SP's Land Forces Issue 2 - 2019

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April-May 2019

Volume 16 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

illustration: Anoop Kamath

Page 4 Pulwama to Balakot – Myths, Realities and Challenges The larger strategic picture of evolving subcontinental geopolitics remains blurred in some of the myths, realities and challenges that merit a review.

Lt General A.B. Shivane (Retd)

IAF Mirage 2000s launch Spice 2000 bombs BALAKOT

Page 6 Tactical Communications: Evolving Technology

Chakothi

LoC

The smart bombs glide towards the target

INDIA The unique scenematching algorithm of the Spice 2000 adjusts the flight path of the bomb

Integrated tactical communications systems are expected to be the key in military communications trends as technology makes ever-advanced capabilities possible.

Spice 2000s home in and penetrate the exact target location

Map not drawn to scale and boundaries are only for representation

Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) Page 7 Interview Timothy Soine, Sr. Manager, Product Management, International Radio Products, Communication Systems, Harris Corporation.

Page 8 Indian Army’s Tactical Communications Programme Army’s Tactical Communication System (TCS), which should have been fielded in year 2000 was expected to kick-start in 2017 has been meandering till date.

Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) Page 10 Electro-Optical Devices for Image Enhancing Integration of thermal and laser imagery with electro-optic systems is the way ahead for effective surveillance solutions by day and night in all weather conditions.

Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) Page 12 The Gold Standard for Small Arms SP’s Land Forces’ Vishal Thapar profiles some of the world’s most iconic military rifles, and also takes a peek into the Indian Army’s new Infantry weapons Plus Special Reports News in Brief

14 15

How it unfolded: A graphic showing the launch and strike by Spice 2000 smart bomb from IAF Mirage 2000 on February 26, 2019

Takeaways from Balakot We need to move away from a hyped up national fervour bordering on jingoism orchestrated by a hyperbolic media to a balanced view on national security issues.

A realistic assessment of our capabilities and limitations is imperative to adopt a mature approach.  General Deepak Kapoor (Retd)

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he Indian Air Force (IAF) needs to be complimented for a well planned, coordinated and meticulously executed strike on a crucial Jaish terror hub at Balakot, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

While going ahead with Balakot strike, the government simultaneously sent out signals to indicate that it did not want to escalate matters to a full-fledged confrontation with Pakistan. Addressing of the press conference, the Foreign Secretary (not the Defence Secretary) stressed on the

‘preemptive’ and ‘non-military’ nature of the strike intended to convey to the international community and the other side that India had acted against terror and not Pakistan and its military. However, this did seem to give credence to the allegations by a section of the public in both countries that it suited BJP’s electoral politics.

The Pakistani response a day later by sending its air force in broad daylight to attack Indian military installations along the Line of Control (LC) in Naushehra Sector was nothing more than a blunder knowing fully well that the IAF would be prepared for such a retaliation and would arrange a befitting reception. No wonder

they lost a F-16 and a pilot in the process.

Obviously, their response too reflected an effort to buttress public opinion that Pak military is no pushover.

Wing Commander Abhinandan’s immediate release simultaneously with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s repeated requests to India to start a dialogue to resolve issues depicted Pakistan as a nation wanting peace and shifted the focus of the international community away from Pakistan’s cultivation of terror infrastructure for proxy war in J&K. In the euphoria of Abhinandan’s quick return, the shrill cacophony of perceived victory orchestrated by Indian electronic media

2/2019 SP’s Land Forces

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E D I T O R I A L

>> LEAD STORY

This year has been very eventful so far with the onset of National Elections, expectations of a new government and budget, and tangible tension on the Indo-Pak border. The horrific attack on the CRPF convoy and the reactions have left a deep scar on the IndoPakistan relations. The former Army Chief of the Indian Army General Deepak Kapoor gives out the narrative which led to the Balakot air strike. He said that, “The Indian Air Force needs to be

complimented for a well planned, coordinated and meticulously executed strike on a crucial Jaish terror hub at Balakot, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. While going ahead with Balakot strike, the government simultaneously sent out signals to indicate that it did not want to escalate matters to a full-fledged confrontation with Pakistan. Addressing of the press conference, the Foreign Secretary (not the Defence Secretary) stressed on the ‘preemptive’ and ‘non-military’ nature of the strike intended to convey to the international community and the other side that India had acted against terror and not Pakistan and its military. He ended with a note of caution by stating that, “We need to move away from a hyped up national fervour bordering on jingoism orchestrated by a hyperbolic media to a balanced view on national security issues. A realistic as-

sessment of our capabilities and limitations is imperative to adopt a mature approach.”

This issue has a focus on Tactical Communications and we have articles highlighting the future trends in Tactical Communications driven by technology and also on the TCS program of the Indian Army, both written by Lt. Gen. Katoch (Retd.) former DGIS. As per the Global Market Insights, Inc., the global tactical communications market will value around $30 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of more than three percent in 20172024. Replacement of outdated legacy systems is expected to drive market growth. The author highlights some of the technologies like VSAT Networks; Ethernet and VoIP; 3D Printing and Synthetic Telepathy; Quantum Communications and concludes Tactical and battlefield communications are improving rapidly and

with the new generation of high throughout satellites are making it increasingly cost effective for the military.

Indian Army is on the verge of a major change in small arms with the induction of the state of art assault rifles, machine guns and sten guns for close quarter battle and sniper rifles. New technology in small arms trends include better reliability, longer life, more lethal ammunition as per operational requirement and better sighting systems which improve accuracy and first shot kill.

Vishal Thapar lists the Gold Standard in Small Arms and profiles the leading rifles being used.

The article on electro-optical devices by Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) highlights that such devices enhance the image and thus the raison d’etre for multiple applications for the armed forces, medical and commercial devices.

The trend is to integrate other de-

vices with electro optical systems like thermal images and laser sensors to make it an all weather, day and night system for better image resolution. Laser applications include Laser radar called Ladar (Laser detection and ranging), laser range finder (LrF) and a laser pointer. The article also includes some examples of the latest EO systems globally.

The issue as usual ends with Special Reports and the news digest.

Wish you discerning readers happy reading!

Jayant Baranwal Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

www.spslandforces.com

Photograph: IAF

changed the mood of the nation from anger to jubilation. A subsequent pronouncement by the government that a repeat of Pulwama would invite greater retribution for Pakistan next time effectively signaled closure of the Pulwama chapter and commencement of ‘business as usual’.

Now that the dust seems to be settling down over our Balakot action and we are gradually getting back to ‘normalisation’ with Pakistan, as happened post 26/11, Pathankot and Uri episodes, we need to look at the takeaways from the aftermath of the heinous Pulwama attack in which 40 of our brave CRPF jawans were martyred.

The Pulwama massacre, for which Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) has publically claimed responsibility, is part of the proxy war which Pakistan state has financially, diplomatically and militarily supported in J&K, to ‘bleed India by a thousand cuts’.

Their preferred weapon for achieving this is, of course, terrorism. We have lost more soldiers and civilians to this scourge than in all the wars fought since independence. It is not unusual to learn about 4 to 5 deaths daily in the Valley through the national print and electronic media. Unfortunately, the Indian conscience gets awakened only when large numbers get martyred like it happened at Uri and Pulwama!

Demolition of terror infrastructure which has wreaked havoc in the Kashmir valley for the last 30 years and bringing back peace and normalcy to the trouble torn area should always remain the focus of any administration. To achieve this, a synchronised and coordinated approach covering economic, diplomatic and military actions to continuously pressurise Pakistan both bilaterally and internationally need to be undertaken.

A surgical strike by the Indian Army in September 2016 post the Uri terror attack, which was claimed to be a game changer then, did not bring about any appreciable change in the pattern and intensity of terror attacks in the valley. In fact, the number attacks on the security forces including on those belonging to Kashmir increased in 2018, thus further deteriorating the situation. Currently, post the Balakot surgical air strike, there is hardly any decline in the terrorist activities. This highlights the fact that an occasional one-off strike against terror infrastructure in Pakistan is not going to produce the desired results and a sustained and relentless targeting of terror modules both within and across the LC needs to be undertaken.

It has been variously claimed that Balakot strikes shifted red-lines, enhanced

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SP’s Land Forces 2/2019

IAF Mirage 2000: Over three decades in service and still going strong

politico military synergy, highlighted prowess of Indian military might, displayed our excellent intelligence acquisition capability, exposed Pakistan’s nuclear ambiguity so on and so forth. From a professional perspective, it would be fair to say that some of these claims are yet to be fully proved for their effectiveness on ground. Let us examine them a little more in detail.

The red lines have indeed been shifted as a result of the Balakot strike. Proactive action taken by India in striking a target deep in Pakistan did change the perception that despite conventional superiority, India will not respond militarily to Pulwama incident because of possible threat of nuclear

Demolition of terror infrastructure which has wreaked havoc in the Kashmir valley for the last 30 years and bringing back peace and normalcy to the trouble torn area should always remain the focus of any administration

retaliation by Pakistan. However, if Balakot strike was meant to deter Pak from continuing its proxy war in J&K, it does not appear to have succeeded considering the undiminished intensity of encounters in the valley post Pulwama. The question that arises is that while a red line may have been breached, has it served our purpose of retaliation? Should repetitive action not be undertaken to achieve the desired result?

Enhancement of politico military synergy has indeed taken place. The need for simultaneous and synergised action at both national and international levels to expose Pakistan’s nexus with terror and coordinated approach to tackle it politically as well as militarily is well acknowledged. However, such a methodology of functioning must be institutionalised in order to handle similar crisis in the future, at short notice. In fact, institutionalisation may even prevent recurrence of such crisis as they may be foreseen in advance.

It may not be appropriate to conclude that the Balakot strikes highlighted the prowess of Indian military might as a very small portion of the military was employed by both sides.

Only a full-fledged conflict can accurately bring out the prowess of a nation’s military in relation to the adversary. In any case, we need to do a lot more in modernising our military and improving its preparedness. An all party parliamentary committee led by Gen B.C. Khanduri concluded in March 2018 that 68 per cent of the equipment held by the military is nearing obsolescence. The conventional superiority enjoyed by our military over Pak

military in the past is gradually eroding. As a percentage of the GDP, our defence budget has been continuously declining over the last 10 years. The political authority should appreciate the fact that a nation can achieve greatness only when it is strong both economically and militarily. It may be interesting to note that China’s military expenditure has been about three and half times more than ours for the last two decades.

Our intelligence acquisition capability against Pakistan can decisively be better than what it currently is. With massive satellite launching ability recognised the world over; we should be able to put in space satellites to monitor every single activity in Pakistan on a minute to minute basis. The human intelligence network dismantled during Prime Minister Narsimha Rao’s time in the nineties has still not been resurrected fully. The irony is that even in J&K our intelligence failed to detect the occurrence of Pulwama strike by JEM in time, resulting in so many avoidable casualties!

As far as exposure of Pakistan’s nuclear ambiguity is concerned, a onetime test cannot become the basis of such an assertion. It also needs to be appreciated that the decision to use its nuclear weapons rests solely with Pakistan. It may decide to use them when it feels its laid down threshold has been crossed in as far as its survival is concerned. This may not be related to Balakot type of air raid at all. In any case, only repeated forays in to Pakistan air space can provide a definitive conclusion whether its nuclear ambiguity stands exposed, if at all.

Protagonists of Balakot strike would not hesitate to come up with additional virtues of the strike to buttress their arguments.

But that is where the basic argument shifts from pure professionalism to politicisation, an aspect which needs to be avoided at all costs. National security must never be sacrificed at the altar of politics.

We need to move away from a hyped up national fervor bordering on jingoism orchestrated by a hyperbolic media to a balanced view on national security issues. A realistic assessment of our capabilities and limitations is imperative to adopt a mature approach. A professional military hierarchy is ideally suited to provide inputs for such informed decision making at the highest political levels. While bureaucrats have a useful role to play in rendering advice on governance issues, their limitations on professional military issues should not be lost sight of. SP —The Author is former COAS

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>> SECURITY

Pulwama to Balakot – Myths, Realities and Challenges The larger strategic picture of evolving subcontinental geopolitics remains blurred in some of the myths, realities and challenges that merit a review Photograph: Dassault Aviation

 Lt General A.B. SHIVANE (Retd)

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lot has been spoken and written on the “Indo Pak Dynamics 2.0” and the global impact, post the Pulwama terrorist attack 2019. However most of the discourses have missed the wood for the trees to see the larger strategic picture and geopolitical realities. The journey from Pulwama to Balakot and beyond has certainly recalibrated, though not necessarily brought a paradigm shift in the global geostrategic canvas in general and Asia in specific. The narrative of “Naya (New) Pakistan” being exposed by the reality of “Ubharta (Rising) India” and its transmuted strategic culture is a reality but possibly insufficient to turn the tables of Proxy War. All the same it has been a welcome curtain raiser of the hopeful evolution of a National Defence Strategy for India. The Indian response was befitting but impact limited to possibly a welcome breather and an uneasy calm.

India “Hit Hard” and “Hit Where it Hurt”, but perhaps not enough to make the hurt last. The logical path for India thus lies in not allowing the hurt inflicted to heal till its mutilation brings about peace and tranquility in the region. Meanwhile the journey from Pulwama to Balakot has exposed the continental real politik’s and the emerging global geopolitical canvas which must define India’s way ahead.

www.spslandforces.com

Emerging Continental Strategic Security Canvas The transactional trajectory of Indian response strategy from Risk Aversion and Strategic Restraint of 26/11 to Risk Aligned and Symbolic Retribution post Uri to Risk Acceptance and Strategic Coercion post Pulwama, has incrementally reformatted the Asian strategic security calculus and global security paradigm.

Pakistan was only an irresponsible enabler whose Pulwama misadventure acted as a catalyst to demonstrate to the world emergence of a rising India, which the world had not anticipated. In the bargain Pakistan exposed chinks in its armour and its strategic vulnerabilities, irrespective of playing the card of de-escalation well.

Balakot marked India shedding its status quo and past strategic inertia on matters of national defence and strategic autonomy. Its new normal exhibits certainty of response even in the fog of adversary’s traditional deniability with uncertainty of intensity and medium, irrespective of the strategic restraints. It demonstrated the nations resolve, strong political will and multi domain military capability for a comprehensive punitive response to national security threats. It effectively showcased its superior military capability and professional acumen, creating incremental space for escalatory force application, irrespective of the professed low nuclear threshold fallacy of Pakistan. Indeed, it has shed its self-imposed restraint of inviolability of erstwhile sacred spaces, sanctity of minimum force application and differentiation between non-state and state

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Myths, Realities and Challenges Having said that there are some myths, some realities and larger challenges that get blurred in such strategic confrontations with clutter of hyper nationalism, self-assuring perceptions of nations and political discourses. So also, is the case of the journey from Pulwama to Balakot and beyond. India deservingly takes pride in the transformed retribution strategy and resolute national resolve. Pakistan on the other hand takes solace in the traditional deniability, follow up ceremonial counter strikes as a face saver and the perceived global appreciation of conflict de-escalation. However, the larger strategic picture of evolving subcontinental geopolitics remains blurred in some of the myths, realities and challenges that merit a review.

Time and again, the iaf Mirage 2000 has proven its mettle

actors. India has strategically dislocated Pakistan psychologically, physically, temporally and functionally. Does this mark the evolution of Indian Cold Start Strategy 2.0 with p ­ reemption, dislocation and disruption as its operational tools and maneouvre warfare as its war fighting philosophy? Only time will tell but not much remains to debate its merit.

At the diplomatic level from non-alignment and strategic heteronomy to proactive multi alignment and strategic autonomy is the new mantra. Balakot was a major diplomatic success at the global arena in successfully exposing Pakistan’s proxy war and showcasing India’s resolve to preserve and safeguard its national interests independently. Indeed, India has evolved as a mature and major global player who demands respect and recognition in the comity of nations. Economically too, its

The challenge however lies for future Indian governments to sustain and balance this new defence strategy and its escalatory matrix, with other facets of national strategic security and economic growth

enmeshed geo-economics and stature as one of the largest growing economy, is driving incremental multilateral engagements even with Pakistan’s all-weather ally China, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. From sixth largest global economy to among the top three economies over the next decade is seen as a reality by the world. India’s geography, natural resources and economic growth trajectory are increasingly seeking global attention and integration. Its strategic location and geo-economics as the driver of geopolitics is thus a foregone conclusion.

India has emerged far more important to the world than a rogue Pakistan, irrespective of Afghanistan new great game and Chinese hegemony.

The challenge however lies for future Indian governments to sustain and balance this new defence strategy and its escalatory matrix, with other facets of national strategic security and economic growth. Hyper-nationalism by way of public pressure and political compulsions cannot be the sole driver of strategic decision making. Nationalism is a positive attribute, but hyper nationalism at times tends to keep the nation perpetually in conflict, suppresses constructive criticism and surpasses socio-economic responsibilities. National defence is the most critical facet but only one subset of national security and economic growth which must also prosper. The real danger however lies in mixing national defence with politics, public emotion and vote banks, more so with 2019 being an election year. “Nation Above All” and not “Politics Above All” must define the strategic culture of the world’s largest democracy.

Myth No. 1: Balakot Bombing will Eliminate the Specter of Proxy War Balakot was an important landmark event, but the reality is that, by itself it is insufficient to dilute the legitimacy of the Pakistan Army and the bonhomie with its strategic assets to wage proxy war against India. Proxy war has a much larger historic baggage and strategic dimension than just destruction of terrorist camp.

India-Pakistan animosity is deep-rooted in incompatible national identities, divergent geopolitical interests and conflicting strategic culture since their birth. The quest for equality, revisionist culture and primacy of Pakistan Army as the guardians of the ideology of the state are the foundational edifice of proxy war against India. Thus, Balakot may have raised the cost of proxy war but it is inadequate by itself for India to stymie the proxy war. Besides Pak sponsored proxy war helps China to hedge India and thus has larger than Pak dimension and support. Militarily India must widen the asymmetry in sub conventional, conventional and strategic domain with Pakistan which would also make sense in decreasing the asymmetry with China. The tools of information warfare, C5ISR and non-contact warfare which are presently nascent must be given due impetus by India. Pakistan must be kept embroiled on the LC by aggressive actions as part of offensive defence and internally through covert actions to bleed its resources and foster instabilities. Kautilya had wisely said “Your neighbour is your natural enemy and the neighbour’s neighbour is your friend”. India needs to exploit these leverages and coordinate with Iran and Afghanistan to create three fronts for Pakistan besides weakening its influence in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s political, social and religious, economic, ethnic and security fault lines present an additional prospect for creating another half front and attendant insecurity to CPEC. Diplomatic isolation and economic sanctions including blacklisting by FATF and denial of IMF loan to Pakistan by global community must be orchestrated and calibrated by India.

China and Saudi Arabia would be forced to direct Pakistan to review its terror policy as they cannot be a permanent fund provider.

Continued on page 9...

>> TECHNOLOGY

Tactical Communications: Evolving Technology Integrated tactical communications systems are expected to be the key in military communications trends as technology makes ever-advanced capabilities possible Photographs: University of Washington, Harris

 By Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd)

At the third annual Intelligence & National Security Summit held in Washington DC on September 7-8, 2016, the Principle Investigator for Materials and Technology Development in Additive Manufacturing at the US Army Research Laboratory (ARL), raised the prospect of 3D printing playing role in advancing biometric communication. A 2008, $4 million research project on synthetic telepathy at Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Maryland and UC Irvine, researchers used a sensor to detect the brain’s electromagnetic pulses and translate them into a base level of communication, for being sent to another person by TMS. 3D printing could advance this research by producing helmets embedded with EEG technology. Military would benefit from such enhanced communications capabilities that would also be able to produce such devices as needed in field, to augment supply or replace damaged unit(s). Research to date on both 3D printing and synthetic telepathy is promising, but due to rigorous military manufacturing specifications, 3D printing for military applications has largely been within the special operations ­community.

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n the wake of speedy technological advancements, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Information and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4I2SR) systems provide sterling opportunities to the defence and security establishment, acting as important force multiplier for commanders at all levels. As militaries vie to improve their network centric warfare capabilities, communications remain vital in current and future scenarios. Continuously evolving solutions for battlefield communications have come a long way over the years, to the highly-advanced networks operating today. With secure communications being crucial for military operations, commercial and government entities are continuously working to improve available solutions.

Tactical Communications Market According to Global Market Insights, Inc., the global tactical communications market will value around $30 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of more than three per cent in 2017-2024. Replacement of outdated legacy systems is expected to drive market growth, while the report cites technological advances like bone conduction, ear canal equipment, and penetration of Long-Term Evolution (LTE) in professional mobile radios as a defining force in the increased adoption of this equipment.

The trend for product miniaturisation is expected to transform tactical communications market in coming years. Integrated tactical communications systems are expected to be the key in military communications trends as technology makes everadvanced capabilities possible.

www.spslandforces.com

VSAT Networks One of the most widely-used communications systems for battlefield operations is VSAT networks. With small amount of on-site equipment required, VSAT networks enable mobile, secure, real-time information relays via satellite over commercial or government frequencies, or combination of both. Satellite antennas, modems, and other related equipment have become smaller, more lightweight, and more mobile, meeting ideal size, weight and power (SWaP) requirements to satisfy military user demands. Inmarsat Global Government, ViaSat, Hughes Government Solutions, Harris CapRock and Newtec are all major players in the field of VSAT service solutions, providing increasingly-high specification offerings to an extremely competitive and fast-moving market.

Cognitive radios are another vital component in military operations, enabling soldiers to securely communicate under all kinds of battlefield conditions. A step beyond software-defined radios (SDRs), cognitive radios are sufficiently computationally intelligent regarding radio resources and computer-to-computer communications to detect and act on user needs. Most cognitive radios on the market today can identify potential interference; path-loss, shadowing and multipath fading that might impair use of a particular frequency.

These capabilities enable highly secure and

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(Top) Researchers use a sensor to detect the brain’s electromagnetic pulses and translate them into a base level of communication, for being sent to another person by trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), (Above) Harris CapRock is a major player in the field of VSAT service solutions.

extremely efficient military communications, even under harsh conditions, or in contested and/or congested environments.

XG Technology, ASELSAN and Per Vices etc are working to evolve cognitive radios to their next higher iteration.

Ethernet and VoIP The evolution of tactical scenarios based on Ethernet networks is increasing the need to integrate digital voice over IP (VoIP), file transfer, image and video transmission and web based applications on the field. The digital IP based ICC-201 intercom system and PRC-525 tactical combat net radio comply with the aforementioned needs, improving simultaneously the connectivity, interoperability, flexibility and mobility. For example, EID tactical network solutions bring to the market a product line that the C4I costumer needs increasing the command, control and communications capability in a seamless way providing solutions to help deployment of state-of-the-art IP-based tactical networks, from simple wire to optical fibre Ethernet converters and vehicular power supplies to sophisticated rugged servers, rugged router/switches, radio access points

Decision-makers at headquarters would be able to swiftly give orders to soldiers in the battlefield without fear of anyone hacking the communications

and radio-VoIP gateways. The ICC-201 Digital Intercom System has a key role on tactical Ethernet solutions since it is an IP based concept that enables the integration and deployment of hardly any operational scenarios in a robust, compact and seamless way. The system has a rugged server (SR-201) dedicated to run specific costumer software applications, locally or through Ethernet client/server connections, such as battle management system, military message handling system and VoIP Gatekeeper.

The server has a connection box (CL-201) designed to allow the use of commercial devices such as keyboard, mouse, webcam, etc, with four dedicated USB-A and two DB9 RS232 standard connectors.

3D Printing and Synthetic Telepathy The concept of using 3D printing for communications, specifically for “brain-to-computer” interfaces, or ‘synthetic telepathy’ are emerging technologies post research in synthetic telepathy by scientists over the years. A US Army Research Office co-funded research at the University of Washington which successfully demonstrated the use of one person’s brain signals to control the hand of another person in 2014. Electroencephalography (EEG) recorded the brain signals and trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) delivered those signals to the second subject’s brain. Long-range synthetic telepathy could open up incredible new communications options for soldiers in the field, with multiple applications including for covert and Special Forces operations. The ability to communicate via ‘thought’ would speed up decisionmaking and action-taking, improving the chance of mission success. It would also take some time for hostile groups to establish technology capable of hacking these synthetic telepathic communications, if possible at all.

Quantum Communications China crossed the communications fiction barrier by launching its Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS) satellite on August 15, 2016. Quantum particles can be transmitted over reasonable distances on Earth, and, according to theory, much greater distances in space. Information encoded in a quantum particle is secure against any computerised hacking because the information would be destroyed as soon as it was measured. In fact, the only way to observe the photon is for it to interact with an electron or an electromagnetic field, both of which would cause the photon to decohere, or interfere with it in a way that would only be apparent to the intended recipient in possession of the encryption key. The advantages that quantum communications could provide to the military are clear; decision-makers at headquarters would be able to swiftly give orders to soldiers in the battlefield without fear of anyone hacking the communications. Similarly, data from the field could be securely relayed back to headquarters for analysis, without enemy interference.

China’s QUESS satellite, enabling hackproof quantum communications, was developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Austrian Academy of Sciences. Its main payload was Sagnac interferometer that generates two entangled infrared photos by shining a UV laser on a non-linear optical crystal. QUESS was designed to test quantum communications capabilities between Earth and space, and test quantum entanglement over unprecedented distances, during its two years of operation. While physicists had successfully separated entangled photons by distances up to 300 km on Earth, because they scatter when they travel through optical fibres and are subject to atmospheric turbulence when sent between telescopes, it is challenging to send entangled photons longer distances. In space, however, these interferences are removed.

>> INTERVIEW / TECHNOLOGY

“Allowing soldiers to keep the same SDR radio which they have been trained on operating for many years, while still enhancing its features and modes of operation, is a tremendous benefit” Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) by Harris are in use by Armies across the globe and have evolved over time with ever-increasing capabilities in each generation. Timothy Soine, Sr. Manager, Product Management, International Radio Products, Communication Systems, Harris Corporation, tells SP’s Land Forces about the various enhancements and developments in SDR. Photograph: Harris

SP’s Land Forces (SP’s): As one of the top leading OEMs in the areas of communications, how would you elaborate the capabilities of Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) by Harris about 10 years before vis-á-vis the current versions? And if there will be any mega improvement in the features for future?

Timothy Soine (Timothy): In general, SDRs have evolved over time given the advancements and modernization of the electrical components and technical designs of the radios and waveforms, as well as to address the evolving communication needs of the battlefield. Just 10 years ago, communication was predominantly voice-centric, point-to-point and line-of-sight narrowband communication. Previous generation SDR developments were primarily focused on extending communication range, introducing ECCM capabilities as jamming threats started to surface, along with the beginnings of providing position data dissemination such as Blue-Force Tracking (BFT) on the battlefield. Given the SDR nature of our FALCON tactical radio family, Harris was able to continue to advance the capabilities of our radios through software updates, without the need for our key military customers to require major investments into new radio hardware.

Harris’ Falcon line of radios have had several generations of these SDRs that have provided upgraded hardware, with everincreasing capabilities in each generation.

Harris is currently focused on releasing improvements in our narrowband networking waveforms, wideband networking

waveforms, ECCM waveforms on our current generation of SDRs as well as migrating to multi-channel hardware SDRs.

To test whether quantum communications could provide a viable, global communications option, a number of quantum communications transmissions will take place between QUESS and various Earth stations, including the Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory in western China, the Xinglong Observatory in Yanshan, and, eventually, a site in Vienna. QUESS will also quantum teleport a photon state from the Ali Observatory in Tibet to the satellite. According to Jianwei Pan, QUESS’s Chief Scientist at the University of Science and Technology of China, the ability of the ground stations to perfectly track the satellite, which is travelling at 8km/s, is a major challenge. He said, “It’s very challenging to create a perfect quantum channel between the satellite and the ground station. We have developed a high frequency and high-accuracy acquiring, pointing and tracking technique to do that.” China plans to launch a number of similar satellites to form a quantum communications network by 2030.

On September 29, 2017, China conducted two successful quantum communications experiments; one, long-distance quantum communication landline call connecting Beijing with coastal city of Shanghai over a distance of more than 1,920 km, and; two, Pan’s former doctoral advisor Anton Zeilinger received a video call in Vienna (Austria) from his colleagues in China. This was no ordinary Skype chat but the first quantum-encrypted video call, made possible by the Chinese quantum communication satellite called ‘Micius’.

Despite these Chinese milestones, there is still much room for improvement in the technology. For instance, since a quantum satellite needs line-of-sight to transfer data, communication coverage by the satellite is very limited; it has to fly directly over the user. A satellite with a higher orbit can increase its coverage, but will demand higher location tracking accuracy from both the ground receivers and the satel-

of our FALCON IIITM Third-Generation SDR family of tactical radios. SDR technology helps us to close gaps of interoperability across our family of radios to support all areas of the battlefield. It also allows us to enhance the capabilities of our radios through software and react quickly to support the needs of our military customers as missions change and threats evolve.

SP’s: Can you share some of the key benefits for the army personnel, with the usage of SDRs? Timothy: The main benefit of using SDRs is that armies’ personnel can be confident that they will be able to purchase radios that will provide the communications capabilities required for their mission needs of today, but will also evolve and adapt over time as their mission needs change, and adversarial threats become more prevalent. This brings benefits across every aspect of how an SDR operates, including continuing to improve the usability of the radios, enhancing the ease of use, HMI improvements, and all other aspects which are controlled by the software within the radio. Allowing soldiers to keep the same SDR radio which they have been trained on operating for many years, while still enhancing its features and modes of operation, is a tremendous benefit for Army Personnel to make sure they are comfortable with their communications for their operations.

SP’s: How do you see the role of SDR in tactical communications revolutionizing tactical military communications?

Timothy: The most effective and sustainable method of enhancing military communications and closing gaps within a tactical communications architecture is through the software implementations of new waveforms or applications. The role of SDR is critical to ensure that military communications evolve fast enough to remain effective vs the emerging challenges that warfighters face today and will face into the future.

SP’s: Please advise if there is a direct or indirect connect of SDR with Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) in your view?

Timothy: RMA has come about due to the advancement in the microprocessor and chip technology, this has resulted in warfare moving from being tri-dimensional to penta- dimensional fueling a shift from being platform centric to network centric.

SDR is driving network centricity to new heights resulting in optimum and timely exploitation of resources. SP

SP’s: How long has the SDR technology been used in tactical radios and how has Harris employed this technology? Can you elaborate on the USP (unique selling point) and key features of the same?

Timothy: Harris’ first SDR, the RF-5000, was released back in 1986 and we have continued to develop and deploy generations of SDRs since. We are now in full production

lite itself. One solution is to send up more satellites to form a global satellite network but if different institutions contribute to the network, software protocols and trust would remain problematic.

There is also a limitation on bandwidth.

Presently, only about one in six million photons sent by the satellite reach the ground receiver. Besides, use of the system by day is not possible due brightness of the sun overwhelming the already dim signal of the satellite. Bandwidth also depends on the number of entangled photons the satellite can generate and store. Presently, the top speed for Micius is just a few kilobytes per second; enough for transmitting a few quantum keys between two science teams, but hardly enough for millions of internet users to simultaneously encrypt sensitive transactions. The Beijing-Shanghai quantum link is a little bit faster than Micius, but essentially still in the same range.

With increasing concerns about cyber

security, quantum communications are bound to grow but phones or laptops matching this technology are unlikely to proliferate soon. Presently, these devices are still quite expensive and quite ‘big’. Eventually, it may be possible to make one that can fit on a chip and stick one in every computer. However, significant technological advances would be required. As the practicality of the technology becomes more and more apparent, competition is heating up among nations to take the next step.

Conclusion Tactical and battlefield communications are improving rapidly. The new generation of high throughout satellites (HTS) are making it increasingly affordable for militaries to optimize satellite communications options.

Cognitive radios, synthetic telepathy and quantum communications are now the buzzwords. India needs a lot of focused R&D and catching up to do. SP

2/2019 SP’s Land Forces

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>> MODERNISATION

Indian Army’s Tactical Communications Programme Army’s Tactical Communication System (TCS), which should have been fielded in year 2000 was expected to kick-start in 2017 has been meandering till date illustration: Anoop Kamath

 By Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd)

www.spslandforces.com

T

he bane of modernisation of the Indian Army has been that technological developments in IT and communications far outpace existing procurement processes.

The exceptionally long gestation periods of projects risk obsolescence and delay modernization. Further, longer time required to develop security algorithms and obtain Scientific Analysis Group’s approval add to the problem. There has always been urgent need to evolve separate procurement procedure for information systems (IS) and communications, ensuring faster induction without compromising transparency and cost-effectiveness. Robustness of transmission, adequate bandwidth, media redundancy and efficient routing are vital for network centricity. However, this has not been possible because of the lackadaisical attitude of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) manned exclusively by bureaucrats; sans military professionals.

But now another factor of severe budgetary constraints has been added; five successive defence budgets allotted under the current government have been negative in actual terms. This has adversely affected the Army’s quest for acquiring network centric capabilities. The Army informed Parliament’s Standing Committee for Defence in 2018 that it has been constrained to shut down a number of ongoing projects. Those remaining are going slow. Army’s Battlefield Management System (BMS), part of the Tactical Command, Control, Communications and Information (Tac C³I) system was foreclosed in 2018 because of lack of budgetary support, although it was being pursued past 13 years. Closure of BMS has also deprived networking of Army’s ongoing F-INSAS (Future Infantry Soldier As a System) programme, adversely affects the Tac C³I project and even networking capacity of Special Forces when operating deep behind enemy lines.

Army’s Tactical Communication System (TCS), which should have been fielded in year 2000 was expected to kick-start in 2017 has been meandering through red tape. In 1996, the existing Plan Army Radio Engineering Network (AREN) system, earlier designed as the backbone of army’s communication that was designed to roll forward, came up for urgent review having become outdated. The TCS was born out of realization that AREN had to be replaced and an upgrade would not be sufficient, as was envisaged earlier especially since legacy radio systems were not designed to connect to broad-reaching IP-based networks. The extraordinary delay of over a decade-and-a-half in TCS was on account of excessive ‘red tape’ befitting a case study, in that the TCS had been approved thrice by the Defence Ministers but every time the whole case was worked afresh after closing the previous case file – an extreme in red tape-ism and lackadaisical approach to vital issues.

Since 2002, the MoD had been vacillating on categorisation of the TCS project

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Indian Army plans to induct seven TCS systems for plains and desert areas at a cost of $4 billion over the next 10 years

under Make (High-Tech Systems) and Make (Strategic, Complex and Security Sensitive Systems), since private sector participation is allowed in the former category and not latter, and classifying it as former category was attributed to the secrecy of the “frequency hopping algorithm” contained in a tiny microchip. The frequency hopping algorithm provides anti-jamming and electronic countermeasures (ECM) functionality. Tactical communications networks need to be multi-hop wire-less networks in which switches and end points are mobile nodes. In a tactical environment, system performance degraded when switching nodes or communication links fail to operate, narrow band electronic jamming is widespread and bandwidth is at premium.

Fast and adaptive algorithms for performance analysis are desirable for optimising the network. Further, tactical networks commonly use pre-emptive algorithms to achieve low blocking probabilities for high-priority connections when the loss of equipment or electronic warfare in the battlefield is considerable. Under unfavourable conditions, Adaptive Channel Hopping (ACH) algorithm lets sensors switch to a

Under the programme, two indigenous domestic development agency (DA) consortiums will be awarded contracts to build one TCS prototype each at a cost of $150 million in 18 months

new operating channel/ACH reduces the channel scanning and selection latency by ordering available channels using link quality indicator measurements and mathematical weights. Plenty of research on the hopping algorithms is being done internationally in the public domain and details such as configuring the program are country specific.

In 2014, there was news about Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) having assisted the Army replace its legacy messaging system with an automated messaging system; a messaging system that relays secured information from one user to another, using the concept of mobile nodes which can be deployed in far-flung locations including in disaster relief situations with highly secure system having multiple levels of security incorporating Fortiora Suite of security products.

But this is only a small part of upgrading networked communications, which form the backbone of an effective command and control system though some modern frequency hopping radio sets with integral encryption have been introduced into service in recent years. Also, as the alternative to the surrendered 3G spectrum by the military, the new optical fibre cable (OFC) network being laid will provide modern landline communications in peace stations and to limited extent in the Tactical Battle Area (TBA). However, this by no means compensates for the TCS being static communications.

The TCS is vital for operational preparedness and force multiplication endeavour. Decisive victory in future conflicts will be difficult to achieve without robust and survivable communications, both in the strategic and tactical d omain.

We should learn from the TCS in foreign militaries as to how they have tackled the challenges of spectrum, bandwidth, laws of physics, etc. British Win-T programme developed by BAE Systems, Canada’s

Tactical Command, Control and Communications Systems (TCCCS) developed by CDC Systems of UK, America’s JTRS and Contact program of France, all have lessons for us including how these countries have optimized participation and contribution of private sector, use of commercial off the shelf (COTS), time bound closure of procurement procedures keeping in mind criticality of the project and electronics manufacturing, and IT delivery self-sufficiency.

According to media reports of 2016, quoting a senior MoD official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the government was all set to award a project under the ‘Make in India’ category for a TCS for the army in early 2017. Under the program, two indigenous domestic development agency (DA) consortiums will be awarded contracts to build one TCS prototype each at a cost of $150 million in 18 months. The government would provide 80 per cent of the funding for the prototype developments. MoD had reportedly shortlisted the DPSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and private sector firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T) was set to team with Tata Power SED and HCL Technologies to build a TCS prototype. Each TCS prototype will include a transmission system; a field wireless system based on 4G long-term evaluation technology; routing and switching systems; multiple mobileplatform engineering systems; a network management system; and a security subsystem. The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) is reportedly developing a homemade security solution albeit CAIR does not have the capacity to develop security solutions itself and will probably outsourcing the same to laboratories of a DPSU, as has been the practice in the past.

>> MODERNISATION / security Photograph: US DoD

The Army plans to induct seven TCS systems for plains and desert areas at a cost of $4 billion over the next 10 years. Once the two prototypes are handed over to the Indian Army, they will undergo technical evaluation, be tested on the ground and then shortlisted for production. Once a plain- and desert-friendly TCS is inducted, the army will place an additional order of seven mountain-friendly TCS systems.

According to an army official, the two selected DAs will need to tie up with overseas defence companies to build Indian Army-specific 100 Mbps (megabits per second) transmission systems, in addition to other critical systems, while the rest of the systems they can build on their own. Also the two DAs must be able to upgrade the fast-changing military communication technologies for the TCS. Since the TCS will be a dedicated strategic project, the army wants to eventually sanitise the technologies built into the prototype and the final system. It is not clear to the DAs how the army will sanitize each of the technologies, either homegrown or imported, that will be incorporated in the TCS prototypes. But such sanitization by the army will lead to direct interference in the developed TCS prototype. This may create problems especially where technologies are being imported. DAs will also have to get undertakings from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for unrestricted use of the imported technologies. Additionally, the MoD wants to retain the intellectual property rights of the systems, but the private sector DA is demanding that it should be vested. Then there is also the grudge by private sector DAs of government granting special favour to BEL in developing the prototype for TCS; MoD has waived

Decisive victory in future conflicts will be difficult to achieve without robust and survivable communications, both in the strategic and tactical domain

There can be no victory in future battles without secure and survivable communications

off the import duty in the case of BEL, but the private sector DA has been asked to pay import duty on the products that they import for the TCS prototype, which the latter consider highly unfair.

But there has been no news over the past two years; whether the DAs have been developed or not; there appears to be no urgency. The news in end 2016 of MoD choosing two DAs and likely to award the TCS as ‘Make in India’ project for developing TCS prototypes is exact duplication of what had been reported more than a year

back. Even then it had been reported that: BEL and the consortium of L&T, Tata Power SED and HCL had reportedly been selected by the government for developing the prototype of the TCS; the government will pay 80 per cent of the development cost while 20 per cent will be funded by the industry, and for TCS, both the selected parties will make the prototype system and the best bidder will then execute the whole project.

The TCS is to have a new generation meshed network exploiting the growth in microprocessor, radio, mobility and satel-

lites; based on lightweight high mobility vehicles which will form highly mobile communication nodes connected as a grid; largely based on tested COTS technologies; high bandwidth with voice, video and data; high capacity point-to-point radio backbone with multiple redundancies; high capacity point-to-multipoint wireless access at the user end; robust and survivable trunk and access radios; redundancy and scalability based on satellites; inbuilt protection against cyber and electronic attacks using firewalls and frequency hopping spread spectrum techniques; encryption and multi-level network security; real-time management of spectrum; integration with legacy systems, strategic networks, national communication systems; effective interoperability within the army and other services during joint operations; lightweight user terminals; and finally effective integration of all Operational Information Systems.

But going by present indications it is difficult to gauge whether the Army will be able to successfully field the seven TCS Systems it wants, after due trials, within the next decade and a half. SP

Pulwama to Balakot... continued from page 4 India’s aim must be to cripple Pakistan’s fragile economy till it takes verifiable and concrete actions against home grown terrorist organisations. The present situation thus presents an opportunity for the world to reform or perish this rogue nation.

Internally Pakistan needs to reflect on its vision, its ways and means to be the “Naya Pakistan”. It must decide that either it becomes a mature and respected democratic entity with a thriving economy or it continues to dig its own grave into a debilitating contradiction of its internal and external conflict. It must address its chronic insecurities, revisionist culture and grand ideological ambitions that generate high level of conflict for itself, the region and the world. Its trajectory cannot be based on these revisionist policies which threatens the very existence of its own state. It’s time to for Pakistan as a nation to question the present narrative and change the fundamentals. The people of Pakistan must empower themselves and become the Center of Gravity of Naya Pakistan. In the meantime, India must not loosen the noose. Pakistan has to be tackled on multiple platforms by India and the world players, comprehensively through a “Strategy of Compellence” by military humiliation, diplomatic coercion and economic strangulation. It may be a long wait but the opportunity to stymie Pakistan abetted proxy war by a comprehensive national strategy by India is now or never.

Myth No. 2: Curbing Pak Proxy War will Change the Narrative of J&K The reality is that there is a problem of Kashmir which has an external dimension and a problem in Kashmir which has an internal dimension. Both these dimensions are conveniently harmonious yet

exclusive in their genesis and treatment.

Thus, eradication of one may act as a catalyst but not necessarily change the narrative of the other. Stymieing proxy war is to do with denying both physical and cognitive space to Pakistan and their revisionist ideology of Fractured India. However, the main challenge for India lies in the addressing the internal dimension while denying space for the external dimension. Kashmir needs a new narrative and bold policies complementing the kinetic measures. Kashmir cannot be seen predominantly as counter terrorism through a security lens, ignoring the larger challenge of insurgency without addressing the apprehensions and distrust in the cognitive domain. The problem in Kashmir is to do with lack of integration in J&K and integration of people in One India ideology. The psychological barriers of Banihal and Zojila must dilute the geographical perceptions while enhancing the demographic expanse. The elimination of terrorist must be complimented with the perception management and the arduous

It is now time to review India’s traditionally deferential policy towards China through a realistic and larger prism of strategic alignment to contain Chinese hegemonic growth

process of good governance with centrality of youth being the primary stake holders. The process of counter-radicalisation must begin with detoxification of educational system, clamp down of terror funding, terminating political ambivalence and restoring the demography of the state. It may be a tall order and time consuming but realities cannot be pushed under the carpet. We need to recognise that Kashmir needs a radically new narrative that may finally involve revoking Article 370 and 35A to fully integrate it with India.

The Indian constitution and a Presidential decree allows for the same provided we exhibit the same strong political will, hard decision making and whole of the nation approach as exhibited for Balakot.

Myth No. 3: Wuhan Bonhomie has Mellowed Pak - China Tango The reality is that in the world of geopolitics there are no permanent friends or enemies but only national interests. China’s foreign policy stances are inherently contextual and long term interest-driven, rather than by adherence to principles. So, was the dragon’s journey from Dhoklam to Pulwama to Balakot and beyond. Chinese incremental prodding at Dhoklam, India’s perceived “China Reset” at Wuhan and the reality of backstabbing by Chinese “Pakistan Pre-set” at UNSC on designating Masoor Azar as a global terrorist are stark realities. Pakistan is certainly far more strategically important than a competing India for China. Chinese great wall will always block international isolation of Pakistan for preservation of its national interests. India needs to realise the limits of its relationship with China and recalibrate its China narrative. The Chinese technical hold in the UNSC committees shows that China-Pakistan nexus is strong

and will continue to grow in the future as well. Certainly, China cannot allow its economic interests by way of its signature project CPEC to fail, nor can it see threats to its CPEC workers or internally allowing Xinjiang to boil by antagonising Pakistan terror outfits. It cannot also fathom India’s rise and global recognition especially in the Indo Pacific and as such encourages Pakistan’s pugnacity against India. China also see’s Afghanistan through the lens of Pakistan, especially the new great game to dominate the geostrategic and economic space post US withdrawal. Thus, China’s military might, expanding economic interests, geographical proximity cum boundary disputes, and assertive policies pose challenges to India’s security and global interests. It is now time to review India’s traditionally deferential policy towards China through a realistic and larger prism of strategic alignment to contain Chinese hegemonic growth. Let realpolitik communicate to China that Wuhan bonhomie and dragon backstabbing cannot go hand in hand. Indeed Pak-China tango will continue to be on the front stage of global geopolitics while the Chinese checker will continue to keep India engaged. In turn India’s Chanakya Niti must checkmate the strategy of Sun Tzu. History presents an opportunity to India, Pakistan and the world. It must not be lost. The proxy war must end once for all. Peace, tranquillity and prosperity for all must prevail in the subcontinent. Kashmir must indeed become Jannat-e-Kashmir for India and be fully integrated as J&K in India, as have other states of the Union. In the meantime, the nation must be patient, united and ready to sacrifice temporary calm for lasting peace. Is it a dream or a reality? Only time will tell. SP

2/2019 SP’s Land Forces

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>> ELECTRO OPTICS

Electro-Optical Devices for Image Enhancing Integration of thermal and laser imagery with electro-optic systems is the way ahead for effective surveillance solutions by day and night in all weather conditions Photographs: Trijicon, BAE Systems

 Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd)

are designed to be used with the “Bindon Aiming Concept”, an aiming technique developed by Trijicon founder and optical designer Glyn Bindon. The technique essentially uses the illuminated part of the reticle and its focusing rear eyepiece as a collimator sight. It is a combat proven system which can with stand recoil from a .22LR (.22 Long Rifle) to a .50BMG (.50 Browning Machine Gun cartridge).

Variants include ACOG®/RMR® Combofor CQB and Long Distance engagement;, RMR®Type 2 LED; Type 2 Adjustable LED or RMR® Dual-Illuminated sight are designed for quick target acquisitionand accuracy.

The Trijicon RMR is extremely versatile as a primary optic on handguns, rifles, carbines and shotguns.When paired with a magnified optic, the RMR is an excellent solution as a secondary CQB optic, and as a backup sight. The Trijicon VCOG (Variable Combat Optical Gunsight) is a rugged variable powered riflescope with an LED illuminated first focal plane BDC reticle. The VCOG is designed for extreme durability and features superior glass quality. The magnification range accommodates CQB and long distance marksmanship. It has MIL-spec grade optic, robust enough for any application.

S

ince the advent of warfare, a soldier’s quest for aids which could enable him to see at longer ranges with more clarity in adverse weather conditions and by night, has been never ending. Such aids would improve his surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and accurate targeting. It would also lead to better situational awareness. The first aid to enter this quest was a variety of binoculars and telescopes based on pure optics and laws of light. This was followed by electrooptics where ‘electro’ component changed the optical properties of the medium. This change not only involved the refractive index but also in birefringence which put across simply is the optical property of a material having a refractive index that depends on the polarization and direction of light resulting in double refraction. In other words electro-optical devices enhance the image and thus the raison d’être for multiple applications for the armed forces, medical and commercial devices. The trend is to integrate other devices like thermal images and laser sensors to make it an allweather, day and night system with electro-optical systems for better image resolution. Laser applications include Laser radar called Ladar (Laser detection and ranging), laser range finder (LRF) and a laser pointer.

LEONARDO DRS They along with the US Army are working on two programmes to counter the adverse effects of night operations. They are the new Enhanced Night Vision Goggle III (ENVG III) and the Family of Weapon Sights – Individual (FWS-I) which aim at creating enhanced capability for infantry soldiers called Rapid Target Acquisition.

BAE SYSTEMS

www.spslandforces.com

Opto-Electronic Tracking System (OETS) This system can detect and track targets otherwise hidden in low contrast clouds or darkness. The OETS is a combination of video, thermal and laser sensors mounted on a small ruggedized, transportable pedestal (or integrated into the customer’s larger pedestal), all controlled by an integrated video’ tracker. The standard configuration includes a modular control and display assembly that can be integrated into a larger system.

Typical sensors include long-range thermal camera, high-resolution video camera with zoom lens, and Class 1M eye-safe laser range finder for generating three dimensional position data. The tracker processor includes a software track loop for local pedestal control and positioning data for slaved pedestals.

OETS has also been integrated into an air defense system.

Mobile Opto-Electronic Tracking System (MOETS) MOETS is designed to provide test range instrumentation for optically acquiring and tracking powered and ballistic projectiles for real-time viewing and recording video for post mission analysis.The standard MOETS consists of two local systems and a remote console The local system is a truck-mounted operations shelter with console, associated electronics and a trailer mounted pedestal.

The remote system enables a single operator to remotely control or override two local units.Data Links between the remote console and the local consoles to provide data, video, and voice transmissions. The minimum target range is>15 km in standard clear atmosphere, High Speed Camera

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SP’s Land Forces 2/2019

(Top) Trijicon Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG), (Above) BAE Systems Opto-Electronic Tracking System (OETS).

Detection Range is 5 km and Data Precisionis 17 Bit.

a range of up to 5 km with an accuracy of ±5m rms. DMS has an accuracy of 1 ° rms.

ASELSAN

TRIJICON ACOG®

Explorer Hand Held Electro-Optic Sensor System EXPLORER is designed to meet tactical needs of a modern army by allowing long range threat detection, identification, determining of coordinates and coordination of support fire via communication units. Due to its light weight and hand held nature, it is easy to carry it whenever necessary. EXPLORER provides the state-of-the-art electro-optical capabilities which include a high resolution uncooled thermal imager, laser range finder(LRF), digital magnetic compass (DMS), global positioning system and laser pointer.

It is ideally suited for carrying out Border Surveillance; Reconnaissance; Situational Awareness and Special Forces. Its main features are High resolution long-wave sensor; Integrated LRF, Laser Pointer, DMC and GPS; Automatic image optimization and image enhancement; coordinates of target calculated in real time and high resolution OLED display. Its main technical features are:Thermal Imager’sDetector has 640 x 480 LWIR (8-12 μm), Optical Magnification is x2.5; Field of View is 10.3° x 7.7°; LRF has a wavelength is Class 1, Eye safe, 1.54 μm with

The Trijicon Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG) is a fixed power, compact riflescope with an illuminated reticule pattern for use in bright to low/no light. The ACOG is designed to be extremely durable and reliable. It combines traditional, precise distance marksmanship with Close Quarter Battle (CQB) speed. Many variants include a bullet drop compensated (BDC) reticle. Every feature of its design was chosen for with the aim of providing increased hit potential in all lighting conditions. It is available in 12 models ranging from 1.5x16S to 6x48 where the first figure indicates the magnification and the second figure indicates the diameter of the objective (front) lens in milli-metres which is important because it controls how much light the scope can let in, and ultimately transmit to your eye.

Most ACOG® models feature a tritium/ fibre optic illuminated reticle that automatically adjusts the brightness based on available light thus can operate without a battery. The ACOG® can be used as a Close Quarter Battle (CQB) sight when shooting with “both eyes open,” utilising the Bindon Aiming Concept. Several ACOG models

Improved Bradley Acquisition System (IBAS) It provides the war fighter with a significant improvement over the original TOW 2 targeting system that was used on the earlier Bradley Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV).The IBAS consists of a Second Generation Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR); a day television camera, a TOW (Tube launched optically tracked wire guided) tracker for the BGM-71 missile; direct view optics, a dual target tracker, an eye safe LRF and a dual axis stabilized head mirror assembly. These advancements improve the Bradley’s capability to defeat the heaviest armoured vehicles and to destroy fortified fighting positions at safer distances than before.The dual target tracker improves the lethality of the Bradley and enhances the on-the-move performance of the 25 mm main gun.It can identify and fire on targets from an even greater distance there by keeping warfighters out of the danger zone.

Drivers Vision Enhancer (DVE) The DVE Display Control Module (DCM) is a 10.4-inch liquid-crystal display (LCD), with 800 x 600 pixel resolution, offers the best in class lightweight and vehicle mounted, the DVE DCM provides situational awareness in a compact form factor with operation during night, low light, day light conditions.

User controls and input/output ports deliver an optimal solution which can operate from sea level to 15,000 feet and can remain sub-

>> ELECTRO OPTICS / APPOINTMENT mersed in one metre of water up to 10 minutes. There are other versions also available.

Enhanced Night Vision Goggle III (ENVG III) and the Family of Weapon Sights – Individual (FWS-I) Some of the most difficult combat occurs during night operations. Leonardo DRS along with the US Army is working on two programmes to counter the adverse effects of night operations. They are the new Enhanced Night Vision Goggle III (ENVG III) and the Family of Weapon Sights – Individual (FWSI) which aim at creating enhanced capability for infantry soldiers called Rapid Target Acquisition. The devices are connected wirelessly enabling soldiers see their weapon sight image and crosshairs aligned with what they are seeing in their night vision goggles.

CONTROP PRECISION TECHNOLOGIES On February 20, 2019 they announced that it will supply Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) with EO/IR systems for the Indian Armed Forces.

Modular Medium Range EO/IR Observation System (MEOS) The MEOS-450 is an advanced, wide area, passive, real time, modular 24/7 ElectroOptical observation system with Panoramic Scan and optional automatic moving object detection capability. Its main features are two optional Cooled Thermal Imaging (TI) Cameras with High Resolution Cooled TI Camera with Continuous Optical Zoom lens; two optional Day Cameras – Long Range or Super Long Range and Eyesafe LRF for 10Km or 20Km (Optional).It has high accuracy P&T(Pan &Tilt) with automatic levelling; also P&T Gyro-stabilization (Optional).

Modular Long Range EO/IR Observation System The MEOS-720/1200 is an advanced, wide area, passive, real time, modular 24/7 Electro-Optical super long range observation system with Panoramic Scan and automatic moving object detection capability (Optional).It has features similar to MEOS -450 but with longer range.

FLIR Mid-Range Pan/Tilt Multi-Sensor The FLIR Ranger® MS-UC DefendIR is an industry-leading mid-range thermal imager that can see in complete darkness and through a multitude of environmental conditions, including smoke, rain, snow, dust, and dense fog. The Ranger DefendIR is ideally suited for day and night perimeter security, maritime surveillance, and home land security.

Mid-Range Pan/Tilt Multi-Sensor with Spotlight The Ranger MS-UC EnforcIR™ is built on the capabilities of the DefendIR™. Along with a daylight/low-light CCD camera and an uncooled VOx thermal imager, the Ranger MS-UC EnforcIR adds a high power spotlight to detect, deter, and temporarily disorient intruders. Its 12 million candlepower spotlight can illuminate trespassers within a one-mile radius which is ideal for perimeter security, border surveillance, crowd control, deterrence, and SAR operations.

ThermoVision™ (THV) 3000 This system detects and classifies illegal activities and threats in total darkness, smoke, sand haze, and broad daylight conditions. The thermal camera is equipped with a long-wave, cooled Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector (QWIP) and switchable optics offering three different fields of view.

It provides excellent situational awareness while also closely monitoring suspect activities in real-time. Ideal applications include perimeter security, border and coastal surveillance, force protection, and mid-range threat detection.

SAFRAN Safran Electronics & Defense offers portable optronic devices to carry out observation, identification, and location homeland security missions.

JIM UC/Protector/Sentinel, mediumrange multi-function infrared binoculars It weighs< 2.8 kgfor JIM LR / HR version and < 2.5 kgfor JIM Observe version. Ther-

The Trijicon RMR is extremely versatile as a primary optic on handguns, rifles, carbines and shotguns.When paired with a magnified optic, the RMR is an excellent solution as a secondary CQB optic, and as a backup sight mal imager’s waveband is 3 - 5 μm (cooled) and visible colour channel FOV is 3° x 2.25°. Apart from other capabilities it has Stabilization, Digital zoom, Image fusion and Local contrast enhancement. They are ideal for both military and security applications, including infantry, special forces, forward observers, border and coastal patrols.

Apart from the above they also have TIPS, a thermal observation pocket scope; BIG25, light amplification night vision binoculars and PRLF, a family of pocket laser rangefinders.

Border protection Safran provides a wide range of optronic solutions for border protection and critical infrastructure and sensitive site defense.

TEOS™ and SAPS detection and reconnaissance systems are flexible and can be installed on vehicles or permanent stations in mobile or network mode. High-performance imagers and optronic sensors (thermal camera, infrared detector, laser rangefinder etc.), provide an optimum observation range of up to 25 km day and night.

L3 SECURITY AND DETECTION SYSTEMS L3 provides improved operational efficiency with technologies that also keep

military and law enforcement personnel safe, provide force protection by discovering hidden landmines, IEDs, and barricaded combatants. Also used for Humanitarian mine clearance. For carrying out these tasks L3 applies innovative radarbased threat detection technologies. Hand held ‘Through Wall Radar’ is one such technology which can rapidly ascertain the presence of personnel on the opposite side of walls and barriers. This technology is designed to provide immediate situational awareness for troops in urban environments.

FUTURE ELECTRO OPTICAL TECHNOLOGIES Numerous technologies are being researched and developed for improving all sub components of Electro-optical Systems.

Brief details of a few of these technologies are given below.

Synthetic aperture Ladar (Laser Detection & Ranging) This a natural outflow of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) which provides high resolution radar images in all weather conditions from remote distances. Synthetic Aperture Ladar (SAL) system operates at infrared wavelengths, which are ten thousand times smaller radar wave lengths and has a potential for vastly improved resolution.

Multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) Imaging Multiple radiating elements transmit multiple independent waveforms to improve the performance of synthetic aperture imaging systems.Thus when coupled with SAL it will improve the image manifold.

Speckle imaging This technology is used for a range of highresolution astronomical imaging which can dramatically increase the resolution of ground-based telescopes but are limited to bright targets. The same technology is being applied to improve the resolution of images of Electro-optical systems. SP

Trijicon, Announces the Promotion of Charles ‘Chuck’ Wahr to Global Vice President of Sales & Marketing

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rijicon, Inc., global provider of innovative aiming solutions for the hunting, shooting, military and law enforcement markets is pleased to announce the promotion of Chuck Wahr to Global Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Chuck joined Trijicon in January 2015 as Vice President Sales and Marketing. Since that time, he has been instrumental in the company’s sales growth and strategic marketing initiatives. In this new role, Wahr will continue to have oversight of the commercial sales and marketing organizations, and will add oversight for Trijicon’s Business Development teams. The Business Develop teams call on our domestic military organizations, government agencies, international military/LE agencies and international commercial sales.

Chuck’s successful career spans over 20 years with leadership roles in several well-

known consumer brand companies including Black & Decker/Dewalt, Newell-Rubbermaid & Overhead Door.

“Chuck’s expanded role as Global Vice President will allow him to bring his wealth of experience and strategic thought to another area of the business,” said Stephen Bindon, Trijicon’s President and CEO. “His

ability to drive change and results make this role a great fit for him.”

Addressing his newly appointed position, Wahr stated, “I am honored to lead the Global Sales and Marketing teams for Trijicon. Our commitment to success and innovation is well documented and I look forward to continuing to build on our strengths.”

Photographs: Trijicon

Sniper-IR and VCOG (Variable Combat Optical Gunsight) from Trijicon

Wahr earned his MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon. Additionally, Chuck proudly served in the US Army Infantry Division from 1987 to 1991 and completed his career as a Staff Sergeant following Operation Desert Storm.

Growing up in Western Michigan, Chuck became an avid hunter, trapper and fisherman, and is still a passionate outdoorsman today.

Trijicon, Inc. has led the industry in the development of superior any-light aiming systems since the company’s founding in 1981. Incorporating nearly four decades of innovation, Trijicon’s riflescopes and sights are the most advanced aiming systems available today. SP —By SP’s Correspondent

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>> SMALL ARMS

The Gold Standard for Small Arms SP’s Land Forces’ Vishal Thapar profiles some of the world’s most iconic military rifles, and also takes a peek into the Indian Army’s new Infantry weapons

www.spslandforces.com

Photographs: US DoD, moderfirearms.net, Kalashnikov, PEO Soldier, Wikipedia, Colt

HK416/M27 Assault Rifle

M4 Carbine

Arguably the best assault rifle in the world, the Heckler and Koch 416 is famous as the weapon with which Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed in 2011. It looks similar to the American M4, but unlike the latter’s direct impingement system, uses a short-stroke gas piston action which keeps it cooler and requires less cleaning. It can fire around 900 NATO 5.56 mm rounds per minute.

The HK416 is designated the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle for the US Marine Corps Infantry.

Design company & country of origin: Heckler and Koch - Germany First used: 2004

The replacement for the venerable M16, a lighter and shorter variant, and hence called a carbine. It was accepted by the US Army in 1994, and used in many theatres. Originally developed by Colt for the UAE. Like the M16A2, the M4 carbine fires the 5.56 mm round from a thirty-round magazine and has both semiautomatic and three-round-burst modes. Recently, the US Army decided to upgrade the gun to the M4A1 standard. It can be equipped with the M203 and M320 grenade launchers.

Original design company & country of origin: Colt - USA First used: 1994

SA80 Assault Rifle

AS50 Sniper Rifle

One of the most reliable rifles in the world and the standard issue weapon for the British Army, Navy, and Air Force. A bullpup-configuration weapon with its magazine positioned behind the trigger, it makes the weapon compact and easier to wield in urban warfare. It fires a 5.56 mm round and can use the same magazine as the American M4. Later variants have been upgraded by Heckler and Koch.

Design company & country of origin: Royal Small Arms Factory - United Kingdom First Used: 1985

Widely acknowledged as one of the world’s best sniper and anti-material rifles, this was specially designed for the British armed forces and the US Navy Seals. the AS50 has an effective kill range of 1.5 km, is light weight and can be assembled in less than 3 minutes.

This .50 BMG rifle can fire 5 rounds in under 2 seconds and deliver explosive or incendiary ammunition with pinpoint accuracy.

Design company & country of origin: Accuracy International - United Kingdom First used: 2007

AK-74M Assault Rifle:

TrackingPoint ‘Smart Rifles’

The AK-74M replaced the legendary AK-47 as the standard issue rifle for the Russian land forces. The AK-74M uses the smaller and lighter 5.45 mm ammunition as compared to the 7.62 mm rounds used for the AK-47 in a 30-round magazine. This was used extensively against the US and Pakistan-propped mujahideen during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan.

This rifle has a side-folding stock and a 16.3-inch barrel in a total length of 37 inches.

It has recently undergone Western-style modifications to incorporate a skeletonised stock, and rail accessory mounting system similar to that on the M4. The AK series of rifles are widely regarded as amongst the most reliable, easy to use, can withstand dust, grime, moisture, and can be fired even from under water.

Design company & country of origin: Kalashnikov - Soviet Union/Russia First Used: 1974

Whilst TrackingPoint does not produce its own firearm, it promises to usher in the era of ‘Smart Rifles’. The American company has developed the world’s first precision guided firearms (PGF) system to convert rifles into smart weapons.

This system calculates range, tracks a target, monitors wind direction and provides a firing solution to the user. It includes a head-up display (HUD) and provides an automatically adjusting aiming reticle. The system is under evaluation and testing by the US Army. It has reportedly been installed on the XM2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle in this context.

Design company & country of origin: TrackingPoint - USA First used: 2011

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>> SMALL ARMS Photographs: Victrix Armaments, Caracal, Sig Sauer, Kalashnikov, Barrett

New Small Arms Inventory of Indian Army

Beretta .338 Lapua Magnum Scorpio

CAR 816 Close Quarter Battle Carbine

The Italian Beretta Scorpio uses the famed .338 Lapua Magnum calibre cartridge, which boasts of the longest confirmed sniper kill in combat at a range of 2,475 metres by the British sniper Corporal of Horse Craig Harrison in November 2009.

Widely used in the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. The Beretta .338 Lapua Magnum Scorpio has a 22-26 inch barrel, comes with a suppressor, and has a 5-round magazine.

This is a bolt action rifle like the American Barret M95 Manufacturer & country of origin: Beretta – Italy

An interim replacement for the Indian Army’s vintage 9mm Sterling carbines, the CAR 816 is a centre-fire, gasoperated and rotating-bolt system chambered in NATO 5.56 x 45 configuration.

The weapon is also available as an assault rifle, comes in varying barrel lengths, and is the standard issue weapon for the UAE forces. The Close Quarter Carbine variant barrel length is 10.5 inches.

Manufacturer & country of origin: Caracal – UAE

SiG 716 Assault Rifle

Kalashnikov AK-203

Barrett M95 Sniper Rifle

An interim replacement for the INSAS standard issue assault rifle, the SiG-716 is built for a harsh tactical environment. With this American weapon, the Indian Army will move back to the 7.62 mm rounds which will provide a higher kill probability.

Combining the reliability and ergonomics of the SiG 516 series with the more lethal 7.62 mm cartridge, the SiG 716 is built around an advanced short-stroke pushrod gas operating system, which reduces excessive heat and carbon fouling for better reliability and performance.

The SiG 716 and the Barret M95 will be the first American small arms to be used by the Indian military in decades.

Manufacturer & country of origin: Sig Sauer – USA

Touted as the most current version of the legendary AK-47 assault rifle, the AK-203 shall be the new standard issue rifle for the Indian Army. Over 7,50,000 of these rifles will be manufactured under licence at the Ordnance Factory, Korwa in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. It will be lighter and shorter than the INSAS. It can fire up to 600 7.62 mm rounds in one minute – or 10 in a second – in both automatic and semi-automatic modes - with a very high reliability factor. It has a kill range of 400 metres, and its magazine can hold 30 bullets.

It can be equipped with an under-barrel grenade launcher or a bayonet, and all versions can be fitted with quick-detachable tactical sound suppressors. The legend of the Kalashnikovs is built around reliability – these rifles are never known to get jammed. These rifles are made for use in very rugged and extreme climatic conditions.

Manufacturer & country of origin: Kalashnikov – Russia

One of the two replacements for the vintage Soviet-origin Druganovs, this bolt action American sniper rifle chambered in .50 BMG is an improved version of the earlier Barret M90. Proven in Iraq and Afghanistan, its innovative bullpup design minimises length without sacrificing ballistic performance or accuracy of the .50 BMG cartridge. Fed by a 5-round detachable box magazine.

The major difference between the M95 and its earlier avatar the M90 is that the pistol grip and trigger have been moved forward 1 inch for better magazine clearance.

Also, the bolt handle has been redesigned and bent down and to the rear.

Used by militaries and law enforcement agencies in 15 countries.

Manufacturer & country of origin: Barret Firearms Company – USA

Uzi Sub-Machine Gun

FAMAS Assault Rifle

M16 ‘Space Rifle’

This legendary handgun dates back to the late 1940s, but continues to occupy an iconic space in the world of small arms. Designed by the legendary Uzial Gal, this very light and handy can fire six hundred 9mm rounds per minute with the intensity of a heavy machine gun. It has an effective range of 200m. It was one of the first weapons to use a telescoping bolt design allowing the magazine to be housed in a pistol-like grip.

First used by the Israeli special forces in 1954, the Uzi has been exported to over 90 countries, more than any other submachine gun ever. Post the 26/11 terrorist attacks from, it was also acquired for the Mumbai Police. It is used as a weapon both for assault and personal protection. Besides the AK-47, also the most preferred weapon for gangsters. This gun has very few moving parts and costs less than many assault weapons.

Designer and Country of Origin: Uzial Gal - Israel, Manufacturers: Israel Military Industries, FN Herstal and others First used: 1954

One of the most distinctive rifles in the world, FAMAS or Fusil d’Assaut de la Manufacture d’Armes de SaintÉtienne Assault Rifle from the Saint-Étienne Weapon Factory), has a very high fire rate of 1,100 round per minute.

Like the British SA80, this French weapon is a bullpupstyled assault rifle, popular as Le Clairon (The Bugle) in the French military, which has been using it since 1978.

It fires the 5.56 mm NATO standard ammunition.

Radioactive tritium sights for night fighting set it apart from other assault rifles. It also has a built-in bipod.

A G2 variant was developed in the mid-1990s but the older F1 continued to be the primary Infantry weapon for the French forces. It is now being replaced by the HK 416 F rifle.

Design company and country of origin: Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS) - France First used: 1978

With 8 million units produced over the decades since the early 1960s, this American weapon is the most-produced 5.56 mm calibre rifle in the world. It was a way ahead of its time and came to be known as the ‘Space Rifle’.

The M16 - also known as the AR-16 - was Armalite’s futuristic response to a US requirement for a lightweight and chambered rifle for an intermediate charge. Armalite M16 solution replaced steel parts traditionally used in rifles by aluminum. Also, for the first time, it used fiberglass in place of wood.

It’s ergonomic design was part of new features which were never seen before in a rifle at that time.

It was inducted as a standard issue Infantry weapon in the US forces in 1964 and was used in the Vietnam War. A few years later, it was replaced by the M16A1. Over the decades that it was in service, the weapon went through numerous upgrades till its replacement by the M4.

Design company and country of origin: Armalite Inc - USA First used: 1964

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>> SPECIAL REPORTS First lot of 6 indigenised Bofors guns handed over to the Army

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he first lot of six indigenised and upgraded Bofors artillery guns was handed over to the Indian Army by the Gun Carriage Factory, Jabalpur, on April 8.

The indigenised Bofors gun has been christened Dhanush.

The Army has accepted the gun for induction after extensive user trials. Now that the capability to produce this gun indigenously has been demonstrated, the Ordnance Factory Board (of which the Gun Carriage Factory is a part) has received the go-ahead from the Ministry of Defence for the bulk production of 114 Dhanush howitzers.

India had so far not availed of the transfer of technology (ToT) element from the controversial Bofors FH- 77 B02 gun deal of 1986 to manufacture the gun locally.

Secretary Defence Production Ajay Kumar, while symbolically handing over the howitzers to the Army, hailed the occasion as a “glorious moment for the Gun Carriage Factory and the Ordnance Factory Board”.

The specification of the original Bofors gun is of 155 mm, 39 calibre. The indigenised Dhanush is of 155 mm, 45 calibre, with a longer barrel and a greater range.

The ToT details from the 1986 Bofors deal have been combined with indigenous knowhow to produce the Dhanush, which also has the shoot and scoot element.

A Ministry of Defence statement put the indigenous content of the gun at 81 per cent. This will go up to 91 per cent by the end of 2019. Director-General Artillery, Lt General P.K. Shrivastava and Commandant School of Artillery, Lt General R.S. Salaria accepted the guns on behalf of the Army.

—By Vishal Thapar

At a parallel Air Force Commanders’ Conference, the top brass again flagged critical requirements to fill gaps which showed up during the recent confrontation with Pakistan.

Increasing the indigenous content in procurements and getting the maximum bang from the buck is a big focus area for the commanders. For the first time, an Industrial Exhibition was held alongside the Army Commanders Conference.

“A total of 53 domestic companies participated in this event.

This interaction of industry representatives with the senior leadership of the Army facilitated in obtaining a direct feedback regarding product development and enhancement keeping in view the requirements of Army,” it was stated in the press release.

The military top brass demanded speeding up of road construction and infrastructure development along the Northern Borders. The forces seek enabling infrastructure for quick military mobilisation in response to threats, and all-weather connectivity.

As the Generals brain-stormed on preparing the Army for the future, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat stressed on the need to scale up “technological threshold” of troops.

“As the Indian Army was becoming a more networked and digitised force, the Chief of Army Staff emphasised on the need to enhance technological threshold of all ranks so as to imbibe state-of-the-art technology and exploit the same,” the Army statement elaborated.

The top brass also sought to be prepare the Army for a bigger role for women officers. “Avenues for making the lady officers experts in foreign languages, artificial intelligence, data management, cyber and space domains are being examined,” according to the statement.

To give the welfare of families of troops killed in the line of duty due attention, the Year 2019 has been declared by the Army as the ‘Year of Next of Kin’.

—By Vishal Thapar

India gets a National War Memorial in the heart of New Delhi

The Memorial complex is built around four concentric circles – Amar Chakra (Circle of immortality), Veerta Chakra (Circle of Bravery), Tyag Chakra (Circle of Sacrifice) and Rakshak Chakra (Circle of Protection).

A 15.5-metre granite obelisk is at the heart of four concentric circles. The eternal flame at the base of this obelisk symbolises the immortality of the spirit of the fallen soldiers with the assurance that the Nation shall never forget their sacrifices. The iconic verse by the poet Jagdambika Pal Hitaishi to commemorate the immortality of martyrs is inscribed under the eternal flame.

The Veerta Chakra is a covered, sunken gallery with six bronze murals depicting the valour of the Indian soldier in famous battles.

The Tyag Chakra comprises concentric walls of honour with names of soldiers killed in action inscribed in letters of gold on granite tablets embedded in the walls. Each martyred soldier has an independent brick to his name, which makes this complex unique. The circular concentric walls of honour represent the ancient war formation ‘Chakravyuh’.

The fourth Circle on the outer periphery – the Rakshak Chakra (Circle of Protection) – with the row of trees representing a reassurance to the nation about its safety against any threat. Each tree represents soldiers who ensure the territorial integrity of the nation.

The Param Yodha Sthal is an adjoining park dedicated to recipients of the nation’s highest gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra (PVC). Busts of all 21 PVC awardees are installed in the landscaped park.

“The design for the Memorial was selected through a global competition. Yogesh Chanrahsan of WeBe Design Lab, Chennai, won the competition and was appointed project consultant. M/s NCC Ltd was awarded the contract for the construction of the complex,” explained Major General Alok Raj, the chief project coordinator, who also conducted the Prime Minister around the Memorial complex during the dedication ceremony. The murals and busts have been sculpted by Ram Suthar.

Lt General Rajeshwar said the Memorial was intended to be a place of pilgrimage. “It is aimed at instilling national pride and a sense of patriotism. it will be an inspiration to the next generation and help the cause of nation building,” he said.

Entry would be restricted to a maximum of 250 persons at a time. “The public should respect the regulation of footfall. It is a pious place and we expect a certain order,” Major General Raj informed. But two public plazas will be kept open round the clock.

—By Vishal Thapar

Spike gets a new lease of life: Indian Army seeks Israeli missile as an urgent requirement

Amidst military tensions, Army top brass re-prioritises budgetary spending to ensure war readiness

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www.spslandforces.com

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midst military tensions with Pakistan, the Army top brass has initiated re-prioritisation of its procurements to ensure operational readiness.

“Re-prioritising the existing requirements to ensure that the resources allocated for force modernisation and capacity building....by optimising allotted budget” for “optimum force readiness” tops the agenda of the ongoing Army Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi, according to a press statement issued by the Army on April 12. The six-day conference will conclude on April 13.

Budgetary constraints are forcing India’s armed forces to pare down their modernisation plans to the bare essentials for maintaining readiness to face military challenges at a time of heightened tensions with adversaries. Budgetary levels are inadequate to meet even the committed liabilities of the Indian Air Force and the Navy, and the tight resource position is a major worry for military planners.

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he National War Memorial was dedicated to the nation

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 25, bringing the supreme sacrifice made by 25,942 military troops since Independence centre-stage to New Delhi’s capitol complex. When Modi lit the eternal flame at the base of a central obelisk at the heart of the Memorial complex to honour the memory of the soldiers who fell in battle to uphold national integrity, it fulfilled a six-decade-old emotive demand by the armed forces.

“All ceremonial wreath-laying by national and international dignitaries will now be shifted from India Gate to the National War Memorial,” announced Lt General P.S. Rajeshwar, chief of the Integrated Defence Staff, who oversaw the completion of work on this 176 crore project in one year.

The inter-service guard will also shift to the War Memorial.

India Gate was raised in 1931 to commemorate 83,000 Indian troops who had laid down their lives in World War-I and the Third Anglo-Afghan Wars. An inverted rifle bayonet with a helmet on top was installed under the India Gate arch in January 1972 to commemorate India’s victory in the 1971 War and as a tribute to troops who laid down their lives in the War. Respects to the fallen soldiers have been paid by dignitaries at India Gate since then. The new War Memorial is located in the C Hexagon area between India Gate and the National Stadium, and spread over a 40-acre complex, making it one of the largest in the world.

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rospects for the Israeli Spike missile have got a new lease of life in the Indian market with the Indian Army reportedly putting this system on the fast track procurement route.

The Indian Army declined to confirm or deny reports that 240 Spike ER missiles and 12 launchers are being purchased as an “emergency procurement” under financial powers delegated to the Vice-Chief of Army Staff.

Rafael’s Spike ER, with a range of up to 8 km, is a multipurpose missile system which can be mounted on multiple platforms, including helicopters. It’s an advanced, fifth-generation version of the Spike Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM).

The Spike procurement received a go-ahead from the Defence Acquisition Council in 2014, but the process got stalled because of avowed maturity of the indigenous solution.

The Spike procurement has now been revived as an urgent requirement, although in much reduced numbers.

>> SPECIAL REPORTS Under financial powers delegated to Vice-Chiefs in November 2018, the armed forces can make procurements to meet urgent operational requirements costing up to 500 crore. This process does not require to go through the time-consuming decision-making loop which ends at the door of the Defence Acquisition Council headed by the Defence Minister.

Informed sources infer that limited induction of the Spike could open doors for larger procurement of this multi-purpose missile in the anti-tank/anti-armour role.

The Spike was preferred over the American offer of the Javelin missile.

—By Vishal Thapar

will be hard pressed to match the price of Elbit’s ATHOS 2052.

Adrift for two decades, India’s artillery modernisation plan appears finally falling into place. In 2018, the Indian Army started inducting the M777 ultra light howitzers and the K-9 Vajra tracked self-propelled guns. Both these guns are in the 155 mm, 52 calibre class, and the Indian Army’s first new artillery inductions since the infamous Bofors deal in 1986. The Dhanush, an upgrade of the Bofors FH-77B by the OFB, too has provided some cheer. The Army is buying 145 M777s, 100 K-9 Vajras, and has committed an order for 114 Dhanush guns after receiving the first six.

I

>> Show Calendar 30 April–3 May International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) Tüyap Istanbul Fair and Congress Center, Turkey http://idef.com.tr/en 5–6 June Future Armoured Vehicles Weapon Systems Opthorne Tara Hotel, Scarsdale Place, Kensington, London, UK www.smi-online.co.uk/defence/uk/FutureArmoured-Vehicles-Weapons-Systems

Group Associate Editor Vishal Thapar

Executive Vice President (Planning & Business Development) Rohit Goel Administration Bharti Sharma Asst-Admin, HR & Infra Pooja Tehlani Creative Director Anoop Kamath Design Vimlesh Kumar Yadav, Sonu Singh Bisht

The Indian Army’s Field Artillery Rationalisation Programme (FARP) - probably the world’s largest - was approved in 1999 to equip 169 artillery regiments with over 3,000 155 mm guns by 2027. One artillery regiment is usually equipped with 18 guns.

Cost estimates are in the $8 to 10 Billion bracket. The programme, involving the acquisition of 1,580 towed, 400 self-propelled, 814 mounted and 145 ultra light howitzers, will take decades for fruition. The order for 114 Dhanush guns may also grow to 400.

—By Vishal Thapar

cruised all the intended waypoints. The missile demonstrated its sea-skimming capability to cruise at very low altitudes.

The entire flight was fully tracked by a chain of Electro Optical Tracking Systems, Radars and Ground Telemetry Systems deployed all along the sea coast.

All the mission objectives were met.

Army concludes new equipment training for Gray Eagle ER

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) today successfully test fired indigenously designed & developed Long Range Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile “Nirbhay” from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur Odisha. It is the sixth development flight trial with objective to prove the repeatability of boost phase, cruise phase using way point navigation at very low altitudes. The missile took off vertically turning horizontally into desired direction, booster separated, wing deployed, engine started,

Senior Technical Group Editor Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd)

Chairman & Managing Director Jayant Baranwal

>> News in Brief Successful Trial of ‘Nirbhay’ SubSonic Cruise Missile

Senior Editorial Contributor Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd)

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

Elbit beats Nexter in epic battle to win Indian 155 mm, 52 calibre towed gun competition

sraeli Elbit has won the Indian Army’s 155 mm, 52 calibre towed artillery gun competition, of which the import content alone is valued at over $1 Billion. Elbit’s Indian partner is Bharat Forge.

“The Elbit-Bharat Forge bid for the ATHOS 2052 howitzer was found significantly lower than that of French Nexter, which offered the Trajan gun jointly with its Indian partner Larsen & Toubro,” highly-placed sources told SP’s Correspondent. These guns have a firing range of above 40 km.

This was an epic arms bazaar battle, involving several rounds of tendering and trials since the beginning of the last decade. The declaration of Elbit as ‘L1’ has cleared the decks for price negotiations.

While the requirement is for 1,580 towed guns, reports have suggested the possibility of the order being pruned to 400 imported guns. For the acquisition of the remaining 1,180 guns which were meant to be made in India under transfer of technology, the Government may opt instead for the indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with Tata Power SED and Bharat Forge.

But sources hinted that the Elbit-Bharat Forge combine has pulled its price below even that of the Dhanush 155 mm, 42 calibre artillery gun produced by the Ordnance Factory Board of which the first six were handed over to the Indian Army on April 8. Even though it enjoys a big leeway as an indigenous effort, the ATAGS

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal

Kalyani and Thales to develop Next Generation of Defence Systems Kalyani Group and Thales have formalized a new collaboration for the design, development and manufacture of next generation weapons systems for the Defence and Law Enforcement sectors in India and abroad.

The collaboration between KSSL and Thales will leverage Thales’s more than 100 years’ experience in the design, development and manufacture of world leading defence systems in Australia. The agreement was signed onboard the HMAS Canberra in a call in India, by MKK Iyer, Vice President (Defence), Kalyani Group and Emmanuel de Roquefeuil, VP and Country Director India, Thales.

Twin Success for Guided PINAKA The US Army has completed its New Equipment Training (NET) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky for the MQ-1C ER Gray Eagle Extended Range. The training covered new maintenance procedures, manuals and ground support equipment associated with the MQ-1C ER, which is a new Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) produced by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI).

The training not only prepared the current Army Company - 160th Foxtrot - to operate MQ-1C ER, it also prepared Echo Company to become the Army’s second Company to be trained to operate the Gray Eagle Extended Range.

“Adding a second Company to operate the MQ-1C ER is a testament to the confidence the Army has in the performance of this UAS,” said David R. Alexander, president, GA-ASI. “The MQ-1C ER provides significant enhancements in capability over the MQ-1C, delivering increased reliability, range and capacity for our Army customer over the previous version.”

Research Assistant: Graphics Survi Massey Sales & Marketing Director Sales & Marketing: Neetu Dhulia General Manager Sales: Rajeev Chugh SP’s Website Sr. Web Developer: Shailendra P. Ashish Web Developer: Ugrashen Vishwakarma Published bimonthly by Jayant Baranwal on behalf of SP Guide Publications Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, recording, electronic, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publishers.

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Defence Research and Defence Organisation (DRDO) today successfully test fired the Guided PINAKA from Pokhran ranges.

The weapon system is equipped with stateof-the-art guidance kit comprising of an advanced navigation and control system.

In both the missions, the weapon systems impacted the intended targets with high precision and achieved desired accuracies.

Telemetry Systems tracked and monitored the vehicle all through the flight path. All the mission objectives have been met.

The indigenously developed Guided Pinaka by DRDO will significantly boost the capability of the artillery to make precision hits. SP

MOSCOW, RUSSIA LAGUK Co., Ltd, Yuri Laskin Krasnokholmskaya, Nab., 11/15, app. 132, Moscow 115172, Russia.

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