1. No category

Indicia Knowledge Brief
A Daily Assessment on Indian Defence and Internal/Homeland Security
March 31, 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
The defence sector of India is expected to throw up manufacturing
opportunities worth $250 billion within the next seven to eight years
even as the government is seeking increased private sector investments
in the area, as per Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).
On his first overseas trip, Defence minister Manohar Parrikar called on
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo to deepen their defence ties
as the two nations seek to counter China’s growing influence in the region
amid escalating territorial disputes.
The first MiG-29UPG which underwent modifications conducted by Indian
specialists and soared into the sky in February this year is expected to
add teeth to India’s air capability.
I. National Defence and Security:
Defence sector to throw up business worth $250 bn: DIPP:
The defence sector of India is expected to throw up manufacturing opportunities
worth $250 billion within the next seven to eight years even as the government
is seeking increased private sector investments in the area, according to Amitabh
Kant, secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). "If India
is going to import $ 140 billion in the next seven years, if home land security is
going to need a business of another $ 110 billion, so $ 250 billion worth business
in the next seven-eight years. How quickly we can transform ourselves into a
defence manufacturing country is a key challenge to India," Kant said at the
Assocham management committee meeting today. He said that if the country is
going to import $140 billion in the next seven years coupled with the fact that
home land security will require a business of additional $110 billion, then
opportunities worth $250 billion is expected to open up in this sector. The
government seems quite bullish with the defence sector which is expected to
boost the laggard manufacturing sector of the country. This is also due to the fact
that the limit of foreign direct investment (FDI) in defence sector was hiked to
49% from 26% earlier. "We have opened up defence, railways, insurance and
medical devices... That is really opening up of the Indian economy. Other than
multi-brand retail, India is the most open economy of the world today. How
quickly we can use our defence manufacturing sector as that is an early flower to
be plucked by Indians. That is a huge area for growth in the future," he said. On
the ease of doing business initiatives undertaken by the government, Kant said
the India should take the lead in improving the business environment and
investors' confidence. He even said that the government is going to soon
implement a mechanism wherein states will be ranked based on ease of doing
business in the respective states. "We are putting a professional agency to
evaluate all the states (on these parameters) and rank best and worst
performing states," Kant said adding that by June- July states will be rated based
on 98 parameters. As a result, he said, states will have to take adequate measures
to improve their ease of doing business measures by May 31. Highlighting the
fact that complex rules and regulations concerning land acquisition will have to
be done away with, Kant stated, "the real action is in the states."
Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/defence-sector-to-throw-up-businessworth-250-bn-dipp-115033000588_1.html
*
India, Japan vow to deepen defence ties as China tensions rise:
India and Japan pledged to deepen their defence ties as the two nations seek to
counter China’s growing influence in the region amid escalating territorial
disputes. Defence minister Manohar Parrikar called on Japanese Prime Minister
Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on March 30, his first overseas trip since being appointed in
November. Parrikar also met his counterpart Gen Nakatani as part of the 29
March-1 April visit. “A strong India-Japan partnership is not only in the national
interest of the two countries but is also important for peace and security in the
region,” defence ministry said in a statement, citing Abe. Parrikar said he would
like to see a strong partnership with Japan in defence equipment and technology,
according to the statement. Converging economic and security interests are
driving Asia’s second- and third-biggest military spenders closer in an attempt to
thwart increasingly assertive Chinese claims over contested lands and waters.
Japan is also easing its defence export rules as India, the world’s biggest arms
importer, is looking to modernize its military. A close rapport between Abe and
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been cemented by a shared unease with
China. Parrikar and Nakatani discussed potential areas for cooperation in
defence equipment and technology and “emphasized the need to pursue
mutually beneficial future cooperation projects,” the defence ministry said in a
separate statement on March 30. The two also “reviewed strategic developments
relating to international security situation with emphasis on the inter-connected
Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions,” according to the statement....
Source: http://www.livemint.com/Politics/lLJGrBru6laCD9xcie4ibI/India-Japan-vow-to-deepen-defenceties-as-China-tensions-ri.html
*
Upgraded interceptor missile to be test-fired on April 6:
A newly configured version of an interceptor missile, designed to improve its
efficacy, will be test-fired against an electronic target missile from Wheeler
Island on April 6. As part of India’s plans to deploy a two-tier Ballistic Missile
Defence system to protect important cities and installations, missile
technologists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
have conducted nine interceptor missile tests. Six of the tests were conducted in
the endo-atmosphere (below 40 km altitude) and three in exo-atmosphere
(above 80 km). Eight of the tests were successful. In the upcoming test to be
conducted in the endo-atmosphere, the reconfigured version of the interceptor
missile (AAD) would be launched to validate its capability to carry a bigger
warhead and minimise the mis-distance, among other parameters. Another
crucial feature — that of powering the missile when the target missile is detected
with a reduced reaction time would also be tested during the mission. Since the
entire exercise from detection till the terminal event is automated, the crucial
capability to power the missile after detecting the target would prevent
unnecessary powering of the missile, while keeping it alert mode. While an
actual AAD missile would be launched after the take-off of a target missile is
simulated on April 6, scientists plan to carry out another exercise by April end in
which both the interceptor and target missile would launched with warheads in
a real, battle-like scenario, DRDO sources told The Hindu on Sunday.
Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/upgraded-interceptor-missile-to-be-testfired-on-april6/article7046450.ece
*
India interested in buying Japan’s Soryu-class submarines:
Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar has expressed his readiness to
consider acquiring Soryu-class diesel-electric submarines used by the Maritime
Self-Defense Force. “We are very much interested in Japan’s technologies,”
Parrikar said in an exclusive interview ahead of his visit to Japan from March 30.
The issue may be taken up at his meeting with Defense Minister Gen Nakatani
the same day, according to Parrikar. “Everything is on agenda. We can discuss
that issue,” he said. India’s navy has a fleet of 15 submarines, but more than half
are not equipped to respond quickly to contingencies due to aging. In view of the
growing activity of Chinese submarines in the Indian Ocean, New Delhi has put a
high priority on arms buildup to strengthen maritime security. Japan’s Soryuclass submarines are seen as among the most advanced nonnuclear attack
submarines in the world. Parrikar noted that Japan had strict regulations on the
export of defense technologies but that the rules are changing. “We are looking at
all kinds of defense cooperation with Japan in all fields,” he said, signaling
intention to acquire Soryu-class submarines if the amended conditions are met.
Australia is also in talks with Japan on buying Soryu-class submarines. In the
interview, Parrikar suggested that India is not likely to make a decision anytime
soon on whether to purchase US-2 amphibious rescue aircraft used by the MSDF.
Tokyo and New Delhi are holding talks on the export of US-2 aircraft to India and
a possible joint venture to produce them on Indian soil. “It will not be decided in
Tokyo,” Parrikar said. “I have directed the (Indian) Navy and Coast Guard to
come up with a clear-cut report on their operational necessities. First we need to
define details. “Without that report, we cannot go forward,” he said.
Source: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/03/29/national/politics-diplomacy/india-interested-inbuying-japans-soryu-class-submarines/#.VRl0SvmUe5U
*
Budget cut hits secret nuclear submarine base on east coast:
Project Varsha, India's secret nuclear submarine base on the east coast, has
received less than 15 per cent of its approved budget in the current fiscal,
adversely affecting its development. Being constructed at Rambilli, near
Vishakhapatnam, the base received a meagre Rs 26 crore in 2014-15 as against
the budgetary allocation of Rs 197 crore, sources told Deccan Herald. The
government took away almost Rs 13,000 crore from the Defence Ministry's
budge in the current fiscal. This closely-guarded naval facility is one of the
projects that faced the consequences. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who held
the defence portfolio for a few months, has now made an allocation of Rs 531
crore in the 2015-16 budget for the submarine pen, which may be named INS
Varsha, when commissioned. China has a similar base in the Hainan Islands. The
slashing of the budget, however, has made Navy officials apprehensive about
timely completion of the strategic project. Though the base's construction began
in 2009, the first major cash flow took place in 2011, when the Navy received
almost Rs 160 crore, out of which Rs 58 crore was meant for civil construction
and the rest for the communication system of the base. Since then, Project
Varsha was getting a steady supply of funds—it had received Rs 547 crore in
2013-14—before it was struck by cash shortage. India operates two nuclearpowered submarines—the Russian origin INS Chakra and the indigenous INS
Arihant. While two more indigenous nuclear-powered and ballistic-missiletipped submarines are under construction, New Delhi and Moscow are
negotiating for a second Russian nuclear submarine. INS Varsha would be
accompanied by a weapon storage facility called “missile technical positions”
(MTP). It was also impacted by the budget cut, but to a lesser extent as the
budgetary estimate of Rs 237 crore was reduced by Rs 100 crore......
Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/468656/budget-cut-hits-secret-nuclear.html
*
Will India Lease Another Russian Nuclear Submarine?
In December 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to India,
traditionally a major consumer of Russia-made military equipment. In New
Delhi, Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two pledged to
deepen their defense ties. During that visit, Russia’s trade minister, Denis
Manturov, hinted that Moscow would eagerly lease a nuclear submarine to India
if there was interest: “If India decides to have more contracts to lease nuclear
submarines, we are ready to supply,” he noted. India currently operates one
Akula-II-class nuclear submarine, the INS Chakra, leased in 2011 from Russia for
a 10 year period. The lease weighs in at $970 million, representing a
considerable portion of India’s cumulative spending on Russian equipment. The
Russian minister’s comments were not entirely out of left field: Indian defense
ministry officials had told the press that the Indian Navy would acquire another
nuclear submarine from Russia. After December, information surrounding a
potential second submarine lease died down — until this week. The Russia and
India Repor noted last week that a Russian shipbuilding industry source noted
that “Russia is ready to lease a second Project 971 Shchuka-B submarine to India
for a period of ten years.” The report continues: The submarine will be
customized by the Amur shipyards. Modernization and testing of the submarine
and training of the Indian crew will take three years. The Kashalot will be
transferred to the Indian Navy in 2018, the source noted. The specific submarine
to be leased is the K-322 Kashalot, an Akula-II-class submarine (Akula is the
NATO reporting name for the Shchuka) with a surface displacement of 8,140
tons, submerged speed of 30 knots, and maximum operating depth of 520
meters. The Kashalot additionally requires a crew of 73 sailors and uses a 190
mW nuclear reactor for propulsion. The Kashalot features eight torpedo tubes in
total, with four bays designed for 630 mm torpedoes and the remainder
designed for 533 mm torpedoes (optimized for Russian-made Type 65 and Type
53 torpedoes).....
Source: http://thediplomat.com/2015/03/will-india-lease-another-russian-nuclear-submarine/
*
Soryu submarine India’s Interest and why it will be difficult to
get them:
Japan’s Super Secretive Soryu Submarine dubbed ” Crown Jewel ” of Japan
Maritime Self-Defense Force is generating so much Interest in India, even when
Japanese themselves have shown little interest in selling them to India. Defense
Minister Manohar Parrikar who will be leaving for Tokyo on his first official visit
as Defense minister will be discussing with Japanese defense officials about the
possible sale of Super Secretive Soryu Submarine. Indian Navy under Project-75I has a requirement for 6 Submarines, as per Contract all 6 submarines have to
be build in Indian shipyard. countries like France, Russia, Germany and Sweden
have expressed their desire to supply and built their Diesel submarines in India
for Indian navies requirements under Project-75-I, but Japan has not expressed
any interest in possible supply of Soryu Submarines to India and it will be very
difficult for India to convince Japan to share Submarine technology .
Super Secret Submarine no easy catch
Soryu uses Technology which has been classified as top secret by Japanese
military, while Submarine has been described by many defense experts as
world’s best non-nuclear powered submarine. 4200-tonne boat uses Japans
latest cutting edge next-generation research which have lead to the development
of unique special steel and noise reduction mechanism for the submarine which
have made it Best Diesel submarine in Stealth aspect and Japanese are very keen
to protect at any cost.
Breakthrough in Battery Technology
Soryu submarines use Lithium-ion propulsion technology for its AIP system
which makes them only Submarine active with such technology. Lithium-ion
provides significantly longer operation time when compared to Diesel
Submarines which come with AIP system but uses conventional batteries as a
backup power source. lithium-ion technology all though is more expensive
technology but is breaking through technology in battery which European
Submarine makers have failed to develop. Experts say the technology gives
Soryu submarines better underwater range and speed compared to other dieselelectric vessels that use air-independent propulsion (AIP).....
Source: http://idrw.org/archives/61179
*
GSL should stress on Indigenised Technology – Secretary
Defence Production:
Shri G Mohan Kumar, Secretary Defence Production, Govt of India has called
upon GSL to enhance indigenisation with greater emphasis on R&D. Asserting
that Defence Sector in the country is witnessing a paradigm shift, Shri Kumar
said the objective should be to achive substantiative self reliance, while ensuring
quality control, cost effectiveness and timely delivery of the Ships. During his
two day visit to GSL on 28th & 29th March 2015, Secretary Defence Production
was conducted around the shipyard by RAdm Shekhar Mital, NM, IN (Retd), CMD
GSL and was apprised of the ongoing series construction of OPVs being built for
Indian Coast Guard and for export markets. Shri Kumar was also shown the
infrastructure augmentation being undertaken for the MCMV project. During the
visit, a presentation was made to Secretary Defence Porduction on the growth
trajectory of GSL, its in-house design capability, product profile and build
strategy for MCMV project. Secretary Defence Production also visited the R&D
centre at GSL and was briefed on the new product designs being developed by
GSL. The Secretary further emphasised on outsourcing and vendor development
to enhance capabilities and improve productivity. Secretary Defence Production
lauded the sharp turnaround in shipyard’s performance, on all fronts including
production and financial results, and noted GSL’s efforts in improving the
management and productivity and sea change shipyard is undergoing through
modernization and other efforts. Significantly, this was the maiden visit of Shri
Kumar to GSL since he took over as Secretary Defence Production. Shri Kumar
met with the representatives of various unions and appreciated their
contribution and also interacted with the GSL Officers. He also inaugurated a
family Poly Clinic at GSL.
Source: http://idrw.org/archives/61183
*
India's first upgraded MiG-29UPG fighter aircraft has begun
scheduled flights:
The first MiG-29UPG underwent modifications conducted by Indian specialists
and soared into the sky in February this year, stated CEO of MiG Corporation
Sergey Korotkov in an interview with Interfax-AVN. The group of MiG-29’s,
which underwent modernization in India, is made up of four fighter aircraft. A
contract for revision of 62 MiG-29 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force was
signed in March 2008. Under the specific arrangement, Russia supplies upgrade
kits to Indian technological professionals, and MiG Corporation specialists
provide the necessary advice and technical assistance and know-how required
for installation and use to Indian partners, said Sergei Korotkov. After receiving
the upgrades, the combat readiness of the MiG-29UPG will attain a performance
level similar to that of the naval MiG-29K fighter aircraft. Thus, providing an
expanded overall range of operational capability for the MiG-29. Currently, the
aircraft are designed primarily to intercept air targets and achieve air
superiority. The upgraded aircraft will gain the ability to attack ground and sea
targets at any time of day and in any weather conditions. This problem is
resolved through integration of the Zhuk-ME airborne radar system designed by
KRET into the MIG-29UPG fighter jets. The new radar system with specially
designed slotted antenna arrays and production carried out by the PHAZOTRON
- NIIR CORPORATION PUBLIC, provides the foundation for the active weapons
control system of the newly upgraded MiG-29UPG. Concern Radio-Electronic
Technologies (KRET) is the largest Russian company in the radio-electronic
industry created in 2009. KRET specializes in systems for advanced electronic
warfare, modern avionics and aircraft instrumentation. The enterprises of the
Concern also manufacture household appliances and medical equipment, along
with equipment and control systems for the fuel and energy sector, as well as for
the transportation and engineering industries.
Source: http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?id=tXVCuIwVNks=
*
‘Viraat decommissioning will not hit operations’:
The proposed decommissioning of the aircraft carrier INS Viraat next year will
not affect the Navy’s operational plans, readiness or capability, says Vice-Admiral
S.P.S. Cheema, outgoing chief of the Southern Naval Command. Vice-Admiral
Cheema will take over the Mumbai-based Western Command, the sword arm of
the Navy, early next month. Both carriers operated by the Navy — Viraat and
Vikramaditya — are part of its potent Western Fleet. “The Navy mastered the art
of carrier operations over five decades ago and has sustained it all through.
Vikramaditya has now received the baton from Viraat and construction of the
new Vikrant, the first indigenous aircraft carrier, is progressing very well and to
the Navy’s satisfaction. We have a mix of platforms ensuring full fire power and
capability to operate across the entire spectrum of naval operations,” ViceAdmiral Cheema, who had previously skippered Viraat, told The Hindu in an
interview. Flagging the long operational life of Viraat — 56 years in two navies
— as demonstrative of a robust maintenance regime, he said the carrier became
healthier after being inducted into the Indian Navy in 1987. “Our refit routine
has helped it stand the test of time,” he said adding Vikramaditya was being fully
integrated in phases. “There’s no need for any concern.” The Vice-Admiral said
the Navy had a streamlined refit and maintenance schedule for all its platforms.
The upkeep of the platforms ensured that none of the scores of ships and
submarines that were mobilised for the recently concluded theatre-level war
games, TROPEX, was forced to return to harbour for maintenance midway
through the deployment. “These included both the carriers. The exercise, among
other things, validated our ability to do sustained combat,” he said. “Which is
why every Navy worth its salt wants to exercise with us.” The measures taken in
the wake of a spate of accidents included revalidation of standard operating
procedures and strict adherence to them.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/viraat-decommissioning-will-not-hitoperations/article7046449.ece
*
Indian Navy the 'Super-Cop' in the Indian Ocean: Securing Seas for
a Resurgent Nation:
A strong, resurgent and a vibrant nation is matched by a young and a dynamic
Navy. The Indian Navy proudly shoulders the responsibility of our nation of
ensuring safe and secure seas. A strong nation needs a strong navy for ensuring
peace. Geo-Political realities are hard to dismiss and the challenges are many.
With the region combating religious strife, terrorism and border disputes, the
Indian Navy has a vital role to play in ensuring peace and stability. Combining
power and mobility, the Indian Navy plays a vital role to perfection in all spheres
and dimensions of warfare. Be it surface, sub-surface, air and space dimension,
combat readiness at all times is the hallmark of the Indian Navy. It's a multidimensional force with a formidable force in the (IOR) Indian Ocean Region.
India's location in the Indian Ocean is unique and so is the role of the Indian
Navy. The seas are vital for food, natural resources, energy, trade and
transportation. A world-class navy backs the economic aspirations of a resurgent
nation. The Indian Navy is always on the prowl, never lets down its guard even
for a second. India's immediate geo-strategic environment is synonymous with
the IOR but its influence is carried much beyond in making it truly a 'Blue Water
Navy'. The mandate is clear-cut :: maintain stability and security in our area of
operations in order to enable and catalyze economic progress and national
consolidation. India is now firmly on the path of economic resurgence. Fulfilling
the aspirations of a billion plus population, demands unhindered access and
usage of the seas around us. With 90% of the trade by volume and bulk of our
energy imports traversing the seas, maritime security is central to India's overall
development and economic well-being. Maintenance of peace in the IOR is a key
National security imperative. The Indian Navy has a strategic presence in the
region which is key to stability in the region. ....
Source: http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?id=ymXxruoR$$yc=
Doval talks tough on China, says national interests will be protected at any
cost:
India took a firm stand on a host of issues during the Indo-China talks. National
Security Advisor Ajit Doval who was the special representative at the talks stood
his ground and made it extremely clear to China that setting up of Naval bases in
the Indian Ocean is not in the interest of the entire region. There has been a lot of
emphasis on the Indo-China talks. Ajit Doval the National Security Advisor who is
the special representative for the boundary talks with China says he is happy
with the outcome of the talks. Doval underlined the importance of national
interests during the talks. The National Security Advisor who said that the talks
were a good exercise however warned that setting up of naval bases in the
Indian Ocean is not in the interest of the entire region. National Security can be
used to further economic ambitions of India, the NSA also pointed out. Doval
made it clear to the Chinese that India would do everything to protect vital
national interests. If talks were not on conflict was the solution India has been
reminding China about the problems along the borders. Doval said that he is
happy that talks are on. If talks were not on then conflict is the only way to a
resolution. He however added that both India and China think that there is a
possibility of a conflict resolution without conflict and that is a good sign. We are
hopeful of a resolution on the border issue and there was a positive vibe from
China on this. However there are some inalienable positions so far as India is
concerned. We need to see that our vital (national) interests are protected....
Source:
http://www.oneindia.com/india/doval-talks-tough-on-china-says-national-interests-will-beprotected-at-any-cost-1698927.html
*
5 War Heroes India Cannot Afford To Forget About:
Take a look at India’s history and you’ll realise that we have never attacked a
country first. Unfortunately, we have been subjected to war on a number of
occasions. India’s armed forces have kept the invaders out and in the process,
many brave sons of the soil have had to make the ultimate sacrifice to keep the
country safe. But we are a country that tends to forget its heroes. So here's a
reminder of the courage and valour of 5 men you need to know about.
1. Captain Anuj Nayyar
Anuj Nayyar
17 Jat
Maha Vir Chakra
On 06 July 1999, Charlie Company was tasked to capture an objective, which was
a part of the Pimple Complex on the Western Slopes of Point 4875, in the
Mushkoh Valley. At the beginning of the attack, the Company Commander got
injured and the command of the company devolved on Captain Anuj Nayyar.
Captain Nayyar continued to command his leading platoon into the attack under
heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire. As the platoon advanced, the leading
section reported location of 3 to 4 enemy positions. Captain Nayyar moved
forward towards the first enemy position and fired rocket launchers and lobbed
grenades into it. Thereafter, the section, along with Captain Nayyar, physically
assaulted and cleared the position. The enemy, which was well entrenched,
brought a heavy volume of automatic fire. Captain Anuj Nayyar, unmindful of his
personal safety, motivated his men and cleared two more enemy positions. While
clearing the fourth position, an enemy rocket-propelled grenade hit the officer
killing him on the spot. This action led by Captain Anuj Nayyar resulted in killing
nine enemy soldiers and the destruction of three medium machine gun positions
of the enemy. The success of this operation after a brief setback was largely due
to the outstanding personal bravery and exemplary junior leadership of this
daring officer. Captain Anuj Nayyar displayed indomitable resolve, grit and
determination, and motivated his command by personal example. He acted
beyond the call of duty and made the supreme sacrifice in true traditions of the
Indian Army.....
Source:
http://www.indiatimes.com/culture/who-we-are/5-war-heroes-india-cannot-afford-to-forgetabout-231349.html
II
Homeland Security
Indicia solicits comments and advice from readers on any aspect of the report. It believes
that cross-fertilisation of knowledge invariably leads to better knowledge
Indicia Research & Advisory
Fusion Knowledge in Indian Defence and Strategic Affairs
C – 79, Basement, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi – 110 017
T&F: + 91 11 4579 2922, email: director@indicia.in