SP's Land Forces Issue 4 - 2018

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The ONLY magazine in Asia-Pacific dedicated to Land Forces

>> EXCLUSIVE Interview

In This Issue

Photograph: Indian Army

Page 4 More Muscle for Artillery The Army is currently in the process of inducting 145 x M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzers from BAE Systems at a cost of about $750 million. K9 Vajra-T 155 mm/52 calibre tracked self-propelled gun system is also under induction. Developed by L&T in conjunction Hanwa Tech Win of Republic of Korea, the K9 VAJRA-T is a variant of K9 Thunder capable of withstanding 14.5 mm armour piercing rounds.

Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd)

Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd), Senior Technical Editor, SP’s Land Forces in an exclusive interview with Lt General P.K. Srivastava, Director General of Artillery, who spoke comprehensively on artillery’s modernisation programme and challenges thereof

Page 10 Role of Technology in Law Enforcement

Remarkable new digital technologies are transforming the ways police protect and serve, allowing agencies to prevent crimes more effectively and solve crimes faster. There is need for keeping pace with technologies that assist law enforcement globally and adopt them, as suited to Indian environment.

Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) Page 11 Operation Madad – Indian Army’s ‘Madad’ to Kerala True to its tradition of service before self, Indian Army during the Kerala floods, selflessly provided the much needed relief Rohit Srivastava Page 12 Image Intensifiers — The Key to Night Vision Image intensification is the basis of night vision thus an image intensifier is a device for increasing the intensity of existing light in the environment for an optical system to enable to operate in low-light conditions.

Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) Page 14 Indo-US 2+2 Dialogue Discussions were wide ranging covering the geopolitical and geostrategic developments including in the Korean Peninsula and the Af-Pak region. Pompeo emphasized that “all countries in Asia and south-east Asia can benefit from a free and fair Indo-Pacific and that will be our priority.”

Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) Plus Indian Army on an Exercise Spree News in Brief

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‘Artillery Rationalisation Plan was first perceived in the year 2000 wherein, medium guns with 155mm calibre were made the standard gun system’ Interview continued on page 3...

>> special feature PhotoGraph: MoD, India

The recent initiative by the Army Chief to right size and restructure the Indian Army is an exigent and laudable initiative, writes Lt General A.B. Shivane (Retd)

Linking Force Sizing Decisions to Future Capability Outcomes

Story continued on page 6...

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>> EXCLUSIVE Interview

The lead article in this issue is an interview with the Director General of Artillery, Lt General P.K. Srivastava on the occasion of the 191 Gunners’ Day on September 28, 2018. It is to commemorate the raising of the first Indian Artillery Unit, 5 (Bombay) Mountain Battery on this day in 1827. He started by explaining the changing role of Artillery from ‘Neutralising to Degradation or Destruction’.

Neutralising the enemy aims at basically restricting his observa-

tion and hampering his mobility for a limited period of time which can be achieved by inflicting approximately 15 to 20 per cent casualties. Degradation or destruction on the other hand, aims at causing 50 to 60 per cent or more casualties to the enemy forces and equipment making them useless for a protracted period of time. This shift has risen out of the need to win battles while minimising physical contact. He then expounded on the Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan which was first perceived in the year 2000 wherein, medium guns with 155mm calibre were made the standard gun system.

This lead to mediumisation of artillery, which is very much on track. He stressed that they have adopted a multipronged approach wherein strengths of the public and private sectors have been leveraged along with limited procurements from foreign agencies to usher in state-of-the-art technol-

SP’s Land Forces (SP’s): Conceptually within Artillery you now speak of degradation and destruction rather than neutralisation. What are the reasons for this change in concept?

Director General of Artillery (DG Arty): Neutralising the enemy aims at basically restricting his observation and hampering his mobility for a limited period of time which can be achieved by inflicting approximately 15 to 20 per cent casualties. This is an old concept when armies had limited fire support and most outcomes were a result of physical contact of ground forces. Degradation or destruction on the other hand, aims at causing 50 to 60 per cent or more casualties to the enemy forces and equipment making them useless for a protracted period of time. This shift has risen out of the need to win battles while minimising physical contact as casualties are no longer acceptable to nations. This necessitates artillery to have the capability to acquire targets at long ranges and cause their destruction with highly accurate long range weapon systems. It is, with this aim that great emphasis is being laid to surveillance, target acquisition and damage assessment along with mediumisation of artillery and the induction of long range vectors i.e, rockets and missile systems having ranges in excess of 200 km.

SP’s: It appears that the Government is ready to revive and push the Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan (FARP), under which the army aims to import, locally develop, and licence-produce some 2,820-3,000 assorted 155mm howitzers to equip its artillery regiments. What has been the progress on FARP? DG Arty: Artillery Rationalisation Plan was first perceived in the year 2000 wherein, medium guns with 155mm calibre were made the standard gun system. This lead to mediumisation of artillery, which is very much on track. We have adopted a multipronged approach wherein strengths of the public and private sectors have been leveraged along with limited procurements from foreign agencies to usher in state-of-the-art technology. This plan has seen the successful procurement of 155mm/39 calibre ultra light howitzers from US Government and 155mm/52 calibre tracked (self-propelled) artillery guns from L&T. Indigenous gun systems like the 155mm/45 calibre Dhanush and the 155mm/52 calibre ATAGS are also being pursued.

SP’s: What has been progress on M777 ultra-light howitzers trials with Indian

ogy. This has lead to the successful procurement of gun systems like 155mm/39 calibre ultra light howitzers from US and 155mm/52 calibre tracked (self-propelled) artillery guns from L&T. The article titled ‘More Muscle for Artillery’ gives out the status of the modernisation of Artillery.

Indian Army has always strived to reduce the ‘tooth to tail ratio’ and there have been many such endeavours in the past like the Krishna Rao Committee (named after the former Chief Gen Krishna Rao who also chaired it); Gen Joshi Committee (again named after a former chief who also headed it); Vijay Singh Committee (named after a former Vice Chief who also headed it). A large portion of India’s borders are unresolved thus leading to conflict situation and the need for maintaining a large force level with adverse effect on the budget.

The current exercise being

carried out by the Army presumably aims to address the force levels, organisation structures, capabilities and related shortfalls of the Indian Army with a view to optimally transform it, over a defined period, into an a lean, agile, versatile and technology enabled combined arms modular force, capable of meeting current and future operational challenges.

Thus an depth analysis on the subject is included in this issue.

The other key event was the Indo-US 2+2 Dialogue where discussions were held over a wide ranging of subjects covering the geopolitical and geostrategic developments. US Secretary of State Michael. R. Pompeo emphasised that “all countries in Asia and south-east Asia can benefit from a free and fair Indo-Pacific and that will be our priority.”

Image intensification is the basis of night vision thus an image intensifier is a device for increas-

ing the intensity of existing light in the environment for an optical system to enable to operate in low-light conditions. Night vision devices would become more effective if the image intensifier and the thermal imager is combined to bring out the best attributes of both. This issue includes a feature on Image Intensifiers.

More in this issue on joint military exercises, aid to Kerala during floods and News along with flag postings.

Wish you all readers a happy Dussehra!

Jayant Baranwal Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

SP’s: Does the above steps include precision guided munitions (PGMs)?

DG Arty: Yes, precision guided munitions are a part of the overall plan to improve artillery ammunition. Precision ammunition system will be for a part of the arsenal of not only missile and rocket regiments but also medium regiments equipped with 155mm/52 calibre gun systems. PGMs will play a very important role in all future degradation operations.

ammunition as there were media reports that the ammunition burst in the barrel?

DG Arty: The incident on the 155mm/39 calibre M777 ultra light howitzers that occurred while preparing firing tables, has been investigated in detail by a Joint Investigation Team of experts from the US Government and Government of India. The gun and ammunition have been cleared while some recommendations for improvement have been incorporated in the manufacturing processes. Deliveries of the gun systems have not been affected in any way by the incident and are to commence very shortly.

SP’s: What is the progress on induction of South Korea’s K9 Vajra-T self-propelled (Tracked) artillery gun?

DG Arty: The procurement of 155mm/52 calibre K9 ‘Vajra’ self-propelled (tracked) gun is progressing well. Deliveries of the gun system have commenced and will greatly enhance our capabilities in the near future.

SP’s: Defence Acquisition Council has approved 150 numbers of indigenously designed and developed 155mm Advanced Towed Artillery Guns Systems for the Indian Army at an approximate cost of `3,364.78 crore on August 25, 2018. These guns have been indigenously designed and developed

by DRDO and will be manufactured by production agencies, as nominated by DRDO. They are likely to be the mainstay of artillery in the near future. Would you like to elaborate on this statement which is given in the press release of the Ministry of Defence?

DG Arty: The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems has been designed to take care of futuristic requirements of the Artillery.

We are whole heartedly supporting development of the same and are hopeful that the gun system would continue to get refined so that they become the mainstay of Indian Artillery and takes care of our requirements for the next two to three decades.

SP’s: What steps are being taken for the modernisation and the capacity building of Artillery Ammunition?

DG Arty: The modernisation of Artillery ammunition systems is another ongoing project that is being realised through a series of measures. These include, development of a number of precision munitions for guns, mortars, rockets and missiles. In addition, endeavours are on by the indigenous defence PSUs to develop ammunition capable of longer ranges and improved lethality. All these needs to be supported by better and more accurate acquisitions means and meteorological systems to optimise capability.

SP’s: What are the measures being taken to improve the surveillance, target acquisition and target damage assessment ?

DG Arty: Surveillance, target acquisition and target damage assessment contribute immensely to real time situational awareness, battlefield transparency and effective targeting. Therefore, this is one of the ‘key result areas’ for all of us. Towards this, we are in the process of developing multi-dimensional, multi-spectral and all weather capability for the same along with the two other services to ensure interoperability as well as the capability to cover the entire battle space. We are developing suitable ground based, airborne and satellite capabilities having sensors ranging from battle field surveillance radars, electrooptical sensors, optical devices and weapon locating and synthetic aperture radars.

We are constantly monitoring developments in this field both within our country and in the international market to remain updated and upgrade our existing systems and stay ‘current’ in this very important facet of Artillery.

SP’s: Is the Artillery Battle Management System being modernised with the latest Digital Data System ?

DG Arty: Yes, the Artillery Battle Management System is using the latest technology.

The Battle Field Surveillance System has been automated through real time transmission of target data which can be transmitted over radio, optical fibre cable or through satellite. The details required through the surveillance resources like satellite, unmanned aerial vehicle, Battle Field Surveillance System, Long Range Recce and Observation System and Thermal Imaging Integrated Observation System are automatically transmitted through various ruggedised state of art computers connected with these equipment. The information is then collated on a command decision support system at various levels which results in a coordinated Battle Field Management. SP

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>> artillery

More Muscle The Army is currently in the process of inducting 145 x M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzers from BAE Systems at a cost of about $750 million. K9 Vajra-T 155 mm/52 calibre tracked self-propelled gun system is also under induction. Developed by L&T in conjunction Hanwa Tech Win of Republic of Korea, the K9 VAJRA-T is a variant of K9 Thunder capable of withstanding 14.5 mm armour piercing rounds.

PhotoGraphs: US DoD, L&T Heavy Engineering, OFB

(Left, top) M777 155 mm howitzer in action; (above) K9 VAJRA-T 155mm 52 calibre gun and (right) Dhanush 155mm artillery gun.

 Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd)

www.spslandforces.com

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he Indian Army requires some 3,000-4,000 artillery pieces over the next 15 years. Four type of guns and howitzers are presently under induction: one, M777 155mm ultra light howitzer (ULH), two, K9 Vajra Self-Propelled 155mm Tracked Howitzer, three, 155mm/52 caliber Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), and; four, 45 calibre Dhanush 155 mm Gun and Upgunned 45 Calibre 155 mm Dhanush howitzer. The Army is currently in the process of inducting 145 x M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzers from BAE Systems (USA) at a cost of about $750 million. K9 Vajra-T 155 mm/52 calibre tracked self-propelled gun system is also under induction. Developed by L&T in conjunction Hanwa Tech Win (HTW) of Republic of Korea (ROK), the K9 VAJRA-T is a variant of K9 Thunder capable of withstanding 14.5 mm armour piercing rounds, 152 mm shell fragments, and anti-personnel mines; main armament of 155 mm/52 caliber; maximum firing range of 40 km; mobility range of 75 km and; CBRN protection.

In September 2015, L&T emerged as sole qualified bidder and finalist based on the performance of the K9 Vajra-T; the 4,500 crore ($800) million contract being for supply of 100 howitzers to the Indian Army. The MoD had given the contract to L&T in May 2017. Under the contract, L&T

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was asked to deliver 100 guns with over 50 per cent indigenous components, in 42 months. Under the contract, L&T is delivering 25 guns now. On August 25, 2018, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired

by Defence Minister approved procurement of 150 x 155mm/52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS).

The ATAGS have been developed indigenously by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) partnering with Bharat Forge Ltd, Tata Power SED and Mahindra Defense Naval System under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Acquisition cost of 150 ATAGS will reportedly be around $490 million although contract for their acquisition is yet to be concluded by Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Development of ATAGS having commenced in 2013 was completed by March 2017 and user trials have been continuing since. Six prototypes of the ATAGS have been manufactured to date. ATAGS is a howitzer gun capable of firing five rounds in short duration with an effective range of up to 40 km, depending on the ammunition type. Given its light weight, it is well suited for deployment in mountainous regions. ATAGS will supplement the indigenous ‘Dhanush’ which is 155mm/45 caliber artillery gun, Dhanush, an improved derivative of the FH-77B 155 mm/39 calibre Bofors, 414 quantity of which India acquired from Sweden between 1987 and 1991. In 2014, prototype of Dhanush was

made ready for user trial and evaluation.

But trials were marred by incidents of misfires. First, the shell burst within the barrel. Subsequent rounds of trials were held successfully but again during user exploitation in 2017 there were two incidents of muzzle hits, which led to a further set back.

The incidents were reported to be due to ammunition problems and not the gun though doubts naturally rose about metallurgy of the barrels. The ammunition too is produced under aegis of the OFB, and there have been hosts of complaints of faulty ammunition over the years with different types of weapons. After internal trials at Balasore range in Odisha during March 2018 by the GCF, the guns were again presented to the Army in first week June. The trial firing continued for five days

The Army reportedly wanted to order 114 x Dhanush howitzers in the first batch this year. DRDO expects MoD to order a total of 414 Dhanush howitzer guns.

and with no incident reported, the OFB hopes that the army would finally clear the weapon system.

On June 7, 2018, Dhanush completed the final round of user exploitation trials with a full battery of six guns firing 300 rounds at Pokhran ranges. No major issues were reported during firing and as per the OFB, accuracy and consistency of the guns were exceptional, and the guns are ready for induction into the Army. The gun has been developed by Gun Carriage Factory (GCF), Jabalpur comes under the OFB, with latter under the Department of Defence Production (DoPD) of MoD. Dhanush reportedly has maximum effective range of 38 km in salvo mode, capable of firing eight rounds per minutes and needs crew of six to eight. Dhanush was reportedly declared ready for induction in June 2018 but the contract is yet to be signed

by MoD. The Army reportedly wanted to order 114 x Dhanush howitzers in the first batch this year. DRDO expects MoD to order a total of 414 Dhanush howitzer guns. An upgraded variant of the Dhanush howitzer gun, designated Dhanush Version 2 (V2) with a larger calibre (from 45 to 52mm) and a slightly increased range of 42 km is currently under development. Overall fielding of these guns and howitzers will take considerable time, but once completed, it will increase the firepower of the Army substantially. SP

>> special feature

Linking Force Sizing Decisions

...continued from page 1

The present exercise presumably aims to address the force levels, organisation structures, capabilities and related shortfalls of the Indian Army with a view to optimally transform it, over a defined period, into an a lean, agile, versatile and technology enabled combined arms modular force, capable of meeting current and future operational challenges.

www.spslandforces.com

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ndian Army is the third largest Army in the world. From 1948 to the present, it has grown approximately 3.5 times to a strength of over 1.2 million. While this manpower escalation is due to the dimension of territorial threats and pivotal role of ‘boots on the ground’, the size has become disproportionate to its shape in terms of sustenance and modernisation needs in the present fiscal environment. The result is the snowballing adverse imbalance between the 3 M’s: Money, Manpower and Material, creating a cascading criticality for today and capability voids for the future. In such an environment, finding ‘novel ways’ with ‘limited means’ to achieve ‘larger ends’ remains a challenge.

The recent initiative by the Army Chief to right size and restructure the Indian Army is an exigent and laudable initiative.

The present exercise presumably aims to address the force levels, organisation structures, capabilities and related shortfalls of the Indian Army with a view to optimally transform it, over a defined period, into an a lean, agile, versatile and technology enabled combined arms modular force, capable of meeting current and future operational challenges. The spirit being that quantitative reduction will result in commensurate qualitative capability enhancement in defined timelines. However, it is neither new nor a unique exercise, having been credited in the past by several such studies on the subject, which have either gathered dust or failed to achieve desired results. The lessons are well known; denial of budgetary savings in revenue manifesting in commensurate capital enhancement for new schemes, lack of ownership to link resource decisions to defined modernisation outcomes, and absence of governmental support aggravated by bureaucratic hurdles. Thus, the success of the present

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exercise will depend on a ‘comprehensive, complementary and timebound’ institutionalised approach with politico-military harmony.

Force Sizing & Military Transformation Expansion and contraction are defining force sizing characteristics of any vibrant modern military, driven by its peculiar strategic security environment and national interests. Rightsizing in this context is a proactive approach to restructure and realign its human resources with strategic security goals and desired capabilities. In contrast to the more reactive or cost-cutting measure of downsizing, rightsizing is intended as a long-term move to enhance efficiencies and future capabilities to minimise risks and vulnerabilities, based on the future security scenarios. The objective is to develop and field a credible force that is affordable, sustainable, versatile, technology enabled to deter and defeat potential adversaries, across the entire spectrum of conflict. Although financial imbalance may be the driver for right sizing of the force, the augmented shape of the force, its enhanced capabilities and readiness reflect the outcome.

Force sizing is thus a one subset of the macro transformation process. An effective transformation strategy in our context must tackle the following six issues: the “bigger the better” syndrome, the absence of a strategic culture exemplified by void of a national security strategy, the sustenance and capabilities voids, the imbalance and lack of reforms in the defence budget, bureaucratic decision-making apathy and risk averseness, and the absence of jointness. Thus, to be sustainable it must address all three critical components; transformed military culture, transformed defence planning process and transformed joint service capabilities.

Operational Rightsizing Imperatives and Challenges India’s multi spectrum security challenges today, are fast outpacing capability building process impinging upon our national security. The capability cum technology gap between our adversaries; in particular the northern borders is widening, diluting our credible deterrence in the north and punitive deterrence in the west. Dokhlam type actions in our Northern borders, Kargil type limited conflicts and proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) are a manifestation of such rising vulnerabilities which would continue in the future. Further, realities of our turbulent disputed borders and diverse inhospitable terrain, requiring a manpower-centric deployment of troops for border defence and counter infiltration grid cannot be assuaged.

Balancing the risks between present force requirements and future force vulnerabilities further complicates the equation. In order to bridge this capability gap, induction of high technology military systems, force multipliers, creation of requisite infrastructure and joint force capabilities are required to complement the present force rightsizing and reshaping effort. Further, success in countering future threats will require skilful integration of the core competencies of the three Services and their transformation into an integrated force structure driven top down

“It is not the Big Armies that Win Battles… …It is the Good Ones” —Field Marshal Maurice Comte de Saxe (1782)

managing transition

caliberated modernisation strategy

reprofiling & restructuring

Joint Force Capabilities

budgetary rebalancing

RIGHTSIZING

technology empowerment

MILITARY TRANSFORMATION

DELIVERABLES

Challenges

Imperatives and

Operational Rightsizing

illustration: Anoop Kamath

by politico - military synergy.

The defence budget a key enabler and an indicator of the demonstrated will of the government to achieve the desired ends, inevitably ends up as the prime villain. Given the pragmatic but limited nature of the defence budget, reducing revenue expenses and increasing capital availability poses the biggest hurdle. The challenge lies in either an ‘Army sized to Budget’ or a ‘Budget sized to the Army’. Given the Indian environment, a pragmatic approach would be a mean of both. The imperative is thus to transform to a right sized force, capable of being optimally equipped with modern equipment and fully sustainable within a realistic budgetary forecast, without diluting the mandated capabilities.

Ideating Right Sizing Outcomes Deliverables of Rightsizing Decisions.

Doctrinal outcome of rightsizing resulting in capability enhancement must manifest in the ability to defend two fronts with capability to achieve war objective on the primary front while denying the enemy victory on the secondary front and ensuing positive control on the internal security fronts, if required. This must be the strategic guidance of our operational philosophy and force development strategy based on threats envisaged and capabilities desired. Some of the deliverables of right sizing desired are: l Size and Shape of the Force. Rightsizing should manifest in the ability to optimise 1,50,000 to 2,00,000 personnel of the present strength over the next five years to balance quantity with quality. Force optimisation must reshape the Army with a quantum jump in teeth-totail ratio, modernisation impetus and joint operations culture. There is a need to address organisation inertia in rightsizing static headquarters commencing

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>> special feature with Army HQ, pruning/reorienting field army headquarters by removing peacetime redundancies, duplication and flab, as also adding teeth to combat echelons to fight and win future wars.

This should also include simultaneous optimisation of burgeoning civil manpower of Ministry of Defence (MoD) and monolithic civil establishments paid out of the defence budget. This flab is protected and kept invisible. A 10 per cent cut in all static headquarters and a 5 per cent cut in divisional and above headquarters flab is highly possible. Disbandment of intermediate headquarters has its own dynamics and needs greater deliberation. Simultaneous reforms in HR policies and training needs, also merit complementary effort. l Force Reprofiling and Force Restructuring. The Army should modify its structures to achieve a ‘lean and mean’ profile, with the thrust to convert some existing structures into ‘smarter’ technology enabled ones. Reorganisation of infantry units to reprofile the fourth company to an SF company with an integral sniper platoon, mix of medium and light mechanised forces with integrated attack helicopters, multi-tier integrated air defence systems, reprofiling selected artillery units with long range precision fires, restructuring existing intelligence staff to ISR and IW structures and reorienting additional signal units to electronic warfare assets are some of the plausible deliverables. Analysis of the future security scenario has also thrown up the need for a rapid reaction joint force requirement with enhanced vertical lift and amphibious forces capability, besides joint force structures for special forces, cyber and space warfare. l Joint Force Capabilities. ‘Building Joint Capabilities’ will be the key enablers in securing India’s security interests and would be fundamental to any future conflict. It necessitates that our structures, operational concepts, doctrines, training and acquisition processes for induction of strategic force multipliers are synchronised to optimise the capability development strategy within the realistic budgetary allocation. Synergisation of operations through interoperability and interdependence would be the way forward. l Logistic Transformation. The fusion of logistics, information and transportation technology to deliver logistics based on “just in time” and “just what’s needed” is essential. Presently there are too many independent logistic entities wagging their tails. Thus, an integrated theatre logistics based on a responsive and multilayered concept with better management tools and automation must be implemented to enhance efficiency as also prevent duplication and plug inefficiencies. l Budgetary Rebalancing. To be sustainable and modernised with desired operational capabilities, the present force levels need to be optimised initially to generate a revenue: capital ratio of 70:30 and finally leading to an ideal 60:40 ratio.

The ratios will only matter and make a difference provided matching budgetary support is assured. The defence budget must be increased from current levels of all-time dip of 1.49 per cent of GDP other than pensions (for FY 2018-19) to closer of the world average of 2.5 per cent of GDP over the next five years. Defence budgetary reforms must also be pursued in right earnest, complementing the military transformation effort. l Technology Empowerment. Technology is a key force multiplier, which must occupy the center stage of rightsizing outcome, supported by more specialists, as compared to generalists. The present state of low technology profile of 8:24:68

‘Right sizing without Capability Outcomes’ would be haphazard and bereft of desired organisational and combat capability outcomes. The success of the present exercise will thus not be just the decisions taken, but by linking them to the future shape and modernisation outcomes of the Indian Army (state of art: current: vintage), against the desired 30:40:30 needs immediate redressal. The four core capabilities of a network centric force and C5ISR which must manifest are shared situational awareness, decision dominance, joint force synchronisation, rapidity of force application and precision fires for favourable force exchange ratios through information and integrative technologies.

Linking Rightsizing to Calibrated Modernisation Strategy Modernisation Outlook. Modernisation preserves the Army’s core capability to defeat and deter adversaries through combat overmatch, for the present and future conflicts.

Accordingly, ‘Army Equipment Modernisation Strategy’ must address the strategic, technological and fiscal environments and build our equipping priorities based on value, vulnerability and risks in temporal terms. To build and maintain the desired capabilities, we must focus on affordable, sustainable, prioritised and cost effective modernisation decisions which integrate mature technologies and incremental improvements, while investing in emerging technologies for the future in a spiral approach.

Calibrating Modernisation Strategy: Ends, Ways and Means. Resource availability cannot dictate the ends required for the Army, but its calibration defines both the ways and means to achieve those ends. The ends are defined as the capacity and readiness to accomplish combat overmatch. The ways are to balance needs with limited resources to advance the most important modernisation projects and optimise combat readiness of the Army. The means are through a tiered modernisation duly prioritized, judiciously scaled and balanced with sustenance needs. Thus, the art of the calibrated modernisation will be to balance capability, sustainability, and readiness within the allocated resources to achieve the desired ends. The contours of such a strategy must entail: l Tiered modernisation to enhance capabilities while mitigating the risks of low funding availability. This approach prioritises Modernisation Level 1 (state-of-theart) of a smaller force which is at high risk and high readiness priority, while ensuring Modernisation Level 2 (current) of the majority of the balance force to upgrade when funds become available.

The Army must place first priority on formations most vulnerable, that is, those facing the greatest risk when employed. l Bridge technology gaps and shorten acquisition timelines with mature/in service technologies earliest, by way of product improvements in the short-term for which technologies change rapidly. Followed by sub system/system upgrades in the mid-

term for which technology changes more slowly and equipment replacements in the long-term for which technology changes even slower. l Prioritised modernisation based on acquisitions adding maximum value to combat effectiveness, mitigating critical vulnerabilities and accepting certain risks. Risk must be assessed in temporal terms and accepted in certain areas to ensure that the more critical areas are addressed prior. l Modernisation decisions must be both affordable and cost effective within the overall budget to include life cycle costs.

The opportunity cost of “over-spending” to close a specific high cost gap is that we will not be able to afford closing several other gaps; thus, we must make cost informed decisions to manage ‘best bang for the buck’. l The fiscal requirements for modernisation must be carefully balanced against the fiscal requirements necessary for sustaining the force at hand in its life cycle. Modernisation and sustenance are two sides of the same coin. Thus, standardisation and commonality of a family of platforms and interoperable technologies will reduce sustenance cost with better inventory management.

Allisson Creative 2.pdf 1 25/10/16 l Modernisation foundation be Allisson Creative 2.pdf 1 must 25/10/16 based on indigenous capabilities even if marginally lower, and where insufficient then based on a joint collaboration with an Indian firm with levers in our hand. l Formation and unit specific equipping with sector specific force multipliers as sector stores, will produce greater effects rather than diluting equipping and dis-

SP’s Land Forces 4 /2018

Managing Change and Transition Rightsizing is to do with human resources in war, which are assets rather than liabilities and thus the approach must be deliberate, project positive energy and must be seen as an opportunity for improvement rather than a reaction to a threat or crisis.

Progressive right sizing and resultant qualitative force upgradation must be clearly articulated in terms of objectives, strategies and timings, disseminated to the environment, interlinked, and balanced on the same scale. To be seen as a balanced and fair strategy, it must also provide equal attention to and support those who need to be realigned. Last but not the least, it must begin with small near term, doables, which when achieved, create momentum toward desired mid term and long term objectives, rather than attacking rightsizing as a large, complex, draconian task.

To conclude, ‘Right sizing without Capability Outcomes’ would be haphazard 3:44 PM andPMbereft of desired organisational and 3:44 combat capability outcomes. The success of the present exercise will thus not be just the decisions taken, but by linking them to the future shape and modernisation outcomes of the Indian Army. SP The author recently retired as Director General, Mechanised Forces, Indian Army.

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Email: India.Sales@allisontransmission.com

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tributing limited assets across the board without major payoffs. l In an era of effect based joint operations, interoperable and synergised modernisation strategy for joint force capabilities is not only financially wise but operationally prudent.

25/10/16 4:10 PM

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SP’S MILITARY YEARBOOK, a journey since 1965 (an indispensable reference by leaders for leaders) offers:  The new edition with enormous amount of additions and updates.  SP’s Military Yearbook 17-2018 includes:  Additionally – an extensive collection of Asian countries (approximately 44 countries);  Military leadership profiling, exhaustive collection of contact references;  Carefully updated inputs on budgets, analysis, etc. as a regular collection beyond;  Some of the most thought-provoking articles for global and domestic audience.

India’s Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman receiving SP’s Military Yearbook 2016-2017 from Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal

A FEW COPIES OF SP’S MILITARY YEARBOOK 16-2017 ARE STILL AVAILABLE!

Reserve Your Copies Now! Email: order@spsmilitaryyearbook.com Website: www.spsmilitaryyearbook.com Phones: +91 11 24644763, 24644693, 24620130

>> technology

Role of Technology in Law Enforcement Remarkable new digital technologies are transforming the ways police protect and serve, allowing agencies to prevent crimes more effectively and solve crimes faster. There is need for keeping pace with technologies that assist law enforcement globally and adopt them, as suited to Indian environment.

Photograph: MESA COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

 Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd)

screen provides information about the businesses, homes, and vehicles he looks at, while facial recognition software provides real-time information about the people he passes, letting him know if anyone matches descriptions of someone wanted. With the advent of Google Glass, this is becoming a very real possibility. Both the software and the data for such a scenario is already available; facial recognition has been in existence for a decade, and simple smartphone apps are already provide an augmented reality experience using the phone’s camera. It is only a matter of time before officers on the street will be able to have built-in heads-up displays that provided them with a host of data to help them patrol more effectively and efficiently and keep them and their charges safe.

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early every aspect of our lives, activity and industry has been transformed by technology over the last few decades.

Law enforcement technology is one example of advancements that have changed the way law enforcement professionals investigate crimes. The sanctioned and actual strength of police personnel at all-India level per one lakh population is 181.47. On July 26, 2016, Parliament was told India was short of more than half a million police officers; there were 17.2 million police officers across 36 states and union territories, when there should have been 22.6 million – an officer for every 547 Indians as sanctioned strength, but the number was one for every 720. While more police do not necessarily mean less crime, but technology in today’s world is essential for law enforcement and crime resolution. Besides, technology does compensate for poor population to police ratio to some extent.

Police reforms in India have been slow; technology is catching up but in spurts.

Remarkable new digital technologies are transforming the ways police protect and serve, allowing agencies to prevent crimes more effectively and solve crimes faster.

There is need for keeping pace with technologies that assist law enforcement globally and adopt them, as suited to Indian environment.

Surveillance and Monitoring

www.spslandforces.com

l CCTV. Common in most metros in India.

These effectively assist law enforcement provided they are functional. For example, in the recent case in NOIDA a veteran Army Colonel was beaten up, arrested, handcuffed and tortured on fraudulent charges by an ADM, Muzaffarnagar and his wife on fake charges under the SC/ST Act, the officer was granted bail during the first hearing after six days because CCTV footage clearly showed the highhandedness of the ADM, his aides and the police. CCTV cameras along roads ant toll barriers have also helped solve crimes by examining movement of suspects. Same is the case in CCTV coverage of areas like market places that can identify suspects including suspicious activity like planting bombs/IEDs. l Drones. Law enforcement agencies are using drones for a variety of functions providing cost-effective solutions. They can provide real-time information to police and crime analysts vital information about crimes in progress and dangerous situations, as they unfold.

It can help police better plan responses and save lives. Drones can capture and even live stream video and images of crimes as they occur, providing crucial evidence in future court proceedings.

Helping in potentially dangerous situations and areas where police officers cannot reach, drones have replaced helicopters for monitoring and surveillance.

Unmanned drones can help everything

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SP’s Land Forces 4 /2018

A Draganflyer X6 UAV used by the Mesa County Sheriff’s Department unmanned operations team.

As the technological capabilities of drones increase, their use for law enforcement is expanding into gathering key information about crimes as they unfold.

from rescue missions, patrolling borders, finding lost personnel, monitoring large gathering and processions, etc. As the technological capabilities of drones increase, their use for law enforcement is expanding into gathering key information about crimes as they unfold. l Body-Worn

Cameras and In-Car Videos. Police officers in some coun-

tries use body-worn cameras for better evidence documentation, increased accountability and transparency. However, the costs of implementing bodyworn cameras besides the cost of cameras, include ancillary equipment like tablets, data storage and management, training, administration, and disclosure. At the same time, their usage faces issues like privacy, police versus community concerns, data retention and public disclosure policies, and financial considerations. l Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS applications are continuing to expand into the law enforcement community.

Using GPS technology, police can pinpoint the location of a call and determine the fastest and safest route to it, getting people the help they need more efficiently and timely. Police can record location of their traffic stops and crash investigations, and that information can be exported to maps to determine how enforcement efforts can be better focused on decreasing the occurrences of traffic crashes. GPS technology can also be used by crime analysts to help identify emerging trends in crime locations and help better plan for shift staffing and patrol assignments. l Automatic Tag and License Plate

Readers. Mounted to the exterior of

patrol cars, electronic tag readers are becoming more prevalent among larger departments and traffic-oriented agencies. Using cameras connected to vehicle information databases, electronic tag readers instantly analyze license plates on every vehicle that comes within their range of view.

Biometrics for Data Security and Identification l Biometrics and Hand-Held Finger-

print Scanners. Use of biometrics using unique biological traits such as fingerprints, retina scans, and DNA to identify individuals is rapidly increasing among law enforcement circles. As technology becomes cheaper, smaller, more portable and readily available, police are able to use handheld scanners to instantly identify individuals with criminal pasts.

Scanners built into laptop computers provide added security to ensure no unauthorized person can gain access to sensitive intelligence and personal information. DNA databases and software continue to improve, reducing the time and the backlog that once served as major impediments to solving crimes. l Brain Fingerprinting. ‘Brainwave Science’ has developed technology that helps police establish guilt or innocence based on scanning brainwaves. Brain fingerprinting uses brain scans to capture how a crime suspect’s brain reacts when being questioned by police and determines whether a person being questioned remembers a particular item or situation. Police are then able to potentially identify or eliminate suspects based on these scan results.

Google Glass, HoloLens and Augmented Reality Driving on national highways in India, one often observes mobile interceptors for speed checks by the police. Using software especially designed for Google Glass, police officers take photographs of traffic violations and instantly upload them to their police department’s system. The photograph captures the date, time and place that the picture was taken along with the license plate number.

Even if the police don’t physically catch you, that speeding ticket may still be in the mail.

More advancements in technology are on the anvil. For example, as a policeman walks on patrol, his special glasses are recording and analyzing everything he sees. A built-in

Use of Social Media For law enforcement agencies and crime analysts, social media is proving itself to be a crucial criminal justice tool in gathering intelligence, locating clues and even screening candidates for employment. There have been numerous cases of police thwarting or solving crimes based on tips gleaned from social media posts, as also undetected crimes have been successfully prosecuted as a result of videos posted on social media. However, the potential of social media as a crime-fighting tool is only just beginning to be realized.

Predictive-Analytics Software PredPol is a software developed in the US that can predict where and what time the next crime will probably occur. It helps find criminal patterns and behaviors and deploy police accordingly. PredPol is based on the observation that certain crime types tend to cluster in time and space. It takes daily feeds from each department’s Record Management System for the predicting engine, which is run once a day to create predictions for each beat, shift and mission type. Using this technology, police agencies have seen efficiencies in staffing shifts and dramatic cuts in crime.

Conclusion Technology continues to advance and other careers in criminology and criminal justice.

The New York City Police, in conjunction Microsoft Corporation, has deployed ‘Dashboard’, a domain awareness system that ties in data from host of available sources, including Computer Aided Dispatch, crime reports and criminal histories, maps and even cameras to provide instant access to real-time information, pictures and video about calls in progress. This comprehensive information is available to police officers and crime analysts at a glance, allowing them to formulate a response to any given call better. Our law enforcement agencies must aim for such type of domain awareness system, which should not be problematic given our prowess in information technology. The use of technology in criminal justice will continue to allow crime fighters to further their ability to serve and protect their respective communities. We must keep upgrading technology for better and quicker law enforcement. SP

>> artillery / HADR

Thundering Artillery:

Strengthening India’s Defence Capabilities

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rtillery is inarguably the most lethal form of land-based armament currently employed.

Today India has made significant progress in the field of indigenous Artillery with the complimentary skill sets of public and private sector enterprises.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is the Indian Artillery’s biggest partner for equipment supply. The Company is executing orders for 100 Tracked SP Guns K9 VAJRA-T, 6 Regiments of Pinaka Launchers with Command Posts and 100 Grad BM 21 rocket launcher upgrades. L&T is building a state-of-theart Armoured Systems Complex at Hazira (Gujarat) equipped with test track and obstacles to evaluate gun system mobility.

The Company has invested many years in R&D and both with DRDO as well as independently, and has developed various technologies for Artillery Systems. L&T has introduced technologies like the all-electric drives, ganged electro-mechanical actuator systems, silent watch capabilities in its rocket launch systems like the Pinaka and the Grad BM-21 Upgrades. Leveraging its indigenous design, development and production capabilities, L&T has effectively adapted worldclass artillery weapons for the Indian environment. A typical example is the K9 VAJRA – 155mm/52 calibre gun system which had fourteen (14) indigenously developed critical systems like the Fire Control Systems, Direct

Photograph: L&T

K9 VAJRA-T, 155mm/ 52 Cal Tracked Self Propelled Guns at L&T’s Hazira facility

Fire System, Ammunition Handling System, etc. even at the user evaluation phase.

L&T has also developed and implemented various other systems like the Auxiliary Power Packs, Air-conditioning Systems, Fire Fighting Systems, NBC Protection Systems, Ammunition Handling Systems, etc., as per specific requirements of Indian Artillery.

L&T has also successfully developed

the complete Undercarriage Systems for 155mm/52 calibre towed artillery guns.

Such systems include very high power density power packs, suspension cum retraction actuators for deploying the guns, various critical but light weight structures like the trails and other structures. These indigenous developments have successfully completed qualification and user trials, thus affirming

L&T’s indigenous development capability.

With its experience and capabilities, L&T is ready to support the Indian Artillery with custom- built Artillery solutions like the mounted guns or ultra-light guns, extended range multi-purpose rocket launchers, guided rockets and tactical UAVs. SP Contributed by L&T

Operation Madad –

Indian Army’s ‘Madad’ to Kerala True to its tradition of service before self, Indian Army during the Kerala floods, selflessly provided the much needed relief Photographs: Indian Army

 Rohit Srivastava

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hen the disaster struck the God own Country Kerala in the second week of August, the state government, in this moment of distress and disaster, called the Centre for help. Responding to the call, Government of India sent out armed forces and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to help the state machinery. Going beyond their call of duty and risking their life and stretching the equipment to their operational limits, working round the clock ignoring exhaustion, Indian men and women in uniform performed as if they were god sent saviour of Kerala, winning heart of all and sundry along the way.

In the flood where Kerala lost around 450 people, Indian Army entered into the relief work on August 9, the very same day when it received the request for assistance.

It all began on August 8, when many parts of the state received over 1,000 mm of rain which forced the authorities to open floodgates of over 30 dams in the state. The massive flow of water in the rivers coupled with the massive downpour led to rivers breaking their banks and ravaging everything which came in its way. Nothing could stop rivers on the rampage. Such was the flow of water

Reaching Out to People: Maj Gen Sanjeev Narain, GOC, Kerala & Karnataka Sub Area with people in flood affected area, ensuring effective relief operations.

even small rivulet became harbingers of death and destruction.

Army men were seen rescuing stranded people through boats, carrying sick, injured and old on stretchers in deep waters and

when not rescuing were seen helping state authorities restoring essential services. In the kind of flood that the state is witnessing hospitals themselves become a victim, instead of giving relief, it becomes the focus

of relief operation as they host people who needs most support. In one such incidence, on August 21, Captain Rishav Jamwal of 13 Garhwal Rifles rescued a critical kidney patient and a 20 day old baby from Sree Narayan hospital, Ernakulam. These are not just one off acts but just few example of many such acts.

On September 21, Engineer Task Force from College of Military Engineering led by Major Ravishankar repaired Water Treatment Plant Aluva which enabled restoration of water supply to almost 3,00,000 citizens. Indian Army also restored connectivity through temporary bridges. It has made 13 temporary bridges to reconnect 38 remote areas. Army deployed 10 floods relief columns, each having an approximate strength of 65 personnels, in ten districts of Kerala.

Similarly, 10 Engineer Task Force, each having an approximate strength of 40 personnel from Jodhpur, Bhopal, Pune, Bengaluru and Secunderabad, and total of 110 different boats for rescue and relief were pressed into action. It restored connectivity at 49 locations, cleared 22 landslides and constructed 18 temporary bridges. It also distributed over 3.5 tonnes of relief material and deployed six medical teams at Thrissur, Ernakulam and Pathanamthitta districts. SP

4/2018 SP’s Land Forces

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>> night vision

Image Intensifiers — the Key to Night Vision Image intensification is the basis of night vision thus an image intensifier is a device for increasing the intensity of existing light in the environment for an optical system to enable to operate in low-light conditions Photograph: US Army

 Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd)

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t has always been the dream of all armies to be able to carry out operations by day and night in all weather conditions. It was during World War II and the Korean War that the development of image-intensification technology began to help the snipers to engage their targets at night or in bad weather conditions.

Image intensifiers have made this dream come true by making night into day. Image intensifiers coupled with thermal imagers have given birth to multiple military applications for night vision like surveillance, target acquisition, sighting devices for aiming, battle damage assessment and intelligence gathering. These applications are applicable across all platforms ranging from the infantry soldier to artillery guns, tanks; aerial and naval platforms.

www.spslandforces.com

Image Intensifier How it works? Image intensification is the basis of night vision thus an image intensifier is a device for increasing the intensity of existing light in the environment for an optical system to enable to operate in low-light conditions. These conditions could be night; light from fluorescence of materials in X-rays or gamma rays; for conversion of non-visible light sources such as near-infrared or short wave infrared to a visible image. Simply explained-the image intensifier is a vacuum tube in which image intensification is achieved by a complex conversion of energy particles. The system works by collecting photons through an objective lens which are then converted into electrons through a photocathode. Their electrical energy is then increased by a device called micro-channel plate (MCP) which is then converted back into light through a phosphor screen (that is why the image appears greenish in colour) and the final image can be viewed through an eyepiece lens. Photon is a particle representing a quantum of light or other electromagnetic radiation. The system is provided power with a sophisticated miniaturised power supply system. MCP is a key component where the electron amplification takes place. It is a thin disc that contains millions of densely spaced channels. When the electrons pass through these channels, they are multiplied manifold and strike the phosphor with greater energy which is thousands time brighter than the original image picked up in less/no light conditions.

Development in Image Intensifier Technology. Early snipers used image converters (sniperscopes) that required an infrared light source to illuminate their target and is now called Generation (Gen) 0. Further development took place when the starlight scope was developed during the early 1960s which used three improved image-intensifier tubes which produced a clear centre image with a distortion at the periphery. This was called Gen One. Gen Two was developed in the late 1960s with a major breakthrough with the development of the MCP. The photocathode process was further refined with the S-25 cathode resulting in much higher photo response. The size and weight was also

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The AN/PSQ-20 Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (ENVG) provides increased capability by incorporating image intensification and long-wave infrared sensors into a single, helmet-mounted passive device.

reduced which enabled them to be used with head- and helmet-mounted goggles. In the mid-1970s, advance photocathode technology was developed in Gen 3 which increased the tube’s sensitivity dramatically; particularly in the near-IR region. This resulted in longer ranges for the system. However the process of development is work in progress.

Some key developments are miniature highvoltage power supply system and increasing the reliability in excess of 15,000 hours without much degradation. Some examples are: PHOTONIS. PHOTONIS has developed INTENS image intensifier tube which enables night vision capabilities in dark military mission conditions such as deep mountain valleys and jungle terrain. The tube offers bandwidth sensitivity from 4001000 nano metre and provides a 40 per cent increase in detection, recognition, and identification (DRI) over previous tubes. INTENS is equipped with an Auto-Gating power supply for operations in dynamic light conditions, a high-contrast green P22 phosphor and a signal to noise ratio of 30. In addition, the INTENS tube has an operational lifetime of over 10,000 hours.

ITT Industries. ITT has developed a new high-performance image intensifier called Pinnacle for use in existing aviation and ground night vision systems. Pinnacle provides substantial performance increases in low light detection, high light resolution and intra-scene dynamic range (the ability to see detail in dark areas of a scene where bright cultural lighting is present -- for example, into a dark alley where streetlights are also in the scene). The new Pinnacle intensifier can be used in all aviation and ground systems that currently accept 18 mm image intensifiers. The improved performance is possible due to a new high-performance MCP, a newly designed gating power supply and improved manufacturing process.

Thermal Imaging Technologies Thermal Imaging (TI) is not related to image intensification but enables night vision.

It does not rely on existing light through

which the human eye can see a image but detects objects based on heat emitted by them. The warmer the object, the more infrared long-wave light it radiates and the more detectable it is. However it does not have high resolution of the image as compared to image intensifier of the similar field of view. A special lens focuses the infrared light emitted by all of the objects in view which is scanned by infrared-detector elements which in turn form a detailed temperature pattern called a thermogram. The detector array works very fast and obtains the temperature information in about onethirtieth of a second to make the thermogram. The thermogram is translated into electric impulses which are then converted into display data where it appears as various colors depending on the intensity of the infrared emission. There are two common types of thermal-imaging devices which are Un-cooled and Cryogenically cooled.

Un-cooled is the most common TI device which can operate at room temperature, is completely quiet and activates immediately.

However there have been critical developments in uncooled thermal imagers with the use of vanadium oxide and amorphous silicon which have made them suitable for head-mounted applications. Cryogenically cooled is more expensive but has an incredible resolution and sensitivity that result from cooling the elements. Cryogenicallycooled systems can discern a difference as small as 0.1 C from more than 300 m away, which is enough to tell if a person is holding a gun at that distance.

Combination of Image Intensifiers and Thermal Imagers Night vision devices would become more effective if the image intensifier and the thermal imager is combined to bring out the best attributes of both. Earlier the thermal imagers had greater size, weight and power (SWaP) consumption thus it was not practical to use them in user mounted applications like night vision goggles (NVG). However advances in recent years with uncooled

thermal imagers have greatly improved these features making them more suitable for head-mounted applications. This has resulted in Sensor Fusion.

Sensor fusion. Sensor fusion combines the respective strengths of image intensifier and thermal imaging technologies into one device. Such a combination enables a user to view a much greater part of the light spectrum which can span from visible to nearinfrared to long-wave infrared. Thus the user can view the information from both the visible and thermal spectrums through a single device which gives him a greater advantage while carrying out military, security and law enforcement duties. This type of sensor fusion has led to the development of new night-vision technologies and devices like the enhanced night-vision goggle (ENVG) that combines a thermal imager with an image intensifier. The image intensifier works like a standard NVG in this system but image from the thermal sensor is through a video display.

Both the inputs are then optically overlaid to provide a fused image. Developments are on to combine the video output of a thermal imager directly with the video output of an electronic output image intensifier. These new devices would then display a complete digitally fused image through HMD (head-mounted/helmet display) in a device known as the digitally enhanced night-vision goggle (ENVG-D).

L-3’s AN/PVS-31 BNVD. This is a compact, lightweight, Gene III dual-tube goggle with an ergonomic low-profile design to provide better situational awareness than a single-tube goggle. Its twin-tube design provides protection in the field against failure or damage versus a single-tube device.

L-3 Insight designed the AN/PVS-31 BNVD to increase system resolution, reduce headborne weight, improve system centre of gravity and improve situational awareness.

Harris’ AN/PVS-14 Monocular Night Vision Device. AN/PVS-14 is designed for use by the individual soldier in a variety of ground-based night operations.

It features the superior performance of the Gen 3 F9815 image intensifier tube with a variable gain control to achieve an optimum balance in the images seen by both eyes. For weapon firing, the AN/PVS-14 can be mounted on a MIL-STD-1913 weapon rail behind a standard collimated dot sight.

The Knight Vision® PVS-22 Clip-On Night Vision Weapon Sight. PVS-22 uses the latest high performance Gen 3 intensifier tube in a proven design, where the catadioptric lens (refraction and reflection are combined in an optical system) provides high performance light collection with an effective f/1.2 in a light weight optic. The PVS-22 Weapon Sight is appropriate for front line rifles such as the M4 Carbine, M16A2/A4, M249, M14, and day sights with magnification up to 10x.

Night Vision Devices’ MINI BNVD AA 18mm. MINI BNVD AA 18mm is Dual Tube Night Vision Goggle with Single Gain Control.

With a system weight of about 440 gm, the MINI BNVD is the lightest fully functional dual tube goggle in the world, which utilizes 18mm Gen 2/3 Image Intensifiers and includes important features such as a fully focusing eyepiece and a focusable IR Illuminator.

>> exercises / night vision

Indian Army on an Exercise Spree Contributing to the Indian diplomatic and strategic outreach, Indian Army, in last one month, has been involved in various bilateral and multi-lateral exercises  Rohit Srivastava

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n last few years, the number and duration of bilateral military exercises between India and other friendly nations have seen exponential rise. In the last one month Indian Army has been involved in five major exercises including the inaugural BIMSTEC military exercise.

Inaugural MILEX-18 comes to an end The week long inaugural Military Field Training Exercise for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technological and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) nations named ‘MILEX-18’, after a Validation Exercise and an impressive Closing Ceremony held at Foreign Training Node, Aundh Military Station, Pune, on September 16.

Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre presided over the closing ceremony which attended by “other dignitaries including Shahidul Islam, General Secretary of BIMSTEC forum, Service Chiefs of BIMSTEC nations, senior Military officers of the Indian Army and representatives of the BIMSTEC Nations.”

Speaking on the occasion, Bhamre said, “The MILEX-18 Exercise has provided us all an opportunity to discuss the issue of Countering Terrorism from the military point of view with an endeavour to create synergy, better understanding and evolving of an institutionalised mechanism for regional cooperation in the field of Counter Terrorist Operations.

During the Validation Exercise, tactical drills such as Hostage Rescue by insertion of troops from helicopters, Room Intervention as well as House Clearing Drill as part of Cordon and Search Operations, Raid on a Terrorist Hideout and neutralisation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) were carried out.

The purpose of the exercise was to “demonstrated the commitment and capabilities” of the participating armies while working together to fight terrorism.

The exercise was followed by an exhibition organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) where more than 250 indigenously developed defence equipment were displayed.

“Almost 20 different agencies dealing with defence equipment participated in the display including Ordnance Factories, Defence and

Enhanced Night Vision GoggleBinocular (ENVG-B) Programme To operate more effectively at night, U.S. Army has given $391.8 million three-year contract to L-3 Insight during May, 2018 for the ENVG-B. The ENVG family represents helmet-mounted night-vision goggles that blend image intensification and long wave infrared sensors for combat at night, in bad weather, and in smoke and dust. Harris and L-3 Insight are building ENVG II, while BAE Systems and DRS are building ENVG III. ENVG III weapon sights also has a improved resolution and a wider field of view which enables rapid target acquisition.

Combination of ENVG III and Family of Weapons Sights-Individual (FWS-I) technology The FWS-I, when mounted on a soldier’s weapon, will transmit its sight picture through radio to the ENVG III, which is mounted on a soldier’s helmet. The FWS-I

Research Development Organisation (DRDO), leading private sector companies, startups etc to showcase some of the latest weapon systems and vehicles produced indigenously.”

KAZIND – 2018 commences India and Kazakhstan began their joint military exercise KAZIND-2018 in Otar Military Area, Kazakhastan. The two weeks long exercise is being conducted from September 10-23. “The Kazakh contingent is represented by Military Base 85395 while the Indian side is represented by 5 LADAKH SCOUTS Regiment,” Ministry of Defence said in a statement. Upon arrival of Indian contingent, “General Major Dzhumakeev Almaz, welcomed the Indian contingent and in his inaugural remarks highlighted the common shared beliefs of freedom, equality and justice that are precious to both the nations,” it said. On the inaugural day, the sides briefed each other on their organizational structure.

The Kazak army also displayed its weapons and equipments used at the sub-unit level.

“Both sides will jointly train, plan and execute a series of well developed tactical drills for neutralisation of likely threats that may be encountered in urban warfare scenario. Ex KAZIND-2018 will contribute immensely in developing mutual understanding and respect for each other’s military,” the statement added.

SCO Peace Mission 2018 The latest edition of the ‘Peace Mission’ series of exercise of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) started on August 24 at Chebarkul, Russia. “The exercise will provide an opportunity to the armed forces of SCO nations to train in counter terrorism operations in urban scenario in a multinational and joint environment. The scope of the exercise includes professional interaction, mutual understanding of drills & procedures, establishment of joint command and control structures and elimination of terrorist threat in urban counter terrorist scenario.” MoD said in a statement.

In this fifth edition of the exercise, India is participating for the first time with 200 personnel whereas Russian Army contributed 1700 personnel where as other two major players China is contributing 700 soldiers.

The focus of the exercise was on the

is designed for the M4 and M16 rifles, and can mount on those rifles in front of day sights that have already been bore-sighted.

The ENVG will combine thermal imaging with image intensification technology. A variety of modes will allow soldiers to see in their goggles only the image from the ENVG III itself, only the image from the FWS-I, or a combination of the two. Using a ‘picture-in-picture’ mode, the image from the FWS-I is displayed at the bottom right of the image that is coming from the goggle. This combines the rapid target acquisition technology and can be effectively be used for surveillance, aiming weapons during daylight, darkness, adverse weather and dirty battlefield conditions. This system should be with the U.S. Army by the first quarter of 2019.

L-3’s AN/PSQ-20B ENVG L-3 Insight.

AN/PSQ-20B ENVG is a helmet-mounted dual waveband monocular which enables the user to view images through one eye,

anti-terrorist operations in a multinational joint service environment. “The exercise provided an opportunity to armies of all nations for greater cultural understanding, sharing experiences and strengthening mutual trust & cooperation. Overall SCO Peace Mission Exercise will contribute immensely in developing mutual understanding and respect amongst SCO member nations in future,” statement said.

Maitree 2018 Exercise Maitree, an Indo-Thai platoon level army exercise, was conducted between August 6-19 in Thailand. To hone the tactical and technical skills in joint counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in rural and urban scenario under UN mandate, Maitree 2018 aims to increasing interoperability between forces from both countries.

During the exercise the two sides jointly trained, planned and executed tactical drills of urban warfare.

The exercise began with field training familiarising each other with maneuver and operational procedures. “The second phase included practicing of various drills and tactical scenarios in counter insurgency environment, execution of tactical operations like search and destroy operation, house intervention and survival techniques. The exercise culminated with a 72 hour joint exercise on planning and execution of series of tactical operations like raid, pursuit, establishing Military Check Post and cordon and search operations,” the ministry said in a statement.

Nomadic Elephant-2018 Indo-Mongolia joint exercise Nomadic Elephant-2018, commenced at Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) Five Hills Training Area, Ullanbaatar, Mongolia, on September 10, with a brief but impressive opening ceremony. The 12 days long joint exercise concluded on September 21 September. It is an annual, bilateral exercise being conducted since 2006.

It is designed to strengthen the partnership between the two armed forces. The exercise saw the two sides improve their tactical and technical skills in joint counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in rural and urban scenario under United Nations mandate.

The Indian was represented by a contingent of 17 PUNJAB Regiment while the Mon-

but not through two eyes as a binocular device can. The AN/PSQ-20B ENVG provides improved targeting and identification by fusing image intensification technology with thermal imagery to bring out the best in both sensors.

Indian Perspective Bharat Electronics Limited Optronic Devices Ltd (BELOP) Image Intensifier Tube manufacturing facility BEL. BELOP (formerly BEL DELFT) is an fully owned subsidiary of BEL which started manufacturing Gen2 Image Intensifiers in collaboration with and as a Joint Venture with BV DELFT Netherlands in 1994. This was aimed at having indigenous capability in India for such critical technologies. Subsequently, the technology was upgraded to Super Generation and Hyper Generation grade with in-house developments. In 2012, the plant was upgraded

golian was represented by Unit 084. During the inaugural, Major General J. Badambazar welcoming the Indian contingent highlighted the common shared beliefs of freedom, equality and justice. In the opening ceremony, the sides briefed each other about their organisational structure and displayed weapons and equipments of the sub-unit level.

“During the exercise both sides will jointly train, plan and execute a series of well developed tactical drills for neutralisation of likely threats that may be encountered in urban warfare scenario. Experts from both sides will also hold detailed discussions to share their experience on varied topics for mutual benefits. Exercise Nomadic Elephant-2018 will contribute immensely in developing mutual understanding & respect for each other’s military and also facilitate in tackling the world wide phenomenon of terrorism,” Ministry said in a statement.

Yudh Abhyas 2018 The 14th Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2018 a joint military exercise of Indian and US armies, commenced on September 16 Chaubattia, Uttarakhand. The two weeks long will witness participation of about 350 personnel of the US Army and similar strength of the Indian Army working together honing their counter insurgency and counter terrorism skills in mountainous terrain.

“The exercise curriculum is progressively planned where the participants are initially made to get familiar with each other’s organisational structure, weapons, equipment, confidence training and tactical drills.

Subsequently, the training advances to joint tactical exercises wherein the battle drills of both the armies are coherently unleashed.

The training will culminate with a final validation exercise in which troops of both countries will jointly carry out an operation against terrorists in a fictitious but realistic setting,” Ministry said in a statement.

“Over the years the two countries have decided to progressively increase the scope and content of this joint exercise. Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2018 will witness a Division Headquarter based Command Post Exercise, an Infantry Battalion carrying out Field Training Exercise and discussions on issues of mutual interest by experts of both countries,” it added. SP

to produce XD-4 II Tubes with technical know-how from PHOTONIS, France, and about 40,000 tubes were supplied. The plant is presently being upgraded to XR-5 grade with a capacity to produce more than 30,000 Image Intensifier Tubes per year.

BEL also has plans to produce MCP indigenously with ToT from PHOTONIS once the XR-5 is fully established.

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) Night Vision Devices is one of the areas of strategic interest for Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). TASL has entered into a partnership with Exelis Inc., the world leader in Gen 3 Image Intensification based NVDs, to manufacture and supply these systems to Indian Defence market. As part of the drive towards achieving indigenisation, TASL has set up a production facility in India, for assembly and manufacture of sub-assemblies and complete systems. SP

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>> Indo-us relations

Indo-US 2+2 Dialogue Discussions were wide ranging covering the geopolitical and geostrategic developments including in the Korean Peninsula and the Af-Pak region. Pompeo emphasized that “all countries in Asia and south-east Asia can benefit from a free and fair Indo-Pacific and that will be our priority.”

PhotographS: PIB, Narendra Modi/twitter

(Above) Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman leading the Indian delegation during the bilateral meeting with the US Secretary of Defence, James Mattis on the sidelines of the 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi; (Right, Top) Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the US Secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo and the US Secretary of Defence, James Mattis, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman; (Right, above) US Secretary of Defence Mattis and Defence Minister Sitharaman exchanging the documents after signing the COMCASA during the 2+2 Bilateral Dialogue between the two countries in New Delhi.

 Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd)

www.spslandforces.com

T

he first ever Indo-US 2+2 Dialogue finally took place on September 6, 2018, after two postponements over past one year. Three events preceded the dialogue: first, on August 2, 2018, US Congress passed a defence spending bill seeking amendment to ‘Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanction Act (CAATSA) to provide waiver’s to America’s strategic partners like India from punitive sanctions against those doing business with Russian defence industry – bill passed with overwhelming majority of 87 to 10; second, US blocked $350 million in coalition support funds (CSF) to Pakistan post Defence Secretary James Mattis expressed inability to certify to Congress sufficient actions by Pakistan against Haqqani Network; third, DAC cleared purchase of $1 billion US National Advanced Surface-toAir Missile System-II (NASMAS-II) instead of indigenous BMD successfully tried but awaiting formal commissioning, and media reports India is likely to buy the US Tomahawk cruise missiles for Indian Navy instead of indigenous ‘Nirbhay’ – possible appeasement actions to mellow US sanctions against Indo-Russian and Indo-Iranian deals, and; fourth, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated on September 5 that India buying Russian S-400 and oil from Iran would not be “primary” focus of the dialogue.

It may be recalled that in 2016, the US had accorder ‘Major Defence Partner’ status to India. EAM Sushma Swaraj received US Secretary of State at the airport on arrival while Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman welcomed Defence Secretary Jim Mattis at the airport on arrival at New Delhi.

Speaking to journalists, Pompeo termed India as “true strategic partner”. General Joseph Dunford, Chairman US Joint Chiefs was also part of US delegation. Sushma Swaraj had separate bilateral meeting with Pompeo while Sitharaman had one-on-one

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SP’s Land Forces 4 /2018

meeting with Mattis before the delegationlevel 2+2 Dialogue. During the bilateral and delegation-level dialogue, the two sides recognized their strategic partnership, commitment to work together on regional and global issues, including in bilateral, trilateral, and quadrilateral formats. The two sides decided to establish secure hot-lines between the Indian EAM and Defence Minister and their US counterparts. Discussions were wide ranging covering the geopolitical and geostrategic developments including in the Korean Peninsula and the Af-Pak region.

Pompeo emphasized that “all countries in Asia and south-east Asia can benefit from a free and fair Indo-Pacific and that will be our priority.” The US acknowledged India’s longstanding and ongoing contributions of economic assistance to Afghanistan and also welcomed India’s enhanced role in Afghanistan’s development and stabilisation. The Indian side brought up the issue of terrorism

by Pakistan. Both sides affirmed increased bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation; information-sharing efforts and at international for a, and support for a UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. The joint statement called upon Pakistan to stop exporting terror. There was also talk of maintaining pressure over Dawood Ibrahim – indicating India refuses to develop a spine and fight such wars itself.

Jim Mattis said, “We will continue working together, join hands and expand India’s role as a primary major defence partner, to elevate our relationship to a level to commence with our closest allies and partners”.

A high point of the dialogue was signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) that will: allow both countries to share highend encrypted communication and satellite data – implying whatever is detected by US warships or aircraft will instantly get transmitted to Indian Navy on secure encrypted channel, and; the agreement provides legal framework for high-end defence technology

transfer – for example, India can acquire Sea Guardian drones to detect and target enemy vessels. Indian and US officials had debated COMCASA in 2007 but it had then not been cleared by the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS). Since then, the two sides had been working on the revised text of the agreement. While Pompeo termed COMCASA a “milestone” in the relationship, Sitharaman asserted that the pact will enhance India’s defence capability and preparedness. Readiness was announced to negotiate an Industrial Security Annex (ISA) that would support closer defense industry cooperation and collaboration.

A joint decision was also taken at the dialogue for US and Indian militaries to carry out large-scale joint exercises next year; simultaneously in the air, on the land and at sea. The two sides further reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing and future cooperation to ensure a stable cyberspace environment and to prevent cyber-attacks. Sushma Swaraj also discussed the contentious issue of the H1B visa with Pompeo. The US reiterated full support for India’s immediate accession to the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Both sides committed to further expanding and balancing the trade and economic partnership consistent with their leaders’ 2017 joint statement, including by facilitating trade, improving market access, and addressing issues of interest to both sides.

The Indo-US Strategic Partnership is very important but needs accommodation and balance, conforming to dynamics of the region

The next 2+2 Dialogue is to be held in the United States in 2019. There was no official mention of the S-400 Triumf India is acquiring from Russia but Pompeo told reports after the dialogue, “Our effort here is not to penalise a great strategic partner like India”, adding that Washington was also working with New Delhi to tackle the issue of India’s oil imports from Iran. Before the dialogue, media had brought out that Indian concerns would be conveyed to the US side.

Presumably, these would have been discussed in the bilateral discussions between Swaraj-Pompeo and Sitharaman-Mattis.

Last month the US Congress had already paved the way for waivers to India by passing the conference report on National Defence Authorization Act-2019 (NDAA-19). But individual waivers must be viewed in context of India’s needs to balance between Indo-US and Indo-Russian relations which are both strategically important given the dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region, and an aggressive China, even if latter is somewhat holding its horses under shadow of the US-China trade war. Russian officials confirmed at the recent Army 2018 Exercise Su-57 technology for Indian Sukhoi Su-30MKI and MiG is offering a completely new MiG-35 with 50 per cent more combat potential, capable of tracing 30 targets simultaneously and hitting 10 of them together, at 20 per cent less prices than other competitors with transfer of technology (ToT) in response to a request for proposal (RFP) for 110 fighter aircraft for the IAF under ‘Make in India’ project. There is also the question of US-Pakistan relationship in the ‘long-term’ based on the premise the Washington’s hope that Pakistan will help Taliban reconciliation in Afghanistan and curb terrorist activities, of which Imran Khan may have administered another sweet pill to Mike Pompeo when the met on September 5. Finally, the Indo-US Strategic Partnership is very important but needs accommodation and balance, conforming to dynamics of the region. SP

>> News in Brief Unified Commanders’ Conference 2018

CSS offered, and successfully demonstrated, its flagship mini UAV system, SpyLite, which was the only one that met enduser requirements to conduct real-time surveillance and target acquisition at very high altitude and inextreme weather conditions. The SpyLite was also the only UAV system to complete and pass the trial.

strengthening the defence capabilities of the country.

Ballistic Missile Interceptor AAD successfully flight tested

The two day Unified Commanders’ Conference for the year 2018 commenced on Jul 30, 2018 at New Delhi. The Conference provided a platform for discussions at the Apex Level on all ‘Joint Issues’ amongst the three Services & Ministry of Defence and enabled stock taking of the previous year and facilitated planning for future.

The event was attended by the Raksha Mantri, Rajya Raksha Mantri, National Security Advisor (NSA), Dy NSA, the Service Chiefs and other senior military and civil officials of the Services and MoD. Raksha Mantri complemented the Services for their performance and achievements in past year and stressed on the need for greater synergy and jointmanship amongst the Services as well as between the Services and the MoD. She assured the Services that preparedness of the Services would be a top priority for the Government.

Successful Flight Test of Prahar Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested the indigenously developed surface-to-surface tactical missile ‘Prahar’, from Launch Complex-III, ITR, Balasore. Range stations and electro optical systems tracked the missile throughout its flight. ‘Prahar’ is a contemporary weapon system capable of carrying multiple types of warheads and neutralising a wide variety of targets. Raksha Mantri Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated DRDO, Army, Industries and other team members for the successful mission and said “indigenously developed Prahar will further strengthen our defence capabilities.”

Second flight test of MPATGM successful Indigenously developed Man Portable AntiTank Guided Missile (MPATGM), was successfully flight tested for the second time from the Ahmednagar range on September 16, 2018. All the mission objectives have been met. The two missions on September 15 and 16, 2018 have been successfully flight tested for different ranges including the maximum range capability.

Raksha Mantri Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated the team DRDO, Indian Army and associated Industries for the twin success of MPATGM weapon system.

Cyient - BlueBird JV wins its first order for SpyLite mini UAS Cyient Solutions & Systems Pvt. Ltd. (CSS), a joint venture between Cyient Ltd. and BlueBird Aero Systems, Israel, today announced that it has received its first supply order from a unit of the Indian Army for SpyLite mini UAV systems for high altitude aerial surveillance.

>> Show Calendar 7–10 November INDO DEFENCE 2018 Expo & Forum JIExpo Kemayoran Jakarta, Indonesia http://www.indodefence.com/ 3–5 December Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) Egypt International Exhibition Center, New Cairo, Egypt www.egyptdefenceexpo.com

HAL successfully demonstrates 10Kg helicopter UAV

Principal Correspondent Rohit Srivastava

DRDO conducted the successful test of the Ballistic Missile Interceptor Advanced Area Defence (AAD) from Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. The endo-atmospheric missile, capable of intercepting incoming targets at an altitude of 15 to 25 kms was launched against multiple simulated targets of 1500 km class ballistic missile. One target among simultaneously incoming multiple targets was selected on real time, the weapon system radars tracked the target and the missile locked on to it and intercepted the target with a high degree of accuracy. The complete event including the engagement and interception was tracked by a number of electro-optical tracking systems, radars and telemetry stations. All the mission objectives were successfully met.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, witnessed the flight test along with other senior officials. Raksha Mantri Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated DRDO on the successful flight test for further boosting the defence capabilities of the country.

US move India into Elite Strategic Allies list

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited successfully demonstrated flight of a 10Kg Rotary Wing (Helicopter) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (RUAV). The RUAV is of a 2-stroke petrol engine, twin blade main rotor and tail rotor, payload capability of 2.5Kg including live stream video camera and range of the vehicle is 8-10 Km with an endurance of one hour.

The flight lasted for about ten minutes during which the Attitude Control Attitude Hold (ACAH) mode, Position Control, Position Hold mode (autonomous hover), low speed flight in forward, backward and sideward directions, were demonstrated. The video feed from onboard the helicopter was streamed live and shown on the dedicated video receiver. The status of the helicopter, its parameters and its real-time position on the map were also shown.

Successful Flight Test of ATGM ‘HELINA’ Indigenously developed Helicopter launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’ has been successfully flight tested from Army Helicopter in the ranges of Pokhran. The weapon system has been tested for its full range. The ‘HELINA’ weapon system released smoothly from the launch platform has tracked the target all through its course and hit the target with high precision. All the parameters have been monitored by the telemetry stations, tracking systems and the Helicopters.

The Missile is guided by an Infrared Imaging Seeker (IIR) operating in the Lock on Before Launch mode. It is one of the most advanced Anti-Tank Weapons in the world.

Senior officials from DRDO and Indian Army were present during the mission.

Raksha Mantri Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated the DRDO and the Indian Army on the successful flight test for further

Senior Editorial Contributor Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) Senior Technical Group Editor Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd)

Ashok Leyland wins a tender for Defence Tracked Combat Vehicle Ashok Leyland announced a tender win in the Tracked Vehicle space. This tender is for developmental work and marks Ashok Leyland’s foray into tracked vehicle business. As per the scope of work, the Company will collaborate with Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai for manufacture, assembly and testing of light weight clutch for the design and development of weight optimized 1500 hp Automatic Transmission for Main Battle Tanks.

Sharing his views on this win, Amandeep Singh, Head - Defence, Ashok Leyland, said, “For over three decades, Ashok Leyland has been a vital part of our Defence forces through our mobility solutions. As part of our strategy to enhance our contribution to our Defence Forces and to expand our business scope within our focus area of ‘Solutions for Mobility on Land’, we have been working on Tracked Vehicles. With this win, we mark yet another milestone where we start working on the Tracked Vehicles that our soldiers use”.

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal

Giving boost to bilateral relations, US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross United States, on July 30, announced inclusion of India to the Strategic Trade Authorization (STA) Tier 1, one of the most coveted lists of trading partners. With this India’s status is “comparable to NATO allies,” and it “will expand the scope of exports subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) that can be made to India without individual licenses. This regulatory change will enhance the bilateral defense trade relationship and result in a greater volume of U.S. exports to India.”

In 2016, US declared India a ‘Major Defence Partner’ and this created the ground work for its inclusion in the STA-1 which comes under the Department of Commerce’s Export Administration Regulations.

“Over the last seven years, approximately $9.7 billion worth of licensed exports to India may now eligible for export under this license exception,” said a US release. SP

APPOINtMENTs l Lt General Abhay Krishna, PVSM,

UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM took over as the Army Commander, Central Command on October 1, 2018. l Lt General Manoj Mukund Nara-

vane, AVSM, SM, VSM took over as the General Officer Commanding-inChief, Eastern Command on October 1, 2018. l Lt General S.K. Saini, AVSM, YSM,

VSM, assumed the command of the Southern Army on October 1, 2018. l Lt General I.S. Ghuman, AVSM, took

over as the Dy Chief of Army Staff (Information Systems & Training), in New Delhi, on August 16, 2018.

Contributors India General V.P. Malik (Retd), Lt General Vijay Oberoi (Retd), Lt General R.S. Nagra (Retd), Lt General S.R.R. Aiyengar (Retd), Major General Ashok Mehta (Retd), Major General G.K. Nischol (Retd), Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal (Retd), Brigadier S. Mishra (Retd), Rohit Sharma Chairman & Managing Director Jayant Baranwal Executive Vice President (Planning & Business Development) Rohit Goel Administration Bharti Sharma Asst-Admin, HR & Infra Pooja Tehlani Creative Director Anoop Kamath Design Vimlesh Kumar Yadav, Sonu Singh Bisht 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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l Lt General S.K. Upadhya, AVSM,

VSM, SM, took over as the Master General of the Ordnance, in New Delhi, on September 1, 2018.

4/2018 SP’s Land Forces

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>> xxxxxx

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