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CONTENTS

STRONG, STRONGER, 02 STRONGEST is rapidly A TIMES OF PRESENTATION progressing towards self-sufficiency. A report l MANAGING EDITOR VISHESH PRAKASH

l EDITORIAL COORDINATOR POOJA MADHOK

l EDITORIAL TEAM BIJIN JOSE

l CHIEF GRAPHIC EDITOR MUKESH ARORA

l SPECIAL GRAPHIC DESIGNERS DINESH VIST, MAHESH BISHT, AJAY AGGARWAL THE FUTURE OF MARKETING DEFENCE PREPAREDNESS 40 l NATIONAL VERTICAL HEAD SHWETA ARORA [email protected] 06 Fast-changing technology and Future proofing is a l PROJECT COORDINATOR emergence of Artificial crucial task for Indian PRACHI BAJAJ [email protected] Intelligence is going to influence Navy and requires the defence preparedness of understanding of l PRODUCTION COORDINATION MUKESH MALIK India in the future disruptive technologies UTTAM ACHARYA

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DISCLAIMER: Great care has been taken in the compilation and validation of information, and every effort has been made to ensure AERO ENGINE MARKET that all information is up-to-date at the time of going to press. The publishers are 12 not responsible for errors, if any, and their As India is taking steps towards consequences. modernisation of its armed AIR LAUNCHED 2019 Copyright © Bennett, forces, one gap that has been 34 TORPEDOS Coleman & Co. Ltd acting as a major obstacle in Pictures used in the magazine are for The torpedo is at the cusp representational purposes only. growth, is the inability to design of being deployed from and develop indigenous modern an unmanned aerial aircraft engines vehicle

STRATEGIC 23 PARTNERSHIP IN DEFENCE The SP model seeks to energise Indian private sector in defence manufacturing. It is time DEFENCE PRODUCTION now to be well equipped 17 Vibrant defence industry to handle the challenges is a crucial component of that lie ahead effective defence capability, and to achieve national sovereignty and military superiority 2-5_coverstory.qxd 10/1/2019 12:07 PM Page 2

COVER STORY IAF: THE FLIGHT OF VALOUR

r [email protected] The Indian Air THE GENESIS Force is among the IAF came into being on October 8, 1938 he Indian Air Force will be and has been achieving newer milestones most powerful celebrating its 87th Air Force Day since. It has an unparalleled legacy. forces in the world, Ton October 8. Ever since its However, it had a modest beginning with inception, the Indian Air Force has been just six officers, five pilots, an equipment with an unmatched constantly reinventing itself. Be it officer, and 19 air soldiers. From a induction of latest arms, technology or meagre strength, today the IAF stands legacy of might and high-tech operations, the Indian Air tall with over 1.40 lakh personnel. courage. As India Force has been chartering newer The Indian Air Force have braved heights. Owing to its foresight and several threats to national security over celebrates 87th Air constant innovations, today, the Indian the years. Also known as the Bharatiya Force Day on Air Force, has become a force to be Vayu Sena, the IAF is vigilant and reckoned with. actively works for the protection of the October 8, here’s a With enhanced capabilities, IAF is a Indian aerospace. It is listed among the peek into its modern air force that can fight in any most powerful air forces in the world. network-centric operations and its In 1985, the IAF had 42 squadrons (each success stories and strategic reach is expanding with each having 18 aircraft) of fighter jet. passing day. Today, the IAF is deploying However, the number of aircraft began future plans the latest technology and advanced air plummeting after 2001-02 as induction combat weaponry. was not proportionate to the rate at

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experts feel that the private sector Combat Aircraft deal with the French should be incentivised in order to manufacturer Dassault Aviation for 36 assist Defence Public Sector Rafale fighter jets which is touted to Undertakings (DPSU) in equipment be one of the largest defence contracts manufacturing. in history. It is a stellar example of India's foresight with regards to its THE GREAT EVOLUTION enhancement of its Air Force. With time, the Government of India Multiple projects like the Scorpene inducted modern weaponry and (diesel electric attack submarines) aircraft. Sukhoi 30 MKI was inducted have been fast-tracked. In the last few into the Air Force; submarines and years, India has signed defence destroyers in the Indian Navy; cooperation agreements and MoUs and howitzers for the . with over 20 countries, entered the Gradually, India worked towards Missile Technology Control regime, self-reliance by becoming one of the and strengthened bilateral which older aircraft were retiring. few nations to possess and develop relationships with major suppliers. As of 2019, India has 30 squadrons of advanced weaponry such as Inter- The 1980s, saw India renewing its fighter jets. The indigenous Light Continental Ballistic , Aircraft efforts to spur its domestic defence Combat Aircraft (LCA) later Carriers and Nuclear Submarines. industry by investing largely into christened as Tejas was in the offing in The Medium Range Multi-Role DRDO and development of native 1985. Ever since, the government has missile systems such as '', been directing efforts to fulfil the IAF '' and ''; alongside shortages with the introduction of developing its flagship aeronautical Tejas MK 1A, the Tejas MK2, and the project, the Light Combat Aircraft. In Tejas AMCA. 1998, India entered into an agreement These developments are in the view with Russia to jointly develop a of the fact that the MiGs are likely to supersonic system, the retire in next four years. In 1985, the IAF had 42 'BrahMos'. Experts say that the delay is inherent squadrons (each having in the procurement developmental 18 aircraft) of fighter ON THE HOME TURF aircraft. Most defence experts feel jet. As of 2019, India has One of the recent landmark that India should have three lines of 30 squadrons of fighter initiatives, the Defence Procurement production - indigenous line of jets, which is only Procedure 2016 (DPP 2016), was production and for procuring single- expected to increase introduced on March 28, 2016 with engine and twin-engine fighter jets further in the coming substantial amendment to DPP 2013, from abroad. As IAF plans to celebrate to facilitate efficient and expedited decade or so its 87th anniversary, various industry procurement of defence technology

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and equipment, large incentives to the largely dependent on other nations for its private sector - promising lucidity and defence equipment profile has adopted integrity to the process. It aims to propel the Prime Minister's mantra of the 'Make in India' initiative by nurturing harnessing resources in the home land. growth of the domestic defence industry, Several small and medium-sized and introduces the Buy (Indian-IDDM) enterprises (SMEs) have been actively FUTURE BECKONS: and Buy and Make (Indian) categories of working towards manufacturing and Steps in the right procurement. "We need to focus more on supplying auxiliary equipment, mainly direction indigenisation. Make in India has to focus sub-assemblies, components and even on local manufacturing. Indigenisation is providing system integration. IAF recently inducted eight vital as no one understands our defence "Defence sector has grown over the US-made Apache stealth requirements better than ourselves. The years in the country. As of now we are on attach helicopters. This moment we depend on others, we may the right track of progress. Earlier, except comes as a significant have to make compromises owing to the for the cloth used for the uniforms, development at a time when limitations of the manufacturers. We may everything was imported. And from there India is facing complex get tailor-made products, but it will have we have come to a state of about 70 per security challenges. The induction is considered to some limitations. The defence industry of cent self-sufficiency. Most of the defence be a significant step towards the 80s and 90s were different. After is now indigenous. Now, with the private modernisation of the IAF. 2000, they progressed rapidly. If sector joining in the defence production, initiatives like Make in India were the competition and the pace of India recently finalised a introduced then we would have been development of newer technologies is roadmap to spend USD 130 mightier today. Regardless, it's never too speeding up. Make in India, is an excellent billion in the next 5-7 years late and so far we have been moving in the initiative, yet the local industries need to modernise the armed right direction," said Col Mukesh Rao. better infrastructure and also the forces. The priority is to fast Ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi required the facilities," said Lt Col track proposals like procurement of 2,600 launched the Make in India Campaign in Pramod Othayoth. infantry combat vehicles, September 2014, several industries The Make in India initiative has given 1,700 future-ready combat including the defence have come forward these SMEs the momentum to enhance vehicles and facilitating the to embrace it and work towards their efficiency and manufacturing supply of 110 multi-role indigenisation. capabilities. The larger objective of Make fighter aircraft to IAF in India for defence is to make India self- GOING STRONGER BY THE DAY reliant in manufacturing defence India presently has the world's second equipment. "The government should largest military force with over 1.4 million promote the MSMEs as they need active personnel. A nation which has been adequate banking facilities. Along with

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such initiatives, the government should demarcate what can be imported and what should be sourced from local vendors. By reducing the imports, we should work towards the 'Indian vendor only' agenda. Even the vendors who are coming up with export replacement projects should be given consideration and some kind of Research and Development assistance. Just like custom duty on imports has been exempted, Indian vendors too should get such exemption to encourage them. On the global arena, the defence tie-ups in procuring high-value technologies from different nations also act as strategic tool for strengthening our global position," added Lt Col Pramod Othayoth. the leverage to use its relations to get better in terms of sale or use such EVER-GROWING DEFENCE SECTOR opportunities to build closer relations. At present, India has the fifth largest The import of defence equipment is an defence budget in the world with USD indication of trust and long-term 42.7 billion (2019-20). India contributes investment in a relationship. Today, 3.7 per cent to the total global military defence cooperation is an important expenditure. It is the largest armed force component of Indian strategic in the world with strength of about 1.3 partnerships with France, the European million active personnel. The allocated Union, and also the US. It is a pillar NEW HORIZONS: capital expenditure for 2019-20 stands at of India's time-tested relationship with Technology that’s USD 14.56 billion. According to a recent the USSR and now Russia. Even in the report USD 668 million worth exports continent of South America defence ever-evolving were carried out in 2017-18 to 18 major contributes to the strengthening of IAF recently successfully countries. While Indian Army got 55 per relations with countries such as Brazil. flight-tested air-to-air missile cent and Air Force got 23 per cent, Navy The earthquake in and the tsunami off the coast of and DRDO got 15 per cent and 6 per cent in the Indian Ocean, the anti-piracy Odisha. Astra is an respectively and one per cent share to operations off the coast of the Gulf of indigenous Beyond Visual OFB in the defence budget allocation. Aden show a different aspect of our Range missile with a range Talking about where India stands now defence ties and their contribution to of 70 kms. The missile can in the defence sector, "Defence is an foreign relations," said Dr Stuti Banerjee, fly towards its target at a important component of foreign policy. a research fellow with the Indian Council speed of over 5,555 Kms per As the largest arms exporter, India has of World Affairs. hour. It also has a 15-kg high-explosive pre- fragmented warhead BEL recently signed a contract with MoD to deliver its surface-to-air Akash missile systems to seven more squadrons of the IAF at a cost of Rs 5,357 crore The government has finalised a deal for another 36 Rafale jets, to be inked by the year 2020

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MISSION DEFENCE

DEFENCE PREPAREDNESS With evolving new technologies, there will be sea change in the future warfare. Fast-changing technology and emergence of Artificial Intelligence in various sectors, including defence is going to influence the defence preparedness of India in the years to come

r Dr RK Tyagi expressed satisfaction over the low cost satellite launch missions n the eve of preparedness our armed forces to various needs for various Kargil Vijay counter any threat to our borders applications. He also articulated ODiwas, India from any corner. need for technology absorption so Prime Minister A day before that i.e. on 26th July, that our industry could garner appreciated the 2019, the Aeronautical Society of capability of industry 4.0 level and valour of our brave India organized the Bharat Ratna pursue for other disruptive soldiers and paid Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial technologies. rich tribute to the martyrs who Lecture in New Delhi. Chief Guest, Dr G Sathish Reddy, Secretary decimated the enemy and the Dr VK Saraswat, member, Niti Ayog, Defence R&D and chairman DRDO nation emerged victorious in the highlighted the broader concepts while the addressing the gathering, Kargil war which was fought against and issues related to defence spoke of proactive role and the intruding Pakistani army in preparedness. He called for efforts initiatives of DRDO in ensuring 1999. to augment space solar power Defence preparedness. He also gave In a function to celebrate the systems to meet the growing need of a detailed account of successful A- Victory Day, the Prime Minister the country and venture into the SAT (Anti - Satellite) missile test

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Make-II procedures, purchase Need for aggressive technology preference for MSMEs, third party inductions: Our defence forces today inspections, TReDS (Trade Receivables need rapid modernization for being Discounting System) and use of ready for future scenario of warfare Artificial intelligence in defence. where man to man dependence will be Recently, during the budget replaces by high-technology. We need to presentation, government also induct more nuclear power attack announced creation of National submarines, stealth frigates, state of the research Foundation to fund, coordinate art Main Battle Tanks (MBT), and research in holistic manner. Howitzers, Future Infantry Combat The 21st century is a century of ideas, Vehicles (FICV), armed drones, missile knowledge and technology. Everything inceptors and high tech attack that we use today is changing very fast. helicopters as well as fighter aircraft. With evolving new technologies,there Strides into the space: India's moon will be sea change in the future warfare. mission has gained tremendous Fast changing technology and momentum and the launch of emergence of Artificial Intelligence in Chandrayaan-2 on 22nd July, 2019, is a various sectors including defence is testomony of India's space exploration going to influence the defence capability. We need to develop higher preparedness of India in the coming competency in micro satellites, killer months and years. Some such issued satellites and quantum satellites. need to be pondered upon. Militarization of space/space based systems, early warning missile defence conducted on 27th March, 2019 to satellite, space force and space demonstrate India's prowess in space commands are other priorities. Future sector and defence of space assets. wars will be fought with supersonic to In recent years, government has hypersonic pouncing on enemy targets taken many positive initiatives like- at a speed of 5 times the speed of sound formation of Defence Planning or 5 Mach i.e. 1 mile/second. A-SATs committee dealing with National There is a need for (anti-satellites) capabilities has already security strategy, strategic defence technology absorption demonstrated on 27th March 2019 by review and doctrines, defence so that our defence India becoming the 4th country having engagement strategy, manufacturing industry could garner A-SAT capability in the world. Armed and exports and capability development DRONES, will redefine the role of capability of industry plans. Defence production corridors in fighter and attack aircraft and missiles 4.0 level, and pursue for UP and Tamil Nadu are coming up with will be more effectively deployed for an investment potential of over one lakh other disruptive destroying adversary assets and crore rupees. technologies that are strongholds without entering into the Other welcome initiatives are- revised a must now enemy borders.

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Need for adequate budgets: India, in order to handle two front adversaries (who are also armed with nuclear warheads) will need suitable budget allocations. The present allocations of 4.31 lakh crore Rs FUTURE WISE: mostly caters to the need of revenue and Some steps in the pension needs of defence forces, leaving acquisition wing of the Ministry of Defence right direction only about 1.08 lakh crore Rs for capacity and the Department of Defence Production augmentation (CAPEX). Government, need to be merged. The two sometimes In recent years, government though very much committed to high tech work with diverse priorities but have a has taken many positive defence inductions, will not be in a position common objective. Creation of a permanent initiatives like formation of for higher CAPEX allocations keeping in cadre of technocrats in a unified set-up also Defence Planning committee view the overall broader commitments of needs to be considered. dealing with National investments for inclusive growth of India. Defence forces must re-examine their security strategy, strategic We need to create alternative sources of technology needs: It is high time we defence review and doctrines, defence funding. It is high time we consider creation consider an organisation like DARPA engagement strategy, of Defence Finance Corporation (DFC) on (Defence Advanced Research Projects manufacturing and exports the pattern of Indian Railway Finance Agency) of the US where a group of 140 and other capability Corporation (IRFC) who will raise technology specialists/leaders (half of them development plans resources through public bonds and make taken from relevant defence industries) cheaper capital available to Indian Defence work on future technologies and systems. Other welcome initiatives forces and manufacturing hubs on long The American defence industry is involved include revised Make-II term basis. In the meantime government in technology projects from the procedures, purchase preference for MSMEs, third may also gradually hike the present CAPEX inception/conception stage. party inspections, Trade allocation from 0.5% of GDP to atleast 1.75% India was the second-biggest importer of Receivables Discounting in next five years. defence items between 2014 and 2018. This System and use of Artificial The services must look for indigenised is inspite of decades of efforts to make India intelligence in defence. products and make long-term plans for self-reliant in defence sector. In past few Creation of National technology and system induction. Some years, many headways were made - the Research Foundation to people feel that LTIPP (long-term Department of Defence Production took fund, coordinate and integrated perspective plans) are only a initiatives such as creation of defence research in holistic manner wish list with no financial/time schedule. manufacturing corridors and innovation & has also been announced This needs to be changed. The policy of technology development centres, release of strategic partnership in defence revised make-II procedures, mission manufacturing also needs to be Raksha Gyan Shakti, setting up of defence implemented on priority basis. The investor cells, Defence Innovation fund and

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The 21st century is a century of ideas, knowledge and technology. With constantly evolving new technologies, there will be a sea change in the future warfare in India

third-party inspections etc. The procedures for defence exports and procedures to enable contribution from factories was Rs 58,183 crore. indigenous fighter aircraft in the form of SMEs have been streamlined. Among the defence forces, Indian HF-24 Marut. Services of a German The positive side of the story is that a Navy is the best example of focus on aeronautical engineer, Kurt Waldemar large number of major products have indigenisation. INS Nilgiri was built in Tank, were hired, but the project was been developed. In addition, a number '70s. From then, now all our warships shelved after partial successes as of products and equipment are being and submarines are being built in India. imported MIG-21s had started arriving. produced through transfer of But most products for the Air Force and In another case, HPT-32 were suddenly technology. The result - defence the Army are being imported from grounded. A country must own and use production in India increased to over Rs foreign original equipment the technology it needs. For future wars, 70,000 crore in 2017-18. In which the manufacturers (OEMs). the premier need of all three services share of defence PSUs and ordnance During 60s, we almost developed an will be equipments based on indigenous

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WHAT’S NEEDED: Aggressive tech inductions Our defence forces today need rapid modernisation for being ready for future scenario of warfare where man-to-man dependence will be replaces by high- technology. We need to induct more nuclear power attack submarines, stealth frigates, state of the art Main Battle Tanks, Howitzers, Future Infantry Combat Vehicles, armed drones, missile inceptors and high tech attack helicopters and fighter jets India, in order to handle two front adversaries, will need suitable budget allocations. The present allocations of Rs 4.31 lakh crore mostly caters to the need of revenue and pension needs of defence forces, leaving only about 1.08 lakh crore technology and capabilities to avoid (LCA) is a symbol of great integrative for capacity augmentation dependence of foreign supplier at the time capabilities of our scientists, engineers, (CAPEX) of need. industry and R&D organisations. Over one Optimizing OFF-SET: Department of hundred fifty Indian companies are today Defence Production of MoD has planned to part of global supply chain of Aerospace and handle off-set of more than ten billion USD Defence sector. World over the expertise in years to come and plans to create a developed in military technologies is realistic, effective planning mechanism and leveraged for civilian application (dual use). inclusive eco-system. Effective offset It is high time that we undertake policies can play a very vital role in development of Indian Regional fostering development of internationally Transport Aircraft (IRTA) as a national competitive enterprises, aligning R&D to project leading to a Indian designed and defence related products and development developed aircraft flying in Indian skies of synergistic sectors like civil aerospace and take it as a National Project. and internal security. Not only this, many Development of Aero-engines is another countries like Russia, China & have such priority which needs to be leveraged their purchases even in undertaken as a national project. pharmaceutics and civil aircraft to acquire technical capabilities in defence. REINVENTING DEFENCE FORCES ON Leverage Capabilities through National VARIOUS HR ISSUES: plans/projects: Light Combat Aircraft Today, we have second largest army (

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India plans to achieve a defence industry turnover of Rs 1,70,000 crore (70,000 crore in year 18-19), and a export target of Rs 35,000 crore (11,500 crore in year 18-19) by the year 2025

tanks is also targeted to be achieved by the year 2025. This is achievable if the Indian industry has a visible continued pipeline of defence orders and an efficient system of industry handholding is created at the highest level of the Ministry of defence. Last, and most important, for effective indigenisation in defence manufacturing and timely induction of technologies of future wars, the continuity of enabling leadership is important. We need to create a supervisory team of good leaders with experience for each national project like LCA, submarines, etc., with direct access and feedback at the highest level of the National Security Agency and the Ministry of Defence.

-The writer is President, Aeronautical Society of India, former chairman Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., former CMD, Helicopters around 13 Lakh), fourth largest Airforce etc. These officers, who came to ONGC (1.40 Lakh), and sixth largest navy (70 for a limited period of 5-6 years (joining thousand) of the world. Our defence at 52-54 years of age), bought in lot of revenue and pension bill today accounts technology competency and helped for three lakh crore plus rupees this ONGC in a big way. We today, have 226 year. World over, the defence forces Public sector undertakings. We urge the have undertaken a massive human size government for adopting a similar reduction while inducting newer approach creating a win-win situation technology and create suitable for industry as well as defence forces. employment avenues post retirement. Creation of defence ecosystem: Can such an exercise be undertaken in Having ambitious targets is first good Indian context? Retired defence step however a good implementation personnal are a highly energetic and strategy is needed as a second matching disciplined class of people who may be step. We plan to achieve a defence considered for suitable absorption in industry turnover of Rs 1,70,000 crore state police, paramilitary forces and (70,000 crore in year 18-19), and a security services etc. I recall that in the export target of Rs 35,000 crore (11,500 year 1982, ONGC had adopted a policy crore in year 18-19) by the year 2025. of inducting retired senior officers from Indigenous capability in respect of 13 Defence in various areas like logistics, major technology systems like, equipment management and telecom submarines, aircraft and main battle

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SELF RELIANCE INDIAN MILITARY AERO-ENGINE MARKET

As India is taking steps r Ritika Behal remains and has been acting as a major obstacle is the inability to towards modernisation of ngines are the design and develop wholly its armed forces, one essence of any indigenous modern aircraft Eaircraft, and engines that account for almost prominent gap that has their making is a one-third of the total cost of a new been acting as a major complex technology compounded military aircraft. by being capital intensive, and There are many types of aero obstacle in the growth thus it is not surprising that at engines depending on the story is the inability to present it is being held by just five platforms, such as turboprops, countries—United States, Britain, turbofans, and turbojets. General design and develop Canada, France and Russia. The Electric, Pratt & Whitney, Klimov, principal aim of military aircraft MTU Aero Engines, CFM indigenous modern aircraft engines is to deliver performance International, International Aero engines that account for and fuel efficiency with reduced Engines, Rolls Royce. These are noise and emissions. As India is some of the global OEMs one-third of the total cost taking steps towards manufacturing world-class of a new military aircraft modernisation of its armed forces, engines. India needs to keep pace the one prominent gap that with these at any cost.

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AERO-ENGINE IMPORTS BY INDIA Aero engine has been one segment where India has been consistently and completely dependent on imports till date and has been procuring from countries such as United States (General Electric, Honeywell and Pratt & Whitney), Europe (Rolls-Royce and Snecma) and Russia (Klimov and NPO Saturn) in the past to meet its growing requirements. Considering last 15 years, it is seen that India has imported engines worth USD 2096 Million.

No of Platforms ENG/AC Total Eng Spare Eng Total Remarks Light Transport (AVRO) 56 2 112 28 140 Small quantity Light Tranport (AN-32) 78 2 156 39 195 of aircraft not LAC Tejas 200 3.5 700 175 875 considered AMCA 200 3.5 700 350 1050 Helicopters Variant 1000 3.5 3500 500 4000 Heli Engines requirement is Source: SIPRI & Compiled by Q-Tech going to be more Synergy than 4000 Nos. Noteworthy, aero-engine imports Source: Q-Tech Synergy accounts for 5 percent of the total modernization and replacement Military imports by the country in the programs ofageing aircraft and cover the entire gamut from supplying last 15 years. Refer Figure. rotorcraft fleets with the Indian Armed engine components to providing Forces and also the engine refit and Maintenance Repair and Overhaul upgrade programs of (MRO) services. Maintenance which aircraft/helicopter in pipeline, the includes functional checks, servicing, Indian military aero engine market is repairing, dismantling, assembling or poised to grow year on year. Some of replacing aircraft engines is and will the major engine procurement continue to remain the single largest programmes in near future includes MRO segment in India and accounts 50 Light Transport Aircraft (AVRO), Light percent of the total MRO activities as Transport (AN-32), LCA Tejas, AMCA of now. More than two thirds of engine and these entails procurement of maintenance is taken up by the cost of around 3400 to 4000 engines materials, with labour accounting for Source: SIPRI & Compiled by approximately. Refer Table. another 22 percent. Q-Tech Synergy Noteworthy, an aero engine's life is On the backdrop of absence of about 1,500 hours; each fighter aircraft technology know how to develop As of now, the indigenous with a service life of 5,000-6,000 hours engines; a lot of requirement will be development of aero engines have consumes around three-and-a-half met via imports or co-development hardly seen any progress reasons being engines. Similarly, each Helicopter creating a very large offset opportunity that engine manufacturing being high consumes three to three-and-a-half for India's emerging aerospace and complex technology and capital engines over its service life, while the industry in this domain. Thus, lucrative intensive and the country still do not twin-engine choppers will each require opportunity is also seen for foreign have the technology know-how six to seven engines. Hence, there manufacturers as well especially those required in building engines. With the seems to be a huge demand. who view India's potential as an huge requirement of aerospace The Defence Ministry estimates that opportunity to outsource platforms in coming years by the three India's military aero-engine market manufacturing work, partly due to Armed Forces, the need of the hour will amount to Rs 3,50,000 Crores over offset requirements and cost benefits. calls for indigenous development of the the next two decades which means engine by the Defence Industrial Base around 17,500 Crores per year in INDIGENOUS ENGINE (DIB). addition to another Rs 4,00,000 Crores DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS for their maintenance. Development of At present, Defence Research and MARKET POTENTIAL each engine is expected to cost around Development Organization (DRDO) Considering the various fleet USD 2-2.5 Billion). The opportunities and its Laboratories and Defence

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Public Sector Unit Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are the only two designated entities in India for designing and developing engines. DRDO undertook the development of indigenous GTRE GTX-35VS Kaveri, an AERO ENGINES: after burning turbofan engine, with the It’s time for India to aim of powering the Light Combat Aircraft brace up (LCA) Tejas being built by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). Aero engine has been one However, the aero engine developed by Gas segment where India has Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), been consistently and a DRDO lab, was unable to achieve the completely dependent on required thrust to power LCA as the Tejas imports till date and has needs an engine with 82-90 kN of peak been procuring from thrust, the Kaveri has only managed 72 kN countries such as United States (General Electric, during flight testing in Russia. Thus, the Honeywell and Pratt & Kaveri engine (GTX-35VS) programme Whitney), Europe (Rolls- was officially delinked from the Tejas Royce and Snecma) and programme in September 2008 and finally Russia (Klimov and NPO DRDO winded up this programme in Saturn) in the past to meet November 2014. its growing requirements The Government so far has spent Rs 2101 Crores and 30 years on the Considering last 15 years, it development of this engine. Till date, total is seen that India has imported engines worth USD of nine Kaveri prototypes and four Kaveri 2096 Million. Aero engine Core Engine prototypes have been Unmanned Research Aircraft. Recently imports accounts for 5 developed and accumulated more than GTRE have tied up with French aero percent of the total Military 2550 hours of engine testing. The Kaveri engine maker Snecma for completing the imports by the country in engine was also integrated with IL-76 Kaveri project development with its know- the last 15 years Aircraft and flight tested. As of now, it has how as a part of Rafale offset deal. It is been decided to use Kaveri derivative reported that France has offered to invest engine ("dry" engine) without after burner USD 1 Billion to revive Kaveri project, for powering Indian Unmanned Combat proposing a joint development plan as an Aircraft, tentatively called as Autonomous offset of the recently signed Rafale fighters

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engine which powers the HAL Dhruv, HAL Rudra, will also power the HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). It is an up-rated version of the TurbomecaArdiden and was developed under the aegis of a HAL-Turbomeca joint venture. HAL has also entered into key joint venture partnerships in this domain with global OEMs like Rolls Royce and Safran to manufacture high-tech components for aircraft engines. Further, HAL in a bid to develop indigenous capability in this domain has also undertaken a project recently with its internal resources for indigenous design and development of turboshaft engines - 25 kN indigenous Aero Engine (Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine - HTFE 25) and HTSE-1200 Engine. The inaugural run of the core of 25 kN indigenous Aero Engine (Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine - HTFE 25) has been successfully completed and is expected to be used for basic, intermediate and advanced trainer aircraft beside business jets and five ton weight class aircraft in single engine configuration and on aircraft of up to nine ton weight class with twin engine configuration. On the other hand, HTSE-1200 is aimed at The indigenous equipping 3.5 ton single engine class development of aero and 5-8 ton twin engine class engines have hardly helicopter configurations. This will be seen any progress since an indigenous design giving engine engine manufacturing alternatives for the HAL developed needs complex helicopters - LUH, ALH and LCH. The technology know-how engine develops a power of 1200 KW at and is also capital sea level and can operate up to an intensive altitude of 7 km. INVOLVEMENT OF PRIVATE SECTOR designing and developing any aero Till date, HAL has been single source of engine on its own. Currently, HAL is engine/major engine component building engines under transfer of production in India and, a lot of the technology like the AL-31 FP for the Su business is likely to go to HAL in future 30MKI Aircraft and the RD-33 MK for as well which is already burdened with Mig 29K.The DPSU also had been contracts. This situation can be averted building Artouste turboshaft engine if the Government involves and boosts since 1961 to equip the Indian Chetak the private sector participation. Time and Cheetah helicopters under has come to amalgamate the expertise deal. With this India still can keep hope manufacturing license granted from and competence available in both the that Snecma will help in making Kaveri France's Turbomeca. Basically, public and private sectors of the airworthy for LCA and other HAL/Turbomeca Shakti is a turboshaft country and should be fused to create a indigenous aircraft (AMCA). helicopter engine and the programme high tech platform for developing aero Coming to HAL, it is the only Indian to develop was initiated in 1999 by the engines. Steps have been taken by the player in the domain of engines with its two companies to power the HAL Government in this regard. Awarding engine division basically license Dhruv helicopter. By late 2007, HAL of the contract to TATA who has a joint producing various imported engines, started fitting the Shakti engines for venture agreement with Airbus for however, it has not achieved success in Dhruvs produced by them. The Shakti AVRO replacement programme

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substantiates this fact. TATA will act as the Engineering Services alone, the current Indian production agency in this market, which stands at $1 billion, is programme and will be involved in every expected to triple over the next three years step including engine developing. Apart and would be reaching $12 billion by from this many more aero platform 2020.Also, Tata Group and General procurement programmes in pipeline Electric have entered into a partnership under 'Buy-Make (Indian)' category for manufacturing, assembling, integration wherein private sector has been given a and testing of the aircraft components. chance in participating. Also, the INDIGENISATION Government is set to give clearance to a Rs THE CONCLUSION DREAM: What 3000 Crores plan to develop Ghatak - a One of the reasons why India could not needs to be done new engine that will power India's first undertake the engine manufacturing in the unmanned combat aircraft, or drones past has been due to the fact that engine The Defence Ministry capable of delivering bombs as well as manufacturing being complex and high estimates that India's tackling aerial threats, as part of a project technology coupled with being costly, military aero engine market that envisages major participation of the capital intensive and time consuming will amount to Rs 3,50,000 private sector. Ghatak will be a derivative process and the country still does not have Crores over the next two of the abandoned Kaveri project. The the technology know-how required in decades which means target is to get the system operational building engines. Lack of infrastructure, around 17,500 Crores per within 8 years once the funds are cleared manufacturing and test facilities within year in addition to another by the Government. the country and non-availability of skilled Rs 4,00,000 Crores for their Aero engine components such as or technical manpower in the field of aero- maintenance nozzles, turbine blades and vanes, drive engine technology are also some of the At present, Defence shafts, flexible couplings casings, other reasons. With the only Tier-I HAL Research and Development compressor, housings, stators and sub- being over burdened and foreseeing the Organization (DRDO) and its assays are likely to be sourced from growing requirement of engines in coming Laboratories and Defence domestic sources. Thus, there would be years, there is definitely a need to create a Public Sector Unit Hindustan plethora of opportunities and ample parallel entity by involving the private Aeronautics Limited (HAL) business for private sector in Tier-2 and sector companies which have been proving are the only two designated Tier-3 level. their mettle in defence manufacturing. entities in India for designing The market would also pave way to Joint Further, there is also a need for the and developing engines. ventures/MoUs between foreign and creation of an autonomous body for India needs to develop and Indian firms. For instance, Wipro design, development, testing and produce aero engines indigenously Infrastructure Engineering has a MoU production of aero engines of varying with Spanish company CESA (Compania specifications. Clearly, implementing such Espanola de Sistemas Aeronauticos SA), a steps would help the country to develop subsidiary of the EADS, for the and produce aero engines indigenously manufacture of precision engineering leading India becoming independent from components including hydraulics. Further, its expensive and unremitting dependence it is anticipated that in the field of on imports of aero engines.

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EXPERT SPEAK THE FUTURE OF DEFENCE PRODUCTION

r Maj Gen Dr Bhupinder Yadav (Retd) Vibrant defence laboratories, 9 Defence Public sector industry is a crucial he history of the Undertakings (DPSUs) and 41 present Indian Ordnance Factories (OFs), providing component of TDefence Industrial employment to over 2 lakh people. effective defence Base (DIB) can be traced For nearly 71 years, the government to setting up of first monopoly in defence equipment capability, and to ordnance factory at development and production been achieve national Cossipore in 1801 for mainly responsible for meeting the manufacturing guns and ammunition armed forces requirements from Boots sovereignty and and by 1950, India had 19 ordnance to Battle Tanks. The set up was factories. expected to develop and absorb military superiority. In 1947, some technical development technology, taking care of upgrades and Besides it would establishments came up and they later meeting 70 per cent of defence became laboratories establishment of requirements. enable utilisation as Defence Research and Development well as consolidation Organisation (DRDO) and Director FOREIGN DEPENDENCE General Quality Assurance (DGQA). India's attempts to create a domestic of the national The Industrial Policy Resolution, 1948, defence industrial base is one of the and its revised version in1956 reserved missed opportunities, extended manufacturing base the defence equipment production with deadlines and glaring inefficiencies, in diversified areas. the government sector. The impetus for which became the hallmark of the India's defence industry grew after government functioning. The country A report 1962 conflict and it grew up as one of has been importing the defence the largest defence industrial base with equipment and even commenced over 50 Defence Research & manufacturing of equipment in the Development Organisation (DRDO) government sector, albeit by way of

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Share of Import Vs Indigenous Production Imported sub systems in Indigenous Production 65% 70%

Indigenous Indigenous Import 30% Import 35%

licenses as 'Built to Print'. The imperfect IMPORT VS INDIGENOUS PRODUCTION technology transfer agreements and However, it is saddening to see export figures unwillingness on the part of production for defence equipment witnessing very little agencies to get into details of 'know-how and growth. know-why' caused to stagnation in India's domestic capabilities in terms of upgrade and PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION innovation thus perpetually dependent on In May 2001, the defence sector was opened for import. This is amply demonstrated by the fact private sector participation, with FDI limit of that recently Secretary Defence production 26 per cent. Though the move to build a strong revealed that "as much as `59,000 crore is spent defence industrial base in earnest started in on such procurements every year, out of which 2000, when the government came out with DPP only 19,000 crore remains within the country in and various committees like Kelkar committee the form of DPSU supplies." This fact has been etc., were set up for better norms. However, it brought to the fore and has been taken as an all remained on paper and nothing was example. translated on the ground. We have lost over 15 To illustrate further Hindustan Aeronautics years because of inefficiency in implementing Ltd. had a turnover of `17,406 crore for the the various concerned policies and financial year 2016-17, and the previous year it recommendations. Otherwise today, the was `16,736 crore. country would have been getting closer to self- Recently, the Parliament was informed that reliant stage with reasonable export. Though in the last three years, the value of import the private sector was allowed but got orders content of HAL in manufactured platforms has only components and sub-systems about 10 per been `19,085 crore. One can only imagine the cent of indigenous procurement largely due to indigenous contents and value addition by a the inertia of the Ministry of Defence and the DPSU with assured orders all along the years. stranglehold of the defence public sector units. Even in the indigenous equipment category, a Threatened by the entry of the private sector large amount of money (apprx over 40%), is into the monopolistic domain is opposed tooth spent on procurement of components and and nail by the public sector. spares towards manufacture and maintenance of the operational platforms held by the Indian MAKE IN INDIA INITIATIVE defence forces. Since the launch of 'Make in India' in 2014,

Exports Vs Imports (2012-2016) Share of Arms Import

5170 14% 4465 3199 8.5% 2858 2547 7.1% 4.7% 1.65% 0.00% 0.27% 1.13% 1.47% 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 China India Imports in USD Millions % of Exports 2006-10 2011-16 Source: Compiled by Q-Tech Synergy Source: Compiled by Q-Tech Synergy

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several piecemeal measures have capabilities for exports in the defence been taken by the Government to sector has not delivered desired promote indigenous design, results over last 10 years. How come development and manufacture of countries like Spain, Japan Korea, defence and aerospace equipment in Turkey and Brazil etc. used offset the country by harnessing the policies to build credible local capabilities of the public and private defence manufacturing capabilities sector. However, the impact is not and we could not? The simple reason visible and the majority of the is that foreign suppliers find India's projects are yet to take off due to offset guidelines too complicated to procedural delays. comply with. The tweaking of offset ● The proposed Defence Production guidelines also did help in the matter Policy (DPP-2018), attempts to either. facilitate and provides a focused, The recently released 29th report structured and significant thrust to of the Committee on Estimates on development of defence design and 31.05.2017 aimed at change by Preparedness of Armed Forces- production capabilities in the country explicitly identifying the private Defence Production & Procurement and projecting a turnover of Rs defence companies which can forge a headed by Murli Manohar Joshi MP 1,70,000 crore in military goods and joint venture with foreign companies has criticised the Govt complacent services by 2025. We would wait for to build major equipment such as approach on defence preparedness in finer details of how the targets Fighter Aircraft, Helicopters, the current geo-political scenario. proposed are to be achieved. Submarines and Armoured Fighting Citing specific examples of declining ● Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Vehicles (AFVs)/Main Battle Tanks trend of defence Budget and capital Defence has been merely $5.13 (MBTs). The same is yet to take off. allocation, handling of production million (Rs 36 crore) in the past 18 ● The offset policy aimed at self- and procurement issues cited above, years. reliance, indigenisation, technology the report has slammed the ● The Strategic Partnerships in upgradation and achieving economies government in not doing enough for Defence Sector was promulgated on of scale including the development of defence preparedness.

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CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT such a stage to aim in attempting to In a bid to assess the generic technology develop all our defence requirements in and process capability, Q-Tech Synergy the country. conducted a survey amongst the stake holder and capability matrix is shown in GROWTH PATH figures below. Needless to say we are at A recent expert committee has early stage of the growth matrix. recommended that the foreign models We need to acknowledge our industry be studied for the purpose where the capabilities, which have not reached system has been in vogue for quite some MAKE IN INDIA: A step in the right direction The proposed Defence Production Policy 2018, attempts to facilitate and provides a structured and significant thrust to development of defence design and production capabilities, projecting a turnover of Rs 1,70,000 crore in military goods and services by 2025 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Defence has been merely $5.13 million (Rs 36 crore) in the past 18 years. The SPs in defence sector was promulgated on May 31, 2017, aimed at change by identifying the private defence companies which can forge a joint venture with foreign companies to build major equipment

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time. The developed defence there may be no simple answer to Industries globally had also passed how the Indian defence industry through the stages and had similar should be supported/facilitated to problems like what we see in India. A best meet the challenges. The first summary of the journey to the step toward developing a more growth path of developed defence enlightened and active approach to industries is shown in the Table the Indian defence industry will be (Growth path of developed defence for the Ministry of Defence to begin industries). The lessons from the study could be a roadmap to the Indian Defence Industry for growth. In case we cross compare and apply the indicators, it emerges that the Indian defence Industry could be at the early growth stage. This implies we would require over 20 years reaching self-reliant state with reasonable export. We need to have a look at defence industrial capability in developed nations for indicators, signs, growth The viable Indian pattern and draw lessons in order to defence industrial base plan our industry development. The could emerge from lessons could be guidance for us in technical support from case we are serious to build the industry and indigenous defence industrial base. pragmatic government We need to acknowledge our policies. Working in industry capabilities, which have not isolation can not bring reached such a stage to aim in attempting to develop all our defence the desired results requirements in the country. While

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thinking seriously about the problem. The viable Indian defence industrial base could emerge from technical support from Industry and pragmatic Government Policies. At the same time, the government and Indian industry need to realise the common factors which clearly came out from the international studies as summarised in the Table. Vibrant defence industry is a crucial component of effective defence capability, and to achieve national sovereignty and military superiority. Besides it would enable utilisation as well as consolidation of the national manufacturing base in diversified areas. Considering the available synergies between civil and defence technology applications, and the existing capability of Indian private industry inclusive of large, medium and small scale, fostering a constructive, long-term partnership is considered not just sound economic option but a strategic imperative. India plans to spend $ 130 bn on military modernization in the next 5 years, as achieving self- reliance in defence production is a key target for the Government of India. The Government has opened up the Defence industry for private sector participation to provide impetus to indigenous manufacturing. The opening up of the industry also paves the way for foreign original equipment manufacturers to enter into strategic partnerships with Indian companies. India has the advantage of its own large defence domestic market and it is a known fact that larger and sustained production volume of any system leads to optimisation of cost as well as improved production efficiency.

—The author is MD at a research company assisting Indian Aerospace and Defence Market

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Strategic Partnership DEFENCE SECTOR AND THE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP MODEL

rAir Marshal M Matheswaran The SP model areas as 'system integrators' would enable them to meet the challenges. In seeks to energise he government has finally cleared order to make the concept viable, the Indian private the full adoption of the 'Strategic government and the private sector TPartnership' model in the cannot underestimate the challenges sector in defence 'Defence Procurement Policy' as a major ahead. manufacturing. It is policy initiative to enable Indian private Selection of strategic partners would industries' entry into major defence be limited to the areas of fighter aircraft, time now to be programmes. Based on the helicopters, submarines, armoured well equipped to recommendations in the 2015 Report of fighting vehicles and main battle tanks. the Experts Committee, the 'Strategic The objective is to designate one or two handle the Partnership' model seeks to energise private sector majors in each segment, Indian private sector in defence where big ticket acquisitions like the new challenges ahead manufacturing. 110 aircraft MMRCA and the already These recommendations were approved submarine manufacture examined by 'Athre Committee', which programmes will be channelised to took the position that modern ensure selected foreign OEMs will technologies are system intensive, and partner with the Indian SPs. hence, a 'systems of systems' view of The expectation is that the 'SP defence weapon systems should be Model' will revitalise the undertaken. Accordingly, even though defence industrial none of the Indian private sector majors ecosystem and have any significant experience in progressively enable design, development, and manufacture the Indian private of major weapon systems, the committee sector to acquire felt their expertise in civilian technology capabilities

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to design, develop, and manufacture In spite of this large infrastructure, India complex weapon systems for future needs has remained stuck in licence production of the armed forces. Fundamentally, this models and inward looking with poor export is not very different from the 'Raksha performance. 'Make in India' can become Udyog Ratna' (RUR) concept successful through two critical routes: First STRATEGIC recommended by the 'Kelkar Committee' is to attract and establish large number of in 2006. Under the RUR model, Indian manufacturing ventures through licence PARTNERSHIP: The private sector majors were to be and joint ventures; the second route is to role and need designated as RURs, wherein they would attract partnerships for co-design, co- The 'Strategic Partnership' function as system integrators and would development, and production. Both routes model in the 'Defence be responsible for development of the should have a global approach and export Procurement Policy' has defence ecosystem of small and medium orientation. Supported by indigenous been cleared for adoption by enterprises. The RUR was shelved designs from DRDO and Indian industries, the Defence Ministry. because of major apprehensions about both public and private, the above approach Selection of strategic the role of the private sector majors, lack should become the foundational strategy of partners would be limited to of transparency in the process, as well as the 'SP model'. the areas of fighter aircraft, accusation that this will lead to The challenges that the 'SP model' will helicopters, submarines, favouritism and crony capitalism. Many need to overcome emanate from a variety of armoured fighting vehicles of these concerns will apply to the complex factors. The major challenges are and main battle tanks current 'SP model' as well. as below: The 'SP Model' seeks to ● Defence technology in India's private energise Indian private STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP MODEL: sector is at a very basic level, where none of sector in defence UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGES the major companies would qualify even as manufacturing, revitalise the 'Make in India' seeks to address the need for Tier-2 entity. This leads to twin problems of defence industrial India to manufacture its major weapon limited technological capability and ecosystem and progressively systems, thus obviating the need to be limitations in their ability to absorb enable the Indian private heavily import dependent. Essentially, this advanced technologies. As a result, sector to acquire capabilities means that India needs a viable Military designated 'strategic partners' would to design, develop, and Industrial Complex (MIC). This is a become primarily assemblers/producers of manufacture complex paradox. On paper, India has a significantly mid-level weapon systems for foreign weapon systems for future large MIC in the public sector, comprising OEMs. This has been the problem with needs of the armed forces 39 ordnance factories and 8 DPSUs public sector units for nearly 50 years. (Defence Public Sector Units) producing Effectively we would be replicating the wide range of products for the three public sector problem into the private sector services, while DRDO undertakes research as well. The only difference would be that and development. the private sector would bring better

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Since the 'SP' model eliminates the competitive process, essential for innovation and research, it would need the government to lean on SPs to invest majorly on research and development

industry, more aptly called military- industrial-complex, form a very critical component of national power. The term military industrial complex was coined by the late US President Ike Eisenhower. The importance of national industrial capability for war effort evolved rapidly in the two world wars and became the crux of efficiency, value for money, and create critical technologies. The government national power in the post 1945 structure for faster absorption of will need to flexible here. The focus world. The US, with its enormous technology. This challenge needs to be must be that manufacturing must be military industrial capability, was met with strategies to become part of done in India for global market, able to prevail over all others in the the global supply chain. irrespective of ownership. two world wars. In the end, it was the ● Ability to absorb high-end ● Since the 'SP' would be a junior industry that won the war, and in the technologies would be limited. To partner in any venture, its ability to post 1945 world, the strength of a overcome this challenge, the 'strategic contribute to the development of SMEs nation's military industrial complex partners' would need to create and the ecosystem, is suspect. This can had come to define its national power strategies and capabilities ties with a be addressed only through a well- and sovereignty. Accordingly, nations long-term outlook—a trait that may be crafted and consistent strategy. have followed various strategies to difficult as private sectors focus on ● Since the 'SP' model eliminates the ensure they possess a strong defence gaining quick profit with short-term competitive process, so essential for industry base. India, a late starter, outlook. The 'SPs' would need to innovation and research, it would need had to adopt various leap-frogging invest upfront in creating capabilities the government to lean on the SPs to attempts to create a strong defence and skills. invest significantly on research and industry. The results, over the last 70 ● It is mandated that the foreign development. years have been mixed and largely holding in the JV with the Indian SP insufficient. would be limited to 49%. This could be a INDIA'S DEFENCE INDUSTRY The best option for India would be deal breaker, as it would limit the CHALLENGES to follow a combination of US and technology transfer to medium level For modern nation-states, great French models. The US model is technologies. It would prevent access to powers in particular, defence based on a highly competitive private sector with strong coordination between the academic universities, research institutions, industry and the users. Besides, the US provides a huge internal market for its industries. The French model is more suited to India, where it operates with few well established single source companies. Despite the state ownership, these companies, which effectively are like our intended strategic partners, are professionally run with major export orientation. The French defence industrial and

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technological base consists of a dozen implemented carefully in the context of the global companies, and almost 4000 small enormous challenges that are evident. The and medium size businesses, which in 2017 failure of India to establish a strong defence together represent more than 200,000 jobs industrial base has been due to the lack of in France, most of which are highly any coherent policies over the last half a technical and cannot be easily relocated century. Here, lessons could be drawn from abroad. The net result is a high the French model, where Armament concentration and control of critical manufacturing and arms exports became technologies at the highest level. The the bedrock of French national interests of SP MODEL & French military is equipped to the tune of strategic autonomy and sovereignty. It is CHALLENGES: Need more than 90% through its indigenous also important to recognise that the to be overcome production. More importantly, the French current technological environment offers defence industry is a huge export earner for many opportunities for India to scale its Defence technology in the national economy. This is a major defence industry ambitions. We are seeing India's private sector is at a lesson India must imbibe. the end of the 'Industrial Revolution' very basic level. This leads In adopting the SP model, India will first driven defence industries and seeing the to twin problems of limited technological capability and need restructure its DPSUs and OFs on a rise of IT driven 'system of systems' limitations in their ability to very professional model by inviting the approach to 21st century's defence absorb advanced private sector to acquire controlling stakes industries. The arms industrial giants of the technologies. As a result, through risk-sharing investments. The first half of 20th century, have all vanished designated 'strategic government can still retain veto powers by in the second half, a harbinger for the partners' would become creating an appropriate mechanism, even if paradigmatic transformation of defence assemblers/producers of its share-holding is reduced to 10%. This technology, away from 'metal bashing'. mid-level weapon systems way, the huge infrastructure that has been Given our natural flair for IT, algorithms, for foreign OEMs built in the DPSUs could be utilised and mathematics, India must craft its Ability to absorb high-end efficiently by the SPs and to also leapfrog defence industrial strategy by looking into technologies would be their status as Tier-1 entities. The SP model the future. This may call for innovative limited. To overcome this, strategy must be driven by the government partnerships, collaborations, and even the 'strategic partners' to create a strong defence innovation alliances (anathema to Indian would need to create industrial base. governments). It would also call for strategies and capabilities removing the barriers between civilian and ties with a long-term OPPORTUNITIES TO UTILISE defence industries in order to exploit their outlook—a trait that may be The objective of 'Make in India' is to enable strengths. The winning formula would lie in difficult as private sectors India to create a world-class defence an amalgam of dynamic technological focus on gaining industrial and technological base that innovation based on a broad and robust quick profit contributes to India's strategic autonomy industrial base that is not limited to the and sovereignty. In this endeavour, clear military sphere. understanding of the nature of technology and the need to achieve 'control over —The author is an IAF veteran and former critical technologies' is a must. Strategic Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Partnership model is one methodology that Staff (DCIDS - PP & FD) can be pursued but it needs to be at HQ IDS, MOD

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NEWS BYTES

NASA Hails ISRO For Chandrayaan-2 Launch ours after India’s Chandrayaan-2 look forward to what you learn about Hlifted off, the National Aeronautics the lunar South pole where we will and Space Administration (NASA) send astronauts on our #Artemis congratulated the Indian Space mission in a few years,” Nasa tweeted. Research Organisation (ISRO) for the The launch of India’s second moon successful launch of its second moon mission garnered attention by global mission. The US space agency added media with a leading US newspaper they were looking forward to find out writing “India is on its way to the what the Indian space agency learns moon”, shortly after ISRO’s powerful about the lunar south pole. “Congrats rocket GSLV MkIII M1 lifted off from to ISRO on the launch of Chandrayaan the spaceport in Sriharikota at 2.43 PM 2, a mission to study the Moon. We’re and successfully placed the 3,850-kg proud to support your mission comms Chandrayaan-2 into the earth orbit using our Deep Space Network and about 16 minutes later.

UNMATCHED ENDURANCE WITH PERSISTENT SURVEILLANCE AND PATROL he versatility and capability of the Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) MQ-9B, is a intelligence (COMINT), and TIndian Air Force to adapt and premier Unmanned Aerial System sophisticated electro-optics that are overcome emerging threats to its (UAS). MQ-9B's state-of-art prowess simultaneously operable with each operational domain is perhaps and 'game changing' capabilities are other. Lastly, with added advanced U.S. singular since its inception in 1932. the result of its predecessors' six weaponry, the result is a platform that Aviation has changed dramatically in million operational flight hours can provide the the 87 years hence, and the experience. With the ability to stay with the capabilities it needs to technological advantages of the aloft for over 40 hours, a range of over confront any adversary in any domain weaponised SkyGuardian will not only 6,000 nm and SATCOM connectivity, at any time. bolster the IAF's preparedness and the Guardian can freely patrol all The MOD has ordered the reach in the current scenario, but also Indian Territory, whether overland or procurement consideration to be enhance its joint interoperability with overwater. Its sensor suite consists of a expanded to include the Indian Air the Indian Navy and Army as well. next generation long-range 360° radar, Force and Indian Army. MOD is The SkyGuardian, officially known advanced electronic surveillance expected to finalise the procurement as the General Atomics Aeronautical measures (ESM) and communications details by the end of the current year.

India likely to sign multi billion dollar naval helicopter deal with US by the end of the year ndia is likely to sign a $ finalized shortly. "The a government to I2 billion plus deal for LOR (letter of request) government route with naval multi role and LOA (letter of the US. The proposal is helicopters (NMRH) acceptance) procedures to purchase 24 of the through a direct and on and we should be advanced MH 60 government purchase ready by the end of the `Romeo’ choppers that from the US by the end of year," the top officer said can be deployed from this year. Navy Chief at the sidelines of a warships. The direct Admiral Karambir Singh FICCI seminar in the purchase is the fastest has said that capital. way to add the capability negotiations are LOR and LOA are part to the Navy, rather than a proceeding and the of the procedures for sale competition that could contract could be of military equipment on take years to finalise.

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AERO POWER

IT IS TIME NOW TO GET THE FIGHTER FORCE diffusion of these technologies. Case NUMBERS FOR ITS TWO FRONT WAR DOCTRINE in point is that Chinese leadership declared aerospace technologies as r Air Vice Marshal PK Srivastava numbers or else by the year 2030, strategic priority and went full we will be looking at terrifying throttle to achieve it by luring major n a threat number of approximately 500 aviation OEMs into their country by environment, fighter aircraft due to retirement of leveraging their civil and military Imilitary newly upgraded aircraft like Mirage aircraft procurements. They, also commanders are 2000, MiG-21 Bis, Jaguars and MiG- wherever possible, imitated constrained to 29s. We, actually, have to equip IAF technologies by reverse factor the possibility with nearly 400 fighter aircraft in a engineering. Government of China of 'two front war' in their war short span of nearly a decade plus to did not shy away from exploiting its doctrines and plans irrespective of maintain our air dominance edge position as major customer to get its diplomatic initiatives. over our adversaries. This is a huge handle on self-reliance. Japanese Modernisation and equipping of national mandate and challenge in leadership declared its security and three arms of armed forces is a terms of procurement of MMRCA technology policy in clear terms viz. crying necessity. Dominant 2.0, indigenous manufacturing of Indigenization of Technology airpower may provide the effective our ongoing projects like LCA MkI, (kokusanka), Diffuse this learning deterrent against any collusive LCA MkII, & FGFA/AMCA and throughout the economy (hakyuu), misadventures. Our numbers of creation of indigenous 'defence To nurture and sustain appropriate fighter aircraft force is continually aerospace industrial base' that can Japanese enterprises (ikusei). depleting making us vulnerable. then help to sustain the force levels Numbers are very critical. IAF beyond the year 2030. WHERE ARE WE? needs its approved 42 Squadrons Aircraft manufacturing eco- In our case, our processes have strength or approximately 900 system is considered critically always dominated our end fighter aircraft in its inventory to pivotal to nation's job-centric objectives. Therefore, we have only ward off any evil designs on our growth and development of been tinkering with processes territorial integrity. Currently it threshold technologies to stay without any focus on end objectives stands at a squadron level strength ahead on global platform. Aerospace viz. self-reliance, job creation and of approximately 31 Squadrons with technologies represent zenith of availability of threshold retirement of MiG-21, MiG-23 industrial technologies and their technologies despite having a large taking toll of its inventory. If we just indigenous availability galvanises pool of engineers and managers that have a decade to fill the void of other sectors of economy due to everyone is envious of. It is the

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retiring from Service every other day - situation has taken a turn for worse. It definitely needs numbers to project a credible threat to adversaries. Present day fighters that will fight this century's wars will have to be necessarily equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) combat radar, Infra Red Search and Track (IRST) system to locate hostile targets, Anti- radiation attack capability and stealth features with powerful engines for rapid aggressive combat manoeuvres. Of course, like any other nation we too aspire to leverage such mega purchases for acquisition of technology and creation of jobs. Chinese have done it very successfully. Essence in their aerospace purchases has been to make country self-reliant as against our grain of pursuing the procurement processes with blinders on. This merits to be unspoken fact that commercial when major stakeholder is common to examined and tweaked to make it make- considerations of dominant Indian and both? Therefore, is tendering a solution in-India & skill-India efficient. We have Foreign corporates get ingrained in fine or a national problem for such mega size to find a way that marries operational print of processes while reviewing them aerospace procurements? Are we and national requirements - it can't for achieving national aspirations of wilfully putting wool over our eyes in remain the way it is. Make-in-India and Skill India, be it DPP the name of adherence to a faultily 2016 or Strategic Partnership Policy conceived procedure? Author is of the KNOWING THE 'OPERATIONAL EDGE' thus subjugating the national aspiration opinion that tendering for aircraft Indian Air Force would be necessarily to commercial interests of these procurements only gives corporates a made to lay out operational parameters corporates. Political leadership bases legitimate opportunity to benchmark in a manner that gives a broader base of the essence of these policy directives on the price to a very high level. Tendering aircraft to meet the tender requirement inputs received from industry in a duopoly is not a solution but a of large number of participants. federations like CII, FICCI, problem. High price of one procurement Therefore, the driving force is tender ASSOCHAM etc. which themselves are creates a domino effect on other requirement and NOT operational dependents on big corporates for their procurements too - bleeding the nation requirement. This is against the basic funding and survival. Hence, it's a no of its very precious public fund. Don't grain of "best fit" procurement. Also, brainer to know who will get what slice we need to break this web? coupled with the fact that no two of market size. In fact, duopolies are aircraft are identical for comparative L1 new way to establish monopolies IAF REQUIREMENTS VS NATIONAL analysis, tendering for aircraft - more through cartelisation. How can one COMPULSIONS often than not becomes a ruinous discover cost in such a cartelised IAF wishes to achieve its force level to process. We have enough examples in environment? minimum of 42 Squadrons with Mig-21s public domain that have always dragged Commercial strategy of corporate the government of the day into un- market seekers is very simple - feed necessary mudslinging. In author's such specifications for procurement opinion 'best fit" would be a vector sum that a duopoly is created then cartelise of operational parameters, and other and benchmark prices very high and national aspirations like "Make-in- share the dividends of windfall of India", "Skill India" and creation of jobs profits. A closer look at MMRCA for Indian youth. Creation of "Defence competitive bidding which was shelved Aircraft manufacturing Aerospace Eco-system" would hold the by the present government will reveal eco-system is key. This may not happen by having that the IAF qualified two Companies - considered critically another integrator like HAL in private a duopoly and then Dassault was pivotal to nation's job- sector. It can only happen if Tier-I, Tier- declared winner. Are we aware that II and Tier-III are enforced to be centric growth and there is an umbilical cord that connects created as a pre-condition for development of these two Companies - Airbus has very procurement. Our private sector can large shareholding in both these threshold technologies very profitably engage different tiers companies. How an objective discovery to stay ahead on global under the authoritative influence of of cost will take place in such a scenario platform OEM of selected aircraft and become

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part of global supply chain due to already technological/skill advantages that such available volumes of selected aircraft. This deals must always offer to the customer additional thought infuses a paradigm shift country. It neither promises to create a in our attitude towards procurement. IAF defence aerospace ecosystem nor it helps in may have the operational leeway to identify spurring our own LCA Tejas programme to at least two aircraft that may fulfil its achieve rapid maturity. Also, Rafale is the requirements. This gives IAF the first costliest aircraft in its category. This is component of its operational edge. against the very grain of Government However, post induction, these aircraft sponsored Make-in-India and Skill-in-India would need to be kept in operationally programmes. A mega deal of this size available state to fight wars of the country. leverages all such advantages. Offsets are no Below par serviceability of our IAF fleets is means to attainment of critical technologies no state secret. This is definitely not linked or skills. OEMs are master players of to either the skill or the determination of air meeting the requirement of Offsets without warriors who hold the charge of this aspect ever releasing their grip over future OPERATIONAL of war game. This is purely a matter of non- maintenance supplies and passing over any EDGE: Its role and availability of supply chain within the worthwhile technologies. purpose country. Therefore, indigenous availability MMRCA 2.0 of supporting defence aerospace eco-system Now, RFI, released by IAF in April 2018, Indian Air Force would be is second and very critical component of permits both single and twin-engine necessarily made to lay out operational edge. It is critical since this fighters giving way to four more contenders. operational parameters in a gives IAF the essence of "operational edge" There are usual six contenders viz. Dassault manner that gives a broader over enemy in terms of "No of combat Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Boeing F-18A base of aircraft to meet the sorties/day/aircraft" during operations. It is, E/F Super Hornet, Russian with MiG-35 & tender requirement of large therefore, absolutely essential to identify an SU-35, Saab Gripen NG, Lockheed Martin number of participants. Therefore, the driving force OEM who is firstly, willing to share F-16 Block 70 Super Viper (or F-21 as is tender requirement and manufacturing processes and technologies displayed in Show) in the fray not the operational not only of integration but also of its Tier-ed like in earlier MMRCA 1.0. In the context of requirement. This is against suppliers for creation of indigenous fighter aircraft acquisition, Make-in-India the basic grain of "best fit" supporting eco-system, secondly, this OEM initiative has done its bit. procurement should be willing to make indigenous supporting eco-system part of its global TIER-ED DEFENCE AEROSPACE Indigenous availability of supply chain for post induction survival of INDUTRIAL ECO-SYSTEM IS KEY TO supporting defence aerospace eco-system is our own companies, thirdly, selected SELF-RELIANCE second and very critical aircraft, if possible, be available in large On a larger plane, industries are subject to component of operational numbers globally for its supporting supply the constantly evolving relationship in edge. It is critical since this chain to survive profitably. In summary, between customers, suppliers, government, gives IAF the essence of essence of operational edge of IAF's aircraft distributors, competitors, employees etc. "operational edge" over fleet lies in its sustenance during the entire This ecosystem acts as a stimulus to the enemy in terms of "Number duration of its in-service life which is overall fruition of the industry. However, of combat sorties, day, approximately 40 to 50 years. defence industry has its own specific foot aircraft" during operations MMRCA 1.0 print since in this case Government is not and services by 2025 Government of India has bought 36 Rafale only the regulator but also the only aircraft at a mind-blowing price tag of Euro purchaser. This places great onus on 7.87 billion that too for aircraft in fly away Government to create a healthier eco- condition abandoning all attendant system even in private sector. Government

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WHY ABANDON HAL AS LEAD INTEGRATOR OF FIGHTER AIRCRAFT The two aircraft in fray are F-16 Block 70 and Gripen E through two private players TASL and Adanis respectively. As per SP policy, one of these novice Companies will claim to become fighter aircraft manufacturers at the behest of flawed government policy, understanding and execution. Essence of SP policy was to create defence aerospace industrial eco- system not another look alike of HAL sans own eco-system wherein the has, indeed, played this role in case of address the issue of self-reliance. sustenance supplies worth billion of DPSUs and Ordinance Factories in Tier-I partners in defence aerospace dollars annually will still keep coming terms of differential task allocations to are no mean players. In time to come from OEM. We need a way out of this remove ingression of conflicts of they can mature to the likes of GE, "Chakravyuh". Why should GoI pay to interests. Government needs to segment Raytheon, Avocorp, UTC etc. private sector to duplicate the private defence industry in Tiers viz. I Coincidentally, MoD SP policy in integration facilities when these are Tier, II Tier, III Tier through a preface expresses the identical intent of already existential within HAL and transparent procedure. This will not spurring the establishment of defence can be upgraded at delta cost. Private only bring order within this niche aerospace industrial eco-system. In sector must come in to create defence industry but will also encourage implementation, it is again looking at aerospace industrial eco-system entrepreneurs to focus on their niche creating identical twins of HAL thus not that's amiss. We are calling out to areas. This order coupled with product only duplicating available very costly private sector through our SP Policy IPR will grant each player of this infrastructure but also perpetuating the to become Indian version of GE, industry a financially secure place Raytheon, Safran, Thales, Avocorp, encouraging them to invest in UTC etc. Private sector has the technologies and R&D in own niche opportunity to do yeoman service to area. Tier-ed approach may provide a nation by filling up these gaps and growth path to all stakeholders of make nation self-reliant in private defence industry. sustenance of its air assets. This The sum total of all investments in would be great job creator and identified niche areas would lead overall Private sector must technology absorber too. This would growth and in-house acquisition then mature to entrench our country come in to create technology. In this eco-system rights in aircraft manufacturing in its truest defence aerospace would be well defined thus giving rise to sense. Such an activation of private best use of resources as per Ronald industrial eco-system. sector is a national necessity and Coase's theorization. This may be the We must call out to compulsion. Promoting private sector route to achieve self-reliance as country. private sector through at the cost of HAL while duplicating Of course, a question arises as to how we SP Policy to become aircraft integrating assets would not are going to control costs and get Indian version of GE, yield desired dividends. competitive prices from such an Raytheon, Safran, etc HAL would need to be mandated to industrial eco-system? In our opinion, buy these items from such SP in each niche technology/product will at private sector thus helping eco- least have two players to provide existing limbo of non-availability of system to take its roots. Private sector competitive understanding of the costs. functional 'defence aerospace industrial will have its production arrangements Notwithstanding foregoing, world over, base'. It may be noted that HAL by itself worked out with respective Tier-I there are only few defence majors in has done yeoman service for the country suppliers under the ambit of contract each country. Other parts of defence rather it is hindered by the inherent supported by OEM and GoI. This, if industry are bonded in some kind of decision-making policies and implemented, would meet the spirit of mentor-mentee relationship. This responsibilities of a Public Sector. It SP Policy of creating "defence ensures survival and growth of all vital cannot afford to shy away from checks aerospace industrial eco-system". components of defence industry. A and balances inherent in spending of Such a 'defence aerospace industrial healthier tier-based defence industry public funds. Therefore, it is imperative system' would not only support the eco-system will have intrinsic strength to have private sector at very first level acquired aircraft fleet during its to sustain itself in the backdrop of i.e. Tier-I. In aircraft manufacturing combat deployment, but would also Government's insistence of being Tier-I is only feasible through very large become pivotal in taking on Tier-I Indian. This eco-system of defence enterprises or players. responsibilities for indigenous industry will have the potency to programmes.

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AVIATION REVIEW THE AIR-LAUNCHED TORPEDO THE TORPEDO WHICH IS CONSIDERED AS THE FORERUNNER OF UNMANNED SYSTEMS IS ITSELF AT THE CUSP OF BEING DEPLOYED FROM AN

r Rear Admiral Dr S Kulshrestha (Retd) EVOLUTION OF THE AIR-LAUNCHED TORPEDO he It was reported on 16 Torpedoes are one of the most formidable July 2019 that the first weapons against the enemy's ships and Tbatch of Air-Launched submarines. It is established that a single Torpedoes (ALT ) designed and heavyweight torpedo is sufficient to sink a developed at Naval Science and warship. Torpedoes can be launched from ships, Technological Laboratory submarines and aircraft; however, the aircraft (NSTL) of the Defence Research and launched torpedo is assigned a distinct category Development Organisation ( DRDO) of India of lightweight torpedoes, (LWT). LWT has a had been delivered to Navy under a smaller warhead say ~50 kg, shorter ranges, and contract of USD 37.9 million with Naypyitaw. a drogue parachute to control its descent from The ALT was nicknamed as Sheyna and the aircraft. A ship's or a submarine's manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited in survivability is compromised either by the Hyderabad, India. direct impact of the torpedo resulting in an

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explosion on board or by a Bug' was launched using a dolly and brainchild of Commander Murray proximity fuse initiation of the track system and weighed 300 Sueter and Lieutenant Douglas warhead. In case of a direct impact pounds, and such aircraft were Hyde-Thomson who were both below the waterline, the vessel's called 'Aerial Torpedoes'. It could Royal Naval Aviators. Lieutenant compartments suffer extensive fly 40 miles at 55 mph and had a Longmore flying in the Short damage to the hull, machinery and 180-pound explosive charge. It flew seaplane demonstrated the first- electrical equipment, result in fires, to the target based upon preset ever torpedo drop with Mark X and lead to explosions in ship's inputs like the number of engine torpedo on 28 July 1914. The first magazines. This damage cripples revolutions, corrections for wind recorded hit of air launched torpedo the vessel and renders it incapable and the trajectory to be followed. was on 12 August 1914 when Flight of completing its designated On reaching near the target at the Commander Charles Edmonds in mission. In case of a proximity fuse end of meeting its preset his Type 184 hit a beached steamer explosion below the keel of the conditions, the Aerial Torpedo in Dardanelles with a Mark X vessel, an additional bubble effect jettisoned its wings and fell on the torpedo. Five days later he scored comes in to play wherein the bubble target setting off its explosive another hit on a supply ship of tends to lift the keel as the bubble charge. However, the WW I came to Turkey which was damaged and had expands and breaks the keel when an end before Kettering Bug could to be towed away, later while taxing the bubble subsides. The torpedoes see any combat action. with the loaded torpedo he sank a hits had caused extensive losses to The evolution of the torpedo tugboat. Technically speaking the both the allies and the axis vessels planes and the Air-Launched first hit was on a stationary target, during WW II. Torpedo have been chronicled in the second hit on a moving target detail by Arthur E. Burke, in his did not result in sinking the ship, EARLY DAYS report of 2017, titled 'Torpedoes and and during the third hit, the aircraft Interestingly the term 'Aerial their Impact on Naval Warfare', for was not airborne. The growing Torpedo' during the WW I era the Naval Undersea Warfare Center interest in capabilities of the referred to an unmanned aircraft Division, Newport, USA. The aircraft carriers resulted in the developed to deter German U Boats concept of marrying a Sea development of land-based torpedo by C F Kettering for the US Army Plane/aircraft with a torpedo aircraft like the T.1 Cuckoo in 1917 and the US Navy. The 'Kettering originated in 1911 and was the which could operate from ships.

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The developments during this period British had innovated a 'drum and wire' proved the combat efficacy of the torpedo method to ensure that torpedoes do not carrier aircraft in war zones. dive deep but make a near belly landing In the early 1920s, USA modified on water. Curtis plane, and a torpedo-carrying In the pre-emptive attack on Pearl TORPEDO STORY: plane PT-1 demonstrated drops of Mark 7 Harbour on 7 December, 1941 by the Their role and need torpedoes. The torpedoes of those days Japanese, significant damage to in defence were not designed for aerodynamic battleships was inflicted by the carrier- stability, high-speed water impact and based Nakajima B5N torpedo bombers. Torpedoes are one of the entry, as well as higher altitude flying The torpedo bomber attacks were most formidable weapons resulting in frozen components. These inherently dangerous for the planes against the enemy's ships problems continued to plague the because for effectiveness the torpedo had and submarines. It is weapon designers as the aircraft to be delivered in the vicinity of the established that a single developments led to ever higher speeds target in the face of heavy anti-aircraft heavyweight torpedo is and altitudes. fire. Successes scored by torpedo sufficient to sink a warship. Torpedoes can be launched Ironically, the most famous torpedo bombers were marred by the heavy losses from ships, submarines and plane of WW II was a near-obsolete Royal of the planes themselves. aircraft; however, the aircraft Naval Fairey Swordfish biplane which In June 1942, came the US acoustic launched torpedo is carried out successful torpedo attacks homing torpedo Mark 24 designed to assigned a distinct category under severe conditions. A turning point hunt and kill the submerged U Boats, this of Lightweight Torpedoes in the history of the aircraft carrier and aerial torpedo introduced a new chapter the torpedo plane was the night attack on in the anti-submarine warfare. The LWT has a smaller warhead the Italian harbour of Taranto on the submarine could no longer dive to safety say ~50 kg, shorter ranges, and a drogue parachute to night of 11-12 November 1940. HMS on spotting enemy planes since the Mark control its descent from the Illustrious launched 21 Swordfish planes 24 would home on to the noise generated aircraft. A ship's or a and carried out a devastating attack on by the U Boat. Approximately 50 U Boats submarine's survivability is the Italian fleet. Half of the capital ships were sunk or damaged by the airdropped compromised either by the of Italy were lost in the battle, resulting Mark 24 Torpedo establishing the role of direct impact of the torpedo in tilting of the balance of naval power in aircraft in anti-submarine warfare. The resulting in an explosion on the Mediterranean in favour of the submarine's formidable torpedo warfare board or by a proximity fuse British. The enormous success of the capability had found a match in aircraft initiation of the warhead attack on a heavily fortified Taranto borne homing torpedo. harbour cemented the position of the Aircraft Carriers and the Torpedo planes. TORPEDO DESIGN CONSTRAINTS It also proved the efficacy of the Aerial The main components of an ALT are; the Torpedo in shallower waters as the homing head, which is used for terminal

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System errors start compounding with longer duration of operations unless a torpedo is a wire-guided torpedo. In case torpedo is launched to attack a target at a larger distance, it must have an excellent terminal homing capability to counter manoeuvring by the target. In case of a lightweight torpedo, the available volume and space do not permit a large power package, thereby limiting either the speed or the range. Since modern submarines operate at depths greater than 500 meters, the torpedo body too must be able to withstand the pressures while pursuing deep targets. The propulsion system should also be able to perform at depths in the region of 500 meters. The desire to have very high speeds results in increased self-noise and radiated noise of the torpedo, which in turn leads to degradation of its

The torpedo attacks were dangerous for the planes because for effectiveness, the torpedo bombs had to be delivered in the vicinity of the target in the face of heavy anti- aircraft fire

homing on the target; the warhead and exploder mechanism which initiates and explodes when desired conditions are met; the electronic module which houses the software and the electronic components like gyro etc; the battery compartment and the propulsion motor; and the endurance. However, endurance is homing head performance as well as tail section with rudders and determined by the propulsion higher detection probability by the elevators and the drogue parachute package of the torpedo, which enemy. Higher speeds cause higher assembly. There are various permits only a specific combination wakes to form, thus restricting constraints while designing a good of range and speed for an effective propulsion system design to those torpedo; some of them are attack. For a torpedo to attack a which generate less wake. The higher highlighted below. target in a tail chase mode its speed speeds cause increased pressure on The torpedo should have the needs to be considerably higher than control surfaces and result in control capability to attack a manoeuvring the target, higher speeds would issues for the torpedo. This implies target, implying thereby that it reduce the overall range of the designing strong mechanical linkages should have the range, speed and torpedo in the tail chase mode. as well as an accurate closed-loop

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wing aircraft or a helicopter. The torpedo air stabiliser is utilised for an expectable air trajectory and water entry to avoid structural damage to the torpedo. The air stabiliser reduces the falling speed of the torpedo relative to the speed of the aircraft. A lanyard deploys the parachute attached to the torpedo and stabilises the torpedo during descent, reduces the speed for water entry, and enables the proper entry angle upon impacting water. Torpedo is secured by suspension bands to the launching aircraft. The torpedo drops upon the release of bomb/shackle hooks and suspension servo control system. The shape of the bands fly away from torpedo when torpedo has to be such that drag and skin release wires unlatch them. friction are reduced to the extent possible. The ideal length to diameter MODERN ALTS ratio is 7:1 thus for a diameter of 35.20 The modern ALT is a highly complex and cms in case of an aerial torpedo the ideal potent weapon with a diameter of 32.4 length it should be 2.46 meters only, but cm and a length in the region of 2.8 that is not practical as the various meters. It runs at a speed of ~40 knots components of the torpedo cannot be and has a warhead filled with ~ 45 kg of fitted in that space. The Aerial Torpedo modern explosive. It can run at depths DESIGN has a length of about 2.8 meters. The touching 600 meters with a range of ~15 weight of the explosive in the warhead km. The electronics bay contains an CONSTRAINTS: has to be kept such that it can cause advanced digital computer control What’s needed? maximum damage to the enemy ship or system with built-in search, attack, and A torpedo should have the submarine. All these factors have to be reattack logics. It houses a homing head capability to attack a judiciously resolved to obtain an optimal which can function in an active, passive manoeuvring target, ALT design. or mixed mode with a sophisticated implying that it should have signal processor to differentiate between the range, speed and AERIAL LAUNCH OF THE TORPEDO false and real target echoes. The endurance. However, Some equipment is required to ensure a propulsion unit has brushless motor endurance is determined by predictable air trajectory and water driving a pump jet and sea water- the propulsion package of entry when a torpedo is launched from activated battery. The guidance system is the torpedo, which permits an aircraft, this mainly includes based upon inertial 'strap-down' only a specific combination suspension bands to fix the torpedo to technology. The ALT can counter of range and speed for an the aircraft and torpedo air stabilisers. torpedo countermeasures and perform effective attack The Aerial launch Torpedo is fitted with in shallow waters. The fuse incorporates For a torpedo to attack a launch accessories depending upon many safeties and can function on target in a tail chase mode, whether it is to be launched from a fixed impact as well as in proximity modes. its speed needs to be considerably higher than the target; higher speeds would reduce the overall range of the torpedo in the tail chase mode. System errors start compounding with longer duration of operations unless a torpedo is a wire- guided torpedo

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Noteworthy ALTs in use include the that indicate to the likelihood of this MU90 of Euro Torp operated by NATO happening at an early date pertain to countries, A244S and A244S Mod 3 of the design and development of mini Wass, Mk 54 and Mk 46 Mod 5 of the torpedoes as well as anti-torpedo US, and YU-7 of China. India has torpedoes which could be rapidly developed a Light Weight Torpedo modified for deployment from UAVs. under the Advanced Electronic Mini Torpedo programs like the Flash Torpedo Program of the Defence Back, Low Cost Anti Submarine The Aerial launch Research and Development Weapon LCAW, Common Very Light torpedo is fitted with Organisation DRDO which can be fired Weight Torpedo CVLWT A200/A and launch accessories. The from helicopters as well as surface the Chinese YU-11 could be the first torpedo air stabiliser is ships. The weapon is nick named UAV portable mini ALTs. utilised for expectable Sheyna and incorporates many of the air trajectory and water features of the advanced ALTs. This —The author is specialised in Quality entry to avoid weapon has been exported to Assurance of Naval Armament. He structural damage to superannuated from Indian Navy in Myanmar under a USD 37.9 million the torpedo contract. 2011 and had held the appointment of the Director General of Naval LOOKING AHEAD Armament Inspection (DGNAI) The torpedo which is considered as the forerunner of unmanned systems is itself at the cusp of being deployed from an unmanned aerial vehicle. At this juncture, it is essential to mention the QH-50D program of the US Navy. The OH-50D was a rotary- winged unmanned weapon carrier in the 1960s and could deliver a single nuclear depth charge or two of the MK 44 torpedoes. It was the first unmanned anti-submarine warfare system. The focus today is tilting again in favour of unmanned aerial vehicles, and it is opined that the aerial torpedo will be carried by a UAV within the current decade. Some developments

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FUTURE BECKONS

INDIAN NAVY: THE ROAD AHEAD! Future proofing is a crucial task for the Indian Navy, and for this, it is important to understand the role of the industry and disruptive technologies

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r Commodore Sujeet Samaddar competition in ways that are communications which would (Retd) revolutionary, profound and neither permit industry nor unexpected and radically modifies navies simply doing ‘more of the he Indian the concept of operations, defines same’ to remain in business or in Navy has requirements of new skills, the reckoning in war. Talways capabilities and capacities, These disruptive technologies been a highly impacts the national defence can be classified in several ways. tech-savvy and industrial complex which in turn Foremost are technologies that forward looking finally changes the strategic naval drive information and force. This is balance between nations. communications which are closely intertwined with its In warfare, several precedents critical elements in designing the organisational culture, its of the revolution in military battle space and the conduct of operational character and its work affairs and the associated war itself. Effective and secure ethos. Steered by a leadership that disruptive technology exist. communications, presently consistently believed in being a Industry 1.0 replaced sails and relying on radio and satellite ‘builder's navy’, it is no surprise wooden hulls with steam and steel technologies, are central and that 41 ships and submarines are even as canons and guns made critical to all forms of maritime on order, another 22 ships are fodder of swordsmen and cavalry. operations. With the emphasis on under advanced stage of Industry 2.0 introduced electric network-enabled operations, negotiations for contract power and revolutionised sensors highly capable and large capacity conclusion and 17 ships are and communications systems. networks are becoming a sine- awaiting technology tie-ups to Industry 3.0 brought in digital quo-non for modern command, build in India. However, whilst technologies which had broad control, communication, shipbuilding expertise has been spectrum applications and was computer, intelligence, created, the building blocks of the characterised by a fusion of surveillance and reconnaissance constituent elements of float, technologies impacting systems (C4ISR), which must move and fight remain a work in multifarious industries and naval function faultlessly, ensure secure progress. Systems, sensors and operations in terms of and stable connectivity, machinery that go into these unprecedented scale, size and interoperability between diverse elements need to be carefully speed of execution. These platforms and widely deployed forecast to keep ahead of the technological disruptions fleets and, yet, be robust to meet technology curve and must also challenged the incremental model rising voice, data and video remain operationally relevant for of product improvement by requirements in combat. The at least a decade or two ahead industry and its adoption by the potential disruptive technologies after induction. This requires navy. for maritime communications early recognition of emerging As the world stands at the could include high throughput disruptive technologies that threshold of industry 4.0, it is once satellite communications, big data potentially can bring about yet again a new basket of disruptive analytics, machine learning and another revolution in military technologies that will impact robotics, and new methods of affairs. In the combat arena, a naval operations and redefine securely sharing operational disruptive technology changes the requirements of machinery, information through enterprise dynamics of conflict or weapons, equipment, sensors and grade security architectures. Once

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blue laser technology is mastered to link systems backed by Big Data, machine submerged submarines with learning, cognitive computing, ultra- collaborating aircraft and can be high speed computer processing and generated at low cost and energy levels, secure transmission technologies. These submarine communications as we know could disruptively change the navy’s them would become obsolete. The existing Combat Management System Internet of Things (IoT) and techniques For R&D and academia, (CMS) architecture, the sensor-shooter of cloud computing are futuristic it is imperative that interfaces, the network of networks into technological innovations that would fresh and specialised a spatially distributive and yet also disrupt the existing model of data talent are nurtured, and temporarily concentrated force transfer, information sharing and appropriate test and lab generation and application architecture command control and communications. facilities are created for riding on cloud computing and IoT. In ideating, innovating and turn, this will spawn cyber-attack systems and interference prevention incubating new war technologies opening a new frontier in winning products combat and presenting some challenges and opportunity for industry. This transformation to a real time data- Disruptive surveillance technologies driven, evidence based decision making are a result of revolutionary concepts of process will lead away from the current electronics particularly the huge reactive and diagnostic Maritime potential that Terahertz electronics, Domain Awareness (MDA) to a nano-technology, smart materials and proactive cognitive Maritime Theatre bio-computational and quantum Dominance (MTD) combat suite. But computing techniques on the one hand space, where much of this disruption and miniaturisation and the would reside, will be increasingly development of MEMS based EM congested, contested, and competitive sensors and Internet of Everything and thus space based systems would be (IoE) on the other may offer. These will subject to denial, degradation, or revolutionise the Observe, Orient, destruction to snip the ‘network of Decide, Act (OODA) loop for data driven networks’ on which future navies would warfare as it gives the decision maker rely. At the other end deep sea access to real time broad spectrum technologies may spur a whole new artificial intelligence, assisted/aided suite of sea based surveillance and decision-making command and control response systems integrating pre-

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positioned sonars with autonomous torpedoes controlled from remote locations by the Internet of Everything (IoE). A second basket of disruptive technologies that will reconfigure future forces are ultra-powerful, ultra-light, ultra- conductive meta materials, polymers, alloys and composites. Potentially, hulls of future ships may be graphene based whilst composite content could increase in superstructure/masts for ships. Submarines may also see increased applications of composites in hydroplanes, rudder, sail/fin construction amongst other structures and internal fittings that would reduce footprint and radiated signature. For industry, these are signals of alarm impacting shipbuilding steel demand and also pointers where new business opportunities are headed. Future materials will facilitate additive manufacturing which could potentially example, the suspected, threatened or ‘print’ spares or even ammunition at sea and confirmed presence of nuclear, biological or these technologies in turn will impact the chemical (NBC) hazards or mines would way navies have looked at maintenance and place severe constraints on the operational logistics to support fleets at sea. Such a flexibility of forces and impose un- transformation has an immense impact on acceptable exposure to risk. This key the electronics and telecommunications disruption will transfer risk from sailors industry, the metals business, on welding employed in hazardous operations to technologies and even cables looms and machines thus, fundamentally redefining harnesses business, all of which may not be the art of the possible in future combat able to survive this innovation. operations that are not daunted by the DECODING REALITY: A third basket of disruptive technologies prospect of casualties. Commanders, About destructive is the Autonomous -Vehicle (AV) space that unburdened from losing their men during technologies would leverage new innovations in operations, can completely re-envision Robotics, Automation and Miniaturisation battle plans, logistics and transportation First, technologies that drive to offer a viable means of operating in models by exploiting AVs for Intelligence, information and circumstances where both enemy action Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and communications which are and environmental hazards prevent forces remote launch of precision guided weapons. critical elements in from entering an area of interest. For In the future, it is possible to imagine designing the battle space and conduct of war itself Second, technologies that will reconfigure future forces like ultra-powerful, ultra- light, ultra-conductive meta materials, polymers, alloys and composites Third, the autonomous- vehicle space that would leverage innovations in robotics, automation and miniaturisation to offer means of operating in circumstances where both enemy action and environmental hazards prevent forces from entering an area of interest

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autonomous mine hunters, surface craft completely new industrial segment and underwater vehicles sailing into requiring different capital equipment harm's way at least risk, thus opening and skills for which Indian industry never before options of non-contact must prepare today. warfare creating war winning The final basket of disruptive asymmetries in trade-offs between asset technologies is in the field of risk and operational rewards. transformational energy generation and The impact on naval aviation would storage systems. We are already seeing be equally disruptive when long range advances in propulsion technology that maritime surveillance is undertaken by are unique including the Pulse a robotic platform that provides several Detonation Engines and rim-driven days of persistence surveillance with pumpjet propulsors. Gas turbines and neither fatigue nor failure whilst the diesel engines may soon be obsolete as crew rotates and remains at the air they are replaced with wind and solar station. Robotics and automation will powered turbines, electric propulsion make many existing solutions to motors, high capacity and rapid warfighting obsolete and fundamental recharge Li-ion batteries, hydrogen and suppositions may need to be revisited as fuel cells and even mini nuclear autonomous systems become the long- reactors. term expeditionary force-structure Current developments also solution with crews operating from include superconducting ashore secure form the vagaries of electrical direct drive weather and sea and platforms deployed motors, which, by on mission with an unseen umbilical themselves, promise cord connecting crew to platform. This large reduction in could spawn a size and weight, but

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require provision of cryogenic devices to propulsion systems require a completely winning products. A fresh approach to achieve the low temperatures required different set of materials, newer explore and exploit disruptive for attaining superconductivity. manufacturing techniques and highly technologies is now essentially required Developments in high temperature accurate power management and health and the R&D ecosystem needs to be superconductivity, which have the monitoring systems relying on artificial tweaked to partition fundamental potential to eliminate this drawback, intelligence and high-speed processors. research to be conducted at the will need to be watched with interest by In the short term, as the world adopts DRDO/universities and applied naval designers. High-speed generators tough emission control norms, bio fuels, research through a DARPA like and variable speed generators are also blended fuels and LNG may become the establishment that would encourage making an appearance. These are fuel of choice for warships to enter entrepreneurs and start-ups in projected to be smaller, more efficient, environmentally regulated ports for innovation, assist incubation and and being coupled directly to gas operational turn around. Imperatives of promote induction of disruptive turbine prime movers, will eliminate the high power density, flexibility in products for naval applications. need for reduction gears, thereby operations, stealth requirements, low- For Indian entrepreneurs and global reducing weight and space life cycle costs, stringent emission OEMs specifically, this transition could requirements as well as acoustic norms may introduce fuel cells, battery not have happened at a better time than signatures. backed electric propulsion systems when the government has put forward a Fuel cells, which produce electrical sooner than later. host of forward-looking policies, power without the need for thermal In conclusion, disruptive technologies generous initiatives and much engines, are yet another promising area will continue to impact industry, and in simplified procedures for facilitating of advancement. These require turn, drive the revolution in military Make in India, improved hugely on ease hydrogen in its natural state, which is affairs particularly maritime affairs. of doing business, encouraged start-ups difficult and dangerous to store in large Therefore, to build a future proofed thus creating the base ecosystem for quantities. Technology for extraction of Indian Navy, the key requirement would smoothening the manufacturing hydrogen from diesel fuel, which can be be to acquire and master disruptive transition from legacy to disruptive safely stored, is being developed. Fuel technologies even as they emerge for technology products and cells have made their debut on new inductions whilst MRO, upgrades platforms. Indian industry submarines with success and scaling and life extension facilities must seize this opportunity up power capacity would open new must continue to sustain legacy to become the partner of areas of application. These new equipment. choice to build our future- For R&D and academia, it is proofed Indian Navy. imperative that fresh and specialised talent are —The author has retired nurtured, and from the Indian Navy as the appropriate test and lab Principal Director Naval facilities are created for Plans in 2009. Presently, he is ideating, innovating and a Senior Consultant, incubating new war NITI Aayog

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MAKE IN INDIA

THINK LOCAL, ACT GLOBAL

Rapid indigenisation is making India a formidable force. Besides, brisk technological progress and exemplary innovations in the defence sector are helping India get space on the global map as well

r [email protected] defence base has always been the government has taken progressive hortly after coming to power, the government's priority. This, in turn, has policy steps to boost defence India Prime Minister rolled out his opened up new avenues such as building manufacturing in the country. It is Sflagship programme, 'Make in a stronger trade balance, creating engaging with both private industries India' in 2014. Promising, and substantial employment, and securing and foreign suppliers. The policy ambitious, this initiative was expected peace and stability. With several initiative can not only help India in to boost manufacturing in the nation liberalised policies in the defence sector becoming self-sufficient but also in and attract foreign investment. in place, India is gradually turning itself into a defence Furthermore, given the sweeping metamorphosing from a regional player exporter,"Ashish Saraf, head of Airbus impact, the programme was also to a country with global clout. Several Helicopters in India & South Asia. expected to reduce procedural delays in global defence giants from Europe, manufacturing projects, develop robust America, and Germany have made THE CATALYST infrastructure and make India, a lucrative offers to India. Today, the Formed in 1958, the DRDO (Defence business-friendly investment hub. The country is ranked among the top 10 Research and Development progress has been satisfactory. countries in the world in terms of Organisation) is the only organisation Ever since the inception of 'Make in military expenditure. mandated for the development of India', crafting a holistic aerospace and "With Make in India, the weapons and systems in the defence

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future, the Indian defence industry and deadly aircraft with precision could also be an exporter," shared Stuti bombing and precision engagement in Banerjee, research fellow, Indian air-to-air combat. Apart from fighter Council of World Affairs. aircraft and helicopter fleets, transport aircraft have also been playing a crucial DEFENDER OF THE INDIAN SKIES role in the IAF. Here are some of the Strong, chivalrous, and innovative, the best fighter jets and helicopters that are Indian Air Force, also known as securing our skies: Bharatiya Vayu Sena, is soon to MiG-29: The Russian origin fighter complete 87 years of service to the plane, MiG-29, has been one of the nation on 8 October, 2019. Down the strongest and ferocious fighters of the years, the IAF has shouldered the prime Indian Air Force. It can refuel mid-air responsibility of securing the Indian air and can launch multi-dimensional space and it presently ranks fourth in attacks with latest missiles. The the world among powerful air forces. Be upgraded MiG-29 played a vital role it combat missions or caring out relief in the Kargil war of 1999 and was operations, this force has evolved as a deployed at the Adampur Air Force modern fighting force. Station, about 100 kilometres from Since 1932, the IAF has carried out the Pakistan border and 250 many operations as a defender of the kilometres from the China border. Indian skies. In 1933, with five pilots, it Su-30MKI: Built by India's HAL commissioned its first squadron. (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), the Thereafter, be it the war in 1947 with Su-30MKI is a twin seated and twin- Pakistan or liberation of Goa, Daman, engine multirole fighter. This Russian and Diu in 1961, the glorious chapters of origin aircraft is a heavy, all-weather technology. Indigenous, significant and the IAF certainly make each citizen of and long-range fighter with a speed of hi-tech, be it '' or 'Prithvi', DRDO the country proud. This extremely 25,000 km/hour. has been persistently working towards Mirage-2000: The Mirage-200 is a making the nation self-reliant in single-seater air defence and multi- defence production. role fighter of French origin. It is With the onset of Make in India, powered by a single engine and can DRDO has taken a lead in shaping the attain max speed of 2,495 km/hr. It Indian defence industry. The Indian carries two 30 mm integral cannons, defence sector's RND (Research and two matra super 530D medium-range Development) powerhouse, DRDO and and two R-550 magic II close combat its technologies, today, stand at a As India embarks on missiles on external stations. whooping value of more than 2, 60, 000 replacing the ageing Jaguar: A twin-engine, single seater crores. Among many, the notable defence equipment, it deep penetration strike aircraft of achievement of the organisation is is an opportune time to Anglo-French origin, the Jaguar has a BrahMos. It is a joint venture of Russian invest in the Make in maximum speed of 1,350 km /hr. It is Federation's NPO Mashinostroyeniya India initiative. There is also laden with two 30mm guns and can and India's DRDO. Accurate and highly a need to invest heavily carry two R-350 Magic CCMs versatile, this world's fastest supersonic in Research & (overwing) along with 4750 kg of cruise missile has been deployed in the Development external stores. Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. IN INDIA, FROM INDIA "As India embarks on replacing the competent force has also carried out The Make in India initiative opens up ageing defence equipment, it is an many special relief programmes during new avenues for countries and leading opportune moment for the country to disasters. In 2004, the IAF provided companies to collaborate, invest and invest in the Make in India initiative. relief within an hour of the tsunami work towards indigenisation. Also, There is a need to invest heavily in hitting Sumatra, Indonesia. In the several small and medium-sized research and development especially for recent context, in 2018, it has played a enterprises (SMEs) have been next-generation fighters for the Indian vital role in the battle of Kerala actively working towards Air Force. It is currently relying on aging against flood. manufacturing and supplying fleets to maintain its squadron strength. The IAF has evolved as a modern auxiliary equipment, mainly sub- This is much needed as China develops fighting force through their dedication assemblies, components and even its fifth-generation fighters all the while and hard work of its Indian pioneers. providing system integration. The supplying the technology to Pakistan. As The country, currently, has aircraft of Make in India initiative has given the adversary advances, the IAF has to Russian, French, USA, Israeli, British these SMEs the right impetus to keep pace if not stay ahead. Apart from and indigenous origin. The MiG-29 can enhance their efficiency and fighter planes, there is also a need to launch multi-dimensional attacks, while manufacturing capabilities. transport aircraft and helicopters. In the Mirage-2000 is one of the most versatile At present, the defence budget for the

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squadrons with each having about 18 aircraft. This, according to experts, is the lowest in a decade to protect the Indian skies. Owing to the fast depleting numbers, there is an urgent need to plan for the coming years. "The Indian Air Force is the biggest customer of Indian Aerospace Industry, especially HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited). From the days of indigenous aircraft like Hindustan HT- 2, Kiran, and HF-24 Marut, this defence manufacturer got into licensed production. This has been due to its inability to keep up with the rapid technological developments that have taken place in aviation; as the IAF financial year 2019-2020 stands at Rs requires a state of the art equipment to 3.19 lakh crore. Under this capital outlay, keep ahead of the adversaries. The the Indian Army was granted Rs 29,447 Make in India programme has made crore, the Indian Navy was given Rs slow progress in the aviation sector and 23,156 crore, and the Indian Air Force it is imperative that high-value got an allocation of Rs 39,302 crore. acquisitions like the Rafale fighter, S- Considering the mega defence projects 400, are leveraged to improve Make in India opens up of military modernisation, this year the indigenous technologies. The pace of new avenues for allocation is 6.87 per cent higher over indigenisation has to increase revised estimates of Rs 2.98 lakh crore leading companies to exponentially if Make in India is to given in 2018-19. This increase in budget collaborate, invest and make an impact on the IAF inventory. has the potential to nurture the grand work towards This would take decades to indigenisation plans of the Army, Navy, indigenisation. It has materialise with a focused approach and Air Force. Furthermore, in an also given SMEs the and the support of the government unprecedented move, import of defence right impetus to but it is imperative to start now," equipment which is not manufactured in enhance their efficiency shared Manmohan Bahadur, Air Vice India has been relieved from basic Marshal (Retd). custom duty by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. In this regard, she the Tejas light combat aircraft will not said that the defence sector has an be sufficient. immediate requirement of India is expected to receive its first modernisation, it being a national Rafale fighter jet by September 2019. All priority. the 36 aircrafts are likely to be acquired by 2022. The Rafale jets are being STELLAR STEPS procured under the Rs 59,000 crore deal To bring many laurels to the country, signed between India and France. It is the Indian Air Force has undertaken said to be India's most capable fighter several projects to modernise, replace, aircraft and has a loitering range which and upgrade its out-of-date equipment 1.5 times of the current best - the SU 30 and technologies. Moreover, with the MKI. These fighter jets will have a range budget done and dusted and Make in of 780-1055 kilometres compared to the India and ease of doing business 400-450 of SU 30 MKI. Rafale fighter initiatives in place, the IAF is now an aircrafts can perform five sorties per 24 unstoppable force. At present, the hours. Besides, the French fighter Indian Air Force is giving final touches aircraft will feature the latest weapons to two major projects related to Make in like SCALP and METEOR. SCALP - a India. The projects in contention are precision long-range ground attack believed to be valued at around Rs 1.5 missile - can take out targets with lakh crore. While the first project on 56 extreme accuracy. A beyond visual air to medium transport aircraft by Tata air missile, best in its class - METEOR Airbus consortium will be initiated this can take out enemy aircraft at a range of year, the other mega project for 114 over 100 kilometres. fighter jets will take some time. According to experts, the 114-fighter MOVING FORWARD project is vital as the 36 Rafale jets and At present, the IAF has 31 combat

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