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Indicia Knowledge Brief
A Daily Assessment on Indian Defence and Internal/Homeland Security
February 09, 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
Following the successful test firing of the missile in Israel in November
last year, the Indian Navy (IN) will begin equipping its frontline warships
with the Israeli Barak-8 air-defence missile system by the end of 2015.
The defence ministry is likely to soon take a decision on the joint bid of
Tata and Airbus to replace Indian Air Force's ageing fleet of 56 Avro
aircraft with C-295 military transport carriers. The next meetings of the
defence acquisition council (DAC) will deliberate on the bid worth multi
crore rupees for the replacement.
In a move that should be replicated by other states, the state government
has decided to promote Kesurdi SEZ (Special Economic Zone) in Satara as
Maharashtra’s first defence hub where companies related to
manufacturing defence-related equipment and devices would come
together.
I. National Defence and Security:
Indian Navy to start fitting Barak-8 naval SAM by end of year:
The Indian Navy (IN) will begin equipping its frontline warships with the Israeli
Barak-8 air-defence missile system by the end of 2015, official sources said. This
move follows the successful test firing of the missile in Israel in November 2014.
The Barak-8 has been under development by Rafael-Israel Aerospace Industries
(IAI) and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) since
2006. The state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) will series-produce the
70 km-range Barak-8, with 32 missiles to be initially fitted onto INS Kolkata , the
locally designed Project 15-A guided missile destroyer that was commissioned in
July 2014. Thereafter, it will arm INS Kochi and INS Chennai , the two follow-on
destroyers.
Source:
year
http://www.janes.com/article/48810/indian-navy-to-start-fitting-barak-8-naval-sam-by-end-of-
*
Decision likely soon on IAF's Avro replacement:
The defence ministry is likely to soon take a decision on the joint bid of Tata and
Airbus to replace Indian Air Force's ageing fleet of 56 Avro aircraft with C-295
military transport carriers. Defence ministry sources said the next meetings of
the defence acquisition council (DAC) will deliberate on the bid worth multi
crore rupees. Though the meeting was scheduled to be held on February 9, it has
been delayed by a few more days. In May 2013, the Ministry had issued a global
tender -- called a Request For Proposals (RFP) -- to original equipment
manufacturers including US firms Boeing and Lockheed Martin, European
multinational Airbus Defence and Space, and Antonov of Ukraine among others.
...
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Decision-likely-soon-on-IAFs-Avroreplacement/articleshow/46162998.cms
*
Global arms majors keen on Modi’s 'Make in India' thrust,
head for Aero-India in droves:
Global armament majors once again have India on their radars. In the past, they
hawked their wares through direct sales to the world's largest arms importer.
But this time, they are busy tom-tomming the 'Make in India' slogan to be in
perfect tune with the Modi government. As many as 330 foreign companies are
headed for Aero-India 2015 in Bangalore, with another 270 Indian companies
also marking their presence at the five-day exhibition, to be inaugurated by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 18, officials said. The biennial AeroIndia, in existence since 1996, has become a major platform for armament giants
over the last decade with India's emergence as the world largest arms importer,
inking as it has defence deals worth well over $60 billion. India will spend
another $120 billion in arms acquisitions over the coming decade, with its 1.5million strong armed forces still grappling with several operational gaps ranging
from fighters and helicopters to artillery and submarines. IAF alone wants over
$35 billion to stem its eroding air combat edge with induction of new fighters
and helicopters, mid-air refuellers and transport planes, spy and combat drones,
advanced missiles and radars....
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Global-arms-majors-keen-on-Modis-Make-in-Indiathrust-head-for-Aero-India-in-droves/articleshow/46169358.cms
*
OneIndia Special: NLCA NP-1 outperformed our expectations,
says ADA:
The first prototype (NP-1) of the Naval Light Combat Aircraft (NLCA), which had
a ski-take off from the Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF) in INS Hansa in Goa on
December 20, 2014, outperformed the expectations of its designers and
engineers. In an exclusive interview to OneIndia, his first after the historic flight
of NP-1, NLCA Programme Director Cmde C D Balaji (Retd) said that NP-1 gifted
a ‘welcome bonus' at SBTF. "There are many uncertainties and potential
surprises when you attempt something for the first time. We had built in a detail
plan after looking into all major possibilities of a failure. Accordingly, we wanted
to have a minimum climb angle of 5.7 degrees during the first attempt," Balaji
told OneIndia ahead of the forthcoming Aero India 2015. With Lady Luck finally
giving company to the NLCA designers at Aeronautical Development Agency
(ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the NP-1's performance seems
to have lifted the spirits of the entire team. "We got an unexpected bonus in
terms of NP-1's excess performance and the actual minimum climb angle was in
excess of 10 degrees. It is welcome bonus for an aircraft that has been so often
derided for lack of thrust, and this excess will be accounted for in future launches
as well," a satisfied Balaji said. ADA Chief P S Subramanyam too agrees with
Balaji while sharing inside details of the NP-1's performance. "The Goa campaign
turned out to be a memorable one for all of us. It is inspiring when an aircraft
performs more that what was expected during its flight evaluation stages. NP-I's
performance was better than anticipated in comparison to estimates earlier
made purely based on its flight tests at Bangalore," says Subramanyam.
Source: http://www.oneindia.com/india/oneindia-special-nlca-np-1-outperformed-our-expectations-saysada-1647622.html
*
MoD defends Tatra trucks deal:
Defending the government’s decision to partially revoke the ban on Tatra trucks,
Union defence minister Manohar Parrikar on February 07 said companies
shouldn’t be blacklisted over “small issues”. Faulting the previous UPA regime
for blacklisting companies, he said random and indiscriminate blacklisting
creates supply chain problems for the armed forces. Taking another dig at the
Defence Research and Development Organisation, Mr Parrikar said the world
was looking to India when it came to space technology but it was not so in the
defence sector. Mr Parrikar was in Hyderabad on February 07 to address a
conference organised by the Forum for Integrated National Security. He later
visited the Bharat Dynamics Limited facility. Speaking at the conference, he said,
“No decision should be taken blindly. Any decision that we take should be in the
national interest. You cut down your options by indiscriminate blacklisting of
companies.”
Source: http://defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?get=new&id=49EnubjNKFo%3D
*
Kesurdi to be state’s defence hub:
The state government has decided to promote Kesurdi SEZ (Special Economic
Zone) in Satara as Maharashtra’s first defence hub where companies related to
manufacturing defence-related equipment and devices would come together.
Highly-placed sources in the government confirmed that the Kesurdi SEZ has
been chosen for promotion as a defence hub. The state industries department is
preparing for the Defence Air Expo to be held in Bengaluru on February 18 and
Kesurdi would be promoted there. According to sources, Kesurdi was singled out
for many reasons. For example, it has ample amount of land, good connectivity in
terms of transport and a much-needed ecosystem for setting up such kind of
industries. “Kesurdi SEZ is being spread over more than 110 hectares of land
with good transport connectivity. It is connected with Pune-Bangalore National
Highway 4, only 55 km away from Pune and Satara and 184 km away from
Kolhapur. The nearest Lonand railway station is just 30 km from the SEZ and
Pune Airport can be reached by travelling 65 kms,” a senior official said. “Most
importantly, the Kesurdi industrial area has an ecosystem as many companies
related to manufacturing of defence equipment and devices exist in the PuneSatara belt. For instance, Electronet Equipment Private Limited, which
manufactures sensors, full bore electromagnetic flow metre, flow metre switch,
turbine flow metre etc is situated Satara,” the official added. Similarly, other
private players like Bharat Forge, Larsen and Toubro and Tata Power also have
their manufacturing units in the same belt, according to the official, who added
that apart from these, Pune has an ammunition factory and high explosive
factory at Khadki and an ordinance factory at Dehu Road, creating a perfect
ecosystem for investors in the defence sector. Sources said that the defence
ministry has asked seven states, including Maharashtra, for giving presentations
before the foreign companies participating in Defence Air Expo and the state
government doesn’t want to miss the opportunity. “With the Centre’s decision
for allowing up to 49 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), many foreign
investors are keen to invest in the defence sector,” another official said.
Source: http://www.asianage.com/mumbai/kesurdi-be-state-s-defence-hub-270
*
Aero India 2015 to set City skies on fire:
To be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the five-day airshow would
witness participation of 623 companies and 300 chief executive officers, who
would explore new business opportunities with their Indian counterparts. For
the general public and aviation enthusiasts, the big attraction would be the
fighter aircraft from abroad – F15-C Eagle from Boeing and F-16 from Lockheed
Martin. For the US Air Force's Eagles that would fly in from a base in Japan, it
would be a maiden appearance at the air show. In addition, three Rafale fighters
of the French major Dassault Aviation, the home grown Tejas light combat
aircraft and IAF's Su-30 MKI too are expected to set the Bangalore sky on fire.
Rafale was shortlisted as the preferred platform for the 126 fighter jet purchase
programme more than three years ago but the two nations have been unable to
ink the commercial contract so far. French defence minister would attend the
show to continue his discussions with Indian officials in an effort to break the
impasse. Daredevil aerobatics would be on display by Flying Bulls of Czech
Republic, a Scandinavian air show team from Sweden, two UK-based teams –
Aero Superbatics and Airborne Service Limited - and Indian Air Force's own
Sarang helicopter team are also set to enthrall the audience. Two VIPs are also
slated to fly though their identity has been kept under wraps till the approval
process is completed. Several other strategic aircraft like the C-17 GlobemasterIII and P8-A from Boeing would be flying. While the IAF is operating the heavy
lift C-17, Indian Navy flies a variant of P8-A called P8I as maritime
reconnaissance aircraft. A tanker from Boeing KC-135 and Embraer's EMB-145-I
are the other important military aircraft at the show. From the civil side, 17
types of planes and helicopters would be present at the show where the Minister
of Civil Aviation would be a special guest. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar
would attend the show and chair a conference on Make in India. “A total of 72
aircraft are expected to take part in the show, out of which 54 have confirmed. As
many as 53 countries would participate, eight of them represented by their
ministers and nine by their service chiefs,” said G Mohan Kumar, secretary,
defence production in the defence ministry. Scam-tainted Italian arms major
Finmeccanica would be present but not its subsidiary AgustaWestland that
supplied three VVIP helicopters to the IAF before being caught in the VVIP
chopper scam.
Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/458773/aero-india-2015-set-city.html
*
Aero India 2015: Zen Technologies to display aviation
simulation prowess:
Zen Technologies, an Indian pioneer in simulation technology, will be displaying
a broad range of capability-rich simulators at Aero India 2015 -- among them a
rotary wing simulator jointly developed with Rockwell Collins. Zen Technologies
& Rockwell Collins recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to combine
their strengths in simulation and training to offer advanced and high fidelity
aviation simulation solutions to Indian customers, a company statement said.
The display will include a Zen anti-aircraft air defence simulator (Zen AAADS)
designed to train missile operators on procedures in both simulated and field
conditions as well as psycho-physiological training experienced at the time of
launch. Also on view will be a Zen UAV mission simulator -- a comprehensive
system designed to support basic, operational and mission training for external
pilots, internal pilots, mission commanders, observers/special payload operators
and image interpreters. The Zen war-gaming solutions on view provides a
doctrine-neutral solution for joint-services/combined and standalone
operations. The gen-next constructive simulation supports both conventional
and non-conventional operations. ....
Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/458681/aero-india-2015-zen-technologies.html
*
Aero India 2015: Zen Technologies to display aviation
simulation prowess:
Zen Technologies, an Indian pioneer in simulation technology, will be displaying
a broad range of capability-rich simulators at Aero India 2015 -- among them a
rotary wing simulator jointly developed with Rockwell Collins. Zen Technologies
& Rockwell Collins recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to combine
their strengths in simulation and training to offer advanced and high fidelity
aviation simulation solutions to Indian customers, a company statement said.
The display will include a Zen anti-aircraft air defence simulator (Zen AAADS)
designed to train missile operators on procedures in both simulated and field
conditions as well as psycho-physiological training experienced at the time of
launch. Also on view will be a Zen UAV mission simulator -- a comprehensive
system designed to support basic, operational and mission training for external
pilots, internal pilots, mission commanders, observers/special payload operators
and image interpreters. The Zen war-gaming solutions on view provides a
doctrine-neutral solution for joint-services/combined and standalone
operations. The gen-next constructive simulation supports both conventional
and non-conventional operations. ....
Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/458681/aero-india-2015-zen-technologies.html
*
LCA Navy NP2 heads to Goa next month:
The first LCA Navy single-seat fighter prototype that made its debut flight, will
join the existing carrier compatibility test schedule at INS Hansa, Goa from next
month. The platform, designated NP2 took to the air just weeks after the first
prototype, a twin-seat fighter trainer, made its first launch from the ski-jump at
the shore-based test facility (SBTF). The NP2 is the last of the Mk.1 prototypes
and together with NP1 will be the only platforms available for the Mk.1
programme towards operational clearance. The Indian Navy has been satisfied
with the performance of the NP2 during its first flight, with preliminary data
indicating that the aircraft exceeded expectations across several parameters. The
next two prototypes, namely NP3 and NP4, will both be Mk.2 fighter variants
that involve a multiplicity of improvements and enhancements. Team LCA-N will
gradually look to expand the flight envelope of the NP1 and NP2 through a
carefully planned series of manoeuvers from Goa. The Indian Navy, which funds
40% of the LCA-N programme, has already ordered six Mk.1 types and intends to
procure at least 40 aircraft in total in a mix of variants, though it is of course
keen on the Mk.2, powered by the GE F414 turbofan engine.
Source: http://www.sps-aviation.com/exclusive/?id=309&h=LCA-Navy-NP2-heads-to-Goa-next-month
*
China pushes India again for fresh border control code:
China has reiterated its proposal for a Code of Conduct for Border Control with
India, ahead of a meeting between the Special Representatives of the two
countries. Beijing is likely to push New Delhi hard on agreeing to a new code of
conduct when India’s Special Representative for boundary negotiation, Ajit
Doval, meets his counterpart and China’s State Councillor Yang Jiechi later this
month or early next month. The meeting in Beijing is likely to see the resumption
of negotiations on the boundary issue after a year-long hiatus, which saw a new
government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking office in New Delhi.
The proposed meet is one of the several engagements New Delhi and Beijing
have lined up to set the stage for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China
in May. In a recent interview to Deccan Herald, China’s ambassador to India, Le
Yucheng, had said the Code of Conduct for Border Patrol was being “discussed by
both sides right now”. Sources in New Delhi said India was not averse to
discussing a new document to ensure peace and tranquillity along the disputed
Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, but would do so only after ensuring that
its sovereign right to develop infrastructure on its territory remained protected.
China first mooted the proposal a bilateral Code of Conduct on Border Control
during Yang’s meeting with Doval’s predecessor Shiv Shankar Menon in New
Delhi in February 2014. Beijing’s proposal surprised New Delhi, as it came just
five months after the two countries signed the Border Defence Cooperation
Agreem-ent (BD-CA)—a new mech-anism to prevent occa-sional flashpoints
along the LAC from turning into major stand-offs.
Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/458387/china-pushes-india-again-fresh.html
*
Pakistan Rangers target 8 Border Security Force outposts with
mortar shells:
After nearly a week long lull along the international border, Pakistani Rangers
resorted to unprovoked firing in R S Oura and Arnia sectors on the Indian side
till wee hours of February 09. Official sources said that 14 Pakistan Rangers
started unprovoked small arms fire and mortar shells at eight BSF posts around
10 pm. Pointing out that most of the affected BSF posts were located in R S Pura
sector, sources said that Rangers fired 81 mm mortars. Left with no option, BSF
retaliated making Rangers to stop firing around 1 am. There has been no report
of any loss of men or material so far, sources said. Last month also, there had
been various incidents of ceasefire violation by Pakistan in view of its Rangers
providing cover fire to terrorists making attempts to sneak into Jammu Kashmir
ahead of US President Barrack Obama’s visit to India to attend its Republic Day....
Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/pakistan-targets-villages-8-border-outpostswith-mortar-bombs-one-injured/
II
Homeland Security
*
Pakistan Rangers target 8 Border Security Force outposts with
mortar shells:
After nearly a week long lull along the international border, Pakistani Rangers
resorted to unprovoked firing in R S Oura and Arnia sectors on the Indian side
till wee hours of February 09. Official sources said that 14 Pakistan Rangers
started unprovoked small arms fire and mortar shells at eight BSF posts around
10 pm. Pointing out that most of the affected BSF posts were located in R S Pura
sector, sources said that Rangers fired 81 mm mortars. Left with no option, BSF
retaliated making Rangers to stop firing around 1 am. There has been no report
of any loss of men or material so far, sources said. Last month also, there had
been various incidents of ceasefire violation by Pakistan in view of its Rangers
providing cover fire to terrorists making attempts to sneak into Jammu Kashmir
ahead of US President Barrack Obama’s visit to India to attend its Republic Day....
Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/pakistan-targets-villages-8-border-outpostswith-mortar-bombs-one-injured/
*
Shutdown marks Afzal Guru's death anniversary in Kashmir:
Reports said hundreds of police and paramilitary CRPF troopers patrolled
streets of Srinagar and other volatile areas of Kashmir during a strike called by
separatists to protest the secret execution of Afzal. Shops, public transport, and
other business establishments remained closed in the city and other district
headquarters of the Valley on February 09, reports added. Various roads in the
city were blocked with rolls of concertina wires with security personnel manning
the barricades. The business hub of Lal Chowk in the heart of Srinagar city wore
a deserted look. Most of the separatist leaders had either been detained in
various police stations or kept under house arrest to thwart protests. Proindependence Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Mohammad
Yasin Malik, who was taken into custody from his Maisuma residence on
February 08 evening, was lodged at Kothibagh police station, the police said.
“After medical examination, he (Malik) was shifted to Central Jail on February 10
“ the police added. Separatists had called for strike on February 09 to press their
demand for the return of Afzal’s remains to his family. They have also called for a
strike on February 11 demanding the return of mortal remains of Maqbool Bhat,
founder of the JKLF, who was hanged in the same prison on 11 February 1984.
The police said the situation remained normal throughout Kashmir. However,
some minor stone pelting incidents were reported from some areas, a police
official said added there are no reports of any injury to anybody so far. Deputy
Commissioner Srinagar Farooq Ahmad Lone said restrictions under Section 144
CrPC had been imposed in some areas for maintaining law and order.
Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/458743/shutdown-marks-afzal-gurus-death.html
*
Civilian Killed in Security Men’s Firing in JK:
A civilian was killed and another injured in security men’s firing in Jammu and
Kashmir on February 09, the first such incident after imposition of Governor’s
rule in the State on January 8. Police sources said security men fired on a mob at
Palhalan, some 35 kms northwest of Srinagar. “The mob was protesting against
the nocturnal police raids and demanding body of parliament attack convict
Mohammad Afzal Guru, who was hanged in Delhi’s Tihar jail on February 9,
2013”. February 09 was the second death anniversary of Afzal Guru, who hailed
from North Kashmir’s Sopore township. On the call of separatists, Kashmir
observed shutdown. Sources said in the security men firing, a 19-yearold youth
Farooq Ahmad Bhat was killed and another injured.....
Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Civilian-Killed-in-Security-Men%E2%80%99s-Firingin-JK/2015/02/09/article2660616.ece
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