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Indicia Knowledge Brief
A Daily Assessment on Indian Defence and Internal/Homeland Security
March 22, 2015.
Primary aims of Indicia Daily Brief are two-fold. First, it distills infinite information into a
capsule form, thus saving precious time of its clients. Second, it tries to link micro-events
to larger strategic canvas through its analyses, thus providing support knowledge for
better understanding and decision-making.
Indicia Analysis of the Day
Reliance Defence and Aerospace’s tying up with SAAB of Sweden to bid
for the ship-borne unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programme of the
Indian Navy, valued at ₹1,000 crore heralds the entry of European UAVs
into the Indian market.
Indian Navy in its recommendation to Ministry of defence (MOD) has
asked to avoid giving any orders to State-owned Mazagon Docks for local
construction of new Conventional submarines under Project-75I. The
recommendation highlights the mistrust between the Navy domestic ship
building units as projects are getting delayed.
The International Border (IB) with Pakistan is barely 6 km from the town.
The proximity to the IB makes Samba an attractive target for terrorists.
Terrorists infiltrating across the IB at night can reach the Samba military
station in a couple of hours, without need for a safe resting or hiding area.
Proximity is definitely a factor in two consecutive attacks in Samba
recently.
I. National Defence and Security:
Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence partners with Sweden’s SAAB for naval
UAVs:
Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence and Aerospace has tied up with SAAB of Sweden
to bid for the ship-borne unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programme of the
Indian Navy, valued at ₹1,000 crore. Sources in the know said the tie-up will
probably mark the entry of European UAVs into the Indian market, which has
hitherto been dominated by the Israelis.
50 UAV order
Seeking to enhance its surveillance capabilities, the Indian Navy had in January
announced a global competition for the procurement of 50 ‘ship-borne
unmanned aerial vehicles’. The last date of submission was March 19, after an
extension of two weeks. The Group’s decision to partner with SAAB was
governed by the requirements outlined by the Indian Navy, another official said.
The company declined to comment on the nuances of the tie-up, such as whether
a royalty payout would have to be made to the Swedish firm. With the opening of
the defence sector, foreign arms makers have been courting Indian firms. To take
advantage of the situation, the Anil Ambani Group has been participating in
opportunities available in the sector. Sources said the Group has also received
partnership offers from leading global manufacturers, including Israeli firms, for
the other UAV programmes. The Indian UAV market is expected to grow to
₹30,000 crore in the next 10 years. According to the request for information
issued by the Navy for this programme, the UAVs should be capable of day and
night operations from naval vessels 50 metres or longer, both with and without
helicopter decks. It also asks for specifications relating to range, endurance,
payload, launch and recovery systems. The Anil Ambani Group recently showed
keen interest in the Naval Utility Helicopters Programme of the Defence Ministry.
The Group has also announced the acquisition of Pipavav Defence and Offshore
Engineering Company Ltd to strengthen its footprint in the Defence sector.
Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/anil-ambanis-reliance-defence-partners-withswedens-saab-for-naval-uavs/article7020969.ece
*
President Pranab Mukherjee, PM Narendra Modi, Defence and
Foreign ministers to visit Russia:
India's top leadership will visit Russia this year with Prime Minister Narendra
Modi scheduled to pay two visits to the country and President Pranab Mukherjee
to travel to Moscow in May. While Modi will be visiting Russia in July for BRICS
(Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) Summit, he is again scheduled to travel
to Moscow for annual bilateral Summit towards end of the year. Mukherjee will
be visiting to take part in Russian Victory Day celebrations on May 9. Apart from
Mukherjee and Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and External Affairs
Minister Sushma Swaraj will also visit Russia to co-chair inter-governmental
Commissions with Russian counterparts on key strategic issues of bilateral,
regional and international importance.
Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/president-pranab-mukherjee-pmnarendra-modi-defence-and-foreign-ministers-to-visit-russia/articleshow/46651861.cms
*
Navy to MOD: Avoid Mazagon Docks for Project-75I:
Indian Navy in its recommendation to Ministry of defence (MOD) has asked to
avoid giving any orders to State-owned Mazagon Docks for local construction of
new Conventional submarines under Project-75I. Recommendation highlights
major mistrust between Indian navy and Countries only State-owned Shipyards
with any experience in building submarines in India. Experts say
recommendation by India navy will not be easy to be ignored by MOD. Navy
observation says shipyard is overflowing with orders and does not have the
capability to stick to deliveries. 6 Scorpène submarine under construction at
Mazagon Docks is already behind schedule by four years, one of the major reason
reported was due to Mazagon Docks inability to build capacity in house which
lead to delays . recently Defence minister Manohar Parrikar in Rajya Sabha also
confirmed that delays under Project-75 was due to Mazagon Docks inabilities to
absolve TOT . Indian navy is also against any order to be given to Hindustan
Shipyard located at Vishakapatnam. Hindustan Shipyard has also come under
heavy criticism for last few years after it botched up mid-life upgrade of a kilo
class submarine INS Sindhukirti which has been under mid-life refits in shipyard
from 2006 onward and even after 9 years Shipyard has not been able to deliver
the submarine to Indian navy Delivery schedule is already delayed by 6 years
from the original estimate of 3 years.
Source: http://idrw.org/archives/60844
*
French carrier in Indian waters for drill:
French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, heading a battlegroup of ships involved
in strikes against the Islamic State from the Persian Gulf, will be in the Arabian
Sea next month for 10 days of war games with the Indian Navy. The exercise, the
latest of a series named "Varuna", will also involve India's aircraft carrier, the INS
Vikramaditya, other Indian warships and a submarine. The nuclear-powered
Charles de Gaulle carries on board the navalised Rafale fighter jet that also
landed on and took off from the American USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier earlier
this month in the Persian Gulf. Aircraft from the Carl Vinson and the Charles de
Gaulle are bombing suspected IS targets in Iraq and Syria. India has said it
supports Iraq in its war against the IS. The Indian Air Force is currently in
negotiations with France to buy 126 Rafale aircraft, of the kind that the French
Air Force uses. The navalised version on board the Charles de Gaulle will give the
Indian Navy first-hand experience of the fighter jet. It is a stated policy of the
Indian armed forces to achieve synergy in operations by using platforms that are
common. But the Indian Navy has not opened any talks to procure the Rafale.
The navalised version of the aircraft is adapted to land and take off from carriers.
The Indian Navy's main fighter jet is the Russian MiG29K. The fleet is being
integrated with the Vikramaditya. The exercise to be held in the western coast
will begin on April 23 and continue till May 3. Defence sources said the French
will also bring two destroyers and a support ship. India conducted 28 military
drills with forces of foreign countries last year. So far this year, there has been
only one.
Source: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150321/jsp/nation/story_10028.jsp#.VRDu1PmUe5U
*
This Missile Is How India Plans to Attain Aerial Supremacy:
Earlier this week, India successfully tested its indigenously developed Astra
supersonic air-to-air missile. The Astra, developed by India’s Defense Research
and Development Organization (DRDO), is a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile
capable of being launched from India’s Sukhoi-30 MKI twin-jet air superiority
fighter. The Indian Air Force currently operates roughly 200 total Su-30 MKIs,
but plans to eventually operate around 270. The Astra is 149 inches in length,
making it the most compact missile developed indigenously in India capable of
supersonic speeds. MVKV Prasad, director of the Integrated Test Range in the
Indian state of Odisha, noted that the “missile was successfully tested to hit a
simulated target” in an interview with the Press Trust of India. The Economic
Times notes that the Astra “was tested to prove the maneuvering capability
against a simulated target and also to validate various subsystems.” When fired
from an altitude of at least 15,000 meters, the Astra can travel as far as 110 km.
At lower altitudes, this range is reduced: it is capable of reaching a range of 44
km when fired from 8,000 meters, and 21 km when fired from sea level,
according to the Economic Times. The active homing ability of the Astra is
limited to 25 km. Under normal use, the highly maneuverable Astra missile
experiences up to 30 g of acceleration force....
Source: http://thediplomat.com/2015/03/this-missile-is-how-india-plans-to-attain-aerial-supremacy/
*
Building of 12 MCMVs by GSL will start after 3 years: Mital:
Chairman and managing director (CMD) of Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) Rear Admiral
(retired) Shekhar Mital said that the building of 12 mine counter measure
vessels (MCMVs) by the GSL would start after 3 years, following the approval of
Defence Acquisition Council and finalisation of the contract. Rear Admiral Mital
was addressing the media along with Deputy Inspector General of Indian Coast
Guard, Goa Region, Manoj Baadkar and DIG Ravi Nandodkar after launching 105metre new generation offshore patrol vessel ‘Shoor’ at the GSL yard. He disclosed
that global tenders would be floated, wherein the GSL would lay stress on
importing the technology. “The GSL is going to be the face of ‘Make in India’
concept, and construct the 12 MCMVs by tying up with the foreign shipyards,” he
said. He said that MCMV is a very sophisticated vessel. “Indian Navy is looking for
the vessels which would meet their requirement for the next 30 years,” he said.
The GSL would shortlist 2 to 3 companies from 6 countries, which have
constructed MCMVs, he said. “A large amount of work will be outsourced to the
local industry during the construction work of the 12 MCMVs by the GSL,” he
said. He said that the Defence Ministry has put a great responsibility on the GSL
by clearing Rs 32,000 crore project to build 12 MCMVs, which would provide a
boost to the ‘Make in India’ policy of the Centre. He said that the GSL has already
invested around Rs 500 crore in massive infrastructure upgradation for MCMV
project over the last 5 years and further Rs 700 crores will be invested over the
next 3 years. The CMD of GSL said that the proactive, strategic and financial
initiatives rolled out by the GSL during the last one year has enabled it to
increase the turnover. “It is a matter of great satisfaction that the GSL has
successfully improved its performances on all fronts, thereby becoming a choice
for the customers like Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard,” he said....
Source: http://www.navhindtimes.in/building-of-12-mcmvs-by-gsl-will-start-after-3-years-mital/
*
HAL's Kanpur Unit to Maintain Two Aircraft:
The civil aviation division of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has got a major
boost with the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) according approval to
the public sector undertaking’s transport division in Kanpur to maintain and
repair Dornier (Do 228) and Avro (HS 748) aircraft. Last month, HAL bagged a
major contract for supplying 14 Do 228 aircraft to the Indian Air Force. HAL has
so far produced 125 Do 228 and 89 HS 748, all of which are in service in the
defence and other sectors. One Do 228 was exported to Seychelles in 2013. The
Government of Mauritius recently signed a contract with HAL to acquire the its
Dornier aircraft for maritime surveillance to guard its extensive coastline. The
Kanpur division is now a DGCA-approved facility for maintenance and repair of
both Do 228 and HS 748 aircraft as per Civil Aviation Requirements-145 (CAR145). CAR-145 was introduced on January 26, 2005, to harmonise approval
requirements of aircraft maintenance organisations with
international
requirements. The Do 228 is a multi-purpose, fuel efficient, rugged, light-weight
twin turboprop aircraft with retractable landing gear. The cockpit is designed to
accommodate two crew members while the cabin can accommodate 19
passengers. The HS 748 Series 2 aircraft is a pressurised, all metal, low-wing
monoplane that is powered by two turbo-prop engines and propellers. A crew of
two pilots and one or two passenger attendants are normally carried. Of the 89
HS-748 aircraft for which HAL had received orders, 67 were delivered to the IAF,
17 to Indian Airlines, two to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA),
two to Border Security Force and one to the National Remote Sensing Agency
(NRSA).
Source:
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/HALs-Kanpur-Unit-to-Maintain-TwoAircraft/2015/03/21/article2723581.ece
*
Government aims for more privatisation for defence sector:
Defence minister Manohar Parrikar told the Lok Sabha that in pursuance of the
Defence Production Policy 2011, the government has taken several steps to
promote the participation of the private sector in indigenous defence
productions. One of the prominent steps he underlined was doing away with
compulsory industrial licensing for most of the components and raw materials
used in defence production. This means such components or raw materials
required in castings, forgings, production machinery, testing equipment have
been taken out of the purview of industrial licensing. While this would ease
manufacturing by private defence manufacturers, Parrikar also highlighted that
indigenous industries are also being given preference for procurement. This is
being done by giving the 'Buy Indian', 'Buy and Make Indian' and 'Make'
categories of the defence industry's preference over 'Buy Global' category.
Besides, Parrikar highlighted that the Indian private sector has also been allowed
to receive maintenance transfer of technology (MToT) in 'Buy (Global)' cases.
What could further boost domestic defence industries is the mandate under
India's 'defence offset policy'. Any foreign contractor having bagged government
orders above Rs 300 crore is required to source components from local vendors
for at least 30% of that value, under this policy. Internally, only 40 percent of the
defence procurement currently is from domestic industries and the government
intends to increase this up to 70 percent in the next five years. Also, so far, the
country's domestic defence industries have earned only about Rs 70 crore by
export of military hardware....
Source:
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-government-aims-for-more-privatisation-for-defencesector-2070914
*
How the U.S. can strengthen economic and military ties with
India:
President Barack Obama has finally resumed progress toward one of the most
important strategic goals in American foreign policy: strengthening America’s
alliance with India. President Obama’s visit to New Delhi in January as the chief
guest of India’s Republic Day celebrations followed Prime Minister Narendra
Modi’s September state visit to the United States. For the Obama administration
and its successor, allying with the world’s largest democracy will represent a
welcome seismic shift in the balance of power. Washington and New Delhi share
common interests. The United States and India are the world’s two largest
democracies with a similar commitment to the Anglo-American rule of law.
Economic exchange between the nations is booming. Bilateral U.S.-India trade
has increased five-fold since 2001 to nearly $100 billion. President Obama and
Modi pledged to raise it another five-fold. The Indian economy presently
produces $1.876 trillion a year, making it an attractive venue for American
investors. Economic interdependence has also laid the foundations for closer
military cooperation. Last year, India imported approximately $2 billion in
military equipment from the United States, a significant increase from $237
million in 2009. The U.S. recently surpassed Russia as India’s primary arms
supplier. Today, the U.S. is the Indian Army’s most frequent partner for military
exercises. America and India’s economies and political systems benefit from free
trade and regional stability. China’s rise, and the expansion of its military and
territorial aims, poses a threat to both. China’s border with India has sparked
war before. Beijing’s aggressive claims to islands in the South China Seas reveal
Beijing’s territorial ambitions have grown alongside its economy. China seeks to
replace the United States as the leading power in Asia. India is pulling out of
nonalignment just as the reality of disorder has begun to intrude. Since Pakistan
is concerned about its nuclear-armed neighbor and depends on American aid
dollars to the tune of $20 billion over just the past decade, necessity will temper
its displeasure....
Source:
india/
http://fortune.com/2015/03/21/how-the-u-s-can-strengthen-economic-and-military-ties-with-
*
President Pranab Mukherjee Gives Away Chakra Awards to
Defence Personnel:
President Pranab Mukherjee conferred one Kirti Chakra and 11 Shaurya Chakra
awards on armed forces personnel, three of them posthumously, for gallantry.
The awards were given for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable
courage, and extreme devotion to duty at a solemn ceremony at the Rashtrapati
Bhavan in New Delhi. The President also conferred 14 Param Vishisht Seva
Medals, three Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, and 26 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals on
senior officers of the armed forces for distinguished service of an exceptional
order. The Kirti Chakra was given to Captain Jaidev of Parachute Regiment,
posted at 3rd Battalion Rashtriya Rifles, for displaying dauntless courage and
extraordinary valour under heavy fire in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district
on June 19 last year while tackling three terrorists. Captain Jaidev, despite
injuries in the leg, chest, and face, killed two wanted terrorist commanders and
refused to be evacuated till the operation was completed. Subedar Prakash
Chand was given Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous) for his brave act in tackling an
infiltration bid at the LoC on October 28, 2013. Lieutenant Commander
Manoranjan Kumar was given the award posthumous for saving the life of 94
crew members on board submarine INS Sindhuratna on February 26 last year.
Major Abhijai of Corps of Engineers was awarded Shaurya Chakra posthumously
for diverting a malfunctioning aircraft he was flying from civilian and military
area in Uttar Pradesh on October 1, 2014 and sacrificing his life in the process.
Source:
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/president-pranab-mukherjee-gives-away-chakra-awards-todefence-personnel-748565
II
Homeland Security
*
India Preparing Plan for Foolproof Security Along Pakistan
Border:
India asked Pakistan to end the atmosphere of terror along the border, saying
that New Delhi wants to maintain friendly relations with the neighbouring
country. "Pakistan should ponder as to how long this atmosphere of terror
('dehshat gardi ki mahol) will continue. I want to ask Pakistan, how long do you
want to keep the border red with terrorism? It must come to an end," Home
Minister Rajnath Singh said at a BSF function at this border crossing point
between India and Pakistan near Amritsar in Punjab. Recalling a statement by
former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Singh said one can change his or her
friend but not neighbours and that is why the NDA government wanted friendly
relations with Pakistan. Lauding Vajpayee's peace initiative with the
neighbouring country in the late 90s, Singh said this was the same Wagah- Attari
border from where the former prime minister had started his peace initiative
with Pakistan. "Vajpayee had offered the hand of friendship to Pakistan. He not
only wanted friendly relations with Pakistan but heart- to-heart relations
between the people of the two countries. "But what did we get in return? Kargil
war," he said. The Home Minister said India won that war and wants to move
forward and make friendship with Pakistan "but, so far, we have not been able to
achieve what we want". Hailing the role of BSF in guarding the border with
Pakistan, Singh said that whenever required, the border guarding force has
responded suitably to any challenge. He said that the government is preparing a
comprehensive plan for ensuring foolproof security along the Indo-Pak border.
Earlier, the Home Minister laid the foundation stone for a new viewers' gallery at
Attari, the border post with Pakistan.....
Source:
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/India-Preparing-Plan-for-Foolproof-Security-AlongPakistan-Border/2015/03/22/article2725228.ece
*
RAW chief Rajinder Khanna to hold charge of DG Security:
RAW chief Rajinder Khanna was tonight given charge of Director General
(Security) which looks after the aviation wing and special forces within the
organisation. The competent authority has approved that Khanna, a 1978 batch
officer of Research and Analysis Service (RAS), will also hold charge concurrently
as Director General (Security), an order issued late tonight said. The
government's move to appoint him as DG (Security) may be seen as a surprise as
the Aviation Research Centre (ARC) is being headed by his batchmate Arvind
Saxena. This means Saxena will now have to report Khanna. The ARC carries out
aerial surveillance of the borders using its unmanned aerial vehicles and other
flying machines including MIGs and helicopters. It also has the responsibility
with IAF to transport Special Frontier Force (SFF) commandos. DG (Security) is
responsible for the Office of Special Operations, intelligence collected from
different countries, electronic, technical section and general administration.
Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/raw-chief-rajinder-khanna-to-hold-chargeof-dg-security-115032001430_1.html
*
Proximity to IB, military base make Samba attractive target:
The March 21st terror attack at the military camp in Samba follows another
terror attack at the same military station in September last year, in which Lt
Colonel Bikramjeet Singh died fighting the terrorists. Samba is located on NH-1A,
and the International Border (IB) with Pakistan is barely 6 km from the town.
The proximity to the IB makes Samba an attractive target for terrorists.
Terrorists infiltrating across the IB at night can reach the Samba military station
in a couple of hours, without need for a safe resting or hiding area. Former
Northern Army Commander Lt Gen (retd) H S Panag said infiltration across the
IB in the plains of Jammu is easier than across the Line of Control. “With rivulets
and nullahs running across the border fence on the IB, the terrain in this region
is more conducive to infiltration. Terrorists can then quickly reach the national
highway,” Lt Gen Panag said. The nullahs are dry at this time of the year, but the
area is covered with heavy undergrowth which flourished after last week’s rain.
The fencing and anti-infiltration measures cannot prevent a small, determined
group from crossing over at this time of the year, a BSF officer posted on the IB
told The Sunday Express. “Coming via the nullahs means that they don’t even
have to cut the border fence. This makes it very difficult for us to identify the
exact spot from where the infiltration occurred,” the officer said....
Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/proximity-to-ib-military-base-make-sambaattractive-target/
*
Attack on army camp foiled, 2 militants killed:
Two terrorists were killed in a protracted firefight after they made an abortive
attempt to storm an Army camp at Maheshwar in Jammu & Kashmir's Samba
district on March 21. This came a day after two terrorists were killed after they
stormed a police station in Kathua, around 50km away, posing as soldiers and
killed two paramilitary troopers, a civilian and a cop. Officials said the two fired
indiscriminately as they tried to enter the Army camp in Maheshwar. They said
Army soldiers acted swiftly and killed the terrorists. Defence spokesman Lt Col
Manish Mehta insisted the attackers did not try to enter any unit and first fired at
5:45am. He rejected reports that two Army soldiers had been wounded in the
attack. "...no injury to any Army personnel has been reported so far.'' He
maintained a civilian reported to have been wounded in the attack had fallen off
from his bicycle during the firing. "It is not a bullet or a splinter injury," Mehta
told reporters. Earlier, authorities closed the nearby Jammu-Pathankot national
highway and cancelled ongoing examinations of class IX, X and XI in the vicinity.
Deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh said the state was on high alert following
March 20's attack, which prevented the terrorists from launching a bigger strike
in Samba. "Security forces have been alerted and will prevent such attacks.
Combing operation is underway," he said. In Delhi, defence minister Manohar
Parrikar described the back-to-back attacks an attempt by militants to boost
their morale, which has come down due to the Army operations. "When the
morale of the opponents is down, they make such attempts to boost it," Parrikar
said. He said the Army has killed 26 militants this year and suffered one
causality. Terrorists had earlier attacked Maheshwar camp on September 26,
2013 after attacking Hiranagar police station in Kathua district. Thirteen people,
including an Army officer, were killed in the attacks.
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Attack-on-army-camp-foiled-2-militantskilled/articleshow/46649500.cms
*
Minister moots school for counter-terrorism:
Kiren Rijju, Minister of State for Home, on March 21 mooted the setting up of a
professionally managed counterterrorism school in the country. Speaking at the
conclusion of the International Counter Terrorism Conference-2015, Mr. Rijiju
asked stakeholders to deliberate upon collaborations to counter global
terrorism. The challenges of countering terrorism are increasing daily and we
have to be ready to control the situation, he said. “Police forces and other
stakeholders need to be trained to counter terrorism. The response to terror
activities would range from high technology to simple means,” he said. The
proposal for setting up a counterterrorism school was welcomed by the
Rajasthan Director General of Police (DGP) Manoj Bhatt who said such a
academy would help the State as well. Mr. Rijiju said terrorism should be treated
as a challenge to human kind and the global community would have to come
together to counter it.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/minister-moots-school-forcounterterrorism/article7019678.ece
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