LEVCON) aiding reduction in aircraft from carrying its weapons Restraining gear and Ski-jump for take- approach speed for carrier landing. payload when operating from a flattop. off. The first LCA Navy prototype, NP1 Auto throttle function reduces pilot In fact, the Indian Navy has issued a had its maiden flight on 27, April 2012. load by maintaining constant angle of number of requests for information Since then, it has undergone three blocks attack during the critical phase of a (RFI) to foreign vendors over the past of flight testing, wherein it has flare-less carrier landing. two years as it intends to procure up to successfully completed various Fuel dump system enables safe 57 naval fighter aircraft from a foreign manoeuvers, flown with centreline drop- landing by reducing weight during supplier. France has been trying to tank integrated and has also flown at emergency landing after launch. pitch the naval variant of the Dassault supersonic speed. NP1 aircraft has LCA (Navy) is designed with stronger Rafale, whereas U.S. aircraft maker successfully made its maiden Ski-jump landing gears to absorb forces exerted Boeing has offered its F/A-18E Block III Take-off from the Shore Based Test by the ski jump ramp during take-off, to Super Hornet, a supersonic twin-engine Facility (SBTF) at Goa on December 20, be airborne within 200 m as against carrier-capable multirole fighter jet 2014. The aircraft is currently 1000m required for normal runways. based on the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 undergoing next phase of flight testing. It's special flight control law mode Hornet, among others. The choice of The second prototype and the first Naval allows hands-free take-off relieving the aircraft will be partially influenced by fighter version NP2 has successfully pilot workload, as the aircraft leaps the carrier's aircraft launch system. completed its maiden flight in Feb 2015. WAY FORWARD FOR LCA WHAT NAVY WANTS & Even, developed nations like USA and WHAT NAVY IS GETTING? UK have to face severe problems for Indian Navy wants a LCA that will developing their home grown air force operate from an aircraft carrier with a variant aircraft into its naval version concept of Ski-jump Take off But let alone India, with limited R&D Arrested Recovery (STOBAR). The A great step, LCA Navy budget compared to all of them. requirement of Navy is that the aircraft Programme to design Eurofighter Naval variant always gets airborne over a ski jump in about and develop a Carrier remained a proposal. Its idea was 200 m and lands over 90 m using an Borne Fighter Aircraft dropped in favour of F-35 naval arrester hook engaging an arrester wire was sanctioned in the variant, reason mentioning it will be on the ship. year 2003, after the cheap. F-22 Naval Project was started For getting this capability, the India in the year 1988 under the name: Naval successful initial flight has already spent over Rs 3,600 crore in Advanced Tactical Fighter (NATF). It testing of LCA the development of the naval version of was intended to replace the F-14 LCA Tejas. The LCA's naval variant was (Air Force) variant, Tejas tomcat. This project was cancelled in intended to be ready for carrier trials by the year 1993. 2013 and was slated for deployment on from the ramp and automatically puts Our scientists and engineers along the INS Vikramaditya as well as the the aircraft in an ascending trajectory. with Naval designers are working on to Vikrant class aircraft carrier. It was The maiden successful, picture perfect make the best out of what is available to planned to be equipped for carrier launch of NP1 from ski jump at Shore us. All the expectations from an Indian operation with the capability to carry Based Test Facility at Goa is a testimony LCA are certainly doable with a high out ski-jump take-off and arrested to the tremendous efforts put in by powered engine which is contemplated landing, which also included scientists and engineers to design the in LCA Navy Mk2. We must learn from strengthened airframe and landing gear Naval aircraft, its simulator (that helps the history. Three decades back India and the nose is drooped for better pilots to know well in advance how the lost a brilliant opportunity when it cockpit vision. aircraft will behave on ski jump) and abandoned its first indigenous fighter, So what does Indian Navy get after the flight test team that timed the the HF-24 Marut, prematurely on the years of wait and spending over Rs 3600 whole event to near perfection. assumption that we would never find crs? Though the aircraft looks quite The naval variant of the Tejas LCA the right engine to power it; we till date similar to the regular Air Force trainer flew for the first time with a tail hook suffer in Aviation primarily because of version, it is significantly different on July 23 this year. It is understood HF-24 decision, despite having anatomically. This is because it is that a number of additional tests at developed first supersonic fighter in designed to land on an aircraft carrier higher ground speed will be conducted Asia. This was a blunder we must never with adequate pilot visibility during in the coming months, followed by a repeat. Having come so far down the landing and take-off. The landing gear landing on an actual Indian Navy developmental path, the LCA with its high sink rate of 7.1 m/sec aircraft carrier - the INS Vikramaditya - programme must form the catapult for arising from ship deck requirement had in the year 2019. Notably, the Indian all future fighter projects for the Indian imposed serious challenge to the Navy has at present ruled out the Navy. designers, which has now been operational deployment of the naval successfully circumvented. LCA navy is version of the Tejas LCA - a supersonic, -The author is President, Aeronautical a longitudinally unstable fly-by-wire single-seat, single-engine multirole Society of India and Former Chairman, aircraft, making it an agile war machine. light fighter aircraft- due to a number of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
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AERO POWER MODERNISATION OF ARMY AVIATION Here's a lowdown on growth and challenges of Army Aviation, and a peek into what lies ahead in this sect or
r Ritika Behal Armies. However, in the Indian military milieu, the Indian Army (IA) has few aviation assets in its inventory and that rmy Aviation (AA) is an too only comprising of Rotary Wing Military Aircraft. imperative part of the Despite the fact 33 years have gone by since the formation ALand Forces world over as of Army Aviation Corps (AAC), is still juggling with issues they not provide integral of deficiency in the inventory and low level of reconnaissance, observation and surveillance, serviceability of helicopters which is impacting effective utility, tactical mobility but also combat support operations. Failure in meeting the targets and objectives in the entire gamut of operations to Army. of the acquisition plans and tardiness in procurement Acting as a force multiplier, it works in close action have been the main reasons denying the Army proximity with ground forces and provides field Aviation Corps to acquire suitable replacement for the old commanders with greater capability of and ageing fleet and acquiring new ones. mobilizing critical assets for decisive action during an operation/warfare. Noteworthy, most of the Armies world over have a well equipped and operationally potent air division comprising of not only Rotary Wing Military Aircraft (Helicopters) - utility, transport and attack but also certain Fixed Wing Military Aircraft (combat/non combat) - multi-role, transport, training, reconnaissance and surveillance. In fact both the neighbouring countries of India, namely, China and Pakistan have a effective and sizeable aviation of their
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CURRENT INVENTORY helicopters to the Army; however, as Aircraft Type Estimate OF ARMY AVIATION of 2019 it is holding only 200+ Number The existing fleet of the Army Aviation helicopters i.e. 57 percent of its In Service primarily comprises of the authorization. Below given Table Reconnaissance and Observation depicts the current inventory of HAL Dhruv Utility 145 (R&O) class machines, namely the aviation assets of Indian Army. HAL Chetak Liaison/ 4 Chetak, Cheetah and their variants It is evident from the current & Chetan Utility based on the French Alouette and holding that today the aviation fleet HAL Utility/ 39 Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter of the Army is facing shortage of the Cheetah, helicopter (ALH) since 2001, and its armed desired numbers as compared to the Cheetal & Counter- variant Rudra since 2013.The Chetak authorized number and requires Lancer insurgency and Cheetah helicopters were additional helicopters immediately to originally manufactured by M/s fill the growing gap. Besides, there are HAL Rudra Attack 22 Aerospatial, France and were inducted very few helicopters to carry out a (Mark-III) into services in India in 1969 and 1971 Source: Open Sources respectively. The helicopters were later number of extremely specialized roles indigenously manufactured and in the Tactical Battle Area (TBA), delivered by the Hindustan especially the medium and heavy lift Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under helicopters, which form the core of licensed production since 1977. These the tactical lift capability continues to have become outdated and needs be with the Air Force. Thus, the need immediate replacements. of the hour is having a helicopter fleet consisting of a mix of attack and CHEETAH HELICOPTER armed helicopters, heavy, medium To meet its operational mandate in and light utility helicopters and light terms of its flying activity, the observation helicopters and certain Ministry has authorized 364 fixed wing aircraft too.
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PROCUREMENT PLAN The Army's long-term plans include three helicopter squadrons (armed/attack, reconnaissance and tactical lift) each for all its 14 corps as well as "a flight" of five fix ed- wing aircraft each for its six regional or operational commands. It is to be underlined that each squadron of the Aviation Corps is supposed to have three 'flights' and each 'flight' is supposed to feature five aircraft each. However, in the ARMY AVIATION: current scenario, all squadrons have only been inducted by the Army. Further, in 2017, A crucial aspect of two 'flights' of five aircraft each. HAL bagged another contract worth Rs 6100 To achieve the requisite numbers, the Crores from the Army for 40 Dhruv Rudra defence Army has undertaken a 10 year (armed version of HAL Dhruv) - 22 ALH Mk Army Aviation (AA) is an modernisation plan for its Aviation Corps III and 18 Mk IV Rudra. Of the 22 imperative part of the Land and aims to induct at least 350 helicopters, helicopters, 19 helicopters have already been Forces world over as they including the light observations, utility and produced and will be progressively not provide integral attack helicopters. delivered. reconnaissance, observation and surveillance, utility, RUDRA ALH tactical mobility but also Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) combat support in the entire Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), a 5.5 ton gamut of operations to Army attack helicopter with capability to operate Acting as a force multiplier, at high altitudes, has been indigenously it works in close proximity designed and developed by HAL. The Army with ground forces and is the potential customers and is looking at provides field commanders acquiring a total of 114 helicopters armed with greater capability of with M621 20 mm cannon on Nexter THL- mobilising critical assets for 20 turret and anti tank missiles. The decisive action during an Government has already given the initial operation/warfare. The approval for acquisition of 10 and 5 LCHs existing fleet of the Army Some of the major on-going worth Rs 2911 Crores (around 230 Crores Aviation primarily comprises procurements and under its development per chopper). The LCH has demonstrated of the Reconnaissance and projects of the Indian Army in the above capability to land and take off at High Observation (R&O) class machines, namely the mentioned categories are discussed in the altitude area with considerable load, fuel Chetak, Cheetah and Dhruv below section. and weapons that are beyond any other Advanced Light combat helicopter. As of 17 January 2019, Helicopter (ALH) DHRUV HELICOPTER LCH has completed weapons trials with the Indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter successful firing of Mistral-2 air-to-air (ALH- DHRUV) missile at a flying target. The helicopter As of now, more than 140+ ALH-Dhruv (Mk- will be entering limited production by end I, Mk-II, Mk-III variants) helicopters have of this year.
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The Army's long-term plans include three helicopter squadrons, each for all its 14 corps as well as ‘a flight’ of five fixed-wing aircraft, each for its six regional or operational commands
LIGHT COMBAT HELICOPTER Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopter Program (RSH) The Indian Army and Air Force have had pending requirements for over a decade to acquire 197 Reconnaissance and Surveillance helicopters 133 and 64, respectively, worth Rs 97500 Crores to replace their ageing Cheetah and Chetak light helicopters. After two aborted procurement efforts in the past, a fresh RFI was issued on 31 October 2014 in a 'Buy-and-Make- India' approach with a certain number of helicopters to be supplied by the
selected OEM in flyaway condition, with the remaining numbers to be built at a production facility in India, by an Indian 'Strategic Partner' through licensed transfer of technology. Essentially, this RFI envisaged identification of probable Indian Vendors (private or public), including those who would form Joint Ventures (JVs) and establish production arrangements with an OEM so as to provide the helicopters, followed by licensed production in the country. Indian majors like Tata's, Reliance, Mahindra are in fray, looking at JV's with foreign majors like American - Bell and Sikorsky, Russian - Kamov and European - Airbus Helicopters - some of these companies have already
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manufacturing Ka-226T helicopters is expected to be delivered by 2021. in India at Indo-Russian Helicopters Limited. APACHE HELICOPTER Serviceability Issues INDIGENOUS MULTI ROLE The Army helicopter inventory is also HELICOPTER (IMRH) facing low level of serviceability India plans to design and develop an issues which has further reduced the indigenous medium lift Multi Role effective availability of helicopters for Helicopter (IMRH) worth Rs 10000 operations to approximately 40-45 Crores for its Armed Forces including percent of the authorization. The unit Army. The requirement of the Armed level ready serviceability of the Forces for Multi Role Helicopter helicopters is ensured by the (IMRH) is being pegged at over 550 Maintenance flight/EME, whereas units, with potential exports as well. major repairs and overhaul are the The twin-engine chopper is to have a responsibility of HAL. Army has been dedicated Naval variant as well. The continuously facing technical snag in helicopter is expected to have a range their old helicopters due to poor of 500 km and a capacity of 24 seated serviceability by HAL which is unable troops. HAL has already done to provide the spares and parts such preliminary work on design of the as blades, nuts, bolts, ring and even new 10-12 ton class helicopter which for repairing the main gear box etc. will be based on enlarged Dhruv design. There will certainly be a CONCLUSION AND WHAT NEEDS requirement to collaborate with a TO BE DONE foreign OEM as HAL does not have Indian Army proposes to substantially the requisite know-how and expertise enhance the operational capabilities of is aviation wing by an order of magnitude and in this aspect number formed JV's, Mahindra's with Airbus of procurements/projects, as discussed and Tata's with Bell. At present, the above, have been undertaken. RSH programme continues to be However, most of these are still in covered in uncertainty, with no developmental stage and needs to be clarity from the Government on its fast tracked so that further number of future. Indian Army proposes helicopters in the inventory does not Procurement of 200 Kamov Ka- to substantially get dipped further and the authorized 226T - In Dec 2015 with the enhance the number is achieved soon. One of the Government gave nod to operational capabilities ways this can be done is by following procurement of 200 Kamov Ka-226T of is aviation wing by the Public Private Partnership (PPP) 'Hoodlum' light multirole helicopters model. Additionally, the Government an order of magnitude for an estimated Rs 6500 Crores via a must ensure that to make the Army a and in this aspect government-to-government deal potent force there is a requirement of followed by HAL and Russian number of having fixed-wing aircraft based on the Helicopters agreeing in October 2016, procurements/projects necessary roles they are required to to form a JV with HAL holding 51 per perform apart from the helicopters. cent share, leaving the fate of the 197 in this class of helicopters. Previously, the Army's requirement of RSH programme hanging. 60 Kamov- having small fixed wing Dornier Class 226T helicopters will be supplied to ATTACK HELICOPTERS aircraft, in limited numbers in its India in fly-away condition, while 140 The Army has projected requirements inventory to meet the manifold will be manufactured in India. Russia of 39 attack helicopters for its Strike requirements of utility, command and had agreed to ensure transfer of Corps. These attack choppers in a control and logistics, has not been able technologies to India as part of the combat zone would coordinate to fructify till date. This so, in spite of pact. A JV to manufacture KA-226T between with the ground forces than the fact, that even the Indian Coast helicopters in India was formed in those of the IAF. The Government has Guard and Border Security Force have 2018 called Indo Russian Helicopter given clearance to the procurement of fixed wing aircraft in their inventory. Pvt. Ltd. (IRHL), which will be 6 AH-64E Apache from The Boeing As for the maintenance equipment, located at the HAL's proposed Company based on the tactical and since HAL is the only source of supply helicopter plant in Tumakuru near operational requirements. As of now, of spares for helicopters Bangalore, South India. A production the US Congress has approved for the (Cheetah/Chetak and ALH) and had capacity of 30-40 helicopters per year direct commercial sale of six AH-64E failed to supply owing to overburden is envisaged, with a requirement for Apache Helicopters, including so it is essential to develop alternate indigenous content to amount to 30% support equipment in terms of sources by way of involving the within 3-4 years of work commencing engines, fire control radars, sensor competent private sector which has in India. As of Feb 2019 suites, missiles, rockets, etc for an been showing its mettle in the last Rosoboronexport will soon start estimated cost of Rs 6045 Crores and few years.
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