SP's Naval Forces 5/2023

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THE ONLY NAVAL MAGAZINE FOR NAVIES ACROSS ASIA-PACIFIC

 L EA D S TO RY

PAGE 3 Ageing Submarine Fleet Raises Security Concerns

PHOTOGRAPH: US Navy

Slow progress in Indian Navy’s ambitious Submarine fleet expansion with delays in induction and decommissioning of ships poses significant challenges in policing the vast Indian Ocean Maritime Zone and countering PLA (Navy) threats Ranjit Kumar

PAGE 4 Chinese Fujian Heads Towards Blue Waters China’s Fujian aircraft carrier, equipped with cutting-edge electromagnetic catapults, prepares for sea trials, marking a milestone in the nation’s naval capabilities Vice Admiral A.K. Chawla (Retd)

PAGE 6 New Chapter in India-Italy Defence Ties

Charting a fresh course, India and Italy embark on a new era of defence collaboration Ranjit Kumar

PAGE 7 India-France Discuss Rafale-M and Scorpene Deals

The recent visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to France has elevated Indo-French defence relations to the next level Ranjit Kumar

PAGE 9 P-8I by Boeing: A Fabulous Past and A Promising Future As the Indian Navy’s demand for more P-8I aircraft grows, Boeing company, manufacturer of the P-8I, is fervently stepping up to meet this need Neetu Dhulia

PLUS Navantia’s AIP Successfully Performs Factory Acceptance Tests 8

News / Appointments

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The Ohio class submarines, also known as the SSBN (Ship, Submersible, Ballistic, Nuclear) class, are considered to be among the most stealthy submarines in the world.

Unseen & Unheard: The Role of Stealth Evolving Submarine Stealth Technologies ensure a Lethal Silence for the Sentinels of the Deep n V ICE ADMIRAL A.K. CHAWLA (RETD)

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AVAL SUBMARINES WERE INVENTED to exploit the opaqueness of the underwater domain, which gave them an asymmetric advantage over much larger, faster and better armed surface vessels. While submarines require several attributes to be successful in their assigned roles and missions, the most important attribute for their success is stealth. The reason for this is their vulnerability to attack by surface, subsurface or aerial platforms once detected.

Submarines are, therefore, designed with stealth in mind and submarine stealth

technology has been one of the most researched and protected of all technologies, always remaining a step ahead of anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Approach to Submarine Stealth It is important to keep in mind that a ­submarine’s stealth cannot be viewed in isolation and requires a “whole of systems” approach. Towards this, stealth technologies can be broadly divided into two broad categories – acoustic stealth and non-acoustic stealth. Improving acoustic stealth requires addressing both the acoustic energy created by a submarine’s passage underwater and the acoustic energy reflected by the submarine from

its adversary’s active sonar transmissions.

On the other hand, non-acoustic stealth of a submarine includes aspects such as its radar signature, vulnerability to visual and infrared detection, electromagnetic signatures, underwater endurance, etc. Stealth engineering is, therefore, essential in every aspect of a submarine – be it its hull shape, its hull surface, its main and auxiliary machinery, its external communication equipment, and its sensors and weapons.

Key aspects of a submarine’s acoustic and non-acoustic stealth are examined briefly in subsequent paragraphs.

Acoustic Stealth The shape of submarine hulls, append-

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 LE AD S T ORY

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India’s submarine fleet faces a pressing challenge in operational capability, owing to a lackadaisical approach towards indigenous modernisation efforts. As Russian and German submarines approach retirement, the

ages and their propellers is the first and most important aspect of a submarines stealth capability. Initially, submarine hulls were not very stealth-oriented, and hence were easier to detect. As stealth technology progressed, modern submarines hulls became much more streamlined, being designed empirically, with their drag coefficient through water being obtained through simulation using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Modern-day submarine design has graduated to use of sophisticated computerised optimisation algorithms, which have further reduced their flow resistance, and thereby their acoustic signature as they move underwater. Double-hull construction is another method to streamline a submarine’s shape, which aims to achieve acoustic quietening from the outside inwards, rather than quietening individual equipment. Technologies to give a more hydrodynamic shape to the submarine propeller(s) as also their physical composition are also constantly evolving. New developments in this field include “integrated propulsors”, “polymer ejection” and “electromagnetic turbulence control”.

As far as submarine hull surfaces are concerned, submarines of the Second World War era had metal hulls, similar to warships, which gave a very good return signal to a sonar sound pulse, and were therefore easy to detect and attack. The invention of hull coatings of various types, such as anechoic tiles, which were stuck to the surface of a submarine’s hull, considerably dampened the acoustic energy produced and reflected by a submarine, while also reducing the flow-generated noise produced by a submarine. In the cat-and-mouse-game between submarines and surface ships, the development of modern low frequency sonars considerably nullified the advantage of even the best designed anechoic tiles. The latest development in stealth technology for submarine hull surfaces is the invention of “active tiles” based on “giant magnetostrictive material” (GMM) technology, that gives a return echo of a different frequency, to confuse the sonar operator on a surface ship.

Advancements in stealth technology have empowered naval submarines to operate covertly, gaining an edge over surface vessels

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timely procurement of replacements remains inadequate, giving rise to significant strategic and security apprehensions.

Ranjit Kumar underscores the urgency of acquiring or constructing new submarines, given that a substantial portion of the existing fleet has served for three decades. The Navy’s 30year submarine-building blueprint, sanctioned in 1999, stipulates a minimum requirement of 24 submarines. However, due to persisting delays, a comprehensive reassessment of the plan has been necessitated. There is a mounting concern that by 2030, India may not possess a robust submarine fleet capable of matching China’s burgeoning capabilities.

Vice Admiral A.K. Chawla (Retd) highlights the pivotal

role of stealth in contemporary submarines. Stealth empowers submarines to undertake covert operations over extended durations and fulfil diverse missions.

Given the global investments in anti-submarine warfare capabilities, the significance of stealth technology escalates further in ensuring the survivability and effectiveness of submarines. This intricate domain encompasses a fusion of design attributes and specialised materials that collectively diminish enemy sensor detection, making it an indispensable facet of contemporary submarine warfare.

Recent reports indicate that Fujian, China’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier, is all set to start sea trials in the near future. Fujian will be China’s first CATOBAR carrier

and is fitted with electromagnetic catapults. Scheduled to be commissioned in 2025, it is 316 metres long, with a maximum beam of 76 metres and has a full load displacement of around 85,000 tons. Vice Admiral A.K. Chawla (Retd) talks about what this significant develop means for India and the Region in his article.

In October 2023, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh embarked on a 4-day diplomatic foray to Italy and France, with the explicit aim of fortifying defence ties. The bilateral rapport between Rome and New Delhi has experienced a commendable upswing, culminating in the reinvigoration of the defence partnership following a considerable hiatus. In Paris, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held deliberations with his French counterpart Sebastien

Lecornu, thereby further cementing the deep-seated strategic partnership between India and France. Additionally, he engaged in discussions with the CEOs of France’s premier defence conglomerates. For comprehensive coverage on these pivotal visits by the Defence Minister, refer to the detailed reports compiled by Ranjit Kumar.

Wish you all discerning readers happy reading!

Jai Hind!

JAYANT BARANWAL Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

PHOTOGRAPH: US Navy

Chinese Jin (Type 094) Class Ballistic Missile Submarine. China is developing a new generation (Type 096) of nuclear-armed submarines that are likely to be the PLA Navy’s quietest submarine and will be more difficult to find

A major source of the total noise generated by a submarine is its main engines and various auxiliary machineries (especially pumps and motors) fitted on a submarine.

A principal focus of a submarine’s noise reduction has consequently been the design of the mountings of all rotating or moving machinery, besides quietening the design of the machinery itself. Starting with basic rubber mountings, these have now graduated to mountings using piezoelectric materials or other types of actuators to actively cancel mechanical vibrations generated by the machinery, and hence reduce underwater noise. “Raft mountings” and “isolated structures” within a submarine are also being used to reduce acoustic signatures further. Software-based condition-based monitoring (CBM) systems, which can centrally and continuously monitor all on board machinery for various p ­ arameters including vibrations, have also become an integral part of a submarine’s systems.

Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) and other Technologies A major restriction in maintaining stealth for conventional submarines is the fact that they require to surface periodically to “snort” and charge their batteries. In modern conventional submarines this restriction has been largely overcome through the introduction of air-independent propulsion (AIP), which increases the underwater endur-

ance and reduces the acoustic signature of submarines. However, even conventional submarines fitted with AIP have limitations, both to their maximum sustained underwater speed and their endurance, prior needing to surface or snort to charge their batteries. Thus, the ongoing research into the development of better and safer AIP fuel cell systems is synonymous with enhancing the stealth capability of modern submarines.

Stealth technology is also required to be incorporated into a submarine’s weapon and communication systems to ensure that they do not significantly enhance a submarines acoustic and radar signature while being used on the surface or underwater.

As far as weapons systems are concerned, “weapon launch transient noise silencing” is necessary to quieten both torpedo and missile handling and launch systems to ensure a submarine’s survivability in the critical period during and after its weapons launch.

Similarly, both satellite and trailed wire communication antennae systems of submarines, which are essential capabilities for effective achievement of a submarine’s missions, also require quietening. Conversely, the lesser a submarine’s own acoustic signature, the better will be the capability of its own sensors to detect surface ships and submarines. The design of sensors itself, such as sonar sensors embedded on a submarine’s hull, instead of a large bow mounted sonar, are new methods to reduce the

acoustic signature of submarines by making their hull more streamlined. The most recent development in this field is the introduction of “off-board vehicles” to extend a submarine’s reach and enhance its stealth.

A Stealth-Enabled Future As would be evident, a range of technologies and materials go into making a submarine quieter, which require extensive R&D. Developments in this field are constantly evolving and given the advances, not only in anti-submarine detection capability, but also in global surveillance capabilities, submarines not possessing adequate stealth capability will not survive against a better armed adversary. With the submarine arm being an indispensable part of India’s tactical and operational warfighting strategy, as also it’s second-strike and strategic deterrence capability, we needs to focus on investments in the field of underwater stealth, especially CFD and non-acoustic modelling, to ensure that our submarine arm remains a potent weapon and a deterrent against possible adversaries. SP The Author was the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command when he retired on November 30, 2021. He is a Navigation and Direction specialist. He was also the Director ­General Naval Operations and the Chief of Personnel, Indian Navy.

 SU B M AR I N E / MODE RNIS ATIO N

Ageing Submarine Fleet Raises Security Concerns Slow progress in Indian Navy’s ambitious Submarine fleet expansion with delays in induction and decommissioning of ships poses significant challenges in policing the vast Indian Ocean Maritime Zone and countering PLA (Navy) threats PHOTOGRAPHS: indiannavy / X

(Left-Right) Submarines are one of the most challenging branch of the Navy. The Submarine fleet of Indian Navy is getting old and desparately needs to be revamped.

n RANJIT KUMAR

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NDIAN NAVY’s OBJECTIVE TO have 24 operational submarines including six nuclear submarines by 2030 is in doldrums. At the present rate of induction and decommissioning the Indian navy will have only nine conventional and four nuclear powered submarines in its fleet by the end of the decade, whereas the Navy presently possesses 16 submarines in all. If the order for three additional French Scorpenes materialises very soon, the conventional fleet strength will remain at 13 by the end of the decade as it will not be possible to deliver the three additional Scorpenes before that time.

Emerging Gaps

in the initial phase has already been decommissioned, the rest will have to be retired in the coming years. So, the additional Scorpenes will only be replacing the retired submarines. The four German HDW submarines will also be approaching retirement by then.

Hence even if three additional Scorpenes are inducted by the end of the decade, the decommissioned Kilo and HDW submarines will more than offset the gains made. Hence, India will have only nine Scorpene class submarines left besides three nuclear powered submarines. With one extra to be acquired under lease from Russia, this will be another nuclear platform.

Current Fleet Status Indian Navy Submarine fleet comprises

both conventional diesel electric and nuclear powered submarines. Among the ­ diesel electric submarines, Indian Navy has acquired them from Russia, France and Germany. The Navy presently has seven Russian Kilo class, four German HDW types and five French Scorpene class. The sixth Scorpene class Vagsheer is expected to join early next year after the completion of sea trial. The Sindhudhwaj was commissioned in 1987 and is already beyond service age.

With the decommissioning of INS Sindhudhwaj, after three and half decades in service, the strength of Kilo class submarine has gone down to seven. India had acquired ten Kilo class submarines from which one Kilo class has been lost in accident and one has been given to Myanmar.

Presently Indian Navy has one nuclear powered Arihant class submarine and second is under sea trial besides the third nuclear missile submarine (SSBN) reportedly launched early this year. These three will add substantially to Indian navy firepower, though the Indian Navy or the Ministry of Defence is silent over these developments.

Another nuclear submarine under ten year lease is getting ready in Russian shipyard, which will replace the second INS Chakra submarine that has been returned to Russia ten months before the completion of its ten years lease period.

The sixth Scorpene class submarine Vagsheer is under sea trial and is expected Continued on page 8...

Considering the gigantic requirement to police huge Indian Ocean maritime zone and the need to be prepared to counter the challenges Chinese Navy (PLA-N) is likely to pose in the coming years in the Indian Ocean, the execution of fleet enhancement plan is not adequate and running very late.

Since the Russian Kilo and German HDW submarines acquired in eighties and nineties can’t continue to be in service beyond the present decade, the effective fleet strength will decline to a dozen or so by the end of the decade. A few less than the present strength. This certainly is bothering the Naval Headquarters.

As the majority of present strength of 16 conventional submarines are aging, the Naval Headquarters is keeping its finger crossed as to when the government will okay the Project 75 India (P-75I) for indigenous manufacture of six submarines in Indian shipyard. Though the defence ministry is working on formally sending the request to the French government for three additional Scorpenes to be made in India in Mazagaon Dockyard Ltd (MDL), with French technical assistance, the most serious issue is, even if the orders for three additional Scorpenes are placed within a few months, it will not be handed over to Indian Navy before 2030.

By that time the remaining seven Kilo class Russian submarines will have to be retired.

Since these Kilo class submarines were acquired in eighties and nineties, and the Kilo class INS Sindhudhwaj that arrived in 1987 Sin título-1 1

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 CH I NE SE AIRC RAF T C A RRIER / LA U NCH

Chinese Fujian Heads Towards Blue Waters China's Fujian aircraft carrier, equipped with cutting-edge electromagnetic catapults, prepares for sea trials, marking a milestone in the nation's naval capabilities n V ICE ADMIRAL A.K. CHAWLA (RETD)

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ECENT MEDIA REPORTS INDICATE that Fujian (Type 003), China’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier, is all set to start sea trials in the near future. Laid down on March 2015, it was launched on June 17, 2022 at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai. Powering and mooring trials of the ship commenced in April 2023 and are reported to have been completed successfully.

Induction and Specifications Named after the Fujian province in China, Fujian will be China’s first CATOBAR (catapult assisted take-off but arrested recovery) carrier and is fited with electromagnetic catapults, as compared to the ski-jump on the first two carriers. It is only the second aircraft carrier in the world (after the USS Ford) to be fitted with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system. It is understood that the Fujian was originally to be fitted with conventional steam-powered catapults but a decision was taken at the highest level of the Central Military Commission (CMC) in 2017 to fit the Fujian with an ‘integrated electric propulsion (IEP) system’ capable of powering advanced electromagnetic launch systems.

Scheduled to be commisioned in 2025 (a delay of an year over the previously estimated timeline of 2024), it is 316 metres long, with a maximum beam of 76 metres and has a full load displacement of around 85,000 tonnes. It is planned to carry an air wing of over 60 aircraft, 40 of them being fighter aircraft, with the rest comprising helicopters, airborne early warning, tanker and communication aircraft. The ship is estimated to have a crew of 2,000 personnel with 1,000 personnel additional required to man and service its air wing.

sion of the J-15B operated from the Liaoning and Shandong, and could graduate to the FC-31/J-35 ‘Gyrafalcon’ fifth ­generation fighters (Chinese equivalent of F-35) in the future. It has an integrated electronic mast, which is a hallmark of advanced shipbuilding and mitigates mutual interference while reducing the radar signature of the ship. It is powered by 8 steam boilers feeding turbines, which generate 2,20,000 horse power on four shafts, giving it the ability to achieve a top speed of 31 knots.

While its conventional propulsion remains a drawback as compared to the US Navy’s nuclear powered aircraft carriers, China plans to redress this very soon with its Type 004 nuclear-powered super carrier.

Progress and Significance The Fujian’s progress is being actively monitored on China’s social media plat-

China’s only ship-borne fighter jet. This is supported by news reports that PLA Navy pilots had been training in take-off and landing operations at a shore training facility since 2016.

Taiwanese observers have been observing the progress of the Fujian closely and assessing its impact on a possible invasion of the island nation by China. Taiwan’s National Defence Report 2023 states that Fujian’s larger size will enable it to carry more fighters on board (estimated to be 40, as compared to 32 on the Shandong and 18 on the Liaoning). The electromagnetic catapult capability will also enable the launch of heavier aircraft with greater weapon and sensor capability and longer endurance, as also the capability to generate higher sortie rates, and therefore significantly enhance the capability of the PLA Navy to exercise sea control around Taiwan. It is apprehendPHOTOGRAPH: China Military Online / Li Gang

PLA-N Fujian vs USS Ford

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The Fujian has inevitably drawn comparisons with the latest Ford class carrier of the US Navy, which recently joined active service. With an overall length of around 316 metres, it is 17 metres shorter than the USS Ford. It has two aircraft lifts and three catapults, as compared to three lifts and four catapults with the USS Ford, which will give it a lesser sortie generation rate.

However, the Fujian’s electromagnetic catapult, similar to the EMALS on the Ford, will enable it to launch heavier aircraft such as the KJ-600 airborne early warning and control aircraft. The ship is likely to carry the Shenyang J-15T fighter; an upgraded ver-

Scheduled for commission in 2025, the Fujian is set to carry over 60 aircraft, including 40 fighter jets, with a crew of 2,000 personnel and an additional 1,000 to service its air wing

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China’s 3rd Aircraft Carrier, the Fujian

forms, especially Weibo. The fact that multiple photographs of its progress are freely available indicates that the Chinese government is tacitly encouraging this publicity.

Recently, Chinese social media platform photos revealed that the ship’s sea trials seemed to be imminent due to the sighting of smoke emerging from its funnel, indicative of commencement of trials of its propulsion systems, as also from the readiness visible on its upper decks where most work seems to have been completed.

Significantly, the three huge covers on its electromagnetic catapults have also been removed, which indicates that dummy launches from the catapults could commence shortly. Reports also indicate that sea trials could take up to six months after which flight trials of fixed wing aircraft and trials of other weapon systems would be undertaken, perhaps over a period of another year. Reports also indicate that the J-15T has been modified to be launched from the new catapult system. The J-15T is an upgraded version of the J-15 ‘Flying Shark’, a fourth generation aircraft and

ed that the commissioning of the Fujian could embolden the Chinese leadership to go ahead with the threat of integrating Taiwan by force, estimated by US intelligence as likely around 2027. China’s three aircraft carriers operating under its A2AD umbrella comprising shore-based anti-ship ballistic missiles and air power, SSNs and conventional submarines, and modern surface escorts, could effectively enforce sea control around Taiwan, especially its east coast. In any case, the Fujian will further reinforce the deterrent effect that China seeks to achieve with the unprecedented build-up of its maritime power. The perceived threat from the Fujian has been magnified by the enhancement of the show of force around Taiwan by China in recent months, which has included intrusion by hundreds of aircraft across the ‘median line’ between China and Taiwan as also repeated encirclement of the island by PLA Navy ships (including its aircraft carriers), in a rehearsal of a blockade of Taiwan.

However, Fujian’s forthcoming induction is not just related to the Taiwan issue. It

is also in sync with China’s current maritime strategy of ‘far sea operations’ and its ambitions to become a maritime power that one day will exercise ‘command of the seas’. The significance of the induction of an entirely new class of aircraft carriers into the PLA Navy, and the role it will play in facilitating the construction of the Type 004 nuclearpowered aircraft carriers, which are planned to follow the Fujian class, is even more important. These CATOBAR carriers are eventually planned to comprise the nucleus of six carrier task forces (CTFs) by 2040 supported by the Type 055 Renhai class 13,000 tonne cruisers (or large destroyers), Type 052D destroyers, SSNs and conventional AIP-armed submarines. When realised, they will form a formidable offensive maritime force, with equally daunting deterrent capability, comparable to the present-day US carrier strike groups (CSGs).

Conclusion India needs to take note that China’s aircraft carrier capability is leap-frogging into the ‘big league’ currently tenanted only by the US. China’s active development of the entire range of aircraft carrier technology, including the electromagnetic launch system, nuclear reactors, and the various aircraft required to operate from their carriers, including fighter aircraft, airborne early warning aircraft, multi-role helicopters and carrier-based drones. It is noteworthy that the PLA Navy first announced that its next aircraft carrier would be fitted with an electromagnetic launch system in 2013, and by 2017 the IEP required to power them was ready, which allowed the new catapults to be retrofitted on the Fujian. The speed of shipbuilding is also noteworthy. Work commenced in the Jiangnan Shipyard in 2016 and the design of the ship was frozen in 2017 after the electromagnetic launch system had been proved ashore. The ship was launched in mid-2022 and is likely to proceed for sea trials just over a year later.

The fact that the Jiangnan Shipyard had not constructed an aircraft carrier earlier (the Liaoning and Shandong were retrofitted and constructed respectively at the Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company, Dalian) is also significant and indicates the diverse capacity of China’s shipbuilding expertise. Even more significantly, almost all weapons and sensors on the ship (and other PLA Navy ships) are produced in China. While it is estimated that all the new carrier-borne aircraft and associated technologies might still take up to a decade to be operationalised in their entirety, given their determined progress, China’s stated goal of building a sea control navy with global reach and ultimately ‘command the seas’ seems to be closer than ever.

Media reports indicate that the Indian Navy’s long-pending case for a third aircraft carrier, in the form of a repeat order for the INS Vikrant, is close to approval. While this is excellent news, we need to ensure that the planning for a larger and more capable aircraft carrier continues in parallel, along with the development of various technologies required for indigenous production of its critical equipment and air wing. Given the speed of China’s maritime expansion, time is of the essence. SP

 B I LAT ER A L / IN DIA- ITALY

New Chapter in India-Italy Defence Ties Charting a fresh course, India and Italy embark on a new era of defence collaboration PHOTOGRAPHS: PIB

(Clockwise from Top Left) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inspecting a Guard of Honour in Rome; Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a bilateral meeting with the Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto; Rajnath Singh interacting with CEOs and other Top Industry Leaders of Italian Defence Companies; Group photograph of Rajnath Singh with CEOs and other Top Industry Leaders of Italian Defence Companies.

n R ANJIT KUMAR

www.spsnavalforces.com

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HE FIRST EVER VISIT by an Indian Defence Minister to Rome in recent decades, on October 9, 2023, cleared the roadmap for revival of full scale defence cooperation between India and Italy. The visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered defence cooperation agreement on expected lines as it was preceded by a joint statement on defence cooperation from highest quarters. The India-Italy summit meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, held earlier in March this year, issued a landmark statement on defence cooperation and an action plan to revive and deepen the defence cooperation between India and Italy.

Defence relations between India and Italy were put on hold after allegations of bribery in the VVIP Augusta Westland helicopter deal. After the Narendra Modi led government in New Delhi gave a closure to this issue and cleared the way for laying the track for next chapter in defence relations, the European defence equipment manufacturer will have cordial defence cooperation relations with Indian defence forces and industry in coming years.

Prior to Rajnath Singh’s landmark visit to Rome, during the 2020 virtual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a plan of action was released to deepen economic and strategic cooperation, which referred to 2020-2024 plan of action for enhancing Defence Cooperation. During the November 2020 virtual summit, the two Prime

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­ inisters welcomed the steady strengthenM ing of defence cooperation between the two countries and recognised the importance of regular defence exchanges between the two countries. According to senior officials, they emphasised on the need to further expand defence engagement through greater two-way collaboration and technology cooperation, co-development and co-production, by expediting discussions through the Joint Defence Committee and Military Cooperation Group.

Further during the March, 2023 state visit of Giorgia Meloni to New Delhi, the two Prime Ministers released a joint statement which referred to the inking of MoU on Defence cooperation. Probably this led to the India-Italy Defence Cooperation agreement, which will initiate a new chapter in India-Italy defence relations.

Earlier, the two countries held on June 1, 2022, 11th round of Military Cooperation Group meeting in Rome. The IndiaItaly Military Cooperation Group (MCG) is a forum established to boost defence cooperation between the both countries through regular talks at the strategic and operational levels between Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff and the Joint Staff HQ of Italian Armed Forces.

The meeting was Co-Chaired from the Indian side by Deputy Assistant Chief of Integrated Staff, Brigadier Vivek Narang and Italian Defence General Staff Brigadier General Alessandro Grassano, from the Italian side.

A senior official described the meeting of the military cooperation group was held in a friendly, warm and cordial atmosphere. Discussions focused on new initiatives under

the ambit of existing bilateral defence cooperation mechanism and further strengthening ongoing defence engagements.

More than an year after the MCG meeting, the two defence ministers signed defence cooperation meeting of long term significance, The agreement released after meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto talked of promoting bilateral cooperation in varied defence domains, such as security and defence policy, Research & Development, education in military field, maritime domain awareness, sharing of defence information and industrial cooperation, including co-development, co-production & setting up of joint ventures.

Besides the cooperation agreement, both sides discussed a host of defence and strategic cooperation issues, including training, sharing of information, maritime exercises and maritime security. The focus was on the opportunities in defence industrial cooperation.

The two Ministers discussed the complementary capacities of India & Italy in defence and the possibilities of joint development. The talks between Indian and Italian defence ministers suggested fostering the interaction of the Indian start-ups with the Italian defence companies.

Since India and Italy raised the level of bilateral relationship to strategic partnership and there are similarities of views relating to Indo-Pacific issues, both the countries also plan to have cooperative relationship between armed forces. The issue ofpromoting strategic partnership in IndoPacific was taken up during the visit of

­ xternal Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar E to Rome two years ago.

In view of European Union’s positive assessment of the emerging Indo-Pacific construct, India and Italy can cooperate in resilient supply chains and infrastructure projects in third countries. It is significant that Italy has already organised a trilateral India, Italy and Japan meet on promoting cooperation under the banner of Indo-Pacific. Italy and India agree on support to all connectivity issues based on international norms and standards, good governance, rule of law, inclusiveness, transparency and level playing field.

In the Plan of Action finalised during the virtual summit, Italy agreed with India on the importance of the Indo-Pacific region as a fundamental area for connecting Asia and Europe. It is expected that India and Italy can be a major partner in implementing connectivity projects under the Indo-Pacific.

Thus Indo-Pacific is going to be new focus of India-Italy bilateral cooperation projects.

Besides joining hands on multilateral forums, the two ancient civilisations have already worked out an ambitious agenda to strengthen people to people contacts through cultural festivals, besides plans to strengthen the opportunity for tourism, culture and educational collaboration.

These developing relations in various sectors, would lead to an atmosphere of trust in defence sectors also, which is expected to a revived cosy defence relations between India and Italy. SP The author is a Senior Journalist and Strategic Affairs Analyst

 B I L AT ER A L / IN DIA- F RA NCE

India-France Discuss Rafale-M and Scorpene Deals The recent visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to France has elevated Indo-French defence relations to the next level PHOTOGRAPHS: Indian Navy, Dassault Aviation

n R ANJIT KUMAR

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N THE BACKDROP OF Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approving the proposal of 26 French Maritime Rafales and 3 more Scorpene submarines, on the eve of mid-July visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Paris on the special invitation of French President Emannuel Macron, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh undertook a significant visit to France on October 10-11, 2023.

India-France Military Subcommittee Meeting Significantly after the Indian Defence Minister's Paris visit, the India-France Military Subcommittee meeting of senior officials of Air Forces was held in New Delhi on October 16-17, 2023. According to a senior defence ministry official, the meeting was co-chaired from Indian side by Air Vice Marshal Ashish Vohra, Assistant Chief of Air staff, Military Cooperation at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and Major General Eric Peltier, General Officer, International Military Relations of the Joint Staff from the French side. India-France MSC is a forum established to progress defence cooperation between both nations through regular talks at strategic and operational levels between HQ, Integrated Defence Staff and the Joint Staff HQ of French Armed Forces.

According to a senior defence official, the meeting was conducted in a friendly, warm and cordial atmosphere.

The discussions focussed on new initiatives under the ambit of existing bilateral defence cooperation mechanism and strengthening ongoing defence engagements. It is u ­ nderstood that the meeting carried forward the ongoing high-level dialogue on 26 Rafale-Marines and 3 Scorpene submarines.

Advancements in Rafale-M and Scorpene Mega Deals Though the Indian or French defence ministries maintain silence on the reported talks between French and Indian Defence Ministers on these significant decisions

by India, and how the two Defence Ministers took forward the negotiations in the two mega deals. French defence sources said that negotiations regarding two big-ticket defence platforms have progressed well during Rajnath Singh's

meeting with French Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu during IndiaFrance annual defence dialogue. Both the deals are reported to be in the range of Euro 9 billion and negotiators from both the countries are engaged in quickly finalising the deal.

Even as Rajnath Singh was in Paris, the Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation Eric Trappier visited New Delhi, a day before, along with senior officials for taking forward the negotiations on Rafale Marine. It is reported that 22 single seat Rafale-M and four two-seater trainer aircraft are being negotiated. This will be a Government-to-Government contract similar to 2016 order for 36 Air force Rafales fighters, worth 60,000 crores. According to sources, Indian defence establishment decided in favour of Rafale -Marine in view of commonality of various systems and subsystems, which will help in easier maintenance of both air-force and naval versions.

Since the Rafale-M are meant to be deployed on the two aircraft carriers, Vikramaditya and Vikrant and there is urgent requirement to enhance the depleting submarine fleet, the DAC Chaired by Defence minister Rajnath Singh had also cleared the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for three additional Scorpene class diesel electric submarines to be made in India. India's Mazagaon Dockyard (MDL) has already finished manufacture of six Scorpene submarines in India. According to defence sources contemporary submarine technology are to be incorporated in the three additional submarines cleared by India.

After, the clearance of AoN, the defence ministry had then said that proposal for 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft includes associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulators, spares, documentation, crew training, and logistic support for the Indian Navy.

The proposal was sent to French defence ­ministry and an inter-governmental agreement (IGA) will be signed. According to the ministry, "the price and other terms of purchase will be negotiated with the French government after taking into account all relevant aspects, including comparative procurement price of similar aircraft of other countries. The Indian and French Defence Ministers are reported to have discussed the inter-governmental agreement on Rafales-M fighter and Scorpene submarines.

Rafale-M, Naval version of the Rafale Fighter. Indian Air Force already has two operational squadrons of Rafale jets.

The defence ministry had also said, "Further, integration of Indian designed equipment and establishment of Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) hub for various systems will be incorporated into the contract documents after due negotiations."

Boosting Indigenous Content and Future Collaboration Regarding AoN for three additional submarines, the ministry had then stated these will be acquired under Buy (Indian) category which will be made by Mazagaon Dock

(MDL). According to the statement, "The procurement of additional submarines, with higher indigenous content, will not only help in maintaining required force level and operational readiness of the Indian Navy, but also create significant employment opportunities in the domestic sector."

According to a senior defence ministry official, in Paris the two Ministers discussed a wide range of topics from the assessment of regional situation to Continued on page 8...

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Naval Group India (100% subsidiary of Naval Group) shares a continued commitment towards Indian Navy, Indian Shipyards and Industry in providing modern technologies through the creation of sustainable indigenous ecosystem while fostering “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” spirit.

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Naval Group - Crédit photo : ©Naval Group, ©Marine Nationale, © Ewan Lebourdais - Design : Seenk

Scorpene Submarine of the Naval Group. Indian Navy has already inducted five Scorpene Submarine, while the sixth Scorpene is undergoing sea trials.

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 SU B M A R IN E / TE C H N OLO G Y

Navantia’s AIP Successfully Performs Factory Acceptance Tests Navantia's AIP BEST is redefining Submarine capabilities for a stealthier future PHOTOGRAPHS: Navantia

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AVANTIA HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED the factory acceptance tests of the AIP BEST (Bio-Ethanol Stealth Technology) system for the S-80 submarines, in a testing facility unique in the world.

This milestone, crucial for the S-80 programme, has allowed Navantia to finally verify the performance and operational capabilities of the AIP in a simulated operating environment, i.e. on land but with a high degree of fidelity to the demanding conditions that the system will have to withstand during a real mission. This achievement has been made possible thanks to the test facilities built at the Cartagena Shipyard for this purpose. These facilities have unique capabilities in the defence market, such as the simulation of the ship's operating level and its speed of advance in immersion or the possibility of testing the complete section of the submarine that integrates the system - with its 12 metres in length and about 400 tonnes in weight - before it is attached to the resistant hull.

The success achieved in this milestone enables the AIP to be shipped on board the S-83 submarine, which as planned will be the first to feature this new serial capability. The first two submarines to be delivered to the Navy, the Isaac Peral (S81) and the Narciso Monturiol (S-82) have a design prepared to be able to integrate this ­technology on board during their first major hulling.

(Top) S-80 Submarine; (Above) Navantia’s Best AIP during operational test.

Navantia's AIP BEST system is one of the major innovations incorporated in the S-80 class submarines, which will provide conventional diesel-electric submarines with unprecedented tactical capabilities.

Conventional - non-nuclear - submarines are forced to sail close to the surface after a certain number of hours to recharge their batteries using their diesel engines in an operation known as snorkeling, where they are easily detected by the enemy and particularly vulnerable. AIPequipped submarines can avoid this risk by being able to recharge their batteries while submerged at deep depths, when sailing in AIP mode, significantly extending their underwater range.

The innovative technology used in the AIP BEST system is based on fuel cells and is part of the so-called third-generation systems, i.e. those that use hydrogen produced on board from a fuel - bioethanol, in this case - instead of pure stored hydrogen for their operation. This evolution allows Spanish submarines to have a greater amount of on-board energy, being able to sail for up to three weeks in immersion with signatures comparable to those of pure electric navigation with batteries.

The development of this revolutionary technology has been an unprecedented effort for the national industry and for Navantia, after a decade of intense work, and places the Company in a preferential position for the commercialisation of the S-80 submarine in the international market. SP

Ageing Submarine Fleet... Continued from page 3 to be inducted early next year. So, the present total fleet of submarines under Diesel electric category would be 16 plus one Nuclear Submarine presently. The Scorpenes are capable of undertaking multifarious mission like anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, surveillance, mine laying etc. The Scorpenes are designed to operate in all theatres and considered as a generational shift in submarine operations. These submarines have superior stealth features because of stateof-the-art technology utilised in their construction. These Submarines have advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels, hydrodynamically optimised shape with the ability to launch precision guided weapons. It can launch an attack with torpedoes and tube launched anti-ship missiles simultaneously underwater or on

surface. The Scorpenes have a state-of-theart sonar and sensor suite, which enables them outstanding operational capabilities.

Nuclear Submarines In the nuclear category, Indian Navy had plans to acquire six additional nuclear powered submarines but the government is sitting over the proposal. Meanwhile the Arighat, second Arihant class submarine, is completing its sea trial and the third (S-4), which is yet to be named and is expected to join service within three or four years, has been launched, without making any formal announcements. If all goes well, the rest of two Arihant class of submarines Arighat and the third, which was launched last year, Indian Navy can expect to have at least three indigenous nuclear powered submarines besides one

nuclear submarine Bratsk, which is under preparation and to be delivered most likely next year, under a ten year lease from Russia. This is an Akula class nuclear powered attack submarine to be named in India as Chakra-3 is presently being refitted according to Indian specifications.

The third nuclear submarine has a long journey to complete before it is finally commissioned, as before this it has to undergo the next phase of sea trials and weapon trials. These trial phases are expected to be completed before the end of the decade and finally can be made operational by that time. The first of the Arihant class (S-2) was launched in July 2009 and sea trials began in December 2014 and commissioning was done in August 2016. Taking into account this speed of induction, the third nuclear submarine is most likely to be inducted

by the end of the decade. The third indigenous submarine is numbered S-4.

The Arihant class of nuclear submarine is being constructed under the Advanced Technology Vessel programme, under the $12 billion project. According to sources, the S-4 nuclear submarine would be bigger in size, tonnage and capability compared to previous two S-2 and S-3. The S-4 would be able to carry eight K-4 or 24 K-15 SLBM’s.

The K-4 SLBM can go up to 3,500 kms while K-15 has a strike range of 750 kms. The K-4 SLBM has undergone a number of tests, but this is yet to be operationally deployed.

Considering the no first use nuclear doctrine, the naval arm of the nuclear triad is significant for India. SP The author is a Senior Journalist and Strategic Affairs Analyst

www.spsnavalforces.com

India-France Discuss Rafale-M and Scorpene Deals... Continued from page 7 the ongoing military-to-military engagements, with a focus on enhancing defence industrial cooperation. The Ministers reviewed the ongoing defence projects and discussed ways to deepen the collaboration between the defence industries of both the countries. The level of confidence both have reposed on each other was such that they also discussed potential collaboration in niche domains such as Space, Cyber and Artificial Intelligence.

Both the countries are engaged in regular high-level dialogues and the fifth defence

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dialogue held during Rajnath Singh visit to Paris was indicative of this. In fact, in strategic arena, senior officials from Strategic Advisors office had engaged in 36th dialogue in the beginning of the year.

During his meeting with top defence barons in France, Rajnath Singh highlighted the advantages of co-development and co-production in India, including the possibilities of exports to third countries.

He underlined the inherent advantages of Indian market such as a large, skilled HR base, world class infrastructure and a

strong legal architecture. Among the top defence industry CEOs Rajnath Singh met with were, Eric Trappier, CEO Dassault; Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO Naval Group; Guillaume Faury, CEO Airbus; and Olivier Andries, CEO Safran Group.

Rajnath Singh also visited Safran Engine division's Research and Development center at Gennevlliers. Visit of Safran's engine division was significant in view of India's ambitions to develop indigenous fifth generation fighters with an engine made in India. India wants

to acquire the engine technology with heavier thrust.

A Strategic Partnership with France With the deepening level of defence relations, India has placed too much confidence on the strategic partnership with France and has awarded big defence contracts to France. France must reciprocate this level of trust India and should show full commitment towards the interest of India’s preferences and India’s strategic requirements. SP

 NAVAL SUR V E IL L AN C E / BO EING P -8I

P-8I by Boeing: A Fabulous Past and A Promising Future As the Indian Navy's demand for more P-8I aircraft grows, Boeing company, manufacturer of the P-8I, is fervently stepping up to meet this need PHOTOGRAPHS: Boeing

(Left) Boeing’s Team with their key P-8I suppliers at the event; (Right) P-8I fleet of the Indian Navy.

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OEING SHOWCASED SIGNIFICANT ADVANCEMENTS in the indigenous development and maintenance of its P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft, heralding a promising future for the platform as part of its Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The event, featuring a comprehensive media briefing, highlighted Boeing's commitment to expanding investments and catalysing economic growth while further ingraining the P-8I into India's aerospace and defence landscape.

The Indian Navy currently operates a fleet of twelve P-8I aircraft, diligently fulfilling its reconnaissance and surveillance missions in the Indo-Pacific region. With a decade of operational excellence alongside the Indian Navy, these versatile maritime surveillance aircraft, numbering a dozen, have already accumulated an impressive 40,000 hours of accident-free flight time.

Boeing has already made a substantial economic contribution, amounting to $1.7 billion, to support the existing P-8I fleet serving the Indian Navy. Looking forward, Boeing envisions an even more significant economic impact, potentially reaching $3.2 billion by 2032. The expansion of the P-8I fleet to 18 aircraft alone is expected to inject approximately $1.5 billion into the Indian economy, concurrently fostering additional opportunities for indigenisation within India's aerospace and defence sector.

Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India, emphasised, "Boeing's steadfast commitment to advancing the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision drives our dedication to the P-8I fleet. As we respond to the Indian Navy's request for more P-8I aircraft, we are actively focused on enhancing engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment capabilities in India, benefiting both Indian and global customers."

Since its introduction in 2013, the P-8I aircraft, based on the 737 Next Generation platform, has seamlessly integrated into the Indian Navy's operational framework, amassing an impressive 40,000 flight hours while consistently maintaining high mission readiness levels. Boeing has played a pivotal role in establishing critical training infrastructure, exemplified by the Ashok Roy Training Simulator Complex at

Strengthening Partnership with India During the event, Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief of SP Guide Publications, directed questions to the Boeing team. Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India and Dan Gillian, Vice President and General Manager, Mobility, Surveillance and Bombers, Boeing Defense, Space & Security responded.

Jayant Baranwal: How effectively can you manage the skilled labour to meet the level of requirements and ensure zero compromise?

Salil Gupte: The talent level here is exceptionally high, and the range of capabilities is extensive. We have full confidence in our ability to cultivate one of the world's most advanced and capable workforces through the implementation of effective skilling and training practices.

Let me provide a few examples to illustrate our commitment. We have established a series of programmes, collectively known as "Learn and Earn," in collaboration with various suppliers and partners. These programmes engage individuals who have recently graduated from school. Additionally, our joint ventures have initiatives targeting young women from rural villages, individuals who may never have considered a career in manufacturing.

This represents a significant shift from rural agrarian expectations to fulfilling dreams in manufacturing. We are actively recruiting and providing skill development opportunities in these regions.

Furthermore, we are committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within our company and local communities, we have inclusive programmes that encompass individuals with diverse abilities. Our overarching goal is to maximise capability across all segments of society, ensuring that we have the most capable workforce globally. While these are just a few examples, they underscore the extensive scope of our programmes.

We are dedicated to creating a highly capable workforce, and our supplier partners play a vital role in this endeavor. Through collaborations with the National Skill Development Corporation India (NSDC) and the Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF), we are providing world-class training to frontline factory workers, further skilling India for the future of aerospace.

Jayant Baranwal: Have the Government of India's initiatives contributed to the strengthening of your partnerships, and vice versa?

Dan Gillian: Certainly. As a business leader, I can confidently say that we make daily decisions to deepen our partnerships with India, seeking new capabilities and sources of supply, largely due to the impressive performance observed during supply chain reviews. Reflecting on the past, when I was here in 2007 and 2008, there was initial skepticism regarding how companies like Boeing would respond and engage in a transactional manner. However, our partnership with India has endured for more than eight decades, evolving significantly. We recognised the opportunity to take a comprehensive approach, moving beyond transactional engagements to invest in skilling and qualifications, thereby building a robust and enduring supply chain for decades to come. From having just 30 employees and a handful of suppliers, we have grown to employ over 5,000 individuals and engage with more than 300 suppliers for the P-8I. This journey has been truly remarkable, and our partnership with India continues to flourish. SP

INS Rajali and the newly inaugurated Kochi training complex earlier this year. The latter features a state-of-the-art simulator designed for P-8I aircrew and technical team training. This ground-based training approach significantly reduces on-aircraft training time, thereby enhancing mission proficiency and ensuring higher aircraft availability for the Indian Navy.

Dan Gillian, Vice President and General Manager of Mobility, Surveillance, and Bombers at Boeing Defense, Space & Security, commented, "Our partnership with the Indian Navy is a source of immense pride for us. By harnessing the exceptional capabilities of the P-8 as a versatile multimission aircraft, we are not only enhancing interoperability but also strengthening maritime security, effectively addressing the evolving needs of India and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Boeing remains steadfast in expanding its P-8 supplier network in India, which currently includes 15 public and private Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises that play a vital role in Boeing's global supply chain by delivering critical parts, components, and services for the P-8."

During the event, Boeing's key P-8I suppliers were also present and lauded Boeing's partnership, trust, and support. Ashwani Bhargava, Senior Director of Supply Chain at Boeing India, moderated a session with the key suppliers. Panelists, including Shekhar Sardessai, Managing Director of Kineco Group; H.G. Chandrashekar, Founder & Managing Director of Sasmos HET Technologies; and Kunal Bajaj, President of Aerospace & Defense Division at CIM Motherson, echoed a common theme - the transformational journey from Offsets to cost to performance of the supply base in India. Indian suppliers are not only performing on the global stage but excelling. Notably, the Indian supplier, Dynamatics, secured the Supplier of the Year award in Orlando this year. There is a billion-dollar sourcing activity happening from India, and this trajectory is on the rise.

The globally proven P-8 fleet, comprising over 160 aircraft in active service and boasting an impeccable record of more than 5,00,000 accident-free flight hours worldwide, includes allies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, and Germany. SP

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WEAPON SYSTEMS / ROSOBORONEXPORT

Rosoboronexport Exhibited Cutting-edge Naval Equipment and Weapons at the 2023 International Maritime Defence Show Rosoboronexport held meetings with delegations from many partner countries and they were given presentations on Russian products of the domestic shipbuilding sector, coastal defence systems and naval weapons

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PHOTOGRAPHS: Rosoboronexport

(Top Left-Right) Project 22800E Karakurt-E-class Guided-Missile Corvette; Project 20382 Tigr-class corvette; (Above Left-Right) Project 636 Submarine; Project 11356 Frigate.

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HIS SUMMER DURING THE 2023 International Maritime Defence Show (IMDS), Rosoboronexport JSC (part of the Rostec State Corporation) exhibited and presented to international partners the latest Russian naval equipment and coastal zone surveillance and defence systems. The show was held in June 21 in Kronstadt (St. Petersburg), Russia.

“For years, the maritime show has successfully contributed to the strengthening of friendly ties and fostered open, mutually beneficial sharing of experiences between representatives of leading shipbuilding industry enterprises and consumers of their products,” said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport.

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“Rosoboronexport is a traditional exhibitor and sponsor of the show, and every time, with great pride for the Russian industry, we introduce to our international partners products of the domestic shipbuilding sector, coastal defence systems and naval weapons. In 2023, Rosoboronexport and Russian enterprises participating in the naval show demonstrated to visitors surface ships and submarines in service with the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Border Service of the FSB of the Russian Federation, the Zaslon and Mineral-ME shipborne radar systems and the Rubezh-ME coastal defence missile system,” he added.

Rosoboronexport’s exhibit at IMDS reflected the basic needs of today’s market, showing representatives of naval forces

from Russia-friendly nations the country’s advanced level of technological and scientific progress. Naval equipment and weapons were among the most sophisticated types of military equipment, and the capability of industrial enterprises to produce them on a full-cycle basis was an important indicator of a country’s development.

In 2023, the International Maritime Defence Show was held for the first time in Kronstadt, a city of Russia’s military glory, where it became possible to combine in a convenient way a display of ships and submarines on the pier and pavilions that accommodate exhibition space and rooms for negotiations. The conditions provided at the show corresponded to the high status of the foreign delegations, with the nec-

essary infrastructure built according to all modern requirements.

Scale models of the Projects 677E and 636 submarines, the Project 22800E Karakurt-E-class guided-missile corvette, the Project 11356 frigate, the Project 20382 Tigr-class corvette, coastal defence missile systems were on display at the company’s booth.

Surface ships, submarines, support vessels and other boats were berthed in close proximity to the pavilions.

Within the framework of the 2023 IMDS business program, Rosoboronexport held presentations of Russian products for international partners, and unveiled proposals for industrial cooperation in the field of naval shipbuilding. SP

 NEWS IAI SALUTES THE IDF ON THE SUCCESSFUL INTERCEPTION OF A LONG-RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILE

on October 28, 2023 at Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd, Bharuch, Gujarat. Contract for construction and delivery of three 25T BP Tug was concluded in consonance with “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative of the Government of India.

LAUNCH OF THIRD ACTCM BARGE

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) salutes the IDF on the successful interception of a long-range ballistic missile by the “Arrow” missile defence system.

The “Arrow” is an advanced air defence system created and designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside of the Earth’s atmosphere. The system is developed in collaboration between Israel’s “Homa” Directorate within the Ministry of Defense, the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and IAI with the involvement of security industries in both Israel and the United States.

CEO and President of the IAI, Boaz Levy, said, “The Arrow system, a system developed by IAI in close cooperation with the Ministry of Defense, the US Missile Defense Agency, and the Israeli Air Force, demonstrated today that Israel possesses the most advanced technology for defence against ballistic missiles at various ranges.

The “Arrow” missile defence system is a critical component of Israel’s multi-layered defence system. IAI’s Engineers work closely with the Ministry of Defense and the IDF in full cooperation and support of this system.”

DEFENCE MINISTER RELEASES FIFTH POSITIVE INDIGENISATION LIST To promote ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence and innovation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released of the fifth Positive Indigenisation List of Department of Military Affairs (DMA) comprising 98 items. Highly complex systems, sensors, weapons and ammunition have been included in the list.

All these items will be procured from indigenous sources as per provisions given in Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 in staggered timeline.

Third Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 17 (Yard 127) was launched by Cmde V. Pravin, AWPS (Mbi) on October 27, 2023 at Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane. Contract for construction and delivery of 11 x Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge was concluded and the MSME shipyard has successfully delivered two Barges.

THIRD PROJECT 15B INDIGENOUS DESTROYER IMPHAL DELIVERED

Yard 12706 (Imphal), the third Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, being built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), was delivered to the Indian Navy on October 20, 2023. The Project is a follow-on of the Kolkata class (Project 15A) destroyers commissioned in the last decade. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Mumbai, this ship is a hallmark of indigenous shipbuilding and is amongst the most technologically advanced warships in the world.

Being a guided missile destroyer with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and an overall length of 164 meters, Imphal is a potent and versatile platform equipped with stateof-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles and torpedoes.

INDIAN NAVY BIDS FAREWELL TO IL-38 SD

GOA MARITIME CONCLAVE (GMC) – 2023 CONCLUDES The fourth edition of the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC) was hosted by the Indian Navy from October 29–31, 2023 under the aegis of the Naval War College, Goa. The conclave’s theme “Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region: Converting Common Maritime Priorities into Collaborative Mitigating Frameworks” aptly highlights the present and necessary imperative for ‘harmonising and collaborating capacities and capabilities’ in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) towards realising our Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

The event hosted Minister/Chiefs of Navies/Heads of Maritime Forces from 12 IOR countries comprising Bangladesh, Comoros, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Keynote Address was delivered by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti assume charge as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti assumed charge as Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff on October 1, 2023.

Vice Admiral K. Swaminathan assume charge as Chief of Personnel Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assumed charge as Chief of Personnel on October 6, 2023.

Barge was concluded in consonance with “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives of the Government of India. Second Barge of the series LSAM 8 (Yard 76) has been delivered to Indian Navy on October 19, 2023. Induction of MCA Barge will provide impetus to operational commitments of Indian Navy by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles / ammunition to Indian Naval Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours.

The launch of ‘DSC A 21’, the second ship of 05 x Diving Support Craft (DSC) project, being built by Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL), Kolkata for Indian Navy, was undertaken on October 30, 2023 at Titagarh, Kolkata (WB) onto Hooghly River.

LAUNCH OF 25T BOLLARD PULL TUG ‘MAHABALI’

DELIVERY OF SECOND MCA BARGE, LSAM 8 (YARD 76)

25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, ‘Mahabali’ was launched by Cmde Sunil Kaushik, WPS(Mbi)

Contract for construction and delivery of 08 x Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA)

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal Deputy Managing Editor Neetu Dhulia Principal Correspondent Ayushee Chaudhary Contributors India Admiral Sunil Lanba (Retd) Vice Adm A.K. Chawla (Retd) Vice Adm Shekhar Sinha (Retd) Vice Adm K.N. Sushil (Retd) Vice Adm Satish Soni (Retd) Saloni Salil Europe Alan Peaford, Doug Richardson, Andrew Brookes (UK) USA & Canada Lon Nordeen (USA), Anil R. Pustam (West Indies) West Asia/Africa H.R. Heitman (S. Africa) Chairman & Managing Director Jayant Baranwal Executive Vice President (Planning & Business Development) Rohit Goel Manager – HR & Admin Bharti Sharma Deputy Manager – Circulation Rimpy Nischal circulation@spsnavalforces.com

MID LIFE UPGRADE AND RE-POWERING OF INS BEAS

Group Research Associate Survi Massey Design Team Sr. Designer: Vimlesh Kumar Yadav Designer: Sonu S. Bisht Group Director – Sales & Marketing Neetu Dhulia Director – Sales Rajeev Chugh

The Ministry of Defence signed a contract on October 16, 2023, in New Delhi for Mid Life Upgrade and Re-Powering of “INS Beas” with Kochi-based Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) at an overall cost of `313.42 crore. INS Beas is the first of Brahmaputra Class Frigate to be re-powered from Steam to Diesel Propulsion.

After completion of Mid Life Upgrade and Re-Powering in 2026, INS Beas will join the active fleet of the Indian Navy with a modernised weapon suite and upgraded combat capability.

MAIDEN INDIA-INDONESIA-AUSTRALIA TRILATERAL MARITIME EXERCISE The Indian Navy’s Ilyushin-38 Sea Dragon Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft bid farewell after 46 years of glorious service to the nation. The decommissioning ceremony was held on October 31, 2023 at INS Hansa, Dabolim. The Chief of the Naval Staff, dignitaries, and veteran officers and sailors of the IL-38 squadron graced the event with families, reminiscing about the yeoman service.

INAS 315 was commissioned on October 1, 1977 with the induction of IL-38 aircraft heralding a modern era of airborne Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare in the Navy. With its unique capabilities, striking prowess and extended reach covering the vast Indian Ocean region, the IL-38 SD has over the years proven itself to be a formidable force multiplier.

The De-induction ceremony of IL-38 SD marks the end of a glorious era that heralded path-breaking capabilities in Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare operations.

LAUNCH OF DSC A 21 (YARD 326)

APPOINTMENTS

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Indian Navy’s indigenously built warship INS Sahyadri, mission deployed in IndoPacific, participated in the maiden trilateral Maritime Partnership Exercise with the ships and aircraft from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Indonesian Navy from September 20–21, 2023.

The trilateral exercise provided an opportunity for the three maritime nations to strengthen their partnership ­ and improve their collective capability to support a stable, peaceful and secure Indo-Pacific region. The exercise also provided the opportunity for the participating ­navies to benefit from each other’s ­experience and expertise. Complex tactical and manoeuvring exercises, crossdeck visits and cross-deck landings of integral helicopters were conducted for training of crew and enhancement of ­interoperability. SP

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POWERING INDIA'S NAVAL FUTURE Supporting Indian Maritime Defence Forces with Marine Engines

TOUGHER THAN EVER

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