SAILORS & WARRIORS MAGAZINE by Aeromag

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DEFENCE & HOMELAND SECURITY MAGAZINE December 2018 - January 2019 | Vol 5 | Issue 2

Defence Innovation Summit on 10th Dec. DPSUs to Highlight India’s Export Potential at EDEX

Egypt Tones up Military Power under President Al-Sisi Page No - 19

“Everlasting Supremacy in Indian Ocean Region” Interview with Admiral Sunil Lanba Page No- 14 Chief of Indian Navy

“Defence Forces are in a Stage of Transformation” General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Indian Army. Page No- 12

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Editorial India Aims High in Exports

Berlin, Germany Detlef Becker E : dw.becker@arcor.de T : + 497 112317595 M : + 491 701626053 Paris, France Marie-Thérèse Bonfigli E : mt.bonfigli@indavia.com M : +33 (0)6 89 20 95 68 Moscow, Russia George Smirnov E : gs1972@yandex.ru M : +7 (906)711-03-51 / (495)644-17-33 Cairo, Egypt Dr. Ashraf Rashed E : all@freezone-egy.com T : + 2 01222164036 New Delhi Wg.Cdr.(Rtd) G.C.Mahabhatra E : sw@aeromag.in T : + 91 9818903111 Tamil Nadu Sundaram Ramaswamy E : aerospacesundar@gmail.com T : + 91 9443222805 Sunny Jerome Managing Editor Preethi M. Associate Editor David Barnabhas Design

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With the government pushing domestic defence production through various policies, India aims at fulfilling its dream of being a defence exporter. The proactive policies like Make in India Defence and Simplified Make II procedures have given a big boost to Indian defence manufacturing sector. With the active participation of private industry in defence production, the government aims at exporting indigenously manufactured defence systems, arms and equipment thereby diminish the defence importer image. The draft Defence Production Policy, 2018, has set a target of $5 billion in defence export by 2025. There has been a visible increase in defence exports from India. With the Ministry of Defence (MoD) managing its exchanges better and setting new grounds for governance of end-users, India’s standing in defence on the global front is improving. India looks forward to establishing collaborations with other countries in defence manufacturing and exports. The African and Middle East countries continue to collaborate with India in this regard and numerous deals have been signed already. Delegation of defence officials have been in talks with several foreign countries to take this vision forward. The active participation of Indian DPSUs and industries, including startups, in international defence and aerospace events like EDEX further highlights the country‘s export potential. The Ministry of Defence has set in motion a process to identify military equipment that can be exported from India, in an effort to meet the ambitious targets set under the ‘Make in India’ policy. Some of the major export destinations for defence products have been Egypt, Italy, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Russia, France, Nepal, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Israel, UAE, Bhutan, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Philippines etc. Among the items listed for possible export are howitzers, UAVs, fighter aircraft, assault weapons, sniper rifles, grenade launchers and various software systems for the battlefield and light tanks. The government continue to expand these numbers. The list of items that the government is hoping for export from India would require a massive jump in capabilities and a better ecosystem, admit private sector executives. With more participation from private industry, India can scale new heights in defence exports.

For Publishing Articles, Advertisements Editor, Sailors & warriors Aeronautical Society of India Building Suranjandas Road, Off Old Madras Road,Bangalore 560075. Karnataka, INDIA Call: +91 94490 61925 | Tel: +91 80 43747492 Email: sw@aeromag.in | www.aeromag.in Printed and Published by Sunny Jerome, Managing Editor, Sailors & warriors, Aerosun Media, Aeronautical Society of India Building, Suranjandas Road, Off Old Madras Road,Bangalore 560075. Karnataka. Printed at Rashtrotthana Mudranalaya, 19/1, K.G.Nagar, Bangalore-19.

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Content 08 DPSUs to Highlight India’s Export Potential at EDEX

10 BEL to showcase might at Egypt Defence Expo 12 “Defence Forces are in a Stage of Transformation” 13 “Private Industry Heralds a New Era in Defence Ecosystem” 14 Everlasting Supremacy in Indian Ocean Region

20 K9 Vajra, M777 inducted;Army gets more firing power 21 MBDA’s mmp Missile Endorsed By European Union

22 Rosoboronexport to Organize Russia’s Exhibit at EDEX 24 Rostec Explores New Horizons in Asia and Middle East 32 Rosoboronexport and Ak Bars signs agreement 34 MOD Signs Contract with GRSE for Survey Vessels for Indian Navy 21

36 Leading from the front: Innovation in Aerospace & Defense industry 39 Egypt and India Plan Joint Defence Projects 40 Triumf S-400 Missile 41 Naval Commanders’ Conference Concludes 44 Rheinmetall Reports Robust Business Performance

48 Russian Helicopters presents Mi-171A2 and Ansat in Cambodia

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50 MBDA Demonstrates the Capabilities of MMP to more than 15 Countries

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DPSUs to Highlight India’s Export Potential at EDEX

HELD UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT ABDEL FATTAH EL-SISI THE PRESIDENT OF THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT, THE SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE EGYPTIAN ARMED FORCES

t EDEX, India’s defence PSUs are showcasing their defence and aerospace manufacturing prowess. In order to highlight India’s weapon systems and platforms and to provide a boost to overall defence manufacturing and focussing more on export potential,

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defence public sector undertakings are participating in the event in a big way. DPSUs like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, BEML, Ordnance Factory Board, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited etc. will brand

India as an exporter of several defence systems and components for all 3-5 DECEMBER 2018 three services with their presence at EDEX 2018. The Indian pavilion will bolster the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Egypt, which was reiterated by the meeting between Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Egyptian Minister of Defence Mohamed Zaki, in Cairo. In September 2018, Nirmala Sitharaman visited Cairo on a mission JOIN EGYPT’S FIRST TRI-SERVICE to enhance security cooperation DEFENCE between the EXHIBITION IN 2018 two countries. EGYPT INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE India’s participation 3-5 DECEMBER 2018 will be coordinated FULLY-HOSTED VIP 300+ 10,000+ by Mazagon EXHIBITORS Dock also will participate inDELEGATION the event. PROGRAMME VISITORS Shipbuilder. EDEX will India’s significant missile and rocket @egyptdefenceexpo /egyptdefenceexpo @visitedex be an ideal platform www.egyptdefenceexpo.com manufacturing capabilities, including sales@egyptdefenceexpo.com for HAL to highlight its BrahMos surface-to-air, air to air and Light Combat Aircraft, sea-to-air missiles are expected to be Tejas, and Advanced a major attraction. India will present Light Helicopter, Dhruv. its naval designing capabilities in BrahMos Aerospace, Zen shipbuilding as one of the few countries Technologies and few of the world, which can design a naval other Indian companies vessel from scratch to finish.

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BEL to showcase might at Egypt Defence Expo

Coastal Surveillance System

Weapon Locating Radar

avratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will showcase its capabilities spanning various domains in the area of strategic electronics at the Egypt Defence

BFSR-XR Radar

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Expo (EDEX)-2018 to be held at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre, New Cairo, from December 3 to 5, 2018. BEL will display an array of products/product models & panels including Radars such as Battle Field Surveillance M V Gowtama CMD, BEL Radar (BFSR XR) and Weapon Locating Radar, Coastal Surveillance System, Communication equipment, C4I Systems, Naval Systems and Opto Electronics during the exhibition at the Integrated India Pavilion. Battlefield Surveillance Radar-XR Battle Field Surveillance Radar (BFSRXR) is a man-portable, battery-operated surveillance radar. Developed using

cutting-edge technology, the radar is rugged yet light. The disassembled radar can be carried in backpacks by infantry soldiers and deployed on a tripod in less than five minutes. For a given selected sector, the radar can track and at the same time scan for multiple targets. The easy-to-use, menu driven user interface is built on Windows XP. The radar can be operated remotely from a distance of hundred meters.

Weapon Locating Radar Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) is a mobile radar system from BEL, meant for automatic first-round location of artillery weapons. In-flight track data is used to back track hostile projectile trajectories to the firing point. Also, friendly projectile trajectories can be tracked for registration of friendly fire. The main types of weapons the WLR is designed to locate are mortars, rocket launchers and guns, which may operate in both high angle and low angle firing modes. Coastal Surveillance System In the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in India, BEL has installed a chain of Remote Sensor Stations to strengthen the surveillance of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s over 7,500-km-long coastline. The Coastal Surveillance System (CSS) developed by BEL for the Indian Coast Guard is now being exported. This Network Centric Coastal Radar network developed by BEL aids in surface and limited air surveillance, monitoring movement of vessels around the coastline, safeguarding beaches and lagoons, detection and identification of surface and air targets, day-and-night target identification and classification by Electro Optic System and integrated Automatic Identification System (AIS), and identification of vessels in distress (SOS).

Anandi Ramalingam, Director (Marketing), BEL The CSS system, which has the facility to track up to 60 targets, presents the complete surveillance scenario on digital maps at a centralised Command Centre where the information is processed and archived. The control centres provide the operator with all the required capabilities to remotely control the sensors on the network and present the tactical situation assessment picture. The system also comes with voice communication facility to co-ordinate interception and

rescue operation by Coast Guard ships / helicopters. Creating Global Footprints Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is fast expanding its global presence, putting its best foot forward to give a thrust to exports worldwide. Exports play a key role in BELâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategic perspective. Ever since BEL established an International Marketing Division, the range of products and services exported has been increasing over the years. BEL has been exporting products such as Communication Systems, Coastal Surveillance System, Radars, Electronic Warfare Systems, Electro Optic Systems and Electro Optic Fire Control Systems, Radar Finger Printing System, Naval Systems, Radar Warning Receivers, Electronic Voting Machines and various other equipment to USA, UK, Russia, Italy, Brazil, Germany, France, Israel, Indonesia, Honduras, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Egypt and many other friendly countries. BEL, which already has two Regional Offices in Singapore and USA, is now opening more foreign offices to market its products globally. Spotting a niche market in Vietnam, BEL recently inaugurated its first Representative Office at Vietnam (VIRO) for addressing export business opportunities and providing unstinted product support and services to users in that country. The Representative Offices at Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Oman are being operationalised shortly. The International Marketing Division focuses on development of exports / offset business. BEL proactively interacts with global OEMs to identify their requirements / potential business opportunities for fulfilment of their offset obligations, carry out demonstration of technology / product capabilities, entering into MoUs / Agreements, etc, to capture the offset business. BEL has entered into partnerships with foreign OEMs for Offset business and with Indian companies to leverage the Strategic Partnership Model in the Indian Defence industry and develop big ticket modern military platforms like aircraft, ships, submarines and Armoured Fighting Vehicles / Main Battle Tanks.

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“Defence Forces are in a Stage of Transformation”

General Bipin Rawat Chief of Army Staff, Indian Army

India is looking at opportunities and is inviting countries with higher technological expertise to cooperate and integrate with India and then carry out the manufacturing in house. “Not only will this benefit all our nations but let me also assure you, this will also provide an excellent platform to all of you to enhance your exports, your weapon systems through us. We are imbedding niche and modern technologies to be integrated to our weapon system and equipment to enable our armed forced to be prepared for the future. In these modern days you can either transform or perish. Transformation can only happened through cooperation. The time has come for us to enhance our manufacturing capabilities in house within our country,“ said General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff, Indian Army. While addressing the third Defence Attaches Conclave in New Delhi, he talks about what role private industry could do in fulfilling the requirements of Indian armed forces.

ndia‘s defence forces are transforming by integrating advanced technologies, weapons, and are ready for the future, said General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff, Indian Army. “As far as us Indians are concerned, our defence forces are in a stage of transformation. We are embedding niche and modern technologies to be integrated into our weapon systems and equipment to enable our armed forces to be prepared for the future. In these modern days you can either transform or perish. Transformation can only happed through cooperation. The time has come for us to enhance our manufacturing capabilities in house within our country,“ he said while addressing the third Defence Attaches Conclave in New Delhi. India is looking at opportunities and is inviting countries with higher technological expertise to cooperate and integrate with India and then carry out the manufacturing in house. “Not only will this benefit all our nations but let me also assure you, this will also provide an excellent platform to all of you to enhance your exports, your weapon systems through us,“ he said to the foreign delegates who attended the event. The General also talked about the procedures in certain place, which can help other

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countries in collaborating with Indian industry and carry out manufacturing. “We are currently engaged in wide ranging collaboration with other countries. I think we need to move it at a faster pace. We are in a profession of transformation and large number of our weapon systems need upgrades. We put all these out on an open domain. RFI’s for what we need are there in the open media for you to study and understand and appreciate on what we are looking for and looking at. And it is open for the industry to come up with any innovative ideas and solutions which can help us in upgrading our systems,“ he said. In the past two years, the government has come out with various problem statements, highlighting what the Indian army and armed forces need. The army has created mechanism within its headquarters, and has a defined bureau as a one point contact for interaction with the industry. “So systems are no longer complex. We have made systems easy for doing business for all of you. And I am quite confident that the time has now come for anybody, anywhere, anytime to move in and collaborate with the Indian Defence Industry and make way for niche technologies for helping in developing better weapon systems and equipment,“ he added. Those who are going to be faster on the tackle will stand to gain and those who are still thinking of integrating, still have plenty of opportunities. „We have an organisation called the Border Roads Organisations which is carrying out infrastructure development along our border areas. There is scope for collaboration along with them as well because looking at the niche technologies in tunnelling, construction of roads and infrastructure in cold climate areas. We need high end technologies not just for road construction but also for construction of habitats in these areas. Whatever we discuss should not be confined to files, but we must put them into action,“ he said.

“Private Industry Heralds a New Era in Defence Ecosystem” “We have our own tanks, missiles, we have our own capability on making armed vehicles, bullet proof jackets, and we have a wide range of production houses in our country. And when I say these are produced in the country for our army, navy and air force, I assure you these are very stringently tested for top qualities will stand as best of best quality certification across the world. The advent of private Industries in the ecosystem heralds a new era in the eco system and the private participation boosts the transformation which the country‘s defence sector is going through, „said Dr. Ajay Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. While addressing the third Defence Attaches Conclave in New Delhi, he talks about India‘s growing defence ecosystem and how the participation of private industries help to the nation‘s defence export dreams.

Dr. Ajay Kumar Secretary Department of Defence Production Ministry of Defence

he advent of private Industries in the ecosystem heralds a new era in the eco system and the private participation boosts the transformation which the country‘s defence sector is going through, said Dr. Ajay Kumar Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. “India on one side is today the largest importer of arms but at the same time the country is today having a defence production industry. We have the capability of producing arms worth Rs. Seventy Thousand Crores every year, which is

one of the largest among the top grade countries in the world,“ he said, while addressing the third Defence Attaches Conclave in New Delhi. The participation of private industry is going forward playing an increasingly important role in the defence production eco system. This is a reflection of new India wherein the focus is on defence production ecosystem. He said that Indian private Industries have made a mark in several sectors across the world. Validating the fact that defence sector is in a phase

of transformation, he said that India, in its air space and waters, have a fourth generation fighter aircraft, own combat helicopters, submarines, destroyers, bridges petrol vessels and other specialised fuel vessels, which are manufactured domestically. “We have our own tanks, missiles, we have our own capability on making armed vehicles, bullet proof jackets, and we have a wide range of production houses in our country. And when I say these are produced in the country for our army, navy and air force, I assure you these are very stringently tested for top qualities will stand as best of best quality certification across the world. The government is looking forward to acquire new technologies and create greater manufacturing capabilities. The ministry invites you to come and join in this journey of make in India in defence and participate in the large number of projects, ongoing and yet to come,“ he said while urging

the industry to increase the participation. Dr. Kumar also said that India is aiming at increased defence exports of domestically developed defence products and urged foreign countries to look at those products to meet the requirements of their armies. “Today for most acquisitions we insist that it should be manufactured in India. I would also like to mention that we are looking for increasing the export in India. And it is in this regard that we would like to see your and your respective countries‘ cooperation and how you could also see that some of the needs of your defence forces could be met from India which will further strengthen the collaborations with India. We are today offering for export like never before we have opened our export doors to a large number of state of the art platforms which were earlier not available for export under the new policy,“ said Dr. Kumar.

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Everlasting Supremacy in Indian Ocean Region

Admiral Sunil Lanba PVSM, AVSM, ADC Chief of the Naval Staff “The Indian Navy maintains a very high degree of mission-readiness and combat capability at all times to respond to current and future strategic challenges. Our task groups are deployed on a near-continuous basis in vital areas and our shore-based air assets are ever-ready to deploy across our areas of maritime interest, to address any emerging threat or contingency. This readiness and forward presence of our potent combat platforms also serves to deter potential adversaries from any misadventure. This multi-pronged approach of the Indian Navy, allowing efficient and effective use of our significant capabilities, in close coordination with our partners across the region, have enabled the establishment of a safe and secure maritime environment across the IOR,” says Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, ADC. In an interview with Aeromag, Admiral Lanba talks about Navy’s growing presence in the Asia Pacific with special focus on its role as a potential tool for military diplomacy. 14 SAILORS & WARRIORS

“The Indian Navy has contributed significantly under India’s ‘Act East’ policy, by steadily strengthening naval and maritime relations with countries in South East and East Asia. Our major multilateral initiatives, such as the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and MILAN, have had significant positive impact on the region’s maritime security.” Indian Navy is one of the most powerful naval forces in the world, guarding the maritime interests and peace of the nation. In the background of its growing importance in the region, especially in Asia Pacific, could you talk about the challenges ahead and Navy’s preparedness to face them? The prevailing geo-strategic environment is characterised by simultaneous competition and cooperation wherein great power

competition has assumed centre-stage while regional powers continue to assert themselves. This has resulted in a complex, uncertain and dynamic strategic environment, where nations are required to embrace a highly flexible and responsive outlook. The Indo-Pacific Region is at the vortex of the evolving geo-strategic landscape. The Indian Navy maintains a very high degree of mission-readiness and combat capability at all times to respond to current and future strategic challenges. Our task groups are deployed on a nearcontinuous basis in vital areas and our shore-based air assets are ever-ready to deploy across our areas of maritime interest, to address any emerging threat or contingency. This readiness and forward presence of our potent combat platforms also serves to deter potential adversaries from any misadventure. The Indian Navy and continuously endeavours to create a favourable maritime environment and has been proactively undertaking capacity building and capability enhancement initiatives with IOR littoral nations. Our platforms undertake EEZ surveillances, coordinated patrols as well as bilateral

and multilateral exercises with friendly maritime nations. We have also undertaken installation of Coastal Surveillance Systems in IOR countries, to enhance their maritime awareness. The Indian Navy maintains a very high level of maritime domain awareness continuously monitors all developments in the region, which may impinge on the security calculus. Relevant aspects are regularly incorporated into our strategic and operational plans. Simultaneously, the Indian Navy’s capability development plans are regularly reviewed in relation to threat assessments, and necessary steps are taken to ensure optimal preparedness at all times. This multi-pronged approach of the Indian Navy, allowing efficient and effective use of our significant capabilities, in close coordination with our partners across the region, have enabled the establishment of a safe and secure maritime environment across the IOR. Recently, Defence Minister said that apart from being the primary instrument and manifestation of nation’s maritime power, the Indian Navy also established SAILORS & WARRIORS

going on at Cochin Shipyard. Could you shed more light onto the present status of this project? Significant progress in construction of IAC-1 has been made in recent months. The construction and outfitting activities are at an advanced stage and ship construction has entered into the trial phase with commencement of trials and testing of various equipment and machinery. We must appreciate that this is the largest indigenously designed warship and also the first ever aircraft carrier that is being built in the country. Therefore, the trials will be extensive and might take a considerable amount of time. We should expect IAC-1 to join the Navy as a fully combat worthy platform in 2021.

itself as a potential tool for military diplomacy. How do you comment on this? Navies, across the world, have performed a diplomatic role in addition to their military, constabulary and benign roles. The Indian Navy has been a valuable tool for implementation of our foreign policy. Maritime diplomacy and foreign cooperation initiatives are part our strategy to shape a favourable and positive maritime environment. These enable us to engage friendly maritime forces in multiple ways and at different levels, building friendly relations, projecting national and naval image, underscoring our combat capability, projecting deterrence, and strengthening maritime security in a cooperative manner across our areas of maritime interest. The Indian Navy is engaged with friendly island and littoral nations, within the IOR and beyond, in a number of ways. Such engagement is carried out through deployments for EEZ surveillance and patrols, anti-piracy patrols, coordinated International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) patrols, hydrographic surveys, capacity building initiatives, naval training engagements, technical assistance, bilateral exercises and port calls of ships including transfer of naval hardware. Training initiatives have also been a significant part of our interaction with friendly navies. The Indian Navy has contributed significantly under India’s ‘Act East’ policy, by steadily strengthening naval

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and maritime relations with countries in South East and East Asia. Our major multilateral initiatives, such as the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and MILAN, have had significant positive impact on the region’s maritime security. These platforms have promoted consultative and cooperative mechanisms, towards evolution of common understanding and approach towards addressing regional maritime security challenges and contributed significantly to national security and regional stability. Construction of the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, Vikrant, is

The government gives prime importance to the modernisation of Armed Forces. In this scenario, could you talk about Indian Navy’s plans for new inductions to the fleet as well as armoury? The Navy’s modernisation plans are aimed at inducting capabilities to effectively undertake missions across the entire spectrum of conflict. Towards ensuring that the Indian Navy’s capabilities grow at pace with the developing security situation in the region, force levels are being augmented and modernised in accordance with our long-term plans.

“

With the induction of the various types of aircraft, the total number of aircraft in the Indian Navy inventory, to meet our operational requirements, is likely to reach nearly 400 in the coming decade

”

The Indian Navy accords high priority to developing indigenous shipbuilding capability. Presently, 34 ships and submarines are under construction for the Navy, of which 32 are being built in various Indian shipyards. The new Aircraft Carrier, IAC-1, is under construction at M/s CSL, Kochi. Four destroyers of Project 15B Class and seven frigates of Project 17A Class are also under construction in shipyards at Mumbai and Kolkata and will be delivered by 2021 onwards. Five Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels are under construction at M/s Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited, Gujarat. In addition, the Kalvari class submarines are under construction at M/s Mazagaon Dock Ltd. The first submarine of the Project, INS Kalvari, was commissioned last year and the second boat, INS Khanderi, will be inducted shortly. Eight Landing Craft Utility (LCU) MK IV ships are being constructed by M/s GRSE, of which the first four ships have been commissioned and the next four ships will be inducted over the next few months. In addition to these projects, Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) has

been accorded for 53 ships and six submarines. These platforms will replace existing ships and submarines while also augmenting our force levels. Contracts have also been signed for procurement of four additional P8I, 12 Dornier Aircraft, 16 ALH and eight Chetak helicopters. Further, AoN for 24 Multi Role Helicopters (MRH) and 111 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) has also been accorded. The NUH will be the first acquisition to be pursued under the Strategic Partnership Model. The Indian Navy holds a mix of weapons of varied vintage. Modernisation of existing weapons and procurement of new weapons and systems is an ongoing process. The obsolescence management and capability enhancement is achieved through Mid Life Upgrade (MLU), wherein vintage weapons are upgraded through requisite modifications and replaced with more contemporary systems. For procurement of new weapon systems, we are increasingly seeking indigenous sources. We have initiated some cases under the ‘Make in India’ initiative which will play an important role in our effort to enhance

self-reliance, while maintaining the ideal mix of state-of-the-art, current and vintage weapons and equipment. The expansion of Naval Air Fleet is still a huge challenge. Recently, you said that the aviation arm of the Indian Navy will double its aircraft fleet in the coming decade to nearly 400. How does Navy plan to achieve this? Aircraft acquisition in the Indian Navy is planned to be undertaken in accordance with our capability development roadmap, the Maritime Capability and Perspective Plan (MCPP) and Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP). The present MCPP caters for the capabilities that the Indian Navy seeks to induct by 2027. These capabilities would require

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phase-wise induction of Multi-Role Carrier Based Fighters, Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance and AntiSubmarine Warfare Aircraft, Ship-borne Multi-Role and Utility Helicopters. In addition, Medium Altitude Long Endurance and High Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft are also needed to augment existing surveillance and patrol capabilities. The Indian Navy presently has a fleet of around 240 aircraft. With the induction of the various types of aircraft I have just mentioned, the total number of aircraft in the Indian Navy inventory, to meet our operational requirements, is likely to reach nearly 400 in the coming decade. Indigenisation is now one of the prime focus areas of Indian Navy and it has been supporting the Make in India programme largely. Could you tell us about Navy’s initiatives to boost indigenisation of its requirements and plans to partner with private industry? Indigenisation has been an integral aspect of the Indian Navy’s capability development plans since Independence, and there have been several successful chapters thus far. Starting with indigenous construction of the first Leander Class frigate in 1970, we have now successfully commissioned an indigenously built nuclear submarine. This success has been due to the multitiered approach adopted to cater for indigenisation at the equipment and subsystem levels as well as platform level. For the equipment and subsystem level we have set up organisations like the Directorate of Indigenisation at Integrated Headquarters Ministry of Defence (Navy) and the Defence Machinery Design Establishment at Secunderabad with associated field units at Mumbai and Visakhapatnam, which have yielded rich dividends in improving

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indigenous content on board ships and submarines. At the platform level, indigenous designs of ships and submarines have been facilitated by setting up professional design organisations within

the Navy. The results achieved are there for the nation to see with potent Kolkata Class ships and the nuclear submarine Arihant. Indigenisation activities are being progressed with involvement of all sections of the Indian Industry including Defence Public Sector Undertakings, Public Sector Undertakings, Large private

industries, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and also some start-ups. The initiatives taken by the Navy have also been bolstered by various initiatives of the government. Introduction of provisions for Make I and Make II in DPP to boost indigenisation and introduction of the Technology Development Fund are examples of policies that are enhancing participation of the Indian private sector in defence. The Indian Navy has taken numerous initiatives in order to sensitise private entities about its indigenisation requirements, and interacted with industry through various outreach programmes. In this year alone we have

had 16 such interactions and exhibitions. We also organised a Government to Business meet to specifically discuss various Make projects. The Indian Navy remains committed to indigenisation and has broadened its outreach to the industry by seeking greater participation from the private sector in defence projects.

Egypt Tones up Military Power under President Al-Sisi

nder the regime of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, Egypt is consolidating its position as a strong military power in the region. Economic restraint, building up of infrastructure, and military reforms has helped Egypt evolve into better stability. Recently re-elected to his second term in power, Al-Sisi continues his reforms targeting better infrastructure, generation of more employment, enhancing peace in the region by suppression of militants, growth of agriculture, and economic self-sufficiency. Al-Sisi has been intensely cultivating positive interactions with global leaders, building closer relations with many nations including the US, Germany, France, Israel and Russia. Russia is helping Egypt to build its Dabaa nuclear power plant. The Russian Industrial Zone (RIZ) towards the East of the Suez Canal will enhance Russian investments in Egypt as part of a 50-year agreement. It will have $7bn investment. In addition, Russia has resumed direct flights to Egypt. The two nations have agreed also on exchanging intelligence to combat terrorism. Al-Sisi had visited France and discussed the Middle East peace process, and efforts to counter terrorism. French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Egypt in January 2019 to take forward the bilateral relations. American companies represented by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) is visiting Egypt to understand the recent infrastructure projects including the New Suez Canal and explore potentials for new American investments.

President Al-Sisi Al-Sisi met the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and discussed combating terrorism and illegal immigration. With Merkel and the German President he discussed other issues of common interest, and opportunities for bolstering cooperation. President Sisi has also been working closely with the leaders of Bulgaria, Tanzania, Sudan, Greece, and Cyprus. Egypt has been continuously engaging with Saudi Arabia and GCC countries to curtail militancy in the region and promote peace. They engage in joint military drills with other nations towards bolstering military cooperation to counter common challenges, to enhance the skills of the troops, and to exchange expertise in planning and implementing

training programmes. Egypt and Saudi armed forces held ‘Tabuk 4’ joint military drills in the southern military region of Egypt. Observers from Oman, Bahrain, and the UAE participated in the drills. The exercises whetted the military concepts, doctrines and practices of the participating countries, and demonstrated the high standards of their forces. Ever since the Morgan joint naval exercises in 2013, Egypt and Saudi Arabia has collaborated in a series of joint military exercises, the most notable ones being the Faisal air military drills in 2017, and the Egypt-US Bright Star Drills at the Mohamed Naguib Military Base this September.

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Conference on Cyber Security Challenges and Innovations

K9 Vajra, M777 inducted; Army gets more firing power

Dr. V K Saraswat

M777 Howitzer gun fires in the air

arking a major milestone towards capacity building and firing power enhancement of the Indian Army, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, dedicated the globally combat proven M777 A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers, K-9 Vajra-Tracked Self-Propelled Guns and 6x6 Filed Artillery Tractors to the service of the Nation. The ceremony was attended by Minister of State Defence Dr Subhash Ram Rao Bhamre, General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff, senior officers of the Indian Army & Ministry of Defence, representative of manufacturing industries and also dignitaries from the governments of USA and South Korea. The 155mm, 39 Calibre Ultra-Light Howitzers have been procured from USA under government to government foreign military sales and will be assembled in India by BAE Systems in partnership with Mahindra Defense. The gun system is versatile, light weight and can be Heli-lifted, thereby providing much needed flexibility in employment in various terrains obtainable in the country. The first ten K9 Vajra 155mm/52 calibre guns have been imported from Hanwha Tech win of South Korea in semi knocked down state and have been assembled by L&T in India. The balance 90 guns will

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be largely manufactured in India with some major assemblies coming from South Korea. Its induction will enhance firepower capabilities. An indigenously developed 6x6 field artillery tractor by Ashok Leyland was also formally inducted to provide the much-awaited replacement for the ageing fleet of Artillery Gun Towing Vehicles. The event included an impressive display of equipment & firepower by the guns of Indian Artillery, indigenous gun systems/ surveillance & target acquisition systems that have been recently introduced in service. The induction of the gun systems gives a major impetus to Make In India initiative of the government, the minister said.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and others at the formal induction of three major artillery gun systems, including the M777 American Ultra Light Howitzers and the K-9 Vajra, among the army during a ceremony at Deolali artillery centre.

efence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in association with Cyber Peace Foundation and Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) organised a conference on Cyber Security – Challenges and Innovations at DRDO Bhawan.It was inaugurated by Member NITI Aayog, Dr. V K Saraswat. Dr. Saraswat emphasised to convert a challenge into an opportunity through innovation. He said that Cyberspace is becoming more complex and we need continuous innovation to keep the

space secure and resilient to threats. Indigenous solutions, in-house expertise and startup eco-system needs to be created to reduce dependence on foreign products and solutions for securing our critical infrastructure and defence installations. National Cyber Security Coordinator Dr. Gulshan Rai stressed upon the areas of strategic importance including Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Virtual reality & Augmented reality, Internet of things (IOT) which would be the backbone of the country in future. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO said that cyber security is one of the biggest challenges and emphasised on bringing the academia, industries and DRDO together for indigenous and innovative solutions. The conference focused on the current trends, need and future requirements of innovation in the field of cyber security for a secured cyber space and will help in understanding the challenges and

Dr. G Satheesh Reddy the way ahead for the country through homegrown technological research and innovation. The conference brought the stakeholders working in the area to showcase their innovations, current challenges and future aspects. Director General, Air (OPS) Air Marshal Amit Dev was also present.

MBDA’s mmp Missile Endorsed By European Union

U Defence ministers have endorsed the EU BLOS (Beyond Line Of Sight) project amongst a list of 17 defence projects aiming at being implemented in the frame of Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO). Proposed by France and supported by Belgium and Cyprus, the EU BLOS project is the first missile system project to benefit from this new cooperation framework. Promoting a differentiating operational capability for military operations, this project will contribute to a consistent and autonomous European approach in the land combat domain whilst enhancing the qualitative

contribution of European nations to the achievement of NATO’s level of ambition. The land combat domain has been recognized since June 2018 as one of the 11 European capability priorities. The EU BLOS project aims at developing a family of BLOS missiles with back image and man in the loop capabilities. Based on the MMP missile system, this family of products will be fully mastered by European industry, which will provide full autonomy of use, security of supply and future evolutions, to the benefit of the 25 PESCO member nations. One of the first priorities of this project will focus on defining a European doctrine of use

and its associated concepts of operation. This project will pave the way for the creation of a European users club which will develop the growth potential of the MMP missile system in terms of missile evolutions as well as in terms of integration to a wide range

of land and air platforms. The EU BLOS project will also benefit from the CAMO (Capacité Motorisée) bilateral strategic partnership between France and Belgium, helping build operational and capability synergies across the armies of both nations.

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Rosoboronexport to Organize Russia’s Exhibit at EDEX

SC Rosoboronexport, part of ‘Rostec’ State Corporation, acts as the organizer of the integrated Russian exhibit at EDEX-2018, the inaugural international defence industry exhibition, which will take place in Cairo, Egypt, on December 3 to 5. ‘We were pleased to accept the invitation from Egypt’s Ministry of Defence to take part in the first tri-service defence exhibition in the country. For us this expo is a perfect opportunity to present the latest Russian products and technologies in the territory of our longterm and reliable partner. I am confident that there are very good prospects for EDEX,’ said Rosoboronexport’s Director General Alexander Mikheev. The exhibition will be held under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Abdel Fattah El Sisi, the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Supreme

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Commander of the Egyptian Armed Forces. The event will be attended by over 300 exhibiting companies. The integrated Russian exhibit will include more than 10 leading enterprises producing military items, which is in line with the theme of the expo to include different topical fields for the region of the Middle East and Northern

Africa. In particular, state-of-the-art products will be presented by the ‘Almaz-Antey’ Air and Space Defence Corporation, ‘Russian Helicopters’ JSC and the ‘Uralvagonzavod’ Research and Production Corporation. ‘Military and technical cooperation between Russia and Egypt is developing gradually with an upward trend. We

cooperate on a wide range of armaments and military equipment designed for all the services of the armed forces, and our partnership constantly creates new mutually beneficial projects,’ added Alexander Mikheev. Apart from the armaments and military equipment designed for regular armed forces, a lot of attention is given to the technologies and means to counteract terrorism – the main security threat in the region. ‘Rosoboronexport actively helps Egypt to get equipped with the up-to-date high-tech anti-terrorist assets. The new Russian products performed very well in real combat operations in the region – both in countering fighters in Syria and in Egypt itself. We see that our supplied products are very popular among the commanding officers and personnel of the Egyptian units, and rely on further

development of armaments cooperation between our countries,’ noted Alexander Mikheev. In 2018 Russia and Egypt celebrating the 75th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Cooperation between the two states in the military and technical area also has a long history. Egypt became the first country in the Arab world to buy weapons from the USSR, and for many years now it has been the main recipient of the Russian arms and military equipment in the region. Rosoboronexport is the only stateowned arms trade company in the Russian Federation authorized to export the full range of military and dualpurpose products, technologies and services. It is a subsidiary of the Rostec Corporation. Founded on November 4, 2000, now Rosoboronexport is one of the leading world arms exporters to the international market. Its share in Russia’s military exports exceeds 85 percent. Rosoboronexport cooperates with more than 700 enterprises and

organizations in the Russian defence industrial complex. Russia maintains military technical cooperation with more than 100 countries around the world. Rostec State Corporation is a Russian corporation that was established in 2007 to facilitate the development, production and export of high-tech industrial products designed for civilian and military applications. The Corporation comprises over 700 organizations that are currently part of 11 holding companies operating in the military-industrial complex and 3 holding companies working in civilian industry, as well as 80 directly managed organizations. Rostec’s portfolio includes well-known brands such as AVTOVAZ, KAMAZ, Kalashnikov Concern, Russian Helicopters, VSMPO AVISMA, UralVagonZavod, etc. Rostec companies are located in 60 constituent entities of the Russian Federation and supply products to more than 70 countries. In 2016, the consolidated revenue of Rostec amounted to 1 trillion 266 billion rubles, while the consolidated net income and EBITDA amounted to 88 and 268 billion rubles respectively. In 2016, the average salary in the Corporation was 44,000 rubles. According to Rostec strategy, the main objective of the Corporation is to ensure that Russia has a technological advantage in highly competitive global markets. Rostec’s key objectives include the introduction of a new techno-economic paradigm and the digitalization of the Russian economy.

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Rostec Explores New Horizons in Asia and Middle East

Victor Kladov Director of International Cooperation and Regional Policy Department, Rostec

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The Middle Eastern market is extremely important to us. Rostec is interested in developing cooperation with all the Arab states of the Gulf, and we regard them as some of the main partners in the East. In recent years, we have managed to significantly strengthen our position in the region. In particular, we have re-established close contacts with our traditional partners, including with Egypt. Military and technical collaboration with other Middle Eastern states is developing successfully. Middle Eastern countries show the greatest interest in Russian air defence systems of various ranges, armoured and automotive vehicles, anti-tank weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles, specialized complex simulators, as well as small arms and close combat weapons,” said Victor Kladov, Director of International Cooperation and Regional Policy Department at Rostec. In an interview with Aeromag, he talks about Rostec business expansion in the Middle East Asia.

What is your assessment of the relationship between Russia and India? What steps are being taken further to strengthen this relationship? India is our traditional and long-time partner, with whom we sincerely expect to deepen and expand cooperation. This not only involves simple supplies of military, civilian or dual-purpose products, but also technological and industrial partnerships. For us, these types of partnerships are a top priority and the most promising form of collaboration, and we have actively been working with India in this area for a long time. In 2014, the Indian government announced a policy focused on the localisation of military and civilian hightech production and called it “Make in India”. But in actual fact, in terms of issues related to Indo-Russian military and technical partnership, we have been following a “Make in India” policy for the past 20 years—starting with the transfer of a licence for the production of Su-30MKI fighters, establishing the BrahMos Aerospace joint venture, and ending with the licensed program for the production of T-90S tanks.

One of the best examples of the development of partnership in recent years is helicopter building, and in particular reaching and implementing agreements on the localisation of the joint production of Ka-226T helicopters, which is taking place within the framework of “Make in India”. It is important to note that regular meetings of the leaders of Russia and India are a powerful incentive for the development of relations between the countries. They play a special role in expanding and strengthening the military and technical partnership that has been ongoing since 1960. Since this time, the volume of deliveries of Russian military products to India has exceeded $65 billion. In addition, we hope to expand civilian cooperation with India in a wide range of areas: from engine-building to IT. We consider the medical field to be particularly relevant and promising area. The Rostec holding company National Immunobiological Company, or Nacimbio, is working in this area—the holding’s enterprise supplies active pharmaceutical substances produced in India to Russian companies for the production of finished pharmaceutical products. The volume of deliveries in 9 months of 2018 was $1.5 million. Regarding prospects for collaboration in this area, the high-tech holding Shvabe, which is part of Rostec, is ready to assist Indian partners in building, equipping, and re-equipping hospitals and medical centres.

Recently, during Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi and Moscow signed a multibillion deal for the supply of the S-400. How significant is this deal for both countries? As Rostec’s CEO, Sergey Chemezov, emphasised immediately after the signing, the agreement on the supply of the S-400 to India is a new milestone in the history of military and technical partnership between our countries. And reaching an agreement on the supply of air defence missile systems indicates the highest level of trust and understanding between India and Russia. I completely agree with him, as the contract for the supply of S-400 Triumph systems is the largest in the entire period of military and technical collaboration between Moscow and New Delhi. With these air defence missile systems, India will strengthen the country’s defence capabilities, as the S-400 is far superior than foreign counterparts in terms of the main key characteristics. The system is able to deal with all types of aerodynamic targets, with ballistic missiles to medium-range ballistic missiles. I believe that this agreement will also be a new incentive to strengthen and deepen cooperation in civilian industries between our countries. Could you tell us about the status and latest news of the Ka-226T helicopter agreement with India? In line with the existing intergovernmental agreement, over a period of nine years, India will receive a total of 200 Ka-226T helicopters. To this end, a Russian-Indian joint venture was registered last year in Bangalore, where subsequently manufacture of helicopter components will begin, as well as full assembly of models. What is your opinion of the expansion of Rostec’s relations with the Middle East? What are the latest initiatives in this area? The Middle Eastern market is extremely important to us. Rostec is interested in developing cooperation with all the Arab states of the Gulf, and we regard them as some of the main partners in the East. In recent years, we have managed to

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significantly strengthen our position in the region. In particular, we have re-established close contacts with our traditional partners, including Egypt. Military and technical collaboration with other Middle Eastern states is developing successfully. The countries in the region traditionally equip their armies and Special Forces with the most advanced types of weapons and military equipment. With the interest in the weapons supplied, we can confidently say that the products of the Russian defence industry are at the same level as our competitors, and in some areas surpass them. Middle Eastern countries show the greatest interest in Russian air defence systems of various ranges, armoured and automotive vehicles, anti-tank weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles, specialized complex simulators, as well as small arms and close combat weapons. In developing relations, including with the Middle East, Rostec prioritises high-tech IT solutions. In particular, we offer services for the digitalisation and unification of control processes in defence and civilian fields for the special forces of partner countries. In general, security systems, along with telecommunications in the field of data transmission and storage, photonics and ECB, medical equipment and optics are the most dynamically growing sector of the world market. By 2025, the volume of this sector is expected to increase over 3 trillion dollars. The global shift of the world’s technological structure has led to an industrial transformation in Russia. Rostec is now focusing on increasing the volume of high-tech civilian products in new markets and also concentrating on dual-use products, including integrated security and communication systems. We plan effectively to increase the share of “smart” civilian products in the Corporation’s portfolio through integrated products and complex integrated projects. We want to work our way towards this, gradually moving away from supplies of individual devices. Our strategy involves a transition from hardware to intelligence and a move towards new, fast-growing markets. Rostec projects such as Smart City, Digital Healthcare, company solutions in the field of the industrial Internet of

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things, systems for storing large and extra-large volumes of data include a wide range of civilian products of defence enterprises and the synthesis of various competencies. The implementation of these projects is managed by Rostec’s National Center of Information Technologies (NCIT), which is an integrator of complex hightech solutions for the digital economy and has a high level of expertise in the implementation of the civilian products of the corporation’s Radioelectronics cluster. Within the structure of the NCIT, in 2017, the specialized company RITE was established to promote Russian IT solutions to foreign markets. This company not only works in the markets of Middle East, but also in Southeast Asia and Latin America through an extensive sales network. RITE has assembled a portfolio of 200 Russian IT solutions from the best Russian vendors that are used for complex projects with export financing. In 2018, Russia and Egypt are celebrating 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Could you tell us about the role that defence cooperation has had in these relations? Russia and Egypt will indeed be celebrating 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. The cooperation between the two countries in the military and technical field also has a long history. Egypt was the first country in the Arab world to buy

weapons from the USSR, and for many years it was the key buyer of Russian weapons and military equipment in the region. The military and technical partnership between Russia and Egypt is developing steadily and with positive dynamics. We collaborate in a wide range of weapons and military equipment for all types of armed forces, and new mutually beneficial projects are being carried out all the time within our partnership. I would like to emphasize, in particular, that for us, the future of our relations goes far beyond the defence industry alone. The trade turnover between our countries is growing—in 2017, the volume of Russian-Egyptian trade increased by 62% to $6.7 billion. In turn, Rostec is ready to offer its Egyptian partners a wide range of products and solutions—from supplies of high-tech equipment to turnkey integrated infrastructure projects. Could you shed some light on Rostec’s initiatives to expand the presence of Russian companies in Southeast Asia? Today, many countries in Southeast Asia are implementing programs to modernise and re-equip their armed forces, and Rostec is actively promoting its products in these markets. The export potential of Russian weapons in the region is traditionally high and is further supported by the successful use of Russian technology in large-scale antiterrorist operations. We have always been and remain open

to mutually beneficial cooperation, including with countries of Southeast Asia, and we are ready to discuss various options and forms of relations, including the transfer of technology. It is the transfer of technology in particular that is of interest to our foreign partners, as today, governments increasingly want to be able to do things themselves, rather than rely solely on imports. Joint development and manufacture of products for both civilian and military purposes is an existing global trend that will define the entire 21st century. From simple ways of collaborating, from hardware, everything is moving towards software and technologies. It is a technological argument in favour of this trend. There is also a political aspect: as countries move away from simple buy and sell transactions, they are seeking technological opportunities to establish production on their own territory. Often this is not just a matter of prestige, but a matter of national security. We see these processes in many countries of Southeast Asia, and all this is potentially a huge amount of business. We are prepared psychologically and technologically, organizationally and legislatively to expand industrial partnerships with customers in the region. And we are prepared to go as far as our partners are ready to go. In autumn 2018, Rostec signed a number of agreements aimed at expanding the presence of Russian companies in the countries of Southeast Asia. Within the framework of agreements reached, the Russia-Singapore Business Council, with the support of Rostec, created infrastructure for promoting Russian high-tech products which has two main components: the international information and service B2B platform RSTrade and the Center for Foreign Promotion in Singapore. The latter acts as an integrator of international engineering cooperation of industrial and high-tech enterprises and has a permanent exhibition of Russian hightech projects in a showroom format. And in November 2018, the holding company Russian Helicopters, which is part of Rostec, began a demonstration tour of Ansat and Mi-171A2 helicopters

in the countries of Southeast Asia. The demo tour was launched at the international Airshow China 2018 event, which took place in Zhuhai (China) from November 6 to 11 Aside from China, the new products manufactured by the holding are also being demonstrated to potential customers in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia. Russian-made helicopters are always highly regarded by operators in the countries of Southeast Asia, especially when used in fighting forest fires and when performing transport and construction operations in hard-toreach regions, therefore we hope to expand cooperation with partners from Southeast Asian countries in these areas. Could you share the details of Russia’s participation in EDEX 2018? How will the exhibition help to strengthen Russia’s cooperation in the region? Rostec was very pleased to accept the invitation of the Egyptian Ministry of Defence to participate in the first exhibition of weapons and military equipment in the country. For us, this exhibition is a great opportunity to present the latest Russian innovations and technologies locally to our longstanding and reliable partner. More than 10 leading enterprises are taking part in the combined Russian exhibition. In particular, products are being displayed by Russian Helicopters holding and UralVagonZavod corporation, which are both part of Rostec. At EDEX, special attention will be paid

to technologies and means of ensuring law and order, as well as countering terrorism—the main security threat in the region. Incidentally, our subsidiary Rosoboronexport is actively assisting Egypt in equipping the country with the most advanced high-tech anti-terrorism weapons. The Rosoboronexport product RussianMade Security Systems includes a whole range of special tools and law enforcement systems, including the Safe City integrated automated system, delivery systems for law enforcement units, special machines for ensuring public order, means of non-lethal action, special small arms for police officers, and body armour facilities. A significant part of the project is focused on the fight against terrorism— foreign customers will be presented with special armoured vehicles, search and inspection equipment, means of detecting explosive and narcotic substances, tools for working with explosive objects, and robotic units. Considerable attention is also paid to the fight against unmanned aerial vehicles and cyber security systems. I am confident that the first EDEX 2018 International Defence Exhibition will become a platform that will help us better demonstrate our products and solutions to both existing and potential partners in the Middle East. I also hope that Rostec’s participation in this exhibition will give a new impetus to our mutually beneficial cooperation, not only with Egypt, but with the entire Middle Eastern region.

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IAI to provide Barak 8 LRSAM Missile Systems to BEL

srael Aerospace Industries (IAI) has been awarded an additional, $777-million mega- contract for supply of LRSAM Air & Missile Defense systems (the marine version of the AMD system Barak 8) for seven ships of the Indian Navy. The contract was entered with Indian state-owned company Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) which serves as the main contractor in the project. The LRSAM system, part of the Barak 8 Family, is an operational AMD system used by Israel Navy as well as by Indian Navy, air and land

forces. It provides broad Aerial and point defense against a wide range of threats to the marine arena from the air, sea or land. The system integrates several advanced state-ofthe-art systems as, digital radar, command and control, launchers, interceptors with modern RF seekers, Data link and system-wide connectivity. Nimrod Sheffer, IAI CEO& President, said, “This deal reflects the direction in which IAI is heading: business focus, profitability and growth. IAI’s partnership with India dates many years back and has culminated in joint system

development and production. India is a major market for IAI and we plan to protest and reinforce our positioning in India, also in view of increasing competition. For its part, IAI management continually refreshes its business strategy while preserving the core capability and growth engines, of which the Barak 8 is an example”. Boaz Levi, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Systems, Missiles & Space Group, said, “We thank our partners in India and BEL for their choice of IAI in a project that best reflects the close technological cooperation between Israel and India. With this deal, the sales of the Barak 8 over the past few years total over $6 billion. This is another evidence of the capabilities of this advanced weapon system, which serves as a central growth engine for IAI. Barak 8 is an operational system that provides a full response to a range of threats, built to cooperate with other systems, it provides customers with operational flexibility for maximum effectiveness on the battlefield”.

Barak-8 AMD system was developed by IAI in collaboration with Israel’s MOD, India’s DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization), the navies of both countries, IAI’s ELTA Group, RAFAEL and local industries in India and Israel. Israel Aerospace Industries: IAI Ltd. is Israel’s largest aerospace and defense company and a globally recognized technology and innovation leader, specializing in developing and manufacturing advanced, state-of-the-art systems for air, space, sea, land, cyber and homeland security. Since 1953, the company has provided advanced technology solutions to government and commercial customers worldwide including: satellites, missiles, weapon systems and munitions, unmanned and robotic systems, radars, C4ISR and more. IAI also designs and manufactures business jets and aerostructures, performs overhaul and maintenance on commercial aircraft and converts passenger aircraft to refueling and cargo configurations.

BDL Receives order worth Rs. 200Cr. from DRDO

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Shri V. Udaya Bhaskar BDL, CMD

harat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a Defence PSU has received order worth of Rs. 200 Crore approximately from DRDO for supply of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) rear section. MRSAM is a joint development project between DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries, Israel with BDL as the Nominated Production Agency.

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Rosoboronexport and Ak Bars signs agreement

Alexander Mikheev, Director General,Rosoboronexport and Renat Mistakhov, Director General, Ak Bars Shipbuilding Corporation after signing the agreement

osoboronexport, part of the Rostec State Corporation and Ak Bars Shipbuilding Corporation has signed a cooperation agreement and a joint action program to promote naval materiel in the external market in 2019–2023. Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport and Renat Mistakhov, Director General of the Ak Bars Shipbuilding Corporation signed the agreement. The purpose of agreement is to organize effective interaction between the companies in developing, manufacturing and promoting Ak Bars Shipbuilding Corporation’s military, special, civil and dual-use products and

services in external markets. “The agreement will undoubtedly strengthen Rosoboronexport’s positions on proposals for naval forces. We are closely monitoring trends in the world weapons market, we are leading some of its directions, and we ourselves are making the rules of the game that competitors have to follow. The documents signed will make it possible to manufacture products that meet the needs of foreign customers as much as possible, and also provide technology transfer – a highly demanded service today – with our very responsive and reliable protection of the results of intellectual activity of the Russian

developers and manufacturers,” said Alexander Mikheev. “I am very pleased to consolidate cooperation with the leading exporter of Russian weapons. We see Rosoboronexport as a reliable partner with many years of experience in external economic activities. I’m sure that our joint efforts will help the Corporation meet its primary strategic goal of increasing the revenues from the current level of 38.5 billion rubles to 100 billion rubles by 2025. In addition, I wish to note the social value of the agreement for Tatarstan: today the Corporation unites 10 enterprises and organizations that employ about 10,000 people. The portfolio of foreign orders for our products supports the modernization of production, permanent employment and growth in incomes,” said Renat Mistakhov. Under the agreement, Rosoboronexport will consider Ak Bars as a possible participant in various military and technical cooperation projects with foreign countries, including in the course of its international naval market research. As is known, Rosoboronexport has been appointed the organizer of the joint Russian displays at international defense exhibitions abroad. In this role, the Company stands ready to provide organizational and information support to the Ak Bars Corporation.

V.Uday Bhaskar, Chairman,Society of Defence Technologiest (SODET) and CMD, Bharat Dunamics Ltd addressing the Export Marketing Workshow for Defence PSUs officers organised by SODET at New Delhi. N.Madhu Kumar, DGM,(SEG&INDG)-Milan,BDL, S.V.Kameswar, General Manager, VU, BDL, N.Ravindra, Secretary General,SODET also seen.

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230918_IDEX 2019_AEROMAG 20.5x28cm.indd 1

337:04 PM 9/23/18 SAILORS & WARRIORS

MOD Signs Contract with GRSE for Survey Vessels for Indian Navy

Joint Secretary & Acquisition Manager (MS) Ravi Kant along with Director (Shipbuilding) CmdeS Nayyar IN (Retd) during signing of contract between Ministry of Defence and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata for supply of four survey vessels for Indian Navy. Also seen in the picture (extreme right) Cmde (ND)-SVL, Cmde V Thapar.

inistry of Defence has awarded contract for design, construction and supply of four Survey Vessels for Indian Navy to Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Limited, Kolkata after it became successful bidder in the competitive bidding. The contract was signed by Joint Secretary & Acquisition Manager (MS) Ravi Kant on behalf of the Ministry and Director(Shipbuilding) Cmde S Nayyar IN (Retd) for GRSE, Kolkata. Request for Proposal was issued by Indian Navy to four PSU shipyards viz. GRSE, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Hindustan Shipyard Limited

(HSL), Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and two Indian Private Shipyards in April 2016, with GRSE emerging as the lowest & successful bidder. The order value for these four vessels is Rs. 2435.15 crore. The first ship is to be delivered within 36 months and remaining within an interval of six months for each vessel. The project completion time is 54 months from date of signing the contract. With this prestigious contract, GRSE’s Order Book as on date stands at Rs. 22,604 crore. The GRSE is currently handling a major project to make three Stealth Frigates for Indian Navy under P17A Project. The defence PSU has been a

pioneer warship builder of the nation having delivered the highest number of warships till date since its inception in 1960. The 98 warships built by GRSE so far range from Advanced Frigates to AntiSubmarine Warfare Corvettes to Fleet Tankers, Fast Attack Crafts, etc. with the Shipyard having many firsts to its credit in terms of Innovation and Design. It has already delivered six Sandhayak Class Survey Vessels to Indian Navy between the period February 1981 to February 1993. The present project will further consolidate GRSE’s position as a unique shipyard with all round capability to design and build Survey Vessels with

state-of-the-art technology. These Survey Vessels (Large) shall be 110 metre long with deep displacement of 3,300 tonnes and complement of 231, capable of full scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic survey of ports and harbours, approaches and determination of navigational channels/routes. In addition, the vessels shall undertake surveys of maritime limits up to EEZ/ extended continental shelf. These shall be deployed for collection of oceanographic and geophysical data for defence applications. In their secondary role, these shall be capable of performing limited search & rescue, limited ocean research and operate as hospital ship/ casualty holding ships. The vessels are equipped with highly advanced stateof-the-art hydrographic equipment & sensors including a Hello Hanger to accommodate one Advanced Light Helicopter. The design and construction of these ships by GRSE will truly signify ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government. Vessels will be built as per Classification Society Rules and Naval Ship Regulations and will conform to latest MARPOL (Marine Pollution) Standards of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

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HTT 40 Successfully Begins Spin Testing

he HTT 40 (Basic Trainer Aircraft) designed and developed by HAL has begun the most awaited phase of the `spin test’ by successfully entering into two turn spin and subsequently recovering with the appropriate controls. Two test pilots undertook the first ever spin entry testing. The aircraft was piloted by Gp Capt (Retd) KK Venugopal, DGM-Test Pilot (FW) from front cock pit and Gp Capt S Chaki (Retd), Sr. Test Pilot (FW) from rear. The stall testing was already completed, and the project galloped its way to spin tests. R. Madhavan, CMD, HAL said that the successful start of the spin testing gives a boost to HAL and restores credibility of HAL in successfully designing a spin worthy aircraft. The spin testing is the most crucial and challenging aspect of flight testing of any aircraft development programme. HAL’s Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) had conducted

extensive wind tunnel testing and mathematical model analyses to arrive at the spin characteristics of the aircraft. The entire study is put to test during those first few moments of spin testing. According to Arup Chatterjee, Director (Engg and R&D) the PSQR test points have been met and the spin completion is the last metric which needs to be accomplished before the aircraft enters service. As a matter of fact, HTT 40 exceeds the Preliminary Services Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) on most fronts and offers a technologically advanced product than its competitor. The project started its detail design in August 2013 with internal funding and quickly made its way to the spin tests in matter of five years. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved procurement of 70 Basic Trainer Aircraft from HAL. The production clearance for HTT 40 is expected to be accorded by the end of this year.

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SAILORS & WARRIORS

Leading from the front: Innovation in Aerospace & Defense industry

AEROSPACE & DEFENCE DIRECTORY

6th Edition

By: Vikas Manral, Global A&D expert

erospace & Defense industry has been a key sector for driving innovations globally. It has instigated innovations that have broader implications and, in many cases, have affected day to day life in a positive manner. The Internet, GPS navigation, commercial aircraft and satellites are few examples of innovations that have made colossal changes. The aircraft design, for example, has undergone radical innovations since the early 1900s, leading to major improvements in performance. The focus of the technological improvements in aircraft design has also shifted from ‘Faster-Higher-Longer’ to ‘Reliable-Faster- Cheaper’ to ‘Quieter-Cleaner-Greener’. A&D innovation trends can be broadly classified in four major categories: Materials: Constant pressure for higher fuel efficiency is forcing A&D industry to find ways to incorporate innovation in materials with lighter weights, increased strengths, and greater heat and corrosion resistance. Few decades back, 70% of

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an aircraft’s parts were made of aluminium. Other materials such as composites, titanium, graphite, and fiberglass had limited applications. However, in modern day aircrafts the use of pure aluminium has reduced to a minuscule 20%. Most of the aircraft structural material now consist composites. For engine parts and critical components, there is a simultaneous push for lower weight and higher temperature resistance for better fuel efficiency. This has sparked new material development and also a look at the materials previously discarded by the industry for poor machinability. Ceramics in engines and Graphene/ Carbon nanotubes (CNT) for structures are the materials of tomorrow and pine for a different manufacturing process and tooling than the ones in practice. With the uniqueness of application in the industry, the mix of materials in A&D seem to be continuously changing in the coming years. Design: Aircrafts primarily use carbon-based fuels such as gasoline or kerosene but with oil resources declining

and penalties on greenhouse gas emissions increasing, the future of aviation is dependent on finding an alternative power source. The solution to this challenge is development of Electric Aircraft (or hybrid aircraft) that uses electricity for aircraft systems. The idea is to significantly reduce fuel consumption by improving overall energy efficiency. In practice, this means reducing the weight of the aircraft, reducing drag with improved aerodynamics and optimising the flight profile to use less fuel. The concept can initially be used in agriculture, aerial photography, 3D mapping, wildlife protection, and the provision of internet access in remote places. Low battery storage capacity and weight & power density are some of the challenges that require innovative thinking. Commercial aircraft turbofans are getting bigger. Larger fans and higher bypass ratios mean greater propulsive efficiency and lower fuel consumption. Turbofans entering service in the coming years will have bypass ratios of 15-20, compared with 10-12.5 for the conventional engines. But

their increased size will force changes in wing and landinggear design and, potentially, aircraft layout and engine location. In the age of deflationary profit-margin environment and need for innovative designs, modelling & simulation play an important role for development and testing new design with lesser risk and low cost thereby reducing the time to market. A&D engineers can explore the effects of the most complex physical phenomena on unique product designs. They can imagine, create, optimize and evaluate multiple design alternatives for engines, wings, radar systems and other components that have the power to transform the industry — without investing in extensive physical prototyping or wind tunnel tests. Technologies & Manufacturing Processes: The pressure on aircraft production continues to build in A&D industry, fuelled by an increasingly significant surge in travellers and defence expenditure. Today, the transition to Industry

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Egypt and India Plan Joint Defence Projects

Nirmala Sitharaman, Indian Minister for Defence meeting General Mohamed Ahmed Zaki Mohamed, Minister of Defence and Military Production & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Egypt

4.0 appears to be the most effective solution to boost factory productivity. Industry 4.0 is seen as a transforming force that will modify not only production infrastructure, but also the development of products and services. The trend is building on an array of digital technologies: Internet of Things, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and of digital practices: co-operation, mobility & open innovation. There have been tremendous investments in A&D industry to leverage this revolution, not limited to areas such as 3D printing, factory automation, advanced analytics and predictive maintenance for the aftermarket, but in more comprehensive capabilities and strategies on business transformation with Industry 4.0. A&D industry has been the fore-runner in using 3D printing – in both the proto and production. Aero-Engine manufacturers are vastly

38 SAILORS & WARRIORS

using this technology for blades and other components within the engine. However, in the field of robotics the industry is still to find major gains due to low volumes as compared to the other industries like automotive. To take advantage of this transformation, A&D organizations have to develop mechanisms to adapt new practice, develop new skills and integrate all stakeholders in the supply chain including MSMEs. Business: Business innovation refers to innovation in Business model and processes that will eventually change the practice of what businesses do, and how it is done. Typically, such innovations have long term impact on the industry. “Power by the Hour” approach is already reshaping customer-supplier relationships in A&D industry. Customers and suppliers of critical products, such as

aeroengines, semi-conductor equipment, aircraft and Défense systems, are recognizing the importance to provide timely, cost effective maintenance and support services throughout the aftersales phase of the customersupplier relationship. A major focus of these efforts invaolves re-designing the contractual and implicit relationships between customers and suppliers in the service support phase. At the heart of this concept is the notion that risks, and incentives should be more equitably aligned between suppliers and customers than has been possible under traditional contracts. New components, new suppliers or an improved deal with the existing suppliers could improve products and profits significantly. Major prime contractors in A&D industry have integrated the suppliers into the manufacturing processes to ensure online visibility on inventory at various stages

and quality control. This has significantly reduced the latent costs and lead time across the supply chain but increased the supplier switching costs significantly. While industry growth on the surface indicates progress, the A&D industry is changing at an unprecedented rate. The industry is grappling with disruptive changes— from aggressive production ramp-up rates to need for fuel economy, from cost pressures to dynamic geopolitical situation. Industry consolidation and increasing M&A activities are manifestation of these external changes. Inundated with these challenges, INNOVATION seems to be the success mantra for the future. Organizations willing to take calculated risks, invest in new technologies and imbibe the “innovation DNA” in the culture are likely to sail through the most exciting & challenging time ahead.

gypt and India are considering joint defence projects. Plans are already in place to begin joint military exercises by the forces of the two nations for training defence personnel in key institutions. In September 2018, Nirmala Sitharaman, Indian Minister for Defence met with Mohamed Zaki, Egyptian Minister of Defence in Cairo.

She was on a two-day visit with a mission to enhance security cooperation between the two countries. The Ministers decided to explore deeper cooperation in the fields of defence industry and R&D, including the joint production of defence equipment. Both sides agreed to work towards enhanced cooperation in counter-terrorism and naval

cooperation. Earlier this year, the EDEX 2018 team led by Mohammed Saeed Al-Assar, Egyptian Minister of State for Military Production, had visited Def Expo in India for promoting EDEX to the large Indian market. The two countries are also working towards holding joint exercises. The two Ministers agreed that

technical and expert level delegations in relevant fields would be exchanged to follow up on their discussions. Raksha Mantri’s visit to Cairo was reflective of the vision to build a New Partnership for a New Era between India and Egypt as articulated by Prime Minister Modi and President Sisi during the Egyptian President’s State Visit to India in 2016.

Naval Group and ECA Group Offers Innovative Mine Hunting Solution Paris and Toulon, October 9thand 2018, 7.00 a.m. Paris Toulon, October 9th 2018, 7.00 a.m.

revolutionized through the established a technological massive use of unmanned and commercial partnership systems operating on the in unmanned mine warfare, surface, in the air and in aimed at developing and the sea. This paradigm shift promoting an offer of military will lead to transformations mine counter measure robust sea-proven solutions, aval Group and ECAGroup that andwill affect naval anvessels (MCM) integrating already in mission with other Naval ECA Group offer innovative mine hunting Naval Group and ECA Group offer an innovative mine hunting Group established forces. The future mine drones, sonars, mine sweep clients, to provide the Belgian solution Belgiumcapability and the Netherlands solution to Belgium the Netherlands a technological and to warfare should andandremotely operated and Dutch naval forces with commercial partnership in be established, and then systems. As partners in a a comprehensive, integrated the field of unmanned mine develop, based on threats consortium formed for this and cyber-secure solution at a warfare. The first practical and technological progress in call for tender, Naval Group cost-effective ownership cost. application was completed the areas of staff, equipment, and ECA Group are offering In addition to these solutions, Naval Group and ECA Group recently a technological and commercial Naval Groupestablished and ECA Group recently established a technological and commercial as part of the response to interoperability and an innovative solution for the two partners have formed partnership in the field of unmanned mine warfare. The first practical application was of unmanned warfare. The firstapractical was team the consultation launched by organization,partnership conceptsin the andfieldrobotic minemine warfare, which projectapplication management completed as part of the response to the consultation launched by Belgium for a completed as part of the response to the consultation launched by Belgium for a Belgium for a Belgian-Dutch doctrine, infrastructures and is fully integrated on board based in Belgium, which will Belgian-Dutch cooperation for the supply of 12 mine hunters. Belgian-Dutch cooperation for the supply of 12 mine hunters. cooperation for the supply logistics. In preparation for an MCM military vessel. The rely on various local partners, of 12 mine hunters. Mine this near future, Naval Group two partners have combined with whom alliances have hunting practices are being and ECA Group recently all their most effective and already been established.

Mine hunting practices Mine are being revolutionized through massive use of hunting practices are being the revolutionized through the massive use of unmanned systems operating on the surface, in the air and in the sea. This unmanned systems operating on the surface, in the air and in the sea. This 39 SAILORS & WARRIORS paradigm shift will lead toparadigm transformations affect naval forces a whole. shift willthat leadwill to transformations thataswill affect naval forces as a whole. The future mine warfare capability should be established, and then develop, based

Triumf S-400 Missile

Another Milestone in Indo- Russian Defence Ties

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi meeting the President of Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on October 05, 2018.

fter wide-ranging bilateral talks, India and Russia have concluded the much-hyped Triumf S-400 Missile Defence System deal. Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, have signed the $5 million deal at the 19th edition of the Annual Bilateral Summit in New Delhi on October 4-5. The deal signed amid the looming threat of US sanctions, once again reiterated the half-a-century-old defence cooperation between India and Russia. Moreover, it will help India to take a firmer stance along its northern borders against the increasing military presence of China. Modi and Putin also signed eight pacts, including on cooperation on India’s ambitious human space mission project Gaganyaan, at the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit. A Memorandum of Understanding between Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Federal Space Agency of Russia ‘ROSCOSMOS’ on Joint Activities in the field of Human Spaceflight Programme, has been signed during the meet.

40 SAILORS & WARRIORS

Putin said that the cooperation between India and Russia spans across the whole gamut of sectors and rests on the fundamental pillars of political and strategic cooperation, military and security cooperation, cooperation in the spheres of economy, energy, industry, science and technology, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. India and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, and declared that this relationship is an important factor for global peace and stability and appreciated each other’s respective roles as major powers with common responsibilities for maintaining global peace and stability. S-400 Triumf Missile System Russia’s S-400 Triumf — NATO calls it SA-21 Growler — is the most dangerous operationally deployed modern longrange surface-to-air missile (MLR SAM) system in the world, considered to be much ahead of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system (THAAD) developed by the United States. The

mobile S-400 system can engage all types of aerial targets including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and ballistic and cruise missiles within a range of 400 km, at an altitude up to 30 km. It can track 100 airborne targets, including super fighters such as the American built F-35, and engage six of them simultaneously. The missile system can detect, track, and destroy hostile strategic bombers, stealth fighters, spy planes, missiles, and drones at a range of up to 400km and altitude of 30km. Radars (primary acquisition one has 600-Km range) can track hundreds of targets simultaneously. It can intercept even ballistic missiles with velocity of 4800 metres per second. Russia boasts that the S-400 can radar-lock and shoot down even the fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. Military-Technical Cooperation Modi and Putin reaffirmed that the Military and Military-Technical cooperation between the two countries is an important pillar of their strategic partnership, and said that the

forthcoming meeting of the IndianRussian Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical cooperation to be held in December 2018 will further validate the interests of both countries. The Roadmap for Military Cooperation has paved way for greater interaction between the militaries of both countries, including in training, exchange of senior functionaries of the militaries, Staff talks

and Exercises. Both Sides commended the successful completion of the first ever Tri-Services Exercise INDRA 2017 and committed to continue their Joint Military Exercises – INDRA Navy, INDRA Army and Avia INDRA – in 2018. India and Russia welcomed the conclusion of the contract for the supply of the S-400 Long Range Surface to Air Missile System to India. Modi and

Putin reaffirmed their commitment to enhance military technical cooperation between India and Russia, which has a long history of mutual trust and mutual benefit. Both Sides expressed satisfaction at the significant progress made on the ongoing projects of military technical cooperation and recognised the positive shift towards joint research and joint production of military technical equipment between the two countries. Modi said that the Military Industrial Conference process was an important mechanism to promote the “Make in India” policy of the Government of India. The leaders expressed the serious concern about the possibility of an arms race in outer space and of outer space turning into an arena for military confrontation. They reaffirmed that the prevention of an arms race in outer space (PAROS), would avert a grave danger for international peace and security. Russia welcomed the participation of India in the counter-terror military exercise “Peace Mission – 2018”. Modi urged that India and Russia should stand for strengthening of open, inclusive, transparent, non-discriminatory and rules-based multilateral trade system and prevention of fragmentation of international trade relations and trade protectionism in all forms.

Naval Commanders’ Conference Concludes

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman adressing Naval Commanders

he second edition of this years’ bi-annual Naval Commanders’ Conference concluded after three days of fruitful deliberations. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman who addressed Naval Commanders complimented all personnel of the Indian Navy for maintaining a high

operational tempo and ensuring maritime security of the country. The Minister reiterated the need for the nation to be strong at sea and the Navy to be ready and vigilant to counter any challenge in the maritime domain. She appreciated Navy’s efforts in the area of

indigenisation, self-reliance and support to the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government. She expressed her satisfaction at Navy’s initiatives to achieve ‘Digital Navy’ vision in line with the Government’s initiative of ‘Digital India Programme’. The minister reviewed the

combat readiness of the Navy, pace of modernisation and progress of various acquisition and infrastructure related cases. She extolled IN’s diplomatic efforts to support the regional Navies that are in consonance with the Prime Minister’s vision of SAGAR – Security and Growth for all in the Region. Nirmala Sitharaman lauded the Navy for the outstanding and efficient HADR operations undertaken in the wake of the recent floods in Kerala wherein close to 17,000 personnel were rescued.

SAILORS & WARRIORS

GRSE Launches two Fast Patrol Vessels for Coast Guard

iniratna Defence PSU and premier Indian warship builder - Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. has launched two Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) Ships for Indian Coast Guard. These Vessels, ICGS Amrit Kaur and ICGS Kamla Devi are third and fourth in the series of five FPVs built by GRSE for the Indian Coast Guard. Upholding the best of maritime traditions, the ships were “Launched” by Veena Naravane; wife of Lt. General Manoj Mukund Naravane, AVSM, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding-In-Chief; Eastern Command, Indian Army. The ceremony was held in the presence of Rear Admiral V.K.Saxena, Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, and other Senior Officials of GRSE, Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, and Indian Army. Since its inception in 1960, GRSE has successfully developed an array of worldclass platforms including Frigates, Missile

Corvettes, Anti Submarine Warfare Corvettes and Landing Craft Utility Ships for the Indian Navy, all of them armed with high-tech infrastructure. With delivery of 98 warships, GRSE today is well positioned to construct large warships harnessing advanced modular shipbuilding technology which is delightfully at par with the best in the world. The enhanced shipbuilding capacity of GRSE has taken the organization to the level where it can construct 20 ships in tandem. With the keel-laying of the 1st Advanced Stealth Frigate of P17A Project, team GRSE has once again touched a key milestone. No less a feat are the bagging of orders for four Survey Vessels (Large) for The Indian Navy on competitive basis and emerging a successful bidder through competition for 8 ASWSWCs, with private players active in the fray. The twin triumphs have further boosted the morale of this public sector Defence

Shipyard, particularly on its aggressive cost strategies. The FPV Ships which were launched are each 50M long, 7.5M wide with a displacement of around 308 Tons. These ships are designed for a maximum speed of 34 knots with an endurance of more than 1500 nautical miles. The FPV designs which are exclusive to GRSE are an improvisation on the Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPV) built by the Shipyard for the Indian Coast Guard, few years ago. The vessels come with an efficient hull form developed in-house and proved after extensive model testing. These are fuel efficient and the powerful platforms are well suited for patrolling, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching and rescue operations. They come fitted with state-of-the-art Main Engines with Advanced Control Systems and Water Jet Units and an ‘Integrated Bridge System’ assimilating all Communication and Navigation Systems. The key armament of a 40/60 Gun and improved habitability features with fully airconditioned modular accommodation for 35 personnel are the other salient features of the ships. As part of Make In India initiatives of Govt. of India through Indigenisation Efforts, GRSE has made commendable progress by successfully incorporating a high percentage of indigenous content in the ships made in shipyard.

BEL pays Rs. 64.41 Cr Final Dividend to Govt M V Gowtama, CMD, BEL, presenting the Dividend cheque to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. (Left-Right) M M Joshi, Executive Director (National Marketing), BEL, Koshy Alexander, Director (Finance), BEL, Dr Amit Sahai, Joint Secretary (P&C) & Part-Time Government Director on the BEL Board, Barun Mitra, Additional Secretary (Defence Production) also seen.

Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has paid a total dividend of 200% to the Government of India for FY 2017-18. M V Gowtama, Chairman & Managing Director, BEL, presented the 40% Final Dividend cheque for Rs. 64,41,62,053.20/to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Saab Launches Hypersonic Mode for Naval Radars

aab strengthens its Sea Giraffe naval radar offer by introducing the Hypersonic Detection Mode, a capability for detecting and tracking targets travelling at hypersonic speeds. Due to the radar horizon,

naval vessels face limited time to act against low flying missiles travelling at greater speeds. With the emergence of threats in the high supersonic and even hypersonic speed ranges, this threat is getting even worse. Saab is offering

a solution to this emerging challenge by introducing a Hypersonic Detection Mode (HDM). It will give the ship more time to act against any target due to quick track formation time. The HDM capability builds on Saab’s next generation track while scan technology, which enables track start within a fraction of a second for any number of targets, including stealthy ones, in all conditions. “The hypersonic threat is credible and increasing. Navies around the world

are asking for a capability to retain their dominant battlespace awareness and to give them crucial time to act. We are able to meet these requirements by using our existing technology, adapting it for the hypersonic challenge”, says Anders Carp, head of Saab’s business area Surveillance. The HDM is optimised for the Sea Giraffe 4A Fixed Face, which is a fixed array configuration that belongs to Saab’s multi-functional family of S-band AESA radar systems.

High level meeting between Indian and Vietnamese Coast Guards

Director General Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Rajendra Singh welcoming Commandant, Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) Major General Nguyen VanSon before the High Level meeting between the two Coast Guards in New Delhi

42 SAILORS & WARRIORS

High Level Meeting between Coast Guards of India and Vietnam was held at Coast Guard Headquarters under the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2015. Director General Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Rajendra Singh led the Indian side while Commandant, Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) Major General Nguyen Van Son led a six member

Vietnamese side. During the meeting both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in accordance with the provisions of MoU. Sharing of best management practices and augmenting operational level interaction were also agreed upon. This meeting is in continuation of the efforts by the governments of the two countries to enhance cooperation in maritime safety .

The senior officers of Indian Defence Public Sector companies and DRDO in front of the India Pavilion at the Indo-Defence Exhibition at Jakarta, Indonesia. Anandi Ramalingam, Director, Marketing, Bharat Electronics, N.P. Diwakar, Director, Technical, Bharat Dynamics, Krishna, General Manager, Marketing, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, P.Motiram, DGM,Bharat Dynamics, Manish Bhardwaj, Spokesperson, DRDO also seen. SAILORS & WARRIORS

Rheinmetall Reports Robust Business Performance

Defence doubles order intake

ith highvolume orders and higher consolidated operating earnings, the Düsseldorf technology group Rheinmetall AG is on the home stretch for fiscal 2018. The Group’s business performance over the first nine months of the fiscal year has been robust with improved profitability, while sales volumes have remained largely unchanged. Automotive continues to grow faster than the market and again contributed the larger share to consolidated earnings. At the same time, Defence again significantly increased its order backlog and its contribution to earnings. The Group is slightly raising its forecast earnings margin for the current fiscal year, but simultaneously lowering its projection for sales growth due to a market environment beset by greater uncertainty. Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, said: “Rheinmetall is performing robustly and demonstrating its resilience to individual market disruptions. We are confident of further growth and a higher earnings margin. In our

44 SAILORS & WARRIORS

Defence sector we are benefiting from the growing backlog of demand for armed forces equipment and the need for military modernization in many countries of the world. In the Automotive sector we are making key contributions to fuel efficiency and emissions reductions, and increasingly to electromobility as well – and here too our pioneering technologies make us optimally poised to continue expanding our global market positions.” Rheinmetall’s consolidated sales were on par with the previous year at €4,164 million in the first nine months of 2018 (2017: €4,174 million). Sales were up by 2.0% after adjustment for currency effects. International markets accounted for 76% of sales (Q3 2017: 78%). In addition to the German market (24%), the key regions in terms of sales volumes were Europe excluding Germany (31%), followed by Asia (19%) and North and South America (13%). Operating earnings rose by €21 million or 9% to €252 million in the first nine months of 2018 as against €231 million in the previous year.

The Automotive sector and the Defence sector contributed €7 million and €15 million respectively to this improvement. Operating earnings fell by €1 million in Others/ Consolidation. The rise in earnings increases the Group’s operating earnings margin from 5.5% in 2017 to 6.1% in the reporting period. The order backlog increased significantly thanks to new orders in the Defence sector. Rheinmetall had orders worth €9,315 million on its books as of September 30, 2018, up from €7,234 million as of September 30, 2017. Defence: Incoming orders at record level, operating earnings increased The Defence sector virtually doubled its incoming orders year-onyear to €4,471 million in the first three quarters of 2018. The strong growth in orders is a result of the activities of the Vehicle Systems division, where major orders worth around €2.5 billion in total to deliver Boxer wheeled armoured vehicles and military trucks to the Australian armed forces are a highlight. The order

backlog thus climbed from €6,732 million in the previous year to €8,787 million. Sales in the Defence sector declined by €59 million or 2.9% to €1,966 million in the first three quarters of 2018. The drop was only 0.6% adjusted for currency effects. This decrease relates to the first half of 2018, while sales increased by €21 million in the third quarter of 2018 on a standalone basis. The Defence sector’s operating earnings improved by €15 million to €75 million in the first nine months. Sales in the Weapon and Ammunition division fell by €160 million or 22% year-onyear in the first nine months. This was partly on account a trading contract of around €110 million that was included in the previous year. Further declines in sales arose as a result of the postponement of the acceptance of orders by customers. The drop in sales had a disproportionate impact on operating earnings, which were down by €26 million or 65% year-on-year at €14 million. The Electronic Solutions division reported an increase in sales of €49 million or 11% compared to the figure for the previous year. Air Defence and Radar Systems were the main drivers behind this. The division’s operating earnings improved by €11 million to €12 million as a result of sales growth and costcutting measures. Rheinmetall expects the Group’s growth to continue in the current fiscal year. Rheinmetall AG’s annual sales are set to grow organically by around 5% in the current fiscal year based on €5.9 billion in 2017. Sales are expected to increase in both corporate sectors.

Rheinmetall transfers state-of-the-art trucks to the Bundeswehr

he transfer to the Bundeswehr of twenty factory-fresh military trucks in Munich marks the start of a new chapter in the history of German Army logistics. The Bundeswehr’s fleet will be steadily augmented by a total of up to 2,271 new trucks, which will gradually replace Germany’s trusty but aging Kat I mil gl vehicles. Attending the symbolic handover of the keys at the MAN Forum in Munich were representatives of the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-service Support (BAAINBw, i.e. the German procurement authority) and the future user, the German Bundeswehr. Headquartered in Munich, the joint venture company Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) is one of the world’s foremost makers of military wheeled vehicles. On behalf of the customer, Rainer Krug, head of BAAINBw’s ground support

department, took possession of the symbolic key, which he then immediately handed over to the Bundeswehr, represented by Major General Stefan Linus Fix of the Joint Support Services Command, and Colonel Ralf Albert Nau of the German Army Command.

First vehicles formally handed over in Munich. In summer 2017, BAAINBw awarded Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles a framework contract to supply the Bundeswehr with trucks from the HX2 family worth a total of €900 million. As a first step, an order was issued for 558 trucks, including special tools and training support. In Bundeswehr and BAAINBw parlance, the project is known as the “UTF (Ungeschützte Transportfahrzeuge) mil gl in den Zuladungsklassen 5t und 15t”, which means “unprotected transport vehicle, military/all-terrain

load classes 5t and 15t”. It is true that these versatile, high-performance 6x6 and 8x8 trucks currently feature an unprotected driver’s cab. However, the powerful chassis is designed to enable subsequent replacement with a highly protected armoured cab, likewise made by Rheinmetall. As a result, these “Unprotected Vehicles” can be transformed into superbly protected vehicles at any time, which, despite the additional weight, remain as manoeuvrable and flexibly deployable as ever, while providing their crews with excellent protection when deployed in harm’s way. At the handover ceremony, Rheinmetall chief executive Armin Papperger stated how pleased he was to see the Bundeswehr joining the circle of HX2 users. In recent years, among other nations, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand have all procured comparable RMMV vehicles, as have Norway and Sweden.

SAILORS & WARRIORS

Defence Innovation Summit at Hyderabad on 10th Dec.

Aerospace Engineers expands export potential

Defence Technologist (SODET), the flagship organization of all Defence PSUs in India, in association with Aeromag Asia is organizing the first edition of the Aerospace and Defence Innovation Summit; a national seminar and exhibition on Innovation in Aerospace and Defence Indigenisation. The event will be held at Bhanur Unit of Bharat Dynamics, the Missile manufacturing company under the Ministry of Defence. More than 30 exhibitors mostly MSMEs are exhibiting their innovative products

Zero effect (ZED) GOLD rating by MSME, Government of India. It is the first company to achieve GOLD rating in South India. AEPL special process facility has been approved by CEMILAC, DGCA & ISRO. Our core strength is integration and assembly befit with AEPL, as they have the capabilities of manufacturing precision metallic and non-metallic rubber and composites at once.

s an initiative to support the Make in India Initiative of the government, Society of

in Aerospace and Defence along with Defence PSUs. This is an excellent opportunity for the private industry to showcase their innovative products and technologies to the Defence PSUs, DRDO Labs and other major private industries for making partnership and associate with them as vendors. Major Defence Industries including HAL, Bharat Electronics, BDL, GRSE, Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders will make presentation on opportunities for the private industry to associate with them in Defence Manufacturing.

Aero India 2019 Bangalore Readies to Fly High

angalore has begun the countdown for the 12th edition of the iconic Aero India, India’s largest aerospace exhibition. The Aero India 2019 will be held at the Air Force Station Yelahanka between February 20 and 24, 2019. Aero India Exhibition which is organised every two years has already carved a niche for itself globally as a premier aerospace exhibition, with eleven successful editions organised since 1996.

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For nearly two decades, Bangalore has been home to the aero show where global aerospace and defence manufacturers display their latest wares such as fighter aircraft, cargo planes and defence equipment and look to sell to India’s defence and paramilitary forces. As the doubts about shifting the venue of the latest edition out of Bangalore was ended officially by the Defence Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, last month, preparations at

Yelahanka air force station is moving at a fast pace. Aero India, organised by the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Civil Aviation and fully supported by the Government of India, is one of the largest airshows in Asia. Having tripled its exhibitor list in the last ten years, it has become a “must-attend” event for aerospace and aviation companies around the world who are exploring opportunities in India. Taking

place in Bangalore, which is the aerospace capital of India, this premier event will be a dynamic export opportunity for aerospace and defence suppliers. With plans to spend billions in defence acquisitions over the next several years, and a civil aviation industry projected to reach third largest in the world by 2020, India is perhaps the world’s most competitive aerospace and defence market. Aero India 2019 will provide a significant platform in bolstering business opportunities in International aviation sector. A rapidly growing economy and opening up of defence production to private sector, have given a major fillip to the defence industry in India. It has also become a hub for defence businesses in Asia.

“One of the recent major achievements of Aerospace Engineers is Zero defect Zero effect (ZED) GOLD rating by MSME, Government of India. It is the first company to achieve GOLD rating in South India. AEPL special process facility has been approved by CEMILAC, DGCA & ISRO. AEPL is expanding its infrastructure at Hosur for Integration with specialised clean room facility. We are also working to achieve NABL certification for Rubber and Composites. Since our surface treatment plant is already approved by CEMILAC, DGCA & ISRO, we are marching towards NADCAP certification for special process,“ said R Sundaram, Managing Director, Aerospace Engineers Private Limited (AEPL) in this.

Could you give us an overview of various products, technology and services you offer to Aerospace and Defence sectors? We offer a wide range of products in the aerospace and defence sector. Presently AEPL is in the manufacturing of precision Metallic & Non-Metallic (Rubber & composite) components. A new facility is being set up at Hosur to take up Integration of Aircraft related assemblies, sub-assemblies and to have an exclusive refined and perfect Design and Development to meet the requirements of local and overseas vital customers of Aeronautical components in and around Bangalore. AEPL has bought technology from ISRO & DRDO for the development of CFF Hose Assembly and ROCASIN technology for Rocket Motor Lining. Our products include Canopy Inflatable Seal, Lubricating oil pump, Flame Proof Seals & Hoses, Bonded Rubber and Metallic components, Engine components, Composite Parts developed for Missiles, etc.

Could you talk about the major achievements and core strengths of Aerospace Engineers? Aerospace Engineers Private Limited is one of the leading manufacturers of aerospace parts certified with the prestigious AS 9100C. We offer Design, Development, Precision Manufacturing, Assembly, Certification, Supply and Integration of Systems Implementation of projects. There are a lot of remarkable achievements of the company recently. One of the recent major achievements of Aerospace Engineers is Zero defect

Could you talk about AEPL‘s expansion plans in terms of investment and infrastructure? AEPL is expanding its infrastructure at Hosur for Integration with specialised clean room facility. We are also working to achieve NABL certification for Rubber and Composites. Since our surface treatment plant is already approved by CEMILAC, DGCA & ISRO, we are marching towards NADCAP certification for special process. The government’s plan to set up a defence corridor in Tamil Nadu will

R Sundaram, MD, AEPL

give a tremendous boost to the state’s manufacturing prospects in defence and aerospace. It will definitely open an array of opportunities to AEPL for developing new products; assemblies and even Aircraft build up can be planned. We are looking forward to take advantage of the defence corridor project by proving our expertise. Please talk about AEPL‘s collaborations and JVs with other firms to expand business. Could you share with us the updates on export business and participation in foreign exhibitions? AEPL has planned for collaboration with foreign countries for the development and supply of rubber components. We have a sophisticated dust free moulding shop for the manufacturing of rubber components for engines. AEPL is also working towards Joint Ventures & Contract Manufacturing with foreign countries. As part of this effort we are participating in all major aerospace and defence events globally to find new partners and clients. AEPL gives significance to exporting our products to the global market. Presently we have 30% of export business for major Aircraft engine manufacturers around the world and are planning to increase the export content in the coming years. Could you share with us your vision and priorities for your company to achieve further growth? What are the aims to be achieved in the coming years? AEPL’s vision is to be an innovative and professional aero component manufacturer for the global aero industry. We are striving to fulfil our vision by manufacturing highquality products for the aerospace sector. We are planning to expand our infrastructure facilities to promote the manufacture. This includes the setting up of a Dust Free Moulding Shop and the expansion of our machining facility. Another important target we wish to achieve in the coming years is the ZED platinum rating for AEPL.

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FZ group: a major Defence supplier

Eng. Medhat Fawzy Program Manager Z for Import, Export & Logistic services is a group of companies based in Cairo, Egypt and is a major supplier of Egyptian Army, Egyptian military factories under Arab Organization for Industrialization, Egyptian Police and National Organization for Military Production. F Z company has a branch dealing with the Egyptian army and the military

factories led by Engineer Brigadier General (Retd.) Medhat Fawzy. He is the program manager of the company with an experience of 25 years by serving in the military land forces and in National Organization For military production. SC (Service Consultant Company) and its sister organisation- Paradise is for trade of military and telecommunications equipments. SC company is a security organization and it hires and sells security equipment such as security gates, communication ( wireless ) equipment and explosives detectors. IDARAT Company is working for secured money transportation and guarding facilities or personnel. PISTOL Company is for sale of arms and ammunitions. The group company has expertise in Security consultancy and logistics of military and security equipment. The company is representing some

Dr. Ashraf Rashed Managing Director of the foreign aerospace and defence industries from Czech Republic, Cyprus, India and Spain. The company has experienced staff from security, military, maintenance and logistic fields. The company has opened a new trading market for all kind of security and military equipment through the legal channels and under the umbrella of Egyptian law and procedures.

Russian Helicopters presents Mi-171A2 and Ansat in Cambodia

ussian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec State Corporation) has presented its Mi-171A2 and Ansat civil helicopters in Phnom Penh (Cambodia) during the South Asian Heli Tour. The delegation of the Russian Helicopters Holding Company demonstrated key competitive advantages of Mi-171A2 and Ansat rotorcraft and provided information

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to the guests of the event about the after-sales service system. In their turn, partners of Russian Helicopters presented financial instruments for purchasing Russian helicopters. Cambodia has become the second stop for Mi-171A2 and Ansat during the South Asian Heli Tour. Earlier, these Russianmade helicopters were showcased in Vietnam. “Cambodia has a positive experience of operating Mi-8/17 family helicopters. Moreover, we see a growing demand for light rotorcraft in that country, as well as in Southeast Asia in general. Therefore, Phnom Penh was selected as one of the demo sites during the South Asian Heli Tour of Mi-171A2 and Ansat civil helicopters. Demonstrating our machines to the public has already proved to be efficient: after the Vietnamese stage of the Heli Tour we have noticed a high

interest among potential customers and have managed to reach a number of important agreements,” said Andrey Boginskiy, Director General of the Russian Helicopters Holding Company. «Rostec pays special attention to the development of cooperation with partners from Southeast Asia. At the same time, one of the most promising areas for expanding and deepening our cooperation in Southeast Asian countries is helicopter manufacturing», said Anatoly Serdyukov, Director of Rostec’s Aviation Cluster. «The demo-tour should strengthen our relations with key regional partners, as well as open new horizons for the development of projects in the aircraft industry». Ansat is a twin-engine utility helicopter. The full-scale production of the rotorcraft is underway at Kazan Helicopters.

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MBDA Demonstrates the Capabilities of MMP to More than 15 C ountries

embers of 15 foreign delegations, as well as representatives of the European Defence Agency (EDA) and of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) have been given the opportunity to witness the full range of capabilities of MBDA’s 5th generation MMP (Missile Moyenne Portée) ground combat missile during a live firing demonstration. This demonstration was on 12th October 2018, at the Canjuers base in the presence of the French Army and the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA)– took place in two phases: a dynamic phase, in which representatives from around the world watched three firings conducted by the French Army Technical Section (STAT), and a static phase, based on presentations and workshops making use of standard operational equipment

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for simulations, training and support. The three firings –all of which struck their targets precisely– showcased the missile’s various operating modes by confronting it with different scenarios, against both fixed and mobile targets at ranges of 2.5 km to over 4 km, proving the accuracy of the MMP in all circumstances, even when fired at hidden targets beyond line of sight. The demonstration, which included firings with the seeker locking on to the target both before and after launch, and using both infrared and TV guidance, also highlighted the MMP’s ‘fire and forget’ and ‘operator in the loop’ capabilities. Its ability to engage targets beyond direct line of sight by means of a network-centric enabled tablet computer, or via images relayed by micro-UAVs, was also demonstrated, illustrating how the MMP operates in

symbiosis with coordination systems and field sensors. The delegations also discovered different configurations of the MMP: a standard firing post fixed on an Arquus SHERPA Special Forces light combat vehicle; with an Impact remotecontrolled turret mounted on an Arquus SHERPA armoured vehicle; and with a T40 gun turret mounted on a Nexter VBCI infantry fighting vehicle. This demonstration follows on from September’s hot weather campaign carried out by the French Army in Djibouti, which validated the MMP’s suitability for use in a desert environment and secured the green light for its deployment in support of the Operation Barkhane in the Sahel-Saharan Strip. In France, the MMP programme includes provision of 400 firing posts and 1,950 missiles across all branches of the French Armed Forces by 2025.

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RNI REG.NO: KARENG/2013/52709