SP's Land Forces Issue 2 - 2018

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April-May 2018

SP’s

Volume 15 No. 2

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ROUNDUP

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The ONLY magazine in Asia-Pacific dedicated to Land Forces

>> Lead story

In This Issue Page 4 Army Combat Capabilities Curtailed despite Alarming Security Challenges The standing Committee noted that allocations made for the Services are “not supportive to the inevitable needs of the Army, with “huge deficiencies and obsolescence of weapons, stores and ammunition existing in Indian Army”.

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Indian Army’s T-90 battle tank

Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) Page 6 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Indian Army

Increasingly capable UAVs, both in the combat and reconnaissance roles, are carving their own niche.

Lt General V.K. Kapoor (Retd) Page 10 Turning Night into Day: Electro-optical Systems and Programmes The EO sighting systems will provide all weather surveillance and targeting sights for small arms, armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs), artillery guns and missile systems.

Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) Page 11 Selection of Small Arms In last two months, India has re-started the process of replacing its arsenal of small arms, however going by past experience, replacemants on the ground seem distant.

Rohit Srivastava Page 14 Interview Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director, Himachal Futuristic Communications Ltd.

After more than a decade of complete neglect under UPA I & II it was expected that military modernisation would pick up under the new NDA Government.

However even after nearly four years of NDA rule, the ground situation remains gloomy and unimpressive.  Lt General V.K. Kapoor (Retd)

Page 15 DMS Boots to the Officer Mess Parties, Actor Rannvijay Singha Tells You What Shapes a ‘Fauji Brat’ MTV Roadies winner goes down the memory lane with his experiences in the cantonment.

Arpita Kala Page 18 Defence Services Asia 2018 — A Curtain Raiser Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) Plus News in Brief

Modernisation of the Army in Dire Straits

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I

t may be recollected that on 12 March 2012, General V.K. Singh, the then Chief of Army Staff, in a letter to the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, had expressed his anguish and frustration regarding the eroding operational capabilities of his one million strong force. He requested that suitable directions be given to the ministry of defence to enhance the Army’s preparedness. He blamed the long-winded arms procurement process and the recalcitrant bureaucracy for it.

He also pointed out to the large deficiencies in essential ammunition, voids and obsolescence in essential weaponry as well as critical surveillance and nightfighting capabilities.

General Dalbir Singh Suhag, who took over as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on August 1, 2014, said in an interview in January 2016, i.e. four years after General V.K. Singh’s letter, that “making up of the critical deficiencies in weapons and equipment is on fast track.” He identified the deficiencies and obsolescence of same weapon systems. Thus it became obvious, that nothing had been done by the defence ministry, in the intervening period of four years. If we go back in time the same situation was existed during the entire period of UPA rule.

More Than Two Decades of Disregard and Neglect After more than a decade of neglect under the two UPA regimes, who had foisted one of the weakest and most clueless defence ministers, A.K. Antony on the Ministry of Defence,

during that period, it was expected that military modernisation would pick up under the NDA Government. However the defence forces were in for a surprise because for nearly three and a half years of NDA rule, from May 2014 to February 2018 while reviews and assessments were carried, much hyped declarations made, but the ground situation remained the same. Lack lustre defence budgets over three years gave no hope to the three Service Chiefs that the modernisation of their respective Services would receive the attention that it deserved despite greater the challenges facing the nation. Many Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) clearances were given in respect of each Service but those who know the system will tell you what little impact these clearance have if the Political will to move forward is lacking which is what is being experienced year after year.

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E D I T O R I A L

>> Lead Story

The recent revelations of the Standing Parliamentary Committee on defence regarding the shortages/voids and obsolescent equipment in the army has caused consternation among the public. While this was well known among the political leaders, senior government functionaries (bureaucracy) as well as the media, however we are constrained to say that none of them had considered the issue seriously in the past and nor was there an informed debate on the TV channels.

While we can blame the previous UPA I and II Governments for the neglect by A.K. Antony, the two term Defence Minister

from, however the present government too has not shown alacrity in this field that was expected of them. The armed forces have always considered the BJP governments to have greater nationalistic fervour and therefore the lack of understanding shown by them has caused dismay in the military circles. The lack of modernisation especially in the army is alarming. From the soldiers basic weapons comprising assault rifles and carbines to more sophisticated weaponry like the anti tank guided missiles, light observation and surveillance helicopters and field artillery, nearly every weapon held by the army has become obsolete and needs replacement.

Considering the strength of our army the political leaders must understand that if the modernisation is neglected year after year the stage will come where even if it want sto procure new weapons from abroad or manufacture them indigenously it will not take less than a decade. Former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to his credit, did try to rectify the situation which had deteriorated con-

After the move of the erstwhile Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar to Goa as the Chief Minister, an interim inactive period of about six months of dual-hatted tenure of Arun Jaitley, followed. Nirmala Sitharaman took over as the Defence Minister on September 3, 2017. The gravity of the greately weakened operational capability of the army, seemed to have dawned upon the new

siderably. However for political considerations he was moved to Goa. The current defence minister is making all efforts to ameliorate the existing adverse situation but as we have stated earlier it will take many years before we see changes at ground level.

I must point out that the Army as a service must accept its share of blame for making unrealistic qualitative requirements such as the one made for the assault rifle with the requirement of two types of barrels, 5.56 mm and 7.62mm to cater for different operational scenarios which has inordinately delayed the induction of a suitable assault rifle.

In this regard our advice is that only general officers who are from equipment oriented arms such as the armoured corps, mechanised infantry and artillery should be considered for the appointment of Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Policy and Systems) who deals on equipment matters with all line directorates and the Weapons and Equipment directorate. Generally infantry officers are not suited for this assignment and would find it difficult to settle

defence minister. This was especially galling in view of the army’s continued involvement in day to day counter terrorist and counter insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and in the Northeast with outdated small arms. Additionally there is a shadow of conventional conflict confronting the nation even though it may be confined in the form of border wars on two widely sepa-

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down in their assignments in the short time available before their superannuation.

We are aware that the present Chief of Army Staff is trying his best to moderate the induction of new arms and equipment in a manner that results in manifestation of operational efficiency on the ground in the shortest possible time frame, especially in operational sectors on the line of control and the line of actual control (LoC and LAC) opposite Pakistan and China respectively and we wish him and the government all the best in achieving this vital aim as soon as possible.

There is an oft repeated phrase being seen in the print media these days in which it is being stated that adequate financial powers have been delegated to the Vice Chiefs to procure urgently needed ammunition, equipment and stores. Moreover he has now also been delegated powers to spend `14,097 crore for strengthening ‘perimeter security’ of army establishments across the country. Lt General Sarath Chand told the Standing Parliamentary Committee on

rated fronts. Thus seeing the writing on the wall, the Minister reacted with a number of DAC clearances, in respect of Small Arms of the Army. These clearances however will not affect the ground situation for the next few years and if the Political leadership does not provide the necessary push forward, the clearances will remain on paper only.

Parliamentary Panel Says Army Dissatisfied with Lack of Funds Despite clearances the procurement process is by itself inordinately lengthy and in any case if the Army has no funds even for implementing the schemes already planned, how would additional clearances help? It is in this context that this years Parliamentary Panel report tabled on March 13, 2018, becomes important and relevant. In effect the Army Vice Chief informed the parliamentary standing committee on defence, that the budget allocated this year (FY 2018-19) has dashed all hopes for modernisation and its plans to roll out ‘Make in India’ projects. He said that funds allocated this year will not even be adequate to pay for the instalments of past purchases. The Vice Chief told the panel that the allocation of `21,338 crore for modernisation was insufficient even to cater for committed liability of `29,033 crore for 123 on-going schemes, emergency procurements and other requirements. He also clarified that most of the equipment army holds, currently, can be categorised as vintage (in actual terms, obsolete). He said that modern Armed Forces should have one-third of its equipment in the vintage category, one-third in the current category and one-third in the state of the art category. As far as the Indian Army is concerned, 68 per cent of the equipment is in the vintage category, with just about 24 per cent in the current, and eight per cent in the state of the art category.

It was brought out the total additional requirement of funds by the army under the head Capital is `12,296 crore and Revenue is `9,282 crore which totals to `21,578 crore.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, who was speaking at a seminar after the Army’s report to the parliamentary panel became public, made a case for increased spending on defence, linking it to China’s rise and asserting that military spending is not a burden to the nation.

defence that there is no separate allocation for this. “So, this money is also to be found from the same Budget leaving us with no choice but to re-prioritise, either to reduce our requirement as far as the security of military stations are concerned or to go slow on some other acquisition,” he told the Committee. So how is perimeter security of army/ defence installations, some of which have been attacked in the recent past, going to be achieved without additional funds? This sorry state of affairs of regarding adequate allocation of funds, modernisation and stores/equipment deficiency issues need to be addressed at the highest levels of the government in an expeditious manner.

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Lt General V.K. Kapoor (Retd)

What Ails the Ministry of Defence?

If one was to ask what ails the MoD and why is the modernisation process so slow even while the media is constantly reporting the large number of projects being sanctioned by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) and the Cabinet and yet there are no changes on the ground. The answer lies in the complicated process of procurement, the generally negative attitude of the bureaucracy in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and among the bureaucrats in the Finance Ministry, the risk averse attitude of the military, and last but not the least the lack of funds to take forward the schemes.

Common sense on the part of the planners should indicate the necessity of allocating a certain minimum amount to equip and maintain a force equivalent to 40 Divisions of army (a division generally comprises 15,000 personnel apart from varying categories and types of weapon systems, vehicles and equipment), 44 Squadron Air Force (IAFs aspirations) and 140 Ships Navy (aspiration of the Indian Navy). With a defence budget of less than 1.5 per cent of the GDP how does the government intend to achieve this? Thus the modernisation of the services is well behind the schedule and at this pace and level of allocation of funds, it will never see the light of the day.

In this article we are focusing on equipment issues concerning the modernisation of the Army.

Update on Some Important Projects An update on some of the major equipment projects planned, which are in various stages of development/procurement is given in the succeeding paragraphs.

Assault Rifles In September 2015, the MoD terminated its 2011 tender to import 66,000 multi-calibre assault rifles as none of the four competing models qualified. Thus the Indian Army has re-launched its quest for an imported assault rifle, after recently rejecting the locally designed option, in order to plug a vital operational gap. The Army has once again sent out its global request for information (RFI) for 7.62 x 51mm assault rifles after rejectContinued on page 16...

>> Operations

Army Combat Capabilities Curtailed Despite Alarming Security Challenges The standing Committee noted that allocations made for the Services are “not supportive to the inevitable needs of the Army, with “huge deficiencies and obsolescence of weapons, stores and ammunition existing in Indian Army”.

Photograph: Indian Army

 Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd)

same 2,46,727 crore. Media was quick in calling the allotment of 2,74,114 crore for FY 2017-2018 as a 6.2 per cent hike. But it was naïve to not view this defence allocation in backdrop of the rupee depreciation and yearly inflation rates of defence procurement. It may be noted that defence allocation of 2,46,727 crore in fiscal 2015-2016 also stood at $40 billion, while 2,46,727 crore in last fiscal (2016-2017) went below $40 billion in actual terms. As to surrender of funds, reform announced ‘Roll On’ plan for fresh acquisitions to overcome ‘surrendering’ funds at the end of every FY is misnomer, as it still leaves loopholes.

T

he public was shocked to read media headlines on March 14 like ‘DEATH BY BUDGET: Is This Indian Army’s Angriest Report to the Government?’, referring to the 41st report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence presented to Parliament on March 13, 2018, which lambasted the government for inadequate defence budget allocations. The news report brought out reasons why Army is distraught: `21,338 crore for modernisation insufficient to cater for `29,033 crore committed payment of for 125 on-going schemes, emergency procurements, 10-days intense fighting ammo and other DGOF requirements; 4.5 per cent increase in revenue allocation consumed in 7th CPC implementation; balance over just 3 per cent doesn’t even cater for inflation – adversely affecting routine maintenance, emergency procurements and ammunition for war; additional burden of `5,000 crore on account GST not catered; some on-going schemes may have to be foreclosed and no money for 23 new schemes; MoD delegated financial powers to VCOAS and sanctioned `1487 crore for beefing security of camps and posts but no separate budget allotted; even with reprioritising total shortfall `21,578 crore (`12,296 crore for capital and `9,82 crore for revenue).

Relevance of Standing Committee on Defence and Debating Defence Allocations

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Indictment by Parliament’s Standing Committee on Defence The Standing Committee indicted the government on all the above-mentioned issues (part of Army’s 13-page input), the most scathing observations with respect to Army’s equipment being: 68 per cent is vintage; about 24 per cent current, and; only 8 per cent state-of-the-art. The standing Committee noted that allocations made for the Services are “not supportive to the inevitable needs of the Army, with “huge deficiencies and obsolescence of weapons, stores and ammunition existing in Indian Army”.

The Committee also pointed out that 2.84 per cent in the Navy’s budget would not even cater to inflationary pressure-maintaining requisite armament level and emergency procurements would require more funds, and; shortfall of `6,440 crore in revenue budget of the Indian Air Force is likely to impact operational preparedness, ability to procure spares and fuel, apart from leaving gaps in training program, serviceability of older systems and provision of basic amenities to Air Force personnel.

Periodi Indictments This is not the first time the Standing Committee has indicted the government. The Committee has been putting forth the state of affairs periodically. In its report tabled in Parliament on March 9, 2017, it had slammed Government for its adhocism, casual and lackadaisical approach saying it would

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Indian Army soldiers on Siachen Glacier

adversely affect the country’s defence preparedness as well as morale of armed forces.

Highlights of this report included: in terms of modernisation demands for FY 2017-2018, Army, Navy, and Air Force have only received 60 per cent, 67 per cent and 54 per cent respectively; only `86,488 crore earmarked for modernization from the total defence outlay of `2,74,000 crore – what makes matters worse is bulk of this capital will be used to pay “committed liabilities” of earlier arms contracts instead of new projects. The Committee asked the government to allocate additional `13,000 crore for defence in the current financial year ending Marh 31, 2018, but nothing has been allotted.

Critics on Social Media There is criticism on social media why the Army is cribbing now and why such issues not raised during the UPA II. But the political hierarchy and MoD bureaucrats are fully apprised of the criticalities through periodic written reports, in addition to briefings during the Unified Commander and Army Commander-level conferences every six months.

General V.K. Singh, then Army Chief ’s letter Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2012 described critical voids of Army? V.K. Singh was not the only Service Chief who wrote

to the Prime Minister, many others did similarly. Neither V.K. Singh’s letter nor current inputs to the Standing Committee was given to the media by the Army. But who would know better than the present Defence Minister in her former avatar as MoS (Commerce and Industry) with website of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry showing till late 2016 that 50 per cent of Indian Military defence equipment holdings were ‘obsolete’.

Negative Defence Budgets Defence Budget for 2018-2019 at 1.58 per cent of GDP is the lowest since 1962. The purported increase over previous year in all budgets under NDA II have been ‘negative’ in actual terms without catering for inflation and abovementioned associated issues.

It may be recalled that defence allocation for FY 2015-2016 and FY 2016-2017 were

DRDO’s focus should be future technologies but instead is on commercialisation

The Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, General Khanduri is from BJP, but it is an All Party Committee, which needs to be taken seriously.

There were some serious TV debates on evening of March 13, where government was represented by young spokesperson trying to defend defence allocations sheepishly. It would be appropriate for the Defence Secretary and Finance Minister to justify recurring poor defence allocations. The Finance Minister has been arbitrarily capping defence budget projections, without considering operational imperativs, as pointed out

by Standing Committee on earlier occasion.

The Defence Secretary (not Defence Minister) continues to be charged with defence of India under Allocation of Business & Transaction Rules Act 1961, which has not been changed for dubious reasons.

Why Poorly Equipped Armed Forces?

Not only is the MoD without any military professionals, an internal inquiry in MoD found: ‘Make in India’ floundering, entire weapons acquisitions process badly broken and beset with huge delays, with only 8-10 per cent of 144 proposed deals in the last three FY fructified within the stipulated time periods; average time taken by 133 schemes 52 months (more than twice the laid-down time-frame) and average time taken to clear files “120 weeks” (2.3 years) against stipulated 37 weeks by MoD in 2016. This was part of presentation by Dr Subhash Bhamre, MoS (Defence) to Prime Minister Modi in end 2017. The presentation pointed out: tendency to find faults rather than facilitate process; entire ‘Make in India’ policy in defence production sector continues to languish due procedural delays, without taking off in any concrete manner; arms procurement process dogged by multiple and diffused structures without single-point accountability, duplication of processes, avoidable redundant layers doing the same thing again and again, delayed execution, no real-time monitoring and no project-based approach.

Dr Bhamre’s presentation also contended more than a year after the new

>> Operations Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) pushed for domestic defence manufacturing, acquisitions under the Buy and Make in India category still take longest to fructify, while least time is taken in Buy Global category. The presentation projected that Armed Forces continue to view MoD’s Acquisition Wing “as an obstacle rather than a facilitator” and pointed to the need for a “tectonic change” in mindset of the ministry’s officialdom, also stressing that the tendency to accept delays should be unacceptable. MoD contacted by media could not elicit any response from MoD officials because the presentation is a tight slap on face of the MoD with all the noise of having simplified procedures every year and despite the Prime Minister’s push for ‘Make in India’.

What Dr Bhamre may not know is that these procedural delays are ‘deliberate’, intended to create criticalities and facilitate imports for money making. That is the very reason the Buy Global Category always has smooth sailing. Sponsored media accuses Armed Forces of favouring foreign armaments but every decision for weapon/ weapon-system procurement is taken by MoD. More importantly, the qualitative requirements (QR) if changed, is done ‘by MoD’ with the gun fired from the shoulder of the concerned service. Decisions are also manipulated. Moreover, this state has persisted in MoD right since Independence – past 71 years.

FDI in the defence sector from 2014 to December 2017 was measly `1.17 crore compared to the overall FDI inflow of `3,86,885 crore in the country only during 2016-2017. As per SIPRI, India continues to be largest arms importer having spent $100 billion plus in last 10 years, with defence imports gone up 24 per cent during 2013-2017 compared to preceding five years. Ironically, this is the state despite the sprawling governmental defence-industrial complex comprising DRDO-DPSUs-OFs. To top this, CAG reports over the years have been pointing massive across-the-board corruption, 30 per cent indigenous defence equipment sub-standard and excessive costing. This, despite Joint Secretary-level officers of MoD and Department of Defence Production (DoDP) on all boards of DRDO, DPSUs and OFs. The future, therefore, may even be bleaker.

Army jawans are short of requisite small arms, surveillance means, communications, and protection and survival equipment. Camps and installations continue to be without adequate protection despite heightened proxy war. There is need to augment artillery, armour, air defence, anti-tank capability, helicopters, induct drones. Ammunition needs to be built up.

Army’s Battlefield Management System (BMS) pursued for 13 years has been foreclosed for lack of funds. Other information systems like Battlefield Management System (BSS) and Command Information and Decision Support System (CIDSS) are crawling at snail’s pace. The Tactical Communication System (TCS) required 20 years back is still not in place. Border infrastructure continues to be in poor state as seen during recent Chinese intrusion in Tuting area. Most tanks and infantry combat vehicles are not fit for NBC environment due to non-availability of particular type air filters and rubber seals. Procurement of new ICVs has just been cleared but execution may take years. The FICV project is yet to be cleared. The MoD-DRDO nexus has not permitted private sector participation in defence sector to come up the way it should have. The Dhirendra Singh Committee had recommended Strategic Partnership purely for private sector, but the DRDO is coming into every project through the backdoor because of MoD. DRDO’s focus should be future technologies but instead is on commercialisation.

Security of Camps and Installations Post the terrorist attack on IAF’s Pathankot base in January 2016, the governmentappointed Phillip Campose Committee submitted its report to MoD in May 2016, pointing out gaping holes in security and asking for funds besides other measures.

These should have been met on “emergent basis” but after many more terrorist attacks, it finally took the terrorist attack at Sunjwan Army Camp on February 10, 2018, that expenditure of `1,487 crore was approved, with Defence Minister demanding completion within one year, without allotting any funds. The Finance Minister says periodically there is no dearth of finances for Armed Forces but simultaneously caps defence projections arbitrarily without considering operational imperatives.

Security Environment Aside from the crying need for military modernisation and making up critical deficiencies, operational requirements indicate expanding China-Pak nexus resulting in heightening proxy war against India.

China’s PLA has made strategic lodgment in Gilgit-Baltistan with the CPEC and Gwadar port. Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka have opened their arms to China. China supports Pakistani radicals at the UN, has occupied North Doklam and its state media threatens China can destabilize our northeast if India pressurizes Pakistan in Kashmir. With our poorly equipped military, China will likely make intrusion, especially in Arunachal Pradesh where our border infrastructure is weak. There is perception building there will be no conflict, forgetting the maxim ‘if you want peace, be prepared for war’. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said at Vivekananda International Foundation on March 13, 2018, “Chinese have finally arrived…. They did not forget that military power should rise simultaneously with the economy. That is why they stand strong today in the international world order, challenging the might of USA…. There is a belief (in India) that the defence expenditure is actually a burden on the state. They believe that whatever is put in defence it is something that comes without any returns. I want to dispel that myth. If your economy has to rise, your military power has to rise simultaneously to deter potential adversaries.”

Defence Budget India Needs The Long-Term Integrated Procurement Plan 2012-2027 approved by government and the 12th Five Year Plan were based on defence allocation at 3 per cent of GDP but the allocation of defence has always been much below. When Charles de Gaulle became French President in 1959, France was militarily weak. De Gaulle ensured French Defence Budget remained greater than 2 per cent-touching 5 per cent of the GDP, resulting in France emerging as a militarily strong power. Current French military expenditure is 6.2 per cent of GDP. India needs a sustained defence allocation of 3-5 per cent of GDP for the present and coming years, in addition to allocations catering for inflation and associated expenditures.

Pre-Budget Delibrations Lastly, In the US, all Theatre Commanders and Commander SOCOM make pre-budget presentations to a Congressional Committee; covering present operational capabilities, funds requested given those funds what their future operational capability would be.

It is the Congressional Committee that projects budget requirement to the Congress.

India needs to institutionalise Parliament’s Standing Committee on Defence in the loop similarly. The Standing Committee should project budget requirements to the government with operational justifications. This would streamline the defence allocations replacing current ad-hoc arrangements. SP

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>> UNMANNED systems

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Indian Army Increasingly capable UAVs, both in the combat and reconnaissance roles, are carving their own niche PhotographS: IAI, USAF

 Lt General V.K. Kapoor (Retd)

Scientific Research Unmanned aircraft are also used for scientific research in areas which may be too dangerous for piloted craft. Examples are of use during Hurricanes or in extreme cold and severe climates.

T

he synergy derived from the combination of technology with operational art is taking warfare to new realms which were never anticipated. While there are many challenges, but there are also unbounded opportunities. Some are evolutionary—and some are truly revolutionary. For example in the aerospace realm even as fifth-generation aircraft like the F/A-22, the F-35, and the Sukhoi PAK-FA, become operational, increasingly capable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are carving out their own niche.

This brief review examines UAV functions, their expanding missions and the capabilities of some of the current UAVs in use in various militaries.

Armed Attacks UAVs armed with missiles are now used as platforms for hitting ground targets in sensitive areas. Armed UAVs are being used by the US military for hitting militants and terrorist leaders. The advantage of using an unmanned vehicle, rather than a manned aircraft in such cases, is to avoid a diplomatic embarrassment should the aircraft be shot down and the pilots captured. Use of MQ-1 Predator UAVs armed with Hellfire missiles in Afghanistan and in tribal areas of Pakistan and in Yemen by the US, are now well known. Similarly Israel is using UAVs armed with missiles in Palestine.

Many cases of targeting civilians have also been reported by the media proving that targeting without proper verification can lead to collateral damage.

Functions UAVs perform a wide variety of functions.

The majority of these functions pertain to reconnaissance and are some form of remote sensing.

Remote Sensing Remote sensing functions include electromagnetic spectrum sensors, biological sensors, and chemical sensors. Electromagnetic sensors typically include visual spectrum, infrared, or near infrared cameras as well as radar systems. Other electromagnetic wave detectors such as microwave and ultraviolet spectrum sensors may also be used, but are uncommon. Biological sensors are sensors capable of detecting the airborne presence of various microorganisms and other biological factors. Chemical sensors use laser spectroscopy to analyze the concentrations of each element in the air.

Counter – IEDs Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL), UAVs operated in Afghanistan and Iraq have shown their usefulness in counter improvised explosive device (C-IEDs) tasks. Vertical take off and landing UAVs are especially versatile in locating IEDs with the air vehicle capable of hovering at a distance to find and locate IEDs.

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ISTAR and SEAD UAVs additionally offer an alternative to manned strike aircraft providing both intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability as well as suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) and deep penetration capability where there is high threat from enemy air defences.

Land Border Surveillance In the domain of land border surveillance, there is a wide spectrum of possible technical means that can be employed to provide effective surveillance including: daylight and infrared cameras, ground radars, fixed ground sensors, mobile systems, manned aircraft and satellites. However, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) could also play an important role in further enhancing border surveillance in the future, though they face a number of technical and other challenges.

Exploration Missions UAVs can be used to perform geophysical

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Search and Rescue UAVs play a very significant role in search and rescue and this is likely to increase in the future. This was demonstrated by the successful use of UAVs during the 2008 hurricanes that struck Louisiana and Texas. It is believed that Predators, operating between 18,000–29,000 feet above sea level, have performed search and rescue and damage assessment. The Predator’s synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is a sophisticated allweather sensor capable of providing photographic-like images through clouds, rain or fog, and in daytime or nighttime conditions; all in real-time.

Design and Development

(Top) IAI’s Heron UAV; (above) General Atomics’ MQ-9 Reaper.

surveys, in particular geomagnetic surveys where the processed measurements of the differential Earth’s magnetic field strength are used to calculate the nature of the underlying magnetic rock structure.

A knowledge of the underlying rock structure helps trained geophysicists to predict the location of mineral deposits. The production side of oil and gas exploration and production entails the monitoring of the integrity of oil and gas pipelines and related installations. Monitoring activity could be performed using digital cameras mounted on one, or more, UAVs. Transport UAVs can transport goods using various means based on the configuration of the UAV itself. Most payloads are stored in an internal payload bay somewhere in the airframe. For many helicopter configurations, external payloads can be tethered to the bottom of the airframe. With fixed wing UAVs, payloads can also be attached

to the airframe, but aerodynamics of the aircraft with the payload must be assessed.

UAS’ roles have expanded to areas including electronic attack, drone strikes, suppression or destruction of enemy air defense, network node or communications relay, combat search and rescue, and derivations of these themes

UAV design and production is a global activity, with manufacturers all across the world.

The United States and Israel were initial pioneers in this technology, and US manufacturers had a market share of over 60 per cent in 2006. The share is due to increase by 5-10 per cent through 2016. Northrop Grumman and General Atomics are the dominant manufacturers in this industry, on the strength of the Global Hawk and Predator/Mariner systems. Israeli and European manufacturers form a second tier due to lower indigenous investments, and the governments of those nations have initiatives to acquire US systems due to higher levels of capability. European market share represented just 4 per cent of global revenue in 2006.

Miniature and Micro UAVs Smaller, tactical UAVs are being developed to support tactical units with very short range “over the hill” and “around the corner” intelligence, and assist in force protection.

While each mission requires a different profile and capabilities, the man portable Miniature Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) are designed to provide reasonably good performance at an affordable price. To effectively support the field troops, smaller UAVs are designed, ranging from man portable (back packable) systems to insect-sized “mesicopters”, and miniature “smart dust” sensors. They could

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>> UNMANNED systems be launched by hand, deployed by larger UAVs, or ejected from artillery or mortar projectiles, as expendable sensors. These systems are broadly designated as MAV. Current systems are relatively large for a “micro” designation. However, new electro-opto-mechanical integrated micro systems currently in research and development stage will enable these systems to be much smaller, and operate autonomously in concert, to monitor and sense the battlefield, and to engage and defeat a wide variety of hostile targets across the entire spectrum of conflict. US has conducted tests with many types of MAVs [less than 15 cms] however these types of UAVs do not seem to have been deployed operationally at present.

Endurance UAVs As far as unmanned aircraft systems have come in the past decade, the emerging race to satisfy the US military’s demand for unblinking sensor and communications relay coverage over vast areas will push designs and technology for unmanned aircraft even further. Leading the quest are two rival designs so advanced that they have been in development and consumed hundreds of millions of dollars in investment over nearly a decade to reach this point. Both the AeroVironment Global Observer (GO) and the Boeing Phantom Eye programmes were finally closed down. The Pentagon closed the development contract for the Global Observer, the reason being the crash in April 2011. The Global Observer was used as a technology demonstration, not a program for a functioning aircraft. In April 2013, the Pentagon stated that no service or defense agency had advocated for it to be a program. AeroVironment is currently in possession of the second prototype Global Observer.

As far Phantom Eye is concerned although the primary role was airborne surveillance, Boeing pitched it as a communications relay for the U.S. Navy. Boeing said that iIt would have a role in the Navy without taking up space on an aircraft carrier with long-range reconnaissance still provided by the MQ-4C Triton. A pair of Phantom Eyes, one relieving the other after days of constant flight, could provide the Navy with continuous long range communications.

The latest endurance record for an unmanned aerial vehicle flight now officially belongs to Zephyr, the solar powered UAV built by Qinetiq, according to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). The Zephyr UAV achieved three world records in July 2010. The UAV was launched for flight trials on 9 July 2010 and stayed aloft for 14 nights (336 hours 22 minutes) at an altitude of 70,740ft (21,561m) above the US Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. It was brought back to the earth on the morning of 23 July 2010.

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Employment in the Future The military role of unmanned aircraft systems is growing at unprecedented rates. In 2005, tactical- and theater-level unmanned aircraft alone had flown over 1,00,000 flight hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, in which they were organised under Task Force Liberty in Afghanistan and Task Force ODIN in Iraq.

Rapid advances in technology are enabling more and more capability to be placed on smaller airframes, which is spurring a large increase in the number of small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS) being deployed on the battlefield. As the capabilities grow for all types of UAS, nations continue to subsidize their research and development, leading to further advances and enabling them to perform a multitude of missions. UAS no longer only perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, although this still remains their predominant type. Their roles have expanded to areas including electronic attack, drone strikes, suppression or destruction of enemy air defense, network node or

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communications relay, combat search and rescue, and derivations of these themes.

These UAS range in cost from a few thousand dollars to tens of millions of dollars, with aircraft weighing from less than half kilogram to over 18 tons.

Indian UAVs UAVs are low-cost, low-risk, high payoff intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and target acquisition (TA) systems. UAVs can be deployed quickly to cover vast areas and, hence, enhance responsiveness. The employment of UAVs improves situational awareness, helps to increase the operational tempo and reduces the sensorto-shooter time lag. When employed in conjunction with other sensors, UAVs assist in confirming or negating the efficacy of information gathered and, thus, qualitatively improve the intelligence available to commanders. Some of the UAVs in use or being developed are given below.

Nishant – Made for Indian Army, this UAV was developed by DRDO’s branch, Aeronautical Development Establishment.

It requires a launching system with catapult technology as it doesn’t have self-propelling ability and gets down with the help of a parachute. Four Nishant UAVs were given to the Army and all four crashed while being operated. The Indian army has cancelled further orders of this UAV and decided to retire Nishant.

Heron – India already had about 12 Heron-1 drones before the 2005 sale, and they played a crucial part in search and rescue operations following the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004. IAI Searcher tactical UAVs and their high-end Heron UAV counterparts were used to locate trapped survivors and missing bodies near the Andaman and Nicobar islands, relaying clear live feed photographs while in flight, and allowing immediate response as soon as survivors or victims were identified on screen.

The Heron UAV is reportedly capable of flying for over 24 hours at a time at altitudes around 32,000 feet. IAI lists flight time as >40 hours, and says that it has demonstrated 52 hours of continuous flight. It has a maximum range of about 3,000 km and can carry a maximum payload weighing 250 kg/550 lbs. As a large MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance) UAV, it’s built to carry multiple payloads at a time for a variety of missions.

The Indian government had approved the purchase of ten armed UAVs from Israel Aerospace Industries, following a fasttracking of the program by the Modi administration in September 2015. The $400 million acquisition will see ten IAI Heron TP drones join other Israeli designs operated by the Indian Air Force, with Harpy loitering munitions. It seems that Heron is now being operated by all three Services i.e. Army, Navy and the Air Force.

Harpy – The IAI Harpy is a loitering munition produced by Israel Aerospace Industries. The Harpy is designed to attack radar systems and is optimised for the SEAD role. It carries a high explosive warhead. It has a maximum speed of 185 km/hr and 500 km range of flight. The Harpy has been sold to several foreign nations, including South Korea, Turkey, India, and China.

Searcher All three Services operate the Searcher series of UAVs. The Indian Army has reportedly deployed its first batch of 25 Israeli-made Searcher Mark II unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over its frontiers with Pakistan and China. As per media reports, India has purchased 100 of the reconnaissance drones at a cost of $750 million and may double this order. The Indian Army operates both Searcher Mk I and II. The Searcher Mark II is produced by Israel Aircraft Industries. It can remain airborne for 16 hours and has a maximum range of 150 kilometers at the relatively high altitude of 18,500 feet,

Indian army plans to buy high-tech unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to strengthen its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and improve the effectiveness of its military operations making it especially suitable for missions over the Himalayas.Developed by Israel, this UAV can attain a speed of 200km/hour and can fly up to 18 hours at the relatively high altitude of 18,500 feet, making it especially suitable for missions over the Himalayas.

Indian Army,Navy and Air Force are the users in Indian armed forces. It performs the role of reconnaissance in the armed forces.

Rustom It is an unnamed combat air vehicle, a production of DRDO dedicated to all three services of Indian armed forces. The project is under progress and some top private players in defence field are bidding for its manufacturing deal. This UAV has come with wheels which makes its take-off and landing a bit ahead of Nishant. Its variant Rustom -2 is also under progress with more specification and durability.

On February 25, 2018, India’s premier defence research institute DRDO carried out “successful” test flight of its Rustom 2 drone, a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), at Chalakere in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district.

Rustom 2 is being developed on the lines of predator drones of the US to carry out surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles for the armed forces with an endurance of 24 hours, officials said.

DRDO successfully flew its Rustom 2 at its Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) at Chalakere at Chitradurga. This flight assumes significance due to the fact that this is the first flight in user configuration with higher power engine. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said the test flight was “successful” and all its parameters were “normal”.

Lakshya-Pilotless Target aircraft This pilotless target aircraft is manufactured by HAL and Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO for the primary use of Army, Navy and Airforce.

The main purpose of its development is target acquisition and reconnaissance. It has a rocket assisted launch and lands through a parachute. The glamour of this UAV attracted many countries like Singapore, Israel, etc.

Indian Army’s UAV Requirements The army plans to buy high-tech unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to strengthen its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and improve the effectiveness of its military operations.

The force is laying the groundwork for acquiring more than 120 high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) UAVs, a senior officer told HT. Such UAVs can fly at over 60,000ft and remain airborne for over 30 hours. The army’s existing unmanned systems’ fleet comprises Heron medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAVs, and the smaller Searcher Mark II tactical drones, both built by Israel Aerospace Industries. Herons can fly at over 35,000ft and feed airborne intelligence for over 45 hours compared to Searchers that operate at 15,000ft for nearly 20 hours.

“The higher you go, the more you see,” said Lieutenant General Subrata Saha (Retd), army’s deputy chief till March 2017.

“The precision afforded by HALE UAVs comes with top-end technology that can be expensive.” The army is waiting for local vendors to respond to a request for information (RFI) for 60 short-range remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) that can operate for 10 hours at 15,000ft.

Future Milestones Aura/Ghatak In a major step forward for what is by far India’s most ambitious aviation exercise, the first budgetary funds have begun to flow into Project Ghatak. The classified effort to build a stealthy unmanned combat air vehicle formally received sanction as a ‘Lead-in Project’ in May 2016. A project that has direct oversight from the Prime Minister’s Office and the National Security Advisor, Ghatak (which began as the DRDO’s Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft – AURA) has remained steadily out of view. Unheard of in, precious little is known about the project beyond the very basics.

Ghatak is likely to be powered by a modified dry thrust version of the Kaveri engine.

It will have a flying wing planform with internal weapons and will sport stealth characteristics developed wholly in-house.

While the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is overseeing the programme along with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), the real R&D is being frontfooted by two academic institutions: IIT Bombay and IIT Kanpur.

UAV Panchi Punchi is a wheeled version of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Nishant which is undergoing trials. UAV Panchi has some plus points as compared to UAV Nishant. It doesn’t contain parachutes and landing bags which reduces its weight and increases its endurance and its small size as compared to Nishant makes it hard to find in the enemy’s sky.

Predator Guardian Drones from US The US has cleared the sale of predator Guardian drones to India, as President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged on Monday to deepen their defence and security cooperation. “Reflecting the partnership, the US has offered for India’s consideration the sale of Sea Guardian Unmanned Aerial Systems,” the joint statement said.

India is looking to buy 22 predator Guardian drones from the US for $2 billion. India is buying the unarmed Guardian unmanned aircraft system (UAS) which was developed by the US Office of Air and Marine (OAM) in partnership with the US Coast Guard. The Guardian has been modified from a standard Reaper with structural, avionic and communication enhancements and an added Raytheon SeaVue Marine Search Radar. Its Electro-optical/Infrared Sensor is optimized for maritime operations.

The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper (sometimes called Predator B) is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of remotely controlled or autonomous flight operations, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) primarily for the United States Air Force. The engine of the aircraft is integrated with Digital Electronic Engine Control (DEEC).

It enhances the performance of the engine and increases its capability to prevent wasteful consumption of fuel at lower altitudes. Currently the drone is being used

by Australia, Dominican Republic, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. The aircraft can be flown for over 27 hours in the air at a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet and a maximum speed of 240 KTAS. With a fault tolerant, triple-redundant flight control system, the drone has more than 90 per cent system operational availability. SP

>> electro-optics

Turning Night into Day Electro-optical Systems and Programmes The EO sighting systems will provide all weather surveillance and targeting sights for small arms, armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs), artillery guns and missile systems Photograph: Trijicon

 Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd)

Trijicon SNIPE-IR’s. It is clip-on thermal sight which is small and lightweight and designed to fit comfortably in front of the optical day sight for 24-hour weapon sighting applications. The SNIPE-IR’s NO-SHOT ZERO feature makes it simple to verify bore sight when attached. It offers easy sight-in integration for accurate calibrations with the 4x32 ACOG® and 3x and 4x day optics, as well as a large range of variable rifle sights.

Trijicon IR-PATROL®. For missions such as searching for a suspect or securing your position, the Trijicon IR-PATROL® is the ideal multipurpose thermal imaging monocular. It’s compact, lightweight, rugged and offers some of the most advanced performance options on the market—such as MicroIR™ 640x480 12 Sensor and 640x480 digital OLED Display—for a clear, sharp image. The system can be handheld, helmet-mounted or rifle-mounted IR PATROL system.

E

lectro–optical (EO) sighting and sensors systems have numerous applications for the Army to carry out surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, target engagement and missile guidance. The system accesses information from emitted or reflected energy across the wavelengths of infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light, and thus can provide all weather, day and night fighting capabilities. The systems which operate on separate principle for thermal imaging and image enhancement. Thermal imaging functions in the upper region of the infra red spectrum whereas image enhancement works by accumulating and amplifying miniscule amounts of light including the lower end of the infra red spectrum so that it is possible to view the target. Normally it is the image enhancement product which are commonly called as Night Vision Devices (NVDs). The EO sighting systems will provide all weather surveillance and targeting sights for small arms, Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), artillery guns and missile systems. For AFVs first round hit probability is provided by Integrated Fire Control System which is a fully computerised fire control system, mainly consisting of stabilised day/night sighting system (s), laser range finder (LRF) with an integrated ballistic computer. This system facilitates acquiring, locking and engagement of moving targets by means of manual/automatic tracking, while own tank itself is on the move. The concept of first round hit capability is also applied to artillery systems by providing accurate target data by the forward observation post (FOP)officer through better electro-optical and geographic information system (GIS) systems.

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Thermal Imagers Thermal Imager (TI) works on the principal that all objects emit a certain amount of radiation as a function of their temperature/emissivity. Generally speaking, the higher an object’s temperature, the more IR radiation it emits. A TI can thus detect this radiation in a way similar to an ordinary camera does for visible light. It works even in total darkness because ambient light level does not matter. With the recent advancement and rapid development of IR detectors, it has become possible to carry out surveillance and target acquisition during night; similar to daylight hours. TIs have become the primary choice of defence forces for their weapon sights and surveillance equipment.

TI camera A TI camera mainly consists of an optical system, IR detector ,amplifier and signal processing electronics which can be seen on a display unit as the IR is converted into visible light. Most commonly used form of TI camera is Hand Held Thermal Imager

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Trijicon IR-Patrol Thermal Monocular

(HHTI) which is normally based on cooled detectors and can see a group of persons at around 2.5 Km. Cooled TIs are also used as thermal sight for medium range weapons, Fire Control System (FCS) and surveillance system. TIs based on un-cooled detectors, which are generally cheaper, are used for short range applications. Gimbaled payloads with TI and other sensors have become very popular for various applications for UAVs, helicopters, AFVs etc as it provides stabilization for a moving platform.

Laser Range Finder (LRF) Accurate range to the target is an essential parameter for engaging the target for which LRF has become an key device as it is very accurate. It works on the basic principle of emitting a laser beam which gets reflected from the target. A high speed clock then measures the time taken for the laser beam to reach the target and return to the emitter. This time is converted into range which can be seen accurately or directly fed into the ballistic computer. Thus LRFs have become an essential part of any FCS or to carry out artillery survey.

Electro-optical System Programmessome examples L3 Technologies (BNVD)-1531. L3 Warrior Sensor System’s Binocular Night Vision Device (BNVD)-1531 combines key features of the AN/PVS-15 and AN/PVS-31 night vision goggles in a smaller, lightweight solution which incorporates features such as adjustable diopters, manual gain adjustment, individually rotating monoculars and an integrated infrared illuminator; all of which enhance situational awareness, enabling operators to conduct missions more effectively and efficiently.

Raytheon AN/PAS-13B Thermal Weapons Sight (TWS). AN/PAS-13B is an advanced IR weapon sight developed by the US Army and Raytheon. The combat-proven AN/PAS13B combines rugged, lightweight, modular construction with superior TI technology to give today’s war fighter the ability to shoot equally well day or night, significantly increasing survivability and lethality margins on the 21st century battlefield.

TOW ITAS. ITAS increases target detection, acquisition, recognition and engagement ranges; fires all versions of the TOW missile from both the M41 ground launcher and the M1121 high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle platform. It can also be integrated with future missiles systems. The ITAS includes a second-generation FLIR, an eye safe LRF and other digital components which increase detection and identification ranges by a factor of 2X, increasing the probability of hit over the existing TOW 2.

Safran Electronics Spider Artillery Fire Management System (FMS). This is a sensor to shooter, fully integrated digital FMS which automates the entire firing chain starting from the Forward Observer who designates the target, down to the weapon platform, through the fire support’s assessment and coordination levels, which results in accurate firing, target effectiveness and short reaction time which is essential for artillery to be effective in battle.

Autonomous modular thermal cameras. These cameras provide optimum visualization of targets for missile launching and direct fire.

Target designation. Target designation requirements are provided with portable pointing and target acquisition systems such as GonioLight and Sterna, and its missile guidance solutions.

BAE Systems HAMMER (Handheld Azimuth Measuring, Marking, Electro-optic imaging and Ranging) System. This is a lightweight precision targeting solution. The system enables dismounted Forward Observers and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers to rapidly identify, precisely locate, and accurately mark targets for precision Global Positioning System guided and laser-guided munitions. It works in all weather and lighting conditions, and transmits targeting data to existing forward entry systems. A variant of the HAMMER precision targeting system is currently being refined and qualified in the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the U.S. Army’s Joint Effects Targeting System (JETS) programme.

Indian Perspective BEL Optronic Devices Limited. This is a subsidiary company of BEL. It has been established for conducting research, development and manufacture of Image Intensifier Tubes and associated high voltage Power Supply Units for use in military, security and commercial systems.

IRDE (DRDO). IRDE develops a whole range of EO-FCSs for AFVs and naval ships.

Some systems are TI based Surveillance Systems (standalone and platform mounted); LRF, Designators, Seekers and Proximity Sensors; Holographic Sight and Surveillance Systems.

Alpha Design Technologies. Alpha Design Technologies Pvt Ltd., has been established with a view to put into action “MAKE IN INDIA” policy of the Government of India. ALPHA specialises in R&D, manufacture, assembly, testing, qualification, integration & installation of Defence Electronics, Avionics & Space Satellites systems.

It has a Joint Venture with Elbit of Israel and has tied up with Adani Aero Defence Systems which is a part of the Gautam Adaniled group. SP

>> small arms

Selection of Small Arms In last two months, India has re-started the process of replacing its arsenal of small arms, however going by past experience, replacemants on the ground seem distant Photograph: DPR Defence

 Rohit Srivastava

INSAS with 5.56x45 mm. The army has now decided to go for bigger calibre rifles of 7.6x51 mm for more effective firepower.

In his annual press conference, on January 12, Army Chief Bipin Rawat had said that the Army will have two kinds of ARs. “The hi-tech rifles, for instance, will be only for infantry battalions deployed on the front.

The bulk of the weapons will have to come through the indigenous route, the ordnance factories or the private industry.”

Militaries of the world want to arm their soldiers with personal weapons that are light, small, dexterous, automatic with a high rate of fire, which can be fitted with various kinds of sight and aiming devices and detachable under barrel grenade launchers for ARs. These also need to be easy to maintain and resistant to weather extremities.

I

n previous two decades, multiple unsuccessful attempts were made to acquire these weapons. It is needless to say that it is high time that India replaces the older generation small arms which have become unfit for current operational needs.

Small Arms All personal weapons that are part of the standard issue to any soldier which includes revolvers and self-loading pistols, rifles and carbines, assault rifles, submachine guns and light machine guns are defined as small arms. The former two are standard issues to the soldiery while the LMGs are “Section” (three sections in a platoon, and three platoons in a company) weapons issued in a fixed number to army units. Carbines, used in close quarter battles, are issued to commanders at various levels. Generally, people confuse small arms with light weapons which according to Small Arms Survey (1997 UN Panel of Governmental Expert report) are two different set of weapons.

Their light weapons list includes heavy machine guns, hand-held under-barrel and mounted grenade launchers, portable anti-aircraft guns, portable anti-tank guns, recoilless rifles, portable launchers of antitank missile and rocket systems; portable launchers of anti-aircraft missile systems (MANPADS); and mortars of calibres of less than 100 mm.

Why do we need new weapons?

The battlefield requirements and military technology are interlinked. They keep evolving with respect to each other. To keep pace with the change in requirements, weapons evolve and armies are compelled to acquire new solutions to meet new challenges.

The battle field requirements have changed. The likelihood of conventional battles are few and far between and if at all we fight a conventional war it is more likely to be on the pattern of a border war/ skirmish, limited in time and space, such as the Kargil war 1999. But the more prevalent challenge in front of all militaries of the world are the fourth-generation hybrid warfare and counterinsurgency/counterterrorism (CI/CT) operations which includes fighting non-state actors in the urban, semi-

Assault Rifle are expected to maintain a high degree of accuracy even in automatic firing mode. Some of the other features of ARs are robustness, dexterity – operational from both hands, flexibility to take add-on equipment and maintainability.

Types of small arms Pistols/Revolvers These are primarily issued for the personal defence of commanders at various levels. urban and jungle terrain. The requirements of this kind of sub-conventional war are better equipped soldiers capable of operating in all terrain and in all weather conditions in smaller groups and teams.

There has been rethinking within the army over the AR’s calibre after using the

Continued on page 13...

Indian purchase plan On February 28, Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, accorded approval for procurement of 41,000 LMGs and over 3.5 Lakh Close Quarter Battle Carbines under Buy and Make (Indian) category. Out of total quantities envisaged, 75 per cent will be through Indian Industry under ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’ category and balance through OFB. The total cost for procurement of Carbines and LMGs for the soldiers of the three Services is `4607 crore and `3000 crore respectively.

Earlier in the month, on February 13, DAC approved procurement of essential quantity of LMGs for the three Services through the Fast Track Procedure at an estimated cost of over `1,819 crore. This will be over and above the decision of February 28.

DAC also approved the much-anticipated procurement of 7.4 lakh Assault Rifles for the three Services. These Rifles will be ‘Made in India’ under the categorisation of ‘Buy and Make (Indian)’, through both Ordnance Factory Board and Private Industry at an estimated cost of `12,280 crore.

In another decision, it approved the purchase of 5,719 Sniper Rifles for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force at an estimated cost of `982 crore.

For the immediate requirement of the troops deployed on the borders, MoD, on January 16, gave its nod for the procurement of 72,400 assault rifles and 93,895 carbines on fast track basis for `3,547 crore.

More than a million soldiers of Indian Army need replacement of indigenous INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) rifles designed and developed by DRDO and manufactured by Ordnance Factory, which have been found operationally inadequate. Thus the requirement of more modern and reliable rifles. In addition to the AR, the army also needs more accurate close quarter battle carbines. Currently, India is using Russian AK-47/56 for anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir and North East.

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>> marketing feature

Unlimited Use of the ADS Assault Rifle

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C

ombat diver units appeared in our country in the latter half of sixties. In 1967 an Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit was organized (IUWU) at the Black Sea fleet. The reason for this was active foreign development work on regular combat diver units to perform commando-type reconnaissance operations. Fresh in the memory was the wreck of the Novorossiysk battleship happened in the bay by Sevastopol on 29 October of 1955. Although assumption of sabotage was least probable (even now), to write off such danger was impossible.

The divers of counter underwater warfare support required a weapon capable of undersea firing.

The 5.66-mm APS assault rifle and 4.5mm SPP-1 pistol designed for this purpose are of particular interest in the range of underwater weapons due to unusual engineering solutions.

Despite the advantages of the systems, a significant shortcoming with them is ineffectiveness when firing on land. In addition, it must be noted that life of the APS assault rifle when firing on land is just 180 shots.

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Therefore, special forces going on a combat mission both underwater and on land, had to take two weapons: undersea for water and regular for surface combat.

Modern marine special forces are multifunctional because they mostly comprise universal combat divers capable of performing any tasks: underwater sabotage in enemy’s seaports, protection of water areas against enemy underwater swimmer saboteurs and while doing so, act as normal scout saboteurs on land. Russian and foreign experience of using by such units confirms that they fulfill their tasks on land in 80 – 90 % cases. Therefore, such units required to have special multipurpose (underwater and above water) in-service weapon, a sort of universal amphibious rifle. Its firing effectiveness (accuracy, grouping, armour penetration), however, must equal the 5.45-mm AK-74 assault rifle on land and 5.66-mm APS assault rifle under water.

In 2007, KBP Subsidiary TsKIB SOO completed its development work on the 5.45-mm ADS special amphibious assault rifle, designated as ADS that solved the problem of firing under and above water.

The objective of developing the ADS assault rifle was to create a special amphibious assault rifle and special underwater cartridge to replace the in-service APS assault rifle as a combat weapon for special forces of the Russian Navy.

The assault rifle is designed for enemy manpower engagement and fire weapon neutralization: - on land – when firing assault rifle with any standard 5.45 x 39 mm cartridges and underbarrel grenade launcher with standard 40-mm VOG-25 and VOG-25P rounds; - under water – when firing special underwater 5.45 x 39 mm cartridges.

It was made possible by developing a new underwater cartridge with the same overall dimensions as standard land cartridges.

The ADS special amphibious assault rifle with integrated underbarrel grenade launcher features bull-pup layout that enables shorter assault rifle length in comparison to conventional layouts (with the same barrel length), enhanced manoeuvrability, better balance and eliminates

unfolding/folding of the buttstock.

Forward ejection of fired cases with sealed receiver reduces gas contamination at shooter’s face, prevents from injuring by a case when working in a group, also (unlike sideward ejection) makes it possible to fire by a left or right-handed shooter without swapping any parts.

Use of impact-resistant plastic, special materials and coatings contributes to enhanced corrosion resistance and lower weight of the weapon.

A gas regulator added to the gas system enables to switch between “water” and “air” gas operation.

At present, the ADS assault rifle is being tested by marine special forces subunits of the Northern, Black Sea and Pacific fleets of Russia. It has been positively evaluated by the units employing it for its versatility and compact size.

For the first time in global practice, one weapon allows the combat diver to perform missions under water and on land. SP The advertorial is based on article of V.I.Bolotnikov and B.A.Volkov

>> small arms Small Arms... continued from page 11 Pistols are selected for their ease of pulling out, accuracy and lethality at short ranges and if required it should fire in both semiautomatic and single shot mode.

Assault Rifle The basic weapon of any soldier is the AR which is a selective-fire rifle which can fire 1,000 rounds per minute, in automatic mode, at a distance of over 300 metres. These are also capable of semi-automatic and single shot firing. These are very effective in all kinds of engagements. ARs are expected to maintain a high degree of accuracy even in automatic firing mode. Some of the other features of ARs are robustness, dexterity – operational from both hands, flexibility to take add-on equipment and maintainability.

Modern assault rifles come with Picatinny rail to add-on different kinds of accessories like sight and targeting devices.

Carbines These are basically short barrel rifles which fire pistol calibre bullets, like the famous MP-5. But with new demands of the CI/CT operations armed forces across the world are going in for medium calibre (5.56 mm) carbines. These are expected to be easy to handle with a high rate of fire to engage the enemy in all types of terrain including confined places like a building etc. Like AR, the modern carbines come with Picatinny rail.

LMG These are long barrel automatic guns with over 800 m range and also capable of the sustained rate of fire of over 600 rounds/

minutes. These are used for suppressive fire to pin down an enemy or to eliminate them at long distances. The defining characteristics of these guns are accuracy, high rate of fire, weight, robustness, ease of handling and maintainability.

Some of the major aspects of small arms are described below Calibre In the late 1970s, the western armies began to arm their soldiers with smaller calibre (internal diameter of the barrel of a gun) rifles as the objective was to injure a soldier who would require two or more men to take him out of battle, which would take three to four men out of the fight. Within next decade most armies moved from 7.62mm guns to 5.56 x 4 mm (NATO).

But today, when armies are fighting nonstate actors (terrorists/militants/Jihadis), who are trained, motivated and equipped to fight till death and hence continue to fight even after injury with the aim of inflicting maximum causalities on the opponent there is a need to stop this individual before he can do more damage and therefore the forces are moving back to higher calibers such as 7.62mm.

Weight Modern infantry’s battle load is in excess of around 40 kg which includes personal weapons, ammunition, food, water, communication devices, batteries etc. All armies prefer lighter guns which are easy to carry along with battle load and are effortless to handle.

INSAS which weighs around 4.2 kgs (without magazine) is around 500 gm heavier than AK-47. Modern assault rifle like Tavor

Modern small arms are expected to be modular, easy to maintain and should allow add-on of accessories. A modern soldier is a system in itself -21, Tavor-7 and SCAR-H weighs slightly over three kg. The lighter weapon gives less recoil and is easy to fire in burst mode.

Accuracy AK-47, most used firearm in the world, with its all qualities is not considered very accurate in engaging targets at longer range. Today, forces look for a gun which is capable of the high rate of fire but it should also be accurate enough to engage targets at 300 to 400 metres range. This is where modern small arms come into picture. Most of the latest rifles can effectively and accurately engage targets at this range. Similarly, for LMG, the range with accuracy is around 800 metres.

Robustness A gun cannot be a fragile thing. It has to be robust enough to survive shocks and hits that it may face during the conduct of exercises in peacetime and during conflicts.

A gun has to be tough but on other hand it should also be light and compact.

Bullpup To fire heavy calibre bullets, guns need longer barrel, but this restricts effective target acquisition in close quarters. This is where carbine comes handy as they give firepower through smaller barrel. Bullpup design merges the two kinds of guns. It retains the barrel length of an AR by placing the trigger in front of the action and magazine.

This reduces the effective length of the gun.

Hence, it merges the accuracy and firepower of AR with the handiness of carbines.

Other features Modern small arms are expected to be modular, easy to maintain and should allow add-on of accessories. A modern soldier is a system in itself. He should be capable of operating in all condition and weather through both day and night. This is achieved through use of various kinds of gadgets.

Some of these equipment are reflex sights – to aim with open eyes; flashlight; laser target designator; rangefinder; telescopic sights and different kinds of infrared/night vision devices. To integrate these accessories, modern weapons must come with Picatinny rail.

The modern small arms are evolving into a standardized system and are being developed keeping in mind the need for add-on accessories. In comparison to the previous generation of weapons, these new entrant gives soldiers reprieve from tackling many of the problems associated with managing weapons. This brings vital relief to a soldier who is pre-occupied with the larger operational issues and does not want to think about things as fundamental as the functioning of his rifle/carbine. SP

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2/2018 SP’s Land Forces

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>> Interview / HFCL

‘We are committed to participate in emerging eco-system in the country to meet the indigenisation effort and manufacture equipment of global standards’

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Interview with Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director, Himachal Futuristic Communications Ltd (HFCL) SP’s Land Forces (SP’s): Can you give brief details of your company’s profile?

Mahendra Nahata (Nahata): HFCL is a leading telecom company in India, both in the field of manufacturing and telecom infrastructure. In the manufacturing segment, our offerings range from wireline/wireless products, Optical Fibre Cable and Intelligent Power Systems. In the field of telecom infrastructure, the Company provides end to end solutions to telecom service providers both in public and private sectors. We have implemented several Greenfield telecom projects in the past, including setting up of wireless networks, satellite communications, wireless spectrum management, DWDM optical transmission network, etc.

We provide end to end infrastructure solutions to its Customers, from designing to development, execution, integration and maintenance of networks. The Company is uniquely positioned to contribute to Government’s major initiatives towards pan-India connectivity through ‘BharatNet – National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN)’ and ‘Rural Wireline Broadband Scheme’ programmes.

Our solutions are well accepted and recognised both nationally and internationally for quality, robustness and cost competitiveness. The Company has secured a number of orders from defence sector that include installation of pan-India backbone networks in remote borders and island territories.

In addition, the Company has now commenced development, indigenous manufacture and supply of critical equipment and surveillance systems for security forces, Homeland Security, Railway Communications and Smart City Projects.

HFCL is the second largest producer of Optical Fiber Cable in the country. We manufacture about 2,25,000 km of cable each year and export to over 45 countries in Europe, South America, Africa, Middle East, South and South East Asian countries.

HFCL recently added another Optical Fibre Cable manufacturing unit at Chennai and is setting up a basic raw material, ‘Fibre’ plant at the Fab City, Hyderabad. The Fiber unit shall have an annual capacity of 6.4 million fibre kilo metres. The new manufacturing facility will strengthen our optical fibre cable business with capacity, capability and market expansion.

SP’s: HFCL has acquired a wide range of commercial licenses to manufacture products ranging from electronic components, communication equipment, radars, aircrafts and helicopters. What is your strategy to manufacture these products?

Nahata: We had decided on a full-fledged entry into defence industry as part of our

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SP’s Land Forces 2/2018

diversification strategy in the year 2014.

Leveraging the strength in telecom manufacturing, infrastructure end to end solutions and strong project management, HFCL is actively participating in Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

As per the vision of present Government, Defence industry is the centrepiece of ‘Make in India’ programme. We are committed to participate in emerging eco-system in the country to meet the indigenisation effort and manufacture equipment of global standards. Our soldier should be equipped with the state-of-the-art weaponry and equipment to meet the challenges of the security environment in the subcontinent. Our efforts are aligned with the policy framework of the Government and are optimistic of carving a sizeable defence manufacturing business for our Company.

To achieve this, we are forming new strategic partnerships and joint ventures with global OEMs. In the last two years, through collaborations and joint ventures with global OEMs, we are in the process of manufacturing technologically superior and essential equipment for our Defence Forces that include Opto Electronics equipment, Electronic Fuses, Radio Communication and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

In addition, we are actively pursuing the Border Management and Surveillance System due for implementation by the Indian Government and have signed an MOU with a French MNC as our Technology Partner for Portable Opto Electronics to manufacture a wide range of Portable Night Vision Devices. Our solutions are customized as per the terrain requirements in India. Also, a facility for manufacturing of Opto Electronics equipment is underway to fulfil our vision of transforming India into a net exporter of defence equipment.

SP’s: What are the defence products HFCL manufactures and are they in service with the defence forces?

Nahata: HFCL has made entry in four fields, namely Opto Electronics, Electronic Fuses, Radio Communication and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to actively support Government’s indigenization program. Some of our equipment has been technically tested

by Defence Customers and is approved. We have responded to a number of RFPs in above mentioned domains and expect our equipment to be introduced in the Defence services very shortly.

SP’s: Can you give some details of Projects implemented by HFCL in Northern Command and ‘Network for Spectrum’?

Nahata: HFCL commissioned a turnkey microwave network in the Northern Command to provide vital communications to the Field Army operating on the Line of Control. The project was executed in the Counter Insurgency environment. The network comprised of 24 links and extended from Nagrota to Poonch all along the Line of Control. It provided the mainstay communication for the troops fighting insurgency in the state of J&K. This network is functional till date. In addition, the Company executed a satellite based project in the mountainous terrain of Ladakh to provide VSAT based reliable communications to remote posts in High Altitude regions where landline communications are prone to frequent disruptions.

In 2013-15, HFCL executed Optical Fiber layout for Defence Forces in the Central region as part of project ‘Network for Spectrum’ (NFS) on behalf of TCIL. In 2014-15, the Company bid for panIndia NFS projects and is presently executing these projects on pan-India basis, in the remote undeveloped corners of the country including high altitude areas. These projects are most challenging, keeping in view the difficulties of the harsh terrain and the SLAs. The other major projects on our horizon are Cellular CDMA, MINT, AWAN 2, HCRR and remaining projects of NFS. We

“Leveraging our above strengths, we are well positioned to work collaboratively with international technology majors to design and manufacture cost efficient products for Indian industry.

With this backdrop, we are confident of delivering state-of-theart technologies and unsurpassed equipment vide ‘Make in India’ programme.

have already technically qualified on the AWAN 2 project.

SP’s: What OEMs – both Indian & Foreign – you plan to have strategic partnership under the ‘Make in India’ initiative?

Nahata: Defence communication infrastructure projects are complex and challenging, involving multifarious systems for switching, graphic displays, processing, test, power and environment equipment. A large quantity of these equipment are indigenous, but yet a substantial component is imported.

HFCL is making all possible efforts to follow the Preferential Market Access (PMA) policy of Government of India and ensure minimal import content. However, at this stage, some of the equipment has to be imported. For the imported content, we have partnered with major global OEMs and are simultaneously interacting with them to transfer technology to the country, for indigenous manufacture.

SP’s: Does your company have designing, research and development capability, skilled manpower and infrastructure to match the ‘Make in India’ vision?

Nahata: In the past 30 years, HFCL has successfully manufactured wireless/wireline equipment with ToT from several leading global OEMs. Today, HFCL is fully equipped to absorb most sophisticated technologies.

In addition, HFCL has acquired in-house expertise in design, development, planning and execution of complex projects.

The skilled manpower on permanent rolls of HFCL has vast experience in handling state-of-the-art technologies. We have extensive tailor-made training program to skill the dedicated teams for handling and exploiting inducted technologies. In addition, the company has formed a Defence Team comprising of competent experts with over 30 years of experience in defence, as a guiding force for understanding peculiar requirements of the Defence Forces. Through our network building and execution knowledge, we understand the criticality of functions under extreme terrain and harsh operational conditions. Human resource coupled with strong EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) capabilities, in-house power management and strong project execution skills, makes HFCL suitable to compete for the ‘Make in India’ programmes.

Leveraging our above strengths, we are well positioned to work collaboratively with international technology majors to design and manufacture cost efficient products for Indian. With this backdrop, we are confident of delivering state-of-the-art technologies and unsurpassed equipment vide ‘Make in India’ programme. SP

>> by the way / cantonment tales Photograph: Rannvijay Singha / Facebook

DMS Boots to the Officer Mess Parties, Actor Rannvijay Singha Tells You What Shapes a ‘Fauji Brat’ MTV Roadies winner goes down the memory lane with his experiences in the cantonment  Arpita Kala

T

hough actor Rannvijay Singha may not have carried on his family legacy of joining the forces, he still thinks fondly of his days spent in the cantonment. With six generations of family in the defence forces, including his dad Lt General Iqbal Singh Singha, Rannvijay says, “I was actually a boarding school child after the 8th standard. But I remember dad’s Samba (Jammu & Kashmir) posting because I was still living with them at the time. We were staying about eight kms away from the Line of Control and I had a very ‘Famous Five’ kind of a life. We used to get on the cycles, go to the river, then the mango orchard or go pluck berries...it was an amazing life.”

Of DMS Boots and Croquet Parties Rocking the chunky, very punk-rock DMS

boots is something most defence progeny aspire too. And, the former Roadie earned his pretty early. “I had my first DMS when I was going into the 7th standard, I think so, because my dad’s in the Infantry and everyone was wearing DMS, so I got them really early,” he says. In the Capital to host the firstever sneaker festival, Soledition, with his pal Siddharth Pal, the actor even gave a tried and tested tip to break into your DMS boots. He says, “DMS actually means double moulded shoes and are something that all the army people wear for almost everything. When I got mine, I did what all the guys used to do - you got to wet it and put your feet in it for like five hours. It takes the shape of your foot, so you can do anything you want. But you can’t play a lot of specialised sports in it like basketball.”

And though, it’s been a while since he lived the life out of an Enid Blyton book, Singha still has fond memories of the Officers Mess

parties, the unit picnics, croquet matches, dart throwing competitions and the works.

“Later on, when I grew up, I felt blessed that we had so many opportunities to actually do whatever we wanted...like ‘Oh you want to go rock-climbing? Just go to the uncle posted in Siliguri’ or ‘Wanna play basketball? Just go to the RajRif, the team is practicing, just practice with them’. Playing tennis, golf, going for a swim...the kind of infrastructure we had as

“I would have loved to join my dad’s regiment, Rajputana Rifles, unless of course, if I had got through the Paras”

an Army officer’s kid is unbelievable. I really value that,” he says.

Almost Got the Maroon Beret The first-ever winner of the insanely popular reality show, Roadies, in 2003, Singha’s original plan was to follow his dad’s footsteps.

And, he was almost on track with that too having cleared the SSB, qualified for the IMA as well as the OTA. But then, he took two months off to win his favourite motorbike in a television show and never looked back. And, clearly he has thought about the what-ifs too.

“I would have loved to join the Rajputana Rifles, like my dad, but the debate was that my Chacha is from Grenadiers and dad’s really close family friends were from Guards, Arty, Armoured this and that. They were all arguing over which regiment I would join. I would have loved to join my dad’s regiment unless of course, if I had got through to Para (Parachute Regiment), which I would have...,” he says. SP

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2/2018 SP’s Land Forces

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>> LEAD story Modernisation of Army... continued from page 2 ing DRDO-designed Excalibur 5.56 x 45mm rifle. The Excalibur is an upgraded version of the DRDO’s Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56 x 45mm rifle that entered service with the Indian Army in the mid-1990s, but was rejected by it in 2010, for being ‘operationally inadequate’. The Army Commanders Conference in New Delhi in April 2016, has unanimously opted to import the more powerful 7.62 x 51mm rifle for its infantry battalions and its 100 odd counterinsurgency units (both Rashtriya Rifles and Assam Rifles). Thus 72,000 Assault rifles are to be procured on “fast track” basis and 7,40,000 assault rifles on the ‘Buy and Make (Indian)’ are now planned as noted above in the approval of January 6, 2018 and February 13, 2018 respectively.

Carbines The MoD was in the process of finalising the outcome of the 2010 tender for 44,618, 5.56mm close quarter battle (CQB) carbines, trials for which concluded in 2013.

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) ACE carbine was shortlisted over the Italian rival Beretta’s ARX-160 model, but over the past few months the contract ran into procedural problems and has been scrapped on September 29, 2016. The army has been operating without a carbine since 2010.

As per the latest approvals 93,895 carbines are to be procured on ‘fast track’ basis and 3,50,000 lakh carbines under ‘Buy and Make’ (Indian) category as per DAC approvals given on January 16 and February 28, 2018, respectively.

Sniper Rifles and Light Machine Guns The DAC has approved procurement of 5,719 Sniper Rifles for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force at an estimated cost of `982 crore. While these high precision weapons will be bought with ‘Buy Global’ categorisation, the ammunition for these will be initially procured and subsequently manufactured in India. Approval has also been accorded for the procurement of 41,000 Light Machine Guns. The total cost for procurement of Carbines and LMGs for the soldiers of the three Services is `4,607 crore and `3,000 crore respectively.

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Artillery Firepower As part of its artillery modernisation plan, the army is looking at inducting several types of howitzers through in-house manufacture by DRDO/Ordnance Factory Board, inter-governmental pacts and global tenders. The last major acquisition of towed gun-howitzers was that of 400 pieces of 39-calibre 155mm FH-77B howitzers with a range of 30 km from Bofors of Sweden in 1987. This gun proved its mettle in the Kargil conflict. After about 25 years of neglect attempts are now afoot to fulfil its longpostponed 1999 Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan (FARP), under which the army aims to import, locally develop, and licenceproduce some 2,820 to 3,000 assorted 155mm howitzers to equip its artillery regiments for an estimated $8-9 billion. These include 1,580 towed gun systems (TGS), 814 mounted gun systems (MGS), 100 selfpropelled howitzers (SPHs) — all of which are 155mm/52-calibre — and 145 BAE Systems M777 155mm/39-calibre ultra lightweight howitzers. Locally upgraded and retrofitted guns will make up additional numbers. While many projects are afoot, none has fructified.

South Korean Self Propelled Howitzers (SPH), an L&T version of Samsung Techwin’s K9 Thunder 155mm/52-calibre gun was customised for India’s 2012 SPH tender. In December 2015 the MoD began price negotiations with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for 100 modified, worth around $800 million. The K9 Vajra-T, was shortlisted for acquisition in late September 2015 following trials the previous year. In these the K9

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Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, who was speaking at a seminar, made a case for increased spending on defence, linking it to China’s rise and asserting that military spending is not a burden to the nation

bested Russia’s MSTA-S self-propelled gun.

However trials with indigenous ammunition have not proved successful so far.

In the towed category of howitzers, France’s Nexter Systems, with its Trajan 155mm/52-calibre howitzer modified for the Indian tender of 2011-12, and Elbit of Israel’s ATHOS 2052 gun were required to undergo the supplementary trials from mid-2015 after completing desert and highaltitude firings in 2013-14. The army plans to acquire 400 guns under the Defence Procurment Procedure’s (DPP) ‘Buy and Make’ category and licence-build the remaining 1,180 towed howitzers.

The import of 145, M777s was approved in May 2015 by the MoD. M777 is a 155mm ultra light howitzer, and is being imported along with Selex Laser Inertial Artillery Pointing Systems (LINAPS) via the US foreign military sales (FMS) programme.

The DAC approval was given once again on June 25, 2016 but till to date there is no change in the ground situation. The M777 purchase is to equip the army’s 17 Mountain Strike Corps, which is presently being raised for deployment along the disputed border with China. Two guns which have reached India are being used by the Army for making range tables with indigenous ammunition.

One gun has been damaged apparently due to faulty ammunition and under the circumstances the induction is likely to get delayed.

The original induction schedule includes five guns per month from March onwards till all 145 are inducted by June 2021.

Ordnance Factories Board (OFB) had been tasked to produce a 45-calibre/155mm howitzer based on the transfer of technology (ToT) obtained from Bofors in the 1980s.

The DAC approved a proposal from the OFB to manufacture 144 pieces of 155mm/45calibre howitzers with the option to acquire another 400 provided the prototypes successfully meet the army’s GSQR in user trials.

DRDO Designed ATGS 155 mm, 52 Calibre Howitzer has given its go-ahead by the Army after seeing the performance of the weapon. Additions or improvements to the gun envisaged by the Army can be incorporated in later versions. So we can see that while many projects for enhancing our artillery firepower are afoot, nothing has materialized on the ground till date.

Armour Presently the army is hard put to maintain its current fleet of Arjun Mk1 tanks because of lack of spares. The Arjun tank is indigenous in name only because a large number of its systems and parts amounting to about 60 per cent are still imported.

Arjun Mark II tank development of with a large number of improvements has commenced and some technical trials incorporating the improvements have been carried out in Rajasthan. However, the abnormally high weight of 68 tonnes plus, would now demand new tank transporters and new railway rolling stock. These facts together with the unsuccessful trials of firing the anti-tank missile through the main gun of the tank have held up the develop-

ment and delivery of the Arjun Mk II. Additional problems are likely to be encountered in production of spares by ancillary units due to the relatively small order of the tanks (118) for the army. Further delay is expected in series manufacture of the Arjun Mk II. T-90 Tanks have been inducted in fairly large numbers in the army. As per media reports the army’s total requirement is 1,657 T-90S tanks. To enhance its strike capability, the Army is now working on a project to add more teeth to its T-90 main battle tanks by arming them with a third generation missile system. The sources said the third generation missile should achieve a depth of penetration of 800-850mm and will be capable of hitting targets up to a range of 8 km in day as well as night. Currently, the T-90 tanks are equipped with a laser guided INVAR missile system. The future missiles, to be fired from the 125mm gun barrels of T-90 tanks, will be able to hit targets by taking a pre-flight programmed manoeuvres. The missiles should be capable of firing against mobile as well as static targets.

The Army is also working on a separate project to install a modular engine for the T-90 tanks so as to enhance their strike capability in high-altitude battle field. The proposed modular engine for T-90 tanks is envisaged to have a variable power output of 1200- 1500 HP to cater to high battle field agility.

The T-72 M 1 modernisation programme under Project Rhino is inordinately delayed. This was intended to extend the service life of the MBT by 20 years; enhance their accuracy with new fire control system (FCS) whose trials have been completed and some units have received the new fire control systems. However, when all the modifications will be completed is not known.

Future Combat Vehicle Programmes Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) programme which was initiated in 200809 but abandoned three years later, was resurrected once again in 2014. The FICV project is a ‘test case’ for India’s indigenous weapon-designing capability.

The Defence Ministry’s Expression of Interest (EoI), which invited ten companies on July 16, 2015, to submit proposals to develop the FICV under the ‘Make’ procedure, specified that two development agencies would be chosen. However, even as that competitive selection was underway, the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) was included additionally.

With some critical technologies related to the project slated to be sourced from foreign firms and global defence majors like General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and Rheinmetall eyeing the deal, the defence ministry, is considering pushing the deal under the Strategic Partnership Policy (SPP).

The bids are from five private sector companies that have technology tie-ups with overseas vendors and the OFB. They will design and build 2,610 tracked, amphibious and air-transportable 20-tonne FICVs to replace the army’s ageing fleet of Russian BMP-2/2K Sarath ICVs under the DPP’s ‘Make (Indian)’ category.

MoD has appointed a 10-member Integrated Project Management Team (IPMT), headed by a two-star army general who will evaluate the bids and shortlist two development agencies (DA) that will build one FICV prototype each within 24-36 months.

The FICV is an ambitious effort to indigenously design and manufacture a futuristic infantry vehicle by the private industry by roping in foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers.

The Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) Programme on the other hand, is at the tender stage for the procurement of futuristic tanks through the Strategic Partnership model. In November 2017, the Army had issued the Request For Information (RFI) for 1,771 tanks. Lt General

Shivane said the FRCV would replace the Russian T-72 tanks presently in service.

Shivane is the Director General of Mechanised Forces in the Army Headquarters.

Air Defence Considering the high costs of new weapon systems, the army is going in for weapon upgrades for L-70, ZU-23-2 Twin gun, and ZSU-23-4 Schilka. Meanwhile, the army is looking for successors to L-70 and the ZU-23-2 (23mm Twin guns). Successor to Schilka (ZSU-23-4) already exists in the form of Tangushka, but in limited numbers.

A request for information has already been issued to find a replacement for Schilka.

In the missile systems, Kvadrat (mediumrange) and OSA-AK (short-range) are also at the end of their life-cycle. They were to be replaced by Akash and Trishul surfaceto-air (SAM) missiles. Trishul has been foreclosed and Akash is being inducted for semimobile roles and as per the latest reports the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has severely criticised India’s home-made Akash air defence missile system. It stated that the missile systems ordered by the Indian Air Force to counter China is “deficient in quality” and has a 30% failure rate, which posed an “operational risk during hostilities”.

For air defence of mechanised units, it has been planned to acquire Medium-Range SAM (MRSAM) and Quick Reaction SAM (QRSAM) systems. MRSAM will be based on the same system which Israel in collaboration with DRDO is providing to the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force.

VSHORADS is the state of art man portable, missile system for AD Protection of logistic columns & nodes, Bridge Heads &

by Special forces. This critical system will replace vintage IGLA-1M held presently.

Army Aviation – Helicopters Presently the Army Aviation Corps (AAC) has in its inventory the light observation class (Cheetah and Chetak) mostly. These helicopters are obsolete and have been in service since the 1960s and require immediate replacement.

Under the Indo-Russia joint venture, 200 Kamov 226T helicopters will be produced out of which 60 would be supplied to India in fly-away condition. One hundred forty helicopters will be manufactured in India under a USD 1 billion deal inked in 2015.

The project will be implemented on the basis of an inter-governmental agreement, under which the Russian side has taken the obligation to transfer technology and achievement of the highest possible level of localisation in the customer’s country. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is likely to form a joint venture with Russian Helicopters to licence-build 200 Kamov Ka-226T ‘Hoodlum’ light multi-role helicopters to replace the obsolete Cheetas and Chetaks held by the Army which are more than 30 years old.

Conclusion The list of voids and obsolescence of army’s major weapon systems is alarming. This happens to a force when it is neglected by the government for a long period of time as it has happened in the case of the army. We have only covered four arms of the army. If every arm and service of the Army is considered for filling up of voids and modernisation the list will indeed be endless. How are the army and the government planning to make up these shortages and voids if the funding remains at the current level? The defence services together require a budget allocation of at least 2.5 to 3 per cent of GDP (less defence pensions) to sustain themselves and to modernise. Should this not be feasible then the government should seriously consider other options including reducing the size of its armed forces and review its foreign policy on forming alliances with friendly nations. SP

>> marketing feature

IEMP Kupol is Ready for the Challenge To Make Land and Sea AD Systems

R

ussia’s military authorities had always recognized unification of land- and sea-based weapons as one of the most important challenges for building Armed Forces’ effective structure. Back in the end of the XIX-th Century there was a pretty successful attempt made to create a 10-inch long-range gun unified for ships and land fortresses. In the second half of the XX-th Century missiles and rockets became the main weapon of the Army and Navy, but even then there was an intention to have them unified. Especially in areas where weapons enabled completion of similar tasks like in air defense. In fact, the first Soviet sea-based anti-aircraft missile systems were based on land-based air defense systems. These were Volkhov-M M-2 AD system based on C-75 AD system of AD land forces and Volna M-1 AD system – a sea-based version of C-125. But the Navy authorities were not quite satisfied with “marinization” of land AD systems. Next-generation systems – Osa-M ADS – were initially designed and manufactured to meet requirements of the Navy, but with a task to make them unified with land-based Osa AD system. Sadly, the level of military and technical development didn’t make it possible to complete this task at that time. Special features of sea-based AD systems were supposed to ensure firing on the move – a destroyer or cruiser must not stop to counter an air attack. Anyway, such features require stabilization of all radar antennas in three dimensions and powerful computer systems, comparing to at-halt firing. This would increase the system weight. Heavy weight of an AD system is not a problem for heavy and medium displacement ships – their weapons’ weight of hundreds and thousands tons would be added only couple tens of tons.

Such increase in weight would turn out to be

(Top, L-R) Tor-M2KM on KAMAZ chassis; Tor-M2U; (Above, L-R) TorM2K; Tor-M2KM fire.

critical for land AD systems – Osa AD system had only target acquisition radar antennas stabilized, missiles had to be guided at halt. As a result, only 9M33 surface-to-air missile was unified. The same happened during development of next-generation short-range AD system – land-based Tor and sea-based Kynzhal.

Once again, using the same missile the systems were significantly different in arrangement and performance. To understand the difference in requirements to land and sea AD systems these systems need to be compared.

The Tor AD system had 1 target channel, and the Kynzhal AD system, accepted for service in the same year, had already 4 channels.

On the one hand, a combat ship is a much more attractive target comparing to a tank or a multiple rocket launcher and must have more features to counter mass air attacks, on the other hand, cruisers and destroyers of the Navy could carry heavier systems, comparing to those installed on land-based chassis: whereas total weight of the Tor system was 32 tons, just the Kynzhal launcher took 42 tons of its carrier’s displacement. The truth is that in the USSR Navy effective AD systems were installed on heavy and medium displacement ships only because of the Kynzhal systems heavy weight, and small-size forces of the Navy had to use just artillery AD units or sea editions of MANPADS. However, within 30-45 years from the date of put of the first Osa and Tor systems into service, the situation changed greatly.

On the one side, amount of combat ships in the Navy became less, but their capabilities increased significantly. One cannot compare patrol ships of the 159A project and their torpedo-artillery weapons to small missilelaunching ships of the 21631 project, carrying the Caliber systems, – that much is the difference of their attack capabilities,

after all, the latter have two times less displacement. Therefore, the value of each specific combat unit of the Navy has increased much. And leaving even small ships undefended against air attacks wouldn’t be wise.

On the other side, up-to-date industry is quite capable of providing the Navy with space-effective AD systems suitable not only for cruisers and destroyers but for low displacement ships as well.

Present-day Tor-family systems, starting with Tor-M2U, have 4 target channels. New surface-to-air missiles 9M338K were adopted. The diameter of them is 35% smaller than the diameter of SAMs 9M330-2 used for Kynzhal AD system. That enables to increase ammunition load twice.

Finally, development of radio-electronic components makes short-range AD systems capable to fire on the move. Thus, in 2015 Tor-M2U AD system destroyed airborne targets while moving at the speed of 25 km/h, and in 2016 the system performed successful training firings while moving at the speed of 45 km/h. Let us remind about a necessary requirement to a sea AD system capability to perform firing on the move.

To clear up performance of the Torfamily systems in the Navy there were Tor-M2U firing carried out in 2015 from a shoreline at targets flying over water. The Tors destroyed targets properly that simulated modern air attack means. In September 2016 Tor-M2KM AD system carried out successful firing from the Admiral Grigorovych frigate, moving in the open sea at the speed of 8 knots, at targets of different type, including targets simulated an anti-ship missile. Applicability of the Tor-family system by the Navy has been proved.

Victor Visner, deputy general director for technical development of the Izhevsk Elec-

tromechanical Plant (IEMP) Kupol, points out that “making unified weapons for operation in different conditions – important task. The solution would greatly decrease cost of production and operation due to batch production enlargement, as well as to manipulate production facilities more effectively. Today we are already capable to perform major efforts in making sea and land short-range AD systems unified. Still, there will be some differences because of different operating conditions, but great options provided in the Tor system makes it possible to manufacture nearly all the equipment unified, i.e. the differences would only be in matching the AD system with the ship and computer systems algorithms”.

So, it is fair to say that domestic industry today is a footstep away to provide the Navy with effective, space saving and fairly lowcost air defense system. Soviet admirals’ dream is close to become true. SP

Almaz-Antey Aerospace Defense Concern, JSC 121471, Moscow, Vereyskaya str., 41 Tel.: fax (495) 276-29-65 (495) 276-29-69 E-mail: antey@almaz-antey.ru www.almaz-antey.ru

Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol, JSC Russia, Udmurtia, Izhevsk, Pesochnaya str., 3 Tel.: (3412) 72-5125, fax: (3412) 72-6819 E-mail: iemz@kupol.ru www.kupol.ru

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DSA 2018 — A Curtain Raiser It is expected that 1200 companies from 60 countries will exhibit while 42,000 trade visitors from 70 countries including 300 foreign delegations from 40 countries will attend the exhibition and conferences Photograph: mitec.com.my

 Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd)

Attended by Surgeon Generals around the world, this feature is an assembly of leading industry experts to deliver insights covering an extensive discussion on all things chemical, biological, radiological and explosives.

Human Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Conference. This event focuses on issues related to HADR where National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) Malaysia, other international agencies involved and exhibitors involved participate.

Cyber Security Conference. As cyberattacks becomes direct threat, agencies responsible for cyber security will attend the conference on Cyber Security, to address the pressing issues concerning the challenges and enhance awareness in recognising unconventional threats to national security.

T

he 16th Edition of the Defence Services Asia (DSA) Exhibition and Conference is scheduled from April 16-19, 2018, at the newly built Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is held every alternate year. Organisers of DSA have three decades of experience thus it has improved for the better over the years. It is expected that about 1,200 companies from 60 countries will take part in the DSA 2018 and show case the best Defence Technologies and Systems from around the globe. On the sidelines of the Exhibition, there will be conferences where senior and experienced defence officers and security analysts will discuss and debate issues relevant to regional and international security.

DSA 2018 will be hosted, supported and co-organised by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence, the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysia Police.

Opening Ceremony The opening ceremony will be carried out by the Guest of Honour, Y.B. Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Minister of Defence-Malaysia.

National Security Asia 2018 To celebrate the 30 years of DSA a new segment on national security for Asia, named– National Security Asia 2018 (NATSEC Asia 2018) has been included. The debut will take place alongside DSA at the new venue at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

Venue of DSA 2018: MITEC, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) DSA 2018 will be held at the brand new Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur to cater for the continually growing and evolving needs of tens of thousands of visitors from around the globe. MITEC has 45 per cent more heavy and large exhibit areas. It has 41,500 square metres (gross) of area to accommodate (also anticipated) 42,000 trade visitors from 70 countries/regions, 29 International Group Pavilions, 1,200 Companies from 60 countries/region and 300 Foreign Delegations from 40 Countries.

Conferences DSA provides high level conferences where

industry professionals, experts and top officials from around the world gather to discuss the challenges, fundamentals and core ideas that shape the defence industry.

Putrajaya Forum. This is organised by The Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (MiDAS) and the Ministry of Defence Malaysia. This forum is an International conference on defence and security that draws participation comprising policy makers, defence and security agencies, think tanks as well as academicians to meet, discuss and share knowledge to promote understanding on Regional and International defence and security issues.

CBRNe Forum. The CBRNe Forum is a feature focusing specifically on Battlefield Healthcare and emergency preparedness.

Business to Business (B2B) Meetings B2B provides a mechanism for international suppliers to solicit appointments with locally-based Exhibitors and Visitors alike to foster partnerships that will enable both parties to tap into the business opportunities that DSA 2018 brings on the table. DSA 2016 recorded a number of 222 meetings between Exhibitors and Visitors.

Signing of Contracts and Memorandum of Undersatnding (MoU) To add value to Exhibitors’ participation at the show, the Malaysian Ministry of Defence signs and announces contracts and MoUs. At DSA 2016, a record RM2.9 billion ($0.75 billion) worth of defence contracts were signed, exceeding the RM1.86 billion signed at DSA 2014, representing a 56 per cent increase. This will again be a vital feature in DSA 2018. SP

>> News in Brief

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SIPRI publishes global arms transfer data from 2013 to 2017 The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has revealed new data on arms transfers showing a 10 per cent increase in the volume of international major weapons transfers in 2013-17 from 2008-12. Between the 2008-12 and 201317 periods, the flow of arms increased to Asia and Oceania and to the Middle East, while Africa, the Americas, and Europe reported a fall in the supply of arms during the time.

In 2013-17, the five biggest arms exporters, the US, Russia, France, Germany, and China accounted for 74 per cent of all weapons exports. During the period, the US accounted for 34 per cent of total arms exports, which increased by 25 per cent from 2008-12.

According to SIPRI, the country exported major arms to 98 states in 2013-17, with exports to states in the Middle East accounting for 49 per cent of the total US arms exports in that period. China is reported to be the fifth largest arms supplier, with exports registered to have significantly increased by 38 per cent from 2008-12 to 2013-17.

Israel, South Korea, and Turkey have reportedly enhanced their arms supply by 55 per cent, 65 per cent, and 145 per cent respectively. In terms of arms imports, Middle East states registered a significant rise of 103 per cent from 2008-12 to 2013-17 and accounted for 32 per cent of global arms imports in 2013-17. In 2013-17, Saudi

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SP’s Land Forces 2/2018

Arabia was reported to be the world’s second-largest arms importer, while Egypt was the third largest and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the fourth largest.

During the period, India became the largest importer of major arms in the world and accounted for 12 per cent of the global arms import. The country reported an increase of 24 per cent in 2013-17.

The SIPRI Arms Transfers Database provides data on all international transfers of major weapons, including sales, gifts, and production licences, between states, international organisations, and armed nonstate groups.

Successful Test Firing of Brahmos with Indigenous Seeker BrahMos, the formidable supersonic cruise missile with indigenous seeker was successfully flight tested at 0842 hrs today at the Pokhran test range in Rajasthan. The supersonic cruise missile and the seeker have been developed jointly by DRDO and BrahMos Aerospace.

The precision strike weapon with indigenous seeker flew in its designated trajectory and hit the pre-set target. The flight test was conducted by the scientists of DRDO and BrahMos along with the Indian Army.

A high level team led by Chairman DRDO & Secretary DDR&D Dr S. Christopher was present during the flight trial, which included DG (Missiles & Strategic Systems)

& SA to RM Dr G. Satheesh Reddy and Director General BrahMos Dr Sudhir Mishra.

Programme Director Dr Dashrath Ram and Project Director V. Prameelawho had led the effort for development of the indigenous seeker were also part of the team.

Senior IAF officials also witnessed the successful launch of the tactical weapon.

Dstl-funded research develops new limb treatment for soldiers The new technique is a three-stage approach that offers a kit that can be used in the combat field. It also provides highly specialised solutions to patients once they are taken to a care facility. As part of the treatment, a tourniquet is applied to the limb, which applies pressure at different points designed to reduce damage caused to specific areas.

Following this, a cooling ‘sock’ is wrapped around the injured tissue to protect it from further damage until the patient is evacuated to a hospital. The limb is placed inside a protective ‘box’ at the hospital, which can sustain the area while doctors try to repair the tissue. Decontaminated air inside the protective box helps reduce infection and supplies the affected area with blood.

The lightweight technology weighs just 5 kg, specifically designed to be deployed on military operations and used by combat medics. Professor Gourlay’s research team also pioneered a blood salvaging technique, which enables the blood lost in surgery to

be transfused directly back to the patient.

Known as HemoSep, the technique helps reduce the need to use donated blood. A military version of the HemoSep project was funded by Dstl.

Australian Defence Force to procure 211 new Boxer CRVs for $4.09bn The Australian Government is set to invest a total of A$5.2 billion ($4.09 billion) to acquire a fleet of 211 new combat reconnaissance vehicles (CRVs) that would strengthen mobility and firepower of its defence force. The new vehicles will be constructed and delivered domestically to the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) fleet.

Germany-based automotive parts supplier and military technology group Rheinmetall signed a contract to carry out the project.

The company has been selected after completing a three-year tender and testing process that evaluated the capability of its Boxer CRV to be deployed with the ADF. Once in service with the ADF, the new fleet of CRVs is expected to provide enhanced safety to Australian soldiers that are currently deployed and carrying out exercises across the globe. The new vehicles are designed to replace the army’s existing Australian Light Armoured Vehicle fleet. They will be used to carry out a wide range of missions to ensure regional stability and peacekeeping, in addition to high-threat operations.

During the entire 30-year vehicle service period, the Australian industry will be able

>> News in Brief to secure A$10.2 billion ($8.03 billion) of the total investment in procuring and maintaining the CRV vehicle fleet. This is expected to generate up to 1,450 job opportunities across the country. The CRVs are part of the government’s A$200 billion ($157.58 billion) investment in the nation’s defence capabilities over the next decade. They will help ensure that the ADF is equipped to operate in a challenging strategic environment.

High-power microwave and laser systems tested during US Army MFIX Raytheon’s advanced high-power microwave and laser dune buggy was successfully demonstrated at the US Army’s Maneuver Fires Integrated Experiment (MFIX). During the event conducted at the US Army Fires Center of Excellence, the high-power

microwaves and lasers were used to target and destroy common threats, including 45 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones. The US Army’s MFIX exercise was conducted to demonstrate the ways that would help reduce the gaps in the army’s capabilities in long-range fires and in manoeuvering short-range air defence.

The microwave system provided by Raytheon engaged multiple UAV swarms and destroyed a total of 33 drones, knocking down two and three at a time.

Multiple drones a threat to infantry units: Report Countermeasures are needed to tackle multiple small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) being used against deployed US forces, according to a report by the National

Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. High-performance drones can be modified to carry lethal weapons, identify long-range targets, and carry out electronic warfare strikes.

The US Army and Department of Defence (DoD) are already developing countermeasures to fight single UAS, more commonly known as drones, but the report highlights the need for separate measures against multiple drones coordinated in groups. The committee that authored the report was asked by the US Army to assess the threat from UAS. It examined the current capabilities of military units to counter them, assessed related human performance issues, and identified technologies appropriate for short- and long-term science and technology investments by the Army. SP

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal Editor Lt General V.K. Kapoor (Retd) Senior Editorial Contributor Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) Senior Technical Group Editor Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) Assistant Features Editor Arpita Kala Principal Correspondent Rohit Srivastava Contributors India General V.P. Malik (Retd), Lt General Vijay Oberoi (Retd), Lt General R.S. Nagra (Retd), Lt General S.R.R. Aiyengar (Retd), Major General Ashok Mehta (Retd), Major General G.K. Nischol (Retd), Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal (Retd), Brigadier S. Mishra (Retd), Rohit Sharma Chairman & Managing Director Jayant Baranwal Executive Vice President (Planning & Business Development) Rohit Goel

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