Fully Operational and Raring to Go

October-November 2018 Volume 13 No. 5 `100.00 (India-Based Buyer Only) mast indo-asia 2018 SPECIAL

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FOCUS: SUBMARINE  cover story

Page 6 Arihant — More Than an Photograph: narendramodi/twitter Enemy Slayer

The complexity involved in building a nuclear submarine indigenously, arming it with a submarine launched land attack missile tipped with a nuclear warhead, putting her to sea with a trained crew and having a Command and Control system in place was worthy of an acknowledgement by the Prime Minister. Vice Admiral Satish Soni (Retd) Page 8 Emerging Technologies for Submarines of the Future “To gaze into the depths of the sea is, in the imagination, like beholding the vast unknown, and from its most terrible point of view. The submarine is analogous to the realm of night and dreams. There also is sleep, unconsciousness, or at least apparent unconsciousness, of creation.” —Victor Hugo Commodore Mukesh Bhargava (Retd) Page 10 Rejuvenation of India’s Sub- marine Fleet Project 75 (India), the prestigious indigenous programme conceived based on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating the crew and announcing that India’s nuclear submarine INS Arihant future ready technology should have been has successfully completed its first deterrence patrol accorded the top-most priority by the successive Governments. Rear Admiral Sushil Ramsay (Retd) Page 12 Saga of Multi-Role Helicopters During the first ever “two-plus-two” Ministe- INS Arihant rial level parleys between US and India held on September 6, 2018, in New Delhi, an unequivocal assurance was made available that India means business when it comes to Fully Operational acquisition of vital military hardware. Rear Admiral Sushil Ramsay (Retd) Page 14 10th Anniversary — Indian and Raring to Go Ocean Naval Symposium In line with the vision of the Prime Minister Nar- endra Modi – SAGAR (Security and Growth India remains committed to the doctrine of credible minimum deterrence and for All in the Region) – the theme for the 10th anniversary seminar was ‘IONS as a Catalyst “no first-use”, as enshrined in the decision taken by the Cabinet Committee on for SAGAR’. Security in its meeting chaired by the then Prime Minister Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee Rear Admiral Sushil Ramsay (Retd) on January 4, 2003. Plus n Rear Admiral Sushil Ramsay (RETD) News in Brief 15

5/2018 1 SeaGuardian

MULTI-ROLE SINGLE SOLUTION

• 40 hour endurance provides superior mission area coverage

• Powerful 360° maritime search radar with Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR)

• All weather, day/night, high definition full motion video and imagery

• Enhanced situational awareness via teaming with manned air/ surface needs

• Tailored to fulfill the maritime security needs of India’s Navy

ga-asi.com

1810_GA-ASI_MAST Indo Asia_(Oct).indd 1 10/24/2018 11:50:43 AM cover story

On November 5, 2018, Prime triad. India’s nuclear triad will on submarine technologies. sium (IONS) the theme selected Minister, Narendra Modi proudly be an important pillar of global Stealth construction techniques for the seminar was “IONS as declared to the World that INS peace and stability.” We all at SP is one of the key technolo- a Catalyst for SAGAR”. This Arihant, India’s first Nuclear Guide Publications also offer our gies now being followed by all is in line with the vision of the Ballistic Missile Submarine, felicitations to the Indian Navy. defence platforms as it makes Prime Minister Narendra Modi has successfully completed its Apart from completing them difficult to detect by all type of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and first deterrence patrol, which India’s Nuclear Triad there was of sensors. Growth for All in the Region). signified the underwater preda- good news for the industry as In an article on Rejuvena- Then there is a write up on the tor had undertaken its maiden the requirement of ancilliary tion of Indian submarine fleet, planned acquisition of 24 Sikor- long-range mission with systems gave impetus to many the author concludes that the sky MH-60R (Romeo) Multi “live” nuclear-tipped missiles organisations/companies. India 30-years long term perspective Role Helicopters. embarked onboard. He added, “I can now proudly claim that the plan for building submarine force News and flag postings just congratulate all those involved, ATV project has been the most levels and its modernisation about wraps this issue. Happy especially the crew of INS Ari- successful of what is now called entails 18 diesel-electric con- reading all you discerning

EDITORIAL hant for this accomplishment, the ‘Make in India’ Initiative. ventional submarines, six SSNs readers! which will always be remem- Then there an update on the and four SSBNs to emerge as a bered in our history.” technologies for submarines. force to reckon with in the Indian The 6,000-tonne INS Ari- The pace of submarine techno- Ocean region. However there is hant, comes under the direct logical development globally, an emerging view that despite control of the Nuclear Command appears to have made even the the approved programmes for Authority with Prime Minister Moore’s Law redundant. From rejuvenation, India is unlikely to Narendra Modi at the helm. The Stealth, Sensors and Acoustic have a credible submarine fleet Prime Minister added, “Today Superiority, Silent Propulsion by 2030 to match the emerging is historic because it marks the System, and Air Independent prowess of China. completion of the successful Propulsion; the author has On the Tenth Anniversary of Jayant BaranwaL establishment of the nuclear attempted a formidable canvass the Indian Ocean Naval Sympo- Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Vice Admiral G. Ashok Kumar AVSM, VSM SeaGuardian Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Message

am pleased to learn that the ‘SP Guide Publications’ has received the status of being the largest publishing house serving the Aerospace and Defence Isectors in Asia Pacific, South Asia and Middle East. ‘SP Guide Publications’ has emerged as a useful repository of information, views and perspective on matters related to the Armed Forces of India, including contemporary issues of technology, procurement and defence industry, providing relevant and substantive inputs to all those interested in security matters. I wish the publication continued success in all its endeavours.

Jai Hind ! (G. Ashok Kumar) MULTI-ROLE Vice Admiral INS Arihant Fully Operational... continued from page 1

Photograph: narendramodi/twitter ore than two decades SINGLE SOLUTION ago on May 11, 1998, For- mer Prime Minister, Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee with a • 40 hour endurance provides superior mission area coverage straight face announced to Mthe World that India has successfully conducted the landmark Pokhran-II nuclear tests at the Pokhran Test Range in Raj- • Powerful 360° maritime search radar with Inverse Synthetic asthan’s Jaisalmer district. A series of Aperture Radar (ISAR) five nuclear explosions were conducted between May 11 and 13, 1998. May 11, 1998 the day of first of the five explosions was officially declared as the National • All weather, day/night, high definition full motion video and imagery Technology Day. More than a decade later Arihant was launched on July 20, 2009, the anniversary • Enhanced situational awareness via teaming with manned air/ of Vijay Diwas (Kargil War Victory Day) by the then Prime Minister of India, Dr Man- surface needs mohan Singh. The journey of Arihant dates back to the 1970s when nuclear submarine pro- • Tailored to fulfill the maritime security needs of India’s Navy gramme code-named Advanced Technol- ogy Vehicle (ATV) was conceived by the then Prime Minister, Late Indira Gandhi. The `30,000-crore Top Secret project was established in 1980s. After fitting out and extensive sea trials, on February 23, 2016, Arihant was certified fit for operations. INS Arihant was then quietly commissioned on ga-asi.com August 26, 2016. Prime Minister Modi being felicitated by INS Arihant crew

1810_GA-ASI_MAST Indo Asia_(Oct).indd 1 10/24/2018 11:50:43 AM  cover story

Photograph: narendramodi/twitter submarines of the series code-named S-4 and S-4* will be the upgraded variants of 7,000-tonnes with advanced weaponry and will be armed with six missiles each as opposed to four missiles each in INS Ari- hant and Arighat. These two submarines are expected to be launched around 2020- 2022. In tandem the concept design of much larger 13,500-tonne S-5 submarines is also underway. Simultaneously, India has begun testing K-4 missiles with a strike range of 3,500- km, which will be followed by K-5 and K-6 missiles in the strike range of 5,000-6,000- km. The “K” series of SLBMs, incidentally, are named after former President and the Missile Man of India, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The criticality of SLBMS for deterrence can be gauged from the fact that even the US and Russia are ensuring that almost two- thirds of the strategic warheads they even- tually retain under strategic arms reduction agreements are such missiles on SSBNs. India does currently operate a nuclear- powered submarine INS Chakra, acquired on a 10-year lease from Russia, while final negotiations are underway to acquire another such vessel for over $2 billion soon. But these submarines, armed with conven- Prime Minister Modi addressing the crew of INS Arihant tional cruise missiles, do not have nuclear missiles because of international treaties. Two years later, on November 5, 2018, Arihant Class (SSBN) Prime Minister Narendra Modi proudly The Reality declared to the World that INS Arihant, Dimensions Length – 112 m (367 ft), Beam – 15 m (49 ft), Draft – 10 m (33 ft) Passing through the stormy weathers, sev- India’s first Nuclear Ballistic Missile Sub- Displacement (tonnes) 6,000 eral phases of trials and tribulations India marine, has successfully completed its indeed has arrived at the professed mile- first deterrence patrol, which signified Propulsion PWR using 40 per cent enriched uranium fuel (80 MWe); one stone by becoming the world’s sixth coun- the underwater predator had under- turbine (1,11,000 hp/83 MW); one shaft; one 7-bladed, high- try to successfully operationalise a SSBN. skew propeller (estimated) taken its maiden long-range mission with The pipe-dream of the Nation Builders is “live” nuclear-tipped missiles embarked Range Unlimited except by food supplies now transformed into reality. This is just onboard. He added, “I congratulate all the beginning of the strategic programme Speed 12-15 knots surface, 24 knots dived those involved, especially the crew of INS which has three more of the follow-on Arihant for this accomplishment, which Test Depth 300 m (980 ft) (estimated) SSBNs with far greater advanced technol- will always be remembered in our history.” Complement 95 ogy upgrades, specifications, capabilities, The 6,000-tonne INS Arihant, comes under etc. Operationalisation of INS Arihant the direct control of the Nuclear Command Sensors and Processing BEL USHUS Integrated Sonar; Indigenous Sonar and marks the growing eminence of the indige- Authority with Prime Minister Narendra Systems tactical weapons control system with active, passive, nous capabilities, infrastructure, industrial ranging, surveillance and intercept sonars and underwater Modi at the helm. communication system. support and above all the self-reliance now The Prime Minister added, “Today is in the construction of strategic nuclear historic because it marks the completion Armament 6 x 533mm torpedoes, 12 x K-15 Sagarika SLBM (Range 750 km, submarine programmes. of the successful establishment of the 8 MIRV each) or 4 x K-4 Shaurya SLBM (range up to 3,500 km) nuclear triad. India’s nuclear triad will be Launched July 26, 2009 The Indigenous Capability an important pillar of global peace and The Top Secret Project was steered directly Status Operational (unconfirmed) stability.” “As a responsible nation, India under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s has put in place a robust nuclear com- Programme The second submarine of the class, reportedly to be named INS Office and involving agencies and establish- mand and control structure, effective Aridhaman has been launched. Two more submarines of this ments such as the Defence Research and safety assurance architecture and strict class are expected to follow. Development Organisation, the Department political control, under its Nuclear Com- Source: Wikipedia of Atomic Energy, the Submarine Design mand Authority,” said a PMO statement. Group of the Indian Navy, Directorate of “India remains committed to the doctrine The stealthy sub-surface capability with light-water reactor at its core, under the Naval Design. The programme was wholly of credible minimum deterrence and “no INS Arihant provides far greater nuclear secretive `90,000 crore ATV programme. supported through design consultancy, first-use”, as enshrined in the decision teeth and credibility. As per the US Navy’s Arighat, the second in line of the SSBN transfer of technology, consultancy on con- taken by the Cabinet Committee on Secu- hull classification a submarine capable of programme is currently under-construction struction and infrastructure creation and rity in its meeting chaired by the then deploying submarine-launched ballistic at the Ship Building Centre at Visakhapat- development by the Former Soviet Union Prime Minister Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee missile with nuclear warheads is known nam. Arighat was launched in November and the Russian Federation. on January 4, 2003,” it added. as the Submersible Ship Ballistic Missile 2017. Based on the most valuable lessons While the time over-run and the cost Over a month-long patrol by INS Ari- Nuclear (SSBN). Thus SSBN, the sub-surface learnt from the concept to operationalisa- over-run adversely impacted the presti- hant (which means annihilator of enemies), leg of the Nuclear Triad is considered the tion of INS Arihant, Arighat project prom- gious project, it received unstinted and armed with the 750-km range K-15 missiles, most secure, survivable and potent plat- ises to be most efficiently managed and is continuous support by successive Govern- incidentally, came at a time when a Chinese form to launch retaliatory strikes. India expected to be operational by 2020. ments of India, many regime changes in the submarine was once again found prowling has pronounced its nuclear doctrine of “no The SSBN programme comprises four Former Soviet Union and the Russian Fed- around in the Indian Ocean region (IOR). first-use.” Hence, in the Indian context the nuclear powered submarines. The last two eration never impeded the time tested Inter China has deployed at least eight sub- first two legs viz; land-based missiles and Governmental Agreements. This turned marines, alternating between nuclear and fighter-bombers could possibly be neutral- out to be providential for ATVP. conventional diesel-electric boats, in the ised or destroyed by pre-emptive enemy “As a responsible nation, The most significant take away from IOR under the guise of anti-piracy patrols strikes, the SSBNs can remain insulated the success of the Programme was the since December 2013. and undetected for indefinite period deep India has put in place a grooming and development of indigenous While the missile ranges of INS Ari- down in the oceans. private sector companies. Many engineer- hant pale in comparison of over 5,000- The most significant feature of the robust nuclear command and ing giants with great sense of national km ranges of submarine-launched ballis- SSBNs is its prolonged sub-surface endur- pride have participated in the Programme. tic missiles (SLBMs) held in the arsenal of ance remaining undetected. The only limi- control structure, effective Role and contributions made by Larsen & the US, Russia and China, Prime Minister tation to the underwater endurance of safety assurance architecture Toubro befittingly deserves special men- Modi had Pakistan in mind when he said SSBNs is caused by the physical and mental tion here. The Firm, besides making huge the nuclear submarine is a counter to fatigue of their crews. Conversely, it is far and strict political control, investments in creation of infrastructure nuclear blackmail. easier to detect conventional submarines and specific facilities, technologies, niche The land-based Agni-V missiles, with because they have to surface or “snorkel’’ under its Nuclear Command capabilities, etc. has remained an integral the over 5,000-km, categorised as Inter- every few days to get oxygen to re-charge part of the Programme right from its incep- Continental Ballistic Missile which has their diesel-electric batteries. Authority.” tion and continues to be so even for the been in the armoury of India for long is India, of course, is building far bigger follow-on programme, as well. L&T has now in the process of being inducted, as nuclear submarines with longer-range mis- —Prime Minister’s Office clearly emerged as a national asset as for also the fighter jets jury-rigged to deliver siles than a “baby boomer” like INS Arihant, the indigenous submarine construction

SP www.spsnavalforces.com nuclear weapons. which is propelled by an 83 MW pressurised capability is concerned.

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The complexity involved in building a nuclear submarine indigenously, arming it with a submarine launched land attack missile tipped with a nuclear warhead, putting her to sea with a trained crew and having a Command and Control system in place was worthy of an acknowledgement by the Prime Minister

Photograph: MoD n Vice Admiral Satish Soni (Retd) There are many challenges n July 26, 2009, the tenth ahead before we can rightly anniversary of the Vijay diwas (Kargil victory), Indian Navy claim to be at par with the formally gave a glimpse of its first SSBN ‘Arihant’ (the term big five Omeans: Slayer of Enemies) when the submarine was launched by the then Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh at a specially constructed covered dock in the Shipbuild- ing Centre at Visakhapatnam. Toasting with M51 missiles of ranges more this special occasion the preceding evening than 8,000 km and finally China with were mentors (Retired Admirals from the four Type 094 Jin class SSBNs with Indian Navy), Russian friends and execu- JL2/3 missiles of claimed ranges of tors of the project (the Indian defence 8,500 km. industry); gentlemen who dared to dream India should be able to operationalise big for giving a resurgent India a credible three more SSBNs in the next five years second strike capability — the sea based with the range of the missiles increasing to leg of the Triad. They reminisced that it more than 3,500 km; but the most signifi- was during the 1971 war, when the USS cant achievement would be the ability to Enterprise set course for the Bay of Bengal, build the last submarine of the series fully reportedly tailed by a Soviet nuclear sub- indigenously. The SSBN ecosystem of our marine that our leadership first thought of fledgling Military Industrial Complex has INS Arihant – a step towards the right direction indeed come of age. The ATV project has been the most The ATV project has been the a length of 112 metres, a beam of 11 metres If I was to underscore the successful of what we now term as the and a draught of 10 metres displaces ‘Make in India’ Initiative. Commissioning most successful of what we approximately 6,000 tonnes and is capable most urgent, it would be of the Defence Machinery Development of diving upto a depth of 300 metres. She Establishment (DMDE) in Hyderabad to now term as the ‘Make in is propelled by an 83-megawatt pressurised the early commissioning involve the local industry to indigenise water reactor and can attain a maximum submarine spares, successful progress India’ Initiative speed of over 20 knots underwater. Armed of a dedicated submarine and dove-tailing of the missiles pro- with K-15 missiles (with a range of less gramme by DRDO laboratories, building of than 1,000 km) which can be mated with a base where these assets a small nuclear reactor by Bhabha Atomic nuclear warhead, she has a very high indig- Research Centre, building of the hull by possessing a nuclear-powered submarine enous content. could be berthed safely and Larsen & Toubro, the designing and mak- to deter an intervention by a much superior As the SSBN programme progresses it from where they are able to ing of the steam systems by Walchand- power. Dove-tailing the naval requirement will be possible to enhance our capabilities nagar Industries, training of the subma- with the ongoing Nuclear programme, it and achieve an ability to target both China sail into the deep, silently rine crew by the Indian Navy, putting in was to take another three decades before and Pakistan from the Bay of Bengal itself. place procedures for safe handling of India attained the distinction of becoming With a nuclear policy of ‘No First Use’, it avoiding the prying eyes of nuclear material and evolving responses the first country to build a SSBN without is imperative for India to have a credible to nuclear contingencies are some of the first designing and constructing a smaller nuclear deterrent at sea, certainly the most the enemy! specific achievements we can be proud nuclear submarine, the SSN. important leg of the Triad. Nuclear delivery of. The programme has become a ster- After a quiet commissioning in August systems on land and air can be taken out in ling example for meeting shortfalls in our 2016, INS Arihant completed her first the first strike by a belligerent enemy, but Defence requirements indigenously. Deterrence Patrol last month. The com- it is well-nigh impossible for the enemy to There are many challenges ahead plexity involved in building a nuclear sub- detect, track and target a SSBN on patrol zz The US Navy’s sea based deterrent com- before we can rightly claim to be at par marine indigenously, arming it with a sub- away from her base. prises of 14 Ohio class SSBNs displac- with the big five. Commissioning of more marine launched land attack missile tipped The Indian Navy and the nation have ing 18,750 tonnes armed with Trident SSBN submarines, improving the design to with a nuclear warhead, putting her to sea only indicated a statement of intent. There II D5 ICBMs with a range of more than reduce the acoustic signatures and increas- with a trained crew and having a Command is much ground to cover. 7,500 km; ing the range of the nuclear tipped missiles & Control system in place was worthy of zz The Royal Navy operates four Vanguard are some of them; but if I was to under- an acknowledgement by the Prime Min- The Indian Navy and the SSBNs also capable of launching the D5 score the most urgent, it would be the early ister Narendra Modi, who congratulated Trident missiles; commissioning of a dedicated submarine the crew personally and announced to nation have only indicated a zz The Russian Navy had the big Typhoon base where these assets could be berthed the world that India had joined the select class SSBNs displacing 48,000 tonnes safely and from where they are able to sail group comprising United States, China, statement of intent. There is which are being replaced by the Borei into the deep, silently avoiding the prying Russia, Britain and France in operationalis- class (14,000 tonnes) armed with eyes of the enemy! SP ing a second strike capability at sea. much ground to cover. Bulava missiles of ranges greater than Built under the Advanced Technology 8,000 km; The Author is the former Flag Officer Com-

www.spsnavalforces.com Vessel (ATV) programme, INS Arihant with zzThe French have the Triomphant class manding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command

6 5/2018

 technology Emerging Technologies for Submarines of the Future

“To gaze into the depths of the sea is, in the imagination, like beholding the vast unknown, and from its most terrible point of view. The submarine is analogous to the realm of night and dreams. There also is sleep, unconsciousness, or at least apparent unconsciousness, of creation. There in the awful silence and darkness, the rude first forms of life, phantom-like, demoniacal, pursue their horrible instincts.” —Victor Hugo

photographS: US NAVSEA, US Navy n Commodore Mukesh Bhargava (retd) make the submarine harder to detect, by using a new large vertical array and addi- ver since the time of Victor tional coating materials for the hull to Hugo, submarines and under attain what US Navy calls “Acoustic Superi- water navigation has been the ority”. The idea with “acoustic superiority,” ultimate dream of all seafarers is therefore to engineer a circumstance since time immemorial. But it wherein US submarines can operate unde- Ewas not until the beginning of the twen- tected in or near enemy waters or coast- tieth century that inventors succeeded line, conduct reconnaissance or attack mis- in developing practical submarines that sions and sense any movement or enemy could stay underwater for reasonably long activities at farther ranges than adversaries period to be considered effective as a war can. The acoustic superiority programme fighting vessel. With the onset of World is focussed on the sensor side whereby War I, nations saw the deadly effectiveness they are on the cusp of a fourth genera- of these underwater vessels, as German tion of undersea technology based upon a U-boats threatened to starve Britain and “domain” perspective as opposed to a plat- ultimately forced the United States into form approach – looking at and assessing war, thus highlighting the significance advancements in the electro-magnetic and of submarine operations as a doctrine acoustic underwater technologies to mini- for winning wars at sea. A generation mise platform’s own signature – while hav- later, in World War II, the German U-boats ing a better ability to detect an adversary came back to create havoc by launching signature. The “acoustic superiority” effort numerous attacks on the Allied Fleets in is immersed in performing tactical assess- the Atlantic, while in the Pacific, US sub- ments as well as due diligence from an aca- marines literally put Japanese fleet out of demic standpoint to make sure the service business. Presently, in the nuclear age, the looks at all the threat vectors – hydrody- nuclear submarine became the most pow- namics, acoustics or lasers. erful weapon of war ever created – to serve VLF Communication. The emerging as the deterrent force that, paradoxically, technologies, however, are heavily focused alone can maintain and sustain peace in upon sensitive, passive acoustic sensors, the region. which are able to detect movement and Navies across the globe have acknowl- objects of potential adversary boats and edged this steel monster as the most lethal ships at much further ranges and with a and strategic platform in naval warfare. On higher-degree of fidelity. Submarines are (Top) An artist’s rendering of the planned Columbia class submarine; the one hand, the curtailment of defence (above) US Navy’s Ohio class ballistic missile submarine. able to use a very low frequency (VLF) funds globally has led to the reduction radio to communicate while at various of number of vessels on order and on the construction of its new Columbia class environment caused by a quiet submarine. depths beneath the surface. Indian Navy other hand, the quest for improvements in SSBNs to attain the goal of engineering the Today, ‘big data analytics & processing’ has already commissioned its own VLF performance, stealth and strike capability, most lethal, high-tech and advanced SSBN enables advanced navies to run sophisti- transmission station at INS Kattaboman in has driven the demand for newer technolo- the world has ever seen. These submarines cated oceanographic models in real time to collaboration with L&T thereby also creat- gies to be developed and adopted on board will enter service by 2031 and serve well exploit these detection techniques. ing nuclear electro-magnetic pulse (NEMP) submarines to stay ahead in the race for into the 2080s and beyond. The new sub- Long Life Large Aperture Bow Array proof control station, the first in India. supremacy in the deep oceans. Succeeding marines are being designed for 42 years of Sonar. Columbia class submarines are Futuristic Hoistables. The Columbia paragraphs contain the narratives of some service life thus engineering a reactor core being designed with a series of next-gener- class will also use next-generation com- of the new technologies being developed that would last for the ‘life-of-ship’, thus ation technologies, many of them from the munications system, antenna and mast. across the globe which would change the ruling out requirement of mid-life refuel- Virginia class attack submarine. Leverag- The present day periscope is now replaced exploitation pattern and operational cycle ling. This would enable US Navy to build ing existing systems allows the Columbia- with a camera mast connected to fibre-optic of submarines of the future. just 12 SSBNs and still be able to have the Class programme to integrate the most cable, enabling crew members in the subma- Mixed Reality — Submarine Design. same sea presence/ops-availability as the current technologies and systems while, at rine to see images without needing to stand The contemporary submarine designers current fleet of 14 ballistic missile Ohio the same time, saving the cost of beginning beneath the periscope. This allows design- use virtual reality that enables the designer class submarines thereby bringing in sav- a new developmental effort. The Columbia ers to move command and control areas to to have a virtual walk-through of the sub- ing of $40 billion in acquisition and life- class will utilise Virginia class’s fly-by-wire larger parts of the ship and still have access marine in an immersive environment and cycle cost for the programme. joystick control system and large-aperture to images from the camera mast. make design, layout, maintainability and Underwater Detection Capabilities. bow array sonar. A computer built-into Maintenance Free Shafts. The shafts of accessibility improvements as required. New detection techniques are emerging the ship’s control system uses algorithms the new submarines are being built to last The users can also have a touch and feel that do not rely on the noise a submarine to maintain course and depth by sending up to 10 or 12 years in order to synchro- of the submarine and give recommenda- makes and may make traditional manned a signal to the rudder and the stern. The nise with the ships maintenance schedule. tions from operations and exploitation submarine operations far more risky in large aperture bow array is water backed Existing shafts need inspection and refur- view point even before the steel is cut. The the future. These include increased use with no dome and very small hydrophones bishment every six to eight years. requirements of degutting-re-gutting of the of lower frequency active sonar and non- that are able to last for the life of the Silent Propulsion System. While the US submarine during exploitation can also be acoustic methods of detecting submarine ship; the new submarines do not have an is taking giant strides, the other emerging catered at the design stage itself. In future, wakes at short ranges. In particular is the air-backed array, preventing the need to super power - China is not lagging behind. one can expect the Virtual Reality immer- technique of bouncing laser light or light- replace transducers every 10 years. China’s new submarine engine is poised to sive environment getting blended with the emitting-diodes off a submarine hull to Stealth, Sensors and “Acoustic Supe- revolutionise underwater warfare. China’s Real World through HoloLens (Microsoft) detect its presence. The physics behind riority”. The naval R&D is making prog- new nuclear submarines will soon use a creating a mixed reality experience for sub- most of these alternative techniques has ress in developing new acoustics, sensors ‘shaft-less’ rim-driven pump-jet, a revolu- marine designers. This would change the been known for decades, but was not and quieting technologies to ensure the US tionary and silent propulsion system. A rim- concept of submarine design in future. exploited because computer processors retains its technological edge in the under- driven pump-jet has a ring-shaped electrical ‘Life-of-Ship’ Reactor Core. The US were not fast enough to run the detailed sea domain. The innovations include qui-

www.spsnavalforces.com Navy is accelerating the development and models needed to see small changes in the eting technologies for the engine room to Continued on page 15...

8 5/2018

 modernisation Rejuvenation of India’s Submarine Fleet

Project 75 (India), the prestigious indigenous programme conceived based on the future ready technology should have been accorded the top-most priority by the successive Governments

photograph: Indian Navy n Rear Admiral Sushil Ramsay (retd) Government has approved P75(I) to be progressed under the Strategic Part- he induction of first of Sovi- nership (SP) Model as promulgated in et origin, Foxtrot Class, Diesel Defence Procurement Procedure 2016. To Electric Submarine, INS Kalvari ensure uniform guidelines for progress- heralded the birth of Submarine ing all four segments of the SP Model, the Arm for Indian Navy in Decem- Defence Acquisition Council has approved Tber 1967. Initial years were euphoric as generic guidelines in July 2018. Promulga- the planned induction progressed steadily tion of Segment specific guidelines by the under the time-tested Friendship Treaty with Ministry of Defence for the Submarine seg- USSR. Induction of newer and advanced ver- ment is expected shortly. The Expression sion of conventional submarines, 877EKM of Interest documents for shortlisting of under the same arrangements saw defining Strategic Partners and Foreign OEMs for edge added to the Force. P75(I) is expected to be issued by end- Further impetus to the fledgling fleet 2018. Thereafter RFP is expected to be was given by inducting state of the art issued by mid-2019. German HDW Submarines, which were The Indian Navy has justified that the also indigenously constructed at Mazagon six diesel-electric submarines conceived Docks Ltd (MDL) very successfully. Unfor- under Project 75 (India) to be fitted out with tunately, the controversies struck wide and land-attack cruise missiles, AIP for greater deep, resulting in total and irreplaceable underwater endurance, and the capability loss in this vital segment of indigenous to integrate indigenous weapons and sen- INS Chakra a Russian nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) has joined the Indian Navy on lease for 10 years to submarine building capability. train the submariners on the skills to operate nuclear powered submarines sors as and when these are developed. The collapse of the Soviet Union dealt a severe blow to the product support, sus- 75 Scorpene marks a major milestone in support during NR of INS Sindhuvir. Refit of Nuclear-Powered Submarines taining maintenance facilities and the ave- Indian Navy’s efforts to re-commence the the submarine commenced in July 2017 and In addition to the fleet of conventional nues for modernisation of the ageing sub- indigenous submarine construction line to is expected to be complete by end 2019. submarines, for strategic deterrence India marines. Consequently, a comprehensive rejuvenate its badly depleted submarine Further, HSL has submitted its bid for needs at least six nuclear powered attack 30-years long term perspective plan for sub- fleet. The delivery of all six submarines is the Medium Refit and Life Certification submarines (SSN) and at least four nuclear marine building and modernisation of the expected to be complete by 2021. Second (MRLC) of third Sindhugosh class subma- powered submarines with nuclear-tipped ageing submarine fleet was conceived. The submarine Khanderi (S-22) was launched on rine, INS Sindhuratna. Technical evaluation missiles (SSBN). In February 2015, Govern- Approval-in-Principle of the Government January 12, 2017 and is currently undergo- of the bid has been concluded and the Gov- ment of India approved the construction of was promptly endorsed in the year 2004. ing sea trials which began on June 1, 2017. ernment decision is awaited. six nuclear-powered SSNs. The first indig- Khanderi was expected to be delivered nine On the other hand, ThyssenKrupp Marine enous nuclear-powered submarine that can Where Do We Stand! months after the commissioning of INS Kal- Systems (TKMS) has already been awarded launch ballistic missiles (SSBN), INS Arihant Warships and submarines designing, devel- vari. However, the date for commissioning a `410 crore contract by Mazagaon Docks was commissioned on August 26, 2016 and opment and construction are extremely of Khanderi seems uncertain. The third sub- Shipbuilders (MDL) to upgrade the Shishu- recently has very successfully completed intricate, complex and technology inten- marine Karanj (S-23) was launched on Janu- mar class, INS Shishumar for a MRLC con- her operational patrol. Three more SSBNs sive. The magnitude of imponderables ary 31, 2018 and is currently undergoing sea tract. MRLC which has commenced in Octo- have been approved to be indigenously in the evolving processes could be very trials. The balance three submarines of Proj- ber 2018 is expected to be complete by 2021. constructed. unpredictable and uncertain. The technol- ect 75 will be christened as Vela, Vagir and The upgrade will extend the operational life In addition, INS Chakra a Russian ogy implosion, however, emerges as the Vagsheer. Of these Vela and Vagsheer will of the submarine by 10 years. TKMS hopes to nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) has pathfinder, provided the decision makers, be fitted out with Air Independent Propul- gradually take up the MRLC of the remaining joined the Indian Navy on lease for 10 years the bureaucracy, associated agencies, etc. sion (AIP) which enhances the submerged Shishumar submarines. In parallel, TKMS is in 2012 to train the submariners on the repose trust and faith with the same inten- endurance of the submarines considerably. also retrofitting anti-ship American Harpoon skills to operate nuclear powered subma- sity as the naval planners do. Missiles on two Shishumar class submarines rines. Negotiations for the acquisition of an The Defence Procurement Procedures Modernisation Plan for which it has already bagged a `262 crore Akula-class SSN from Russia are currently have undergone numerous modifications, To bridge the time lag between fructification contract in July 2018. dead locked over pricing. Reportedly, the updates, etc. The latest editions were all of new projects and the operational avail- Russia is now demanding a price of over fine-tuned to synchronise with the ongo- ability of the aging fleet the perspective plan Project 75 (India) $2.5 billion for a five-year refit and refur- ing campaign of ‘Make in India’. The catered for modernisation and upgrading of Project 75 (India) was incorporated in the bishment of second Akula-class SSN, as Indian Navy for the past fifty years and capabilities of 877EKM class and HDW, Shi- Perspective Plan as a sequel to Project 75, opposed to the original offer of $1.5 billion. more already has numerous successfully shumar class submarines. The modernisa- Scorpene. This indigenous programme con- designed and executed indigenous warship tion entailed service life extension and certi- ceived based on the future ready technology Conclusion programmes, except for some ad hoc out- fication of the ageing fleet as also upgrading should have been accorded the top-most Undoubtedly the lackadaisical pursuance right purchases/acquisitions of platforms the capabilities of the relatively newer sub- priority by the successive Governments. of indigenously shoring up the operational to bridge the operational capability gaps marines of the class. For instance, retro- Project 75 (India) was resurrected and the capability of India’s submarine fleet has needed to meet emergent needs. However, fitment of torpedo tube launched missile Government has promulgated Request for left wide gaps when compared to the mod- indigenous designs and building of conven- systems with anti-shipping and land attack Information (RFI). Global RFI was issued ernisation plans of the Peoples’ Liberation tional submarines for some reasons never versions have provided teeth to 877EKM to France, Germany, Russia, Sweden, Spain Army (Navy). The accountability for the flourished as well as many different types submarines. Likewise, all major machiner- and Japan to participate in building six current dwindling force levels of India’s and classes of surface ships have. ies, auxiliaries, propulsion system, sensors, advanced stealth submarines at an esti- submarine fleet can be attributed else- etc. either underwent major overhaul or mated `70,000 crore ($10.9 billion) in col- where but not on the Indian Navy. Project 75, Scorpene replaced with advanced versions to extend laboration with an Indian shipyard. The 30-years long term perspective plan The first project under the perspective plan the operational life until year 2025. RFI was sent out to; Naval Group, for building submarine force levels and its was Project 75, Scorpene for indigenous Considering the expertise gained after France, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, modernisation entails 18 diesel-electric construction of six conventional stealth successful completion of Medium Refit Germany, Rosoboronexport-Rubin Design conventional submarines, six SSNs and submarines under transfer of technology (MR) of INS Sindhukirti, Hindustan Shipyard Bureau, Russia, Navantia, Spain, Saab, Swe- four SSBNs to emerge as a force to reckon arrangements with Naval Group, France. Limited (HSL) has been awarded contract den and the Mitsubishi-Kawasaki Heavy with in IOR. There is an emerging view that After the delay of more than a decade the for Normal Refit (NR) of INS Sindhuvir, at a Industries Combine, Japan. However, despite the approved programmes for reju- first submarine of the project, INS Kalvari cost of `500 crore. For this project, HSL has Mitsubishi-Kawasaki Heavy Engineering venation, India is unlikely to have a cred- (S-21), an attack stealth submarine was com- signed a contract with SC Zevezdochka ship- Combine, Japan and Navantia, Spain have ible submarine fleet by 2030 to match the

SP www.spsnavalforces.com missioned on December 14, 2017. Project yard, Russia on March 28, 2017 for technical pulled out of the project. emerging prowess of China.

10 5/2018 PROJECT 11356 FRIGATE

more info at ROE.RU/ENG/

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27 Stromynka str.,107076, dual-use products, technologies and services. T I S E M N Moscow, Russian Federation Rosoboronexport accounts for over 85% of Russia's V E R A D Phone: +7 (495) 534 61 83 annual arms sales and maintains military-technical Fax: +7 (495) 534 61 53 cooperation with over 100 countries worldwide. www.roe.ru  multi-role helicopters Saga of Multi-Role Helicopters

During the first ever “two-plus-two” Ministerial level parleys between the Secretary of State and the Defence Secretary from the US and the Minister of External Affairs and the Defence Minister of India held on September 6, 2018, in New Delhi, an unequivocal assurance was made available that India means business when it comes to acquisition of vital military hardware.

photographs: Indian Navy, US Navy n Rear Admiral Sushil Ramsay (retd) concluded within a year. The FMS route “The Ministry of Defence has for acquisition of military hardware from eaking helicopters acquired the US is considered most efficient, much from the UK way back in the early approved acquisition of 24 swifter and cleaner than the cumbersome 1980s have served the Indian Navy Anti-Submarine Warfare and global tender process, which takes several extremely well and way beyond years and is often derailed by allegations of their best capabilities over the past Anti-Ship MRH (Multi-Role corruption in India. The induction of these Sthree and a half decades. Critical shortage heavy-duty MH-60R Seahawk in the 2020- in this vital segment of Anti-Submarine Helicopter). The case is being 2024 timeframe will come as a shot in the Warfare (ASW) capabilities with the front- processed through FMS.” arm for the Indian Navy, whose warships line ships of the Indian Navy has reached are virtually bereft of such helicopters. truly alarming proportions. Multi-Role Heli- —Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief copter (MRH) is the backbone of the opera- Conclusion tions at sea and its critical void can hardly of the Naval Staff, while speaking to Jayant The acquisition of 24 MH-60R Seahawk be supplemented by any other platform for Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP’s Naval Forces helicopters opens new vistas for the Indian the fleet. As an interim measure a highly- Navy’s long-term requirements for 123 Naval limited inventory of twelve upgraded Seak- during an interaction on November 8, 2018. Multi-Role Helicopters (NMRH) and 111 twin- ing 42B and 10 Kamov 28 ASW helicopters engine armed Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) are being rotated among the frontline ships of the two fleets during operational deploy- ments, exercises, missions, etc. It is an open secret that the biggest threat to India’s maritime interests and its surface fleet comes from enemy submarines. While every warship has hull- mounted sonar for tracking submarines below the surface, the potency of ASW helicopters to counter the sub-surface threats is unmatchable. Hence, it is imperative that the widening gaps in the ASW capabilities are abridged through acquisition of potent MRH in the shortest possible timeframe. Adverse hydrological conditions and currents in the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean impinge on the detection capability of the hull-mounted sonar. Conversely, the ASW helicopters with their dunking sonar capability prove far more effective and accurate under such conditions. ASW helicopters prove a better plat- Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk is the sole contender for Indian Navy’s MRH requirement form as these can not only hunt a submarine, its own detection and hunting down procurement of 16 S-70B Seahawk helicop- approximately $1.8 billion. MH-60R heli- programmes under the ‘Make in India’ initia- by a submarine is very nigh impossible. ters from Sikorsky. copters are also designated as Seahawk tive and in partnership with the indigenous More than a decade ago, the Indian multi-mission helicopters, capable of ASW Private Sector. The US is also very keenly Navy began the process of finding a suit- Procurement Approval and anti-surface warfare roles. pursuing its interest in the Indian Navy’s pro- able replacement for the Seaking ASW To enhance the capability of Multi Role gramme for acquiring 57 carrier borne multi- Helicopters by floating a global tender for Helicopters at sea which the Indian Navy Letter of Request role fighters. Likewise, the US, of course, is in 16 helicopters with an option clause for has been harping on for so long, finally Consequent to approval of the Govern- prime contention to bid for its F/A-18 or F-16 another eight, in 2008 for its warships and the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) ment a “Letter of Request” was issued on fighter production lines in India for the IAF’s for upgrading diminishing ASW capabili- in its meeting on August 26, 2018, has Thursday, November 15, 2018, to the US over $20 billion ‘Make in India’ programme ties of her fleet. In the open bidding- pro approved procurement of 24 MRH. Avail- Government to acquire 24 Naval Multi- for 114 jets. In addition, India is very keen to cess, the US firm Sikorsky was selected in ability of MRH with the Navy would plug Role, MH-60 ‘Romeo’ Helicopters at a cost acquire 22, armed Predator-B or weaponised December 2014. Sikorsky emerged as the the existing capability gap which is the of `13,500 crore (approximately $1.8 bil- Sea Guardian drones from the US. sole successful bidder, after the Italian most critical need of Indian Navy. This lion). The request for the helicopters is Timing for issuing the “Letter of firm Finmeccanica was ruled out of the DAC approval could not have been taken made as an “Urgent Requirement”. The Request” is quite significant with a view competition due to the allegations of scam at a better time than this. During the first MH-60R, Seahawk considered the world’s to obtain expeditious clearances. Firstly, in VIP helicopters deal by the Government ever “two-plus-two” Ministerial level par- most advanced maritime helicopter will be albeit not confirmed yet, there is a possi- of India. Seahawk S-70B was selected for leys between the Secretary of State and armed for the ASW and anti-surface war- bility for a summit-level bilateral meeting its advanced ASW and anti-surface warfare the Defence Secretary from the US and fare role and will be duly fitted with mis- between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and capabilities to take on the underwater and the Minister of External Affairs and the siles and torpedoes. The acquisition of MH- US President Donald Trump in Argentina over the surface threats. Defence Minister of India held on Septem- 60R Seahawk will substantially enhance on the side lines of the G-20 meet sched- For more than six years the Indian ber 6, 2018, in New Delhi, an unequivocal the multi-mission capability of the front- uled on November 30 and December 01, Navy persisted with the Government for assurance was made available that India line warships of the Indian Navy to some 2018. Secondly, Defence Minister Nirmala early conclusion of the contract, but to no means business when it comes to acquisi- extent, as it would very partially meet the Sitharaman is also expected to be in the US avail. Finally, despite the ‘Dissent Note’ tion of vital military hardware. This con- overall requirement of Indian Navy in this for talks during the first week of December from the Indian Navy stating that these tract when fructifies will be another direct segment. The Government-to-Government 2018. Both of these parleys are expected helicopters were critically required to Government-to-Government (G2G) deal, deal for the MH-60R Seahawk, manufac- to provide desired push and clear possible bridge the operational capability gaps, the also known as direct Foreign Military Sale tured by Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin, under roadblocks to the current and future big-

SP www.spsnavalforces.com Ministry of Defence (MoD) fore closed the (FMS) with the United States and worth the US FMS programme is expected to be ticket acquisition plans with the US.

12 5/2018 MARKETING FEATURE To Overcome the Fear of Depths

RPK-8E anti-submarine rocket system; (Right, top) MG-94ME projectile; (Right, above) Paket-E/NK shipborne compact anti-submarine/anti-torpedo system.

n the 20th century, the centuries- Firstly, when a surface ship detects tor- The Paket-E/NK can operate both inde- against enemy submarines achieved through long experience of large-scale naval pedoes fired at it from a submarine, it pendently and as part of a ship’s integrated the use of the 212mm 90R anti-submarine battles quickly passed into oblivion. should timely and promptly deceive and/ anti-submarine/anti-torpedo system in rocket carrying a gravitational homing pro- A deadly threat coming from depths or destroy the fired torpedoes. Secondly, automatic or automated mode. It is able to jectile that separates after splashdown. became a new source of concern for when a hostile submarine itself is detected, generate targeting data for small anti-sub- Among other things, the RPK-8E includes Isurface ships. This is submarines, the most the ship should ensure its immediate and marine torpedoes based on data provided the RBU-6000 12-tube rocket launcher, effective and formidable adversary in the assured destruction, otherwise, if sonar by ship’s sonars. In addition, the Paket upgraded MG-94ME sonar countermeasures sea and coastal theaters of operations. or visual contact is lost, the ship itself will system independently detects, classifies projectiles designed to protect the ship from They are stealthy, well-armed and have quickly turn into a victim. and determines the trajectory parameters active/passive homing torpedoes. long endurance. It is extremely difficult Russian defense manufacturers have of torpedoes attacking the ship and pro- The MG-94ME projectile is equipped to detect and destroy them as they have a long maintained lead in the development vides targeting data for anti-torpedoes. The with a separable drifting sonar counter- number of design advantages over surface of a wide range of modern shipborne anti- Paket-E/NK provides control of launchers, measures module which either jams the ships, including in signature, freedom of submarine and anti-torpedo systems. Their weapon module prelaunch preparation, desired frequency bands or emits simulated maneuver in depth, detection range, which products in the international market are fire data input, launching of anti-torpedoes ship noise. In a jamming environment, the enables them to deliver a decisive pre- represented by state intermediary Rosobo- and small heat-seeking torpedoes. receive paths of the torpedo homing system emptive strike. ronexport. The Company offers a variety Depending on customer requirements, lose the ability to detect the ship, while in The issue of surface ship defense of shipborne ASW systems, missiles and the launchers of the system can be equipped the simulated acoustic environment the tor- against underwater attacks is particularly torpedoes, both separately and as part of with modules containing heat-seeking torpedo homes onto the drifting sonar coun- relevant for countries with a long coast- surface ships of various projects delivered pedoes and (or) anti-torpedoes in any com- termeasures module. The range of firing line. Its significance necessitates them to for export. bination. It depends on tasks assigned to anti-submarine rockets and MG-94ME pro- protect their fleets, coastal and sea lines The Paket-E/NK is a conceptually new the ship. The differences between these jectiles is 600 to 4300 meters. of communications from hostile subma- shipborne compact anti-submarine/anti- types of weapons lies in the fact that the All of the above models are based on rines. The experience gained during fight- torpedo system that is second to none small heat-seeking torpedo destroys sub- underwater weapons that are in service ing, numerous naval exercises and daily worldwide. It is designed to destroy submarines while the anti-torpedo is intended with the Russian Navy and have proven to fleet training activities has shown that marines at ranges up to 10 kilometers and to engage attacking torpedoes. To monitor be effective in numerous tests and exer- the anti-submarine warfare capability and engage torpedoes attacking the ship at 800 weapon modules in service, the system can cises. Ship self-defense should certainly be the staying power of surface ships signifi- to 100 meters. The effectiveness of tor- be additionally fitted with an automated provided in an integrated manner. However, cantly increase when they are equipped pedo defense of a ship equipped with such monitoring system. really lethal and reliable means are needed with modern self-defense means. The latter a system increases 3 to 3.5 times. The RPK-8E anti-submarine rocket to ensure effective protection from under- primarily includes modern anti-submarine The Paket-E/NK system includes the system, designed to protect surface ships water attacks. It is because of these quali- warfare (ASW) weapons, sonars and coun- Paket-E control system, launchers, Paket- from submarines, attacking torpedoes and ties that Russian-made torpedoes, rockets, termeasures against hostile weapons. AE special-purpose sonar, and weapon underwater saboteurs, also has high poten- counter-underwater saboteur weapons In combat conditions at sea, it is criti- modules with 324mm small heat-seeking tial in the global arms market. and diverse sonar equipment enjoy strong cally important to observe two principles. torpedoes and anti-torpedoes. It features an increased kill probability demand in the international market. SP

5/2018 13  conference 10th Anniversary — Indian Ocean Naval Symposium

In line with the vision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi – SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) – the theme for the 10th anniversary seminar was ‘IONS as a Catalyst for SAGAR’.

photograph: Indian Navy n Rear Admiral Sushil Ramsay (retd) was undertaken to mark the occasion. The event carried with it the memories of a glori- he Indian Ocean Naval Sym- ous maritime past and the ancient cultural posium (IONS) is an extremely exchange that opened long-distance political significant regional maritime and economic relations between the great security initiative which was civilisations of India and those in Persia and launched by India in February Arabia. The route also honours the socio- T2008 to attain collectively beneficial mari- cultural and maritime history that is shared time security outcomes within the Indian among populations across the Indian Ocean Ocean by providing an open and inclusive as a result of this trade. forum for discussion of regionally relevant To have Kerala as the starting point for maritime issues. IONS endeavours to gen- the sail-together is both appropriate and erate a flow of information among naval befitting. Kerala’s coastal magnificence has professionals resulting in common under- been a legendary maritime hub for traders standing and possible agreements on the from across the world dating all the way way ahead to tackle common concerns. The back to the first century AD. Its majestic outcomes of the discussions could thereaf- shipyards known by the iconic Urus, have ter be implemented through agreements to been in the midst of intense ship-building enhance of regional maritime security. and maritime trade over 1,500 years. Arab IONS are a security construct for the traders were especially captivated by these Indian Ocean Region (IOR) which is simi- vessels and were among the first major lar to the Western Pacific Naval Sympo- patrons of these boats. sium. It is a voluntary initiative among The ‘Sail Together’ would culminate the navies and maritime security agencies with the Tall Ships being received at Mus- of the member nations. In addition to the cat on November 29, 2018. symposiums, numerous other activities Release of First Day cover by Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff like workshops, essay competitions and Information Fusion Centre lectures are also held under the umbrella regional maritime issues and in turn facili- Admiral Sunil Lanba, along with the Com- On the sidelines 10th Anniversary of IONS, of the organisation. There are 36 littorals tate generation of mutually beneficial mari- mander of Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, CNS announced that the Indian Navy was in the Indian Ocean which have been geo- time security outcomes. Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi flagged off all set to open an international Informa- graphically grouped into the following four During the Seminar, CNS released of a “Tall Ship Sail Together” from Naval Base, tion Fusion Centre (IFC) for IOR aiming to sub-regions: the ‘Special Cover’ designed to commemo- Kochi on November 14, 2018. The Royal improve maritime security in the region. South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Mal- rate the 10th Anniversary of IONS at Lulu Omani Vessel Zinat-al-Bihaar along with The IFC will be a separate platform for dives, Pakistan, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. International Convention Centre, Kochi in two Indian Naval Sailing Ships Sudharshini, the members of the IONS. “We have the West Asia: Iran, Oman, Saudi Ara- the presence of Fisheries, Harbour Engi- Tarangini, with one each “Sea Rider” from approval from the Government of India to bia, UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and neering and Cashew Industries Minister of Sri Lanka, China, United Kingdom, Austra- get in touch with a number of nations on Yemen. Kerala, Mercy Kutty Amma, the Post Master lia, Bangladesh and Maldives are participat- technical agreement on exchanging infor- East African: France, Kenya, Mauritius, General PMG, Northern Region, Shri Jithen- ing in this ‘Sail Together’ which is planned mation on white-shipping. We have signed Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Dji- dra Gupta and the Commander of Islamic over a distance of 1,200 nm to Muscat and agreements with 18 countries and opera- bouti, Egypt, Eriteria, Comoros, Madagas- Republic of Iran (IRI) Navy Rear Admiral back. It seeks to retrace the maritime trade tionalised 11 of them, where online infor- car, Somalia and Sudan. Hossein Khanzadi. The commemorative route of yesteryears between the Malabar mation exchange on white-shipping has South East Asia & Australia: Australia, Special Cover of IONS 10th Anniversary Coast and the Persian Gulf. The ships were started. All this is put together in the Indian Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, celebrations depicted a map of the Indian accompanied by smaller Indian sailing ves- Navy’s “Information Management and Anal- Thailand and Timor Leste. Ocean and littoral countries of the IOR, sig- sels Mhadei which would be heading towards ysis Centre” (IMAC) at Gurugram. To start The 10th anniversary commemorative nifying the geopolitical importance of the Seychelles while the others would continue with, we are going to set up the IFC as an activities of the IONS were held on the region. It also has a sail-boat that majesti- towards Muscat. A grand fly past with nine adjunct to the IMAC where we will share November 13 and 14, 2018, at Kochi. Admi- cally symbolises the importance of ancient helicopters and three fixed wing aircraft information virtually with like-minded ral Sunil Lanba, Chairman Chiefs of Staff trade routes used by the natives of the countries and once we have infrastructure Committee and Chief of the Naval Staff region to establish trade and socio-cultural in place we will invite other countries” (CNS), was the Chief Guest for the inaugu- links with the countries in the region. Admiral Sunil Lanba stated. White-shipping ral event, the IONS Seminar, scheduled on The national flags of member nations IONS endeavours to generate refers to commercial shipping. Dismissing November 13, 2018, at the Lulu Bolgatty form an integral part of the cover and the allegations that the Indian Navy has not International Convention Centre, Kochi. symbolise the support and cooperation a flow of information among been responsive in helping the fishermen in The Seminar was attended by Chiefs and of these countries the common cause of naval professionals resulting distress during the Cyclone Ockhi and the senior representatives from the navies of maritime security, goodwill and growth in mid-sea collision in which five people died the majority of member nations. the region. Chiefs of Navies of Bangladesh, in common understanding and seven went missing, CNS clarified that In line with the vision of the Prime Iran, Japan, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauri- the Indian Navy has done its best. “During Minister, Narendra Modi – ‘SAGAR’ (Secu- tius, Mozambique, the Netherlands, South and possible agreements Ockhi, the Navy and the Coast Guard picked rity and Growth for All in the Region) - the Africa and the UAE as well as senior del- up hundreds of fishermen under severe theme for the 10th anniversary seminar was egates from 16 other IONS member nations on the way ahead to weather conditions. We went out of the way “IONS as a Catalyst for SAGAR”. ‘SAGAR’ is attended the IONS celebrations. and continued search and rescue opera- in consonance with India’s ‘Act East’ policy The release of the Special Cover was fol- tackle common concerns. tions for more than 40 days. In the case and the nation’s diplomatic, economic and lowed by a Seminar during which eminent The outcomes of the of mid-sea collision, we conducted search military outreach in the region. guest speakers exchanged views on the ways for days together. We deployed underwater 26 of the 32 countries which constitute to address emerging maritime threats in the discussions could thereafter survey vessels to find the sunken boat, but the total membership of IONS participated IOR, leverage the IONS for better coordina- could not find it. We presume the missing in the Seminar which aimed to discuss tion and resource sharing, and enhances be implemented through fishermen were caught in the sunken boat,” maritime issues pertaining to cooperative Maritime Domain Awareness in the region. A he said. Responding to a question on initia- capacity-building to deal with common total of 16 papers were presented over three agreements to enhance of tives taken by India to overcome growing security concerns in the region. The IONS sessions. Bilateral meetings among Chiefs of Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean, CNS initiative endeavours to generate a flow of participating navies were also held on the regional maritime security. said a mission-based deployment of Indian information among naval professionals so sidelines of the seminar wherein issues of Naval ships has been undertaken in “our

SP www.spsnavalforces.com as to enable a common understanding of common concern were discussed. areas of interests”.

14 5/2018 News

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief News in Brief Jayant Baranwal Deputy Managing Editor Neetu Dhulia Senior Editorial Adviser R. Adm S.K. Ramsay (Retd) Russia’s 23000E Shtorm Nuclear- Petersburg-based Nevskoye Planning and Senior Technical Group Editor Appointment Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) powered Super-carrier Project Design bureau, Russia’s primary designer of Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) large surface warships. Project Shtorm was Contributors shrouded in mystery for several years until zzVice Admiral Anil K. Chawla, Chief of Personnel has taken over India an initial concept was unveiled by the Kry- Vice Adm K.N. Sushil (Retd) lovsky State Research Center (KRSC) back in as Flag Officer Commanding-in- Vice Adm Anup Singh (Retd) 2015. The new super-carrier would displace Chief, Southern Naval Command. Vice Adm Satish Soni (Retd) close to 1,00,000 tonnes, 330 m long, 40 m zzVice Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Con- Cmde Sujeet Samaddar (Retd) Cmde A.J. Singh (Retd) wide and could launch 80-90 aircraft with troller Personnel Services has an EMALS system. Considering the esti- taken over as Chief of Personnel. Europe Alan Peaford, Doug Richardson, mated program cost of $9 billion, it seems zzVice Admiral B. Dasgupta, Addi- Andrew Brookes (UK) quite unlikely that economically weakened tional Director General, NCC has USA & Canada Russia will move beyond the design stage. taken over as Controller Person- Lon Nordeen (USA) The Russian Navy is currently conduct- nel Services. Anil R. Pustam (West Indies) ing early research on engine designs for Japan to acquire additional SM-6 West Asia/Africa zzVice Admiral A.K. Saxena, Director its Project 23000E Shtorm which is a new missiles H.R. Heitman (S. Africa) General, Naval Projects, Mumbai nuclear-powered super-carrier and one The Japanese government plans to spend Chairman & Managing Director has taken over as Controller War- of Russia’s most ambitious military pro- about $118 million on missiles for its new Jayant Baranwal ship Production & Acquisition. grammes. The principal design work for the guided missile destroyer Maya. The Aegis- Executive Vice President new carrier is being undertaken by the St. equipped Maya will be commissioned in zzCommodore G.K. Garg, Principal (Planning & Business Development) 2020 and will receive several SM-6 mis- Director, Manpower Planning & Rohit Goel siles. SM-6 integration is part of Japan’s Recruitment on promotion to the Administration & Circulation >> SHOW CALENDAR Integrated Air and Missile Defense initia- rank of Rear Admiral has taken Bharti Sharma [email protected] tive that will intercept missiles through the over as Assistant Chief of Person- 28–30 November integrated use of Aegis vessels, early-warn- nel (Administration & Civilians). Asst-Admin, HR & Infra MAST Indo-Asia 2018 Pooja Tehlani ing aircraft, radars and other equipment, India Exposition Mart Limited, zzVice Admiral Ajith Kumar P. Vice mainly in view of the threats posed by Creative Director Knowledge Park-II, Greater Noida, Uttar Chief of Naval Staff has been Anoop Kamath cruise missiles owned by China and under Pradesh, India appointed as Flag Officer Com- Design development by North Korea. The SM-6 is https://mastconfex.com manding-in-Chief, Western Naval Vimlesh Kumar Yadav, Sonu Singh Bisht the latest variant of Raytheon’s combat Command w.e.f. January 31, 2019. Research Assistant: Graphics 3–5 December proven missile system. Integrated with the zzVice Admiral G. Ashok Kumar, Survi Massey EDEX 2018 Aegis BMD the missiles provide protection Deputy Chief of Naval Staff has Sales & Marketing Egypt International Exhibition Center, against anti-ship and ballistic missiles. been appointed as Vice Chief of Director Sales & Marketing: Neetu Dhulia Cairo Governorate, Egypt General Manager: Rajeev Chugh Naval Staff w.e.f. January 31, 2019. www.egyptdefenceexpo.com LCS contract for US Navy SP’s Website The US Navy has ordered one Freedom- Sr. Web Developer: Shailendra Prakash Ashish 26–30 March, 2019 class LCS from Lockheed Martin and two press release however does not specify Web Developer: Ugrashen Vishwakarma LIMA 2019 Independence-class LCSs from Austal. Both the value of those modifications because Published bimonthly by Jayant Baranwal on behalf MIEC, LangkawiThe Resorts World, companies are being awarded with fixed- the price-tag is considered to be a ‘source of SP Guide Publications Pvt Ltd. Langkawi, Malaysia price-incentive firm target modifications selection sensitive information’ as stated All rights reserved. No part of this publication may www.limaexhibition.com be reproduced, stored in a retrieval to previously awarded contracts. The DoD under US regulations. SP system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, recording, electronic, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publishers. Emerging Technologies for Submarines... continued from page 8 Printed in India by Kala Jyothi Process Pvt Ltd motor inside the pump jet shroud, which will not enter service until 2030. While the the Moore’s Law (the number of transis- © SP Guide Publications, 2018 turns the vane rotor (a vane rotor has the system would be on China’s attack subma- tors per square inch on integrated circuits Subscription/ Circulation fan blades attached to a rotating band built rine, Chinese SSBNs could also use the rim- would double in the computer in approxi- Annual Inland: `600 • Overseas: US$180 E-mail: [email protected] on a cylindrical interior, as opposed to a drive pump-jet to enhance their stealth and mately two years) redundant. The race [email protected] propeller shaft) inside the pump jet cav- survivability and by extension, the credibility for Indian Ocean Under-water Supremacy Letters to the Editor ity to create thrust. The submarine pump- of China’s second strike nuclear capability. is on amongst the technology leaders in [email protected] jets so far are ‘shrouded propellers’, which These new submarine propulsion systems US, Europe and China. While India has the For Advertising Details, Contact: consist of a tubular nozzle covering the may not just power China’s submarines of most ambitious submarine building pro- [email protected] propeller. By removing the shaft of the pro- the future, but give Beijing a true superpow- grammes anywhere in the world today, [email protected] peller, the reduction in the number of mov- er’s underwater armada status. the delay in decision making and the lack SP GUIDE PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD ing parts decreases the noise made by the Air Independent Propulsion. Amongst of a focused approach at the MoD, has POSTAL ADDRESS pump-jet, as well as saving hull space. The the various type of air independent propul- led to IN being forced to manage with a Corporate Office original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) sion (AIP) systems in use on-board conven- depleted submarine force level. On the A 133 Arjun Nagar, Opp Defence Colony, also claim that rim driven pump jets are tional submarines, the fuel cell (FC) based other hand, China is determined to imple- New Delhi 110003, India easier to maintain and have less cavitation System is the most sought after and is ment its ‘String of Pearls’ theory for the Tel: +91(11) 24644693, 24644763, 24620130 Fax: +91 (11) 24647093 making them even quieter. also the preferred option for Indian MoD’s Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Besides creat- Regd Office Integrated Electrical Propulsion Sys- Project P75(I). While all FC AIP have Liquid ing artificial island in the South China Sea Fax: +91 (11) 23622942 tem. The latest Chinese submarines are Oxygen being stored in cryogenic state, against the opposition from Global lead- E-mail: [email protected] being designed with integrated electrical pro- different countries have followed differ- ers as well as the littoral nations, it has Representative Offices pulsion system (IEPS). The Chinese variant is ent means of generating/storing Hydro- also started active patrolling of the IOR BENGALURU, INDIA the world’s first IEPS to run on a medium- gen: Germans use metal hydrides and are using its SSBN and SSNs and even seeking Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) voltage, direct-current system. IEPS turns all now moving towards methanol reformer, berthing rights at Pakistan, Sri Lanka and 204, Jal Vayu Vihar, Kalyan Nagar, the output of the ship’s engine into electric- Russian use diesel reformer technology. Myanmar. In the back drop of these devel- Bengaluru 560043, India. Tel: +91 (80) 23682204 ity, unlike traditional propulsion designs, Indian DRDO programme is based on using opments, it is imperative for Indian Navy which convert engine and reactor output Sodium–Borohydride. The development to keep abreast with the latest develop- MOSCOW, RUSSIA LAGUK Co., Ltd, Yuri Laskin into mechanical action to turn the propel- is in advanced stage and the AIP System ments in the field of submarine technolo- Krasnokholmskaya, Nab., ler shaft. The high electrical output can be is expected to be available for P75(I) pro- gies to be able to retain that critical tech- 11/15, app. 132, Moscow 115172, Russia. used to power motors for the propellers or gramme. The other emerging option for the nological edge which can make the crucial Tel: +7 (495) 911 2762, potentially high-energy weapons. Addition- AIP for submarines is based on Lithium Ion distinction between the victor and the van- Fax: +7 (495) 912 1260 ally, IEPS has far fewer moving parts, mak- high power batteries. This technology has quished, as there is no runner-up in a war. www.spguidepublications.com ing them quieter and thus ideal for use on- already been put to sea by the Japanese for It would be good for the decision makers www.spsnavalforces.com board submarines. The rim-driven pump-jet their Soryu Class submarines. Russian also to be conscious of the latest emerging RNI Number: DELENG/2008/25836 and IEPS can drastically reduce the acoustic claim to have achieved a breakthrough in technology trends and incorporate these signature of any SSN. This combination, developing Lithium Ion batteries for sub- requirements in the RFPs for procurement if it works, would be a significant gain for marine applications. of future submarine programmes. SP China’s naval power and Chinese may have stolen a march on the Americans and Brit- Conclusion The writer is Vice President, Submarines ish, whose Columbia and Dreadnought SSBN The pace of submarine technological and Underwater Platforms, Member of the have the option for rim-drive pump-jets, but development globally, have made even Board, L&T Defence

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