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In This Issue >> LEAD STORY Illustration: SP Guide Publications / Vipul Page 3 Lessons from Standoff Wakhan Corridor Territory ceded We keep repeating the mistakes. The by to CLASheS ALong Chinese PLA incursion in Ladakh, across the China in 1963 LAC, has been again a collective intelligence (Shaksgam Valley) failure for India. There is much to be CHINA The LAC learned for India from the current scenario. Teram Shehr Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) May 5 Indian and Gilgit Chinese soldiers Page 4 Pakistan clash at lake. Disengagement to Demobilisation: Occupied Karakorm Resetting the Relations Pass May 10 Face-off at China is a master of spinning deceit the Muguthang Valley and covert action exploiting strategy Baltistan in Sikkim. Skardu and statecraft as means of “Combative Depsang La May 21 Chinese coexistence” with opponents. Throughout NJ 9842 troops enter into the their history Chinese have had their share Patrol Valley of brutal conflicts at home and with Point 14 in Ladakh region. neighbours. LOC Valley Galwan Valley May 24 Chinese Lt General J.K. Sharma (Retd) Line Of Pangong-TSO camps at 3 places: Control Lake Hotspring, P14 and Page 5 P15. Way Ahead for the Jammu & LADAKH June 15 Violent Face- Kashmir off” between Indian and Chinese Soldiers. LAC A Colonel and 19 Line soldiers martyred from the Indian side PAK of Actual while China (PLA) Control suffered 43 to 49 casualties including Demchok a Colonel, killed in INDIA the scuffle

The threat of the virus is all-pervasive and to ensure Force Protection, an essential towards operational readiness, the Armed Forces have issued exhaustive instructions/guidelines F acts that Led to the Creation Lt General R.K. Jagga (Retd) Page 6 of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir Reading the Tea Leaves — PM at Frontline: Defining National Strategy Prime Minister’s personal appearance on the frontline has unequivocally reinforced (West of LOC) & China Occupied that entire of Ladakh is Indian Territory and any intrusion and aggression will be met with full might and resolve of the nation. With this the PM has clearly defined the Kashmir (East of LAC) National Strategy. Lt General J.K. Sharma (Retd) The original State of J&K which acceded to India in October 1947 comprised Page 8 2,22,236 sq km. But today India is in physical occupation of only 1,06,566 sq Dhanush — ‘Make in India’ Success Story km of the original state of J&K. Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) is 72,935 sq km less 5,180 sq km of Shaksgam Valley leased to China in 1963. China Occupied Kashmir (COK) consists of 37,555 sq km of Aksai Chin plus Shaksgam and territory nibbled over the years, all totaling up to 42,735 sq km.

 LT GENERAL P. C. Katoch (Retd) newly created Pakistan. Radcliffe had never visited India earlier and probably had never Background seen a map in his life. He chaired two boundary Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) Post Partition of undivided India in 1947, commissions, one for Punjab and one for Ben- the entire State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) gal, consisting of two Muslims and two non- Plus was acceded to India by the then ruler of J&K, Muslims – none from military or with military Electronic Warfare – Denying Maharaja Hari Singh through an Instrument background. Over a Century of British rule in Electromagnetic Advantage to Enemy 9 Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) of Accession signed on October 26, 1947 post India and five weeks to Partition the Country by massive Pakistan infiltration. For the Partition, a novice - Radcliffe! Mountbatten declared Inde- Weapon Locating and Battle Field British barrister Cyril Radcliffe arrived in Brit- pendence only on August 15 though the result- Surveillance Radars 10 ish India for the first time on July 8, 1947. He ing boundary award was announced on August Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) was given exactly five weeks to draw the bor- 17. Radcliffe sailed back for England on August News in Brief / Special Reports 11 ders between an independent India and the 18, Partition along the Radcliffe Line ended in

2-3/2020 SP’s Land Forces 1 >> LEAD STORY

Covid was overshadowed by military talks, both sides had Chinese camp and have sent a Battlefield Surveillance Radar China’s surprise action on the agreed to disengage but then clear message that India shall and Electronic Warfare are all (LAC) thus PLA has reestablished its posts resist every expansionist move systems of the moment. Dha- the lead article by Lt General and built ups at various points. with courage and resolve. The nush is another success story P.C. Katoch (Retd) gives a very In an article on the Disengage- visit has been a great morale of ‘Make in India’ which is also comprehensive background on ment and De-escalation, Lt booster for the troops on the included. how Pakistan Occupied Kash- General J.K. Sharma (Retd), a front line in Ladakh and whole This issue as usual wraps up mir (LOC) and China Occupied China expert warns not to take of the armed forces and their with the News Digest. All person- Kashmir (LAC) was created. As the Chinese pull-back on its face families. With special focus on nel who are involved in publish- a result the original State of J&K value as China’s history of back the strategy of some countries ing newspapers and magazines which acceded to India in Octo- stabbing is well known and can without mentioning China the like this one, are all Corona ber 1947 comprised 2,22,236 sq repeat itself. Prime Minister stated that “those Warriors as they are risking their km but today India is in physical The world and India are in who are driven by expansion- life to reach you all to keep you occupation of only 1,06,566 sq the grip of Covid-19 thus in an ism have always posed danger updated with key news. km of the original state of J&K. article on the subject Lt General to the world. History bears tes- Happy reading! Since then problems on LAC R.K. Jagga (Retd) defines the timony that such forces have and LOC continue. role of Armed Forces under the either been destroyed or forced

EDITORIAL Regarding lessons learnt threat of the virus and how to to return back. It is due to this from the LAC in Ladakh, Lt Gen- keep them operationally fit in the experience that world is coming eral Katoch laments the norm to all pervasive environment of the together against expansionism”. appoint committees after conflict Covid-19. The PMs trip was followed by a situations whose reports are Writing about the unsched- two day trip by Defence Minister either buried or lessons forgot- uled and surprise landing of to LAC and LOC ten. Result is that we tend to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at from July 17-18. keep repeating our mistakes Leh on July 3, 2020, along with Then there are a few articles thus the author has suggested the CDS and the COAS, Lt Gen- on technologies which play a 12 points for focus. We hope eral J.K. Sharma (Retd) claims key role specially in gathering somebody higher up is listening. that India has seized the initia- intelligence and border manage- Jayant Baranwal After protracted military-to- tive and taken the challenge to ment. Weapon Locating Radar, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

PHOTOGRAPH: INC violence that killed one million people and displaced 12 million. In 1962 when Nehru The original State of J&K which acceded directed the Army to throw to India in October 1947 comprised 2,22,236 sq km. Independent India’s bor- PLA out of one illegally der in the northwest touched Wakhan Cor- ridor of Afghanistan and border to north occupied post, China with China Occupied Tibet (COT). Pakistan had no border with China. But today India launched a massive pre- is in physical occupation of only 1,06,566 sq km of the 2,22,236 sq km of the origi- planned invasion. In 1963, nal state of J&K. Pakistan occupied Kashmir Pakistan leased Shaksgam (POK) is 72,935 sq km less 5,180 sq km of Shaksgam Valley (Indian Territory) illegally Valley in Pakistan leased to China in 1963. China Occupied Kashmir (COK) consists of 37,555 sq km of occupied Kashmir (POK) Aksai Chin plus 5,180 sq km Shaksgam and territory nibbled over the years, all total- to China in exchange ing up to 42,735 sq km. US and regional for military and nuclear Pakistani media had reported in February File Photo: India’s first Home Minister Sardar Patel with 2012 that Pakistan was considering leasing India’s first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru Gilgit-Baltistan (72,971 sq km) to China for technology. 50 years. Today we have a Clement Atlee had become Prime Minis- fight communist threat of Russia and China (LOC) with Pakistan and Line of Actual ter of Britain but Churchill was still in the on borders of Kashmir. What an irony that Control (LAC) with China. advisory loop. Churchill hated India despite Pakistan today has become vassal state of on Tactical Pilotage Charts, many official- 2.5 million Indians fighting in World War Communist China and is wooing Russia too private cartographers and atlas produc- POK and British Treachery II that enabled British victory. Churchill for armament. ers followed suit and Pakistan eventually On Partition of India, the British conspired instructed Douglas Gracey, C-in-C Pakistan During the India-Pakistan Karachi started claiming this as boundary. India an invasion and capture of J&K through army to let India-Pakistan fight but “keep Agreement of 1949 held under aegis of ironically slept. Mountbatten (Governor General of inde- a piece of India”, so that both keep fight- the United Nations, the Ceasefire Line In late 1970s/early 1980s, many expe- pendent India), Lockhart (C-in-C Indian ing in perpetuity. Douglas Gracey organ- (CFL) marked went east only till NJ 9842, ditions applied to Pakistan to climb peaks Army) and Douglas Gracey (C-in-C Pakistan ised fall and massacre of Skardu Garrison, beyond which it only said “thence North in the Siachen area due to Pakistan claim- army), keeping Nehru in dark and Jinnah which was holding on for eight months. The to the Glaciers”. According to Captain S.K. ing the area. In 1978, a German Siachen- in picture. Pakistani invasion of so-called complete garrison including women and Sinha (later Lieutenant General and Gov- Kondus Expedition with a Pakistani liaison Razakars had a mix of Pakistani Army children were massacred. Gracey, however, ernor J&K) orders to mark the CFL only up officer entered Siachen via Bilafond La and regulars – all armed by Pakistan Army. spared Lieutenant Colonel Sher Jung Thapa, to NJ 9842 came from Delhi – another Brit- established the base camp on the confluence the Garrison Commander. Gracey who ish mischief. Also the CFL was marked on of Siachen and Teram Shehr. The documen- in his younger days was commanding a a 1:2,50,000 map with thick sketch pen tary “Expedition to the longest glacier” was During the India-Pakistan Gorkha Training Centre in India liked play- and did not follow the watershed principle. shown on German TV in 1979. In April ing hockey. He had noticed Thapa’s hockey Marking a 1:2,50,000 map with a thick 1984, India successfully pre-empted Paki- Karachi Agreement of skills and coaxed him to join J&K State sketch pen itself meant a difference of up stani designs to occupy the Saltoro massif Forces. Fall of Skardu threatened Kargil and to one kilometer at any point – cause for – a fact and admission of the strategic sig- 1949 held under aegis Leh, for which had to mount perpetual friction. 1972 onwards CFL was nificance of Saltoro admitted by Musharraf attacks, including to securing Zoji La, with termed Line of Control (LOC). in his autobiography ‘In the Line of Fire’. of the United Nations, more loss of lives. During 1967-70, maps by Pakistan, UN Ever since then Pakistan has been looking to the Ceasefire Line (CFL) British officers of Pakistan Army guided and other global atlases depicted CFL cor- grab more Indian Territory, its last big ven- Pakistani infiltrators into Shyok and Nubra rectly. But in 1967, the US Defense Mapping ture being the failed Kargil intrusions dur- marked went east only till Valleys of Ladakh but the Nubra Guards of Agency began showing Indo-Pak boundary ing 1999. It has not given up and still hopes Ladakhis fought and made them retreat. on Tactical Pilotage Charts from NJ 9842 to to capture J&K in conjunction with China. NJ 9842, beyond which it When the Indian Army was going after the the (KK) Pass without justifica- retreating Pakistani infiltrators, Mountbat- tion or any documentation; cartographi- COK and India’s Naiveté only said “thence North ten and Lockhart persuaded Nehru to call a cally giving entire Siachen-Saltoro area The McMohan Line is the demarcation line ceasefire and approach the United Nations to Pakistan. This possibly was by design between Tibet and Northeast region of India, to the Glaciers”. 1972 for arbitration – another trap which Nehru because of the soft corner US-UK had negotiated between Tibet and Great Britain fell for. British plan was for Pakistan army towards Pakistan. In addition, US wanted to at the end of the Shimla Conference (October onwards CFL was termed to get a foothold in J&K, making it party to establish relations with China that eventu- 1913–July 1914) and named after the chief Line of Control (LOC). dispute when referred to UN. Importantly, ally led to President Nixon’s visit to Beijing British negotiator, Sir Henry McMahon. The British wanted to keep Gilgit–Baltistan with in 1972. Following the US Defense Mapping document has been signed by the Tibetan

www.spslandforces.com a country of their making (Pakistan) to Agency began showing Indo-Pak boundary representative but China refuses to acknowl-

2 SP’s Land Forces 2-3/2020 >> LEAD STORY

edge the McMohan Line. In sharp contrast, of her commitment in the Korean War. by China. In 1963, Pakistan illegally leased China used an old sketch of the Kuomin- In 1963, Pakistan illegally About 2.5 million Indians participated Shaksgam Valley (Indian Territory in Paki- tang Regime which it had overthrown to leased Shaksgam in World War II, most of who were dis- stan occupied Kashmir (POK) to China in claim the nine-dash line in South China Sea. banded at the end of war in 1945. India exchange for military and nuclear technol- Unfortunately, Jawahar Lal Nehru, India’s Valley (Indian Territory could have easily mobilised 2-3 Divisions ogy. Zhou En Lai visited Pakistan and sug- first Prime Minister was inclined excessively from these trained soldiers and helped Tibet gested to Ayub Khan that Pakistan should towards China at the cost of India’s strategic in Pakistan occupied retain its independence from the rag-tag prepare for a prolonged conflict with India interests. When General Robert Lockhart, PLA but we did not. Nehru continued to instead of short-term wars, advising Paki- first C-in-C of India took a strategic plan for Kashmir (POK) to China in believe China’s legitimate interests must be stan to raise a militia force (read terrorists) a Government directive on defence policy to acknowledged to reduce international ten- to act behind enemy (India) lines. Nehru, he took one look at the paper and exchange for military and sions. A.G. Noorani writes that “integrating In 1966, Zhou En Lai meeting a Paki- shouted, “Rubbish! Total rubbish! We don’t the China into the international commu- stani military delegation in Beijing raised need a defence plan. Our policy is ahimsa nuclear technology. nity by conceding its right to the Chinese his clenched fist and said, “This is capable (non-violence). We foresee no military seat at the UN Security Council was in fact of delivering a forceful blow, but if you cut threats. Scrap the army! The police are good a central pillar of Nehru’s foreign policy.” off one finger, the fist loses its power, not by enough to meet our security needs.” Instead While our western and north-western threat India became aware that China had built one-fifth, but by fifty per cent. If you wipe of helping Tibetans against Chinese inva- to security is still as prominent as before, a a road through Aksai Chin (Indian Terri- out a couple of hundred thousand of the sion, Nehru was supplying rice to PLA. He new threat has developed from the north tory) and established PLA posts there much enemy spread over a long front, its impact also told US, UK and UN to go ignore Tibetan and north-east. Thus, for the first time, after after all this was completed. Aksai Chin was is not as great as wiping out an entire bat- protest to UN saying that would distract from centuries, India’s defence has to concentrate annexed by China without firing a shot or talion or a brigade but enemy’s morale is the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commis- itself on two fronts simultaneously.” violence – compared to killing close to one dealt a devastating blow. We know this from sion in the Korean Peninsula – as scripted by Simultaneously, the Commandant of million Tibetans in Tibet till now. practical experience.” China supports Paki- former ambassador R.S. Kalha. Defence Services Staff College at Wellington In 1960 Chinese Premier Zhou En Lai stani terrorists both at the UN and against Sardar Patel had written to Nehru on told students in October 1950: India’s back visiting India said there would be no war India-Afghanistan. Through a bloodied November 7, 1950 saying, “We have to con- door has been opened, and have but was waiting for an opportunity with Maoists insurgency, China has successfully sider what new situation now faces us as a become the boundary with a large, power- the Indian Army poorly equipped. In 1962 brought Communists to power in Nepal, result of the disappearance of Tibet, as we ful and expansionist China; India’s eastern when Nehru directed the Army to throw drawing Nepal in its strategic sphere. China knew it, and the expansion of China almost regions have become vulnerable - within PLA out of one illegally occupied post, China has announced it will bear costs of teach- up to our gates…… We had a friendly Tibet range of bombers from bases in Tibet; launched a massive pre-planned invasion. ing Mandarin in Nepal’s schools which the which gave us no trouble. …..Chinese irre- defence of mountainous frontier would Indian’s could have continued fighting in government has accepted. Naturally, teach- dentism and communist imperialism are cost India more than it can afford; if Kash- some places but the weak higher military ers will come from China well versed in different from the expansionism or imperi- mir issue is not solved, India would have leadership ordered withdrawal. PLA eventu- ideological and psychological treatment of alism of the western powers…. The danger unmanageable defence burden, and; India ally withdrew because of inability to sustain the upcoming generation. PLA deployment from the north and north-east, therefore, would have to pay dearly for failure to act itself across the Himalayas through winters. becomes both communist and imperialist. before China became stronger and was free Nehru died a disillusioned man backstabbed Continued on page 10... Lessons from Ladakh Standoff We keep repeating the mistakes. The Chinese PLA incursion in Ladakh, across the LAC, is once again a collective intelligence failure for India. There is much to be learned for India from the current scenario.

Illustration: Vimlesh Yadav  Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) Nine, during the Kargil Conflict, then Army Chief General V.P. Malik was con- he norm we follow is to strained to say, “We will fight with what we appoint committees after conflict have.” In the current context, witness the situations whose reports are either mad rush to procure weaponry, ammunition, buried like Henderson Brooks rifles, helmets, bullet proof jackets, unmanned report of 1962 or lessons forgotten aerial vehicles and the like. This has happened Tlike of Kargil Review Committee. Comment- because of the political belief that there would ing on shortcomings ‘during’ the conflict is be no war and as a result successive defence taboo – even considered anti-national. Result budget allocations that have been negative in is we tend to keep repeating our mistakes. actual terms - even adversely commented by But there is much to be learned from the former diplomats as lowest since 1962. current scenario. Ten, China and for that matter Pakistan One, Jarnail Singh, former joint secre- also understands power. Soft Power has no tary in PMO has blamed R&AW for intelli- value without Hard Power. While Soft Power gence failure for the 1999 Kargil intrusions ‘softens’ blow of Hard Power for the recipient, in his book ‘With Four Prime Ministers – My both Soft and Hard Power must be employed PMO Journey’. 21 years later we suffered in tandem. Hybrid Warfare is now the pre- similar intelligence failure with Chinese was delayed because of COVID-19. respected border protocols and agreements. ferred form of conflict, which India has not aggression in Eastern Ladakh, even though Four, prior to Kargil Intrusions, Paki- Seven, without a Strategic Defence fully acknowledged. We need a road map for NTRO was raised after 1999. Mere intima- stan had observed that our reserve Division Review and National Security Strategy, building hard power holistically with a time- tion of PLA exercise in Aksai Chin, which at Nimu in Ladakh had been moved to the we went about the exercise to reduce the table, plugging operational gaps on priority. is training area for PLA mechanised forces, Kashmir Valley to deal with the heightened Army strength by 1,00,000 plus. In doing Eleven, there will be no bigger fools than was hardly enough. China had constructed insurgency. In the current context, India was so we glossed over China’s illegal claims on us if we still believe in China’s promises and a new road four kilometers short of Galwan busy battling COVID-19 and because of the Indian Territory. The Division looking after peaceful intentions despite being warned which satellite imagery should have picked lockdown the routine exercises were called Eastern Ladakh has a frontage of about periodically starting with Sardar Patel’s let- up. The NSA and the Joint Intelligence Com- off and mobilisation hampered because of 800 km – does it have adequate manpower, ter to Nehru on November 7, 1950. Despite mittee failed to warn the Cabinet Committee limited rail movement. Did we anticipate surveillance means and reserves to deal the motions of disengagement, China still on Security of the impending threat, as did that China will seize this opportunity? Our with intrusions? has presence inside Depsang and a Mecha- the Director General, Defence Intelligence Army too must share the blame for not tak- Eight, the ITBP deployed in Eastern nised Division lined up opposite Depsang Agency to the Defence Minister. ing precautions knowing that PLA’s Western Ladakh even in sensitive areas of Depsang and Demchok which implies PLA could still Two, China has had 24x7 satellite cover Theatre Command was exercising. and is not under command of the initiate conflict. astride the LAC but we have been focused on Five, a foreign scholar has written a Army, as required by the Kargil Review Twelve, theory provides cumulative wis- Pakistan and failed to do so against China detailed article on how PLA rehearsed the Committee and follow up Group of Min- dom through cumulative strategic study of despite missions to the Moon and Mars. aggression on a full-scale model (satel- isters headed by the then Deputy Prime previous conflict that helps exploit practical Three, China had reacted strongly lite imagery provided) before advancing Minister L.K. Advani. ITBP follows its own opportunities. Clausewitz had said, “Theory to our map of of Ladakh into Eastern Ladakh. Why did we miss out chain of command through their IG and DG exists so that one need not start afresh each issued in October 2019 which included detecting this? to Ministry of Home Affairs. This creates time sorting out the material and ploughing Aksai Chin. This was reason for us to be Six, we failed to read the enemy (China’s avoidable operational problems militating through it, but will find it ready at hand and more vigilant. In fact, intelligence reports Communist Party) and President Xi Jinping against requirements of unity of command. in good order”. We need to draw right lessons indicate that China was to intrude into East- despite the fact that every Chinese action In 2013 also China made a 19 km deep from the Ladakh Standoff to deal with China ern Ladakh last year itself but the operation since 1962 was anti-India and China never intrusion in Depsang. in future. SP

2-3/2020 SP’s Land Forces 3 >> LAC stand-off Disengagement to Demobilisation: Resetting the Relations

Illustration: Vimlesh Yadav China is a master of spinning deceit and covert action exploiting strategy and statecraft as means of “Combative coexistence” with opponents. Throughout their history Chinese have had their share of brutal conflicts at home and with neighbours.

 Lt General J.K. Sharma (Retd) of Xi Jinping, India’s infrastructure develop- on the interactions that have taken place “The setting up of Buffer Zone creates a new ment close to the LAC and/or many more, at the political and diplomatic level on the status quo, even if temporary. However since he narrative on the Line of but it will not be business as usual for very process and procedures as also the limits of the new status quo suits China, it may push Actual Control (LAC) between long. The relation in which Prime Minister pull back involved. Therefore, what is hap- to enforce it indefinitely until a settlement is India and China and in the Sub Modi had been investing ever since 2015, pening on ground leads to perceptions and reached thus depriving India of patrolling Sector North (SSN) and rest of never loosing an opportunity to strike a per- perceptible and not concrete deductions? rights. The revised status quo would be firmed Eastern Ladakh since July 5, 2020 sonal rapport, are heading further South- From all this emerges is that both sides in by applying the percept that “possession Thas been of disengagement. This has mani- ward with every passing day. have moved some distance. A buffer zone is nine-tenths of the law.” The Buffer Zone fested only in to minor thinning and some The PLA has moved back by 1.5 to 2 of anything between 3 to 6 kms has been creates a huge advantage for China1.” Post withdrawal of opposing forces on the LAC, kms at varying locations but has contin- created which will be inviolable for some Doklam, Chinese had established a strong particularly the areas of Hot Spring, Gogra, ued to consolidate in the rear all along time till the situation normalises. And that position on plateau which was only being Galwan and Fingers along the Northern including those areas where disengage- normalisation remains a big question mark patrolled earlier. There should have been polit- Bank of Pangong Tso. Much of this has ments are happening. The PLA is building for some time to come. This also implies ical and diplomatic initiatives to call out for happened after series of talks at the level of up defences, constructing concrete bunkers that the patrolling rights of Indian forces at changing the status quo. To believe that rela- Corps Commander from military side and and while there is thinning out from the multiple points have been forfeited for this tions, because of the Wuhan Summit and at then political and diplomatic parleys of July show window to avoid direct confrontation; duration or forever, as in international poli- Mamallapuram were normal would be naïve. 5 between the Special Representatives of however they are definitely not leaving the tics, possession is not just nine-tenths of the Why would other wise PLA had continued two countries, i.e National Security Advi- sector. Similarly the Indian Army troops law, it is the law. It actually means that we pressing forward on multiple points along sor of India and Foreign Minister of China. have also thinned out and moved behind. have withdrawn from the boundaries that the LAC, push for changing the definition of How the disengagement is translating itself So there is disengagement (thinning out) we had controlled, even if it was by patrol- LAC coupled with a significant change in their on ground and it’s implications on the sta- but not de-escalation (demobilisation) ling, as we can’t go to the same points again. behaviour. This put to question the whole tus quo ante that India has been seeking for making the consequences implicit. Because This is rather a dangerous precedence with construct and structure of agreements since has become a matter of debate, especially of lack of authoritative commentary from great disadvantage to India. 1988-1993 and the confidence building mea- on the mechanism of disengagement and the government it is difficult to interpret Brahma Chellaney rightly comments, sures in 1993, 1996 and 2013 in an effort to what kind of concessions are being given prevent the use of force on the borders. by either side in terms of real estate. This Even 58 years ago, newspaper headlines of July 15, 1962 read “Chinese troops withdraw from Galwan Every narrative points towards China’s whole matter further is of even greater con- Post; Great courage shown by Indian Jawans: Delhi warning has telling effect.” Exactly 96 days after intentions being questionable. 58 years ago, cern as the analysts and strategists are yet these banner headlines, on October 20, 1962, India-China war happened. the Headlines of July 15, 1962 read “Chi- to get a clear insight to the explanation as nese troops withdraw from Galwan Post; to why China adopted this stance at all. The Great courage shown by Indian Jawans: reasons could be many from India’s cosying Delhi warning has telling effect.” Exactly 96 up with USA, issues of domestic legitimacy days after this banner headlines on October 20, 1962, war happened. Para 6 of the leaked Secret Handerson Brooks Report gives out how The PLA is building up and where the clashes happened before the war. defences, constructing “The clashes started from Longju in Aug 1959 and then Kongka La in Oct 59. India adopted concrete bunkers and the forward policy in Nov/Dec 1961 and then Galwan happened on 10 Jul 1962 followed by while there is thinning out Dao La on 08 Sep 62 and finally the war on 20 Oct 1962”. This no way implies that the cur- from the show window to rent disengagement albeit thinning out and neither de-escalation nor demobilisation avoid direct confrontation; may lead to war. However the trust deficit that has erupted and only reinforced over a however, they are definitely period in dishonouring of the various CBM’s not leaving the sector. and Treaties resulting in murderous assault on Indian troops and build up and consoli-

www.spslandforces.com dation with thinning out as an alibi is to be

4 SP’s Land Forces 2-3/2020 >> COVID-19 / LAC stand-off Way Ahead for the Indian Armed Forces The threat of the virus is all-pervasive and to ensure Force Protection, an essential towards operational readiness, the Armed Forces have issued exhaustive instructions/ guidelines

Photograph: PIB  LT GENERAL R.K. JAGGA (RETD) training will not only be able to meet today’s requirements but will also pre- NDIAN ARMED FORCES SINCE its pare the Armed Forces for future vir- inception have been the first responders tual based training needs. to any disaster situation. Even after rais- –Biological/Chemical Warfare ing of NDMA (National Disaster Man- Training Exercises. The Armed agement Authority), the Indian Armed Forces need to give more impetus to IForces have been at the forefront of these Biological/Chemical Warfare train- efforts. The Indian Armed Forces have the ing. There is a need to carry out regu- necessary logistical infrastructure and dis- lar exercises to check our readiness to ciplined and skilled manpower to mount a combat such an epidemic in future. suitable response in any situation. These exercises have to be carried out While the Indian Armed Forces con- not only within the armed forces but tinue to carry out their essential tasks, they also with PMF/other civil agencies. Sol- have made available all resources, capabili- diers have to be trained and made more ties and their expertise at the disposal of civil aware of fighting at the individual/unit administration; from augmenting the over- level as even on how to assist the civil whelmed medical resources to flying in the administration in such situations. stranded Indians from abroad; from trans- –Military Intelligence. With con- porting men and material to the remotest spiracy theories abound of the origin locations in the country to sending medi- of the coronavirus, it is the need of cal teams to friendly foreign countries. The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holding a meeting with the National Security Advisor, the Chief of the hour to include biological/medi- Armed Forces, in conjunction with Defence Defence Staff and the Tri-Service Chiefs, in New Delhi on May 1, 2020 cal intelligence as part of intelligence Research and Development Organisation gathering. The armed forces need to (DRDO) and Ordnance Factory Board, have abrogation of Article 370, a lot has been if little or no training takes place due to expand their activities from pure mili- worked to augment vital medical equip- achieved. Indian strategic planners need the coronavirus for a prolonged period. tary intelligence to gathering informa- ment. Probably the civil administration to recast their policy and plans and use l Amidst the need to follow corona pan- tion about the invisible enemy – the could have also asked the armed forces to all resources at the nation’s disposal to demic guidelines and yet be ready for next pandemic/biological agents. More assist in the migrant issue. make Pak pay dearly in every which all eventualities, including assisting the coordinated effort by the Defence Intel- way. At the same time there is a need to civil administration to fight the invisible ligence Agency with other Intelligence Military Operational Readiness keep a window open for talks; talks with enemy – second round of COVID-19/ Agencies is paramount. l Strict vigil is being maintained on the people who matter and call the shots another epidemic; the Armed Forces –Stocking of Resources. The nation LC and LAC. Despite COVID-19, intelli- rather than the front-facing puppets. have to think of novel ways to train and was caught unawares as we did not gence based counter-insurgency opera- l The threat of the virus is all-pervasive prepare. Some of the measures that can have adequate stockpiles of medical tions are being carried out relentlessly; and to ensure Force Protection, an be undertaken are: equipment/supplies to fight the corona the terrorists are on the run and in essential towards operational readiness, –Virtual Training & Simulators. pandemic. Like other stockpiles of arms, hiding in safe houses. However, covid the Armed Forces have issued exhaustive The Army is presently not ready to ammunition, equipment, etc. which the or no covid, Pakistan continues to instructions/guidelines. The field exer- conduct virtual and simulator-based Armed Forces maintain as war wastage pursue their state policy of fomenting cises and other training activities which training at a large scale. The pres- reserves, there is a need to stock PPE terrorism; the ceasefire violations, the can raise the chances of spread of the ent pandemic can be a driver to move (Personal Protective Equipment) and infiltration bids, the recent encounters virus have been suspended. towards training using virtual reality other medical equipment which may be in Handwara and the killing of Hizbul and augmented virtual technology. required for such a situation. SP Mujahideen leader Riyaz Naikoo are a The Way Ahead There is a need to induct simulators grim reminder that the cycle of violence l The Armed Forces have to be Battle which use augmented virtual real- The author retired in December 2019 in Kashmir will ebb and flow till we make ready at all times. However, military ity to give a feel of the real environ- as Director General, Mechanised Forces, it cost-prohibitive for Pakistan. Since the operational readiness will get impacted ment. In present corona times, virtual Indian Army.

borderlands, even as successive Indian PMs and also “Cyber warfare” launched covertly has continued with it’s assertiveness over There is disengagement have sought to appease it. The present dis- through e companies. The consequences of the East and South China sea without letup, (thinning out) but course risks locking India in a “no war, no New Delhi’s decision of banning 59 applica- the assertiveness on the LAC will have to be peace” situation with China and imposing tions and it’s emulation by other countries confronted with resolve and favouring India not de-escalation huge security costs. This path aids China’s may have also shattered Beijing’s long term strategically. While the new alliances must time-tested strategy of attrition, friction and ambition to replace the US as world’s domi- be reinforced, the neighbourhood also must (demobilisation) making containment to harass, encumber, encircle, nant technical power in the immediate. But be secured. The Middle Kingdom (China) deceive and weigh India down2. The pressing quite acceptance of Chinese expansionist has had no hesitation in attacking India’s the consequences implicit. forward and selective withdrawal and mak- design in revising and redefining the LAC and core interests and wants to redeem it’s ter- ing No Man’s land as their territory could Indian claims to other areas would be our ritorial claims. India also must shed all hesi- just be an exploratory attempt for a con- greatest geopolitical and strategic setbacks. tations to create as much turmoil for China. addressed with caution and guards on. firmed expansionist state to gauge the world On the one hand India will have to deter- Endeavour should be towards Re-setting the Tactical actions can have grave strate- opinion and reaction for much larger design. mine the operational and tactical warning relation from least of all strategic equilibrium if gic implications if red lines are not clearly India needs to view the entire strate- sign that we missed because of which we not from strategic superiority by leveraging the visible and defined. History has shown that gic landscape as part of single whole. What have been taken by surprise at every level. Comprehensive National Power in entirety. SP adversaries never respond to weakness. may appear at this stage to us and the rest of On the other, being the largest neighbour China is a master of spinning deceit and the world as a miscalculation could well be and at least this far even the largest trad- The Author is Former Chief of Staff covert action exploiting strategy and state- manoeuvred in to a great victory with deploy- ing partner, India need to re-set it’s relation (COS), Central Command, Indian Army. craft as means of “Combative coexistence” ment and holding on to areas which till this with China, offcourse with the backdrop Retired in April, 2019, he is an expert on with opponents. Through out their history far was No Man’s land giving patrolling rights of recent crisis. This Resetting will have to Siachen and Ladakh with experience in Chinese have had their share of brutal con- to both sides. China may for the time being be in the entire spectrum encompassing counter insurgency operations in J&K flicts at home and with neighbours. Bite by would have lost the public opinion warfare all aspects of military, strategic, diplomatic and North East and is also an expert on bite, China has been nibbling away at India’s with “expansionists design”, “Covid crisis” and economic perspectives. Just as China Information Warfare.

References: 1. Brahma Chellaney, Hindustan Times, 2020-07-09; China may win, without fighting | Opinion 2. Brahma Chellaney, Hindustan Times, 2020-07-09; China may win, without fighting | Opinion

2-3/2020 SP’s Land Forces 5 >> NATIONAL SECURITY Reading the Tea Leaves — PM at Frontline: Defining National Strategy

Prime Minister’s personal appearance on the frontline has unequivocally reinforced that entire of Ladakh is Indian Territory and any intrusion and aggression will be met with full might and resolve of the nation. With this the PM has clearly defined the National Strategy.

Photographs: PIB  Lt General J.K. Sharma (Retd) vis Vistarvad (Expansionism) is symbolic of his statesmanship and admirable. ith the unscheduled A special mention of Lieutenant General and surprise landing of Y.K. Joshi, the GOC-in-C of Northern Com- Prime Minister Narendra mand who briefed the Prime Minister on Modi at Kushol Bakula Rim- this occasion. The nation couldn’t have had pochee Airport at Leh on a more experienced and dedicated Military JulyW 3, 2020, along with the first Chief commander in such critical times. He was of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army commanding the unit when they captured Staff, India has seized the initiative and the in Kargil war. Commanded his taken the Challenge to Xi’s camp and have Unit, Brigade, Division and the Fire & Fury sent a clear message that India shall resist Corps in Ladakh in same area and was also every expansionist move with courage and Defence Attache to China for three years. resolve. The visit is even more significant as Who would know Chinese better and hence it has happened amidst critical stand off at the confidence of troops in him. the Line of Actual Control where a brutal The visit of PM Narendra Modi to Leh clash resulted in martyrdom of 20 braves and Nimu, to get briefed in person, away of Indian Army. With this visit and in his 26 from the power point presentations, meet minute speech at Nimu to the troops, while the injured who were involved in the bru- paying glowing tributes to the bravery of tal clash, and interact with troops on the the martyrs and the Armed Forces, PM has ground that are preparing in case the situ- sent out a very clear message to the Nation, ation transits from diplomatic negotiations the adversaries and the rest of the world to military zone, has been a game changer. that India is prepared and will stand up On one hand as head of the nation and to defend its territorial integrity under all true leader he has given a big boost to the circumstances. confidence of the nation and shut up the The visit has been a great morale doom-sayers. He has also in no uncertain booster for the troops on the front line in terms messaged that banning of the Apps Ladakh and whole of the armed forces and was just the beginning and more is yet to their families, especially at a time when come and no matter what is the potential arm chair analysts and dooms-sayers cost, the country is prepared for the same. within our camp noise about the asymme- On the other, he has given a very clear mes- try of power and seek India to re-caliberate sage to the world and especially China, it’s strategy. PM’s personal appearance that India lead by Modi shall stand up with on the frontline, recalling the sacrifice of resolve backed up by it’s full might against people of Ladakh with special mention of any incursion or aggression of any kind/ Rimpochee and acknowledging Ladakh any form. as India’s pride, has unequivocally rein- China, which to date relied on Sun Tzu’s forced that entire of Ladakh is Indian Ter- Art of War and followed the tactics of decep- ritory and any intrusion and aggression tion, deceit and delay and then stab from will be met with full might and resolve of the back has no option but to respond. The the nation. With special focus on the strat- Global support for India has grown expo- egy of some countries without mention- nentially. It is not a coincidence that when ing China on Vistarvad (Expansionism), PM was delivering his speech at Nimu to his he stated that “those who are driven by troops, Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan expansionism have always posed danger at the same time was announcing to the to the world. History bears testimony that world that Japan opposes any “unilateral such forces have either been destroyed (Top) “The enemies have seen your fire and fury” - Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing soldiers attempt to change the status quo” on the at Nimu in Ladakh. The Leh based 14 Corps is also known as the Fire and Fury Corps; or forced to return back. It is due to this (Above) Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat (left) & Army LAC. Earlier, USA, France, Australia and UK experience that world is coming together Chief General M.M. Naravane (front right) during his visit in Ladakh. had already come out against China and it’s against expansionism”. With this the PM policies of economic and territorial aggres- has clearly stated India’s future approach however the same can only happen from a integration and the office of the CDS was sion. Russia, which was perceived to be to it’s Foreign Policy and National Secu- position of strength, our resolve to repulse for reassuring the troops that there is every under the influence of China, has already rity. By mentioning that India has always any incursion, irrespective of its potential endeavour to be better equipped than China. promised to advance it’s delivery of S-400 pursued the path of peaceful coexistence, cost has been conveyed unambiguously. The mention of unparalleled and universally by one year. With such antagonism and dis- At the highest battlefield of the world, acknowledged bravery of Indian soldiers approval from the world on its hegemonistic The visit has been a great the PM in his speech, straight from the during the World War I & II, in the Peace stance, now it is for China to Read the Tea heart, punctuated with quotes in Sanskrit, Keeping Operations across the globe and Leaves right. Statements such as “avoid morale booster for the Veer Bhogya Vasundhara (Only the brave various wars fought post independence was any miscalculation on China” or “time not shall inherit the earth), Tamil and , has to invoke the pursuance of internal strength. right to add to tensions” will not cut ice with troops on the front line in glorified the sacrifices. His mention on his This surely has touched the heart and spine India any more. India is talking from a posi- government’s special focus on Border Area of every Indian soldier. Taking the time out tion of strength. Ladakh and whole of the Development Programme (BADP), push to meet the injured of Galwan Valley clash Modi has given a very clear message to the infrastructure development under at 153 Base Hospital at Leh on his way out that India will not back off. And China must armed forces and their the same programme, which remained was the finest gesture from the leader of the restore the status quo on the LAC at the ear- neglected for decades, equipping the armed nation. His prudence in using the occasion liest. However if it decides to take it to a long families forces with latest state of the art technology, to draw a comparison between India’s pur- haul, India is well prepared for the same in

SP www.spslandforces.com weapons and equipment, as also a word on suit of Vikasvad (the path of Development) every domain.

6 SP’s Land Forces 2-3/2020 >> MARKETING FEATURE MUSS – The Invisible Shield of the Tank HENSOLDT group core competence has been to recognise a wide range of threats and to provide practical and optimal solutions to improve the safety and operational effectiveness of military platforms. HENSOLDT’s MUSS (Multi-functional Self-protection System) has been the endeavour in the same direction - protecting armoured vehicle while maintaining manoeuvrability with no collateral damages.

he Battle Tank, or the Armoured Fighting Vehicle, ever since it made its first appearance on the Battlefield of Somme in 1916, has retained its pre-eminent Tposition as the primary means to carry the battle to the enemy and deliver the decisive edge in a land based engagement between Armed Forces. The appearance of tanks led to development of anti-tank munitions. In the early stages of this race, the only protection against new munitions was to enhance armor thickness which increased the weight and decreased the mobility of the AFV. This method was not practically effective against defeating Munitions like High-explosive Anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, or Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs). MUSS fitted to IFV PUMA This led to next level of evolution of pas- sive protection viz use of better performing, l The system should not degrade/adversely Bundeswehr Armoured Infantry Brigades. line of Soft Kill systems and incrementally lighter alternatives to Steel, like Composites impact AFV/IFV operational role and MUSS was ‘designed’ into the protection building capabilities on it. and the deployment of ‘add on’ armour as capabilities and provide 360 degree cov- solution of the SPz PUMA. I.e. the German Army recognised the spaced armour, explosive reactive armour. erage to cater for all angles of arrival of The Key product differentiators include: advantages of a layered approach protection. In recent years, the Battle field saw the threats including top attack munitions. l Modular and scalable system for dif- Against ATGMs, where the armour is not advent of a large variety of anti-tank guided l Capable of detection, tracking and neu- ferent vehicle (wheeled and tracked sufficient, they use MUSS. Accordingly, the missiles and unguided rockets rapidly evolv- tralisation of multiple threats (ATGMs armoured vehicles) types and opera- PUMA IFV is designed on a 2-step approach: ing from simple First Generation Wire Guided of all types, CE & KE projectiles) that the tional requirements for overall protec- l with a level A protection armour, which Missiles to TOW, to Beam Riding to the 3rd AFV/IFV is likely to encounter in the tion. can protect from ballistic threats, which generation fire-and-forget, guided, top-attack battle field simultaneously and deploy l Highly cost-effective solution. weighs 31,45 tons and can be air-trans- modern missiles and TOW missiles that were appropriate countermeasures. l Significant SWaP advantages over APS ported in the Airbus A400M, MUSS fitted. capable of defeating passive and add on l No resultant collateral damage by using Hard Kill effectors. l with a level C enhanced protection armour & destroy their target with tandem deployment of countermeasures to l Undetectable and Jamming proof. armour, which can protect against RPGs war-heads. This proliferation of Anti-tank crew/other dismounted personnel/soft- l No Collateral Damage to host Platform and which weighs around 43 tons, Guided Missile (ATGM) capable of being skinned vehicles in vicinity/optical & or Local Area. MUSS also fitted. launched from a variety of Platforms/Config- Optronics devices and other soft points l Easy to integrate, no strong provisions Global armed forces are now realising urations soon outstripped threats posed to a of the AFV/IFV. needed. Does not significantly alter/ the need to have scalable and modular solu- tank from conventional tank fired projectiles l The System should have minimum Size, degrade platform. tion which has the potential to be config- and munitions. This necessitated a paradigm Weight & Power (SWaP) specifications. l Complimentary to traditional Hard ured as per the limitations or operational shift in AFV protection and spurred develop- External components should not enlarge Kill APS. HK APS protection are only imperatives of the platform. ment of new technologies within the given vehicle profile, block/impede access or against certain threats and not against weight limitations to counter them known functioning of any existing hatches/ all RPGs. Could you please elaborate your views on as Active Protection Systems (APS). These ports/Observation devices and Arma- l Product Roadmap includes Interface to the Indian market? What are your plans to systems utilise electronic sensors to detect & ment. Internal Components should not Hard Kill Effector, Laser Jamming & Daz- introduce MUSS to Indian Customers? track incoming direct-fire ATGMs and HEAT displace existing combat loads and sys- zling, Tracking & Confirmation Sensor, The Indian market, with its large inven- munitions & Laser Threats, and defeat them tems and with no additional environ- Integration into Surveillance and C2 tory of Tanks and ICVs as well as its future by launching countermeasures to deflect/ mental/EMI impact. system and Platform Interoperability. platform development programs offers huge destroy them. APS thus changed the calcu- l Cost effectiveness is a key driver. Initial and potential. We are also cognizant about lus, by enhancing AFV protection without through life costs should be optimised. What are key differences between Hard Kill India’s uncompromising focus on Military significantly impacting vehicle weight. l The APS should be modular with open (HK) and Soft Kill (SK) solution? And what self-reliance through “Make in India” policy. HENSOLDT group core competence has architecture and future ready-to-inte- are the global trends in customer prefer- It is important to reiterate the fact that been to recognise a wide range of threats grate additional sensors and counter ences that you see? MUSS system is already in-service on ~350 and to provide practical and optimal solu- measures as per requirements for a given APS can be broadly classified into “Soft Kill” SPz PUMA, which is the most modern IFV tions to improve the safety and operational platform limitations/threat perception systems, intended to prevent the oncoming of the German Army with its existing capa- effectiveness of military platforms. Evolu- and levels of protection required. threat from accurately targeting the vehicle bilities to defeat a wide range of ATGMs and tion of HENSOLDT’s MUSS (Multi-func- whereas “Hard Kill” systems are designed to low SWaP profile. The MUSS Product road- tional Self-protection System) has been the Could you describe HENSOLDT MUSS® use direct explosive force to destroy/deflect/ map envisages adding Hard Kill capability endeavour in the same direction. MUSS is APS System which is already on the Ger- degrade incoming projectiles. The Key dif- by Interfacing Active Tracking & Confirma- the most advanced in-service, cost effective man Army’s PUMA IFV and what are its key ferentiators between the two being, nature tion Sensors, kinetic effectors against KE/ and practical solution to improve the surviv- differentiators? of sensors used to detect and track threats CE projectiles, Laser Jamming & Dazzling, ability of Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) MUSS® is a Passive Detection (PD) with a - Passive versus Active and the type of coun- Integration into Surveillance and C2 system or Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) platforms. Soft Kill (SK) effector based Active Protec- ter-measures deployed to neutralise the and Platform Interoperability and achiev- Col. Ravin Kumar, a former-Tank man of tion System (APS), delivering a KEY protec- threat. Both systems defeat the threat before ing Fleet level protection. Indian Army, now Director Marketing & Busi- tion layer against Anti-Tank Guided Missiles impact, SK by EO Jammer (or Laser Dazzle) Therefore our approach would be to ness Development, Hensoldt Private Limited, (ATGM) and Laser (guided) Threats (LT). or with obscuration and a HK system by offer complete Active Protection Systems had an interesting conversation with Dr Oliver The system mainly comprises two pas- deploying counter kinetic effect using Mul- (APS) framework to Indian customers Rudow, Head of Ground Protection Systems sive sensors, a Missile Warner (MW) and tiple Explosively Formed Projectiles (MEFPs) wherein Indian capabilities could be lever- and Mr. Franck Friedlander, Sales Director at a Laser Warner (LW), with two counter- to destroy/deflect/degrade any threat. aged by means of Joint development, build- HENSOLDT in Germany about this fascinat- measures – a 360 degree rotatable IR Jam- Whilst today some Armies have tested to-print and/or build-to-specs to realise the ing product. Below are some excerpts: mer (IRJ) and Directable Smoke Dispenser and in some cases, have even fitted Hard indigenous APS solution in the most practi- (DSD). The System is modular, flexible, easy Kill Systems as an interim solution, major cal and incremental way. What are the key criteria that influence the to install and a cost effective solution for the challenges with technological readiness & MUSS with its inherent modularity choice of customers worldwide in selecting customer. The modular system architecture maturity of HK systems, significant inte- of design, multi-pronged evolutionary Active Protection Systems (APS) for AFV/ makes it easy to customise the configuration gration constraints and operational restric- approach involving technology and capa- ICV? for specific vehicle ergonomics and opera- tions coupled with usage issues are causing bility enhancement across the system in all While the choice of APS largely depends on tional requirements by combining selected them to review this choice! The experience components – sensors and effectors, feasi- experience and respective military doctrine, sub-systems to deliver a desired effect. of users with Hard Kill solution seems to be bility of integration of parallel systems or however some key drivers that influence the MUSS is an In-Service system fitted on triggering interest in adopting an evolution- add on sensors and effectors in its architec- decisions are: the SPz PUMA, the most modern IFV of the ary modular approach starting with a base- ture fits in well with this approach. SP

2-3/2020 SP’s Land Forces 7 >> INDIGENISATION Dhanush — ‘Make in India’ Success Story It was a challenge to develop the gun from voluminous blue prints and documents running over 12,000 pages but OFB took the challenge head on by developing a gun which was about 20-25 per cent better than the original gun in parameters like range, accuracy, consistency, low and high angle of fire and shoot-and-scoot ability.

Photograph: MoD  Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) is expected to be ready by the end of 2020. The GCF has received the Bulk Production NDIAN ARTILLERY ACQUIRED 410 Clearance (BPC) to manufacture 114 guns guns of 39-calibre 155mm FH-77B from the Army on February 18, 2019. Some howitzers way back in 1987. Since then salient features of the gun are: there was no acquisitions as this deal l Automated technology allows three to got mired in corruption and was known six guns to be fired simultaneously at a Ias the Bofors scandal. Lack of prolonged single target, each gun having a capacity acquisitions led to alarming voids in fire to fire 42 rounds in an hour. power. Finally the stake holders woke up l The weight of the gun is under 13 and formulated a fresh blue print of artil- tonnes, making it easy to move and lery modernisation in 2000 called Field deploy in hilly terrain and remote areas. Artillery Rationalization Plan (FARP). FARP l It is a versatile weapon that can oper- was rather ambitious which involved the ate in all climatic conditions applicable acquisition of about 3,000 guns of various in the Indian environment. The gun types to suit every role and terrain in which is fitted with inertial navigation sys- the Artillery would be employed. FARP also tem with global positioning system selected 155mm/52 calibre or 45 calibre (GPS)-based gun recording and auto- for majority of the gun systems. Such an laying, an enhanced tactical computer approach would accrue great dividends in for onboard ballistic computations, terms of increased range and intensity of an onboard muzzle velocity record- the fire power. The planned period for 3,000 ing, an automated gun sighting sys- guns was up to 2025. This was indeed a tem equipped with camera, thermal tall order both in terms of technology and imaging and laser range finder which budgetary constraints. Until now Ordnance enables it to fire by day and night. It can Factory Board (OFB) and its 41 factories also carry out direct firing on to a target were the sole provider of weaponry, ammu- Dhanush 155mm artillery guns made by Ordnance Factory Board to destroy a target like a tank or a gun. nition and other military hardware but l The self-propulsion unit allows the gun it was now planned to involve the private Dhanush weight of the gun. It is also very complex to to negotiate and deploy itself in the field. industry to broaden the defence industrial While exploring for the solution to moder- design a weapon system for the Indian envi- l The existing Bofors gun is a 155mm/39 base of India and also accelerate the rate nise Artillery, it was discovered that Bofors ronment as it is required to operate from the calibre gun with a range of 28 km. of production. It was also hoped that India of Sweden who supplied 410 guns of 39-cal- icy Siachen to the blazing desert of Rajast- The Dhanush developed by OFB is would be able to take the first baby steps ibre 155mm FH-77B howitzers had also han and the plains of Punjab. 155mm/45 calibre gun has a range of towards export. provided transfer of technology for the man- Three Dhanush guns were handed over 38 km. Normally for guns, the length ufacture of FH-77B in India but this fact was to the Army for user trials during July 2016. of the barrel is the diameter of the bore Indian Ordnance Factories lost in the offices of Ministry of Defence. It was hoped that after the successful trials, multiplied by the calibre thus larger the The Gun Carriage Factory (GCF) at Jabal- Dhanush will enter service in phases-with calibre, longer will be the barrel which pur had been making guns since 1904 Development and Trials 18 guns in 2017; 36 guns in 2018 and 60 will enable a longer range. Thus the which included 105 Indian Field Gun (IFG) It was a challenge to develop the gun from guns in 2019, making a total of 114 guns. range of Dhanush is 38 km. The ammu- and the 40mmL/70 Bofors Air Defence voluminous blue prints and documents But a hurdle turned up in the form of the nition of Dhanush is compatible with Gun on transfer of technology but these running over 12,000 pages which were shell hitting the muzzle brake while exiting all North Atlantic Treaty Organisation production lines were closed due to lack delivered to India under the first phase of the barrel. Muzzle brake is a device con- (NATO) 155mm ammunition system. of demand. The 105mm IFG was designed transfer of technology around 1987 but nected to the muzzle or barrel of a gun that The range of 38 km gives Dhanush a by the Armament Research and Develop- OFB took the challenge head on by develop- redirects a part of propellant gases to coun- big advantage over other gun systems. ment Establishment in 1972 and handed ing a gun which was about 20-25 per cent ter recoil and unwanted muzzle rise. Possible l Projected cost of one gun is `15.5 crore over to GCF for its production jointly with better than the original gun in parameters solution was to redesign the muzzle brake which is quite cost effective. a Gun Development team from Artillery like range, accuracy, consistency, low and but later on it turned out that the culprit headed by Brigadier Gurdayal Singh, an high angle of fire and shoot-and-scoot abil- was the faulty ammunition. The final trials Mounted Gun System (MGS) eminent gunner of Second World War ity. High angle fire is especially useful in high of Dhanush were completed by June 2018 A vehicle mounted variant of the Dhanush vintage. Brigadier Gudayal Singh was a altitude like Siachen for crest clearance to and in February 2019 it was cleared for called MGS was showcased by OFB at the legend within the Gunners who could reach targets located behind a high moun- series production with its induction formally Defexpo 2018 show. The gun is mounted not read a blue print but could guide the tain range. Shoot and scoot is very much starting on April 8, 2019. on a 8x8 Tatra truck license manufactured production process at GCF due to his inti- required to fire and change (scoot) the gun by BEML and has a 30 kmph cross country mate knowledge of guns. The IFG was in position quickly to avoid counter battery Indigenisation speed and 80 kmph road speed. service with the Indian Artillery for many fire. It was more challenging due to high The Defence Ministry said in a statement decades. The other factory involved in that, “Indigenisation to the extent of about Conclusion gun/tank manufacture is the Ordnance 81 per cent has already been achieved. By The making of Dhanush Gun System is Factory Kanpur which manufactures ord- It is very complex the end of 2019, the indigenisation level of a stupendous achievement by OFB sup- nances, spare barrels and other spares for the gun will go up to 91 per cent,” ported by other organisations like the Army, all Artillery and Tank guns. It also manu- to design a weapon Defence Research and Development Organ- factures ammunition which includes large Handing over of first batch of isation, Directorate General Quality Assur- to medium calibre shells, bombs and stabi- system for the Indian Dhanush Guns ance, PSUs Bharat Electronics Limited, SAIL, lisers for Pinaka Rockets. Interestingly the environment as it is “The OFB has handed over six Dhanush and private firms. The OFB is confident of factory was conceived in the year 1942 guns to the Army in the first phase. Dha- producing 8-10 guns a month within two to as Transplantation Project in the wake of required to operate nush is the first indigenously built 155mm three years. Its longer reach of 38 km, auto- impending threat of axis powers emerging x 45 calibre long-range artillery gun with mation and state of art sighting system gives from eastern front during World War II. from the icy Siachen to strike range of 38 kilometres,” said the then a great edge to Artillery over other gun sys- At present OFB has a strong base for the OFB Chairman Saurabh Kumar, adding that tems. No wonder it was displayed during the manufacture of higher calibre ordnance the blazing desert of the weapon was a major success story of the 2020 Republic Day Parade. SP and has the only barrel manufacturing ‘Make in India’ initiative. The OFB on April capability in India. With such a strong Rajasthan and the plains 8, 2019, handed over the first batch of six The Author is former Director General, technical base, OFB can greatly leverage Dhanush artillery guns to the Army in an Army Air Defence and was a member of joint ventures with private companies who of Punjab ceremony held at GCF. It was reported that Integrated Guided Missile Development

www.spslandforces.com will bring in corporate culture. the first Dhanush regiment with 18 guns Programme.

8 SP’s Land Forces 2-3/2020 >> technology Electronic Warfare – Denying Electromagnetic Advantage to Enemy Electronic Warfare (EW) represents the ability to use the electromagnetic spectrum to sense, protect, and communicate. At the same time, it can be used to deny enemy the ability to either disrupt or use these signals.

Photograph: PIB  Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) cation System for all kinds of emitters offer- ing broadband coverage, high accuracy and he importance of Electronic sensitivity, automatic and manual operating Warfare (EW) has gained momen- modes, classifier for automatic emitter recog- tum with rapid advances in tech- nition and GUI based electronic order of bat- nologies in the modern era – both tle. In recent months, Chinese-origin JY-27A in warfare and the civil arena. counter-very-low-observable radar has been TEW exploits the electromagnetic spectrum sighted at Mianwali Air Base in Pakistan. (EMS) to control it for offensive and defen- In India, the tri-service Defence Cyber sive actions. This ability to collect and make Agency (DCA) was established last year and sense of signals in an environment when tasked with handling cyber security threats. combined with radar provides capabilities Going by media reports, DCA would have to detect threats, take evasive action and capability to hack networks, mount surveil- also launch countermeasures against any lance operations, lay honey-pots, recover attack and its source. Complexities of EW deleted data from hard drives and cell phones, have increased with the telecommunica- break into encrypted communication chan- tions boom including networks of signals nels, and perform other complex operations for billions of mobile phones and computers, in addition to framing a long-term policy for creating massive congestion in the radio- the security of military networks and pre- frequency spectrum; it is more difficult to paring a CW doctrine. It is doubtful whether find ‘signals of interest’ in military terms DCA will incorporate EW functions on lines especially with arrival of 5G telecommu- Electronic Warfare Jammer passes through the Rajpath during the Republic Day Parade of PLA’s INEW strategy. This may be due to nications and the Internet of Things (IoT). lack of synergy (and focus?) between Army Technology is driving nation states toward lines of codes even though the project was platforms, along with electronic support Training Command (ARTRAC) responsible achieving political objectives by other not commercially attractive. measures (ESM) capabilities have ECM capa- for formulating doctrines, and other agencies means; such means also include technology The Samyukta EW System is fully mobile bilities. DRDO has also developed a static as like Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) with in general and the role of EW in particular. and is meant for tactical battlefield use. It well as mobile ESM system ‘Divya Drishti’ DG DIA directly under Ministry of Defence EW can be applied from air, sea, land or covers wide range of frequencies and cover- capable of ‘fingerprinting’ sensors. It has (MoD), Defence Information Assurance and space by manned and unmanned systems; age of EMS is handled by the communication also upgraded ESM capability of the ground Research Agency (DIARA) under HQ IDS, targeting humans, communications, radar segment and the non-communication seg- based as well as airborne platforms of the Corps of Signals and National Technical or other assets, both military and civil. In ment. Its multiple functions include ELINT, IAF. The airborne early-warning and con- Reconnaissance Organisation (NTRO), with present day security scenario, it is impera- Communications intelligence (COMINT) trol (AEW&C) aircraft have such capability. DCA added now. tive that forces spread over vast areas remain and electronic countermeasures (ECM) In the South Asian context, it is quite Indian Army’s quest for acquiring net- connected with one another in every possible including electronic attack. Each Samyukta clear that India’s main rival is China, not work centric warfare (NCW) capabilities too way. The integration and conduct of EW to EW System operates on 145 ground mobile Pakistan. Information warfare (IW) capa- have been killed because of multiple reasons: support military missions across all services vehicles which has three communication bilities of China are an integration of cyber inability of hierarchy to understand tech- is therefore critical. EW follows the basic step and two non-communication segments and warfare (CW) and EW; recognising comple- nology and long-term plans sacrificed with of signal processing from analogue to digital can cover an area of 150 km by 70 km. The mentarities between the EW and CW and changes in senior hierarchy; DRDO causing allowing sampling the signal environment system has the capability for surveillance, the role that EMS plays for both. In context inordinate delay due inadequate capability digitally; the signals are analysed utilising analysis, interception, direction finding, of land warfare, EW and CW support army causing time delays and high costs, and; poor Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ascertain their and position fixing, listing, prioritising and operations and missions. Most immediately defence budget allocations forcing closure of identity and the result is the separation of jamming of all communication and radar relevant to land operations are ground- projects disregarding operational disadvan- what is valuable from the worthless. The signals from high frequency (HF) to milli- based EW systems and aerial EW systems. tage when fighting NCW-capable enemy. Mil- process undergoes three stages: meter wave (MMW) communications. For China, both these kinds of warfare are itary Survey developing the GIS was moved l first, EW provided Electronic Intelligence Samyukta also gives useful inputs to the linked, which China calls integrated network out from Directorate General of Information (ELINT) – providing details of emitters IAF. DRDO has become a ‘single window’ electronic warfare (INEW) and its relation- System (DGIS). Battlefield Management Sys- of interest in the EW Spectrum to create supplier of EW systems for the Army, Navy ship with ground warfare. According to PLA, tem (BMS) was shut despite two prototypes their electronic signatures for later pro- and Air Force. ‘Sangraha’ is a joint EW pro- EW and CW are not mutually exclusive; it is ready because of poor overall defence budget cessing by AI algorithms to identify them; gramme between DRDO and Indian Navy necessary to recognise their convergence allocations. The CIDSS too has been closed, l second, electronic support through pro- for provision of EW suites for use on differ- and integration to dominate information which was the nerve centre of Army’s Tac C3I vision of situational emitters of all emit- ent naval platforms capable of detecting, operations during wartime – hence the term programme. BMS was one of the Operational ters that are tracking you or having the intercepting, and classifying pulsed, carrier INEW. China does not have a formal doc- Information System (OIS) of Army’s Tactical ability to strike you with a weapon sys- wave, pulse repetition frequency agile, fre- trine for INEW that is available in the pub- Command, Control, Communications and tem, and, quency agile and chirp radars. These sys- lic domain. PLA’s Strategic Support Force Information (Tac C3I), which was to be the l third, electronic protection by detecting tems can be deployed on multiple platforms (PLASSF) integrates the functions of intel- mainstay of NCW capability of the Army. incoming weapon, setting the stage for like helicopters, vehicles, and ships. Certain ligence, technical reconnaissance, EW and The Command Information Decision Sup- defensive measures. CW. This synergy has tremendous advantage port System (CIDSS) which was to integrate For EW, the Indian Army has the both during periods of war and non-war. all the OIS including BMS, Battlefield Surveil- ‘Samyukta’ EW System developed jointly Complexities of EW Pakistan Air Force has EW aircraft for lance System (BSS), Air Defence Control & by DRDO, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), have increased with the airborne warning and control. Its Navy’s Reporting System (ADC&RS) and the Artil- Electronics Corporation of India Limited ‘RIBAT’ EW system supports command and lery Command Control and Communication (ECIL) and Corps of Signals of the Indian telecom boom including control platforms and keeps commanders System (ACCCS), as well as the ‘Samyukta’ Army and private companies like CMC and aware of the battlefield. RIBAT has a variety EW System and military intelligence systems. Tata Power SED. Some 40 companies also billions of mobile phones of ground, surface, and airborne applications, To-date only the ACCCS has been fielded in contributed by producing various com- especially in maritime scenario. Pakistan is the Army and ADC&RS is partially func- ponents indigenously, challenge being and computers, creating also using Software Defined Radio (SDR) that tional. The officer strength of DGIS has been to tackle US sanctions post the Pokhran provide automatic integration with tactical cut down by more than half under the plan nuclear test banning import of advanced massive congestion in the and strategic networks to provide “cellular to reduce the Army’s manpower by 100,000 electronic components. CMC and Tata phone” services to tactical users. Karachi to 150,000 in absence of a national security power SED jointly developed the Command radio frequency spectrum Shipyard and Engineering Works have devel- strategy. Army’s Tac C3I appears dead, and so and Control Software having 10 million oped ELINT Threat Perception and Identifi- does its pursuit for NCW capabilities. SP

2-3/2020 SP’s Land Forces 9 >> Radars / lead story Weapon Locating and Battle Field Surveillance Radars WLR is employed to locate the hostile artillery guns, mortars and rockets so that rapid counter bombardment can be resorted to in order to neutralise them

Photographs: BEL, Lockheed Martin  Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) also placed orders for the BFSR. It can detect a crawling man at 700 m, walking man at 3 ir Defence, Weapon Locat- km, group of people at 7 km, light vehicles ing and Battle Field Surveil- at 10 km and heavy vehicles at 14 km. lance Radars are employed by A BFSR that can penetrate foliage is the land forces. This article will under development. This will be very use- focus only on Weapon Locating ful in carrying out operations against Left RadarsA (WLR) and Battle Field Surveillance Wing Extremism. Radars (BFSR). Latest Trends WLR The latest trends in both type of radars are: WLR is employed to locate the hostile artil- Phased Array. In older radars there was lery guns, mortars and rockets so that rapid one point of transmission and the antenna counter bombardment can be resorted to in had to move in two D (range and bear- order to neutralise them. Time is of essence ing) to cover a larger area for surveillance as hostile artillery can resort to shoot and which was a major limitation. If height was scoot tactics. During an insurgency sce- required then another antenna or radar was nario it greatly helps in locating them if the required. This problem was solved with the insurgents are resorting to artillery fire. The development of phased array which pro- technology employed for WLR is radar based duced a beam of radio waves through com- arrays which detects and tracks the trajectory puter controlled multiple emitting arrays. of round/mortar/rocket in various stages of Active Electronically Scanned Array the flight and then extrapolates the origin of (AESA). This is a further development of the fire with the help of a computer. Earlier phased array system in which the beam of sig- acoustic technology called ‘Sound Ranging’ nals can be steered electronically in any direc- was employed for WL but had limited range tion without physically moving the antenna. and was termed sound ranging however both Electronic steering is carried out by control- the technologies can be used in tandem. ling the phase of the radio waves whereas the digitally controlled scanning enables rapid BFSR scan in any direction. AESAs are mainly used The early technology for BFSR was developed in radars providing detection, targeting, track- to provide detection of both fixed and moving ing, and self-protection capabilities. In AESA, targets, along with detection and tracking every element has its own transmit/receive of ground targets. The system operational module (TRM), which makes this system requirements varied from a long range to a more reliable as the failure of a single element small range of a tactical UAV. These diverse won’t hinder the functioning of the system. applications resulted in significant develop- Dual role WLRs. The latest trend is to ment of lightweight electronically scanned combine air defence and WLR function in (Top) SWATHI Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL); (Above) Lockheed antennas, adaptive detection of targets in Martin’s AN/TPQ-53 Radar has demonstrated ability to identify and track unmanned aerial systems (UAS) a single radar platform with 3D AESA tech- severe clutter, and transmission of critical nology which can detect long range missiles target information over modest bandwidth and terrorism threat, amounting to a figure (105mm and 155mm) can be tracked from as well UAVs. Lockheed Martin’s Q-53 has data links. Another recent trend is micro- of $4,700 million. a distance of 30 km. The WLR utilises a the capability to identify and track UAVs wave photonic technologies. Due to the broad C-Band radar, an azimuth range of -45 to thus combining air surveillance simultane- bandwidth, flat response, low loss transmis- India +45 degrees, and an up-down slew-able ously with counter target acquisition in a sion, multidimensional multiplexing, ultra- Swathi. Swathi WLR is a mobile phased range of -135 to +135 degrees. Swathi is a single sensor. fast analogue signal processing and electro- array radar developed jointly by Electron- great achievement of India. BFSR. Employment of BFSRs has been magnetic interference protection provided ics and Radar Development Establishment PJT-531 BFSR. BFSR Short Range for shorter ranges and man portable versions by modern photonics, implementation of (LRDE) of Defence Research and Develop- (BFSR-SR) is a man portable 2D short- with the use of narrow band with high PRF the radar in the optical domain can achieve ment Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Elec- range battlefield and perimeter surveillance for accuracy, use of electronic scan for rapid better performance in terms of resolution, tronics Limited (BEL). The WLR is similar radar developed by the LRDE of DRDO and detection and also systems being developed coverage and speed as compared to current to the AN/TPQ-37 radar in design with a is being manufactured by BEL. PJT-531 has to detect through the foliage which could be technology. There is a growing market for passive electronically scanned array radar. been extensively deployed on the Indian particularly useful in jungle and dense forest manportable BFSR. As per Market Research In 2008, the Ministry of Defence ordered border and LOC in Jammu and Kashmir. It terrain where India’s Left Wing Extremists and Market Future 10 per cent growth is 30 Swathi and some have been exported is reported that about 1,400 units are in use operate. Another trend is to detect movement expected from 2018-23 due to insurgency to Armenia. Large calibre artillery rounds by the Indian Army. Foreign countries have through doppler effect with aural detection. SP

“Facts that Led to Creation of Pakistan Occupied... Continued from page 3

inside Nepal is likely in very near future. ment projects have PLA presence. military-to-military talks on June 22, both power is a deterrent by itself, soft power not China-Pakistan have proxies in Myanmar The recent PLA intrusions in Eastern sides had agreed to disengage but then PLA backed by hard power is ineffective and soft like the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army Ladakh during May 2020 took us by com- has reestablished its post at Patrol Point 14 power coupled with diplomacy is no substi- (ARSA) and the United Liberation Front plete surprise. Ironically same had happened and has built up in Depsang. China’s history tute for hard power. The dual threat across of Western South East Asia (ULF WSEA) in Kargil during 1999. The brutal surprise of backstabbing has been repeated. the LOC and LAC and China baring its fangs bringing together nine insurgent groups of attack on our troops in Galwan Valley by PLA should serve as a wakeup call. To add to this, northeast including NSCN and ULFA. Insur- using swords and clubs was in complete dis- Conclusion Nepal has gone hostile and possible PLA gent and banned organisations in India have regard to border protocol. Our brave soldiers Our policy makers were of the belief there deployments in Nepal will compound our China-Pakistan links. Despite overt bonho- gave a befitting reply to the PLA, killing over will be no war. As such defence allocations problems manifold. The next surprise by mie, China has been against India’s entry into 43 of them compared to losing 20 of our were minimal and military modernisation China may be around the corner. SP the NSG and UNSC as a permanent member. own braves. Both sides took hostages which dumped. We failed to realise that China’s All Chinese companies and individuals work- were later exchanged. The pre-meditated policy was always based on surprise, ambi- The Author is Former Director General ing abroad are pledged to help gather intelli- attack was to convey a message to Prime guity and deceit and that it is power that of Information Systems and a Special

www.spslandforces.com gence for their country and Chinese develop- Minister Narendra Modi. After protracted China and Pakistan understand – hard Forces Veteran, Indian Army.

10 SP’s Land Forces 2-3/2020 >> News in Brief / special reports

Defence Minister on a two days (July 17-18) visit to Ladakh and J&K $74.2 million Contract to Equip Indian Army’s Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Defence Minister Rajnath Singh started his T-90 Tank Fleet with Mine Ploughs for Jayant Baranwal trip by visiting Ladakh on July 17. He arrived Deputy Managing Editor early morning at Leh airport accompanied Extended Armoured Reach Neetu Dhulia by the CDS General Bipin Rawat and Army Senior Editorial Contributor Chief General M.M. Naravane. The aim of he Indian Army’s plans to Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) the day long visit was to carry out a security counter minefields restricting its Senior Technical Group Editor review of the region due to the LAC conflict Ttank movement in enemy territory Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) with China. From Leh the Defence Minister received a shot in the arm with the sign- Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) went to and Lukung. At Stakna he ing of a Make in India contract on July 20 Group Executive Editor reviewed the readiness of the troops which for 1,512 mine ploughs for its frontline Vishal Thapar included a para drop and scoping of weapons. T-90 tank fleet. Staff Correspondent Lukung is the last Ladakhi village north of A `557 crore ($74.18 million) con- Ayushee Chaudhary Pangong Tso where he addressed and inter- tract for the T-90 mine ploughs was acted with Indian Army and ITBP personnel. signed by the Acquisitions Wing of the Contributors India Later on the Defence Minister visited the holy Ministry of Defence with the public sector General V.P. Malik (Retd), Lt General Vijay cave of Amarnath and offered prayers. After Bharat Earth Movers Limited. fold, which in turn would extend the Oberoi (Retd), Lt General R.S. Nagra (Retd), reviewing the LAC, the Defence Minister “The contract has Buy and Make reach of Armoured Formation deep into Lt General S.R.R. Aiyengar (Retd), then took stock of the LOC including a visit (Indian) categorisation with a minimum enemy territory without becoming mine Major General Ashok Mehta (Retd), to the forward post near LoC in Kupwara and of 50 per cent indigenous content in make causality,” the Ministry of Defence state- Major General G.K. Nischol (Retd), interacted with the soldiers deployed there. portion of the contract,” according to an ment added, suggesting that “the combat Brigadier S. Mishra (Retd), Rohit Sharma official statement of the Ministry of Defence. capability of the Army will be further Chairman & Managing Director DAC Approves Capital acquisition “These mine ploughs will be fitted on enhanced” consequently. Jayant Baranwal worth `38,900 crore T-90 Tanks of Indian Armoured Corps The induction of these 1,512 mine Executive Vice President Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in its which will facilitate individual mobility ploughs is scheduled to be completed by (Planning & Business Development) meeting held on July 2, 2020 held under the to Tanks while negotiating mine field. 2027. SP Rohit Goel chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Mobility of Tank Fleet will enhance mani- —Vishal Thapar Manager – HR & Admin Singh accorded approval for capital acqui- Bharti Sharma sition of various platforms and equipment Assistant Manager – HR & Admin worth about `38,900 crore (about $5.2 Armed Forces Given Free Hand for Pooja Tehlani billion). Focused on indigenous design and Deputy Manager – Circulation development these approvals include acqui- Procurements up to $40 million Rimpy Nischal sitions from Indian industry of `31,130 Group Research Associate crore which include Pinaka ammunitions, Survi Massey BMP armament upgrades and software special meeting Cases upto `300 Crore Design defined radios for the Indian Army, Long of the Defence to the armed forces to Vimlesh Kumar Yadav, Sonu Singh Bisht Range Land Attack Cruise Missile Systems AAcquisition Coun- meet their emergent Group Director – Sales & Marketing and Astra Missiles for the Indian Navy and cil (DAC) on July 15, operational require- Neetu Dhulia . SP chaired by Defence Min- ments. This will shrink ister Rajnath Singh, the procurement time- Deputy Director – Sales delegated powers for lines and ensure place- Rajeev Chugh APPOINtMENTs making urgent capital ment of orders within SP’s Website acquisitions up to `300 six months and com- Sr. Web Developer: Shailendra P. Ashish Lieutenant General Raj Web Developer: Ugrashen Vishwakarma Shukla, YSM, SM is the crore ($40 million) to the mencement of deliver- Published bimonthly by Jayant Baranwal GOC-in-C Army Training armed forces. ies within one year,” the This step has been officer elaborated. on behalf of SP Guide Publications Pvt Command who assumed Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this office on May 1, 2020. taken “considering the This is the first time publication may be reproduced, stored in a security environment due to prevailing that financial powers for capital procure- Lieutenant General retrieval system, or transmitted in any form situation along the Northern Borders and ments have been delegated to the armed or by any means, photocopying, recording, Manoj Chandrashekhar the need to strengthen the Armed Forces forces for capital purchases. It’s in addition electronic, or otherwise without the prior Pande, AVSM, VSM is the for the Defence of our borders”, a senior to the delegation of powers to Vice-Chiefs written permission of the publishers. Commander-in-Chief of the officer of the Ministry of Defence said. to make revenue purchases of up to `500 Printed in India Andaman and Nicobar Com- “The DAC delegated the powers for Crore per procurement on their own. SP by Kala Jyothi Process Pvt Ltd mand (CINCAN) who assumed office on progressing urgent Capital Acquisition —Vishal Thapar © SP Guide Publications, 2020 June 1, 2020, Subscription/ Circulation Annual Inland: `600 • Overseas: US$180 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Indian Army Seeks Repeat Order for American Assault Rifles Letters to Editor [email protected] For Advertising Details, Contact: Lack of progress on AK-203 JV forces case for importing 72,000 additional Sig [email protected] Sauer rifles under fast track process [email protected] SP GUIDE PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD Corporate Office he Indian Army has moved a case accorded by India’s Defence Acquisition way on these procurements, it was decided A 133 Arjun Nagar, Opp Defence Colony, for importing from the US a second Council (DAC) in January 2019 to purchase in 2018 to kick start Infantry modernisa- New Delhi 110003, India Tel: +91(11) 24644693, 24644763, batch of an estimated 72,000 SiG Sauer a reported 6,71,427 AK-203 assault rifles tion with limited imports. T 24620130 SiG-716 assault rifles for its frontline troops. from this India-Russia JV for an estimated Under this process, a 880 crore deal was Fax: +91 (11) 24647093 The first batch of these 72,400 4,358 Crore. It has been reported that the signed with Israel’s Negev in March this Email: [email protected] 7.62x51mm calibre rifles has been inducted Ministry of Defence has set up a new ‘cost- year to import 16,479 7.62x51mm LMGs. Representative Offices following a 647 crore contract in Febru- ing committee’ to arrive at a reasonable Like the SiG Sauer, the Negev LMG is also Bengaluru, INDIA ary 2019 under the Fast Track Process of price with the Russians. intended to meet part requirement urgently. Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) India’s Defence Procurement Procedure. In the meanwhile, the case for a repeat UAE’s Caracal was shortlisted similarly to 204, Jal Vayu Vihar, Kalyan Nagar, The process for a repeat order to meet order for 72,000 SiG-716 rifles will be taken acquire close quarter battle carbines, but a Bengaluru 560043, India. an urgent requirement has been initiated to the DAC for approval under the fast-track deal has not been signed so far. Tel: +91 (80) 23682204 amidst a combination of factors including process, as was done earlier. Italian Beretta .338 Lapua Magnum MOSCOW, RUSSIA border tensions with China and slow prog- With Infantry modernisation deemed Scorpio TGT and American Barret .50 M95 LAGUK Co., Ltd, Yuri Laskin ress on the Joint Venture (JV) with Russia a priority by the present dispensation, the sniper rifles have also been inducted recently Krasnokholmskaya, Nab., 11/15, app. 132, Moscow 115172, Russia. to manufacture AK-203 rifles at Korwa in Indian Army has sought limited numbers in limited numbers for equipping forces Tel: +7 (495) 911 2762, Uttar Pradesh. of up to date small arms through fast track along the Line of Control with Pakistan. Fax: +7 (495) 912 1260 The AK-203 was intended to fulfil the procurements on account of very slow To shore up the Army’s precision fire- www.spguidepublications.com bulk of the requirement of an estimated progress of programmes to acquire these power, deals with the US and Israel respec- www.spslandforces.com 8,00,000 assault rifles to replace the over weapons in larger numbers, the bulk of tively were also signed in 2019 for an RNI Number: DELENG/2008/25818 two-decade old INSAS inventory of the which are intended to be manufactured in unspecified number of Excalibur precision Indian Army. The JV between India’s Ord- India with foreign tie-ups. guided munitions for 155mm artillery nance Factory Board and Russia’s Roso- The Indian Army’s case for replacement and a reported 210 Spike anti-tank guided boronexport has reportedly hit an impasse of INSAS assault rifles and Sterling carbines missiles along with 12 launchers as part over the “unreasonable and unacceptable” for its 382 Infantry battalions dates back of financial powers delegated to the Vice- price quoted by the Russians. to 2005. In 2009, it made a case for a new Chiefs for emergency purchases. SP An ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ was Light Machine Gun (LMG). With little head- — Vishal Thapar

2-3/2020 SP’s Land Forces 11